Front Cover Analysis Three

In this issue of Q magazine the use of a mid/over the shoulder shot is extremely effective for this image of Madonna. Although she has simplistic makeup, both the black and gold hood and the edgy biker glove create the stylish yet rocky feel, targeting a younger audience for a slightly older artist. However, she isn’t showing too much flesh and looks more reserved, meaning that she also appeals to the older readers of Q. She is looking directly into the camera with a relaxed mysterious expression on her face, making the reader think she is looking directly at them, instantly gaining their attention. However, because she is looking over her shoulder it isn’t like she is only looking into the camera at the reader, it has a sense of mystery along with her slightly sexual pout, giving the reader an insight into what she will be discussing in her interview. The image also overlaps the corner of the title, Q, implying not only that she is a more respected and well known artist but also that all of the Q doesn’t need to be seen as the magazine is also respected and well known.

The text stating the name of the artist, Madonna, is a lot bigger than the rest of the text, instantly drawing us to that specific statement, as she is the main featuring article and on the cover. Both ‘Madonna’, ‘Q’ and three other artists names are the only texts in bright red, a colour that Q magazine is renowned for, instantly grasping the reader’s attention as the most important features on the cover. Q’s usual slogan, ‘Britain’s Biggest Music Magazine’, is featured however it only states ‘Britain’s Biggest Music M’ telling us that they don’t need to say magazine as we should already know that they are the biggest music magazine in the industry.

The bold band across the bottom of the page, highlights the free things that are included in this issue, encouraging the reader to buy the magazine, as they feel that they are gaining more for free. This is again highlighted with the tag placed over the Q saying ‘196 page bumper issue’, as we automatically look straight at this, again deceiving the reader as to what extra they are getting. A circle is used, like a sticker, to inform us about the ‘50 Best British Albums’, with the background of a union jack, relating both text and image together whilst mainly sticking to Q’s colour scheme of red, white and black.

I have gained inspiration from Q’s use of the circle appearing like a sticker and would like to use this for my magazine front cover also. However I will manipulate it to relate to my issue, for instance changing it to about the BRIT awards. I also like how Madonna’s name is in a different colour and a lot bigger than the rest of the text, I think this has a great effect, drawing the reader in and taking a risk by allowing text to dominate the page. I will therefore utilise this on my music magazine front cover.