Magazine Analysis: Q Cover

Q Magazine Analysis

Image: Positioning

The positioning of the artists places artists in front of the Q Magazine logo implying of the importance of the artists placing them as having higher prestige than the magazine itself creating a concept that puts artists at the heart of its brand, while the positioning of them in terms of the rule of thirds  creates the impression that the image of ‘Coldplay’ dominates the thirds while Chris Martin (positioned at the front of the group as the most recognisable) and so it appears as the focus through his positioning in the middle third again portraying the idea that it is the artists that stand as the focus of the magazine. I will also portray a sense of my magazine's passion for it's artists through the use of a dominant image at the center of the cover in order to highlight the importance of the artists, and readers to my music magazine.

Image: Style - Body Language/Facial Expression

The artists (Coldplay) appear to have a personal gaze that seems to look straight at the readers and this forms a more engaging cover which despite being an internationally recognised print still seems to have a personal relationship with its readers, this eye contact also implies of the personal style of the interview that readers can expect in the interview feature as giving fans of Coldplay (and music fans in general) a deeper insight into the group. Through a personal gaze in my own magazine I will portray the sense of the personal insight the audience will gain from reading my magazine in order to create a brand identity that instills a sense of exclusivity.

Image: Style - Lighting

The lighting appears bright and almost natural and creates an image where readers can very clearly see the group which makes them appear as important again presenting the concept that it is the artists that are at the heart of the brand. In my own magazine I will manipulate the lighting of the main shot on my cover in order to promote a trendy youthfulness whilst still appearing edgy.

Image: Style - Colours

The colours used in the image display a rainbow of colours which creates a visually interesting image  that portrays a sense of youth and a sense that the magazine is vibrant, the display of the colours as a messy background implies a rebellious undertone which seems to reflect the nature of the magazine as being an indie/alternative music focused print rather than a pop based magazine, it also connotes ideas of multicultural identity and other accepting modern cultural ideals and so implies of the magazine as being culturally accepting and friendly. The modern ideas portrayed reflect the prints’ brand identity as a modern music magazine for the modern reader. In my own magazine, I will also employ the use of bright, vibrant colours alongside an edgy image style in order reflect ideas of rebellion to connote that my magazine is an indie/alternative music magazine.

Layout: Colour

The use of the red, black and white house style colour scheme creates a sleek masculine look, the professional implications create a brand image holding prestige and gives a luxurious feel therefore engaging the target audience of young to middle aged males in full time employment who possibly don’t have a family as of yet and so feel inclined to spend more on their passion than they possibly could at a younger age. Through this, Q creates a brand that represents the professional high earning male. The use of the colour red also holds connotations of passion implying of not only the passion the readers hold for their music but also the passion the brand holds for its artists and readers. I am planning in incorporating the colour red into my magazine, or another color that holds connotation of passion, in order to portray the idea that my music magazine is extremely passionate for it's artists and readers.