Q front cover

Q was founded in 1986 by Mark Ellen and David Hepworth, who were dismayed by the music press of the time, which they felt was ignoring a generation of older music buyers who were buying CDs — then still a new technology. Q was first published by the EMAP media group in October 1986, setting itself apart from much of the other music press with monthly production and higher standards of photography and printing. In the early years, the magazine was sub-titled "The modern guide to music and more". Originally it was to be called Cue (as in the sense of cueing a record, ready to play), but the name was changed so that it wouldn't be mistaken for a snooker magazine. Another reason, cited in Q's 200th edition, is that a single-letter title would be more prominent on newsstands.

From Wikipedia Denotation Mast Head The Mast head is in a white font and a serif font, it looks like times new roman. It’s a capital letter and covers most of the upper left third of the page. It is presenter in a logo format. There is a cover line just below placed on a black background. In the same style of font without serifs. It read “THE WORLDS GREATEST MUSIC MAGAZINE” Anchorage Text “I AM MORE ROCK AND ROLL THAN ANYONE YOU’LL EVER MEET.” All capitalised, different shades of white and in different sizes, they are all in the same sans serf font. “KILLERS” is a bigger font size than the others. “The” is in a red/capitalised serif font, it is also a different font to the grey words. They are all positioned on the middle right and centre third of the page.

Additional Text Some additional text is on the left third of the page, accompanied by images. There are variations between black and red with different font styles and sizes. The top left piece of text is capitalised and features “NEIL YOUNG” in big red font. The extra information is in small font accompanied by small images this is the same for the ones bellow just in different colour size and font combinations.

There is a break from style at the “117 albums reviewed” different because of the serif font. Bellow that there is a lack of capitals in people’s names. There is a lot of name drops. Star factor. On the Bottom right third of the page “weediest records ever” with a picture of a daisy to add humour, it’s a play on words. The top right mirrors the left side.

Main image

The image is off KILLERS star Brandon Flowers, he is facing towards the camera with arms holding leather jacket, there is direct eye Contac, styled hair. He is wearing a jacket that looks blue with the lighting as well as a t-shirt that does the same, this also adds a 3d quality. His skin is showing and he appears natural. The background is White.

House style Red, white, black with aspects of blue.

The white are in different shades to stand out from the background.

Connotations Mast Head The style of the masthead connotes something of a house style between additions, the Q is very simple and stands out because it is not as filled as the rest of the page, and this is emphasized by the size of it as well as the use of a red background. The Q is iconic and would be used well as a logo, in which they utilise throughout their additions. The world’s greatest music magazine is a bold statement and you almost want to see if it’s true by looking inside.

Anchorage text “IM MORE ROCK AND ROLL THEN ANYONE YOU’LL EVER MEET” This is a very bold Rock and Roll statement because he is saying that he is better than everyone else and he intends to prove it and if you disagree you will look inside to find out why he thinks this so it works well as a provoking statement and a supportive statement, either way it increases sales. This also emphasises the music genre that he belongs to so you don’t need to read into it. The look of the typography is very clean, slick and premium even though it is very simple, I think this is because of the slightly faded font that is flattered by the reflection from the image. “KILLERS” is placed directly in the middle of the two pieces of information and is bigger; drawing your eyes to it immediately. The change in font in “The” adds variety to the magazine that would be lacking otherwise. At the time of release this was “Brandon Flowers” return to the limelight, this is shown by the use of text “BRANDON FLOWERS REBORN” Additional text Most of the additional text is on the left third of the page, most of the pieces of work are accompanied by images and variations of style, font, colour and size. They are all capitalised and feature stars such as “NIEL YOUNG” and “RADIO HEAD”. The combination of all these things manage to make the magazine look filled up but I feel that it also makes the magazine look slightly cluttered and untidy in its aesthetic appearance. The use of stars is typical of a music magazine and would be something you would conventionally be expected to see. The bottom selling line on the left side, this has a break from style, the words “117 albums reviewed” adds a refreshing look to the page because of its change of style from the rest of the magazine. The names bellow this aren’t entirely capitalised, this makes me think that this section of the magazine isn’t as important as the rest but is still important enough to make it on the front cover of the magazine; this is because it is a repeated convention in this particular magazine company. In the bottom right third there is a statement that says “the weediest record ever” this could be a reference to nature theme they have, with “Brandon FLOWERS” but it could also be referring to drugs and the lifestyle of a rocker. This is accompanied by an image of a daisy, this adds humour to the magazine that had been serious up until now.

Main Image The main image is of “Brandon Flowers” this immediately has connotations because he is a star and also because he is associated with rock music; therefore this is important as a main image because it can bring in more audiences if these things are in their interest. Also the use of the man himself might bring in audiences who are interested in the singer as well as people who may be interested in his sex appeal. The shot is a close up making the graphic feel more intimate. The image itself has him placed in a “rocker like” stance that looks slightly aggressive yet attractive this is emphasized by his direct eye contact. The use of his clothes also make him look more attractive and appeal to people who like “rocker” type characters. The reflection of blue on the jacket makes it look aesthetically appealing as well as connoting a male theme (Blue symbolises men) His head titled back makes him appears as if he is inviting you to join him in what he is doing, this could also mean to join him in his music. The white background makes the image stand out and with the lightening gives it a 3d look.

When compared to the other aspects of the cover it makes the man look artistic and talented.

House style The red, white and black house style simply works well with the image and I feel that is why it was used as well as standing out from the white background. The blue aspect of the house style is simply only used in the image but does streak down into the anchorage text, this is not typically seen in most magazines.

I conclusion the magazine compliments the image very well and it is clear that it is all about “Brandon” and his look.