Music Magazine Research

1. Textual Analysis of three
music magazines

2. Cover
Contents Page
Double Spread Page

3. COVER

4. Masthead Sub
Heading
Main
Images
Barcode
Main
Heading
Buzz
Word Sub
Heading

5. The masthead has the magazine’s name NME at the
very top of the magazine. The use of an ‘impact’
without any embellishments, and bold, capital letters
create the impression of strength within the institution
of NME.
The main target audience are male which makes it
even more important to symbolize power and
energy. The use of contrasting colours, red and white
attracts attention. This logo is on every NME cover in
the left corner  brand Identity
The sub heading gives another hint of the content
besides the main article. It shows a part of the
range the magazine covers and catches the
readers’ interest which makes them want to go on
reading. The use of a black background brings
more focus to the text because of the contrast of
colours. The blue underlining highlights the
involved celebrities and distinguishes this
information from the main article images and
headlines.

6. The main images are two pictures of David
Bowie taking up half of the frame. The use of
an Eyelevel Shot is a direct address to the
audience, Bowie is looking into the camera.
This is a form of interaction as the audience
may feel connected with the image of the
front cover. He is the main focus to the front
cover which attracts the audience to read
the magazine. The right picture is in black
and white to symbolize the past starring to
the left side instead towards the reader. This is
another effect which makes the left picture
of Bowie come to the fore. The picture
radiates intensity and promises to reveal
unknown facts.

7. The main heading is printed in the
largest font, using a sans serif and bold
font which is spread over the whole
page and grabs the reader’s attention
immediately. Adapting to a generally
male audience the font is hard an
without any embellishments like the
NME-logo itself. To draw attention to
the word “real” it is coloured in red to
make it stand out from the rest of the
headline. The comment “as decided
by NME” is designed like the NME-logo
itself: white letters under laid by a red
background. This makes it
recognizable for the reader that this
has something to do with the brand.

8. The barcode is a common convention used on
the front cover in order for the consumer to
purchase the media product. It includes the
Date and Price. When the price is displayed in
smaller font it is usually a convention that the
company doesn’t want it to stand out as it is
not as appealing to the audience. The price of
£2.50 also reflects on the socioeconomic status
of the working class.
The buzz word ‘Exclusive’ draws in the
audience as it makes the consumer feel
more involved as if they are the first ones
to see the “original lyric sheets”. The words
“NME Exclusive” are in a similar style to the
NME-logo but with the colours red and
white interchanged. This indicates that this
is a special only available in the NME
magazine what makes it different and
unique compared to other competitors.
This is therefore the Unique Selling point
(USP) of the magazine.

9. The colour scheme of the NME
cover is quite plain with mostly red,
white and black and some blue to
distinguish the sub headlines from
the main ones. The whole layout
seems seriously due to the
exclusion of plugs, puffs and sub
images.
There is no clutter or overwhelming
amount of information but rather a
small number of thoughtful chosen
facts.
Having a target audience of more
male than female readers a layout
like this is needed to appeal its
consumers.
The language is informal but not
inappropriate and without the use
of slang. This is another point which
gives the whole cover a firm and
strong appearance.

10. CONTENTS PAGE

11. Masthead
Main
Image
Heading
Plug
Subtitles
Caption
Sub
Image
Sub
Heading

12. The masthead is presented in the largest sans serif
text and is designed to catches the reader’s eye
and informs him immediately that this is the content
page. The bold letters without any embellishment
symbolizes strength and refers to the male
audience. It also includes the NME-logo  brand
identity
This is a common feature in all NME magazines and
is keeping in line with the certain conventions that
NME likes to use on their contents page.
Under the headline is the expanded name of the
magazine and the date in really small letters  it is
not that important but the fact that it is in the left
corner as with a formal document gives the whole
structure something serious and professional.
The plug is a little advertisement for subscribing
the NME magazine, kept simple. It is even
displayed with some self-irony because it says
“shameless plug” which refers to the fact that
they advertise themselves in their own magazine.
This is the only part of the page which does not fit
in the formal/professional style but makes the
reader smile therefore adds a little humour.

