Cover Analysis - COMPLEX

In this magazine cover a more simplistic approach is used, it involves of very little writing used apart from the conventional logo and small cover lines. The logo that complex use time and time again is positioned at the top of the cover and its central, this is a basic convectional technique used by a lot of magazines so it is easily visible. The well-known logo is in the usual sharp block written font, which allows for the usual target audience to notice the title sticking out on the magazine shelf.

The simplistic design of the cover used allows the photo to be noticed and emphasised in greater depth. The knife and collection of gold chains show contrast to the plain background. The photo seems to be a mid shot taken at a lower angle so the audience are slightly looking up at the artist, which shows that he is of greater importance, which can correlate with the fact they haven’t used much writing around the photo either so there is a greater emphasis. Even though ASAP has a knife to his mouth his facial expression captured has a calm and humorous feel to it, emphasising that there isn’t a danger within the shot.

A basic colour scheme has been used of red white and black has been used which the exception of ASAP Rocky’s gold chains and teeth, the simplistic use of ordinary colours also allow for the image to be more noticeable.

The overall use of cover lines are very slim, only two cover lines have been used and they are both at the top of the cover, not overlapping the image. The heading ‘floss daily’ shows contrast to the shot of ASAP holding a knife to his golden tooth, this ironic contrast allows for humour to be involved, which compliments his facial expression. The font of the writing is sharp and easy to read and in white, which is very clear in contrast to the background. The cover lines only relate to the mid shot used, there is no advertisement to what else is included inside the magazine, which is a unique technique to make the usual target audience who know the magazine is interesting, buy it to see what else is involved. It also adds extra focus to ASAP, the urban artist, which can give a feel that the magazine is based on that. The use of gold chains can also add emphasis to the urban feel of the magazine.

This specific edition of the magazine will be aimed at people who are fans of urban music, most specifically black rap and ASAP rocky himself, due to the heavy focus on him.  Overall the simplistic look can add a more personalised feel to the cover.