Magazine Cover Analysis

Main Image - The main image is of the protagonist within the film Captain America. He is the main image as the actor is a key associate with the film which the target audience will recognise. He has been positioned within the centre column within the rule of thirds, in order for him to be the main focus of the magazine, as well as making the main image go across the masthead of the magazine so he is the focus. The shot is a long shot to catch the serious pose and to gain full access to the mise en scene, especially his costume as this gives away the genre of the film and also shows how his costume creates synergy with the background as well as the masthead. The look on characters face is a serious pose which shows that he is ready for action, thus relating to the genre of the film. There is also direct address which makes the reader feel he is looking directly at them, therefore engaging the reader into the magazine. There is also a shadow behind the main image, which therefore enables the main character to jump off of the front cover which will catch the eye off the target audience. Pug - There is use of a pug on the front cover to give the impression that a sticker has been stuck onto the magazine which draws in the reader. It has been done in a bright yellow colour to comply with the colour scheme as well as to catch the eye of the reader and draw them in. There is also a blue inner ring to match the writing within the pug as well as match the colour scheme. The text within the pug meet Marvels first avenger gives reader clues to the new franchise of The Avengers which will intrigue the audience which will make them want to read on. The pug has been carefully placed to the side of the magazine as to not take attention away from other features on the front cover. Main Cover Line - is written across the main image to catch the eye of the reader. It has been written in a white, bold sans serif font to appeal to target audience of young adults as well as to catch the eye of the reader. The main cover line reads Captain America which is the title of the movie which the audience will be able to make the connection and know what the main feature of the magazine is. The white font complies with the colour scheme as well as it being a bright bold colour that stands out against the main image. The main cover line of how summers biggest super hero went to war also relates with the overall mise en scene of action and war. The main cover line has also been set out fully justified to connote the conformity within the army and war which relates to the action genre.

Background the background of the magazine cover is the American flag. This has been used as it is a bright and eyecatching flag which will draw in the attention of the target audience of the magazine. The American flag has also been chosen as it creates synergy with the whole of the magazine cover as the main cover line is Captain America. There is also bullet holes and dirt on the American flag to show a war atmosphere, therefore giving the reader an indication as to the genre of the film which is action, and to also indicate what the film could be about.

Masthead -It has been written in a bright white sans serif font across the top of the magazine cover This font has been chosen as to not give off a formal impression, therefore appealing to the magazines target audience of teens to young adults. The font is also quite strong to show the dominance and importance of the masthead. The colour has been chosen as it stands out against the background therefore attracting the target audience. The mast head Empire also connotes a meaning of power and could also suggest that this magazine will dominate and have power over other magazines of the film genre, to show its target audience that this is the best magazine. Above the masthead is the selling line magazine of the year. This selling line again suggests to the target audience that this magazine is the best magazine to purchase as opposed to other rival magazines with emotive language used such as of the year. This selling line is also written in a sans serif font to fit with the overall style of the magazine. It is also written in a white colour with a slight drop shadow in order for the selling line to stand out against the background. In between the masthead and selling line is the issue number and price which has been positioned carefully to follow the shape of the m as to produce a professional look to the magazine cover. The price has also been written in a smaller font as it is not the magazines main selling point whereas other magazines may advertise this through pugs.

Cover Line - Along the right hand side of the front cover are cover lines which state what other content is in the magazine. The use of the word plus written in a serif font has been used to stand out on the cover as it does not comply with the font used on the rest of the front cover. The word plus also suggests a lot of content within the magazine, persuading the reader to purchase the magazine. The colour yellow has also been used as it complies with the colour scheme as well as having a bright eye-catching colour scheme. Barcode -The magazine company has Footer - has been placed on a white background so it stands out across chosen to put the bar code in the bottom the background of the front cover. The text has been written in a bold right hand corner. This has been done as sans serif font so it fits in with the synergy of the font used throughout space efficiently possible due to the fact bar the front cover. The colour of the text also alternates between silver and codes have to be present on the front cover. black which therefore highlights key emotive diction such as the word The choice to have the bar code in the inside. There is also a sub image inserted of sci-fi to accentuate the bottom right enables more room for other text. Above the footer is the word and which has been written in an cover lines, and does not distract the reader italic serif font the same used on the cover lines to create synergy. The from the content of the magazine as this is use of the word and also makes the reader believe that the magazine is the last thing they will see. good value for money as it contains a lot of content.

