Q Front Cover Analysis

Q was first published in 1986, setting itself apart from much of the other music press with monthly production and higher standards of photography and printing. Originally it was to be called Cue, but the name was changed so that it wouldn't be mistaken for a snooker magazine. The publishers of this magazine were two men called Mark Ellen and David Hepworth.

The most striking feature of this front cover of Q magazine is the bright red text box in the top left hand corner with the letter "Q" in white. It is unique as it is the only music magazine that uses only one letter - no other magazines have a masthead so short and striking; this is why it is so effective against the sepia background. As well as this, the font used is very basic and clear to read, as many other magazine front cover title fonts are. I think this is so the text does not draw attention away from the image on the front cover. The bright red of this masthead is the only bright colour on the front page and this makes it stand out even more. Anchored below this masthead is a black textbox with "Britain's Biggest Music Magazine" in a clear white font. This makes it clear to the readers that it is a well established magazine and very famous. It also attracts new buyers.

There is only one headline on this magazine - "COLDPLAY". This is very different to other magazines that i have analysed because usually the front page is littered with coverlines showing features within the magazine. This makes the magazine appear very minimalistic and simple-reading. "COLDPLAY" is in a clear bold text in a gold colour - this matches with the sepia background. Also the gold colour may suggest royalty - that the band are so famous and well established in the music world that they are music royalty. Surrounding the headline there is extra information such as "One month inside their revolution" so the readers become intrigued and want to buy the magazine to read the article. The font used here is slightly different and in italics, this makes it look a bit different and more interesting.

Due to the blatant lack of coverlines, the front page has instead opted to show a very large and striking photograph and Coldplay. The four band members are all looking straight into the camera - this grabs the readers eyes. They are featured with their instruments so you recognize them and know who they are. Interestingly, the photo has been edited to become sepia. This ties in with the simple, minimalistic theme of "Q" magazine and makes it look different to other magazines because usually they are very bright and busy. The poses of the band members vary from sitting on the floor to sitting on a bench. They look natural and comfortable, and this makes people want to read about them.