Overview

All of the images above are issues from the We Love Pop Magazine. This means that they are all designed to attract fans of pop music. Through my research into these front covers, it is clear to see the similarities between them, but also any differences they might have.

This magazine follows music magazine conventions in many ways. Every magazine has a clear main sell line that stands out and grabs attention. For example, “MERRY X-MURS”. They are in big, display fonts, and the colours used stand out. Also, all the main sell lines have small pieces of sub information that give a little more information on the article to make the audience excited to read it. Another convention they have followed is that the masthead is very attention grabbing, and is similar in each issue. There are small variations in the masthead within the issues, for example, the One Direction front cover features a Union Jack heart in the masthead, while the Olly Murs front cover features a silver glittery heart to reflect that issue’s Christmas theme.

There are also other similarities in the front covers. Each magazine features a colour scheme that is professional, interesting, and a reflection of their target audience. An example of some of these colours are: pink, purple, blue and yellow. This would reflect the fun, upbeat attitude of the magazine’s target audience.

The magazine also includes many feature article photographs on the cover. These are usually in the form of posters. When the audience sees the photos, they will be excited to see their favourite celebrities and will buy the magazine. Nearly all of the front covers contain puffs. These are brightly coloured, and will catch the audience’s attention. They often contain interesting information about prizes that can be won, or celebrities that will be featured inside. Another similarity is that all of the front covers (except the Cher Lloyd one) include information on fashion, with small pictures of clothes that will be featured inside. This will attract the audience’s attention as teenagers are often interested in fashion, and they will want to read the magazine to find out more about the latest trends.

The main image is always of a celebrity. This way, the magazine ensures that they will always draw in their audience because they will see the image of the celebrity and will want to read the magazine to find out more about what is being said about them. There is a mixture of girls, boys and groups which shows that the magazine is versatile. The costumes the celebrities wear share similar mise en scene elements. They are wearing brightly colored clothing, with vivid patterns. They sometimes wear shorts like (Jessie J) to show their youth and playfulness.

The layout of these front covers follow conventions too. The fashion section is placed in a corner, and the main artist fills the frame. The pug is always placed in the bottom right hand corner, apart from one front cover where it is in the top right corner. This may be because it would have obscured the image if it was placed at the bottom. However, it is still quite inconspicuous and doesn’t draw attention away from the more interesting parts of the front cover.

After carrying out this overview, it is clear to see that We Love Pop has its own brand identity and style which it maintains, creating a symbiotic link. This helps the magazine to succeed by making sure they always appeal to their target audience, therefore creating a loyal band of readers who are likely to subscribe to get each issue.