The document provides an in-depth analysis of the cover design and conventions used in Lady Gaga and Drake magazine covers. It analyzes elements like mise-en-scene, shot types, framing, color schemes, positioning of images and text, target audiences and more. Key points analyzed include how the designs portray Lady Gaga and Drake as unique individuals, attract target audiences like males, and prioritize the celebrities over the magazines themselves. Accompanying statistics also analyze the demographics of readers of magazines like Billboard and XXL.

1. The mise-en-scene of
Lady Gaga’s whacky
bracelets, wig and
lipstick colour
reinforces Lady Gaga
as a unique
individual; further
supplies the audience
with an idea of the
diverse pop music she
launches.
The use of the purple asterisks above the main cover line
links with the colour theme of purple; the fact that the
asterisks are shaped as stars associates with the fame
generated from the pop genre of music Lady Gaga
produces.
The make-up used is dark;
rich purple similar to, the
colour of her hair which
could be a connotation
towards the colour scheme
of the magazine being
purple. In addition to, the
signifier of the bright violet
colour of the cover star’s wig
lightens up the scene and
prevents the image from
looking too dark balancing
the colour intensity.
The main cover line of ‘Lady Gaga’
is embolden and written within
capital initials suggesting that,
Lady Gaga is the main subject
within the magazine.
Furthermore, the idea of the main
cover line being the second
largest referring to ‘Lady Gaga’ is
effective because, it is relevant to
the main cover image which
displays a clear middle shot of the
celebrity Lady gaga herself.
The positioning of the
masthead behind the main
image indicates that, the
celebrity within the image is
more significant than the
actual magazine itself. This
method is effective because,
it helps increase the sales of
the magazine since a wellknown celebrity is
illustrated right in front of
the magazine.
The mise-en-scene of the
main cover star’s modern
jewel set worn on her right
hand side connotes a
sinister theme towards the
magazine specifically when
the ring is worn beside a
night black blazer.
Lady Gaga’s exposure towards her
cleavage connotes sex appeal
which lures the male audience to
purchase the magazine despite her
unusual hair style. This additionally
insinuates who the target audience
may well be within the magazine
(males).
The framing for this magazine is direct modal
address in which, the character within the main
image appears to be glaring straightforwardly
towards the readers. The use of the direct modal
address is effective because, it captures the
viewers’ attention as the celebrity within the
main image seems to be ‘directly’ facing your
position.
The shot type towards the main
image is Middle shot exposing
the cover star’s upper body
down to her lowest waist. In
addition to, the use of the
Middle shot type is extremely
effective because, it draws
attention to Lady Gaga’s
distinctive style which
differentiates her from other
celebrities and defines her as
an individual.
The cover lines are positioned behind the
main cover star so that, the audience s’
attention can be more concentrated on the
celebrity advertised within the front cover
instead of the text displayed.

2. The conventions of the margins and the
white space is proficient to the double page
spread because, it makes the layout look
structured and consistent towards the
audience further making it easier and
clearer for the audience to read.
The convention of
the pull quote is
effective because,
it involves the
publisher selecting
the most
important quote
from the extract
which makes the
audience more
likely to read into
the contextual
information.
The convention of the page number
is essential within the DPS because,
it directs the readers into the
specific context written within the
contents page.
The shot type of the images within the
double page spread varies from middle
shot types within the right side of the
page towards a wide shot within the right.
The use of the middle shot types displayed
as 3 images is effective because, it gives
the readers an insight into the diverse
change of outfits worn by Lady Gaga
supplying the readers’ a wider experience
into the show as if the readers are
presently there. Furthermore, the use of
the wide shot displayed within the left
side is effective because, it gives the
readers a more visual imagery into the
scenery in which the concert was set in.
The mise-en-scene of the costumes and
props use vary in colour from purple,
white to silver in which, greatly attracts
the readers interest. Moreover, the use of
different colour props and costumes
supplies a greater insight into Lady Gaga’s
dress sense further reflecting on her
unique personality.
The framing is not
consistently direct modal
address suggesting that,
these images of Lady Gaga
were taken unexpectedly.
This is effective because, it
insinuates to the readers’
different scenarios and
aspects towards the tour.
Language: Pull quote “I used to sit right over there, way
far in the back. So every second you watch me on this
stage, you remember I was sitting where you are.” The
language used is middle lexis suggesting that, Lady
Gaga is an educated individual and the addition of the
language not being too highly elaborated is convenient
as Lady Gaga may well perhaps be addressing her fans.
The form of the pull quote is written in declaratives
supplying an earnest and honest tone from the main
cover star.
Hjghjhgjgh

