Clash Front Cover Analysis

Publisher: PPA

Editor in Chief: Simon Harper

Genre: Alternative

Issue Number:49

The "a" and "s", in the mast head, appear to mirror each other which relates to the genre of the magazine. This is because the magazine is alternative, opposite to other genres, and this is what the letters are doing, the "a" is just an "s" but the opposite way around. It also relates to the banner line as Iggy and David Bowie are very similar to each other, they both had a cocaine addiction and lived together in Berlin to try and get off the drugs. The fact the letters are symmetrical, or mirroring each other, is symbolic to the pairs relationships because they are both very similar. The colour pink connotes femininity which relates to the feminine pose Iggy is holding in the main image and also the fact he has long hair and wears make-up. The word "clash" is particularly important as it expresses the genre by basically saying our music clashes against the rest which is ideological of the institution.

Iggy, in the main image, is swearing by holding his middle fingers up, the institution have made this subtle to the audience by not directing the offensive sign to the audience, this could offend readers lowering sales. This subtle gesture shows Iggy's attitude as a famous rock star would have. The subtleness could also suggest his retirement of the music industry, almost as if he isn't capable anymore or not as outrageous as he used to be by not swearing fully. They could also be interpreted as devil horns to connote his bad boy image and his devilish attitudes on stage. The use of medium close up draws our attention to his bare chest and upper torso. This is iconic of Iggy, so we instantly know it's him even though the image is centred at his chest. The simplistic background  makes it easy for the audience to read the cover lines so their attention is not distracted.

In the banner line "IGGY AND THE STOOGES" is in bold, lime green and in capital letters, This is so the audience are clear about the what is the most important part of the writing, i.e not David Bowie, not death or drugs but IGGY AND THE STOOGES. The lime green creates a clash against the pink mast head and rest of the banner line which correlates with the genre and the connotations of the mast head. The institution have used a pink background on the rest of the  banner line, which continues the colour in the mast head and some cover lines.  The white writing creates a clear contrast so that it is easy to read.  The banner line is also giving the main image anchorage.

The cover lines have a mixture of white, pink and lime green, continuing the colour scheme around the lay out creating consistency which happens to appear visually better.  The font colour is plain white and they have used colour to draw attention top the specific things that will interest their target audience the most. The institution have also used a simple cross sign in pink instead of writing the word plus. This is unusual which immediately catches the readers attention to see what it is. The pink relates the cover line under the plus to the mast head making it clear that "Clash" is saying, "plus we have this!"  They have also used bold fonts to subtly draw the attention of the reader to important words of the cover lines for example band names, "CYPRESS HILL". The audience are, most probably, going to like this band therefore will be drawn towards it to read about them. A simple thick pink line is vertically parallel with the boldest cover line to make it stand out even more. 

An ear is used to advertise the cheap price of the magazine making it appear affordable. The choice of lime green  is appropriate as there isn't as much of the colour used compared to the pink and white so it has prevented it from being lost. The strap line across the top of the magazine is also making the magazine seem worth its money by advertising free music to download, this again is encouraging readers to buy the magazine even more.

The bar code is found in the bottom, right hand corner as when magazines are stacked, this part is hidden behind others. It would waste advertising space to be portrayed in the left third. There is only a monthly edition. The website address is also found under the bar code, www.clashmusic.com. The price and issue number are written outside the bar code which looks better than inside like in Q and KERRANG magazine.

Summary of Analysis

From analysing this magazine i have learned how to create colour schemes in relation to the ideology of the masthead and genre. I have also learned, through the use of colour, how to make certain elements of the layout stand out amongst the rest. I have also learned how signs and symbols can be used in a main image to convey a certain attitude or message to an audience. Finally, i have found out how to make a product appear cheap and worth the money through the use of strap lines and ears.