Main Image The main image is of the protagonist of the Selling Line- The selling line has been placed above the masthead (just like Empire) and has been written in a bold upper case sans serif font. This has been film stated in the main cover line. He has been place within chosen as to comply with the overall font scheme chosen, as well as choosing a the central column within the rule of thirds as to be the main font that appeals to the target audience as it is bold, catches the eye and is not focus of the front cover. The image has been shot using a long formal. The selling line has been written in the colour red. This is because it is a shot as to gain the whole mise en scene and attitude of the character through their body language and costume. The bold striking colour against the darker blue colours used throughout the costume chose is of a suit which suggests that the character is magazine in order to catch the eye of the reader.The language used of mindblowing has been chosen as it links to the genre of the film, as well as it being an of a high status. It could also suggest the action genre as the emotive word that engages the readers attention making them want to read on. character is also carrying a gun. The long shot chosen also shows his body language which is slightly angled to one side as well as his eyes looking off screen as opposed to the direct address usually used. This connotes that the protagonist is looking or hunting for someone. This will create interest within the reader as they would want to know what he was looking for therefore persuading them to buy the magazine. The lighting used on this main image has been used effectively as the light only lights up half of his face casting a shadow on the other half. This could connote mystery and darkness, adding to the thriller/action genre. It may also connote how the protagonist may have a dark secret inside himself as well. Background the overall colour scheme is dark blues and navy colours to give off a sense of coldness. The colour blue also connotes a masculine colour which fits with the target audience of young male adults making the magazine more Pug-has been placed to the left hand side of the main image appealing to them. The background also changes halfway as to not cover up any other features of the magazine cover. down the cover. It starts with an aerial shot of the buildings to The purpose of the pug is for it to look like a sticker that has follow the synergy with the mast head. This then changes to a been stuck on at the last minute of production in order to foggy street view with use of trees and tall buildings fading catch the eye of the audience. The pug has been edited with into the background. This has been done as to create a two tonal shades of black and silver. This creates a 3D metal confusing background which follows the confusing nature of look that fits with the colour scheme as well as allowing the the film fitting in with the mise en scene. The use of buildings text to jump off of the page. The metal 3D effect as it fits could relate with the main image as it could connote how the with the gender of the target audience. The font colour protagonist is searching through the city for someone. The fog chosen is red and black as this complies with the colour used in the background also helps make the main image stand scheme. The colour red is also a striking bold colour as well out of the cover as the two colours contrast each other. as red being an accent colour to stimulate people to make Cover lines-have all been placed in effective places with slight quick decisions; it is a perfect colour for 'Buy Now. design changes to them all so they are all unique yet still have a professional overall look to the cover. The main set of cover Main Cover line stretches across the front cover lines have been placed in a clever space efficient place on the reading Inception. This has been chosen as this is the main image. This has been done as to not take away the mise en name of the film which is the main feature of the scene created within the background but to also make the cover magazine which is typical of a film magazine cover. The lines stand out against the dark shadowed image. The cover font is a large sans serif font to appeal to the target lines have been separated with white lines with the words plus audience as it gives an informal and friendly feel to the and and between them. This has been done as to add structure magazine cover. The font is also large and bold in size to and professionalism to the cover as well as giving the catch the eye of the reader. Also the colour chosen impression that there is more content within the magazine matched the background on the pug in order to create making the audience believe the magazine is good value for synergy. This effect also relates to the main image as the money. The font used is a bold sans serif font in order for an use of darker shades of black used within the main cover Barcode - has been placed in the bottom right hand informal feel to the magazine to line links to the use of shadows on the main image to corner as to make sure it is in the most space efficient attract the target audience. The colours used of red and white also comply with the colour create a full synergy relationship. The subheading has place as to not take room from the other important scheme as well as striking colours that stand out and catch the eye of the target audience. been placed underneath stretching across the width of features of the magazine. The barcode has also been There are other cover lines placed around the edge of the cover as to not distract attention the cover. The same sans serif font has been used to placed here as this is the last thing the reader will see from the main cover line. The language used such as rhetorical questions and first looks create a friendly feel. The colour white has been chosen and will have hopefully been persuaded to purchase makes the reader feel involved in the magazine as well as being intrigued by the cover lines, as it is a bold colour. The language chosen such as the magazine before seeing it. Also next to the barcode making them want to read on. Some cover lines have also been decorates with a red plus to ultimate is powerful and makes the reader want to is the publishers logo. This has been placed here in make the magazine seem like it has lots of content within making the magazine good value purchase the magazine. order for the publisher to gain recognition. Masthead The masthead has been written in a bold sans serif font, with the word total inside the letter F on film. This has been done as to draw the audiences attention to the word film as it informs them what the focus of the magazine is. Also the sans serif font has been chosen as to create a less formal image to the magazine which will appeal to the target audience of young adults. The masthead has also been edited to look like the tops of building that jump off of the cover to create a 3D look to the masthead. This has been done so the masthead catches the eye of the target market group and draws them into the magazine. It has also been done to fit within the mise en scene as it creates a sense of confusion in what the film is about. Underneath in a small white sans serif font is the issue number as well as price and on the opposite side is the website address. This has been placed here as to take up minimal space for the rest of the features. Also the price is not the main selling point of the magazine which is why it has been placed in a small font as opposed to rival magazines who often advertise their cheap price through use of a pug. Also the price has been written in a smaller font as it may not be suitable price for the socio economics of the target audience which are young adults.

