Front cover analysis

Mojo:

Colour scheme:

• Blues, reds, white, black and silver are used in this issue. Provides a calm and relaxing atmosphere but the snaps of red make it quite bold and add an element of masculinity.
  
• They are cool and calm colours and this makes the page not too busy.
  

Font:

• There are 6-7 different fonts, but they are quite similar, meaning the page isn’t too cluttered or busy.
  
• The cases change within some of the fonts, using capitals and block colours with thick letters whilst others are straight and narrow. This provides variety and makes it aesthetically pleasing to the eyes.
  
• Colours used here are white on red (a bold contrast), red boxes with silver/white borders (again contrast) and silver lining the white writing (making the white less harsh against other colours).
  

Layout:

• Uses the left third but balances with the right. Uses left for more popular coverlines and the main coverline in the centre with the name of the band. This coverline is bigger and bolder, making it stand out and become the centre of attention along with the main image.
  
• Top of page- Free CD! Bold and eye-catching, plug. This is positioned on the left (left third- catches eye on shelf). Regular banner at top of page with small, square photo in right corner.
• Text is positioned around the image in the centre. Barcode is bottom right. Some boxes are angled (red) but usually straight text boxes for coverlines.

Photos:

• Main image is central, brings focus to itself. Positioned on a straight angle, face on. It is a mid-long shot of the musician. Face partially covers the masthead (popular status in mag industry). Photo is against plain blue background, keeps it simple. Light to dark fade, top to bottom, draws eyes downwards, across the page.

• The smaller photo of the face is the only other image, similar colour scheme but the box is tilted in the corner, close up of face.
  

Masthead:

• It has a bold font, curved, less serious, ‘hippie’ feel aged feel to it. 1960s? It is partially covered by image- shows confidence of the magazine.
• Hints it is for older readers, classic font.
• Name- Mojo, catchy, popular in the 60s ‘got my Mojo’ etc. Two syllables.

Uncut:

Colour scheme:

• Black white and red- classic colours, sophisticated black and white photo. Pops of red make it less boring- draw attention to specific parts eg a certain band 'Animal Collective' or 'Laura Nyro' and 'Free CD!'
  

Layout:

• Organised. Uses left third but it balances with right.
• Central CD- probably placed facing outwards on shelf.
  
• Text frames the face of the model.
• 'Free CD!' plug at top with masthead- slightly covering- confidence.
  

Photos:

• Classic image, aged, black and white brings out details.
• Close up- personal and intimate- eye contact with viewer.
• Magazine for older readers? Older musician on front...
• Only one photo- central.
  

Fonts:

• Regular, straight font, not too fancy- classic, timeless.
• Uses larger fonts for date '2009' emphasis on this.
  

Tone:

• Colloquial- 'Indie Rock Rising!' - alliteration etc.
• Informative
  

Masthead:

• Sharp, pointed font, curved lines. Classic and old. Timeless.
  
• Black and white/shadow to create depth.
• Partially covered with plug.
• Goes over the head of the main image.