Deconstructing Billboard cover.

In this edition of Billboard the main focal point is the main image, being the artist 'Lady Gaga'. They have used a well known artist on the cover as she appeals to many readers, meaning that the audience will be attracted to the issue. This particular artist has been used because her music genre is mainly pop and she has a lot of fans. Lady Gaga, however is showcased in a provocative way, this could suggest that the magazine doesn't just want to sell to females who idolise her, but males as well. Also it could be that it leaves the reader in question, as she is showcased to be almost dangerous and intimidating making the reader feel compelled to see her feature in the issue. 

Furthermore the main colour scheme used in this issue is black, grey, white and purple. This colour scheme conveys a sense of sophistication, how they want to appeal to an older age group, been late teens, early twenties. They may want to do this so they can escape the stereotypical pop magazine. This is an idea that I would like to take on, to avoid the younger view on pop. Also the purple writing/symbols link with the models hair. This is done so that the reader doesn't feel overwhelmed with colour. They don't become confused by the cover and its overall look. The black, grey and white also compliment each other well as it again suggests this idea of sophistication but also simplicity, this idea of not suffocating the reader. On the other hand it helps with the idea of dangerous and intimidation as black has connotations of seriousness and mysterious. It's almost like the colour scheme wants to reflect on Lady Gaga, having this idea of with held information from the reader. They don't want to place everything on the front cover. 

However there are many cover lines used in this particular issue which are used as further incitement towards the reader. Especially when they write "SHE IS BACK" which makes the audience read on and see who the magazine is talking about. The magazine seems to cleverly with hold information by saying "SHE" instead of the name from the reader making the urge of knowing heightened. By placing most of the cover lines in bold and capitals it helps with the idea of importance, they want the text to stand out so that the reader can quickly scan it, yet they still want to read further. I find it interesting how the cover lines are beside and even placed behind the artist, suggesting that they are not as important and are not the main selling point. It just portrays that Lady Gaga is more significant and anything else is second best, they don't compare to her. This is what I plan to do with my music magazine as I feel that it's the artist who should be the focal point and not the cover lines.