This is my analysis of the Rolling Stone cover page. I got some good ideas from analysing it e.g place of the coverlines and the main image is very striking therefore I would consider using something like this for my magazine.
This music magazine has got its inspiration from the band “The Rolling Stones” as we can see with the same colour scheme and also that it is based on music, TV and politics. From background research I know that Jann Wenner is the co founder of the biweekly magazine and it is also published by Wenner Media. Wenner stated in the first issue that the title of the magazine referred to the 1950 blues song, "Rollin' Stone", recorded by Muddy Waters, the rock group The Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan's hit single "Like a Rolling Stone". Rolling Stone initially identified with and reported the hippie counterculture of the era.
The rolling stone magazine has a total circulation of 1,470,813 with 12, 162 readers and a price of £4.10. The Rolling Stone brand has developed a worldwide reputation as a trusted and premium quality voice of musical, TV and film authority amongst fans, musicians and actors. This reputation is extended not only through the magazine but also across online and an app for android and apple.
The magazine was known for its musical coverage and for political reporting but in the 1990s, the magazine changed its format to appeal to a younger readership interested in youth oriented television shows, films, actors and popular music. In recent years, the magazine has resumed its traditional mix of content. This mix would appeal to lots of generations as it focuses on popular music as well as old music for the older generation. From my social demographic of audience I can see that most of the buyers are men, perhaps because of the rock theme the magazine has.
The cover of this magazine features names of artists along the side with the main image of John Oliver who is an English, political satirist, writer, producer, television host, actor, voice actor, media critic, and stand-up comedian. He is widely known in the U.S. for his work on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, the satirical comedy podcast The Bugle and for hosting John Oliver's New York Stand-Up Show on Comedy Central. He reflects what this magazine is about and would appeal to all generations that rolling stone wants to attract. Assisted by this striking image, the cover succeeds in evoking a colourful and cool feel which will further entice the audience. The rolling stone masthead’s house style is a contrast between bold red and black compared to a bright white outline and the font has been maintained from 1967 except for the colours being added. The masthead creates a sophisticated style which would create an impact. The magazine uses language that is easily understood by everyone and also the bright colours for the cover lines makes the cover look fresh and modern which would perhaps involve and attract the reader more to the magazine. On one side of the magazine it focuses on music and on the other side it focuses on the TV element and a blurb relating to the main image. There are no slang words used which demonstrates a clean and polished magazine.
The rolling stone masthead consists of a colour scheme of red, white and black and an instantly recognisable font. This font has been maintained from the very first magazine cover. The issue uses black and red font when talking about music and then different coloured font when talking about television. The colours are for both genders but predominantly associated with male which explains the higher sales for men however the magazine still has a sophisticated and stylish feel. Rolling stone would appeal to a wide range of people especially those interested in rock and pop also those interested in film and TV. The main image is the first thing that readers notice as it takes up at least 80% of the page. John Oliver is a successful comedian, TV Host and writer and his interview would appeal and be a unique selling point to the reader. The image is against a clear white background with no other images featured; this is to ensure that the reader just focuses on that image. He is staring right at the camera with his wide eyes, this will entice the audience and keep them focused on the magazine. The black and white suit he is wearing accommodates the colour scheme and fits in well.
The image itself it a mid shot and John Oliver is making eye contact with the camera which will again engage the audience. The language is straight forward and easy to understand for the reader. He is wearing glasses which create an intellectual feel for the audience and also he is wearing a suit which makes him seem professional and smart. The blurb under John Oliver’s name states “the angriest man in fake news” this is a short, snappy, dramatic statement which will entice the reader and make them want to read his interview in the magazine. The writing stating John Oliver is large, bold and bright white and really stands out in the magazine. Also on the music side “U2” is in bold red writing as it would appeal to U2 fans as well as other rock music fans.
Utilisation of an uncluttered, relatively simple layout along with the striking colour scheme, eye catching coverlines and a single main image ensures that the piece’s presentation style comes across as professional, polished and sophisticated whilst still maintaining a youthful and vibrant feel. To conclude, this magazine cover certainly succeeds in appealing to a target audience of all age groups who enjoy music, TV, politics and films. The vibrant masthead ensures it would stand out among others with a house style consisting of reds, blacks and whites creating an attractive contrast. The piece exudes sophistication and contemporary cool; readers are given the impression that Rolling Stone is providing them with the inside scoop of the music world. Overall, the front cover of this issue of Rolling Stone is eye-catching, creates impact and draws attention – I would certainly pick it up if I saw it in a shop!
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