3. Source used:
http://www.billboard.com/advert
ising/content/splash/BillboardMa
gazine.pdf
The statistics show that 68% of the readers
who purchase the Billboard magazine are
College graduates suggesting that, the
majority of the target audience are welleducated and are more likely to be young
adults ranging from 18-19 and upwards.
As you can view, the Billboard Company has
researched into the type of jobs Billboard
readers are involved in such as, being an Artist,
Concert promoter, Music distributor and
Publishers. These jobs are all media-related
suggesting that, the target audience are more
likely to be familiar with the music industry.
The audience who read the Billboard
magazine the least are post graduates
by only ¼ represented amongst the
sample. This suggests that, the audience
who read the Billboard magazine the
least are mostly the highly educated
university students who have stayed in
education for a long duration of time.
Statistics also represent that a massive 60% of readers attain Billboard magazines
through the privacy of their home. The fact that a majority of 60% of readers
receive Billboard magazines within their homes suggests that, the Billboard
magazine distributes their magazines through Postal subscription. Postal
subscription refers to a distribution method in which, regular readers have the
option of subscribing to their favourite magazine brand and further attaining the
magazine through post. The distribution method of Postal subscription is
beneficial because, it makes it easier for readers to keep up to date with the
latest news and ensures a frequent circulation of readers.

4. Some of the sponsorship opportunities within the
new Billboard Ipod edition includes: a “pull over”
towards advertisements, advanced media, audio
and video and full page advertisements. These
varieties of features indicate that, Billboard
consists of a wide range of sponsorship
opportunities.
An image of a well-known celebrity,
Alicia Keys illustrated as the cover of the
IPOD to increase popularity and sells. In
addition to, by adding an attractive
celebrity as the main cover of the IPod
attracts the male target audience further
giving us a clearer insight who the
intended audience may well be.
Extract: ‘The new Billboard magazine Ipod edition provides
brands with engaging sponsorship opportunities’
The Billboard firm made it available for its audience to
download magazines via Ipod. In the contemporary period of
the 21st century, the majority of young people own some
form of modern technology and as a result, are less likely to
physically purchase magazines in retails therefore the
distribution method of Apps will be very versatile towards
young people who own modern forms of technologies such
as, Smart Phones and IPods as they are more likely to be
familiar with them.
Billboard is an extremely successful media firm owning popular charts such as, the
Billboard 100 and the Billboard 200. In addition to, the Billboard was first established
within the late 19th century of 1894 and is currently run by the Prometheus Global media
company.

5. Regardless of all the other popular
artists mentioned in the cover line,
Drake’s name is written in capital
initials to show that he is more
superior and significant than these
other artists.
Similar to the Lady gaga Billboard
magazine, the main cover image is
positioned in front of the
masthead to reinforce Drake’s
superiority and to further suggest
that, Drake is also more important
than the whole magazine itself.
The shot type of the
main image is middle
shot to expose the
black and white
effect of the main
cover star further
linking to the target
audience being maleorientated. The use
of the black and
white colours creates
a serious and deviant
impression further
fitting in with the
aspects of
‘masculinity’.
Very few cover lines
are used to prevent
the audience from
being detracted and
less centred on the
main cover star
within the image.
The
convention of
a bar code is
used to
represent the
date and the
price of the
magazine.
Colours used such as,
black, white, gold and
grey are very
masculine colours
connoting that, the
target audience may
well be aimed towards
the gender of males.
The use of the large main cover line of
‘Drake watch the throne’ takes up almost
¼ of the page; this is effective because, it
excites as well as engages Drake’s fans to
read into the publication more to figure
out its relation. In addition to, the signifier
of the colour gold used as the main cover
line connotes the idea that, the celebrity
refers to himself as regal and of high
importance alike a king further reinforcing
Drake’s arrogance. Moreover, this concept
correlates with the reference to the
‘throne’ stated within the main cover line.
The celebrity within the
main image is not in direct
modal address with its
viewers creating an
unorthodox and cool
outlook. In addition to, the
idea of the main cover star
not smiling and not facing
the audience
straightforwardly indicates
that, the main cover star is
going against the
conventional aspects of a
magazine further showing
a rebellious and conceited
persona towards the
celebrity. This additionally
appeals to the male
audience who are more
likely to be influenced by
these traits than females.

