Analysis of Front Cover

For my front cover I have used a central, photograph image of the new band that I am promoting in my magazine. The image has been carefully planned so that the drummer (Emily Smith) and the Guitarist (Adam Thompson) are seen with their instruments. The drumstick is clearly visible to characterise her and so that the reader immediately recognises what her role in the band is and that the magazine is based on music. The instruments are in front of the models, this connotes that they put music first and are determined about what they do. For example, if they were casual artists I would have chosen for the instruments to be next to them or loosely to one side. I also decided to keep the brick background that can be seen as it shows setting and adds to the characterisation I am trying to portray. It creates a natural setting; suggesting that the picture has been taken outside their home or in a public setting.

The colour scheme was deliberately chosen as being firmly blue and white. Blue connotes the ocean- freedom, vastness and calmness. This fits in with the theme of Blues music. The colour white was chosen to suggest purity, a clean and fresh band and to show that they are new artists. I chose not to include vibrant, extravagant colours such as red and gold because, although I want to show that the band is exclusive and new (which are connotations of gold), I wanted to show that the music is still essentially Blues and not a typical Pop or Hip hop magazine.

The costumes are casual dress to support the theme of a natural environment. I believe this is comforting for the audience to see as so many bands hide behind the Rock and Roll lifestyles that they lead; I thought it was important to show the band as they are.

The facial expressions are serious and quirky. This shows that they are serious about music and also adds a sense of mystery. My aim is to intrigue the reader and for them to have an immediate liking towards the band.

I have used a conventional approach of including smaller photographs on my front page as well. This has been done in a photo-book style; I am hoping that the images look like photos or snapshots of famous artists.

I also included a barcode, price and date on my front cover to reinforce authenticity and realism.