Billboard music magazine analysis

The Masthead of the magazine is 'Billboard' which suggests that the magazine has a large audience due to a wide range of people seeing it- as they would a billboard. The masthead is also partially covered by the main cover image, which is of the star of the issue of the magazine. As the image of Katy Perry is an irregular feature it takes priority over the masthead as all readers can acknowledge it immediately despite only seeing part of it.'Billboard' is written in strong bold letters to ensure it is recognizable as the masthead, any other text, even if large or bold, is written in softer lettering.

Above the masthead, there is a 'skyline' to advertise one of the features inside the magazine, in this instance it is 'Sheryl Crow' and only a small amount of information about the feature is revealed. To those interested in her work, as most of the readers would be (due to being in the target audience), this is enough to interest them to buy the issue.
In the main coverline of the magazine our attention is immediately drawn to 'Katy Perry' written in large letters to ensure that the readers are aware this issue of 'Billboard' is centred around her. In the quote of 'Inside the court of the queen of pop' we anticipate revelations about her inside which intrigues readers to find out more.

The main cover image is Katy Perry covered in flowers, these could symbolize her genre of music, which is mostly pop, as well as that the issue is the 'spring' edition. Katy Perry's outfit is also flowery and young, which relates once again to her music style as well as her bubbly personality. We are drawn towards her through her eye contact with us but through her facial expression we see a vulnerability that links to the promised revelations within the issue. It seems as though she is opening herself for people to discover what her lifestyle is like.

Often, colours can be used to reflect the personality of the cover star. By using a pink background it can connotate that sweetness and nurturing side of Katy Perry. One of these connotations can also be 'Pink is a non-threatening colour seeking appreciation, respect and admiration, we could relate this once again to the main cover line and interpret that her revealing parts of herself are in order to be accepted and looked up to.

There are four sub feature headlines, to give insight into the contents of the magazine. These are designed to excite the reader and encourage them to buy the magazine. In one of these sub feature headlines a chance to win a prize is offered, but details will be inside only. A rhetorical question about Taylor Swift is also present, posing questions in the minds of the readers.

Another feature also has attention drawn towards it through the circling of it in a bold colour. It is also placed on a slight angle in comparison to the rest of the text, making it appear to be an 'added extra' or even 'breaking news'. In this case its 'Chart heat' that is the 'splash' of information provided and the readers believe it to be a bonus feature.