Ten Potential Style Models

These are some examples of magazine covers (not necassarilly in the same context) that I feel look great and might influence how my production could look when finished. Underneath each one, I have highlighted what I like about the cover and what could inspire me.

The band look really dynamic - almost like they're about to burst out the magazine. They are making eye contact which addresses the reader, They have stuck to 3 font colours as well as the bold red of the masthead.

The photographer has captured a moment. The wind and the rain are both really effective in creating a bold image, and the dark tones look gritty and urban. The teasers are few and uncomplicated - the background eliminates the necessity for space-filling.

Now this is a very interesting cover as 5 characters are conveyed individually. Bruce Willis' gun is pointed away from the reader (so it doesn't intimidate), but it does look intriguing and vicarious. It is a clean cover, as all the teasers are grouped in a film reel, which might suit EMPIRE's context, but not that of a music magazine.

U2 are all staring at the reader which addresses the reader directly when they are looking at other similar publications on the shelf. The lights behind them are very dramatic as they add another level - its like they've just come off stage.

The idea of featuring two sides of a character is one that I find particularly appealing. They are looking away from each other which visually indicates their differences. Teasers have been included above the masthead, as well as down the left-hand side. This leaves the central less interupted. On a linguistic standpoint, I think that the alliteration of 'Davis' and 'Doomsday' works really well, and I will try to do something similar.

Simplicity, on this cover, looks great. The relaxed attitude feels spontaneous and is also textually relevant. The white background looks fresh, and the remaining space is filled with teasers that will certainly encourage potential readers to give Q a read.

Q have picked a very contemporary artist and one that is likeable to the audience - the nation's sweetheart Cheryl Cole. By showing such a popular singer in a different light, a mass market is encouraged to see this surprise metamorphosis.

The cover star, Iron Man, looks very powerful with his head bowed thoughtfully while looking at the audience. The light of his chest is central on the page and lights up the cover. The rule of 3 is used to maximum effect here - 'New Suit. New Enemies. Same Attitude' works well to interest the audience.

The black and white image has vintage connotations. It looks smooth and calm. This BCU of the band's frontman is captivating. The image looks unconcerned and the subject looks dark and serious. This combines to form an ambiguous cover which will raise curiosity of the audience.

This group shot of highly influentia musicians would immediately appeal to contemporary music fans. It is a very clean cover, and the one teaser indicates that this is a very special issue. It has been edited very well, as it is doubtful that all artists would have been present in the same studio. I doubt the image would have been anywhere near as impressive, if it didn't have the opaline white background.

Elliot