13. The heading is designed in the NME style
(white font on red background)  This
makes it recognizable for the reader
that this has something to do with the
NME editor. The fact that the sub
heading is positioned in the top middle
of the page grabs the audience’s
attention immediately. The reader wants
to know what new questions are asked
this week  excite curiosity
Another heading proclaims the specials
offered in this edition. This makes the
company different and unique
compared to other competitors. The
reader gets the feeling he bought
something he can not get in another
magazine. This is therefore is the Unique
Selling point (USP) of the magazine.
These little subtitles added by the editor
give some personal, subjective comment
to the article causing nosiness and the will
to read the article.

14. The main image is positioned directly under the
main heading to back up the importance and
to help catching the reader’s interest. Slash is
shown in typical rock cloth with long black hair,
sunglasses and a guitar and symbolizes a
classic rock star. The audience feels addressed.
This underlines the genre of the magazine and
satisfies the consumer’s expectations.
The picture is taken in a studio to reassure the
attention is on the artist. The Medium Close Up
and the Eyelevel Shot create a connection
between the musician and the reader. The
image generates curiosity and a desire to read
on.
The caption supports the impression the main
image gives us. In capital sans serif letters the
text askes blunt if Slash is the man with the most
Rock ’n’ Roll life soundtrack. The text continues
to build up tension especially because of the
provoking statement. Since the target
audience are men a bit provocation and
rebellion are appealing to the typical NME-
reader.

15. The columns and listing of this weeks
contents is a user friendly way of allowing
the reader an efficient way to find the
contents he is interested in and is also set
out in little subtitles and headings such as
“Sounding Off” or “In The Studio” so that
the reader can categorise his reading.
The font seize tells the consumer
immediately which ones are the big, main
articles. The Features are supported by a
sub image showing an ordinary rock
cover  sets the atmosphere
The NME Band List is used on every NME
contents page and is another user friendly
way to find the artist they are looking for. It
also presents the wide range NME covers.
Including the brand name NME in “The
NME Band List” suggests that this list is
something special the consumer will not
find in any competitive magazine.

16. The sub heading and sub images
positioned in the middle column
announce two more interesting stories,
catching the readers attention and
desire to read the whole article. The
Close Up Shots of the artists are used to
reveal the detail on the persons face
creating a connection between reader
and celebrity.
The last column on the bottom of
the page introduces the main
contributors of this weeks’ edition .
This is another way to make the
contents page appear professional
structured and organized. It also
creates a connection between the
audience and the editor. When the
readers are familiar with the
contributors they can pick
favourites and go on buying NME.

17. The layout of the contents page is
designed with a lot of accuracy. The
colour scheme is kept simple with
mainly black and white and some
highlights in red.
The whole setup is clear and it is
easy to orient oneself. As the cover
the contents page should appear
professional and organized.
There are no inappropriate plugs in
loud colours advertising for
unsuitable goods.
The language is informal but without
odd slang words which appeals to
the young target group.
By the use of the self-ironic
advertisement and the subjective
comments in the middle column the
page regains a humours touch and
relaxes the serious appearance.

18. DOUBLE SPREAD PAGE

19. Main Image
Sub
Images
Pull Quote
Drop Caps
Caption

20. The main image shows an Extreme Long Shot of the band The National during a
concert. The band is on the stage taking up the main part of the picture. In the
background you can see the crowded concert hall filled with cheering fans. Typically
for rock magazines the pictures is no studio but a live shot showing the band in action.
This makes them appear realistic and gives an idea of the enthusiastic atmosphere
during a concert of The National.
Another aspect which makes the band appealing is the fact that the scene is natural,
not posed. The reader feels connected, it is easy to imagine participating in the event.
Even the lighting mirrors the realistic effect; the band is illuminated by spotlights and
big, pink neon lights set the mood for the rock concert.

