1. Front Cover Analysis
• This magazine cover is the front of NME magazine from the 27th of
October.
• The masthead is bold and large in the left third of the magazine in
the
• corner, which works effectively because it stands out and catches
the eye.
• The use of the central cover photo is very effective. It portrays Mike
Skinner as being serious and business orientated, from his formal
clothing. This is continued, from the use of the basic bold fonts as
lead lines. These suggest that they will present Mike Skinner as
being very straightforward and simple in the interview, rather than
the glamorous and extravagant way many pop stars are shown as.
His posture relates to the lead line of “why so glum” and connotes a
slightly miserable theme to how he is presented. This is orientated
to the audience of the magazine, because many of them take music
seriously and value honest views and opinions. Therefore, the cover
photo is cut back to give primary focus on how Mike is really feeling,
without being obscured into the image of someone that may be
more positive and cheerful which some people may prefer. The
central focus is put on thee eyes, to drag thee reader in and pick up
the magazine. His eyes will stand out on the page, and readers will
feel like he is watching them which will draw their attention. Focus
is further put on Mike, by the placement of all the lead lines
surrounding his face. This gives the idea that he is the center of
attention.
• The banner running along the top, advertises the availability of a
freebie in the magazine. This draws the attention of a reader, as
they will see that something free is included and makes them want
to pick up the magazine.
• The magazine makes use of bold basic sans serif fonts. This relates
to the theme of the magazine being stripped back and about the
music, rather than appearance. The simplicity is effective, as the
cover lines stand out on the page. The name of the artists featured
stand out more, as they are written in capital letters. This effectively
prioritizes the musicians that are featured, and will catch the eye of
a fan that passes it on a magazine wrack.

2. NME DPS
• NME Effectively represents Mike Skinner as an individual in this
double page spread, by having one page for the photograph and
another page for the article. The photo continues the
representation of his slightly unusual personality that was
portrayed on the cover photo, and an equal focus on his eyes. His
pose of having his hands in his ears, gives him a humorous look
that suggests lack of seriousness or formality as an artist, and
more about having fun in the way he shows himself.
• The head line “Don’t Mention the Streets” Is written in large
capital letters. This gives the effect that it is shouted, which relates
to the pose of Mike on the opposite page. The bold text stands
out on the page, and the eye is drawn to the large lettering it is
printed in.
• The body of the text is organised in straight columns. This gives an
organised appearance to the text, and makes it easier to read. A
common technique of making the first letter extremely large is
also used here to mark where the article begins.
• A pull quote from the article is positioned at the bottom of the
page. “I always liked suits, And now I move less” This quote is used
to sum up the article, as it isn’t about being as serious about the
music as other magazines may intend to present their artists. This
article is more about humour and has an informal approach to it.
• It is catered to the audience that reads NME, because they will
most likely be as interested in the personality as the music that
they produce.
•

3. Q Contents
• This contents page for Q magazine effectively continues the key
themes of the magazine. The colour scheme is the same as the
front cover of red, white and black, and the same font has been
used for the headlines and descriptions of the stories. The bold
font used relates to the renowned success of the artists within the
features. This is similar to how the bold cover lines are used when
representing Brandon Flowers on the cover line of the magazine.
• The features have been arranged at the top of the double page,
while the regulars are listed in a small box at the bottom. This
effectively draws attention to the big stories in this issue of the
magazine, while the regulars are still present but less emphasis is
put on them as they are in every issue.
• The contents page works better as a double page spread, because
it means everything can fit on the page that is in the magazine.
This ensures nothing is left out, and readers are able to see a
summary of what is in the issue.
• The cover story, is located in the bottom left of the contents page.
This means that other big stories in the magazine are able to be
featured and draw attention to them. This means that if the
reader is not interested in what is on the cover, they can easily see
what else is in the magazine as they turn to the contents page.
•

4. Rolling Stones
• Most of the cover is taken up by the cover photo of Adele. The cover lines
run down the left of the page, and do not obstruct Adele’s face. This gives
the impression of her standing out independently, without any obstructions.
The photograph will catch the reader’s eye, as it is very large and bold and
will stand out on the new stand.
• The Mast head is the name of the magazine written as a banner running
across the top of the page. The font used, relates to the formal and classical
qualities the Rolling Stone magazine has a reputation for as a publication.
Above it, is a banner for their “Exclusive Report” on Pete Townshend. This
stands out on the page, and will attract readers as they will see the flash box
that says “Exclusive Excerpt”. This is written in bold capital letters, to stand
out and grab the attention of the reader.
• The close up portrait of Adele is used as a cover photo effectively, as it
draws in the reader to pick up the magazine. Her eyes are put into strong
focus, so the reader will feel as if she is watching them and drawing them in
to pick up the magazine.
• A colour scheme of yellow and white has been used on the cover. The
yellow goes with the photograph, as it compliments Adele’s blonde hair. The
colour also has connotations of gold, relating to the quality of the
publication that the editors want to give across.
• A Basic Sans Serif font has been used for the cover lines. This gives the
magazine a simple but clean cut appearance that they may wish to achieve.
This is because they are mostly relying on their reputation as a sophisticated
publication, so no exciting fonts are required to be used.

5. • Rolling Stone Magazine Contents Page
•
• The audience that reads Rolling Stone will most likely
be more interested in the written articles than the
artists themselves. Therefore, this contents page
makes use of only one photograph while the articles
are listed down the left side. The list presentation
makes the articles appear to be more organised and
structured. This is a different technique to NME
which has images and the stories separated into
boxes on the contents page, however this is a more
organised approach that is used to provide more
information about the stories on the contents page
rather than who they are about.
• The font is very simple and in serif. This gives a
formal appearance to the magazine, and a sense of
sophistication. The Heading “RS1167” Is an
abbreviation for the name of the magazine and the
issue number. This is bold and as a banner at the top
of the page, and is used to give the impression of the
magazines reputation as it doesn’t need to be
written out in full again on the contents page.

6. Rolling Stones DPS
• Rolling Stone double-page spread
•
• Rolling Stone is a more sophisticated publication that deals with
other topics as well as music, that the more mature reader would
be interested in reading. Therefore, this double-page spread is
designed to cater to that certain target audience.
•
• The black and white photograph makes Adele stand out as
independent strong. The shadows give the photograph a more
formal, mature appearance, say, than a band may be presented in
NME. She is shown on a separate page with no text around her, to
emphasise her independence as an artist and to draw focus onto
her. This is also indicated, by the lack of any colour within the
double-page spread.
•
• The headline is written in a large, bold font, which makes it stand
out. It also relates to the renowned and big profile Adele has as an
international artist. It is printed in serif font to continue the
sophisticated feel, and thin letters to relate to the femininity of
her personality.
•
• The body copy is positioned around the photograph, so it is clear
and easy to read. It also frames the photograph on the following
page and does not overlap it. This ensures that the photograph is
not obstructed, and the text is easy to read as it does not blend
into the background. The article starts off with the drop-cap “I” in
a very large and bold serif font. This draws attention to the start of
the article.
•
• I feel that this double-page spread works well for the publication,
as it continues to the sophisticated feel of the magazine well and
presents the artist in the way intended as being very independent,
and strong.