The document analyzes the design elements of magazine covers for different music magazines, summarizing how each element appeals to the target audience. For the Mixmag cover: The masthead, color scheme, and images are designed to target young adults interested in dance music and clubbing. The main image of DJ David Guetta presents him as cool and laid back to appeal to readers. For Kerrang magazine: The masthead, black color, and broken glass motif represent genres like punk and appeal to fans of rebellious music. The Black Veil Brides cover focuses on their threatening frontman to intrigue heavy metal fans. Design elements across the magazines aim to connect with readers through shared interests in music and lifestyle.

3. Masthead- Uses yellow sans serif font in contrast with
the background which is used to make the magazine
stand out. The use of yellow on the cover gives it a clear
colour scheme which makes it appear well put together
and is attractive to look at as there are not too many
colours going on at once.
Selling line- ‘The world’s biggest dance music and
clubbing magazine.’ This makes the magazine seem
more reliable as it would not be the world’s biggest if it
did not know what it was talking about.
Puff and sub-Image- These reveal that the
target audience of the magazine is people
that like to go out clubbing and listening to
dance music. This then enables to infer that it
is targeted at young adults as they
stereotypically enjoy these things. The fact
that the sub-image caption is a ‘last minute
NYE party guide’ could show us that the
readers are spontaneous and go with the flow
rather than plan carefully what they are going
to do. ‘Don’t Stay In’ is written in bold capitals
which could pressure the reader into going
out as it would be uncool to stay in and not
party. The picture of the girl at a rave singing
along to music also reflects the ‘party animal’
attitude.
Feature Headline- This is the largest serif text
used and is designed to grab the target
audience’s interest. The contrast of the white and
yellow also links in with the colour scheme of the
cover but also separates the different subjects of
the title. The first line is informal and bold and gives
out a clear attitude, this could show that the readers
of this magazine are laid back and not likely to be
offended by it. The bold impact of it could also
reflect the dance music genre. The second line of
the title infers that it has been memorable and jam-packed
which could reflect the lifestyle of the
mixmag reader.

4. Main Image- The main image presents DJ David Guetta
against a plain, wood background. Although he is wearing
sunglasses, you can tell he is looking at the reader,
making it a direct address. His hair is long and he has
stubble which may present him as being laid back and not
caring to much about looking pristine as all times,
presenting him as being cool. The dark sunglasses he is
wearing help to emphasise this, especially as he is
obviously inside. His facial expression is almost a snarl,
this also presents him as being the stereotypical, cool, laid
back young adult. By presenting him as being cool, girls
may find him attractive and boys may aspire to be like him,
if not, it may make readers want to listen to his music as it
may reflect the vibe his photo gives off. The fact that the
photo doesn’t appear too posed also reflects the laid back
personality of both the readers and the celebrity on the
cover.
Cover line- This is effective as the words ‘tunes’,
and ‘albums revealed’ are highlighted in yellow
which shows that among the other things the
magazines have going on, music is the top
priority of the magazine.

5. Freebie- Offering a freebie may draw the
audience in as it may make them feel as if
they are gaining something by purchasing
the magazine. As not all magazines offer
freebies, it makes this magazine more
unique and stand out more than some of the
other magazines on the market. This freebie
is therefore the unique selling point of
mixmag.
Cover Lines- The alternating colours
per line is effective as it makes each
individual line stand out, whilst in
keeping with the colour scheme of the
cover. The lines highlighted in yellow
are artist names and the lines in white
are magazine content. This could
show that again, they are highlighting
artists and music as the main focus of
the magazine and reiterating this to the
audience.
Barcode, date and price- The barcode is a common convention used
on magazine covers as it enables the reader to buy the magazine.
The date is displayed so the audience is able to keep track of which
issue they are buying. The price is displayed in a small front at the
bottom of the cover which means that they do not want it displayed in
a large font as it may not be appealing to the audience. The price
reflects the reader as if they have disposable income to spend on
partying, they will be able to afford the magazine.