21. The sub images are used to give a closer look
to the band members. The first one shows a
group picture with Barack Obama. This one is
a posed studio picture. A Medium Close Up
Shot makes it possible to get a good
impression of the faces  introducing the
band/ makes the reader familiar with them
The band members are all dressed in black
shirts. On one hand this shows their
togetherness on the other hand it sets a
contrast to Obama’s white shirt.
The next image is a Long Shot of the drummer.
It shows a natural live scene of him playing the
drums. The third one is located in a recording
studio, also a live shot framing the singer and
one of the guitarist. These two pictures are
used to show the band while they work what
makes them appear eagerness and points out
their energy as well as their engagement.

22. The drop caps are used to mark the
beginning of a new paragraph and
provide the text structure and a formal
appearance.
The pull quote shows a statement of one of
the band members, Matt Berninger, in
capital letters and highlighted by green
and black background. It disproves the
rumours that he is an alcoholic. This
statement is really important for the
reputation of him and the band. This is why
it is pulled out of the whole text to grab
attention and show its importance.
The caption next to the images is in bold
letters what contrasts it from the rest of the
article. It explains the content of the
images and is easy to see on the page. This
is another point which makes the page
oversee able and user friendly.

23. The whole double spread page
is used to present the band The
National from different angels.
(Especially with the different
images.) It is neatly arranged
without any distractions in form
of adverts or plugs. The whole
text is constructed in even
columns which fit perfectly
around the images. The
language is appropriate but
informal what appeal to the
young target audience.
The serif font is exemplary for a
magazine article and is a further
aspect showing the quality of
the magazine.
The colour scheme is quite dim,
no loud or bright colours. This
matches with the rock genre
and the style of the band.

24. Cover
Contents Page
Double Spread Page

26. Topline
Masthead
Main
Image
Main
Heading
Freebie
Plug
Buzz Words
Barcode
Sub
Images
Sub
Heading
Footer

27. The topline is used to
present a selling line in
slang and informal
language appealing to
the audience.
The footer presents all
included bands and
artists which is a sign for
the big spectrum this
magazine offers.
The masthead has the
magazine’s name Kerrang!
At the very top of the
magazine, in the largest
font, using contrasting
colours, black and white to
attract attention.

28. The main image of Hayley Williams,
the lead vocalist of the American rock
band Paramore, takes up the majority
of the front page as the main
attraction of the magazine. She is
shown in a rock pose symbolizing her
genre. Combined with the Eyelevel
Shot the reader feels attracted. Her
rock styling and appearance
underline the magazine‘s genre and
appeal to the readers‘ interest.
The main heading is the largest sans
serif text used and is designed to grab
the target audience’s interest. It is just
one word, the band name, which
catches the reader’s eye. It is simple
and expressive at the same time and
adapts to the young audience (16-23).

29. The freebie draws in the audience
because they feel they are gaining
something out of purchasing the
magazine. The yellow background
also brings more focus to the text
because of the contrast of colours.
The use of the word “giant” lets the
posters appear as unbelievable big
and special.
The plug stands out on the front cover in order
to draw in the audiences attention. The
possibility of winning a trip to Barbados and to
record an album there gives the consumer
the feeling to be able to participate in
something special and also makes the
company different and unique compared to
other competitors. This is therefore the Unique
Selling point (USP) of the magazine.

30. Using buzz words such as “Exclusive”
and “Plus” draws in the audience as it
makes the consumer feel more
involved as if they are the first ones to
know the gossip.
The barcode is a common convention
used on the front cover in order for the
consumer to purchase the media
product. Including the date it tells the
consumer which issue he is going to
buy. When the price is displayed in
smaller font it is usually a convention
that the company doesn’t want it to
stand out as it is not as appealing to
the audience. The price of £2.20 also
reflects on the socioeconomic status
of the working class.

