Front Cover Analysis 1

 

• ·         Colour scheme – black, white, red – connotes power, strength and masculinity
• ·         Font – clear bold fonts
• ·         Layout – text over The Rock’s bicep, frames his face as the main image around the arm
• ·         Bull logo on front cover – represents celebrity recognition/promotion
• ·         Media language influencing meaning of strength – “mind, body & masculinity” strapline, “man up! How to be a man in 2016” cover line – associates ideas of masculinity coinciding with physical strength
• ·         ‘The Rock’ text is larger than ‘Dwayne Johnson’ – his pseudonym has connotations of strength and stability, implies that his persona is more important
• ·         Direct eye contact with audience, common magazine convention to help add to the personal approach of this format. The intensity of his stare and lack of smile could suggest how seriously he is taken and how seriously they should take care of their own bodies
• ·         Johnson also uses direct mode of address which is a common convention of magazines and creates a relationship with the demographic. However, he is serious and unsmiling. This could suggest how seriously he wants the demographic to take themselves and their bodies
• ·         Using a successful black cover star as their dominant image – GQ is presenting a positive role model for its readers via his work ethic and desire to want to better himself
• ·         The use of Johnson’s iconic bicep with its bull tattoo reinforces the stereotype of men as having to be hyper masculine, strong and muscular
• ·         ‘hero worship’ – implies he is a role model to the demographic
• ·         Image used as a commodity and selling point of the magazine as people like to have an insight into their personal lives – coincides with Uses and Gratifications Theory
• ·         Primary audience – men who enjoy health and nutrition, fans of The Rock
• ·         Secondary audience – consistent buyers of GQ magazine without relation to topics/main image