7. Masthead- The masthead uses black sans serif font which
contrasts with the yellow and blue background it lies on top of
which makes it stand out. The black colour connotes things such as
darkness or stereotypes such as punk/goth/emo as it is a colour
that they are often associated with wearing. This is effective as it
may represent the genres of music featured in the magazine but
also the stereotypical audience that may listen to it. The masthead
also looks like it is underneath broken glass which may reflect the
rebellious, bold nature of the music the magazine focuses on.
Selling line- The selling line offers 7 posters which is
similar to giving a freebie away. This therefore makes the
reader feel as if they are gaining something from spending
the money on the magazine. The small previews of the
posters enable the reader to identify a band or artist that
they may be particularly interested in, which may be the
reason why they buy this issue. The fact they are offering 7
different posters means they are appealing to a wider
audience.
Feature headline- The feature headline shows which band is the
cover focus. This is interesting as the band is ‘Black Veil Brides’ yet
it is written on a red background in white writing. The red may have
been used as it is often associated with warnings which may link to
the idea that the lead singer is ‘ready to kill’. The white ay be used
as it provides a better contrast with the red than black would which
makes the headline stand out more. The main image also features a
lot of dark colours, which makes the white more visually appealing.
The theme of the article reflects the rebellious attitude of the music
and the fact the cover line uses the direct address ‘you’ is effective
as it becomes very personal and forms a connection with the
magazine and the reader, however sinister is may be, which may
compel them to buy the magazine.

8. Main image- The main image shows the lead singer of Black Veil Brides. He is looking
at the audience which forms an immediate connection with the reader and the
magazine. His facial expression is quite threatening as he seems to be glaring at the
reader which reflects the idea that he is ‘ready to kill’. His outfit is all black which on a
simple level reflects the fact that he is a member of ‘Black Veil Brides’ but also his
appearance is that of a stereotypical punk. This style of dress is often associated with
rebellion which also adheres to the theme of the article but could also represent the
genre of music his band produces. He also looks as if he is putting his gloves on. Black
gloves could have connotations of murder as people often wear gloves when
committing a crime to cover up and DNA and evidence so the fact that he appears to
be putting his gloves on could show that he is preparing himself to kill.
Puff and Sub-image- The quote is highlighted in yellow which therefore
makes it stand out to the reader. As it is by itself as a puff, it doesn’t make
much sense to the reader as it seems quite random, automatically drawing
their interest and compelling them to read more. The world ‘revealed’ is
effective as it makes it seem as if the magazine has gossip that the reader
would want to keep up with. It also gives the magazine some sense of
exclusivity as if they are revealing the gossip, it gives the impression that
they are the first people to find out and that they are more ‘in the know’ than
other magazines. The sub image is effective as it represents a stereotypical
rock star as he looks cool with his sunglasses on and has a microphone in
his hand. The fact that he appears to be screaming into the microphone
could represent the fact that the rock stars are ‘crazy’, linking to the article
that it is advertising.

9. Banner- This small banner advertises an article on tattoos. This could represent the lifestyle
and interests of the readers as if they may have tattoos or a keen interest in them. By
advertising bands that will be spoken about in the article, it enables to reader to identify a
possible favourite which may attract them to buy the magazine so they can read more. The fact
that the word ‘insanity’ is highlighted in a bolder colour reflects both the nature of the word itself
and the article in the magazine. It also stands out which may draw the reader’s eyes to it,
causing intrigue into what makes the article and the tattoos so ‘insane’.
Sub images and cover lines- This cover features 3 sub images which is effective as it
makes the cover look as if there is lots going on. By featuring more than one article on
the cover, it is appealing to many different people which means that there is a larger
chance of more people buying the magazine. The images are also effective as they
break up the text which makes the cover easier to read and more visually appealing.
Plug- The plug which advertises the opportunity to win festival tickets is
effective as it makes the reader feel as it the are able to gain something
from purchasing the magazine, similar to a freebie. The fact that the prize is
tickets for a festival could represent the lifestyle and interests of the Kerrang
reader.

10. Banner- This banner is effective as the band names are highlighted in a
different colour to the other words which makes them stand out so they
are easily identifiable but also highlights that music is the main focus in
the magazine. The fact that there is another mention of festivals help to
represent the interests and lifestyle of the person that may potentially but
the magazine.
Barcode, date and price- The barcode is a common convention used on magazine
covers as it enables the reader to buy the magazine. The date is displayed so the
audience is able to keep track of which issue they are buying. The price is displayed in
a small front at the bottom of the cover which means that they do not want it displayed
in a large font as it may not be appealing to the audience. The price reflects the reader
as it may reflect how much disposable income the typical Kerrang reader has to spend
on the magazine. The fact that it is £2.20 means that a wide range of people could be
able to afford it meaning it may be accessible to a wide range of incomes.

12. Masthead- The masthead uses an orange sans serif font with
block, capital letters. This is effective because it stands out against
the white background. The masthead is an abbreviated form of
New musical express, which is written in a small, serif font in black
underneath. Abbreviating this is effective because it is easier for
the reader to say and remember.
Freebie- Offering a freebie is effective as it makes the reader feel
as if they are gaining something from buying the magazine. This
may encourage them to buy the magazine as they feel they are
getting two magazines for the price of one.

