AP magazine cover analysis

The image shows members of a rock band. This relates to the written contents as the written content is talking about music and new tracks to do with the band shown on the cover. The image depicts a group of band members. Rules of thirds have been used to frame the image with a band member in each of the middle thirds. This is because this is where your eyeliner view is focused so you will be drawn to look at the image before any of the text. Only the peoples faces and shoulders have been used as a close up has been used they are all that needs to be shown. It also uses a close up so as that the background area is taken up and does make the cover appear empty as the space is taken up by the main image. They are all wearing casual clothing which shows they all have different identities from each other therefore shows their individuality and the diverse culture of rock music. The magazine is aimed towards fans of rock music this shown by the use of a very popular rock band.  The image makes us part of it by the use of the subjects eye line  matching ours which makes us feel part of the magazine rather then just spectators as we are drawn into the cover. This also pulls in our attention to the page. The image takes up the most space on the page this is used to give it importance. The colours black, red and yellow are used. These colours are very popular on the front of many rock music magazines. The red is used as it a very bright colour so will standout over any other colours as does the yellow colours. This will also help pull in peoples attention.

The image is given dominance on the page and takes up the most space in comparison to the writing  This is because it is the image which will catch an audiences attention first. The image on the cover hides part of the magazine title. This suggests that the magazine is already very well known and recognizable  The page is arranged so that the bigger band member is at the front of the page this makes him stand out even more as the leader of the band and as the most recognizable by fans. 

No slang or informal words have been used which makes the magazine appear mature rather then childish. This makes it seem as if the target audience are older adults. The text used links back to the image as the text that is shown on the front cover is based on the band shown on the cover. Within the cover the most important information and text is emphasized by being bolder and in a larger text. The text also appears to get smaller as you go down the page suggesting the most important pieces of text are more towards the top of the page. The copy is located towards the bottom of the page to advertise bands new track.