THE BIG ISSUE COVER 1 - GEORGE MICHAEL

WRITTEN SIGNS:

"THE GENIUS OF GEORGE MICHAEL" is the main anchorage text used on the front cover of the magazine with the long shot of him in the background. This gives connotations of a celebration for George Michael and his work as he is universally recognised as a "GENIUS" in the music industry due to Michael being recognised as a truly global icon.Underneath the large, sans serif lettering there is a pull quote "I DIDN'T SIGN UP TO BE A HERO". The sensational language "EXCLUSIVE" gives an incentive to purchase the magazine. His name is capitalised with a large and bold anchorage.

SYMBOLIC SIGNS:

The magazine front cover uses the in-house style of different shades of pink and white for the anchorage. the pink background is associated to be feminine but also a predominant colour to justify the celebration of being gay -homosexuality. It is celebrity endorsed by former Wham singer George Michael, he is used on the front cover to celebrate his life in music. The target audience that knew of him and listened to his music are more likely to purchase a copy just to read the article about him inside.The clothing he is wearing is denim jeans and a denim jacket and leather gloves which is associated with the 90's and represents an iconic masculine style.

TECHNICAL SIGNS:

The masthead "THE BIG ISSUE" is placed in the top left hand corner of the magazine cover. It is clearly visible as the colour white is being used contrasting the vibrant pink background. The pink gives connotations of unconditional love, compassion and emotions. By using pink it symbolizes the past and childhood memories. The childhood could be of George Michaels' songs, concerts and stage work as he looks like he is performing on the front cover. The colour white gives connotations of innocence, purity and new beginnings and a colour of success. this links in with Roland Barthes theory of significance and signifiers. The main image is of Michael with no secondary images or stories involved. This is because the magazine is involving the story of George Michael life living like a star in this edition. It is to remember his work after his unexpected death on Christmas day connoting the target audiences respect for him.