Front Cover Analysis 5

Billboard -Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith

These two covers are definitely targeting a 20+ age range as they are more sophisticated.

The title Billboard is vertical which gives a biggest focus on the artist. However does this give the covers more of a poster look?

Billboard- Ed Sheeran

For Ed Sheerans cover they have done something so people will know its him. Besides his music Sheeran is known for is Ginger hair and blue eyes. So for this cover they have put a shadow on his face but they have left it so you can still see his blue eyes. Also the blue background helps make them stand out more. Also they have put a red light behind him so he is outlined with red. This really emphasises his hair. There are a couple side stories mentioned along the bottom of the cover which does keep the cover looking very neat. However as they are quite small would people be drawn to read them?  I like this cover but I think it is a bit dark and it wouldn't catch my eye so I wont be taking anything from it.

Billboard- Sam Smith

Sam Smith hasn't been around as long as Ed Sheeran but has taken everyone by surprise. I would say these artists are equally as known and as talented as they have different styles. This front cover is showing how Smith has a very serious side to him but with the splash of colour he's still got that fun less serious side to him as well. However this cover also shows that they don't need to try and convince people to buy the magazine with other stories, they will buy the magazine based on that one artist. This is shown as there is only one article mentioned on the front cover. There isn't any little side pictures or stories it is entirely based upon the artist. Indeed some people may love that concept however I think that it makes it look more like a poster than a cover as you don't get to find out anything else that inside the magazine.


Kate