31. The sub images are used to advertise
what is featured inside the magazine
which is used to attract the audience in
order for them to read the magazine. It
gives the audience a sneak peek of what
is inside the magazine and makes the
consumer continuing to read the
magazine in order to find out more
information. The cinematography of a
close up shot is used to reveal the detail
on the persons face. Using a variety of
pictures and the word “private” makes
the reader curious and is also a
foreshadowing for the following content.
The sub heading gives another hint of the
content besides the main article. It shows
a part of the range the magazine covers
and catches the readers’ interest which
makes them want to go on reading. The
use of a black background brings more
focus to the text because of the contrast
of colours.

32. The magazine cover sticks to the
four colours red, yellow, black
and white which keeps it simple
but is still eye catching.
The language is informal and
partly slang. This adapts to the
young and dynamic audience
and to their everyday language.
They feel addressed and
convenient which creates the
wish to read the magazine.
The Kerrang! Cover is oriented
towards an audience between
the age 16 to 23, providing a
various range of primarily rock
bands.

33. CONTENTS PAGE

34. Letter From
The Editor
Masthead
Topline
Main
Image
Sub
Images
Content
Listing

35. The masthead is not positioned in the
middle top of the page like you would
expect but in the right corner designed
like a plug. It looks rebellious and rough
suiting to the rock/metal genre of the
magazine. As the largest sans serif font
it catches the readers’ eye and tells
them immediately that this is the
contents page. The masthead even
covers a bit of the main image what
expresses the importance of it.
The topline on top of the page gives a
brief information of the issue number
and the cover date. It is an easy way
to provide the reader with these
information and gives the page a bit
of a structure.

36. The main image is a Long Shot of Gerard
Way. He is shown sitting in front of drums
starring to the left side not directly to the
audience. His position (sitting like he had
given up) represents the caption telling the
reader that he was not enjoying his time. The
whole shade is blue and mirrors the depressed
mood.
The typical Kerrang!-reader is not only
interested in music but also the fashion
related to it which is good displayed with the
Long Shot. The image combined with the
interesting caption creates curiosity and
brings the consumer to go on reading.
The two sub images are both in one shade
(the left one in red the right one in green). This
sets immediately an atmosphere and is a
foreshadowing to the following content. They
are structured the same way with a caption in
a black box arousing curiosity and a big page
number in the corner making it simple to find
the article in the magazine.

37. The content listing in two columns
is clear to read and oversee able
structured. Big headlines in
capital, yellow letters categorise
the contents in main topics such
as “Lives” and “Albums”. This is a
user friendly way to present the
contents; an easy way to find
quick what you are looking for.
A letter from the editor welcomes the reader
and creates a friendly, familiar atmosphere.
It also gives a brief overview of the content
of this magazine’s edition. The words “Hello
Readers” is printed in a bold font which
catches the consumers’ eyes and makes
them realise that this message is directed
towards them.
The thanking is positioned below this letter
and stands out because of the grey
background and the embellished headline.
The language is informal with buzz words like
“awesome” and abbreviations as “pic”. This
appeals to the target audience who use
words like those in their everyday language.

38. The whole content page is created
in the attempt to represent the
rock/metal genre of the magazine.
The colour scheme is relatively dull
compatible with the genre. The use
of different shades in the images like
blue, green and red gives the page
some life and lets it appear
attractive to the audience.
The page is constructed oversee
able and user friendly but places
value on not looking formal and
official this again appeals to the
young target group and music
genre.
As the images present the music
genre as well as fashion the texts by
the editor welcome the reader and
support the impression we get from
the pictures by the language style.

