Analysis of magazine cover

3) Q Magazine


At first glance, the cover of ‘Q’ magazine looks a little cluttered, but not in a bad way, more like its jam packed with content. The cover is very ‘busy’ and your eye is first drawn to the title of the magazine ‘Q’. The magazines logo is very large and the white font stands out against the red background of the logo, with the red catching the audience’s eye first and drawing them in to that corner.

The main image used is a photograph of the female singer Madonna, the photo is a head shot and Madonna isn’t facing the camera, she’s turning towards it. She’s also dressed in a hood and is peering behind it; this makes it look quite secretive and gives her a look of attitude.

The audience’s eye is drawn to the main heading of the cover which is ‘Madonna’ Its bright red colour.

The background of the cover is black, this makes the white writing stand out. Also the black background contrasts with the light blonde of Madonna’s hair.

There is an issue number at the top and a bar code. I am going to use these features in my music magazine to make mine look more realistic.

On the left of the cover there is a list of celebrities/bands/singers and comedians. It says that they all interview Madonna. This is an excellent way of advertising the magazine to the audience as it ‘name drops’ such a wide range of celebrity’s that it will attract the audience into buying the magazine. I think I might also use this in my magazine.

Also the promise of a free ’70 page special women in music’ also will attract readers because everyone likes something for nothing.

Overall I think I would be tempted to buy this magazine due to the celebrity’s mentioned, I think this is an excellent way of getting readers and I may include this in my design.