2. MAIN IMAGE
Like all the other magazine front covers that I have researched Kerrang
also follows the codes and conventions and uses a main image as the
centre of the readers focus. The main image is bold and out there and
has a contrast with the colours that are used on the rest of the front
cover. Andy Biersack is the main image for this weeks article were he is
represented as a boxer wearing red shorts which stand out against the
black background and red design. He is also presenting a serious look
upon his face which gives connotations towards what the exclusive
interview with him will be about. They have also used a mid-long shot
as the image has been taking just above his knees and has been used to
give a more intimidating look about him as he's playing the character of
a boxer so they want to use direct address towards the reader.
3. MASTHEAD
The masthead ‘Kerrang’ is the name of the magazine and is bold and in the readers face to
show to the reader the name of the magazine. The header is bold and in capital letters
with its own unique font defining it as its own individual magazine to separate it apart from
any other magazine that is in the industry. They have also placed the masthead at the top
of the page as it is following the codes and conventions of a magazine front cover. The
Masthead is also being covered by the main image. The masthead is also being partially
covered by the main image as the editors want the main focus to be on the main image
rather than being on the masthead and the magazine is so well known that they are able to
do this without being questioned whether its right or wrong.
4. BUZZWORDS
Kerrang also uses buzzwords as part of there front
cover so that they can assure that they are following
the codes and conventions. They use buzzwords to
entice the audience into picking up their magazine
and making them want to purchase and read their
magazine. With one set of their buzzwords they have
used alliteration to make the words jump out further
to the reader along with the colours of the text
being in contrast with the rest of the front cover.
5. MAIN COVERLINE
The front cover for Kerrang has also used a main coverline on the front as the main coverline is
used to inform the reader of the main article that will be present in this issue of the magazine.
The main coverline also links together with the main image as the main article is with Andy
Biersack, lead singer in the band Black Veil Brides which is also the name of the coverline as it is
being used to capture the attention of any fans of the band as they know that they will be the
main buyers that week of the magazine as they will want all the latest gossip on their favourite
band member. The coverline is white and bold in capitals letters to further make it stand out to
the audience.
6. COVERLINES
Coverlines are also used to show to the reader what other articles will be present in this
issue of the magazine. They are smaller that the main coverline as they are not as
important as the main story but they are still important as the editors want there
magazines to be able to reach out to other readers who may not be interested in the main
article but will like what other articles the magazine has to offer.
7. STRAPLINES
The magazine editors also use straplines on their magazine front cover to give the reader more
of an insight into what the magazine is all about. Often they use the straplines at the top of the
page however this time it as been used at the bottom of the magazine which I think they have
done because they don’t want to overcrowd the top of the magazine as they already have the
Coverlines and Masthead on the top. This strapline includes information on 5 seconds of
summer plus a sneak peak into magazine being a guide to the biggest music around!
8. COLOUR SCHEME
The colour scheme of the front cover is another
important aspect that is used by the editors as it
makes the magazine stand out to the reader and
overall make it look more professional. The
colours also match in with the magazine genre
as the most popular colours used is white, black
and red. The colours also link with the main
image used on the front page as he is wearing
red boxing shorts and red boxing gloves.
9. PUFFS
Puffs are used by magazine companies to promote a feature that is present
in the magazine. For Kerrang, the image to the shows that Kerrang are
promoting that for this edition of the magazine it is more special than usual
as the reader can pick between two different front covers depending on
which one they like the most. Both front covers have both used different
colours to represent the different artists used as well as the supposed fight
that is going on between them. This has been used to conflict the reader on
what magazine they should buy and allows a larger audience to buy the
magazine as they have the option between two different magazines.
