This document provides an analysis of the layout, design elements, and content of a music magazine cover. Key points: - The cover is dominated by a mid-shot photo of Alex Turner, indicating he is the main focus of the issue. - Additional articles and artists mentioned show the magazine's diversity beyond just rock/indie genres. - Bold red masthead and logo create a distinctive visual identity and brand recognition for the magazine. - Placement of cover lines and puffs is strategically designed to attract readers and promote exclusive or unique content.

2. The main image - a mid shot of Alex Turner
- dominates the page showing that he is
the main focus of this edition. He is dressed
in clothes that tie in with that colour
scheme which makes it visually appealing,
however he isn't the only focus. The record
he is holding relates to the story that is
featured.
The right third mainly consists of smaller
cover lines that are less important but
still have a strong contribution to the
magazine. These cover lines show that
the magazine has diversity and doesn't
stick to one genre. Although the main
genre it covers is alternative/rock and
indie, there are also artists such as
Skrillex who contrast from the usual
types of acts that appear.
The colour scheme used is very simple as it
isn't too bright and there aren't many
colours used, however, the vibrant red
could suggest that the magazine is daring,
fun and interesting. Paired with the light
blue, it also suggests that it isn't too
serious or hard to read.
The top right corner displays a plug which includes an 'ultimate guide'. The
use of the word ultimate makes the reader feel as though they're getting the
best possible quality from this magazine which would persuade them to
purchase it
The left third of the magazine is the most
important as we are programmed to read from
left to right; this means that this is the first thing
that the audience will notice so it's packed with
things to intrigue readers. On this cover, there
are cover lines which include the names of
popular artists who all contribute to the same
genre of indie and rock that the magazine
represents. Readers who are fans of these
particular artists are immediately aware that they
are featured.
The magazine's masthead and logo is always
usually placed in the top left corner which
creates continuity and an identity for the brand.
The iconic short, bold and bright red lettering is
distinctive, letting regular readers identify it
easily. It is also an eye-catching colour scheme
which is a feature that attracts new readers as it
is visually interesting.
The exclusive interview with Drake featured on the top strip is a puff.
This is used to grab readers' attention and persuades them to purchase
as they think that this is something which is unique to this magazine.
The name of the band featured in the splash
article is written in the same font as the
masthead which implies that its is just as
important and signifies that it is the main story;
the text for the cover line for this is the largest
text on the page and it reaches all the way
across, making it prominent. The phrase 'The
record that changed my life' relates to the
image as Alex Turner is shown holding a
record.
Claiming that this 'life changing' record is going to be revealed will
intrigue readers and the question used - 'what's yours?' - includes the
reader and makes it feel more personal to them. As well as this, the
fact that he is holding a record makes it instantly clear that this a
music magazine.

3. The advertisement for subscription to the magazine
has been designed to stand out from the rest of the
page by using a black background to make the bright
yellow text more visible and noticeable compared to
the rest of the text which is black and plain. They have
done this to draw more attention to this part of the
page as this is the most important thing they want to
promote to gain more regular readers because their
ultimate goal is to make as much money as possible.
The magazine has been split into sections by using sub
headings so the reader can find what they're looking
for easily and clearly. They have also included arrows
which reveal where the stories are that are featured on
the cover, making the stories they noticed easily
accessible.
NME's logo is consistent throughout,
and here, it has been placed on a black
background to create contrast so it
stands out. This is good for keeping
brand identity so readers can recognise
it easily.
There is only one main image
displayed which shows its importance
and will relate to the main story on
the cover. It displays Turner
performing with a guitar which helps
to relate to the theme of music. It
also relates to the indie genre with
the way it is staged with the live
scene, guitar and lightiing. As this is
really the only image on the page it
shows that this is the main focus.
Another indication that this is the
main focus is the band's name - this
is written in large, bold font which
draws attention to it. There is also
some information about the article
underneath which can interest
people. This short snippet about the
article ends with a question which is
effective as it can lead the reader to
want to continue reading.
The layout of this contents page is very organised
making it easy for readers to locate what they want
very easily. The page is not too crowded and is quite
simplistic which also makes it clear, however, it still
looks professional.

