Textual Magazine Analysis - GQ

Magazine Analysis - GQ

This magazine cover portrays connotations of formality and masculinity. Although Drake could be used to attract a female audience, the male audience could also aspire to be like him. Also the matter that Drake is a well known artist could attract a wide audience as they would like to read about him. By quoting one of his most famous songs "started from the bottom now he's here" the magazine relates to the audience. This is important because it could encourage the audience to read on. At first glance the magazine looks relatively formal but upon further inspection at the cover lines we understand that the age range could vary from late teens to early thirties. We can get this information from the language used, a "killer summer party" may relate to a twenty to thirty-year-old audience.

Drake is seen wearing bright clothing, the silver coloured top and the white trousers could signify cleanliness and spruceness. This could give the male audience something to look up to, something to aspire to be like. The wrist wear could signify wealth and prosperity; the watch is made out of gold and encrusted with what looks like diamonds. His necklace could also give these connotations. His facial expression could also portray connotations of friendliness and this could encourage the audience to feel at ease when reading about him; they feel he is more realistic and down-to-earth. 

The masthead on this magazine is portrays connotations of minimalism and clarity, however it can still be recognised as GQ fairly easily. The cover lines are neatly organised around the main image of Drake to signify the main image itself but to also portray connotations of purity while maintaining legibility. Eye contact is also made with the audience as it gives them a sense of involvement. Drake's body language is also casual, encouraging the audience to feel at ease at the sight of someone famous.

The slogan "look sharp - live smart" gives connotations of formality and wealth. This could also affect the audiences' opinion on the magazine as they may aspire to "look sharp" and "live smart." These are positive aspects that the audience may feel they need to live up to in order to be successful like Drake. The little details down to the fact Drake's shirt is tucked into his trousers gives connotations that he is smartly dressed ready for an occasion.

The socio-economic grouping this magazine's audience could be classed as would be from C2 to B as the average price is set at £3.99. This is significant because it tells us who can afford the magazine and we can compare this to the age range targeted. The cover line "50 under $50" could tell us that the audience is willing to spend up to $50 (£31) on clothes for the "best summer wardrobe ever." This can also tell us that the target audience could have a limited amount of money to spend on clothes.