Analysing two magazine covers

Firstly they both have large mastheads, this is important for any type of magazine as it is essential to make the title bold and apparent. In cover 1 the lettering hasn’t been sent back and is consequently covering some of the central image, on the other hand with cover two the writing has been placed with more professionalism. Although the image is hiding some of the masthead, the word is still easily detectable. They both have used colours which is a connotation of femininity. Cover one isn’t actually gender specified which could affect sales as on face value it is very girly. However cover 2 is specifically made for girls, therefore using colours such as purple and pink are suitable to their target audience.  The ‘cheerleader’ magazine includes a header, this is necessary as if it’s within a bunch of magazines it can be distinguished more easily. In contrary by not using this key feature it results in making the magazine look less professional and less likely to be eye catching.

The central image in cover one, looks as if it were taken on a digital camera/camera phone, this reduces the quality and doesn’t leave the best impression. The model doesn’t look significantly happy and probably wouldn’t grab anyone’s attentions. Opposed to this the image on cover two is of good quality and looks highly professional. The model is extremely attractive and happy; this will inspire people to buy the magazines as they could desire to look/be like this model. 

The cover lines on cover one is extremely sporadic, there is an apparent inconsistence within the typography and the layout is unimaginative. There is also a lack in cover lines, which doesn’t make a good impression to the reader as it could suggest that the magazine doesn’t entail a lot of information and it comes across very vague. The content of the cover lines aren’t particularly grabbing, which could instantly put people of buying the magazine. In cover two there are a wide range of different cover lines and plugs, this is affective as they give the impression that the magazine is jam packed with information. The format may be a little adventurous however it is suitable the theme which is being emphasised. The actual content is intriguing to the target audience, short snappy lines are used which are effective in the sense that they are easy to read and give out a lot of information with little words use.

Neither of the two covers have included the ‘3 colour principle’ however the consequence of this is miraculously different. In cover two it makes the magazine look more exiting and adventurous. Even though the colours are so diverse, they create a youthful vibe which is suitable for the target audience. On the other hand cover ones presentation looks somewhat careless, there intent of making it bright and trendy, has miserably failed. It has only resulted in it looking rushed with an excessive lack of imagination and organisation.