2. ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE Masthead Rolling Stone Magazine uses quite a simple, classic masthead. This is a largely recognised and well established brand and therefore on many issues of this magazine the masthead is somewhat covered by the main image as it is here. Main Image The cover image shows Lady GaGa in a confident pose wearing a rather daring outfit/costume which she is famously known for. The image has a brightly coloured pink background which may seem unusual for this magazine which ties in with the main subject of the issue (Lady GaGa) as she is widely renowned for being unusual. Headline The headline ‘ LADY GAGA’ is printed in even larger font than the masthead, showing the reader straightaway what will be expected as the main feature of the cover. As this follows the words ‘THE RISE OF’ it implies that this is a big story and may be a first. ‘THE HOT LIST’ is also printed in a larger font than the masthead yet slightly smaller than the main headline, this attracts the readers attention straight away urging them to read more. Barcode Rolling stone magazine uses the barcode in the conventional place of all magazines; in the bottom right hand corner. However the date and issue number is stated at the top of the magazine and not beside the barcode. Teasers The side of the magazine is filled with smaller headlines and uses words such as ‘Hot’ ‘Celebrity’ ‘Seedy’ ‘L.A’ ‘MTV’ and ‘Genius’ to entice the reader to open the magazine and read more about them.
3. Q MAGAZINE Other Headlines Only one other headline is shown on the cover which states ‘ALL NEW LOOK ISSUE’. Although this is not advertising an article or feature in the magazine, it is still encouraging the regular audience to read on as they are then curious as to what has changed. Masthead Q magazine uses a timeless masthead in every issue of just ‘Q’ in a white Book Antigua style font inside a red box which is partially covered by the main image. Cover ImageThe main image of this cover is ACDC’s Angus Young in a classic pose and attire that he is commonly known for, especially by readers of this magazine. The picture covers a main headline yet still allowing it to be read, as well as a small corner of the masthead. Main Headline The main headline reads ‘ACDC ROCK EXAMINING ANGUS YOUNG’ this implies that there will be a full story on this one person featured on the cover. Although it is semi covered by the main image, it is still easy for the reader to see and gives the main image great effect. Barcode As with most magazines, Q magazine uses the classic placing of the barcode in the bottom right hand corner along with the issue number, date and the price.
4. VIBE MAGAZINE Masthead The masthead of this magazine is a simple bold text in red, it stands out from the rest of the imaging and text on the cover as it is the largest font in a bold, bright colour. Cover Image Top artist T.I is featured as the cover image in this issue of the magazine, the picture is in black and white and shows him in quite smart attire. The expression on his face and the way the picture has been taken conveys a sense of authority and importance making the cover stand out and appeal to audiences. The top of the image is slightly covered by the masthead yet does not impair the image. Main Headline Apart from the masthead, ‘T.I’ is in the biggest, most noticeable font shown in black showing this is the main headline and feature of this issue. There is a quote following the headline in the same font yet smaller and in red this is used to give insight into what will be said or told inside the magazine. Other Stories Other stories are shown on both sides of the magazine and are in the same font that is used over the whole cover. They continue the theme of the cover in red and black, this makes all stories stand out especially on the white background. On the right hand side the number ‘51’ is shown particularly larger than most other titles. This may be a s it is advertising a list inside the magazine and whereas usually lists may be ’50’ this has gone one further and therefore compels the reader to pick up the magazine.
5. NME MAGAZINE Main Headline The main headline here is in a white serif font and on a black background making it stand out further. The font is the second largest on the page (second to the masthead) and therefore receives the readers attention Masthead commonly, NME uses a red bold font for the masthead, whereas here it has been edited to be the same size and font, yet Gold and appear to have sparkles. This is due to this addition being a special edition so is appropriate to make it look different, attracting the reader! Cover Image In this issue, the main article and cover image is Michael Jackson. The picture holds the same 3 colours as the background and font of the rest of the cover. The ‘sparkles’ across the cover show that he is important and seems majestic in manner, which would assume that this is an important person to the readers. Other Features A small red circle features the only other headline on the cover, it breaks the rest of the colour scheme which makes it stand out brightly, attracting the readers attention. Barcode This cover features a small barcode on the left hand side . It is also tipped sideways and separated from the date and price (this is placed under the masthead)
6. RAVE MAGAZINE Masthead The masthead is in a futuristic style bold blue font, which is very vibrant and as well as the actual name ‘RAVE’ gives the impression of energy and excitement Cover Image Featured here, is Fergie, the picture portrays excitement in the pose and goes along well with the title of the magazine. Especially as the outfit/styling matches and goes well with the colour of the masthead. Main Headline It could be said that there are two main headlines here, as usually the main one will go with the picture, which one does. But then in a slightly larger font ‘The Holiday Issue’ is written and placed in the middle of the page which makes the issue seem like it is special and exciting. Other Features On the left hand side there are smaller features down the page with the title in a green font and then in the same font, the teasers below are white. Barcode The Barcode is place typically in the bottom left hand corner and is boxed along with the date, issue number and price.