4. The contrasting colours used for
the text makes it more
distinctive and easy to read and
the blue text highlights the
important parts and can also be
helpful for readers who skim
reading as this allows them to
still gain the most interesting
information. The text is quite
small and there is a lot to read
as the target audience for NME
are generally of an older age
which means they would be
interested in reading articles,
not just photos.
The blue that is scattered across the page may
have connotations of male interest which could
suggest that the article is aimed at a male
audience. Although it may have just been used to
make the pages more visually appealing.
The title of the article has been
put in the darkest colour on the
page meaning that the reader's
attention is drawn to it and they
immediately know what the
article is about.
The use of guitars is important as it indicates the indie genre and it is a
clear part of their identity. The cover line claims that The Vaccines are the
'biggest guitar band of 2011' - this can also link to the use of guitars in the
image.
The old style and 'sepia' kind of
effect used on the photograph
shows that they're trying to make it
look vintage which appeals to the
type of person who would like this
alternative/indie genre as they are
generally into the vintage and retro
style. The limited colour palette
represents simplicity, portraying
their image as something which
their audiences can relate and
aspire to. The general mid long shot
is interrupted by the positioning of
Justin Young who is out in front of
the other band members as he is
more recognisable due to him
being the lead and frontman.
However, the band still have body
language which shows they are
close, setting the tne for the article.
They are all also looking forward
into the camera which makes the
reader feel a connection.
The image covers the whole of the left page, as
well as the left third of the right page; covering
the majority of the double page spread shows
that their image is largely important to them.
The style of this double page spread looks like an old m=newspaper which shows
how the magazine is trying to include old conventions but out a new twist on it;
this is done by the occasional use of bright blue shapes across the page. This links
in with the blue writing displayed on the right side of the page that gives the article
a young, modern elemen. This makes it appealing to both younger and older
audeinces.

5. The main focus of the cover is the name of the duo
'Daft Punk' - this clearly shows that the issue is based
around them and using the futuristic style font links it
to the kind of genre that the magazine is based
around . As well as this, it links it to the film 'Tron
Legacy' and their contribution to the soundtrack as
that is the font that is used for the advertisements of
the film so fans of the film would also be interested.
The film is likely to be something that a Mixmag
reader would be interested in, as they are typically very
social, have a high disposable income and are
interested in buying the latest things such as video
games and tech (things that are largely involved in this
film).
The background of the cover is dark and misty,
which looks quite mysterious, intriguing the reader.
This cover is not conventional of Mixmag; based
around club and dance music, the cover is usually
bright with vibrant colours, however, this cover is
predominantly dark which would also intrigue
regualar readers because it would seem individual
and unique.
The top corner of the left third is quite important as
this is typically the first thing we see as we read
from left to right, top to bottom. Placing this puff
here will attract the readers because straight away
they see that they are getting something free which
makes them feel as though it's good value for
money.
This 'special edition' of the magazine is unique as
there is only one main image on the cover. It
features the members of Daft Punk and they are
easily recognisable by what they're wearing. The
iconic look from the costumes they're wearing is
distinctive due to the success that they had with the
song 'Get Lucky' - the video from this song features
them wearing this and it was extremely popular,
gaining many awards so the audience can link this
with the magazine. This may attract readers because
because if they are interested in this particular act, or
know of their success, it may persuade them to buy
it.
The masthead of this magazine is always paced across
the top in large lettering which reaches across the
page. The white colour is used to contrast with the dark
background so it stands out.
The tagline is also always featured along with the masthead at the top of
the page which creates the brand identity and lets readers see what the aim
of the magazine is.
The puff used is in a bright blue which contrasts from the dark background making it
noticeable. It features a plug for what's inside; typical readers of Mixmag would be
interested in this as they like the partying scene so this would be useful to them.

