Magazine Cover Deconstruction

Muscle and Fitness Cover

When I look at this cover, I assume that this man is strong and serious.  I made this assumption based on his big muscles and straight look on his face.  He makes me feel a little bit intimidated.  The main purpose of this magazine is to give people workout plans and advertise supplements to make you believe you can look like the person on the cover.  I believe the intended readership for this magazine is young, athletic men and women who want to improve their image.  This cover represents the idea that looking this way is more attractive.  This cover omits the fact that it takes a long time plus having a strict diet and exercise routine to look this way.

Esquire Cover

Because of his smile and body language, I believe that this person is successful and happy.  He makes me feel motivated and hopeful. The main purpose of this magazine is to describe the contributions of men. I believe the intended readership of this magazine is mostly middle-aged, but may attract some older and younger aged men.  I believe this cover suggests that a happy, successful life can be easily achieved. 

                                               

Comparison

The same man is pictured on both covers, but is pictured very differently in each one.  The picture on the Muscle and Fitness cover is dark, intimidating, and un-inviting.  I get this feeling from the way his eyes are hidden, the dark colors used on the cover, and the way his body is positioned.  These techniques are directed toward an audience that would possibly want to give others the same impression.  Many body builders and athletes (this magazine’s intended audience) want to give an impression that they have a rough exterior. This image endorses some of the products advertised in this magazine, such as supplements and workout routines.

 I personally find the picture on the Esquire magazine more appealing.  He is nicely dressed, smiling, and is pointing which implies he is being more directive to the audience.   This magazine describes the contributions and accomplishments of men.  So in order for readers (mostly middle-aged men) to relate to the stories in this magazine, the cover needed to present a certain image.  This magazine accomplishes this by using pleasant colors and an attractive, happy model. 

Both magazines have a sex appeal.  The Muscle and Fitness model has on a tight shirt to show of his muscles and the Esquire magazine has a picture of a woman exposing her midriff.  Sex appeal is a popular marketing strategy; it will make people want to buy or do anything!  There are other attention grabbers on the covers of these magazines.  The Muscle and Fitness magazine has an article about how to get lean fast.  That is exactly what the readers want.  They want results in a short amount of time.  The Esquire magazine uses celebrities to grab the attention of their readers.  People are more interested in the life of a celebrity and therefore will buy the magazine.