Analysing front covers, contents pages and double page spreads

Charlotte Kelly

The masthead is behind the main image which shows that this music magazine is so well known that it does not need the whole headline to be on show for it to be recognized.

Pink and blue pastel colour scheme highlights that this particular magazine is unisex. Pink stereotypically being seen as a feminine colour and blue a male colour.

Clothes she is wearing are quite plain, also she has natural hair and make-up, highlighting the fact she’s not trying as hard to portray herself as something she isn't. Also stereotypically female music artists objectify themselves for attention, she does not portray this.

Subtle bling and leather to show a small side to her edgy and tough side. She is not completely plain yet not massively over the top. Bling also could represent wealth and a lavish lifestyle.

It says ‘Likes to watch’ and the fact she is holding a camera shows a different side to Janet Jackson, maybe a more arty side trying to capture a different side to herself. Also it says first ever photo issue, the camera highlights this. ‘Limited edition cover’, could be saying that Janet Jackson is limited edition as unlike other generic female artists.

Using red, white and black as the scheme shows quite a flash and wealthy theme. Red, white and black makes you think of casinos/ the club scene and therefore wealth and the more lavish lifestyle. Also red represents desire adding to the fact Trey Songz, who is the main image, is topless and therefore desirable. The black background makes the text really bold. There is a good amount of both red and white, neither colour is to overpowering.

The facial expression he’s pulling, the fact he’s topless and wet all alludes to a provocative tone. Also the facial expression and stance could be seen as quite threatening. His tattoo’s highlight his rock star/fierce attitude.

The taglines ‘living the dream’ and ‘NO DICE Gambling in the NBA’ also links to this wealthy and gambling lifestyle. This highlights that the rapper lifestyle is quite lavish and threatening. Only what normal people could dream of.

‘The hardest in R&B’ also linking to this threatening lifestyle of a rapper. The whole front cover is quite intimidating. Red could also be seen as the colour for anger.

The pink and girly colour scheme highlights that it is aimed at woman and that Billboard is a more feminine magazine. Also the fact Katy Perry is covered in flowers, pink flowers shows this. Flowers often are related with hippie music, or something quite alternative.

The headline ‘Billboard’ is not fully visible which shows that it is a well known Magazine as they don’t need to show the whole headline to make it recognisable.

‘Katy Perry’ ‘Inside the Court of the new Queen of Pop’ This shows that Katy Perry is quite a regal and therefore sophisticated character. Stereotypically female artists can come across as quite provocative but Katy Perry is full covered and looks innocent covered in flowers. Her Make-up is simple and elegant and not overpowering again highlighting this regal stance. Flowers also can link to coronations and celebrations, therefore celebrating the ‘queen.’

The black bold text against the pink background stands out and is very clear. It’s also quite simple and therefore portrays that this magazine is simple yet elegant. There are only hints of other colours, for example the orange and white titles however these are still feminine colours.

The black, white and red colour scheme really stands out and portrays this idea of danger. The colour red can also represent this idea of blood and is quite threatening. This links to Cheryl Cole’s pose, her facial expression is very hostile and aggressive and she’s licking her ring which is a spike showing she is not afraid. Also the setting and style of the background; the rain, dark lighting and make-up highlight this menacing atmosphere.

The title ‘Q’ is very significant and bold. It’s different to the previous magazines as the title is in front of the main image or background. ‘Q’ is a very momentous title as it leaves the audience thinking of what it could stand for and therefore highlighting this menacing atmosphere. ‘Q’ stands out from the crowd as not many magazines have a singular letter title. Also it says ‘the UK’s biggest music magazine’ showing that its very well known.

‘3 Words… Cheryl Cole ROCKS’ This is significant because it links to the main image. Cheryl is portraying herself as a threatening character which links to Rock which is loud and aggressive. Also ‘3 words’ is quite ironic as Cheryl previously brought out a single called 3 words.

‘The Crooked Vultures’ and ‘Vampire Weekend’ as taglines really fit into the theme of this magazine. The black, white and red could also be linked with horror and blood and therefore vultures and vampires are really significant.

