Analysis

 

Front cover of Billboard magazine analysis:   

Masthead- With this magazine, Billboard have done an unusual approach by creating a double title to emphasise that its a special edition, hence 'Women in music' which conveys that the masthead/cover-line as the main title. 

As per, the central image covers the masthead due to the fact that the fellow target market can already tell what magazine this is, even though half of the letters are not visible. If a music magazine that was rather knew in the industry had a masthead that was put behind the image, then it would not be a good idea because no one would be able too tell what it is. 

Background-  Due to the feminine appeal, the baby- pink background connotes an elegant and feminine feel too the magazine, conveying that it is possibly aimed and about women. Also, the pink connotes an innocent and quite stereotypical appeal towards women and that all women are related too a cue, simple coloured pick too show their innocence.  

Coverlines- Within this magazine cover, the main cover line states who the main image is and why they are there. It gives the reader an in-site as too what the topic inside is going to be about. 'Woman of the year' shows that Katy Perry has been influential and is being given a metaphorical award, which can also make women feel good about themselves because of what a women is being awarded for being themselves.  

The other two cover lines incorporate a pale blue colour on other words in order too make certain parts stand out more too the target audience. The mixture of the blue and pink also keeps the 'cute and innocent' feel too the magazine by using simple, pastel colours. 

Main image- The main, cetal image of Katy Pery fully connotes the subject matter of what te contents of the magazine and what it is going too intail. She is seen in her midshot as being a sort of stereotypical 'prim and proper' woman by having a perfect, simple, slicked pony tail, and baby-pink lips. The lipstick colou matches the backgroud and the blue eye-shadow matches the random, chosen words in a blue coloured font. The way in which she is presented is simple yet effefctive because instead of a very busy image on the front cover, she is seen as pretty too the audieneces eye and sophisticated, which stil entices the reader too read the headlines, masthead and strap lines too find out more. Because she is presented as a sophisticated woman, this also foreshadows what the content of the magazines going too be abput due too the colour pallet (women)

Dateline- The dateline is underneath masthead on the right indicating the issue date of the magazine.   

 

Contents page:

With this double page spread, the word 'contents' is displayed uniquley by the lettering being spaced out underneath eachother and in an interesting and different manor which draws the readers attention too the page itsself. It makes them want too ead on due too their attention being drawn too the headline.

The colour pallet chosen for the background of this page could be seen as a monotone and dul set, yet the black, white and grey coloours connote a sophisticated yet simple pallet choice which emphasises the light on te main image- drawing attention too her. Also, due too the black, grey and white background, the main images bared skin stands out more too the reader due too the way in which the light is captured on her tanned skin which also contrasts against the grey.

The main image appears provocutive, sexual and can be seen through the theory of the male gaze towards the reader. By laying on her back and fully extending her bare legs in heels creates a seductive image, yet the simplicity of it also reflects on the simple layout and design of the magazine itself due too the plain, white clothing that she's wearing. Due too the way that her legs follow up the side of the contents information seperates her fom the information and draws the reader eyes along her legs which then lead too the contents itself. This is used as a way too indicate and draw the readers atention too the contents in order too aim too make them read on.The way in which she is looking directly at the reader can also be seen as inviting them too read on.

The font is easy and simple too read and informs the reader what is within the contents of the magazine. The cross-head of each section indicates too the reader what each section is about; making it easier too understand. The typography of the cross-heads are in bold in order too show the contrast between the subheading and the information.

In the bottom left and right hand corner is the page number and small printed information on the magazine which has been typed in a bold typography in order too make the smaller font stand out because it is still important and is the last thing the reader would see and they still want them too read it

Double page spread: 

On this double page spread, the use of the masthead indicates the word 'ink' and the font plays on that word by using typography that drips down like ink. This creates a unique and interesting font idea for the reader. It is placed in the centre of the first page above the story/content , therefore it indicates too the reader as too where the information is. 

On the recto, a large main image of the artist the story is based on not only fills the right-hand side but due too the wide shot, the background of the image fills both pages- allowing the audience too fully see her surroundings. Also, the use of her filling the whole recto creates a centre of visual interest for the audience and draw their attention too the subject matter of the copy.

The use of the grey, black and white colour pallet connotes a retro, monochrome look too it which gives it a more modern appeal too it. The use of the black and white image also highlights Whinehouse due too the white emphasising certain parts of her.

In the bottom left and right hand corner on each page is the page numbers followed the name of the columnist/magazine (computer arts), which has a bold typography which makes it stand out more compared too the italic font next too it.

With this 'Q' music magazine cover, the masthead of the piece is in the signature colour of  red an white.The large, bold and bright masthead/title (Q) is placed in the first place that the eyes see when they are skim-reading something. This draws the readers attention too the magazine and make them want too read it.  

Also, the dateline, issue number and price is shown underneath the masthead in a block white colour in order too make it stand out against the black background. 

The colour theme of red and white continues though out the magazine in order too make the company name stand out more and connote a theme of passion and power.

The cover lines still follow the theme of red and white as well which makes the whole magazine appear sophisticated and more outstanding as well. 

The main image of the magazine over the whole cover, conveying that the artist presented is the central focus. The use of the red lipstick with a sexual/invitational entices and engages the reader too look at the aesthetic appeal that it carries. The use of the tongue sticking out slightly and licking the tip of her pointed ring connotes a very provoctuative and sexual feel too it, teasing the audience. 

The use if the rain drops throughout the whole cover makes it appear more realistic and fully portrays the surroundings and theme, by showing that Cheryl Cole is in the 'rain' through the use of the wet hair and then the continuing rain over the whole cover. 

The background of the cover is mainly black in order too make the red, white and grey backgrounded cover lines stand out more. The use of the black background also connotes a sophisticated and modern feel too it by the use of a simp colour pallet making it appear more modern.