MIXMAG FRONT COVER ANALYSIS

MixMag is a short and snappy title which is catchy to the reader and memorable. The word “Mix” has connotations of the magazine being available for anyone regardless of race, class, income, gender or age. This means that its target audience is very broad and means the magazine would going more recognition. As it does this, it doesn’t limit the buyers which means that MixMag could gain a high profit. The alliteration of “M” has resemblance of a DJ’s turn table so this tells the reader the genre of the music magazine if not explicitly stated. The bubble-writing type of font used contrasts the connotations of being clean and chic as it creates an impression of relaxation and a chilled vibe, therefore the reader wouldn’t take the magazine as serious as others. The roundness of the font heightens the chilled vibe and that it shouldn’t be taken as a statement professional magazine but more of a fun and ranged magazine.

MixMag uses the colour of bright purple for its masthead. The colour of the masthead is also used within the plugs to make it eye-catching for the reader, but also gives it a professional look increasing the chances of the magazine being bought. The colour scheme of grey, purple and black across the front cover keeps the magazine looking fresh, smart and clean, giving across a professional well-known vibe. As the plugs do not include much information it tells the reader that this is a famous magazine that is going to be bought regardless of what information is on the front cover due to its publicity. The minimalistic use of plugs creates lots of negative space across the entire front cover making it very unconventional when comparing to a typical magazine. The front is in block and then beneath where there is extra information it is not in block but is underlined. By using both block and underlining on the text, it makes the reader directly look at all plugs rather than the negative space as it entices the reader. The language used isn’t very highbrow and sophisticated, it is very chilled and relatable language for the main audience it wants to attract of a youthful person of either gender. This article is in purple, however last month the masthead was pink. Both are pastel colours and this typically would attract the reader of MixMag. They create a fun and enthusiastic vibe which a magazine like Q wouldn't do.

The puff of “THE WORLD’S BIGGEST DANCE MUSIC & CLUB CULTURE MAGAZINE” explicitly states what music is featured within the issue. It is in block capitals to make it look punchy and clean. By doing so, it catches the readers’ eye after reading the title because of the use of black and block font. As it says the “WORLD’S BIGGEST” it tells the reader that it is a well-publicised magazine with lots of recognition in all countries as well as races and cultures.

The feature article photograph is of a man of Asian race, wearing a white jacket and has his hand in the shape of a triangle across is face with two silver rings on his fingers. His hair is slightly windswept to the right and his eyes are directly facing forwards looking at the reader. This intensifies his look as the clothing is very basic and plain so the direct contact to the reader is enticing the reader and drawing them in to read the front cover and see what the magazine involves. By doing this is catches the reader enough to increase the chance of it being bought. The right side of his face is shadowed heightening the direct focus to the reader on the left side. This creates a mysterious impression to the reader and could connote that it is unknown of what will be included in the magazine relating back to the plugs and how they include little information of the magazines content. He has a common haircut whereby the sides are short and the top is long and styled. With this being a popular and current haircut it tells the reader that this magazine is very common and well-known and is up to date with the current music as well as fashion and style. The way his rings and zipper upon his jacket are both silver increases the professional look to the magazine as it continues with the colour scheme linking to the grey background colour. The fact that they have used an Asian DJ for the feature article photograph gives the magazine a multi-cultural vibe which will help to attract a diverse audience. It is shot as a medium close-up and has been taken at eye level suggests that he is neither vulnerable (low angle) or empowering (high angle) which creates the impression to the reader that the magazine is available to everyone regardless of your position in social status. The fact that the man is covering almost half of his face makes him seem very mysterious and intriguing suggesting that the magazine contains mysterious information that you wouldn't have known before reading the magazine.