Analysis of Billboard #Rihanna

I looked at Billboard Magazine and analysed the layout and composition and the different features it consisted of.

The main image standouts because of the colours which have been used, the red is very bold and vibrant, this could connote lust or desire because it matches her facial expression- giving the intense look. Also by using a darker background makes the image seem more potent and entices it's audience more. The close-up shot of her may portray her to look sweet and innocent for her audience, but then her tattoo’s convey a different meaning, saying she isn’t as sweet an innocent she’s made out to be, it shows she has more of an edge to her appearance, because not all females like to show off their tattoo’s whereas Rihanna doesn’t mind because it’s apart of her.

The masthead links with the main image and the title on top of the masthead, using the same colours throughout shows the continuity within the front cover, also the typography used in the masthead is subtle which allows the rest of the text on the page to be noticeable. The typography used is sharp and bold, written in uppercase lettering and it stands out to state what’s on the front cover of the issue. The cover lines have certain words which connect to what the story may be about e.g. ‘Bull on Parade’ links with the artist name, named: Pitbull and gives us a quick insight into what he’s on parade for. This is a good way to entice an audience because it gives a snippet of what the story is about which would make them want to read on.

At the bottom of the magazine they’ve used a pull quote from what she has said, this is a good way to attract a big audience because this will make them want to know the real her, and people would want to know what’s she’s been hiding. Also on top of her name, they used a visual pun because her nick name is known as ‘RiRi’ but they changed it to fit the purpose of the main cover story to draw in an audience.

All together the sick composition and layout of text and imagery help to showcase a good cover story on Rihanna. The use of colours help show the type of bold personality she conveys and the main story helps sale her even more because her fans would be willing to know new updates about her and how she’s changing along the way.