Textual Analysis of Q

The cover of this magazine comes across as very blank, and holds little information about what the magazine is about. However I think this portrays sophistication and intelligence and that the target audience for this magazine would be for an older age group than your typical music magazine, which are normally aimed at late teens. The first thing you notice when you look at this magazine cover is the name of the magazine 'Q', which informs the audience what magazine they are looking at. It has a background of the colour red which is often used to signify danger, and the two panthers on the cover relates to this also.

The vagueness of the cover has a deep impact on the audience, especially males, as although there are very few images involved, there is a picture of Lily Allen half naked looking straight into the camera. This engages the viewer and I think it is an attempt to seduce the male audience, and make them want to read on. Furthermore, the two panthers standing beside her also indicates that she has a dark and dangerous side to her which would again entice the minds of the reader and encourage them to buy the magazine.

The suggestion that Lilly Allen has both a good and bad side to her is further emphasized through the use of colour in her name. For example black and white is used in her name which is often used as a symbol of good and bad; this would make readers interested in her and want to buy the magazine.

The slogan underneath the 'Q' says 'A Different Take on Music', which is a catchy phrase and is likely to stay in people's minds which helps them remember which magazine to buy next time. The word 'different' also would intrigue the reader as it suggests that the magazine is superior to others and a change to anything they've ever read. Other language such as 'exclusive', 'Wicked' and 'Plus', would grasp the eye of the audience especially as they are in the catchy colour of red which immediately attracts your attention anyway.

Also, the big bands mentioned in the coverlines on the top right of the cover such as 'Oasis' and 'U2' would suggest to the reader that this is a well known magazine and has alot of information about very famous bands; thus giving the reader confidence to buy the magazine as it includes bands they like.