39. DOUBLE SPREAD PAGE

40. Plug
Masthead/Pull Quote
Introduction
Advert
Main Image
Pull Quote
Drop Caps
Sub Image

41. The pull quote catches the reader’s attention immediately and
sets the mood for the whole article. The font changes between
serif and sans serif as well as the colour changes from white to
yellow. The text in white and serif font presents the negative
feelings and emotions “I hated my self.” and “Feel that way”
while the sans serif font and yellow letters symbolize hope and a
positive future. Especially the words “never again” catch the
eye because of the bold font representing the central
statement. By setting the theme of the article this pull quote acts
like a masthead.
The introduction in bold font stands out from the rest
of the article and enables the reader to get a brief
impression of the content of the following article what
allows him to decide to go on reading or not. The
artist’s name is printed in yellow letters to separate
them from the paragraph  audience knows
immediately who the article is about
The advert refers to another part of the magazine “the
gig guide” what appeals to the target group’s interest
to attend live gigs. The bold, yellow font separates it
from the main text  simple find

42. The main image is spread over the whole page
and functions as w an image as well as the
background of the page. It takes up the whole
page and is the main focus of the audience.
The Long Shot shows Jenna McDougall starring
bold into the camera addressing the audience.
This creates a connection and involves the
reader.
The Long Shot enables the consumer to get a
detailed impression of Jenna’s style of dress
and outer appearance. Her cloth match with
the pop-punk genre her band represents and
make it easy to categorise them.
Another pull quote expresses Jenna’s
optimistic thoughts about the future and her
eagerness to carry on. It is important for the
magazine to ensure the readership that
Jenna and her band have confidence for
the coming time.
The function of this pull quote is to emphasize
the magazine’s opinion and message.

43. The drop caps are used to mark the beginning of a
new paragraph even more stressed by the yellow
colour. This gives the page a clear structure and makes
it easier to read the article.
The sub image framing the whole band Tonight Alive is
added to show the reader to whom Jenna belongs to.
The fact that the Jenna’s portrait is much bigger than
the group picture sets the order of importance. The
article is mainly about Jenna not the band but Tonight
Alive is a part of her career and a part of the article 
better understanding for the consumer.
The image is a posed studio Shot with the purpose to
introduce the band with all its members to the reader.
Jenna stands out the most being the person in the front
which again underlines her priority.
A plug is used to present a letter for Jenna by her to
remind herself not to repeat her mistakes from the past.
The rumpled-paper design stands out and appears
emotional. This includes the readership and enables
them to get a glance of Jenna’s thoughts and
emotions.

44. The setup of the double spread
page is geared to represent the
lead vocalist of the band
Tonight Alive.
The colour scheme of mainly
green and yellow matches with
Jenna’s clothing and also with
the music style of her band,
pop-punk. The dull colours
symbolize her depressing past
while the green shade, as the
colour of hope, ensures the
reader that the singer is leaving
her past behind.
The use of white serif font in the pull quotes lets them appear as an enlarged
part of the article. This is why the yellow sans serif font in bold capitals
contrasts even more from the rest of the page and catches the readers
attention immediately.
Not only the layout and colours but also the language adapts to the young
audience. It is informal, without the use of any foreign words suiting to their
everyday tongue. The target readership can identify with the writing style,
easily understanding the content.

45. Cover
Contents Page
Double Spread Page

46. COVER

47. 31 Page
Special
Cover
Lines
Main
Image
Sub
Image
Sub Heading
Main
Heading
Pull
Quote
Barcode
Buzz Words
Masthead

48. The masthead is located in the top left hand
corner of the page taking up a third of the
page. The masthead is bold and stands out on
the page because of the red and white
contrasting colours. The fact that it is covered by
the main image and a buzz word shows that
other news are more important than presenting
the name what is ascribed to the established
status of the magazine.
The Q-logo looks always the same and is easy to
recognise for its readership  brand identity
The buzz words “Exclusive” and “Special”
catches the readers eye because of the out
standing yellow background and the bold
letters. It suggests that the purchase of this
magazine includes a special the competitive
companies can not keep up with. This is
therefore the Unique Selling point (USP) of the
magazine.

