Q magazine - Analysis of front cover
Frequency - Monthly
Price - £3.90
Publisher - Bauer Media Group
Sales figures (ABC) - july to december 2008; 103,017
Colours - Q magazine displays 4 colours on the front cover, black, white, red and grey. The colours aren't particularly bright and so it creates a grungy yet sophisticated cover.
Masthead - the title, Q takes up roughly a sixth of the page. The white Q layered on the red means it really stands out and the block colour makes it clear.
Text - some of the text is displayed in coloured boxes making it stand out. Lower case and capital letters are both used. Capital letters are used for the names of bands and for headings and sub-headings.
Image - the image on the cover covers the whole page and the text and titles are then layered over the top. The image of Cheryl Cole is central and so our eyes focus straight at her face and then read the text on either side of the image. The image of Cheryl itself shows her looking edgy and fierce, I can see this as she is touching her tongue on a spike and wearing dark, heavy eye make-up. This connotes to the audience that she is showing a rather rock chic side and makes us want to look inside and read more.
Sex appeal - this image of Cheryl Cole connotes sex. She is displaying her tongue in a sexual way and therefore this would attract male fans of the magazine and make them want to see more.
I have really enjoyed looking at this magazine front cover. The overall effect is really professional and high end. The magazine features a variety of big stars and therefore attracts a wide audience.
A sound analysis. Funny that a rock magazine should be so conventional in adhering to the generic conventions. The use of colour is important isn't it? Red connotes passion, sex and danger - Cheryl Cole certain wants to be seen in a new light! The parted lips and tongue are very sexual as is the direct gaze. Can you do some research into the ABC for Q and also find out how they define their target audience? This will relate to the picture. I would presume the target readership is male...
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