2. Masthead
Kerrang uses a title that is onomatopoeic to represent the genre of the music
magazine. “Kerrang” is the sound a guitar makes when it is strummed and the
cracked effect on the text is to represent rock music. The magazine title is
usually aligned to the left it doesn’t stretch across the whole width of the
magazine front cover. In this case the masthead is centred. Mastheads are
usually at the top of the page and is the largest text on the whole screen. The
title of the magazine has a unique font that is usually copyrighted by the
company and becomes part of its branding. The masthead usually becomes the
logo of the company and is what ties together each of the issues of the
magazine. The masthead is the largest piece of text on the whole of the front
cover. The purpose of this is to grab the viewers attention and be the first thing
they see. It is also intended to make the magazine stand out compared to all
others it is surrounded by to make you pick it up and purchase it rather than any
other company's magazine.
3. Cover lines
The main cover line is linked to the main image on the front cover. What makes
the main cover line a main cover line because it is larger than the others.
Although it is bigger is doesn’t not exceed the size of the masthead. Within the
cover lines the name of the band/artists is larger than the rest of the information.
Once again this is done because the viewer will be more excited and interested
in the magazine if the thing they read first is a recognisable name of a band or
artist. The text of cover lines are usually kept the same throughout all.
4. Main Image
The main image of a magazine is usually a medium close up or a medium shot.
The cover lines don’t cross over the subject's face as they are used to frame
there face. The positioning of band members if they are to appear on the front
cover is usually the member that is in the public eye the most is central and
brought forward and the other members are slightly behind and off centre. The
subject usually conveys attitude that relates to the genre of the music magazine
and to the band/artist themselves. The subject is usually looking directly into the
camera to create a more personal relationship with audiences that are interested
in them and planning on buying the magazine.
5. Barcode, Issue number and price
The barcode is usually placed on the front cover of the magazine as the back
cover is usually saved for some type of advertisement. The barcode is usually
located in one of the bottom corners. The issue number, issue date and price is
always a lot smaller (no smaller than 11pt) and usually next to, above, or
around the barcode. This is done because the company don’t want potential
customers to be put off by the price without looking at the magazine. By making
the customer look at the content first before the price guides them into justifying
their purchase as they think that it will be worth it.
6. Positioning statement
A positioning statement appears at the top of the magazine
front cover and it usually involves some text about the main
artists in the magazine or it involves something to do with a
featured article.
Skyline
A skyline appears at the bottom of the music magazine front
cover and usually only contains names of bands and artists
that will appear in the magazine and they are used to grab
attention.