Cover line the cover lines have been placed around the main image as to not take away the focus from the main image. The font used is a large sans serif font which varies in size, boldness and colour. The sans serif font appeals to the younger target audience as it creates a friendly feel to the magazine cover. The colours used of black white and pink comply with the colour scheme. The colours are also bold and striking to make the cover lines stand out. However the pink writing clashes with the peach costume used on the main model which makes it slightly harder to read, although these clashing colours may have been chosen as the magazine may be showing off a fashion statement of clashing colours as this is a fashion magazine. The colour pink has been used as well to appeal to the target audience of girls as this is a stereotypical colour associated with the female gender. Main Cover Line the main cover line has been written in a bold serif italic font that is at the bottom of the magazine covers unlike the film magazine covers who placed the cover line in the middle centre . This font has been chosen as it stands out from the font chosen throughout to show the audience that this is the main cover line. The serif italic font also creates a sophisticated look to the magazine, showing how the target audience is more mature. Also the italics adds a feminine touch relating to the target audience. Underneath are the words opulent, glamorous, exotic. These three words follow the rule of three a persuasive technique to persuade the audience to buy the magazine. The selected words are quite powerful and suggest a luxurious lifestyle. The words are also quite extravagant words as opposed to the chatty language typically used on magazine covers. This has been done to appeal to the more mature target audience.

Masthead the masthead has been written in a large serif font that stretches across the width of the front cover. The serif font has been chosen to appeal to the mature target audience. The colour pink has also been chosen as to comply with the colour scheme as well as being relatable to the target audience of females. Also the masthead is missing one of the letters. This is because the magazine Vogue is such a well known brand name the magazine company do not need to advertise the brand name, therefore allowing the audience to gain the whole visual impact of the main image. Next to the masthead is the month and price. This has been written in a serif font as to match the masthead, but in a very tiny font. This smaller font has been chosen as the price is not the magazine companys main selling feature as their price may be more expensive than other rival magazines. Main Image The main image has been placed within the central column of the rule of thirds as she is the main focus. The pose she is pulling follows Laura Mulveys male gaze theory as it is quite a flirty pose. The outfit chosen as well fits with the colour scheme. Also the flowers on the outfit fits with the spring feel of the magazine, relating to the main cover line of new beginnings. However the main image of Kate Moss does not relate to the main cover line but instead to another cover line. This is unusual but has been done as to give the reader the impression that there is a lot of exciting content within the magazine. Barcode has been placed within the bottom right hand corner of the magazine cover as this is the most space efficient place for it as to not take away any detail from other features of the magazine which are the selling points of the magazine.

