VIBE cover analysis

Media Magazine Cover Analysis and Comparison 

From looking at the cover of this magazine, the most distinguishable thing we can see is rapper Lil Wayne, and the black masthead. 

The masthead, reading 'VIBE', is written in big, bold, black capital letters to make sure it stands out and can be one of the most easily read and eye catching parts of the cover.  

The main image, which is Lil Wayne takes up the most space on the page, to most likely assert its dominance. The picture of him even goes in front of the company name 'VIBE' to show that this person is the most important thing, even more important than the name of the music magazine. The medium shot of Lil Wayne with his hoodie open, showing his body tattoos and hands in his jeans shows a laid back – formal feel and look he his giving himself. By showing his tattoo, he could be trying to show his 'toughness' as tattoos can be linked to masculinity, in the sense that getting something such as tattoos which can be painful and permanent, makes you stronger. The gold chain, that looks like an old type of bag used to carry coins can be referred as him trying to instate that he is somewhat rich. This type of stature/posture can be linked to the type of music he produces – R 'n' B/ Hip Hop. The fact that he is wearing his jeans low, exposing his boxers, shows he is trying to fit into a trend that most people do – the type of people who listens to his music (his target audience). 

The main cover line. "LIL WAYNE" written in pink, bright and bold is the second biggest thing on the front page. This is done to show the main theme this article is about, and about who the biggest story in it will be. Also, the pink and large writing is done to attract the reader in, because the name stands out so much it attracts your eye easier, making the magazine more recognisable. 

There are very few cover lines, which can show that this magazine does not need to worry about having other smaller things to attract people, as the fact that Lil Wayne should be more than enough to lure people into buying the magazine. The coverlines generally have abit more information about who else could be in the magazine, and briefly what it is going to be about. 

The header, at the top of the cover is the third biggest piece of writing on the page. "THE HOLLYWOOD ISSUE" written in large capital letters shows very briefly, like a coverline, what this magazine is about. The word "HOLLYWOOD" is written in bright, bold and pink, just like where it says Lil Wayne, to make it stand out more and catch the readers eye. Also, by using the pink colour with black and a white background means it contrasts more and can emphasise just how important it is.