An analysis of the front cover of Q magazine, featuring U2.

1. Masthead – The title is simply the letter ‘Q’ and including it is a
common convention of any magazine. It is bold and large in size.
The white Q stands out against the red square it is inside, catching
the audiences eye whilst also creating a colour scheme . This builds
a house theme/trademark for the magazine and familiarises the
audience as the logo is recognisable.
Main Image – The main image used on the front cover of this magazine features the band U2.
This band reflect the genre of this magazine, enticing the audience. 2 out of the 4 band members
are giving a direct mode of address and the individuals doing so, are both in the centre of the
image. This makes the audience feel as if it is aimed specifically at them, so that they want to buy
it. Also, the main image overlaps the masthead, this highlights how important it is and is done so
to make the picture stand out. The mise-en-scene of the clothes that the group are wearing
connote masculinity – leather jackets are often associated with being rebellious and the target
audience of 30-40 year old men, may want to aspire to be this way. Furthermore, the colour of
these clothes are similar to the colour scheme of red/black, emphasising the consistency of the
house theme.
Barcode – A barcode is a standard feature of any magazine and often has
the issue number and price directly next to it. Putting the price in small
print is significant as it distracts the audience away from how much it costs,
so they are more likely to purchase it. In addition, the magazine’s website
URL is placed next to the barcode, building brand identity.
Selling Line – This phrase is short but effective, the black text stands out
from the red background. The buzzword of ‘greatest’, indicates to the
audience that they will benefit from buying this magazine and no other
brand compares- This will entice the reader.
Coverlines – The other coverlines shown on this page are all inside a
bright yellow strip which covers the width of the front cover. This stands
out from the dark background, catching the audiences eye. The statements
describe a variety of articles that are going to be in the magazine, these
artists that the articles are on relate to the genre, therefore further
appealing to the target audience.
Main Coverline – The main coverline is directly anchored to the main
image. It is the biggest text on the page, indicating the importance. It is
also the only text on the page that’s in grey/silver, which further indicates
how it is meant to stand out to the audience. The font used denotes a
masculine theme, reflecting the target audience. The actual coverline
describes the group on the front (U2), and the buzzword of ‘exclusive’ is
engaging and eye-catching.
Layout – This
magazine is
unconventionally
structured as it
doesn’t follow
the rule of thirds.
Although the
main image is in
direct focal point
of the audience
(a common
convention), the
coverlines are
placed unusually
and it does not
appear to follow
a particular
structure.
Strip– The strip along the bottom of the page
gives the audience insight into other artists
that will feature in the magazine.. The artists
mentioned relate to the genre of rock, which
would appeal to the target audience. The red
and white text stands out against the black
background, drawing attention to it.