Preliminary task, existing magazine front covers analysis ( 02/11/16 )

Today, I have attached 4 different front covers, of 4 different college magazines, which I will analyse.

Front cover 1

The first front cover of the Imperial College of London magazine, includes a lot of detail of which will be expected to be included within the magazine, but what is actually featured within the magazine is only in very small writing at the top.. In addition, the cover lacks images, therefore making the cover very formal; this may not appeal to their target market. Although there is some colour - the writing - the whole colour scheme is very dark; using a black background may imply a dark future? On the other hand the cover does include a large, bold title, a some what slogan beneath, what edition magazine it is and at the bottom in slightly smaller writing than the title what the main focus of the edition is going to be.

Front cover 2

Worcester College's magazine front cover includes the title of the magazine, what edition, the logo of the college and what edition the magazine is, and a singe image of the lake and and willow tree hanging over it. This front cover majorly lacks any information about what is inside the magazine, therefore the students may back interest in the actual magazine as they would not know what they will be reading about. In addition the image does not really connote 'college', as there is no sign of a college or even any students, again not appealing to their target. In addition, delving deeper into the meaning of the willow tree; death, it is not a very suitable connotation for a college magazine.

Front cover 3

The third magazine: 'College', includes a lot on the front cover; an image ( of a student ), a very large and bold title, subtitles revealing what can be expected to be seen in the magazine, what edition, the date it was issued, a barcode and a price. Also, there is a running colour theme; red, which is the colour of the title and the colour of the models top, which contrasts with the blue and black writing, not only helping to make the writing more clearer, but actually allows the writing to stand out. The image is shot, between a mid and a long shot, which is the two most common shots for a magazine front cover. Lastly, the design of the front cover is also aimed largely to their target market of students

Front cover 4

The last front cover is from Christ's college. It features the title of the magazine, the edition and the college's logo. However, the magazine cover lacks in any information about the articles that feature within, and any photography which may not interest any students to actually purchase the magazine. In additon there is not slogan of the college / magazine. Yet, there is a running colour scheme of blue, which is probably the colour the college is known for.
















In my opinion, I believe that Front cover 3 ( College ) is the most suitable magazine for a college as it includes an image, a running colour scheme, information about what will be within the magazine, a title, a barcode and price. All of which make up a good magazine in general and suit the target market that producers would be aiming at selling to.