Third Front Cover Analysis

The colour scheme of "Spin" is more complex than the other two front covers I have analyzed. "Q Magazine" and "Classic Rock" revolved around three main colours, whereas this front cover uses the same principle but breaks the boundaries by using different tones and shades. The three main colours used on the front cover of "Spin" are; Black, cream/white and red. The black represents the dark, somber and serious theme; which is shown on the cover image by the suits, shadows and expressions on their faces. Although not black, the background to the front cover is very dull and boring. This is so that your eyes focus on the photo instead of the background. The cream/white creates is used to contrast with duller shades of black and red. White is being used in the 'Spin' of the brand logo, a shirt and around/in some of the text. Finally, the red represents change, difference and possibly a minor theme of morbidity. Due to red being the colour of blood a connection with death and the underworld can be established, as the word "resurrected" is also being used. Also it's being used on the front cover to create a contrast and difference between the colours already present. This is because red really stands out from dark and light colours, which is why it's chosen for something that needs to be noticed or that needs to stand out from everything else. The magazine brand name follows the same conventions of "Q Magazine" with the red box at the top left of the page, with white font saying "SPIN" inside the boundaries of it. The white and black in Michael Stipes suit and matches the theme created by the strapline "Resurrected", which gives the feeling of a priest carrying out an exorcism.

The design of the of the front cover is again following a certain theme (Just like Q Magazine with Cheryl Cole), by using the three key colours discussed above (Dark Grey/Black, White, Gold). The fonts on the page alternate between black and white because by sticking to two compound colours throughout the magazine it makes it much easier to read. The use of this design keeps the page from looking too messy or jumbled up. All of the text written on the page is in CAPITAL LETTERS which makes it much easier to read from a distance and attracts more attention, because capital letters look more important and eye-grabbing. The font used for the headline is big, slim and simple, and is very similar to "Lucida Grande". The headline is the main header on the front cover and it's situated just under the centre line of the page, underneath the faces of the members of R.E.M. This is so that the text doesn't overlap onto any of the facial expressions and because the design want the reader to focus on both the picture and title. As they are equally important, this layout makes sure that is achieved. The fonts used at the side of the magazine is much smaller as it is supposed to inform you on what's inside the magazine, it's duty is not to catch your attention.

The image used on the front cover of "Spin" is a mid shot of the three members from the band R.E.M (Mike Mills, Michael Stipes, Peter Buck). These are the main feature in the magazine as their picture takes up 3/4 of the magazine front cover. R.E.M are a very well known and established american band, with many great hits. The two main features of the image is that Michael Stipes' hands are held out in front of him, and secondly that all three members of the band are looking straight out of the front page into the audience's eyes. This creates an eye-to-eye contact between the audience and photograph, which in return creates an interest increasing the likelihood of the magazine being purchased.

The pose is shown in the photo by the three members of R.E.M looking out of the page, you can see their body's from head to thighs, with two members their arms down by their sides. The photo has been taken like this so that the reader can establish an eye contact with the magazine. The pose and body language of Michael Stipes creates this paranormal and somber mood, with his hands out in front of him, which is something you would expect to find in a horror/scary movie. The overall look portrayed in the photo is very blank, sympathetic and expressionless, as if all three men are staring out of the page looking emptily at you. If the designer chose to use a lively, energetic photo it wouldn't tie in with the atmosphere created by the other features on the magazine. (E.g. Words used, colours used and fonts used.) Keeping in a constant theme gives enthusiasm and encouragement to buy the magazine.

How words are used on the cover; "Spin" The title suggests that there is a spin to the magazine, possibly stating that there is more than meets the eye to this magazine. This is because the title of the magazine doesn't tell you what the magazine is about, unlike "Classic Rock Magazine. Instead, "Spin Magazine" shares similarities with "Q Magazine" because they are both just brand names, but also they are one syllable in length making the names easy to pronounce and remember. All the writing on the front cover is easy to read due to the contrast of colours and the way they are laid out. Nothing overlaps or is written over in a similar shade of colour, making everything easy to read at a glance. The title, headline and strapline are large, noticeable and revolve around the main band shown in the photo. When the audience looks at the magazine in a shop they will know that the magazine will be mainly focusing around this main band, as they are the biggest feature being advertised on the front cover. The cover lines in the bottom left hand side of the front cover tell the audience what other bands/artists will be featured in the magazine. The words here are much smaller that the rest of the fonts on the front cover, as these are not supposed to grab your attention but instead just inform you. The main theme created by the words, as discussed in the previous paragraphs, is the way "Resurrected" fits in with the pose, looks and colour scheme. It's telling the audience that the band "R.E.M" are back in the headlines again and have been rejuvenated/reborn into the music world.

The language on the front page is rather simple and straight forward to read. The magazine grabs the reader's attention by composing the front cover up of mainly small words and very few sentences. This helps the audience quickly read over all the text without having to focus on long sentences, which could make them lose interest if the words used aren't inspiring. Two features I can identify on the front cover are; firstly, the use of BLOCK CAPITALS to gain more interest and suggest the information is more important. Secondly, the way words are used to play on the reader's mind, in a way letting them figure out why a certain word has been chosen. For example "resurrected", there is no explanation why it's there because it's been left for the reader to ponder over.

The overall impression of the of the front cover is rather positive, giving out a clear indication of what the magazine articles will be about. Due to the big, noticeable photo of the members of R.E.M that stands out from other magazines on a shelf. This front cover follows many conventions, with the contrasting brand name/logo in the top left hand corner of the page. The main audience this magazine is trying to reach out to are fans of R.E.M, fans of 'Alternative Rock/Punk' and people who generally enjoy reading about this type of music. The magazine reaches out to non-fans by the expression of a new life brought into the band. The main target audience for this magazine are people in their 20's - 50's, as they will more likely have heard of the band being represented on the front cover, therefore are more likely to want to read about these music artists. Therefore young children are not taken into consideration as a target market to promote Spin Magazine. Although, just because a teenage audience aren't particularly the desired target marketing age, it wouldn't stop them from purchasing the magazine if they are fans of R.E.M. Like myself for example, I'm a teenager and rather enjoy the works of R.E.M.