'Cosmo Girl' Front Cover Analysis

The title ‘Cosmo Girl’ suggests that it is for modern and sophisticated teenage girls.  It attracts the readers’ attention as it is written in big and bold on a bright pink background.  

The central image of ‘Rachel Bilson’ relies on the audience knowing that she plays the role of ‘Summer’ in ‘The OC’.  She looks simple but beautiful, the anchorage text suggest the she will be talking about her style and that is how it appeals to the readers as teenage girls tend to feel insecure about their image and style.  Also she uses the direct mode of address, smiling into the readers’ eyes as if trying to convince them to buy the magazine.

It has articles about sex, dating advices and also about the opposite sex which certainly are issues in teenagers’ lives.  Puffs on the front cover suggests that the magazine will give beauty and fashion tips assuming that the readers are concerned about their appearance.

The price and the bar code is placed in the top corner of the page for it to be seen.  The magazine costs £2 which is affordable to every teenage girl.

The theory developed by ‘Blumler and Katz’ suggests that people read the magazine to identify with characters and situation in order to learn more about themselves as it has true-life stories which everyone can relate to.  Some people also read it to be entertained or for social interaction as it has articles about celebrities and stars.