13. Main image- The main image is effective as the article it is depicting is the
reinvention of the artist. He is shown with a broken trumpet in both his hands
and his face appears to look as if he doesn’t care. The broken trumpet links to
the idea of reinvention and the fact that his is breaking out of his previous
material in order to create something new. The fact that he looks as if he
doesn’t care tells us that he may have been frustrated which links to the
broken trumpet and doesn’t care it is broken as he is ready to move on. The
denim jacket and dark t-shirt stand out clearly on the white background making
him appear more prominent on the cover.
Feature headline- The colour of the feature headline is
effective because it stands out so clearly against the white
background. It is also effective as it is only the masthead
and this featured article that are in orange. This makes it
clear to the reader that this is the main article that the
magazine focuses on.

14. Cover lines- The cover lines show the band or artist in
a bold serif font and the topic of the article is written in a
thinner, sons serif font. This is effective as it makes the
band name clearer to the reader which helps them to
identify the artist quickly and see if it is an article they
would be interested in reading. It also highlights the fact
that music and artists are the focus of the magazine.
Barcode, date and price- The barcode is a common convention used on magazine covers
as it enables the reader to buy the magazine. The date is displayed so the audience is able
to keep track of which issue they are buying. The price is displayed in a small front at the
bottom of the cover which means that they do not want it displayed in a large font as it may
not be appealing to the audience. The price reflects the reader as it may reflect how much
disposable income the typical NME reader has to spend on the magazine.
Menu strip- The menu strip on the bottom of the
magazine is effective as it enables the reader to
potentially identify a band that they are
interested in which may make them purchase
the magazine. It also shows that the magazine
has a wide range of content.

15. The image is the largest
component on the contents
page and shows two girls
partying. The bright colours
featured in the picture stand out
against the black background
which makes it visually
appealing. The fact that
partying is the main focus of the
content could reflect the fact
that partying is the one of the
main focus of the magazine.
The page number is printed in
bold white on the picture. The
pretty girls partying may make
the reader turn to this article
first as it is bold and the page
number is clearly indicated.
The sub-image helps to make the
contents not as text heavy and also
attracts the reader to turn to that
article as their eyes tend to be drawn
to the pictures rather than the smaller
text first.
The column shows the page number
and title of the articles. The page
number is highlighted in yellow so it is
easy to find and the title of the article is
written in a white, bold font which stands
out against the black and makes it
easier to see. The VIP heading is
effective as it will make the reader more
likely to turn to that one as they feel it is
the most important as it is singled out
above the other features of the
magazine.
The layout of the contents consists
of 1 column, one row and a picture
that is the main focus. The row
contains information of about the
free CD given with the magazine.
This enforces the idea of it being
the USP of the magazine as the
reader knows that they are getting a
gift that is worthwhile and just a
cheap freebie stuck onto the front.
The information is on the bottom
row in a smaller font to show that it
is not as important as the content of
the magazine.

16. The pictures on the contents tend to correlate to articles in the
magazine. The fact that they are placed above the text means
that the audience may feel obliged to turn to those pages first as
they stand out more than anything else. The white banners with
the page number make the reader able to find the articles easily.
The layout of the Kerrang contents is
similar to the layout of the cover in that it is
quite jam-packed and chaotic, a theme
which runs through the magazine but also
the genres of music the articles are about.
The layout of the contents is split into 5
columns, one of which is a letter from the
editor of the magazine. This is effective as
it establishes a more personal connection
between the reader and the editor which
may encourage the reader to buy the
magazine on a regular basis as they feel
they have a better relationship with it.
The contents is split into categories, which
are highlighted in yellow. This means that
the reader can find categories easily that
interest them the most and can find the
articles that go with that.
The page numbers are highlighted in red
which make them easier to find without
having to read through lots of text. The
article titles are highlighted in bold which
makes them easier to read and identify if
the reader is scanning for a particular
article.
Small advertisement for Kerrang
magazine subscription on the
first page of the magazine is
effective because it will be the
first advertisement the reader will
see and because it is mixed in
with the contents, the reader is
bound to see it.
Small previews of some of the
posters at the bottom of the
contents is effective as it
enables the reader to see if
there is a poster they
particularly want without having
to flick all the way through the
magazine to find it.

