FRONT COVER ANALYSISHOW I COMPLETED MY MAGAZINE FRONT COVER

1…

Firstly, I added the main and only image for my front cover. I set it to the size I wanted; using a very large image allows the focus to be on the models and give a representation of what genre my magazine is. I left a small space above and below the image as I am incorporating colour later on in my production; I used this image as the female model has a strong focus and bold features. This attracts the audience and appeals to

both male and females (the beauty myth allows females to be attracted to this image).

2…

I then added three, block colour banners to my magazine. I used two, one thick and one thin, at the top of the image and a thin banner at the bottom of the image. The different thickness’ create a contrast. I used orange for one banner as this creates a house colour for my magazine and adds a ‘pop’ of colour; this has connotations of happiness and fierceness. I also used black, this colour has connotations of power and rock and creates a colour

scheme for my magazine. I used banners as they create a unique look.

3…

I included a quotation at the bottom of my magazine, I used an edgy font as it represents the rock genre and will be used in my contents page. This creates a house brand for my magazine. I used an orange colour as it remains

the colour scheme and adds brightness to the front cover, it also stands out against the image. I included who the quotation was said by underneath the actual quote, I used a white colour as it has connotations of perfection and ‘new beginnings’. It contrasts with the orange used above. I used a simple font as it makes the text easy to

read, as well as not drawing attention away from the quotation.

4…

I then added the main storyline headlines on either side of my magazine, I used two different fonts as it creates an exciting theme for my front cover and represents the two different bands. I used the same font for “Royal Blood” as I used for the quotation, this remains a house brand for my magazine and keeps the page organised. I included a new

font for “Two”; this font is slightly grunge and has a faded effect. I used orange and white as it keeps my colour scheme occurring and allows the front cover to look more professional. I used a large font size as this allows the text to be easily seen, it represents the title for the storylines and creates a bold impression. I used a column structure as it

allows the page to be kept organised and makes it easier for the audience to read.

5…

I incorporated three, white rectangles below my main storyline. I used this effect as it allows text to be visible against the dark background image and creates a unique, punk effect. I used white as it remains with my colour scheme and is

vibrant against the image; I used different sizes for the rectangles as they will have a different amount of text. I used the same column structure as it keeps the text in an orderly pattern and allows it to be read easier .

6…

I then included the text for both of my storylines, I used the same font as this remains a theme for my front cover and allows the page to look more organised. I used a black, small font for the “Two” text as it

stands out against the white text background and does not take the emphasis away from the actual storyline. I used a larger, orange text for the “Royal Blood” storyline as this adds a vibrancy to this column

of text. The text is also bigger as it is another quotation and is a key part to this storyline.

7…

I included a small Leeds Festival logo, underneath the storyline for “Royal Blood”; I remained a column structure to keep the page organised. I used a small image size as it does not take emphasis away from the main storylines however is still

noticeable to the reader. I included a small description of what and why the logo was there underneath the image; I used a small, simple font. This font has been used previously on my front cover, creating a house brand, this makes it

easy to read and does no put emphasis on the text. I used white as it remains my colour scheme and allows the text to be visible against the dark background image.

8…

I included a smaller storyline, using the same font I used for the storyline “Two”. By using a white font, I was able to add a glowing effect and create a mysterious, punk look to my front cover. I used an orange outer glow against the white text, these colours contrast each other and remain the colour scheme for my magazine. I used a column structure as it allows the text to be read easier and keeps the page looking organised, it also makes the page appear more professional. I used

a smaller font as this is not one of my main storylines.

9…

I then added a small piece of text to explain what the storyline was about, I used an orange font as it creates a colour scheme for my magazine and allows the text to stand out against the background. I used a small font size as it does not draw attention away from the storyline and does not make the page seem cluttered and unorganised, I also used the

same font that I previously used on my front cover. The simple font allows the text to be read easily and creates a house brand for my magazine.

10…

I included the title of my magazine, I put this behind the main image as this is a typical magazine convention and does not cover the models’ faces. I used a different font as opposed to the fonts previously used on my front cover, this emphasises the title and creates a unique look for my magazine. The font I used has a grunge, quirky effect and

reflects the genre and personality of my magazine. I used a very large font therefore it can be easily seen and recognised by the audience, I also used an orange colour as it links to my colour scheme and allows the title to be

visible against the dark background colour.

11…

I finally added the legal requirements to my magazine front cover. I included the barcode, price, date and issue number at the top right corner of the top banner. I used a small size for the text and the barcode image so that they do not draw

emphasis away from the main front cover however are still visible to the reader. I used a white colour for the text as it allows it to be seen against the black background and remains my colour scheme.