6. Contents page
I am very sorry to say that I could not find any contents page nor DPS online
therefore, I took an image of my printed work I have already annotated.
The alignments of images are
arranged in tiles; are
replicates of the celebrity
Drake to show that this page
mainly links to him. (I had to
write it again because the
text was not clear)
Alleys are used
in between the
tiles and
around the
text which
makes the text
look
structured and
spacious.
Margins used to
separate each text so
that, readers do not
get confused with
certain texts. The use
of margins further
helps maintain
structure and
organisation.
The convention of page
numbers used to show where
each section of context is
located. The convention of
page numbers also makes it
easier for the readers to
identify particular
information which suits their
interest.
The use of the contents and
splitting: ‘The A-side...The b-side’
relates to a vintage vinyl record
because, within the front side of
a Vinyl record it is named the A
side and within the back side of
the CD it is named the B side.
(Not clear so re-did)
The use of the phrase of ‘Everything I am’
indicates how Drake’s album defines who
he is as a person rather than a celebrity
similar to, the Billboard magazine
displaying Lady Gaga.
“That undeniable Drake
formula’ uses of flattery or
puff to describe the celebrity
of Drake. The effect of this is
to make Drake’s fans admire
him even more as if his status
really is alike to a ‘king’.
‘Eye candy’, ‘twerking
sensation’ uses
seductive language to
allure the male target
audience alike to Lady
Gaga using sex appeal to
attract the male target
audience. This is further
reinforced by the
provocative clothing the
model within the image
is wearing.

7. Direct modal
address of celebrity
used to alert and
intrigue readers.
Shot type of long shot used to
portray a clear picture of the
celebrity’s upper and lower
body.
Shot type of middle shot
(right picture) showing
upper body down to
lower waist however,
without showing the full
body.
Low contrast used in contrast
to a black background and
black clothing used to,
magnitude French Montana’s
face more. This is further
emphasized by the lack of
props within the background.
Margins used to separate the
image from the text
sustaining arrangement.
Signature used to prove that
the text is authorised by the
artist French Montana himself.
This is effective because, it
enables the readers to be
more assured about the
validity of the text.
The use of dark
colours such as,
black and red
imply that the
target audience is
mainly aimed
towards males.
The mise-en-scene of
clothing is very urban and
modern suited to the
genre of music the rapper
French Montana
produces.
The structure of the text
is arranged in paragraphs
correlating with the
biographical theme.
Use of the inclusive phrase of
‘you’ appoints to the readers;
engages them within the
magazine.
“I can’t believe XXL” is written in
a bold font to interest the
readers; to alarm the fans to read
more to find out what French
Montana is so excited about.

8. The demographics show that the
median age of XXL’s target audience is
27 suggesting that, XXL targets older
readers within the middle age than
Billboard.
Dissimilar to the
Billboard institution,
less than half of the
audience are college
educated in
comparison to, 68%
of Billboard’s target
audience being
college graduates.
This suggests that,
the majority of the
target audience may
well not be highly
educated.
The majority of the audience who read
XXL magazines are males (78%) hence the
reason why XXL often promotes male
artists and why such dark colour schemes
such as, red and black are used within the
magazine.
The statistics show that the ethnicity
of XXL’s audience is commonly
approached by African Americans by
67% hence the reason why, AfroCarribeans such as, Drake, Nas and
Kendrick Lamar are frequently
featured in the magazines. This
suggests that, the ethnicity of XXL’s
audience is aimed towards the black
minority.