Q Front Cover Research 2

The second issue of Q I have chosen dates back to February 2010. The issue is based on Cheryl Cole becoming a solo artist. They have used the front cover to show off the change Cheryl Cole has made as a solo artist. They have given her an appearance which juxtaposes her well known style of an innocent, girly pop star. This adds shock value to the start of her solo career which will get people talking. Shock value will be a good way to get people interested in my magazine. If they see someone well known juxtaposing themselves, people will want to know what’s going on and why they are doing it. They use black and bright red colouring to portray the image of a rock star. This also backs the idea of Cheryl Cole juxtaposing herself, and changing for the better. As I am going to use similar colours and style I could use an opposing musician to also create the shock value, it also gives the idea that they have completely changed attracting an original and new demographic. Again they use the album to play with the language. Her new album was called ‘3 Words’, they have used this to comment on Cheryl Cole ‘3 words… CHERYL COLE ROCKS.’ I may use the latest album as a basis for my front cover as it helps to set a style for my colouring and language. I will also be able to play around with the lighting to infer conventions of the album. Existing fans of the artist will be interested about the new album as well and seeing how the artist has changed. Although they are portraying Cheryl Cole in a completely new style they have kept some of her characteristics which helped to attract her existing fan base. Cheryl Cole is used to sell an image through sex appeal. They use red lipstick and the rain to back her pose in order to give her a sexy appearance. Although she has been portrayed this way, it is usually in an innocent style but this time the red lipstick, dark clothing and rain portray it in an alarming and rebellious way. For my magazine I won't be selling an image but focusing on the actual music, so I won't using any effect like this as it would be irrelevant to the conventions of my magazine.