Buzz words such as “FREE!” and “EXCLUSIVE” give a ‘must have’ impression to the reader.

Dave Grohl uses direct mode of address as he stares aggressively into the camera. Fire roaring from his mouth. This puts forward the ideal of men being physically powerful and falls under the ‘male gaze’. Supporting this he also has relatively untamed facial and head hair, giving a rugged look.

The rest of the band are shown shrunken and stood inside his mouth. This makes Dave look far more powerful and in control.

The quote “THIS WILL KILL ME!” gives the impression music is his life. Tied in with how he “SAVES ROCK, AGAIN” we presume he knows what he’s doing and thus is intellectually powerful and talented. Men want to be in the position he is. Again supporting the male gaze.

Red, black and white are the primary pallet for the front cover, as they usually are. This consistency will make the reader feel more familiar of the brand.

There is a lot of crowding and layering with the cover lines, image and mast head. This gives the impression there is a lot of need to know information to be had, and that the amount you pay for the amount you get is worthwhile.

The date price and barcode, all common conventions, are situated on the lower right and barely noticeable. Especially in contrast to the crowded advertisement for the contents of the magazine. This is usually as the company doesn’t want it to stand out as it is not as appealing to the audience. The price of the magazine reflects on the socioeconomic status of the working class.

The cover uses a menu strip of other featured artist articles. This widens the variety effectively reaching a wider audience.

We are first drawn to the hill top band image, underneath which comes a quote. “He’s just showing off” as said by Liam Fray’s mum.

Coming from his mother of all people this makes it seem as if he’s only a child playing. Yet like children ourselves, he has everything we want and envy. It also makes the career path of music seem more competitive, even as his mother mocks him.

Supporting this is the seemingly spiteful “hits the nail on head” comment. It only goes to show that we are made envious by what he has to show off.

Sub-images have been used to help the reader form a link between the name and the appearance of a band or artist. This helps the reader recognise who’s featured within the issue.

Referencing the issue and date makes the magazine seem almost like a collectable which could potentially influence readers to keep up to date. Continuing from the front cover

the primary pallet is still consistently red, white and black.

The highlighted ‘Oasis Special’, makes the reader feel inclined to know what is so ‘special’. Like they’re hearing something fresh before everyone else does.

The clothes the band members are wearing also tie in with the Q colour pallet. The back two members wear black clothing as well as being pushed to the back of the triangular positioning, making them seem less significant. Especially in comparison to front man Liam in a crisp white tee with an almost arrogant stance. This could tie in with cover line “meet the other three” as though before now they were barely looked upon.

The highlighted cover line “EVERY MONTH” lets the reader know when to be on the look out for anew copy

The large drop capital is common in Q magazine. This time Representing the L, in Lady GAGA.

In the top right it reads “Lady GAGA”. While lady has connotations of grace the bolder of the two words is “GAGA”, otherwise meaning crazy.

Linking this to the picture we see Lady GAGA gazing femininely into the camera with bleach blonde hair and heavily made up eyes. Covering her exposed body and dignity.

However these dignifying hands are covered with chains. Relating back the GAGA in her name. not to mention the bird nest that is her hair adding to the impression she isn’t so refined.

The black and white effect adds to her looking like a ‘lady’. However it also looks drained of life. This could tie in to a literal and metaphorical exposure and perhaps the cause of her going ‘GAGA’.

As a very exposed woman her make up, hair and lack of clothing appeal to the ‘male gaze’.

This page uses a 50/50 split between pictures and writing. Alongside the large drop capital “L” it makes the page appear structured and informative while not boring.