Coursework - Front Cover Analysis

The image above is an example of my finished front cover for my music magazine. 

It is clear to say that the front cover image has been altered to a professional standard and the image is not pixilated in any way. The overall look of the front page appears professional and sophisticated with boxes (puffs) to make certain information stand out and the "20 page special" to really attract the readers eye.  All aspects of my magazine have been used and taken from inspiration from magazines such as "Billboard", where my central image idea was taken from yet altered to create my own style. The use of colour within the front page is kept to a minimal amount which allows those items in colour to really stand out, such as the puff which reads "Confessions of a rising star". Through previous research I knew this would be a successful factor to have on a magazine front cover, too much colour would overcrowd and dominate the central image and more important information / news wouldn't stand out as clearly. As well adding my own factors to my magazine front cover, it was essential to make it look realistic therefore all the obvious features had to be added as well. These were features such as the price of the magazine, the date and the barcode. The masthead of my magazine is called "Outspoken" and I have chosen this for the reason that it is a music magazine and it makes the magazine sound dominant, as if it would 'out-talk' everyone. Again a lot of this is explained within my media pack. Including key names in the music industry within my magazine, such as "Adele, Madonna, Sheryl Crow and Stevie Nicks" really sets the tone for the magazine and highlights my aim to focus on a laid back but sophisticated audience of music lovers. Overall all the features of my front cover have been carefully planned and with the help of my flatplan I was able to produce a magazine front cover in which I was happy to present. 

However, if I had the chance to do this task again I would focus on putting the title of the magazine, "Outspoken" behind the central image as this is what is common for most magazines. I also would try a different effect, prehaps going for a rock magazine or a more specific indie magazine, but I am happy with the work I have produced and I think it works successfully.