Denotation and Connotation of a Magazine Front Cover

Different magazines use a several different types of denotation and connotation in order to be a focus for their proposed audience. The way that they do is by using pictures, text and quotes. Mixmag uses the connotation ‘Baby oil or techno tache? Which is the Ibiza party for you?’ although this is in a small font it may attract readers to that particular spot of the magazine, directly above that is a ‘FREE MIX CD’ this is that main purpose of the denotation and not the fact that it is outlined in yellow and black lines.

The denotations of the words ‘FREE MIX CD’ and ‘ANNIE MAC’ is that it is there to attract its intended audience straight away. The connotations of the cover is that there are a number of small print quotes on either side of the magazine; ‘LEGAL HIGHS BANNED; WHAT NOW?’ this would attract any male or female of which are taking legal or illegal highs. Many magazines use connotations as their sub-headings this would possibly widen the intended audience as they will see the front page on shop shelves and by seeing what is on the front page would encourage them to buy it.