On this front cover of Artrocker magazine, the main focus is on the large cover photo of the alternative band, Bombay Bicycle Club. The pale grey background and simple clear typography of the masthead, headline and cover lines are subtle and make the main attraction of the front cover the band; and as a result they are the first feature of the magazine the target audience looks at.
The colour scheme consists of pale greys, white and pastel yellow. These nudes and pastels are typically used and associated with alternative magazines. The bold neon pink colour and bold typography of the title 'Artrocker' creates a contrast on the cover placed on top of the nude and pastel colour scheme. This connotes that it is the most significant piece of text on the front cover and therefore this will be the first piece of typography the audience will read. The overall colour scheme, typography and layout of this cover results in a typical alternative music magazine as it is unique and simplistic. The headlines are placed to the bottom left corner are also limited, straight to the point and consist of similar bold typography and the same pale pastel yellow colour. This as a whole, results in a much more simpler and unique layout in comparison to other music magazine genres.
The lead singer of the band 'Bombay Bicycle Club', Jack Steadman, is in the only memeber in focus in the main cover image. He has also been photographed looking at a direct gaze in the foreground, this therefore automatically makes him the main focus of this magazine front cover. This connotes he is of more importance in both the band and this magazine front cover feature in comparison to his band members who are in the background and out of focus. Jack Steadman's direct gaze is not intimidating or overpowering like those of rock or heavy metal bands and magazines, instead, it is inviting, as it is calm and he has a gentle smile. Their emotionless expressions also connotes that they are in the same band and are serious about their music.
The skin tones of the band members have been edited and drained to make their faces blend into the pale background, as a result, this emphasises the colours of their clothing. The costumes used in this main cover photo are typically associated with 'alternative' or 'indie' dress codes which connotes their identity and image as alternative music artists. As this is a typical ideology of Artrocker magazine target audience of alternative music fans will automatically recognise Bombay Bicycle Club's as an alternative band and will be attracted to this music magazine. Jack Steadman's high buttoned is an indexical sign and signifies smartness and good work ethic, this connotes they are serious about their band and music. However he wears it in a causal and relaxed way which creates and interesting contrast and again makes him appear inviting, friendly and likable.
