Deconstructing and analysing magazine covers

The first task is to make a front cover to a sixth form magazine of Ryde Academy. To help me with this we have been analysing other front covers and seeing the type of things that I need to include in mine.

Tommies' Times

Masthead - The masthead is the title of the magazine is in the top left of the front cover, it will stay in this place so when future magazines are made the readers can become familiar with the layout and will look out this magazine in the future. The colour of the masthead is a good choice because it is the same colour as the badge of their school, it is also in big font and much bigger than the rest of the writing so it is eye catching by customers and is eye catching. 


Main image - The main image is probably the most important thing included on a front cover of a magazine, this is because its the first thing people will look at and decide if they want to buy the magazine, like a first impression. On this particular magazine this quite a main image because it is truly focused on the girl and she looks intelligent, also the background isn't in focus to bring out the importance of the girl, who is in focus. This image appeals to the target audience because she looks quite intelligent and would appeal to people who want to go to sixth form.

Gaze - The model for this is looking away for effect, this could be appealing to some but in my opinion I personally do not think this is the best way to intrigue the audience. this will help me with making mine because now I know that looking directly at the camera is the most effective way of gaining attention of an audience.

Date and bar code -  In this particular magazine there is no date or bar code, which I think gives it an unrealistic look. This means that in mine I will be adding this features to make mine more realistic and better Tommies' Times.