49. The barcode is a common convention used on the
front cover in order for the consumer to purchase the
media product. Being located on the bottom of the
cover makes it easy to find to check when the issue
was released. The price is also simple to locate being
printed in bold font. This reflects the target group of
thirty to forty year olds who on average earn enough
money to be able to afford the price of £4.99. The
audience is willing to pay more knowing they receive
the quality content they are interested in. As a well
known established music magazine Q can presume to
demand a higher price than competing companies.
The pull quote attracts the target audience as it
introduces that there is going to be an interview
with Dave Grohl out of the Foo Fighters. The
sentence “It was turned upside down…” hooks
the reader and makes him curious about the
whole article. The pull quotes arouses attention
because this is the only text which is in no
contact with other images and so stands on its
own.

50. The main heading is big and bold so that the
audience can see it from a distance when looking
at a variety of music magazines. Because the
large sans serif font and the grey background the
reader will be able to see it clearly on the front of
the magazine.
Positioned under the masthead and next to the
main image it is one of the first things the audience
looks at. It sais “Foo Fighters” which also works as a
caption and names the band taking up the whole
page.
The sub heading is presented in a different colour
scheme than the main image and main heading
what makes it clearly that these are separate
news. The text “Prince: His full story!” backed by
another pull quote suggest to reveal secrets about
Prince never published before including an
interview with the singer.
The sub image is an addition to the sub heading
framing a Close Up Shot of Prince. This gives the
consumer a better understanding of the facial
expression and emotions depicted.

51. The main image shows a Long Shot of
the band Foo Fighters with David
Grohl, the lead vocalist, in the
foreground. The picture is a posed
studio shot with David Grohl kneeling
enlarged in front of the four other
band members. It shows the whole
band as a unite but also focuses on
the group founder. This stands in
context with the pull quote “I had
another life 25 years ago.” and
concludes the included article is as
much about the band as well about
David Grohl’s past and future life as
an individual.
Taking up nearly the whole front cover
the image is the first thing the
consumer sees telling him about this
issues main article. Without reading
any text the primary information is
transferred to the audience through
the image.

52. The 31 page special is an easy way to attract
consumers. The large red number strikes the
eye and promises exclusive content. By
purchasing this magazine the consumer gets
the feeling to gain extra pages. The subtitle
“Pages of essential reviews” ensure the
reader that this magazine contains subjects
and articles which are indispensable in the
music genre.
The cover lines inform the reader on the
other artists that will be featured within the
magazine. This will influence whether the
magazine will be purchased. Words such as
“Noel returns” are in bold capitals leaving the
consumer with an unanswered question
“…but is he really talking to Liam?”
Each artist and a minor heading underneath
are sounding exciting  attracting the
reader to want to know more.

53. The front cover contains a lot of
information which can be found inside the
magazine like the main article, the Prince
special as well as the 31 page special and
the other artists featured. Even though
there is a lot to tell the cover is not
overfilled and still appealing to the
audience. The different headings surround
the main image instead of covering it
what is another aspect which gives the
page a clear structure.
The colour scheme for the magazine is red,
white and black. This gives it a serious look
and suggests that it is appealing to the
older audience. The red added to the
black and white makes the colour scheme
more advanced. It also stands out against
the other colours making it more dramatic,
drawing the reader into the magazine
making him want to look and pick it up.
The use of yellow and purple shows
immediately that they present something
unusual and special.

54. CONTENTS PAGE

55. Selling
Line
Masthead
Main Image
Plug/
Buzz word
Special
Feature
Sub
Images
Sub Headings
Captions

56. The masthead is located in the top middle of the
page therefore simple to find. This gives the page
a clear structure and tells the consumer promptly
what page he is on. The black background
combined with the date over the text gives the
mast head an official appearance. Putting the
date in the top middle of the page makes it easy
to recognise. The reader knows which issue he is
buying. The masthead includes the brand name
which suggests that these are the unique Q
contents you can not find in other magazines 
brand identity
The main image can be found in the right top
corner covering a part of the masthead. This shows
that the picture has a bigger relevance. It frames a
Medium Close Up Shot of Noel Gallagher starring
directly at the audience. The eye contact
generated by an Eyelevel Shot creates a tens
connection between Noel Gallagher’s intensive
facial expression and the reader. The image gives
the impression that the artist is coming out of the
frame which increases the suspense. The picture
tells a story by itself which captures the consumer’s
imagination.

