Media foundation portfolio research

Media Foundation Portfolio Amy McDermott

Music Magazine Front Cover Analysis

NME MAGAZINE Layout The layout of this NME cover is very crowded and has no main image. The cover is a montage of sell lines and photos which make it look interesting and attractive. Due to the overcrowding, it would stand out on s shelf compared to simpler displayed magazine covers. There is a large sell line across the centre of the page in bold yellow serif block type face announcing the main article in the magazine. This again draws in the audience’s attention. The cover looks unorganised but in a way that works. Masthead The masthead takes up a small amount of space in the top left corner. It is placed in a black box in white outlined, red sans serif block type face, which contrasts with the black in order for it to stand out of the page. Underneath is NEW MUSICAL EXPRESS, announcing what NME stands for. A sky line lure in a pink strip is also included telling the readers there is a FREE CD inside, helping sell the magazine. Sell Lines/Cover line The sell lines are announcing what is included in the issue. A lure is mentioned twice on the cover page that a FREE CD is included, pushing and encouraging readers to pick up and buy the magazine. The main article it announced across the centre of the page “Albums of the year” which will appeal to music fanatics. In a separate red outlined box there is a sell line “GREEN DAY EXCLUSIVE” paired with an image of the lead singer, which will appeal to any fans. The text of the sell lines is a combination of bold, block sans serif and serif fonts which gives variation to the cover. Colours The colour scheme consists of bright colours such as pink, red and yellow. These colours suggest the magazine is fun, vibrant and loud which works well for a music magazine. I think these colours suggest the focus of the magazine is most genres of music, but perhaps for alternative rock due to the artists included in the sell lines. Images This cover includes a range of small images crowded in to the one page. There are images of artists paired with linking sell lines which helps to promote the magazine. There is also a montage of album covers behind the main article title “Albums of the Year” to give a quick view of who is included.

NME MAGAZINE 2 Masthead The masthead is the same sans serif typeface that was used in the previous NME cover, except this time it is completely white. Underneath is what NME stands fro “New music express” but smaller and it’s also white, giving it a more sophisticated feel. The date and price (£2.30) is also featured. A skyline lure is also included that tells the audience this is two of 10 special edition covers, so it encourages them to buy all the issues buy intriguing them with “special edition”. Layout The layout is a classic magazine layout of a masthead, cover image taking up the majority of the page and the sell lines/cover line displayed around the edge. This layout is far simpler than the previous NME cover which was more crowded with lots of images and text. I prefer this layout as I think it is easy to read and allows you to see the image clearly. Sell Lines/Cover line This cover is not as crowded with sell lines as the previous NME cover. There is one sell line “The state of music today!” in white sans serif, block typeface. This is aiming the magazine at people who are interested in “real” music as below it lists all the 10 special edition cover and respected artists that have a feature article discussing this matter. There cover line “Florence” is in capitals and a dark grey, bold sans serif font to make it stand out from the rest of the white text. By using a known artists name, the audience are pulled in and want to read on. A quote is also incluyded above the cover line “I would never have got through the X Factor auditions” which may shock people if they think she is a good artists. It makes people want to read the article to find out why she said this. Colours The colour scheme of this issue is white for any text, apart from the cover line which is dark grey to stand out on the page. This all pairs well with the image used because of her white t-shirt. The brightest colour is from her red hair, which makes a statement. She is known for her red hair and so this will attract fans to the cover. The more neutral colour scheme gives a more sophisticated colour scheme than the previous NME cover which had lots of bright, clashing colours. Images The image is a close-up shot of Florence and the Machine. It is a very direct, intense image as she is staring straight out, capturing people attention. The use of a celebrity will make people pick up the magazine as they may idolise them or be interested in them.

