Main ImageThe main image is a close up of famous musical icon Cheryl Cole. She is automatically recognisable by the public, using her as the focal image entices a large amount of buyers. She is looking directly into the audiences eye’s, this helps the reader to relate to the magazine and form a connection with the artist. The nature of the head-shot being close up draws the audience to the cover and persuades them to purchase the magazine.

CoverlinesThe coverlines are located on various points of the cover, telling the reader about the magazines contents – and the articles they’ll find within the magazine. Knowing there is important and exclusive information inside persuades the audience to buy the magazine.

MastheadThe masthead is the magazine name, “Q” this is basic yet unique. The bright red box with the large white Q is simple yet effective. It’s the most sticking feature on the cover, because of the importance it is recognisable and the audience will be automatically drawn to it.

PuffA small puff has been used on the right hand side of the front cover advertising John Lennon’s lost weekend. The phrase “THE UNTOLD STORY & THE UNSEEN PICS” allows the audience to believe if they buy this magazine they can find out exclusive gossip that cant be found anywhere else.

Colour SchemeQ magazine tends to stick with its traditional red, black and white colour scheme on their front covers. On this particular cover the black appears to be quite dominant which could represent Cheryl’s courageous personality. The dramatic use of the colour red can be associated with fear, danger and love. These conventions signify the magazines courage. The white keeps the cover looking professional.

MastheadThe masthead, being the name of the magazine has been positioned behind the main image, this would usually hinder the audience being able to reads the name efficiently, however because Vibe is so well known the reader knows the name instantly. It is in a large, orange font which is a very sticking feature on this front cover.

Main ImageThe main image is a mid-shot of famous hip-hop and R&B singer Nicki Minaj. The sparkly tiara and glamorous dress she is wearing signify power and supremacy. Her stance suggests she holds a high level of authority.

Colour Scheme Vibe has decided on a sharp orange colour scheme throughout the front cover. Her hair has been coloured to match the font colour this shows consistency and control over their product. The traditional black and white colours have been used to add an aspect of sophistication.

CoverlinesThe coverlines have been displayed in the traditional layout in a column style down the side of both the left and right hand side of the cover. They are used to entice the reader to want to purchase the magazine. They are small summaries which reveal the articles featured within the magazine.

SkylineThe skyline has been positioned directly above the masthead, it has been written in capital letters which instantly stands out against the dull white background.

TOP of the POPS magazine

MastheadThe name of this magazine is ‘TOP of the POPS’ it has been presented in the conventional position, at the top of the page. The chosen colour for the masthead ties in wonderfully with the overall colour scheme.

Main ImageThe main image is a mid-shot of famous singer and television judge, Tulisa Contostavlos. She is known all around the world so possible buyers would immediately recognise her. She has a huge fan base all around the world who would buy the magazine because she is dominating the cover. She has been presented as very confident and welcoming which in turn attracts more buyers.

Colour SchemeThis particular issue of ‘TOP of the POPS’ has chosen a plum colour to rule their cover, this automatically attracts the female audience. It is also clear from the colour choice that they are targeting a younger audience as the older generation would sway more towards darker more sophisticated colours.

Anchorage TextThe anchorage text links to the main image and in this issue the way her name has been written represents fun and playfulness, the idea to use a star to dot the ‘i’ in the word ‘Tulisa’ symbolises she is a well known star and also that they aren’t taking the magazine to seriously which appeals to the younger audience.

Secondary ImagesThere are various secondary images on this front cover, this reiterates the idea that they are targeting the younger generation. Children and young teens are drawn in by images rather than a vast amount of writing. All of the images are presented as cheerful and upbeat which gives the magazine a good vibe.