Magazine Front Cover Analysis

OK! Magazine is a weekly magazine that specializes in celebrity gossip and news. Its first issue was published in April 1993, and in September 2004, publishers decided to produce the magazine on a weekly- rather than monthly- basis. The magazine now appears in 20 countries worldwide. In this essay, I will compare two different front covers of OK! Magazine, with regards to use of colour, images, copy, design and overall impression.

The first thing I noticed about the two front covers is that red is a very dominant colour in both. As every issue of OK! carries the red logo in the top left corner, red seems to be OK! magazine’s signature colour. This could be because the brightness makes the magazine stand out amongst the other gossip magazines on the shelf. Red also gives an impression of emergencies and urgency, so perhaps using the colour on the front cover is an attempt to draw the audience in, by making them think that the news inside is exciting and important. However, the two covers do differ with use of colour. The issue with Coleen Rooney on the cover also includes bright, fuschia pink and a deep purple, which together make the cover look quite positive and feminine. On the other hand, the issue with Jade Goody on the colour includes greys and light blues- worn by Jade and her family. These colours may have been chosen to match Jade’s hospital gown. Furthermore, these cold colours carry negative connotations, of misery, illness and coldness.

The main graphic on the first issue is the photograph of Coleen Rooney. She (along with every other celebrity displayed on the cover) looks at the camera, as if she is looking at the reader. This makes the magazine seem more personal, as if the celebrities themselves are urging people to pick the magazine up and read about them. The photo of Coleen is a posed photograph rather than one taken by paparazzi, and she has obviously been styled to look good for the front cover. This makes the magazine look altogether more sleek. The main graphic- in fact the only graphic- on the second cover is the photograph of Jade Goody and her family. Although, like the photo of Coleen, this is obviously posed, Goody wears minimal make up, and all five people on the cover look relatively pale- a contrast to Coleen’s warm glow. This may have been done on purpose- the pale faces to reflect how draining Jade’s illness was for them all. However, most people in the picture are smiling, which sends out a positive message that the family are supporting one another through this difficult time and trying to make the best of things.

The main title of the first issue of OK! is, “What it’s really like to be Mrs Rooney!” This is the title that stands out the most, as it is in a larger font than any other title on the cover. The words, “what it’s really like” imply that the readers will get the full inside story- the truth in great detail. When displayed on a shelf, this title could give off the impression that OK! magazine is the only magazine that has the full inside ‘scoop’ on Coleen and Wayne’s marriage. Above the title, mounted on a pink background, are the words “the first interview”. This is in stark contrast to the screamer displayed on the second cover of OK! that reads, “my last ever interview and final pictures.” This is similar to the first cover as these strong words would draw the audience in- but in a different way. The words “last ever” imply that this is the reader’s last opportunity to read about Jade Goody- in Jade Goody’s own words. It makes the issue seem like a must-have, an opportunity not to be missed. However, it also carries heavy sentimental values, as the issue contains the final memoirs of a woman who died from a terrible illness. The words “final” and “not wake up again” are very powerful, as they seem to signify a dramatic ending to a long story- the story of Jade Goody’s life. In comparison, the first cover seems rather shallow, as the screamers and taglines describe diets and shotgun marriages. However, these subjects are typical for OK! magazine, so they are what the target audience would be pleased to see. Although the second cover is obviously very different to the average cover of OK!, its regular readers would still want to pick it up as the obvious difference between that issue and every other issue sends out the message that this particular edition is extremely important. Moreover, the usual OK! slogan of “first for celebrity news” has been replaced by “with all our love and prayers” on the Jade Goody issue. This, again, gives the impression that the issue is extremely important- important enough to change a feature that is displayed on every issue of OK! magazine.

The two magazine covers are extremely different with regards to layout. The first issue’s cover is packed with pictures, screamers and taglines. The main article- about Coleen and Wayne Rooney-is advertised on the left third, which would be the part of the magazine exposed on the shelf. At first glance, the packed cover seems packed and over the top. However, I think that this is the impression that OK! magazine aimed to give- that the magazine is full to the brim with various exciting features. On the other hand, the second issue of OK! is very minimal in its layout. It merely displays the photograph of Jade Goody with her family, and two titles advertising the “world exclusive” of Jade’s final interview. The simple layout seems to be as a mark of respect for Jade- her article is not competing for space on the front cover with articles about shallow matters such as diets. In a way, this simple cover design stands out more than one with lots of articles screaming for attention. Its simplicity is so completely different to the usual style of OK! front covers that it would make people stop and look further to find out why this particular issue looks so different. Both covers draw the audience in, but in completely opposite ways.

I would say that both of these magazine front covers are successful in urging people to notice the magazine on a shelf, and pick it up to read more. As well as drawing in new readers, the two front covers would be enough to make regular readers continue to buy OK! They both send out the message that the magazine is a must have, and its contents cannot be found or competed with anywhere else. The first issue, with its busy front cover and bright colours, implies that the magazine is packed with exciting features, whereas the second issue, with its minimal cover design and dull colours, acts as a mark of respect for Jade Goody and reflects the sadness of her dramatic battle with cancer. In conclusion, I would say that both covers are successful in serving their purpose- drawing people in and advertising the magazine’s contents.