17. The contents page of NME is rather
minimalistic and more text heavy
than Kerrang or mixmag.
The layout of the contents is split into
3 long columns and the colour
scheme consists of white, red and
black.
Dedicating a column to regulars is
effective as readers who have
bought the magazine multiple times
may have a favourite bit of content
which they can easily find. Like
Kerrang, the contents are divided
into categories which are highlights
in black and have a white contrasting
font meaning that the reader can find
the content that best suits them.
The features column is positioned in
the middle and is slightly larger in
width than the regulars column. This
may highlight the fact that these
articles may be more desirable and
interesting to read. Like both of the
other magazines, the title of the
article is highlighted as well as the
page number. The white contrasts
directly against the black making
them extremely easy to read.
NME is the only contents page out of
the ones I have analysed with a band
list and correlating page numbers.
This is effective as it means that
readers who are particularly
interested in certain bands can
quickly find the articles about them.
However, like the other magazines,
the page number is always
highlighted in a different font or
colour which makes it stand out and
good if the reader is scan reading for
a particular article and doesn’t want
to have to read through a large
amount of text.
Having a preview of the poster here, in
the middle of the column and also the
page is effective as it breaks up the
text slightly but also attracts the
reader’s eyes to it which means they
are easily able to find the free posters
they were promised on purchase of the
magazine.

18. The article has a colour scheme of white, pink,
black and yellow which is clear and consistent
throughout the article.
Although the spread has a
rather informal topic, the
article follows a strict 4
column structure and
everything on the page fits
into it, for example the top
right image fits across 2
columns yet the bottom left
image of the DJs fits into one
column. This structure is
effective as it makes the
article easier to read and the
text is not as dense.
The pictures used in the article all reflect the topic and all the pictures
feature young people partying. This could show the target audience of the
article and also their lifestyle and interests. The images also look like they
were taken spontaneously on a night out rather than a constructed image
for a purpose. This adds to the authenticity of the article and the
believability of the magazine.
The article features 3 of the best
places to go partying and they are
spread over 2 pages. Number one has
its own page which highlights to the
reader that it is the best and the most
important. Number 2 has the second
largest feature and number 3 is slightly
smaller which follows this pattern.
Each article ends with a summary
paragraph with key information
which tells the reader
recommended places to go
clubbing. This is effective as if the
reader wants to refer back to the
article they have a summary rather
than having to read through the
whole article again. It is also
visually appealing.

19. The green background is effective as it compliments
and ties in with the colour of the singer’s hair which
makes the article seamless and visually appealing.
Article has a three column layout making the
text easy to follow and read without being too
dense.
The colour yellow is
used as a highlight.
This is effective
because yellow stands
out clearly against the
green background.
Yellow also has
connotations of
happiness which could
tie in with the theme of
hope and new found
happiness that runs
throughout the article
The article’s feature headline is a pull
quote which is effective as it automatically
draws the reader into the article as they
are given a taste of the content, therefore
making them want to read on. The pull
quote also uses mixed fonts which breaks
the quote into clear different sections.
The sub image of the band in
the corner is effective as it has
a red background which
contrasts to the colour of the
main image but I also
promotes he band rather than
just the singer which most of
the article has focused on.
The main image overlaps ono
the right hand page of the spread
which is effective as it makes the
article seem more seamless and
also links the picture to the text.
The text in the first column uses
a run around the picture which
again means that he picture and
the text complement each other
rather than being separate,
which encourages the audience
to read the full article as the
pictures and text are all
interlinked.
The small letter from the artist to the
artist is printed on what appears to be
an old creased piece of paper which
looks like I has been torn from a
notebook. This is effective as it
identifies a different section of the
article but it also portrays the idea
that it was already written down years
ago, like a diary entry.

20. Using a pull quote in the centre of the article is
effective as the reader’s eyes are immediately
drawn to it and it grabs their interest which
encourages them to read the article in order to find
the section that links with it. The bold, larger font
breaks up the text which means the article does not
look as dense. Text in the columns uses a run-around
which shows that the pull quote is
integrated in the article.
Sub image at the end of the
article shows the text has
finished and also at a quick
glance, pictures break up the
text on an article that does
look quite dense.
Orange, white and black form a colour scheme that
runs throughout the article. The colours found in the
main image either match or complement these rather
than contrast which gives the article a flow and a
more relaxed aesthetic rather than bright colours
everywhere.
The main image takes up one full page of the double page spread which shows that the
person in it is clearly the main focus of the article. The theme and set up of the image
juxtapose the idea of the title as the artist is meant to be in ‘good health’ yet he holds two
very clearly alcoholic beverages in his hand. This could reflect the rebellious, nonchalant
attitude that this artist is notorious for and may also present some humour. It could also
show that the title has a different meaning than what appears on the surface, meaning
the audience must read on to find out.
The text layout is split
into three columns,
which is a similar
feature on all of the
spreads. The
effectiveness of this is
that it makes the
article look less text-heavy
and makes it
easier to follow and
read.