Magazine Cover Analysis

1. Magazine Cover Analysis Featuring Kerrang ,Vibe & NME

2. Masthead: Kerrang’s masthead clearly states the magazine publisher in a bold, edgy and perhaps punk like fashion that clearly defines itself proudly and informers readers of the magazine and what it entails, clearly listing other rock bands that attract any other potential readers who are fans of the bands listed. Although some other magazines use the emphatic ! In their titles, the use of it on Kerrang helps add to the dangerous and exciting theme the magazine is trying to put forward. Use of colour: This issue of Kerrang magazine uses several different colour examples. Firstly the Masthead, title text and sub headings all use the matching black and white colour in order to make correspondents, which usually results in a more professional look. The three individual use of bold yellow texts are used to help define important information that may attract potential readers. Positioning of image: Kerrang’s cover focusses mainly on a single image. In this case we see the band Green Day positioned in the centre of the magazine, covering roughly up to two thirds of the page in order to emphasise the importance their feature has in this magazine. Each band member is wearing classic rock clothing to strengthen the punk rock vibe the band is famous for. Target Audience: I believe that this issue of Kerrang as well as many others before it target a mainly rock audience fan base. This can be seen by the frequent mention of popular rock bands as well as several images representing a rock image. Although the contents of the magazine may not be entirely rock related this is the general audience the magazines.

3. Masthead: The NME Masthead is slightly different from standard issues as its bold, capitalised text does the initial job of clearly identifying itself, but this time is followed by less formal and considerably noticeable sub headings and quotes. Although the text fonts are considerably different in style, they both use matching red and white colours to help obtain a professional look Use of colour: Although the cover of this NME magazine is slightly more bland than the previous cover, however the use of a bold, large, red and white colour is very effective in gaining a potential reader from afar as the text is easily visible and presents two common colours that usually attract readers. Positioning of image: NME's cover focus solely on a single image to emphasise the importance and the severity of the Noel Gallagher feature. The image also has a shadow focused in the background perhaps to show a contrast in the feature or even in Noel’s personality. A second image can be seen placed in the corner but this is only used to express this band is featured and is a sub story in the magazine. Target Audience: Like the magazine before it, NME magazine focuses on attracting indie rock/alterative rock fans. With Noel Gallagher, the music he has produced has been so varied over the years so perhaps his extensive work may attract consumers from a large area.

4. Masthead: This issue of Vibe magazine s masthead differentiates from many other magazine covers. The Magazine title is cleverly obstructed by the cover artist, however, I assume this is used so the image remains c lear and many readers are fully aware that this is a Vibe magazine regardless. And Obama feature can also been seen behind the title, followed with a question mark that presents an incentive to read on and find an answer to the question, this would prove to be a very smart sells move. Use of colour: Much like the NME magazine, Vibe uses the same red and white text colour scheme that has been seen in several magazines as it proves to be effective time and time again. However on this occasion a single yellow box can be seen perhaps to single out an individual feature of great importance. The use of colour also contrasts well with the black and white clothing Eminem is wearing and so it stands out and can be seen easily by potential buyers. Positioning of image: Much like the Noel Gallagher feature previously, Vibe chooses to use another recognisable and popular artist to take up the majority of the cover. Eminem's bold and serious presence gives the magazine a certain edge that will attract serious rap fans in general. Eminem’s clothing colour also coordinates perfectly with the background. Target Audience: Unlike the magazines analysed previously, Vibe seems to be targeting rap enthusiasts and hip hop fans this time around. The fact that in todays society so many rappers are around, vibe magazines contents will attract many consumers as it appeals to a large audience. Obviously not disregarding the cover artist, Eminem. Who is arguably the most famous rapper currently.