My Media Magazine Cover Analysis for my preliminary task in Media A-Level

1. Masthead matches
color scheme of
model’s outfit - eye-
catching
Cover lines in different
colors to title page in order
to make them stand out to
reader – capital letters also
creates an impact on the
reader, makes them want
to read more and attracts
attention to the story Emphasis is more
on the model than
background –
background is
unfocused
Stories relate to college
students – uses relevant
topics that students have
knowledge about
Uses sans serif font –
appeals more to a
younger audience (serif
seems more adult, e.g.
Times New Roman vs.
Arial)

2. House theme consistent with
text (masthead and brand
identity synonymous with
“Seventeen” magazine)
Use of bright colours
and bold text, as well
as different shape
textbox – stands out
and makes reader
want to read more to
find out how to win
the prize
Title matches house
style with smaller
writing in what seems
to be another aspect of
house style
Colour scheme matches
student (pink on nails and
lipstick, yellow bag) – as
well as this colours are
more feminine (pink and
pastel yellows), meaning it
appeals more to a female
audience than to a male
audience
Uses serif and sans
serif font – appeals
to a wider audience
(13-19 year old
female)
Model is smiling and in a
laid-back pose – shows
approachability and is
appropriate for audience
as she looks friendly –
however, wearing lots of
makeup so could give
younger audiences false
hope/impressions of how
to look

3. Use of graphics to show
audience what other articles
can be found in magazine –
slightly translucent, meaning
that background can still be
seen behind graphic. As well
as this, use of a secondary
color shows that it is a school
magazine aimed at both teens
and parents.
Model positioned more to
the side on cover, although
background is not in focus –
could suggest that although
she is potentially an
important person in the
magazine, the background
gives the audience an idea
of a school environment.
Use of sans serif font
appeals to teenagers and
younger students, as it looks
slightly cartoonish and
down-to-earth, appealing to
this niche audience.
Use of serif font here
appeals more to parents,
and story detail seems as
though it is more suitable
for parents hoping to
send their child to the
school. As well as this,
the way it is presented
suggests that it could be
an exclusive in the
magazine, as the Mayor of
Cheltenham is an
important person in the
eyes of the community.
Magazine contents are varied,
appealing to both students
(Turner piece suggests how a
student will potentially
celebrate results, and the
teenage stress section ) and
parents (the “New to School”
section and the GCSE results
section). As well as this, the
healthy cooking guide can be
used by parents and students
alike.

4. Plain gradient background
gives more attention to
model – shows that model
is the main focus point on
the page
Use of different shapes
makes article title below
stand out to audience,
as well as matching
color scheme used for
text
Banner clearly marks
out publication
intentions, as well as
keeping with the
house style –
consistency, showing
that it is for the use of
this school
Model not looking at
camera with arms
folded – possibly
trying to appeal to
audience by looking
“cool”
Small photos of new SF
center – appeals to
audience by giving them
an idea of what they are
going to be seeing, and a
small example of the
feature in the magazine,
meaning they will want to
read more for that reason
Font looks like
handwriting – matches
purpose as a school
magazine and links to
audience as well for this
reason