Analysis of Billboard Magazine Cover - Beyoncé Knowles

The masthead conforms to the three colour rule of the magazine. The letter ‘d’ in the masthead is filled with a blue shade, this could be linked to the main cover line which reads ‘BEYONCE’. It is in complete capitals and is the next biggest text on the cover; this ensures that the audience’s attention is drawn to the featured celebrities name once they have established the magazines title. The last letters of 'BEYONCE' are written over the artists dress, although it is only at the bottom of the page it could suggest that the text is introducing her as she is placed behind it. The typography of the cover line shows that the magazine wants to clearly show that Beyoncé is their main feature within that particular issue. The gradient effect from white to blue on the name gives it a metallic/modern feel to appeal to today’s readers. 

The mise-en-scene of the magazine is the medium shot of celebrity Beyoncé. The white dress she is wearing is contrasting to the solid dark blue background; this juxtaposition makes the image dramatically stand out.

Furthermore, it makes her the focus of the cover. We can see this is intentional due to the dress being plain white and not having any other colour shown as this was the desired effect.

In addition, the only colour that does not fit with the colour scheme of the issue is the bright red included in the masthead text. However, this is an exception because the colours on the masthead are the trademarked colours and part of the magazines long running identity. Moreover, the yellow tone is used to write some of the words on the cover to help run with the colour scheme.

Overall, the gradient shades of blue throughout the cover add to their feature and gives the magazine a cool and trendy feel.  

The word 'Plus' which is featured in the bottom left corner of the cover gives the reader the idea that they're getting more for their money, as though there is something extra inside that you wouldn't usually get. The description of Beyoncé next to her image are a collection of nouns which read 'Singer. Actress. Businesswoman. Philanthropist.' The words collectively sum up the artist and give the impression of her being somewhat remarkable for her being able to achieve so many things. Again, this carries on the idea of women on the cover.

The text directly above the masthead reads 'Women's Music', the text is prominent, a very similar size to the magazines title and because of its placement directly above the masthead shows that they want the audience to see this at the same time they establish the title. The text being placed above the masthead suggests importance and that they want to readers to see that this issue is about a specific topic, similar to a 'special edition' magazine issue, they have altered their featured stories inside to coincide with the theme of 'women'.

The celebrity's pose is a conventional position for someone to hold if they were replicating a role of dominance and importance. Her posture also conveys power and independence, it raises the awareness of sexism and can be seen as a feminist led cover. This role is stereotypically shown as a male poise although with the issue being dedicated to 'Women's Music' they have turned this role onto a woman to broadcast women's rights. Obviously, Beyoncé is a world renowned artist and she is guaranteed to attract their primary focused audience, women, for their issues specific theme.

Consequently, the image of the celebrity conforms to the rules of thirds and dominates the middle section. Apart from the celebrities name, all text is written around her, this suggests her importance in the issue and how nothing is to compromise her full image being clearly shown.

The mode of address theory can be applied here as the 'Women's Music' is trying to connect with more females than males, the issue is dedicated to women who have been successful in the industry and the placement of it at the top of the page, above the title, shows that this is the most important heading on the page and they want to show the audience this. The use of Beyoncé is addressing the audience by her being one of the most successful female singers in the world.

The Laura Mulvey theory of the 'male gaze' is a feminist theory and focuses on the representation of women in the media. As I have stated in my previous points the issue is trying to tackle sexism and show that there are numerous successful women in the music industry and that a lot of them are just as, if not more successful that male artists.




Laura Mulvey:  Male Gaze