57. The plug combined with the buzz word “Plus!”
suggests that the reader will find a special added
contents. This gives them the feeling of getting
something back. The location of the plug is on the
bottom separated from the rest of the page like a
footer. This makes it easy to recognise what
contributes to the clear structure of the page.
The special feature “The Q Review” stands out from
the rest of the page because of the bold black
frame surrounding it. The selling line “The world’s
finest music guide” expresses the function of this
section on the contents page as well as it gives the
impression that “The Q Review” is a special feature
no other competing company offers. Therefore this
is the Unique Selling Point (USP) of the magazine.
Using the Q-logo in the heading underlines this fact
 brand identity

58. All sub images are Medium Shots of the different
artists appearing in this issue. A page number is
added to every one of them to make it simple to
find the article and artist the reader is looking for.
The only exception is the image of Prince, a Long
Shot. This picture in contrast to the others is not
framed which makes it stand out from the rest.
The audience can recognise that this is the
special advertised on the front cover.
The sub headings are written in big bold capitals.
They only say the artist’s name as “Noel
Gallagher” or “Foo Fighters”. The consumer does
not have to search in long headlines for the singer
or band he is looking for. Instead he can quickly
find the musician of his interest. Small captions
give a brief introduction of the content of the
article the reader is looking at. The user friendly
setup combined with the sneak peeks attract the
audience and makes them want to bus the
magazine.

59. The colour scheme is quite
colourful compared to the front
cover style in red, white and
black. Especially the page
numbers cheer the page up by
a use of a various range of
colours. This makes it possible to
distinguish the several articles.
The page is simple and clear
structured which makes it user
friendly but also appear
professional.
The main genre is rock music for
the widest part of the audience
but the contents page also
offers Kate Tempest a poet and
Lucinda Williams a
representative of the American
rock and country music. This
shows the variety Q offers and
makes the attractive for a wide
audience.

60. DOUBLE SPREAD PAGE

61. Main
Heading
Plug Main Image
Drop Cap

62. The main heading takes up about a
third of the page. The big bold
capitals are impossible to escape.
The sans serif font underlines this
impression, leaving no space for any
distractions. “His name is Price…”
sounds like the beginning of a story
which is exactly what this text
represents. It is as well a catch
phrase a the inception to a 20 page
long “Prince Special”.
The plug in form of an arrow
announces the start of the “Prince
Special”. The arrow pointing on the
main image declares unambiguous
that the important part takes place
exactly here. It seems like an order
to the reader to follow the
arrowhead and continue reading.
Like the main heading it accepts no
back talking.
These forcing techniques make the
audience curious why this article is
advertised so vigorous.

63. The main image takes up more than half of
the double page functioning as well as the
background. This is a common technique to
unite headings, texts and images. It is a Long
Shot showing Prince sitting on the floor with
a guitar in his hands. His eyes are focused on
the instrument showing his passion and
eagerness. The background is coloured in
pink and purple matching the hue of his
jacket and scarf. The image characterises
Prince and lays out his style. It is unequivocal
that he is the main attraction.
The drop cap is bigger than usual ones which
suggests that it does not only stand for the
beginning of a paragraph but is signalling the
starting point of the “Prince Special”. It is
unavoidable and attendance grabbing with the
colour gradient from purple to pink.

64. The only purpose of this
double spread page is
to ensure the reader
that he is entering the
“Prince Special”. You
can not overlook or
ignore this page. The
colourful pink and
purple layout catches
the readers eye in
seconds.
The colour scheme also
emphasises Prince’s
character and the style
of the article. The use of
these warm and
powerful colours
reassure the audience
that this is a positive text
filled with a lot of
specials.