1. Denotations of a magazine cover
Superimposing anchoring image over masthead
Secondary Leads/Strip
Buzz word
Masthead
Anchoring Image
Font features – uppercase, bold font, some italics, colours: black/ yellow/ white
Cover story/headline
Colour scheme - black, yellow, white
Coverline /kicker
Coverline /kicker
Promotion/ sponsorship
Hyperlink
Lure
Bar Code
Main coverline

2. Connotations of the magazine cover
The buzz word ‘NEW’ attracts readers to keep up-to-date with the hip-hop scene.
These Secondary Leads/Strip remind readers of other features in the magazine (including reviews for Kelis and 50 Cent)
The ‘VIBE’ masthead is stylised with uppercase and lowercase letters – this appeals to the demographic with its use of cacography.
Connotations of the magazine cover
The superimposition of the anchoring image of Drake over the VIBE masthead emphasises the confidence the magazine has in the star and the product. The purpose of this aesthetic choice is to showcase the magazine’s graphic design skills and the star power of Drake.
The striking anchoring image of Drake giving a direct address to the viewer is an engaging approach to hook people into purchasing the magazine.
The choice of font style and colour (uppercase, bold, some italics, black/ yellow/ white) aims to have a powerful impact. It is a simple and clear design that uses contrast to attract attention.
The cover story ‘Drake: Hip-hops new religion’ idolises the artist, appealing to the demographic. This is typical hyperbole used in magazines – exaggeration for marketing effect.
These cover lines highlight other features in the magazine with other famous artists. Alliteration is used to make these coverlines catchy.
The cover line on Chris Brown’s ‘definitive’ interview suggests that this is an important opportunity for the controversial artist to set the record straight.
This hyperlink is used to connect the reader to the magazine’s official website. This use of convergence is an excellent marketing technique to showcase their expertise across media platforms.
This promotion is used as another marketing technique.
The lure is an effective use of graphic design that uses mystery (enigma) to persuade the reader find out more.
The magazine bar code shows that this magazine is not an iPad version but one sold in the store.
Drake’s gold necklace medallions are a symbol of hip-hop culture referred to with the euphemism: “bling”.
The main cover line ‘UNSTOPPABLE’ exaggerates the invincibility of Drake in order to heighten his star power.