Analysis of Magazine Front Covers

NME- Sept ’09 Dizzee Rascal Edition

KERRANG!- Dec ’05 Foo Fighters Edition

VIBE- Dec ’09 Drake Edition

Analysis of magazine front coversCover 1: NME Sept 2009 (Dizzee Rascal Edition)

FRONT COVER ANALYSISNME’s famous logo basically sells itself to the readers. It is a top of the ranks music magazine and therefore doesn’t need many sell lines to help sell the issues. The colour schemes used are neutral colours (red and white) suggesting no specific gender pull. Also white and red in a simple font give off a professional feel to the magazine (and doesn’t limit itself to a certain age range)

THE HEADER

THE SELL LINES/COVER LINESThe switches between reds

whites and blacks indicate a free, active, care-free feel. However the colour scheme

restrictions ensure it keeps its professionalism. The sell lines give details on articles inside, but

the fact that this magazine has very few suggested that they do not need to work hard

to attract the attention of readers through displaying their contents on the front cover.

THE MAIN IMAGEThe image is a long shot of a top UK Hip-

Hop artist with the stage name Dizzee Rascal. His bold stance, clothes and facial

expression reflect his strong charismatic personality. The way his hands are in the

air suggest a hedonistic lifestyle and a physical reach out to his fans (readers).The main headline is a clear print of his

name which is placed on top of his picture.

BARCODE- DATE/ISSUE/PRICEAlthough situated in a small corner, this is where important information is placed

on all magazine covers.

THE FOOTERThis just gives extra information to the readers, informing them of other artists and R&B and rock bands that are included in the issue.

BACKGROUND The background is a graffiti set which has been made to give off the ‘urban feel’ which coincides with the artists genre and persona. (Hip-Hop/Street. The use of a white background with colourful sprays on top make the front cover feel more alive.

USE OF A FLASHERThe main reasoning behind the bold simple circle of a flasher is a method of offering something extra to the target audience (deals/prizes) ‘’Wowee’’- use of colloquial laid back language to make someone feel more approachable.

USE OF A PULL QUOTEThis quote is from an interview with the celebrity of the

issue: ‘Dizzee Rascal’. The pull quote shares the same font and colour as the main headline suggesting a link between the 2 bits of information. ‘Joy’ and ‘Man’

send a positive colloquial message

RULE OF 3rds (LEFT THIRD)There is no rule of thirds due to the size of the image used. This could reflect on the theme of ‘disobedience’ found in Rap culture.

THE MASTHEADSimilar to the footer, the header gives

extra info of what’s inside the magazine. This header details special information on a tour giving reference

to the page number.

‘NME’ TARGET AUDIENCEMethods used to attract NME’s target audience:

•First and foremost, the NME masthead MUST be made bold and clearly visible so as to ensure that the readers does not take their time trying to search for their weekly NME issue. The more bold the masthead, the more satisfied the target audience will be. The NME symbol can also serve as a piece of identity for its readers.

•Regular use of flashers advertising special offers and tours will help keep loyal readers. For example, because a reader shares an interest in the artists displayed regularly in the NME magazines, it is most likely they would like to enter a competition to view them in concert. Everyone likes a bit of generosity.

•Not only is it important for NME to display well known artists; but it is equally important that they bring artists whom the readers can relate to. Dizzee is a good example as he fits in the age range and gender criteria of NME’s target audience.

Genre of music that the magazine caters for: Indie/Guitar based musical interests. Band based artists tend to be main focus.

Gender:Unisex73% Male24% Female

Age:17-30 with an average age of 25

Social class:AB C1

Cost:£2.20

Frequency:On a weekly basis (Every Wednesday)

Extra:Often has freebies (eg. CD’s and posters)

How the ‘NME’ target audience expect to see their magazines:

Analysis of magazine front coversCover 2: KERRANG!Dec 2005 (Foo Fighters Edition)

FRONT COVER ANALYSISBold white contrasts with the black background. Broken letter effect suggests the genre of ‘rock’ (Anger, Mess&breaking rules) Exclamation mark implies shouting like the vocals found in the rock genre (Onomatopoeic). Large and overpowering- takes up a fifth of the page.

THE HEADER

THE SELL/COVER LINESVery few sell lines due to the magazines already high status in the rock magazine field. The bold, simple, strong colours make the magazine more appealing to the male audience as they want something clear&simple. (bold, big writing reflects on the stereotypical ego of a man) Caps lock is used throughout all the text with the effect that it is shouting out to the reader.

THE MAIN IMAGE The artist featured in this issues front cover

is a lead singer from the rock band ‘The Foo Fighters’ who have a special interview

included inside the magazine. His serious/stern expression and cocky tilt of

the head reflects the genre of the music. It's is a medium shot- he doesn’t want the

reader to get too close. Primary colours used through his bright red shirt which

makes him contrast against the background, and stand out making him look

important and centre for attention.

BARCODE- DATE/ISSUE/PRICEAlthough situated in a small corner, this is where important information is placed on all magazine covers.

THE FOOTERExtra information on the other rock bands included in the issue. Big ‘PLUS’ suggests the magazine is overfilled with entertainment.

PAGE SPECIAL Information inserted detailing the content of the page 8 special has been inserted underneath the masthead in the important left third of the front cover. Young rockers (clothes & make-up) are used as an attempt for Kerrang to broad their target audience to younger readers.