Masthead The masthead has been printed onto a black boxed background as to make the masthead stand out on the magazine front cover. The font used is a serif font to connote a sophisticated feel to the magazine, appealing to an older audience. It could also show that the magazine contains truthful knowledge within the magazine, hence the sophisticated font. The striking contrast between black and white used allows the masthead to stand out even more to catch the eye of the audience. Above the masthead is the issue number and below the website address. This is a common feature of a magazine cover to keep the reader updated. This has also been written in a serif font to comply with the masthead. Main Cover Line is of the actresses name. This is again unusual for film magazines which typically use the title of the film as their main cover line, which makes this magazine unique. The font used is a large sans serif font to appeal to the target audience. The colour white has been chosen as it is a bold colour that stands out against the background and the colour white has also been considered to be the colour of perfection, making the reader feel that this is the perfect magazine for them. The surname of the actress is in a larger font as her surname is more well known in France, therefore the target audience will immediately know who the actress is, and will buy the magazine. Also by not having the films title will also suggest a more mature and knowledgeable sophisticated audience that know more about the people involved within the film genre. Cover Lines there is only one cover line which is unusual for a magazine cover. This has been done to comply with the overall simplistic nature of this magazine cover. The font chosen is a sans serif font to appeal to the younger audience. The colour purple has been chosen as well as it stands out against the background. Purple also connotes wealth and extravagance, appealing to the mature target audience of this magazine.. The colour purple also is regarded as a feminine colour, which will appeal the female target audience of this magazine.

Background-the background is of dark brown to match the sepia tone of the magazine cover. The background also has a crushed look effect or markings of the wall. This creates a simplistic look to the magazine as well as creating a dated look to fit with the mise en scene of the magazine. The simplistic look of the magazine is not typical of a film magazine cover. Usually magazine covers will have as main features as they can in order to make their magazine stand out on the shelf and persuade the target audience to buy the magazine. This simplistic look makes this magazine cover more unique. Main Image the main image has been placed towards the right hand side of the rule of thirds. The main model is also looking away from the cover as opposed to the direct address typically used for magazine covers. This has been done to connote a mysterious and day dream feel to the front cover of the magazine, as it makes the reader wonder what she is looking at therefore intriguing the audience and persuading them to purchase the magazine to find out. The windswept hair and simplistic costume chosen as part of the mise en scene to add to that dreamlike feel. Also the overall colour is of a sepia tone to connote an olden film suggesting the time period of the film, as well as creating a nostalgic feel as it looks like the model is daydreaming of the past hence the old sepia colours. Barcode -The magazine company has chosen to put the bar code in the bottom right hand corner. This has been done as space efficiently possible due to the fact bar codes have to be present on the front cover. The choice to have the bar code in the bottom right enables more room for other cover lines, and does not distract the reader from the content of the magazine as this is the last thing they will see. The price has also been placed just above the barcode as to not advertise the price as rival magazines may be cheaper. Also the price is not the magazine companys main selling point therefore will not advertise it. Also the price has not been advertised in such a manner like a pug as this would not fit with the overall simplistic style of the magazine cover.

Comparisons
Through analysing these different magazine covers there are clear differences between them in order to suit the genre of the magazine whether that be film or fashion. The purpose of the magazine cover is to gain the readers interest for them to purchase the magazine, whether that be through entertainment reasons or for information reasons which links to the Uses and Gratification Theory, Blulmer and Katz 1974. I have found that film magazines typically aim their product at the male gender, therefore use dark colours such as blue to appeal to the demographics of the reader, as opposed to fashion magazines which aim at the female audience therefore creating a stereotypical representation of each gender. Each semantic and synatic elements used within the front covers show what genre the cover is such as the language used (e.g. list of film titles) shows what genre the film cover links to.