KERRANG FRONT COVER ANALYSIS

Colour

The core colours used on this cover are pink, blue, black and white. The pink and blue bring a sense of vibrancy to the page, drawing the eye in. Pink can be seen as a colour associated with girls, where as blue is often associated with boys - this stereotypical view shows that the magazine is aimed at both genders. The type of blue and pink used may also be associated with rock, as the colours are loud and out there, much like the music itself. Black is also seen throughout the cover, contrasting harshly with the vibrant pink and blue, adding a feeling of darkness that again is stereotypically associated with hardcore rock music.

Design

This cover is clearly more conventional than the NME, as positioned down the left third of the page are several headings and pictures regarding the content of the magazine. The pug is also positioned down this third of the page and so informs the reader of a 'MEGA' competition that is likely to appeal to them. Often, people buy magazines due to the possibility of winning a competition alone. Also, the recognisable Kerrang K from the main title can be seen in the left third and so allows the audience to easily identify the magazine on a shop shelf. There is a close-up image of Ville Valo in the centre of the cover, which is a typical feature of a conventional magazine. The other images are much smaller and surrounded by borders, which makes Ville Valo stand out as the main focus. The lettering is thick and bold, particularly for the title and the word 'HIM'. This causes these two words to stand out significantly in comparison to the other text. The same font is used throughout and all words are in capital letters. This gives the cover a loud energy.

Images

The main image on the cover is a medium close-up of Ville Valo from the band HIM, and is positioned in the centre of the page. Ville Valo is dressed completely in black up to his face and has black hair, which causes the focus to be drawn to the face alone, making it appear more prominent. His eyes are a pale green colour and for this reason stand out against the core colours on the page. Not only the colour but also the direction in which they are looking invites the audience in. Ville Valo is looking directly into the camera which gives the illusion that he is looking out at the reader, allowing him to connect with the audience on a more personal level. He has no visible make-up on and the majority of his hair cannot be seen, helping to draw emphasis to his expression. He has a harsh, serious look on his face which is often associated with the rock culture. The word 'HIM' is one of the largest on the cover and clearly indicates who the image is of. By using Ville Valo (a member of a famous rock band) as the main image, the magazine is able to attract its target audience - older teenagers - people in their 30's into hardcore rock music.

The other images on the page are advertising other famous icons featured in the magazine. They are of a much smaller scale and clearly far less important in relation to the main image of Ville Valo.

How are words used on the cover?

The title is in chunky white font against a black background and stretches across the top of the cover. It looks patchy and rough, portraying an edgy feel, much like the 'rock' image itself. There are thin black lines running through the text giving the appearance of cracked glass, which suggests a 'loud' theme throughout the magazine. There are thin white lines running along the top and bottom of the black strip containing the title, separating it from the rest of the cover, causing it to stand out. The strapline is in white capital font against a vibrant blue strip and informs the audience on an appealing feature within the magazine. The core colours and typical bold font is used for the many headings. These headings are usually followed by a short summary in a different coloured, much smaller font. All the text used is in capital letters, contributing to the 'loud' theme. The headings tend to be very short and to the point, so not to 'bore' the reader. In most cases the headings are stating artists that are featured in the magazine, which gives the reader a good indication of what is inside at first glance. The text surrounds the page, leaving the centre free, so not to draw attention away from the image of Ville Valo.

Language

The language used is very blunt and gets the message across to the reader in a simple, yet loud way. The artists are advertised through headings of simply their names, which stands out, attracting the target audience. The use of words and phrases such as, 'THE FULL STORY!', '...SECRET WORLD' and 'PARAMORE - FACE THEIR TOUGHEST QUESTIONS EVER!', all lead the audience to believe that the magazine is unique and one of a kind - one not to miss! Also, the main story about Ville Valo from HIM is promoted in a font different to that of the other headings and summaries on the page, emphasisng its importance.

Overall impression

The front cover gives the audience a very good indication of what is inside. The language suggests to the reader an original outlook on some of their possibly favourite artists. It is designed to appeal to people who are maybe a bit 'out there', people who love rock music and the well-known rock bands of today. I believe it is aimed at people between the ages, late teens - early 30's, as many of the bands featured are current and so are more likely to appeal to a younger audience as apposed to an older, less 'up to date' audience. The dark, crazy impression the images portray, represent just what type of person the magazine is aimed towards. It is clear that people interested in other types of music, such as pop and R&B, are not addressed, as the overall impression of the cover shouts rock! The edgy feel also makes it apparent that the magazine is not suitable for younger children.