RULE OF 3rds (LEFT THIRD)The left third has been left for the key content such as the important sell lines or flashers (in this case an insight into page specials)

THE MASTHEADBig, capital letters; helps readers

visualise information on giggs etc. Gives readers insight into the bands involved with this magazine. (yellow

used for key information)BACKGROUND

The background is a most likely set in America- the home of the Foo Fighters. The palm tree sun

set sets shadows in the back contrasting against the bold stance

of the main artist.

THE MAIN HEADLINEThe main caption is a clear&large print of

the relevant band name which is placed on top of the image. Kerrang want to ensure the Foo Fighter fans can clearly see this

issue and therefore purchase it.

‘KERRANG’ TARGET AUDIENCEMethods used to attract KERRANG’s target audience:

•Through the use of graphics, big fonts, strong layouts, bright and simple colours, Kerrang can reach out to a young audience. This is why the magazine is mainly aimed at the youth and their lifestyles. It has a contemporary and up-to-date look, whilst managing to keeping its down to earth simple presentation. • (The magazine even caters for the young adult readers by using relevant advertisements that would link to their interests)

•Words like ‘Exclusive’ ‘Special’ and ‘Filthiest’ help the magazine appeal to their audience. And it is very often that words similar to these are almost always used on most their front covers to help increase sales.

Genre of music that the magazine caters for: Devoted audience of Rock and Heavy metal.

Gender:60% males 40% females

Age:16-24 year olds.

Social class:D-C. The predominate ethnicity of their target audience is white British.

Cost:£2.20

Frequency:On a weekly basis

Extra:Due to the large circulation of the magazine, readers are given the opportunity to interact by writing letters and reviews that can be published in the magazine.

•Kerrang chose to use a specific colour scheme throughout their issues. These colours

are white, black, yellow, red and green. This clearly enables the magazine to be eye-

catching and it allows certain cover lines stand out with their bold stance. These basic colours are continued throughout every page of every

issue creating a dark/moody rock like feel.

How the ‘KERRANG!’ target audience expect to see their magazines:

Analysis of magazine front coversCover 3: VIBEDec 2009 (Drake Edition)

FRONT COVER ANALYSISBold strong colour contrasts with the black background. Large and overpowering- takes up a good quarter of the page.

THE HEADER

THE SELL/COVER LINESAll sell lines on this cover stick to a strict white black and yellow colour theme, this makes the magazine become noticeable whilst maintaining its professionalism which makes it appealing to the older generations. Caps lock is used throughout all the text with the effect that it is big and bold just like the ego of the hip-hop culture. Some fonts sizes are bigger than others, again highlighting key information compared to others.

THE MAIN IMAGE The artist featured in this issues is one of

the R&B/Hip-Hop worlds biggest recent stars by the name of ‘Drake’. His serious expression, tilt of the head and narrowed

eyes makes him look similar to most young hip-hop followers who live the ‘street life’

making him look like he is staring them down ‘sharking them’. He is wearing all

black, and his T-Shirt carries the name of his new album ‘Unstoppable’. It's is a

medium shot- he doesn’t want the reader to get too close.

BARCODE- DATE/ISSUE/PRICEThis is where all the important information is placed on all magazine covers. This is one of the biggest barcodes I have seen on any cover. It is also situated in a box which includes the website and album info.

THE FOOTERThis issue chooses not to includea footer.

RULE OF 3rds (LEFT THIRD)The left third has been left for the key content such as the ’Exclusive’ section; in order for the main selling point to be one of the first things to be seen by the readers as it sits on the magazine shelves. (Also includes website, barcode and ‘’new’’ tag.

THE MASTHEADBig, capital letters; helps readers

visualise information on giggs etc. Information on key artists of the hip-hop

genre which is included in the issueBACKGROUND

The background is simply a black background. This technique of plain backdrops to contrast with the main

images and sell lines is used popularly amongst vibe front covers.

THE MAIN HEADLINEThe main sell line links with the main image. It gives the artists name clearly and the title of the discussion underneath. Because this

has the biggest font, excluding the masthead, it will stand out to readers and

hip-hop fans amongst the other sell lines.

EXCLUSIVE Vibe have made obvious that they have exclusive information which the wide target audience can find no where else. In this case it is an interview with a top R&B artist which will pull a vast number of readers.Also includes reference to their WEBSITE. (Promoting their online cause)

‘VIBE’ TARGET AUDIENCEMethods used to attract VIBE’s target audience:

•What is found regularly amongst vibe covers is the use of a plain bold backdrop behind the image of a leading hip-hop artist which is an effect to help bring out the contrast and strong stance of the artists ego and status in the hip-hop culture.

•Furthermore, the VIBE Masthead is always the BIG PLAIN WHITE uppercase print which will most likely be situated towards the upper half of the front cover- therefore, leaving the customers with no troubles to identify their magazine.

•Regular use of flashers advertising special offers and tours will help keep loyal readers. Readers will become accustomed to the fact that they are guaranteed special information and latest gossip in their vibe magazine

•In one way or another, the vibe website is nearly always suited somewhere on the front cover due to the fact that their website is so successful and brings a variety of viewers which sometimes magazine may not achieve.

Genre of music that the magazine caters for: Readers interested in R&B and hip-hop related artists and actors. The magazine’s target demographic is predominantly young urban followers of hip-hop and R&B related artists and actors.

Gender:Unisex50.5% Male49.5% Female

Age:18-34 years old

Social class:B & C1 (Due to the fact the magazine is not cheap and neither are the high class products being sold inside)

71% from an African American background

Frequency and Cost: 6 issues per year: $9.95

Extra:Has a major leading website with hit videos and interviews (online magazine)

How the ‘KERRANG!’ target audience expect to see their magazines: