The document analyzes the cover designs of three music magazines: Q Magazine, Kerrang!, and Vibe. Some common elements identified across the magazines include the masthead placed prominently but not obscuring the cover image, cover lines providing information on stories inside, and sell lines in bold text designed to attract customers. Based on this analysis, the author decides their own magazine cover will include a large central image making eye contact with the reader, color coordination between the image and magazine theme, the masthead and issue number placed above the image, website information, a barcode with pricing and date, and an attention-grabbing sell line at the top.

1. Analysing Music Magazines

2. QCover Lines – Allow the customer to read what is inside the magazine. They are also red and white which matches the magazine logo colours.Q Magazine logo placed behind the main image. The white stands out from the red background and they are the traditional “Q” colours.Barcode – Has the issue number and price written on it along with the date.Selling Line – helps the magazine to sell because it shows its good reputation.Main Cover Line – Very large red, bold font in block capitals. It stands out from the rest of the text on the magazine and matches the colour of the magazine logo.Blue background partitions from the rest of the cover. All in block capitals and “free inside” is in bold as it is meant to attract customers.

3. Kerrang!Cover Line – At the very top of the magazine. Shows the reader what to expect inside.Masthead– Placed in front of the main image. Very bold, black font, stands out because of the size.Main Image – Acts as the background for the cover. A headshot eye level to the reader.Main Cover Line – Stands out from the rest of the magazine, placed in the bottom left corner. More Cover Lines – Alternate colours between red and white... They inform the reader of the rest of the magazine.Sell Line– Placed at the bottom of the cover. “free posters” is in bold block capitals to grab the readers attention.

4. VibeMasthead– Placed behind the main image. The human eye is still able to read what it says.Cover Lines – Inform the reader of what is placed inside the magazine, there are no smaller images, just done main image.Main Cover Line – Bold pink font which matches the rest of the blue and pink colour theme. Main Image – Direct eye contact with the reader. The blue collar matches the colour theme.Sell Line – It makes the magazine company look good if they add a sell line on the front cover. It shows their good reputation.Magazine website placed at the bottom left hand corner of the cover.

5. In conclusion...From looking at these music magazines, I have decided that I am going to include the following in my own; One main background image with direct eye contact with the reader.