The ‘Q’ is very significant and bold. It’s different to the previous magazines as the title is in front of the main image or background. ‘Q’ is a very momentous title as it leaves the audience thinking of what it could stand for and therefore highlighting this menacing atmosphere. ‘Q’ stands out from the crowd as not many magazines have a singular letter title. Also it says ‘the UK’s biggest music magazine’ showing that its very well known. By repeating the title of the magazine in the contents highlights it’s importance.

‘Issue 279’- Q magazine is obviously a very popular and well known magazine as it has been running for so long. The longer it’s running it shows that people obviously still want to buy it.

The colour scheme is consistent, in nearly all Q magazine cover’s Red, White and Black are used. They can also been seen as quite formal and elegant colours, as together as a scheme the colour scheme gives a wealthy feel. Red, white and black make you think of a casino and therefore a wealthier lifestyle. Also the font and layout of this contents is very professional.

There are multiple images which are all very eye catching and elaborate. The layout of this contents page is quite clear and not over the top, the page numbers and their stories are clearly seen on the left hand side and main stories have images to make them more eye-catching.

The names of the artists ‘Muse’ ‘The Beatles' ‘Rock nutters’ all allude to the fact this magazine focuses on the classics and rock. The font of the magazine also links to this, it’s quite old fashioned yet classic. Also the clothing of what the people in the images are wearing is quite retro, and therefore highlights the unique feel to this magazine,

The word contents makes it clear what page the reader is on. By merging 232 Contents and Nov05, the page gets this sort of industrial look which is supported by the sepia background of the page and quite plain colour scheme. Q magazine always uses this colour scheme of black, red and white showing it is quite consistent.

The picture of James Blunt takes up nearly the whole page, however on the left part of the picture has been cut off by the text. This flat edge is very professional and doesn’t look very well thought out. However this could have been done to purpose to highlight the importance of the text over the picture. The image shows James Blunt very plain looking straight at the reader which gives a more personal feel to the magazine.

Graphics of using the red arrow at the bottom makes it more clear to turn to page. It may seem pointless but works as an enticement to keep the audience reading.

The logo and name of the music magazine has been put in the corner of the contents page which is more subtle than the cover yet has still been kept there so the reader is aware of what they’re looking at.

The article of James Blunt is placed second even though he is the main image. This again highlights that it isn’t particularly well thought out as this is quite odd giving him such a large image and then putting him second. However the main image on the cover could be the leading story,

‘Every Month’ features, helps break the magazine up. Shows consistency in the magazine. The black banners for ‘features’ and ‘every month’ highlight their importance.

‘ROCK SOUND’ there is no mention of the contents, Rock sound is the most significant writing in their approach and highlights the idea of the magazine. ‘No.141’, if it’s issue 141 it shows it’s a popular magazine and therefore a well thought out and professional.

The black, white and blue colour scheme is quite ‘electro’ and punkie which also adds to this idea of Rock sound. Also the man in the main image has black hair, glasses and tattoo’s which stereotypically gives off a very rock and punk image. His expression is quite eye catching and intriguing and makes you wonder why he is pulling it.

The Margin and text is over the main image which shows that the text is most important. It looks very professional as the image is not cut off and therefore doesn’t leave any sharp lines, The text and colour scheme is consistent which again highlights the professional theme.

The artists on the left hand side ‘Papa Roach’ ‘Slip Knot’ etc. again allude to this ‘Rock sound’ which shows that the title is in fact relevant to the content of the magazine., Also the fact they’re numbered makes the magazine more clear and easier accessible,

The word “contents” is laid out uniquely with an eye catching effect, it could also be laid out like this to not take the focus of the main image. The magazine’s iconic style is established through out the magazine. What also adds to this abstract style is the way the V behind is positioned.

The clothes Kanye are wearing are high fashion reflecting the established take to the magazine, it also highlights the message that music magazines don’t just focus on music. It also includes things like fashion, celebs, culture etc. This is shown by the separate title of fashion in the bottom right,

The layout is clear and easy to read/ navigate. The text is clear and concise and the information given is just a taste of what’s actually in the magazine. The titles highlight the conciseness of the magazine.

