Today I analysed an issue of 'Q' magazine. I have also looked at other covers to analyse the magazine in general. The masthead of this magazine is placed at the top left of the magazine cover. This is so that it can clearly be seen on the magazine stands in shops. As the title is only one letter, the masthead does not go across the whole of the top like the majority of magazines do. However it can still be clearly seen as the red square which holds the title takes up a fairly large area on the magazine. The font colour white has been used for the masthead. This stands out well against the red and so makes it clear and easy to read. These masthead colours are used on each issue and never change. This makes the masthead more recognisable.
This image on this issue of the magazine is of Lily Allen, indicated in the main plug, and there are also two panthers with her. The photo shows her looking over her shoulder in a seductive pose wearing no top, tight pants and wedged heels. The pants and heels she is wearing are black which again give off a seductive image and match the colour of the panthers. The panthers are there to emphasise the untamed theme of the artist. The provocative image indicates that this magazine, or perhaps this issue, is targeted more at men. The main plug reading 'Lily Allen' has the first word in black and the second in white. This compliments the pattern of black and white at the top her pants. The words 'Sexy Beast' are used to describe her. This links with the panthers in the photograph and again gives off a seductive impression. Alliteration is also used in the main plug, 'wicked, wicked', to emphasise the point. The word 'wicked' has a red font which makes it stand out more against the black font of the sentence.
The other plugs on the front cover are placed at the top right of the cover. They are placed at the right of the image so that they don't take your attention away too much from the photo. The majority of the font colours in these plugs are black and white. However, the word 'exclusive' has a red font which matches the masthead. This draws attention to the word as it is something which the magazine wants you to see especially. The word 'tiger' is used in one of these plugs which again connects with the panthers in the photo. The barcode is placed at the bottom right of the magazine which shows the issue number. It also shows the price in a bold font so that it stands out.
I would say that this magazine is targeted at 16 year olds and over as it has a sophisticated look. I would also say that this magazine is aimed more at men, however, I do think it would appeal to women also. I think it very much depends on who is on the front cover of the magazine will decide who buys it and therefore there is a wide target market. I think that this magazine gives off quite a rock image with the bold red used on the masthead and plugs with each issue. Despite this, the magazine features articles for a wide range of artists of different genres such as rock, pop, soul and even rap. The issue of with Cheryl Cole on the front cover gives a rock image even though she is a pop star. This has been done with the bold lipstick and heavy eye make up which she is wearing. The pose is again very provocative and the water running down her also adds to the rock image. The issue with Cee Lo Green on the front cover again makes a pop/soul singer look more rock by dressing him in a black outfit which looks almost like a warriors outfit.
I think that this magazine will help me when designing my own as there are a few features which I am very fond of. I particularly like how clear the masthead title is as it stands out and is very easy to read. I also like how diverse the artists are which fill the content of the magazine. I like the sophisticated look of the magazine and also the fairly unisex appearance of it. I particularly like the issue shown to the right. I very much like the full body shot as I think it looks bolder and the pose really catches your attention. I may consider using a full body shot on the front cover of my magazine. I also like how only one main image is used for the front cover as I feel this makes it look more professional for this type of magazine. 
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