The document discusses the layout and design of magazine covers, using the masthead of Billboard magazine as an example. It notes that the masthead uses bright primary colors to convey a fun, lively feel. The main feature is typically the large headline text describing the cover photo, which draws attention through its size, color, and relationship to the photo. Additional elements like kickers and anchorage help break up the information on the cover in a structured way. Color, fonts, photography, and layout are all carefully designed to represent the magazine's brand and convey the right mood and message about the featured artist through visual codes.
3. Masthead Date Line
Kicker
Feature
Article Photo
Cover Line
Headline
Anchorage
Flash
Plug
Bar Code
Selling Line or
Banner
4. The masthead of billboard magazine connotes fun and liveliness
through the use of bright, contrasting and mainly primary colours.
Billboard represents fame and power whilst having an association
with the imagery of towering above everyone else, ensuring
celebrities want to be involved with the connotations of the
magazine. The main feature on the page is the main copy of ‘M.I.A.’
This is because the font size is the second largest on the page and
also the bright blue colour contrasts heavily with the neutral
background and draws in the audience. This is also the case as the
text describes the main photo and adds meaning to the cover.
Very informal, conversational language is used such as “DON’T
MISS!” Which is made personal through the direct address and
exclamation.
9. Indirect mode of Direct mode of
address can be address can appear
mysterious, lively, ‘in yer face’, serious,
sombre… warm…
Creates a wacky, fun
image, sharing an
identity with the
reader that offers the
‘independence’ of
indie music.
Enigma – what are
they getting up to
now?
10. Colour changes with every issue however they are usually dark or neutral tones so
they don’t clash with the colourful bold masthead. Colour is used for a number of
reasons, for example on the Rihanna cover of billboard, red is used to promote
femininity and sexuality. Whilst on the other hand a greyscale is used to connote
masculinity, power and sophistication. There is three fonts used on the cover, one for
the masthead, one for kickers/anchorage etc and one for small print and details on the
barcode. They help break down information and also help to hold up the structure of
the cover. Although there is a direct mode of address, the mood seems to be very
relaxed and powerful, rather than being a ‘super smiler’ and over exaggerating a
pose to invite a reader. The style is very modern and fits well with the popular music
genre, all camera shots are mid to close up, either creating a link with the audience or
promoting sexuality as well as representation of clothing through indexical codes. The
use of space goes against convention although only subtly. The masthead cuts across
all of the top thirds, instantly jumping out to the reader. This is also apparent as the
face is slightly to the middle of the cover. The cover is very relaxed in terms of text
although all dead space is covered if there is any. The billboard covers are a
combination of slick style and fun. The colours always complement each other and the
cover image. It is very tidy and is structured into different sections which appear to
stay in the same position from cover to cover, for example the main copy and
anchorage of the artists name are identical from the Drake and the M.I.A cover.