Music Magazine Analysis: Front Cover #5

Front Page Analysis #5

This front cover from XXL uses elements of violence and drugs which makes it stand out effectively. The colour scheme alone with most of it being red, relates to blood and violence. Even the use of the language on the page such as ‘Smoke’, and ‘Destruction’ portray rebellious and lawless behavior to potential readers. It gives them indications of what the music is about that is contained in this magazine and interests them to pick it up and take a look.

Although the elements of violence and aggression isn’t something that I intend to use or base my magazine on, the colours and language I decide to use is definitely something I will have to consider carefully in order for my magazine to stand out.

The featured artist on the cover, The Game, also displays violence by the way he is positioned using his fingers in the form of guns. This alongside the reader being able to see his tattoos shows a conventional image that someone would relate to the genre of music; I think it is bold and striking that someone would definitely feel influenced to pick up the magazine. In addition, the way he is making stern eye contact with the camera, showing a serious and even aggressive expression is something that will make a connection and  attract the attention of potential readers.

When taking my images I’ll ensure to look into certain poses that will allow my artist to dominate the page in order for my magazine to really grab someone’s attention. I intend for my model to look straight into the camera in order for a connection to be made with the reader, influencing them to pick up the magazine.

The image of The Game is also slightly covering the title of the magazine, this alongside the way all the text is  arranged around him makes him really dominate the page and stand out. I like the way he is covering some text and some text is covering him as it gives depth to the cover and makes it look more professional overall.

I would definitely like to utilize the idea of creating depth on the page by positioning the text behind and above the featured artist. I think it makes the page look a lot more interesting rather than having everything on one level.

The conventional features of barcode and price are also present on this cover of XXL, which have been specifically positioned so that it doesn’t mask the image or any important text.

I will definitely make use of the barcode and price, I also intend on introducing other media’s that readers can look into; including a twitter address as well as a website.