The colour scheme of greyscale is used with the only real colour being the red of the heart. Keeping the rest grey and focusing the colour on the heart adds a uniqueness to the contents. The heart is being placed by a mysterious hand from behind Kanye’s back. The eyes are instantly drawn to this point. The connotation could be love, and by being ripped out therefore there could be issues with his love life.

The background is plain to keep the main focus on Kanye, by using a famous artist people will recognise him and therefore be more attracted to the magazine. Although its half hidden the background still shows the logo of the magazine and therefore represents it.

This double page spread uses a whole page just for Lady Gaga which highlights her importance. The image is unique and has a sort of ‘industrial feel’ with the sepia/black and white tone, and the chains hanging from her neck. This also adds to the colour scheme of the spread, red black and white frequently used in ‘Q’ magazine, again quite industrial yet retro. Lady gaga is known for being different and therefore the chains highpoint this. Her make up and hair is quite plain for Lady Gaga and therefore doesn’t take emphasis of the text or the message.

The large ‘L’ covering the text again highlights Lady Gaga’s importance, it’s exciting and bold just like Lady Gaga herself. When flicking through the magazine something so bold would make you stop and read and therefore it’s an effective eye catching technique. It’s the only bit of colour on the page and therefore you are drawn to it.

The quite plain scheme is consistent throughout the whole magazine, this tells us that ‘Q’ magazine doesn’t particularly want to take the effect of the text with loads of bright bold pictures or text. It’s clear and concise which will attract readers.

The ‘S’ pulls the reader into the text. It stands out compared to the rest of the text because its so large. It’s the starter of the first sentence and therefore makes the reader want to read on.

The opening paragraph is larger than the rest of the text to bring focus to the text. It sets the subject for the piece and therefore brings them in to make them read on.

The opening paragraph is simply explaining how Lana Del Rey looked when the people writing saw her. Saying she pictures ‘like a model’ and her epic facial expressions. She chose the picture herself and decided to pick the one that highlights her flaws, she embraces them and is proud of them. This is reflected in her songs.

The subtle red hint suggest danger and on the other side blue which is more of a calming and peaceful colour. This could suggest the contrast in her character, there are two sides to her. Both dangerous yet beautiful.

Expression is quite emotional and desperate. She looks like she is stroking her throat, representing the hurt. Her nails look like claws again highlighting that her pain is sharp and powerful. It says in the beginning she’s mourning someone which supports this pain.

Rappers 50 cent and Soulja boy are positioned in quite threatening positions. Soulja boy, his arms out wide, open to fights. 50 cent standing in the background with a very hostile facial expression. There clothing highlights the rap lifestyle, the long chains and snapbacks. By putting them on a plain background it highlights their importance, it also can say they’re quite arrogant and self obsessed as the focus is on them.

The opening paragraph is also quite threatening and highlights the stereotypical rapper attitude. ‘‘Ya’ll better leave him the f**k alone before somebody get hurt’’, by 50 cent tweeting this it shows that he doesn’t care what people think and is loyalto his fellow rappers. Also by using quite harsh language highlights this abrupt attitude and shows he doesn’t care.

The layout/ colour scheme of this double page spread is quite industrial and harsh. The white is an off white which shows lack of care, also by using only black and white and no colour creates quite a cold and hostile atmosphere. Also it allows the picture to stand out even more.

The opening paragraph summaries Mars as ‘music’s drama free international pop star.’ Unlike other stereotypical artists Mars is not arrogant at all and doesn’t actually realise how good he is. ‘When Mars Attacks’, this is a catchy headline and highlights that Bruno Mars is coming with a bang.

The picture is a unique and interesting picture due to what he’s wearing and his body positioning. The glasses and hat are unique to him and therefore highlight his own image. Bruno Mars is more for the music rather than the celebrity lifestyle. The fact he’s wearing a suit and looks quite smart shows he does care how he represents himself yet he doesn’t want to come across arrogant.

The blue, black and white colour scheme links to ‘Mars’ the metallic blue gives a sort of space atmosphere and the way he’s positioned looks like he’s floating through space. It also links to the title ‘when mars attacks’ and reflects that Bruno Mars is a completely new and out there type of artist.