Magazine Cover Analysis

Cover 1

 

The masthead at the top is bold and stands out to the reader – it is in the same font and size as the other issues of the magazine which makes it recognisable to its audience. The colour scheme consists of around 3 colours, which keeps it simple and perhaps more stylish for the younger audience they are targeting. There are only 2 or 3 fonts and 4 font sizes which again keeps it stylish and simple. There is just one image of Raheem Sterling (a mid-shot of the upper body and head) and no supporting ones which suggests they want our attention solely on the middle of the page. In terms of cover lines, there appears to be just one which again keeps the design simple for the audience to look at. There is no barcode or price as it is an insert from the Sunday Times, which could imply they are looking to target a different audience; however the dateline is small and just below the masthead. In terms of layout, the cover is dominated by the main image and little cover lines overlap this. 

Cover 2

When looking at the masthead, we see that it is in part covered by the main image, which suggests the magazine is well known and already recognised by its audience, so the title of the mag does not need to be fully displayed. The colour scheme consists of green, whites and black, which give quite an organic feel. Keeping it to just 3 colours also simplifies the cover for the audience making it easy on the eye. There seems to be around 3 or 4 font sizes and 2 fonts which again aims to not make it overwhelming for the audience. There is just one image, which appears to be a mid to low shot of Sabrina Carpenter and it takes up the majority of the cover, which focuses our attention on the main cover star. The main cover line reads “The Summer of Sabrina Carpenter” and doesn’t immediately stand out against the rest of the cover lines because they are all relatively in the same font size, yet the name is in green which is what sets it apart. The other cover lines are either side of the main image and overlap at times. There is no selling line but the dateline is traditionally below the masthead in a small font. In terms of layout and the rule of 3rds, it is quite traditional, with the masthead taking up the top quarter of the cover, and the cover lines not overlapping the main image. 

Cover 3

When looking at the masthead, we see that it isn’t right at the very top of the cover, and there is a cover line just above it, which suggests it slightly diverts from conventions. The masthead itself is bold and clear, but the middle of it is covered by the main image, which suggests this is a well-known, established magazine. The colour scheme is comprised of 4 colours which create this theme around the England football team. There are 2 or 3 fonts and around 4 or 5 font sizes which gives a lot for the reader to look at. The main image is of Thomas Tuchel and takes up just over 2/3 of the page. There is one supporting image of Andres Iniesta in the top right-hand corner which is in relation to the cover line right at the very top, which goes against common conventions. The main cover line reads “This is Engerland” and is a pun on the nationality of the men's coach, which appeals to the target audience. Use of colour is used here to highlight “GER” for the audience. Most cover lines are around either side of the main image, which is conventional, however there is one at the top which I have already mentioned. The dateline, selling line and barcode are in the bottom right of the cover, which fits conventions.