Magazine cover research

By: Annamaria Noto

Magazine 1 The mast head is placed at the top of the magazine, in large bold font. This makes it eye –catching and easily recognisable to the target audience.

The gaze is direct address as he is looking towards the camera – as though looking at the person buying the magazine.

The central image is a mid shot of Tom Felton so the audience know who the magazine mainly features.

The slogan gives the reader an insight into the magazine content.

The colour panel uses minimal colours – mainly black and white with some blue.

The straplines are used to show what other topics are covered within the magazine.

The magazine layout follows a simplistic format as it is not overcrowded with info and doesn’t use many colours.

Magazine 2 The mast head is in red which contrasts with the darker background, making it stand out.

The slogan ‘the dark knight returns…’ gives the reader a hint as to which other films feature in the magazine.

The strapline ‘Inception’ establishes the film the is the main focus of the magazine. It is emphasised through the use of red – matches the colour of the mast head and is in capital letters.

The central image of Leonardo DiCaprio is a mid shot, and explains that he is the main character in the film of focus (‘Inception’). This may appeal to a mass audience as he is a well-known actor.

Magazine 3

Taglines gives the reader an insight into what other articles the magazine consists of.

Colour pallet: mainly pale colours are used – for the background and the outfit, so the black text creates a contrast – more eye-catching.

Central image of Emma Watson is establishes that the main article in the magazine centres around her.

Direct address and mid shot gives the audience the impression of being looked at, making them want to buy the magazine.

Mast head takes up a large section of the front cover so that the those buying it can easily see it and recognise it.

Magazine 4The red mast head contrasts with the blue background, which is effective as it is eye-catching.

The straplines being either black or white contrast with the background.

The colour panel matches the colours of the clothes she is wearing, making it more appealing to the buyer.

Central image – mid shot so that the reader can see the outfit – as the magazine is on fashion.

Magazine 5

A barcode is provided in the corner of the cover.

The central image is a mid shot of Miley Cyrus so the reader knows who is the main person to feature in the magazine.

The main cover line ‘Miley Cyrus’ accompanies the central image, and is almost as large in font as mast head.

Straplines are relatively small as they are not the main topic in question.

The mast head is clear, but doesn’t stand out too much.

Direct address – as though looking at the buyer – makes it seem more intimate – encourages the reader to buy the magazine.