7. Top of the Pops Magazine Masthead This is the classic Top of The Pops masthead, it is in a pink and white bubbly font and the majority is covered by the featuring image although it is still clear what magazine this is! Cover Image The cover image portrays ‘The Wanted’ who are a massive icon for the audience of this magazine, obviously helping the magazine sales and popularity as it will entice the readers to pick up that particular issue Main Headline The main headline ‘THE WANTED!’ is seen in a large, bold text in very bright pink and yellow colours, which are appealing to the age and gender majorities of the audience Other stories Other stories are featured all around the cover, making it seem very busy which in an older magazine would probably seem overcrowded, however due to the nature of the magazine, this appeals to the younger audience as they can see more of what is on offer inside the magazine. Graphic Features There are other graphic features on this cover, showing more celebrities that this magazine’s particular audience would be interested in. As the magazine is for a younger audience, pictures are obviously appropriate as they are more likely to respond to these as opposed to lots of writing.
8. JET Magazine Masthead The font used is edgy and suits the title well, as does the colour although it is not bright, it still seems to stand out . The masthead is set to the left of the cover and partially covers the main image but not impairing the readers view. Cover Image The image used shows the artist ‘Drake’ and is in black and white, which makes it as well as the titles/features around it stand out! Main headline ‘DRAKE’ is the main headline, which is very simple but effective as it is simply what the main feature of the magazine is, and matches the picture! Prior to the boldest part it says ‘why he’s not you’re typical rapper’ which acts as an introduction to both the picture and the main headline. All words apart from ‘NOT’ and ‘Drake’ are in the same colour, this makes those particular words stand out and attract the reader. This is then enhanced by the teaser underneath which tells a bit about the story inside the magazine. Other Features There are few other features on this cover, and of what there are they seem to blend in a lot more than the main headlines! The Barcode is quite large and featured in the common place of left hand bottom corner with the date, issue number and price.
9. FADER Magazine Masthead ‘FADER’ is featured in a simple, bold white text, with the first letter singly enclosed in a grey box, setting it aside from the rest of the word. The masthead looks clean and fresh which is obviously the aim and looks modern so is likely to appeal to a particular audience. Cover Image This cover features singer ‘NickiMinaj’, the photo is quite brightly coloured which stands out a lot from the background, which is in many shades of white and light grey. Main headline Although it is not brightly coloured or particularly large, the main headline still stands out as it is really the only one on the cover! Apart from very few small titles, this dominates the page as it is right below the masthead, drawing the readers eye straight to it as the next thing they see. Other Other features here include small titles at the very top of the page, as well as two other small headlines and teasers. Although these are secondary to the image, masthead and main headline they are still relevant and catch the readers eye as they surround the picture rather than making it cluttered.
10. ROCK SOUND Magazine Mast head The masthead is a rounded, bold green font and looks very predominant on the cover, the contrast of the bright green and washed out image really gives effect and makes it stand out. It is partially covering some of the image but then its self is covered by a small fraction of the image Main Headline This headline simply represents what the image and obviously main article inside the magazine will be about. It stands out as it is in a bright, slanted font and partially covers the main image. Cover Image The main image features ‘MUSE’ a band who are iconic to the majority of readers of Rock Sound so would be something that the reader would want to see on the cover and read about inside! The image has a sort of washed out feel which particularly enhances the bright colours of the masthead and headlines Other Articles This cover seems quite busy and has a lot of small titles and teasers as well as graphic features which sometimes may put the reader off but in this case seems to go with the concept/design of this particular magazine. Free! At two different points on this cover the word ‘FREE’ is mentioned. This is something that always attracts readers as it lets them know that after buying the magazine they will receive something free!
11. BILLBOARD Magazine Masthead A black, rounded font is used here, making it stand out against the brightly coloured background. The letters ‘a’ and ‘d’ of Billboard are filled in with two different bright colours which makes it different to a lot of other mastheads. It is quite large and the centre is partially covered by the cover image. Main Headline This serif headline takes predominance of the magazine cover as it is very large (almost the same size as the masthead) and stands out against the small fonts above and below it and the bright colours around it with a white font teaser just below. Cover image Katy Perry is shown as the key feature of this issue, she is pictures just off centre to the right, covering the centre of the masthead. She is shown covered in flowers and in a flowery dress, as well as against a pink background giving the cover a very stereotypical female feel. Other There are alsosmall features all around the cover many being teasers to entice the reader and make them want to know more!
12. Band Index NME shows a band index running down the left side of the page, this indicates which bands/information about them can be found on which page. This is very useful as some readers may want to read about one particular artist. Layout NME uses a very column like layout, with three vertical columns in the middle as well as two horizontal features at the top and bottom of the page. Picture The centre of the page features a picture as well as a description of what it is, this encourages the reader to read ahead as there has already been something interesting, and gives an idea of what will be inside. House Style NME tend to stick to a theme of red black and white which is used consistently throughout the magazine, using red mainly to make important features stand out. Advertisement There is an advertisement featured quite largely on the page for a subscription of the magazine. It uses ‘SAVE OVER £45’ to entice readers as many are in an age range of which saving money would be very helpful! Lure Using a bold coloured arrow encourages the reader to turn to the page containing ‘The UK’s Ultimate Gig Guide’
13. Style Rolling stone uses a very simple design, in black and white apart from the one coloured picture and small portion of pink text. This makes the magazine seem informative and straight to the point as if the reader would like to start reading straight away, using the contents solely for reference. Main Feature The main feature of the page is an old picture and its explanation, this would interest the reader, as it then has a page number indicating the rest of the article! Layout The layout is simple, using one main feature along side a small single column showing page contents and one picture above. Editorial Information Editorial and contact information is listed in very small print at the bottom of the page.
