The Big Issue cover analysis
This cover features Johnny Depp as the main image drawn in a computerised style with words surrounding him connoting his traits and famous roles, expressing how much he has accomplished at the age of 50. Words such as 'Mad Hatter' 'Pirate' and 'Scissorhands' show the many contrasting roles he has performed in his lifetime.
The colour scheme is teal, light magenta and black. The two vibrant colours against the black project the words and highlight the main points. The only text in light magenta is 'Depp at 50' which shows that that is the main focus and lead story of the paper.
The typography is alternative, sketchy and twisted, with most of the words squeezed around the main image in an unconventional form. The boldness of some of the typography shows the importance of some words over others, for example the crude phrase 'sex god' is bigger and bolder than 'Romeo' which shows the importance of the sexual reference as it is being largely broadcasted. This may be because he is a well known celebrity and more women read the magazine than men so the audience may appeal to that statement more (assuming they are heterosexual)
As the image is drawn on a computer it is hard to establish lighting and inferences from it. The image is well drawn and captures the features of the celebrity. There is a slight shadow on the right side of his face and he is looking directly at the reader of the magazine, with the eyes slightly following you from each direction.
The masthead is in the top centre of the page, conventional to the magazine. The price and issue date features underneath this.
