Magazine Analysis 1

This cover is from the well-known music magazine ‘Rolling Stone’. In most issues of the magazine the main image overlaps the masthead, like in this issue; the magazine is so recognizable that you don’t need the whole title to know which one it is. In this particular issue the front cover is kept quite simple, it doesn’t have many side stories but still enough to make a reader want to buy it. The plain white background makes the main picture and the writing stand out. Amy, in the close up photo, has a look on her face that will entice readers in, and her direct eye contact makes it more personal. Her looks maintains her threatening appearance although she was vulnerable inside. The target audience for this particular magazine would be male or female from ages twenty to forty year olds and for people who have an interest in rock music. It is probably aimed at people in more of a working class environment. The colour scheme is therefore kept simple and mature. Light blue, red and black complement each other and carry out the simplistic look of the magazine. Although there is only a couple of cover stories and a few bands mentioned on the front cover, this still gives the reader some insight. Rolling Stone magazine needn’t make their covers too over the top as they are so well established that they can afford to take a risk. Amy has stuck to a black theme with her hair, dress sense and make up. Black is seen as a restful emptiness into which anything may emerge and disappear once again. It is also mysterious, providing a sense of potential and possibility. This mysteriousness could be used to intrigue the reader, therefore increasing sales.