DenotationThe magazine cover consists of a colour photograph of a man looking down. It is a medium close up showing his head, shoulder and chest. The background of the photograph is beige, and the photograph covers the majority of the magazine cover. In front of the man is a rolling stone Masthead as well as four separate cover lines which are white. The photographed man’s name is in white and there are yellow lines separating the cover lines. A barcode is visible in the bottom right corner.
Masthead
Rolling stones masthead is very distinctive: Yellow with a white outline and a black drop shadow. The font used is a serif font, and after the first letter of each word, the lower case joins up to each other. The font used is similar to the famous ‘Coca Cola’ writing and connotes the American culture. The words ‘rolling stone’ comes from a proverb, ‘A rolling stone gathers no moss’, giving a suggestion of anti-establishment and non conformity. Also ‘the Rolling stones’ are another very famous and long running band, suggesting that this magazine has all of the connotations associated with the usage of the phrase in the past. All of the musicians who have used this phrase in their music had reputations of having very rock and roll lifestyles – making the magazine seem dangerous and risqué. The name ‘Rolling Stone’ tells the audience this magazine is music based.
Character
The cover photograph is of the successful American rapper ‘Lil Wayne’.
Composition
He is posed in a calm manner, like something has gone wrong sort of way. His body language is quite negative.
Costume
He is wearing a hat slightly leaned to the side and he is not wearing any clothing on his upper body which exposes his body full of tattoos. This may appeal to the target audience who is most likely to be people who listen to rock music.
NVC
His non verbal communication is unenthusiastic; he is looking down as if in sorrow.
Lighting
The lighting is high key, as the Photograph is meant to be display his body clearly.
Setting
There is no setting; however the brown-peach coloured background connotes a sense of misery or confusion.
Cover Lines
The main cover-line that relates to his photograph says: “Lil Wayne goes rock” This references to the genre of music Lil Wayne does which is rap, but it has changes to rock.
Target Audience
Considering all points, the likely target audience would be male and female (more male audience members) ages 30-50. They would have a good knowledge on popular culture and take interest in a wide range of musical styles and the music industry. They are likely to be well read/educated, and have an interest in American popular culture.
The cover photograph is of the successful American rapper ‘Lil Wayne’.
Composition
He is posed in a calm manner, like something has gone wrong sort of way. His body language is quite negative.
Costume
He is wearing a hat slightly leaned to the side and he is not wearing any clothing on his upper body which exposes his body full of tattoos. This may appeal to the target audience who is most likely to be people who listen to rock music.
NVC
His non verbal communication is unenthusiastic; he is looking down as if in sorrow.
Lighting
The lighting is high key, as the Photograph is meant to be display his body clearly.
Setting
There is no setting; however the brown-peach coloured background connotes a sense of misery or confusion.
Cover Lines
The main cover-line that relates to his photograph says: “Lil Wayne goes rock” This references to the genre of music Lil Wayne does which is rap, but it has changes to rock.
Target Audience
Considering all points, the likely target audience would be male and female (more male audience members) ages 30-50. They would have a good knowledge on popular culture and take interest in a wide range of musical styles and the music industry. They are likely to be well read/educated, and have an interest in American popular culture.
