Analysis of Smash Hits magazine front cover

Colours

The colours used on the front cover are Black, white and red, these colours are very contrasting against each other and they make each other stand out. These colours also give the magazine a sense of danger and this will attract the target audience of late teenagers as they will see it as exciting and interesting and will want to buy it and read it

Fonts

Sans Serif font is used as the main font. This also has a more simple appearance and is more modern. This appeals to the target audience because they are not interested in fancy writing and this font makes the magazine have a sense of edginess and shows it is not serious. However the magazine name is in serif font however it is still edgy and bold so does not look out of place with the rest of this magazine

The masthead

The masthead on smash hits magazine changed a lot over the years it was in circulation. This issue was one of their last publications and is a lot different to earlier issues. However ‘smash hits’ is such a well-known name this doesn’t matter and readers will still be able to recognise it instantly even if it does change.

Pictures

Main picture on this magazine is lady gaga, who is very popular artist with this target audience. This appeals to the target audience because she is someone they are interested in. The main picture has been placed in the centre of the cover. However as Cheryl Cole is one of the biggest people in pop at the minute her name is not mentioned on the front cover this is because it is obvious who she is to the people who will be buying and reading the magazine.

There are also other picture on the cover of this magazine; all of lady gaga. This is to appeal to the target audience because they will be buying this magazine because of who is in it and seeing the other pictures will show them what is to come inside the magazine.

Language

The language used in this magazine is simple, informal, but no slang language is use, this appeals to the audience because it is similar language they would use and so therefore they can relate to it and understand it.  The word exclusive is also used. This means that this interview or pictures are only in this magazine so the readers won't be able to read or see them anywhere else so they must buy the magazine to see them, which will attract the audience to buy it.