All issues of CosmoGirl feature the mast head in the left third, this is so that when the magazines are stacked the customers can still identify the specific magazine. The font of the mast head is a corporate feature and is therefore consistent. However, the colours vary from issue to issue in order to accommodate new colour schemes, I think CosmoGirl feature a different colour scheme each issue is to keep each individual cover separate and interesting, the customers will never get bored of the same old colours. Interestingly, the corporate font for the Cosmopolitan magazine features in the 'Cosmo' part of the mast head, because it is the spin-off main magazine (this is an example of cluster publishing). I think it is a great idea to connect the two magazines via the use of the font because it is informing the readers subliminally that the two magazines are linked, this will increase sales. Furthermore, the 'Girl' part of the mast head is in a font similar to handwriting. This font looks young, fun and hip so it suits the target audience of teenage girls.
Not only does the left third feature the mast head but also the majority of the cover lines, while the main image is aligned to the right. Therefore it is obvious the main selling point of the magazine is the article on the "387 Hottest Back to School Looks" as this is featured in the left third and due to the size of the font it is clearly the main article. The fact that a profile article of Vanessa Hudgens is featured inside doesn't seem to be the key selling point. However, the fact that she is featured on the cover shows that the profile article is one of the main articles.
The main image is of the Disney actress Vanessa Hudgens, she is an obvious choice for a teenage magazine as she is fresh-faced and has a good reputation - therefore she is a good role model for teenage girls. The image depicts the actress as being happy, which will radiate onto the customers and makes them think if they buy the magazine and read the article, they too will be happy. Furthermore, the fact that she is happy is ironic considering it is a back to school issue, which most teenagers are never happy about, so they will need a pick-me-up and what better than a fun loving magazine? There is a direct mode of address through the image because Hudgens has direct eye contact with the camera, thus connecting her to the customer and attracting them to buy the magazine.
The colour scheme consists of three colours: red, black and white. These are very contemporary colours which will appeal to a young audience.
There is very little use of flashes and callouts on this magazine cover, which could be linked to the target audience, because readers of CosmoGirl are likely to be slightly more sophisticated than readers of Bliss or Sugar, so in keeping of the target market the cover must look more sophisticated too.
It is evident from the design of the magazine who the target audience are and how they attract buyers to purchase their magazine.
