Front cover analysis q
- 1. Target Audience and genre The genre of Q is general and covers a wide range including all types of rock and pop. This lack of a specific demographic indicates a mass audience, or a large following of people with various music tastes. Main Image This image uses a rule of thirds as the lead singer in the centre is positioned slightly to the right. He is also using a direct mode of address, when this is linked in with the space background and the low camera angle it makes him seem imposing and omnipotent. Model credit The model credit is white so as to appear more prominent against the dark outer space background and dark clothing of the band members. Also it uses the phrase: ‘Boldly go where no band has gone before’. This suggests big news so as to entice readers toward it. Lead Article The lead article is translucent so as to take emphasis away from the text and on to the main image. Masthead The masthead is minimalist and partially covered up by the main image. This is because Q is a well-established magazine company so it doesn’t need to try and sell itself to new readers. The Gutenberg Design Principle The masthead is placed in the primary optical area; this draws attention to the magazine itself and ensures that readers will recognise the magazine franchise in the future. The simplistic design of the masthead with its position in the primary optical area (the first part of the magazine you look at) allows readers to easily recognise it on the shelves straight away. Colours/Typefaces/House style The main colours of this house style are red and white, this simplistic design is easy to replicate throughout the magazine and is simple enough for a reader to know straight away from a distance. Cover lines The cover lines are placed in a row below so as to distance themselves from the main article but also grouped together to show that they are all linked together. The bands all have some form of emphasis placed on their names so as to draw in readers as they will like those bands. Banners/Flashes/badges The flash in the bottom right corner saying: ‘Album Bonanza’ is bright red and in all capitals so as to draw peoples view toward it, by making it loud and vibrant.