For the front cover of the music magazine, 'Q' issue 315, published in October 2012 they chose to have the 'Alternative' band Muse as their feature article.
The biggest most visual part of this front cover is the 3 members of the band Muse; with lead singer and guitarist Matthew Bellamy featured the largest in the foreground. Matthew Bellamy's direct gaze downwards towards the camera gives him a sense of superiority to others he may be looking down on. Direct gazes often attracts readers as it catches their eyes in a powerful statement. The positioning of the members sets them out in a pyramid shape, with the lead singer and guitarist, Matthew Bellamy on top as the more skill full and respected one.
However, all of the men have two common features; their unshaven, stubbled facial hair and their black clothing. The unshaven look is to appeal to their female audience to give the rockstar, 'bad boy' image. The black clothes also gives their style a more rock, serious feel. The main focus of this front cover, Matthew Bellamy, is wearing a black shoulder padded jacket with a sewn pattern to each shoulder. This image is frequently referred to the army and their solders. In this case, it is hinting to the readers that Matthew Bellamy is their higher superior commanding you with his direct gaze and strong powerful pose.
The background for this band is a space setting, like nebular. This connotes the fact that the band 'Muse' is out of this world and better than any other. This is also reflected in the fact that Christopher Wolstenholme (far left member) is placed overtop of the 'Q' slogan. As if he is more important and a main focus than the 'Q' brand. The specific brighter lights around each member and Blur in the left corner, hints the fact that they are greater than anyone else. They are the best that music can give, and give hope to their listeners. In addition to this, the design of nebular/ space theme is very common in the 'Alternative' genre. It gives out the thought that there is more to life than just earth, something else to admire.
The typography throughout the front cover is clear capital letter text. Even the headline 'Muse' which colour fades out towards the 'E' is still easily visible. The idea of the colour fading gives the illusion that someone is shouting the word and becomes quieter towards the end.
This music magazine, although is 'Alternative', it also gives out a rock image. The dark colour scheme and serious facial expressions gives this cover a more rock edge rather an extreme 'Alternative'.
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