Front Cover Deconstructions #2

Q

Font: The font is clear and easy to read due to the boldness and the capitals which jump off the page. The font style is consistent apart from “AMY” which is in a type writer style font. This allows the main image’s name – Amy Winehouse - to stand out and grab attention. There is a mixture of italics within the text to make different pieces of information to be read at alternate times.

Text: The text is informal and friendly giving off a casual and relaxed tone, inviting the audience in. The text is written in second person allowing the reader to feel included and spoken to directly. With the use of the repeated word “we” the reader feels very much involved in the current topic.

Colour: The colour palett is orange, white and black. These colours complement each other. They are unisex colours therefore appeals to either a male or female reader. Q magazine’s target audience is both male and female.

Body Language/Staging: Amy Winehouse, who is the main image, is shot in a medium close up with a “chocolate box” pose. This is a full shot pose, with a slight parting of the lips. The emphasis is on her and her attractiveness. The shot makes her look ‘flawless’ which would appeal to both men and women. Stereotypically the women would envy her look whilst men would find her very attractive. On the shelf, any reader who loved Amy Winehouse would pick up the magazine immediately to have a read.

Framing: Amy Winehouse is placed on the right hand side of the cover but takes up 80% of the frame.

Lighting: Amy Winehouse is shot using low key lighting. Half of Amy’s face is shadowed slightly whereas the other half is lit up. Her chest is shadowed in places too therefore the main focus is on the right side of her face as this is the lightest lit. The half and half lighting sends out the message that she has two contrasting sides to her, this may be to do with her personal life or her music. The lighting makes the shot more intriguing.

Composition: The main sell line and the other sell lines don’t hide any of her face or body. They are placed around her making her the dominant focus.



In response to the feedback comments:
The shadows on her face is due delibriately by the lighting. The dark shadows make her look mysterious as if she is hiding something. This issue was released a year after Amy Winehouse died so they have chosen a photograph most related to her famous image - big, beehive, messy hair and thick, black, tattooed eyeliner. The hidden message of this photograph is that she had a lot of secrets. This is portrayed through her shadowed skin and her bright, green eyes being emphasised.