6. The outfit that the woman is wearing continues the
futuristic theme of the magazine, The revealing clothing
also suits the clubbing and partying scene which relates
to the theme of the magazine and the music its based
on. The background of the image also represents this as
it is busy and colourful. The page number that this story
is displayed on is in large bold lettering in the bottom
left of the image; this allows the reader to find the
article easily if they are interested by the photograph.
The bottom strip includes information about the free CD.
This may be one of the main reasons why people buy the
magazine so it is important that the information abut it
can be found easily. There are track names and numbers
as well as information about the musci and the band
which can be essential if buyers like the music and want
to get into it.
In the bottom right corner there is a web address
which is included to let people know that the
magazine has a wide range of platforms and can be
accessed in multiple ways. This is useful because
although it is very small, the world is now a very tech
based place, meaning that websites would be popular.
The title for the contents page does not follow the font
of the title for the cover which is not conventional,
however, this can make it feel modern, comtemporary,
creative and different, compared to other magazines
which usually keep the same fonts throughout.
The left third of the page is filled with page numbers and
stories from them; this allows readers to locate particular
things that they’re interested in. The header of this list
claims that it is 'VIP' making the reader feel that the
stories included in this section are very important, high
class and worth reading. This also suggests that the
stories in this magazine are of the best quality as the VIP
reference relates to the partying scene where the VIP
area is the place where the people of high status and
celebrities are.
The black and white colour scheme makes a
monochrome look which is very on trend and modern.
The black suggests power and mystery, while the white
could suggest coolness or simplicity, giving it a very
professional, balanced look.

7. The double page spread instantly
fits the type of magazine that
Mixmag is. The image that covers
the left page (which is
conventional for Mixmag covers)
represents the type of music that it
writes about; the sunny scene at a
DJ's station immediately tells us
that this article is about some form
of dance music. The duo's
equipment dominates the photo
which shows the importance of
technology which is a value of the
magazine and also it shows that
they are modern and young. The
pair appear to be fun loving and
having a great time, influencing
the reader to have this opinion
about their music. The shot shows
them at a slight low angle,
showing that they are powerful
and successful.
The overall appearance of this double
page spread is very simple and
professional, although the sunglasses
in the main image and cool blue
background gives the article a
summery vibe which relates to the
season when the party atmosphere
heightens, relating to the music
featured.
There are also three smaller images which are in black and white on the page. These have been placed here
to show different angles of their set; these images show crowds of people, portraying how popular they are
and also this can give readers a different perspective. The black and white colour is used to contrast them
with the larger image so they don;'t get lost, or go un-noticed.
The title of this article uses the word
'brothers' to emphasise how close
they are and also to keep their
identity as their name as a duo is The
Martinez Brothers. The use of
colloquial language - 'gonna' - shows
that the magazine is trying to engage
with a younger target audience so
they are using specific things to
interest them instead of being a
typical, standard magazine.
The writing for the article is quite small and is all black; this shows that the magazine is very confident with its style as it doesn’t
feel it must go over the top with bright colours to make people interested; the content is enough. This is a magazine which is
generally aimed more at people of a higher class so the content of this article about holidays, gigs and festivals will appeal to
them.

8. Kerrang! make very good use of every third on their front
cover, making it very busy with a lot of things filling the
page. The main focus is a topless photo of Chester
Bennington which reveals his tattoos; this links in with the
genre of the magazine as rock and metal music are
associated with the masculine look with tattoos. His
stance and facial expression also portray the territory that
comes with this type of music as he looks like he's
shouting; the type of music this magazine is based
around is generally quite loud and aggressive, so this fits
in.
The bottom right corner continues this theme of the
aggressive nature of the music as it looks as though the
page has been torn which reveals a plug for what's inside
the magazine.
The splash feature for this magazine is central to
the front cover. The name of the band is written in
large, bright yellow lettering which stands out from
the rest of the page. Although people would usually
perceive the type of music in Kerrang! as loud and
aggressive, using emotive language such as
'emotional' shows that this edition of the magazine
is revealing a different side to the music and its
creators. The reader is instantly aware that the
splash feature is about Linkin Park, meaning that
fans will be interested. Also, by including that the
reader will experience 'the 'naked' truth' they feel as
though they will be getting a very raw and real
version of Bennington's opinions etc because the
word naked suggests that he will be metaphorically
baring all and possibly being quite vulnerable,
which also gives the reader a different perception
that could be very interesting.
The top strip of the magazine advertises that there are posters included in the magazine. This is a way to interest the younger target audience as it is a
typical teenage habit to cover your wall in photos of your favourite artists. Using words such as 'mega' and 'ultimate' make the reader feel as though they
are getting the best quality for their money and also getting something that they wouldn’t be able to obtain elsewhere.
The top strip also mentions Download festival. This is an
extremely popular event for anyone who is interested in
the genre of music included in Kerrang! Suggesting that
the posters are a souvenier can attract people who
attended the festival to gain memorabilia or
alternatively, it could attract people who perhaps
wanted to go but couldn't; this could provide them with
infomation and photos to make them feel as though
they had the experience.
The cover lines which feature other bands and
artists are there to show that the magazine has
diversity and there is a lot of variety in what's
inside the magazine. The images for these cover
lines contribute to the look of the magaizne,
making it versatile, elaborate, detailed and
interesting.

