Analysis Of A Real Magazine: Empire

The masthead is the largest font visible on the front cover. The typography of the masthead is very bold and visible this is due to two aspects; the font is sans-serif and thick which makes it easily visible. Furthermore the font is in red which may connote danger and it also relates to the key image of Daniel Radclyffe as Harry Potter with blood on his face. This is the only red font visible on the front cover.

The date and price of the magazine is displayed on top of one of the M in the masthead. The price for the magazine stands for £3.99 which shows that the magazine is more high-end and good quality. Also the date is ‘August 2008’ which connotes that the magazine is published monthly, this may also be a reason for the magazine to be a bit above the average price.

The tagline is situated right under the masthead and is presented in the same font and colour as the masthead. This allows continuity throughout the front cover. Moreover, the tagline states ‘The words biggest movie magazine’ which further emphasis how high-end it is. On the other side, below the masthead there is the website address for the magazines website. It is still in the same font and colour. It is important for consumers to notice that the magazine has a website as it may contain more exclusive information and interactive aspects. This may also mean that the magazine can be accessed online which may appeal to certain target audiences such as young film lovers aged 16-24. Lastly, this may also connote that the magazine uses social media which will even further their target audience.

The second largest font visible is the first teaser line ‘Massive preview special’. The typography is a sans-serif bold white font which contrasts the dark background and results in making it clear to read by the consumer. The teaser may also relate to the key image of Daniel Radclyffe as it may relate to a new Harry Potter movie coming out. This will intrigue the audience as they will want to see a preview of the new movie especially of they are already a big fan. Right below that there is a teaser stating ‘45 new movies you need to know about right now’. The use of this words such as ‘need’ and ‘right now’  emphasise to the reader that they need to pick up the magazine otherwise they will miss out. The font of the text is bold and still quite visible due to the colour of it being yellow.

 The overall colour scheme of the magazine seems to be yellow white and red, which nicely contrast with a blue background. Due to not many different colour and style fonts being used the front cover looks clean and easy for the reader to navigate through.

The key image is of Daniel Radclyffe portraying himself as Harry Potter. The photograph of the actor is a medium shot which allows the audience to see his whole facial expression. Due to the actor looking straight into the audience eyes it will cause them to be more likely to notice the magazine due to the eye contact. The image allows the text around to be distributed on the left side of the front cover and still make it easy to see due to a plain background.

There is a barcode in the bottom left of the cover. This is a typical convention of any magazine and connotes professionalism and that the magazine is not free.