This document analyzes the layout and design elements of a magazine cover. It breaks down the cover into its main components: the masthead at the top in pink outlines to attract young female readers; the dominant central image of Shayne from X Factor matching the pink color scheme; and the header below reinforcing Shayne as the main attraction. While not following all conventions like the rule of thirds, other techniques like size, color and positioning are used to guide readers' eyes to the most important elements and entice them to pick up the magazine.

1. Rule of thirds; This refers to an
imaginary grid drawn across a photo
area that breaks the image into nine
equal squares. The magazine does
not seem to follow the typical
conventions of the rule of thirds.
However, the main image of 'Shayne'
seems to be dominant which assures
the target audience that this is the
main attraction of the front cover. Masthead; This is the main title of any
magazine. This is positioned near the
top of the page. The colour of the title is
two shades of pink which denotes that
the target audience is females,
specifically young females. The outline
of the title is white which makes it seem
3D and as if it is coming out of the
page. This will appear striking to the
target audience and subsequently,
making them pick up the magazine.
Main Image; This is the most
dominant image of any magazine.
The main image is of 'Shayne' from
the X factor. This is highlighted
through the way in which the caption
in the picture matches the colour and
style of the title, connoting that this is
the main attraction of the front cover.
This is also the biggest image on the
page, on a white background with a
black outfit which makes the model
stand out on the page, drawing the
reader in.
The header; The header is a stream
of text that may be sent without any
content following it or with the
content that it describes. The
heading 'Shayne X factor' is the next
main title after 'Smash hits' which is
clearly indicated by it's position and
size. The heading is underneath the
masthead, drawing the readers' eyes
from the masthead to this heading.
The colour and style matches the
masthead also, showing that this is
the main heading.
Left third; This is situated at
the left side of any magazine.
This is typically for the main
cover lines so that they stand
out when on the shops' shelf.
However, the main cover line
is not situated here. But,
there is another cover line on
the left third that will appeal to
the target audience so this
could be deliberately done so
that the audience will pick up
the magazine.
Footer/strap line; This is usually at the top or bottom of any magazine.This in
bright yellow which contrasts to the rest of the magazine. The strap line typically
intrigues the target audience as they will want to know what else is in the
magazine. The use of the '10 hot posters' is an example of one of the unique
selling points on this front cover magazine as young females are interested in this.
Barcode/Date/Issue number; These are usually situated at
the bottom corner of the page and tell the audience when the
magazine was issued so that they can tell whether or not the
magazine is relevant. These conventions of the front cover of a
magazine are less significant which is why they are presented
as a small ratio compared to the other parts of the front cover.
However, the barcode must be clearly shown as this is most
definitely important when buying any magazine.