This issue of 'Rolling Stone' magazine features the well known music artist 'Bob Dylan'. The simple typography on this front cover and colour scheme of greys, white, black and red makes up a typical conventional alternative magazine front cover layout and 'look'. The headline and cover lines are all black and white, keeping it simple and readable this simple typography and black and white colour scheme also makes it easy to read. The layout of the cover lines are structured around the main cover photo, again, to keep this the main focus.
The white background creates a flat surface and therefore makes the main cover photo of Bob Dylan Stand out and instantly connotes that he is the main focus and feature of this Rolling Stone magazine issue.
His costume has many connotations to both his personal image and his music. For example his grey top hat, top hats are now seen as old fashioned and only worn on occasions however Bod Dylan has decided to wear a top hat and a suit in this photograph. This connotes his serious attitude towards his music and the publicity of both his music and his personal image. His dress code also appeals to his 'fans' and elder target audience, this is also Rolling Stones' magazines target audience so this therefore enhances their sales as they have chosen a popular artists among that age group and audience.
Bob Dylan's facial expression is also very serious and his eyes are squinted and at a direct camera gaze, this connotes he is in deep thought and adds a mysterious and interesting look to his overall image engaging and drawing the audience in as it looks as if he is looking directly at you.
His neat grey mustache also has a lot of connotations, particularly that mustaches are associated with sophisticated and upper class men, however it is also associated with wisdom; this connotes Bob Dylan has a lot of experience and knowledge about the music industry and his particular genre of music as he is and older man and therefore grew up in a different society and a different upbringing of music.
The fact he is wearing a suit and is looking at a direct at the audience could suggest he is 'showing off' his wealth and knowledge and his gaze and as a result might make some of the Rolling Stone magazine readers see him as intimidating and patronizing. However, most of the target audience will be drawn in and interested in this unique and old fashioned iconic artist and will buy this magazine as a result.
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