Research into Similar Products: Full Magazine Analysis

Here I have put together 3 images took from the same issue of the 'Q' magazine. The front cover, contents page and double spread all have the main cover star Cheryl Cole featured. Each image matches and all have similarities which are connected to the style of the magazine. This shows how all three features of a magazine relate to each other. 

Front Cover.

Cheryl Cole is the main cover star, this shown through the image  - this shows she will be the main article within the magazine and will take up the double page spread. Her pose is very unusual and seductive. She is using direct mode of address to engage with her fans. Her picture is positioned behind the masthead to show the magazine isn't just about her. Only one image is used on the cover to ensure that enough information can fit on the page. The main cover line is also about Cheryl, it is large and takes up the full width of the bottom of the page. The font of the cover line is different, to show that Cheryl has a different side and can rock in her own rights. Other cover lines are blocked around the image effectively - showing the stories inside, so the audience knows what to expect. The whole cover is centered around the magazines house style, the colours solely used are red,white, grey and black. This creates coherence and shows the magazine has a sense of style and has its own personal identity that can be recognized. All of the fonts used work well together - they can all be read and create an urban energetic feel.  

Contents Page 

This contents page takes up two pages, which is typical for Q magazine. It has an image of the front cover in the right hand corner - so when the read turns the page they will see it. It also creates a clear link between the both of them. The Q masthead is again used on the contents page and it is advertised as 'Q contents.' More images are seen on the contents page but the main one seems to be the one of Cheryl Cole, clearly labelled with the page number of her feature. This image is a full body image, it shows her in a alternative rocky outfit , this links to the word rock in the cover line on the front cover. The rest of the stories in the magazine are written around with the page numbers clearly highlighted so the reader can find there way around. The contents page also shows what issue this magazine is, which matches with the cover. All of the other images are alternative suggesting this magazine does not follow the crowds and offers something different to music.  The colour scheme also carries on being red, black and white. This is a further link. 

Double Page Spread 

This page is dedicated solely to Cheryl Cole. There are two different pictures of her. the first is a full page image of her on the right hand side. This means as the reader turns the page it is the first thing they see. A big red C is used in the background of the text which is Cheryl's initial. This adds something different to the page and also keeps the use of the red going. There is limited text making the pictures the main features. A quote is given from Cheryl to make it personal to her.