Time Music Magazine Analysis

Masthead- the Masthead is clear and easy to see. It clearly states the name of the magazine. However on this edition it takes a back step and lets the central image/cover model take the stage.

Anchorage- The anchorage is clear to see on the front cover. It is positioned directly in front of the cover model and is placed where we are most likely to look first. The “Contender” is in big bold red writing. This draws us in before we even see Obama. We all want to hear if “politics has changed him” or if he will fulfil his promises. Time magazine want this to be their main marketing point.

Central Image/Cover model- This takes centre stage and is the main attraction of the magazine. The cover model Barack Obama is an iconic figure known across the world. People are going to buy this magazine not only because of the name but because of the person on the front. Obama is standing with his arms crossed in an authorities pose signifying that he is confident and will be able to stand up to Americas problems. People interested in the election campaign will want to hear what he has to say.

Tagline- No tagline features on the front of the magazine. This is because TIME magazine is well known and is a famous American magazine. It does not need to use a tagline to attract the readers; the brand name speaks for itself.

Puffs- Time magazine uses several puffs at the top of the cover to advertise what else is to offer inside the magazine. They feature celebrities such as “Will Smith” and then current features of interest for the American public such as “New stem cells” and “how would you cope with the recession” All these combine to signify that the magazine is not just about its main article but has other things to offer readers.

Barcode, Price, Edition; Funnily enough there is no clear price and barcode on the front of the magazine, signifying that this is an expensive magazine and they do not want you to be put off by it. The barcode and edition number feature on the spine of the magazine as they are not very relevant and may distract from the main article and cover model. However they do have the magazine’s website on the bottom where any extra information will be kept. Perhaps American audiences are targeted in a different way to English magazines.

Font- The font Is used very well on the cover. The masthead is in big bold text reflecting its importance. The anchorage is in coloured bold text also symbolises the importance of it in attracting readers. Any other writing is in smaller text so as not to take away from the cover model or the masthead, its purpose is to simply inform the reader.

Use of colour- The use of colour plays a key role in selling the magazine. The border is in bright red to make the other images stand out and to catch the eye. The background behind the cover model gets darker the further away from him it gets; this helps Obama to stand out a lot more clearly and makes him seem more imposing and eye catching. The anchorage is in red to highlight its importance whilst the other text is in simple white denoting its importance to the selling of the magazine.