Analysing front covers : who are they're target audience

We love pop magazine using alot of pink colours , and banners to stand out of the page . This makes the magazine look more appealing. The star image is presented as her being fun and friendly. Its gives the magazine a young look . The model is dressed in a tight dress which (to me) shows she is a pop star this is also given away by the name of the magazine.I think the target audience for this magazine are 11-14 year old girls , I think this because there is a very fun vibe and young look to the magazine , also because they use pink as a code which is normally associated with young teenagers. Pink gives the image of flowers which are normally associated with girls (Barthes). I think the magazine aims at aspires and Tribe wired because most teenagers want to be like the artist in the magazine and use it for their own personal identity  (Blumer and Katz).  I like the colours used on this front cover as they are bright and fun.



Q magazine use a lot of red , this represents a rebellion (Barthes) like the magazine wants to break codes and conventions and break the rules . The star image is shown as serious and intimidating because his eyes cannot be seen. He is also standing very close to the camera which creates and image of him being ready for a fight. The image shows the other band members in his glasses this suggests he is ready to make music and he is in control .I think the target audience for this magazine is 20-30 year olds male and female however, the colours used and image on this cover are more targeted for men.I think the readers will use this for entertainment eg relaxing ect ( McQuail). Main streamers will be attracted to buy this magazine for the brand name because of how well known it is.




Rocksound magazine present a dark gruesome image on their front cover , this  is a convention of rock magazines. The background is black and very dark creating a mysterious and horror look to the magazine.The red represents blood and the black and dark colours represent evil (Barthes).The star image has many tattoos which is a code for rock , they are all looking into the camera which creates a intimidating feel to the magazine. The target audience for this magazine would be 17-25 because this magazine sometimes contains language which would not be suitable for younger . I think this magazine will appeal to aspires who would buy for the brand name (Blumer + Katz) and used for diversion and personal identity (McQuail).What I like about this photo is the way the stars are presented and the effects of the picture.




How this research influenced my creativity and planning ?

•  This has shown me that different target audiences want different things
•  That brand identity is very important