14. Title This goes against most magazine conventions as the word is separated out making it edgy and eye catching. A simple font is used in contrast to the strange layout. Design The design fits well with the front cover as the main colours are black white and grey as on the front, although it does not display the same bold red font anywhere. There is not a lot of text which keeps with the idea of being very simple and accessible. Main feature The main feature of this page is the image, which also acts as the background of the page and is in black and white. This is the first thing that catches the readers eye upon seeing the page and therefore it is important that the image puts across the right message and fits with the style/genre of the magazine. Layout This contents page has a simple layout, showing one main image as the background with just one other familiar image (the front cover) in the bottom left corner). The text is kept completely separate at the top and quite small.
15. Title/Date The title here is in a simple white text and is placed next to the ‘Q’ logo, this shows that the page is separate and would be recognisable without the front cover which magazine it is. The date is also featured in the same banner as the title which is quite unconventional for most magazines. Layout/Design The layout of this contents is quite conventional as it is laid out in mostly boxes, separating each part of information. This is useful for the reader as it is easy to see where they need to look to find what they need. The main feature here is a picture of a familiar band to the readers, in a box that is larger than the rest showing that this will be the main feature of the magazine and therefore takes priority of the page, Red boxes are used for each section e.g. ‘Features’ and ‘Every Month’ which shows these are important and conclude what all the below articles are listed as. Red font is also used for the page numbers of each feature making it easy to read and stand out. Content The content of the text here is quite to the point, although there is a lot of text which takes up most of the page. All text is in a simple, easy to read font and in the conventional list form going from the top to the bottom of the page.
16. Title The title here, as seen on a previous contents page is separated out! Its is in a large, bold, black text and stands out from the pale background colours. Text/Layout Compared to the large title, the rest of the text is fairly small and set on the bottom right of the page, considering that it is supposed to be the key information of this page, it does not seem to stand out much especially in comparison to the main image and title. Overall the page has quite an unconventional layout yet it is still effective and eye-catching. Image On this page, the image is the main feature and dominates most of the space, this is clearly as it features the artist that is the primary feature of the whole issue. This works well as it gets the readers attention and then draws them to the rest of the contents so does not completely take over the idea of a contents page.
17. Title The title here is shown in quite a bubbly yet straight edged , black font in the conventional way at the top of the page Image/Layout The image is the main feature of the page and the clear, pale background in the image makes all text stand out to the reader. Featured in the image is the artist focussed on in the main article of the magazine so the image is appropriate for its purpose and is fun and inrteresting Content The actual contents of the magazine are shown, like in many magazines, down the right side of the page. In comparison to the title and image, this text is in rather small and simple font although is still clearly visible and easy to read for the reader.
18. This double page spread features one main image and in comparison to the size of this as well as conventions of magazines, the amount of text used is quite small yet still gives all of the information that it should and is also complimented by the image that goes with it. The title of the article is a question which engages the audience greatly and makes them feel involved with the piece.
19. Here, the page is dominated by the main image of the featured artist. This is also surrounded by seven other pictures of the same person, making them seem very important as well as making the page individual. There is quite a lot of text featured around the images but main phrases that are wanted to stand out or are supposed to be important are featured in either bold or different coloured fonts.
20. Unlike previous contents pages analysed, this one seems more like two separate pages and different sections of it are separated from others. There are two large images, both diagonal to each other on both sides of the page. The font used for the majority of the text is a simple black font, there also parts of the font that are highlighted in a different colour, or larger, bolder text to make them stand out. The name of the magazine is also featured at the top of the left side, which seems quite common in a lot of magazines.
21. Personal Learning and Reflection - From my analysis and research into magazine front covers, I have learnt that it is conventional to have one image which dominates the cover, and the rest of the features of the page are placed around this. From this research I will use the idea of having a cover image, and the masthead partially covering it, such as in the analysis of ‘VIBE’ magazine as I feel that this really stands out from other magazines. I will also use at least one other small image on the cover as this seems to attract readers and is not so conventional, making my magazine quite unique. - After researching contents pages I have learnt that there are not many conventions, as most contents pages of different magazines are unique! I intend to use the separation of the title, as it looks good and has been used before, I also used this in my preliminary task and felt that it worked really well. - Many of the double page spreads that I analysed seem to have a similar idea to them and feature mainly just one image. I feel that using only one image on my double page spread would be good as it makes the image important and can lay it out so that the text is very noticeable and the whole page really draws the reader in to read it all. - Overall I feel that analysing and researching the front covers, contents pages and double page spreads of different music magazines has really helped and inspired me for the creation of my own magazine.
