Front Cover Analysis

The two magazines i have chosen to analyse are

 

I looked at the front cover of each of these magazines and have analysed the presentational features and the language used. I can then conclude as to what conventions I may use on my front cover.

For RockSound I am analysing this front cover which features the band Paramore.

The masthead of rocksound is on a continuing white background in capital letters and bold green font, this really stands out and improves it's visibility in stores.
The main photograph is the band Paramore where the lead singer Hayley Williams is the only band member who is placed in front of the masthead which shows she is the main focus. Her angle of gaze is straight at the audience which immediately makes it seem a lot more personal.
The main cover line of this particular issue is "The Future Revealed.. PARAMORE - 10-page special" which is also a teaser as they use words like 'Revealed' and 'Special'. On the opposing side they have written 'Epic Reading & Leads Preview' which catches peoples eye along with the 'All Time Low & For Year Strong GIANT POSTERS!' which also attracts peoples attention, and importantly for this magazine, attracts the attention for both genders.
Like a lot of magazines, Rock Sound have a 'Plus' section which in this case is placed at the bottom stating bands names which would immediately increase their audiences interest if they see their favourite bands name written there - even if there is only a small paragraph about them within the whole magazine.
At the top of their magazine there is a button with "+Win! your band opening for BMTH!" which is placed on the right of the cover which is where Rock Sound usually place a button - this is good for their usual readers as they know where to find what they can win from each issue without having to search over the whole cover.

For NME I am analysing this front cover which features the band Glasvegas.

The masthead of NME is always placed on the top left hand corner of the cover which stands out to readers. Usually their masthead is black white and read however due to the 'NME award nominations being revealed' they have changed it slightly and have it in just a bold black colour. Even though they have done this they have incorporated the red and white throughout the rest of the cover including the background and the cover lines to keep their image.
The main photograph is of the singer of the band Glasvegas. Glasvegas is written in a font which is only just smaller than the font of 'NME' so there is a lot of focus to it. It is also rhe only word/photo which is placed behind the photograph which explains that there is a link between the photograph and the band name for those who do not know him.
The main cover line is "Rock 'n' Roll Returns" which makes the magazine appeal to an older audience than my target age group of 16-21.
This cover includes just one main short pull quote "We're bulletproof" and another less obvious one "More civil unrest's coming" which is good because it is not too overwhelming but does give the readers an insight as to what is inside.
NME use a lot of teasers such as "FREE" "Revealed" "New" etc. This keeps their current buyers interested and interests others as well.