9. The magazine's features have been split into sub-headings
which allows the reader to navigate around easily and
ensures that they don't get bored and find it tedious to flick
through the whole magazine to find what they want; they
can locate the stories they're interested in quickly. Most of
the features have a little extra information about them
instead of just a cover line to give the reader an insight into
the story.
Similar to NME, the Kerrang contents page also has an
advertisement for a subscription to their magazine.
Ultimately, the magazine wants as much profit as possible
and wants to gain a reliable, loyal client base and they
realise by getting people to subscribe they can build this up,
however the advertisement here is not as large as the one in
NME as it is less important. Kerrang have a younger target
audience which means they will probably have less income
to spend every month.
More pictures are used within this contents page to
make it visually interesting and more appealing to
younger readers who may be put off by a large
amount of writing. The pictures of the Vans shoes
will also be appealing as this is a brand which
readers of Kerrang would typically be into as the
type of music is displays goes with the skating
culture. The puff 'win' makes it clear there is a
chance to gain something for free, drawing their
attention immediately.
The largest and most noticeable text on the page is
bright red and bold to make it stand out from the
rest of the page. This makes it easy for any readers
who may not know them to identify them easily
and fans of the band will be interested. The
promotion of their merchandise for the magazine
is great as they are a highly successful and popular
band so readers can link their success with the
magazine and will presume it is of high quality.
The contents page uses a simple black, white and red
colour scheme with hints of yellow to make it interesting.
This is used to make it look professional and not too busy,
yet still young and vibrant.
The top strip displays a bright yellow colour to
immediately draw attention and the reader clearly
can see that this is where they can locate the
information that they want. The font used for the
title fits with the magazine logo to create solid
identity and house brand.

10. The style of this double page spread
matches the story that it displays; the
interview with Corey Taylor looks like
it is written on a notebook, relating to
a school environment to make it fit in
with the title that claims he wanted to
become a teacher The pictures on the
left hand page also fit in with this as
they look like a typical school kid's
doodles.
There is little writing on the page, so that the article wouldn’t overwhelm a
younger audience. The text has also been split into Corey's response and the
interviewer's question with colour; the red text indicates that the interviewer is
speaking at that point, making the structure of it easier to undertsand.
The main image of Corey Taylor takes
up half of the double page spread
showing that the article is based on
him and he is the main attraction. He
looks very different to how people
would usually him as people will know
him from his band where they are all
dressed in extravagant and unusual
disguises. This gives the impression
that the reader is getting a true
account from him because he's just
being himself.
The envelopes that he is holding look
like fan mail, showing that he is well
known, popular and successful,
making this an appealing article.
Aswell as this, showing that he is
answering questions sent in by
audiences builds a better personal
relationship with readers. The
envelopes also tie in with the colour
scheme to make it visually appealing.
The red, black and white colour
scheme continues in this spread
which helps with keeping brand
identity. The article's headline is
written in large, bold font and the
words 'history teacher' have been
displayed in the bright red to make it
noticeable as this is a statement
which would be surprising and
interesting as being a teacher is
classed as a dull job, compared to the
career that he has ended up pursuing
which is lively and exciting.
The simple layout sets the tone for the article, suggesting that it will be
relaxed and easy to read just like the character featured. This is
reflected in his expression as well as his causal look.