RESEARCH AND PLANNING - Our magazine cover should include ... further analysis

Earlier on I added a post discussing what features i have concluded that our magazine cover should include based on my analysis of many other covers. Since then i have analysed several more and have discovered several more interesting features.

• Other magazines which i have analysed often include the rule of three in their covers. This is a catchy way of leaving information in the readers mind and leads facts on from one another, linking various features together.

• I have also noted that some of the covers use a blurred image of the films setting as a background, this is to let the audience know more about the film and possibly give them an insight into the films narrative. By putting the character shown in a setting they add depth to the cover and make it more interesting, also making the image seem more realistic, rather than like a photo shoot.

• It also may be a good idea to include several smaller images of other features on the cover. This makes the page look more busy when on the shelf and adds interest and depth to other features of the magazine, appealing to those members of the audience who may not be so interested in the main feature.

• The bar code should be shown at either the side of the foot of the magazine, so as not to draw attention, and the price should be clearly visible but in a small font, possibly near to the title.

• Any advertisements should be placed near the top of the page for maximum visibility when on the shelf, if they are free then this should be announced in large capital letters.

• Exclamation marks should be used to add dramatic effect and interest to various articles.

• Adjectives should be used to enhance film features and make them seem more exiting.

• Characters costume, body language and facial expression should reflect their nature as a character in their film.

• Captions related to features should be displayed in the same typography and colouring, but size may vary to indicate order of significance.

• Any detail of features should be shown in a smaller font, e.g. "continued on page ..."

• Striking/vibrant colours should be used for detail to stand out against dark backgrounds.

• Extra information should be circled or highlighted to show significance and make it stand out.
  
Lucy :)