The magazine I have chosen to look at is Four Four Two, and it's clear to see that the target audience for this magazine is males/ aged between 16 - 24. I also consider this product could be aimed at the working class of males, I believe this because of the idea behind the red masthead: Four Four Two's masthead is a great target audience attracting element as the title resembles the masthead of the Sun Newspaper, which is very popular newspaper, with a popular sports section - the audience recognize this and can identify with the similarities between the two different media products.
Another important part of the cover is the main image. The image shows an action shot of Fernando Torres as he looks to have just had a shot on goal. This picture, almost imitating a 3 dimensional capture, also has a huge impact on the audience as picture is shown in such a way that it seems to jump off the page. This is a very clever presentational technique as it gives the reader that extra sense of being on the pitch - with Torres - as they dive into the magazine. In addition, the colour of what Torres is wearing is significant as black represents power and authority, this could link to the importance of the product to the reader and how they see it as an item that makes you feel powerful, that the product gives them a sense of social rank as a football fan. Also, Torres is wearing black, and the background of the cover is white. The technique is used to show contrast between the two colours, therefore adding to the outstanding effect on the main image.
One crucial part of the magazine front cover is the left third. In most stores, magazines are laid out on the selves so that the left third is the only half of the magazine that is visible to the audience, therefore it is very important that left third helps the magazine to be easily recognizable among loads of different football and sport magazines. Four Four Two uses its left third very effectively, using it's bold, simple typography to make the product easily recognizable to its target audience.
Along with the left third, the main cover line is also an outstanding feature on the front cover of the product. The editor has separated the two words 'THE' and 'ISSUE' for two reasons: As the word 'STRIKERS' is the largest printed word, other then the masthead, on the page, it stands out. It is then made to stand out even more but being separated from the first and last word of the cover line. This effect is used to focus all the attention of the reader to the word 'STRIKERS' so they know what this months magazine is about. To add to that, the separation of 'THE' and 'ISSUE' give the main story line added importance. This is achieved by the two words being given a red backing, the red is used to show energy and passion. This presentational device is used in connection with the fact that football also shows these elements.
Overall, I believe this is a successful front cover. I believe this because it's simplicity along with it's ability to combine fonts and colours to make it stand out.
