Magazine cover analysis

Magazine cover analysis

The magazine i have chosen to analyse is one of the most popular dance magazines 'MixMag'. The front cover of this mixmag issue is very colourful with a mix of dark and light colours attracting you instantly. Its main image is of a young man having a good time, this relates to the audience which would be young adults and teenagers. The font and colour is funky and inconsistent so it avoids boring the audience.

It is clever how the house style is designed since there seems to be a lot going on but looking closely it infact does not overlap or clash.

Analysing and reading this cover has helped me with my research towards creating my own magazine front cover. I like the idea of promoting they have by giving out a free CD and the main image being a young person having fun.

Magazine terminology

Magazine Terminology

Masthead: The title of the magazine or newspaper. It is usually placed at the top of the front cover for display purposes.

Frequency:  (advertising) is the number of times the target market is reached.

Puff: Words or phrases on the cover of a magazine used to boost status.

Strap-line: Phrase that is recognisable to a brand.

Anchorage text: The way in which text helps to pin down the meaning of a picture and vice versa.

Sell lines: Things that help sell and promote the magazine relating to the audience.

House style: A magazine's unique design which separates it from other magazines.

Buzz words: Words that stand out such as 'Free'  'New'  'Exclusive' and 'Win'

Drop Capitals: A big letter to start off a word to get attention of the audience. 

Banner: Text that stands out from the rest as it is on a coloured background.

Pugs - Placed at the top left and right hand corners of the paper and are known as the 'ears' of the page. The price of the paper, a logo or a promotion is often positioned there.