Textual analysis- front cover of "Q" magazine

Q was first published in 1986, setting itself apart from much of the other music press with monthly production and higher standards of photography and printing. Originally it was to be called Cue, but the name was changed so that it wouldn't be mistaken for a snooker magazine. The publishers of this magazine were two men called Mark Ellen and David Hepworth.

The masthead on "Q" is extremely unique as it is only the one letter long, this is because the publishers felt it would stand out a lot more on magazine stands as no other magazine's meastheads consist of just the one letter. Also, the font used is very basic, as i have noticed on many front covers. I feel this is because it does not take the focus away from the image on the front cover and the information that will be read. Furthermore, "Q" is pasted ontop of a red background and it is written in white writing, this then makes it stand out very clearly and the red background makes the magazine very eye-catching. The red is also the only striking colour on this front colour which also adds a sort of mellow, calm effect to the magazine. Anchored to the masthead is a quotation that states that the magazine is "Britain's Biggest Music Magazine". By having this on the front cover it makes people feel that they will have there value for money with this magazine as it is the "best" out there.

The headline on this "Q" is simply "Coldplay" which is written in gold writing. This almost adds a sense of royalty to the name so making them seem very special. This will therefore make people want to read the magazine to find out about Coldplay. They are also a very famous band so many people will recognise the name. Around the main headline is a little extra information about why Coldplay are in the magazine such as, " One month inside their revolution". This is used to try and tempt readers into buying the magazine because ut shows tehm a sneak preview about what is in it.

There are know coverlines used in this issue of "Q" magazine, this is so the magazine looks very simple and mellow, attracting poeple to read it as it looks like it will be easy reading. "Q" doesd often try to make the front cover very simple and let the image on the front "do the talking" That is therefore exactly what they ahve done woth the image on the fron of this issue. It is a picture of the band Coldplay, which links with the headline, and they are all sat down on a bench looking directly into the camera. As they are sat down, it looks like a long shot however it is most probably a mid shot. The reader is also made to feel very special by this image because they feel that they are getting looked directly in the eyes by the band members, as they are all looking into the camera. The colour of the image is also very effective as it is black and white, however there is an element of almost sepia to it because there are slight hints of brown to the image. This then helps to create a very unique front cover because not many other front covers only use one striking colour like this; the red within the masthead.