Research: Front Cover Analysis 1

I have noted that as opposed to having side articles located around the main central image the author has chosen to have them placed on a banner just above the masthead this does give a less cluttered feel but that "jammed full of content" feeling can result in more sales, therefore this has broken a minor convention of mainstream magazine layout.

Hyper reality has been executed here as on the main central image forehead wrinkles along with facial dimples or creases have been removed via Photoshop or other image altering software giving a sense of the "perfect" human defying reality (hence the term "Hyper reality")

The date & issue number is included in black in order to stop it becoming a major distraction via the text contrasting less with the background.

Two earpieces are on this front cover as this is efficient in catching reader's attention. $1.00 is in bold white font to grab attention

Another earpiece or promotional stamp  is used via using buzzwords such as "WIN" to attract reader attention.

The masthead is being overlapped by  the main central image to show and flaunt the cover artist. It can be argued that this is almost a feminist type of main central image as no male gaze is utilised in this particular photo. The dominant hegemonic values of male superiority and the Male Gaze are tipped and balanced here as the pictures on the bottom right suggest otherwise as explained afterwards in the following.

 

Majority of the female models and cover artists on this page are inspirational women according to Maslow's hierarchy of needs as Carrie Underwood is songwriter, country singer and actress hence becoming a role model for both the young & middle aged female country fans. She also is a practising Christian which yet again supports the fact that the country fan base are religious and this main central image appeals to them as inspirational as she maintains her faith through fame.

 

 

According to Laura Mulvey's theory of the Male Gaze these bunch of females in the bottom right of the page have been taken a photo of utilising the Male Gaze as in real life women do not walk or pose in this particular fashion, the picture has been shot in order to make the female seem childish and vulnerable hence supporting dominant hegemonic values of male supremacy and pleasing the male viewer. I have learnt that country magazines do utilise this.