This is my analysis of my school magazine front cover; the layout is based upon my first magazine skeleton. The purpose of my magazine is to inform and entertain my target audience of sixth form students.

The masthead is bold and clear which closely relates to the school ‘The Misbourne’ and is therefore relatable for the potential audience. The typography used is fairly formal e.g. black and white colouring and clear sans serif font. This may have a negative effect on the audience as it may not appeal to them as well as a more colourful, bolder use of typography. The use of the colour scheme red, white and blue will appeal to the audience as it relates to the school colours. It also gives the magazine a style.

The main image is a mid-shot of a sixth former. Her choice of black and white clothing shows that she is dressed formally and suggests she is a sixth former. This will appeal to the target audience of sixth form students as she will be recognisable. The use of direct gaze has the effect on the audience that they are being addressed personally. As the model is female, this will also attract the male gaze.

The use of coverline’s links to the purpose to inform and entertain which will appeal to the target audience of sixth form students as the coverline’s  are relevant to their age group, interests and studies. The use of a buzzword ‘exclusive’ also grabs the attention of the audience. I have used personal pronouns ‘you’ and ‘your’ so that the audience feels as If they are involved and are being addressed personally, fulfilling the need in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to belong. I would improve the appearance of my coverline’s by experimenting with types of fonts and colouring.

The position of the strapline placed at the top of the page will encourage readers to pick up the magazine. The uses of the strapline ‘WIN! Free school lunch’ grabs the attention of audience as it contains a puff. This will draw attention to the top of the magazine and therefore to the masthead.

I would improve my magazine by changing the layout; I would plan to shift most of my coverline’s over to the left hand third. I would also enlarge the masthead and reposition it so that is more central. I would also like to include more images on the front cover linking to the coverline’s to attract more readers. An issue number may also make the magazine look much more professional.