KERRANG MAGAZINE Sell Lines/Cover line This cover is crowded with quite a few sell lines. The cover line is “BRING ME THE HORIZON...NORTHEN UPROAR” which is paired with the main image of the band. We can tell it is the cover line due to it being larger than the sell lines and being paired with the image that takes up the majority of the page. The sell lines are all in sans serif block type face making them stand out of the page and again make the magazine look loud. Some of the type face such as “NORTHEN UPROAR” and “PLUS!” look as if they are eroded like the masthead, aiming the magazine at the rock genre. The sell lines are mostly of artists that are featured in the issue which are paired with images of the artists. There is also the lure “K! WEEK OF ROCK...POSTER SPECIAL” which is offering something free to encourage buyers. Some sell lines have been placed in bold red arrows which point to the pictures they are paired with and to make them stand out on the page. Masthead The masthead is spread across the top of the cover, behind the main image. The masthead is serif block type face but it looks as if it has been shattered and smashed to give the impression the magazine is “loud” and focuses on rock genre. The masthead is printed in black which contrasts against the white strip it is placed on. An exclamation point is included at the end of the name “KERRANG!” again to make the magazine seem bold and loud. There is a sky line in a black strip containing two short sell lines in red outlined, sans serif, white text. Layout This cover is again, crowded, but not as much as the NME cover. The main image takes up the entire page, their heads part covering the masthead. However, only just over half the image is visible due to three separate images being placed over it. The sell lines are paired with the images as well as some being placed at the top and bottom of the page. Colours The colour scheme of the cover consists of the colours, red, black, white and some yellow. I think that the colours are suggesting the magazine is aiming itself at the rock genre because of the bold yet dark scheme. Images The main image on this page is a medium shot of the band Bring Me The Horizon, which is paired with the cover line. The band are looking straight ahead of them which makes it very direct to the audience. They are all in suits and appear to look very smart giving them a “cool” image. This image takes up the majority of the page, but half is covered by three more separate images of artists performing. Each picture is paired with the name of the artist that is featured in the magazine, which attracts people to the magazine. The artists performing gives a sense of action and gives insights in to what their gigs are like, which will appeal to music fanatics. The images featured are of rock bands, which shows what genre of music the magazine is aimed at.

ROLLINGSTONE MAGAZINE Mast Head The masthead is reasonably large on this cover, taking up the top strip of the magazine. A bold serif type face is used, giving a classic feel to the magazine. The masthead is very bold with a shadow, making it appear to stand out from the page. The colour of the type face is a grey, again adding to the classic feel. Part of the masthead is covered by the main image, but it is still identifiable as “rolling stone” magazine. Sell Lines/Cover Line The sell lines are arranged around the edge of the cover over the main image. They are displayed in straight lines, again giving a clean cut appearance. The type face is a serif font giving a classic feel to the magazine. The sell lines are all displayed in the same way. Firstly there is a heading in small, red, italic type face which is positioned above a larger heading in upper case, black serif type face which explains the smaller heading in more depth. The sell lines are divided by a small black line, making them look organised and allowing the reader to distinguish which one is which. The cover line “JAY-Z...ADDICTED TO THE GAME” has a slight shadow which makes it stand out from the page, grabbing the audience’s attention. We can tell this is the cover line because it is paired with the cover image and is larger with a shadow. The sell lines are advertising the articles inside the magazine which seem to be stories on people rather than music, although there is the sell line showing the article “The 10 best new bands”, which will appeal to music fanatics. I don’t think the sell lines suggest the magazine is aimed at any music genre in particular as Jay-Z is a rap artists and there is an article about the 10 best new bands, not defining the genre. The magazine is aimed at people who enjoy all kinds of music and like to read about artists. Layout The cover has a classic layout consisting of the masthead at the top, one main image and sell lines displayed around the edge. The cover looks very clean cut and is not overcrowded like the examples of NME and KERRANG magazine. Colours The cover has a consistent colour scheme of grey, black and red, giving a simplistic, classic feel. The colours are similar to the colours in the image, giving a consistent colour scheme that works together. The main colours are black and grey with only red on the smaller sell lines, which makes the cover look sophisticated. Images The cover only has one main image of Jay-Z against a white background. He is in a classic suit making him look sophisticated, pairing well with the type face and colours on the sell lines and masthead. He is looking directly in front of him making the image intense and very direct to the person who may be looking at it. His head is covering part of the masthead, but it is still identifiable as the “rolling stone” magazine. The sell lines are positioned over the image as well as the cover line which explains the image.

BLENDER MAGAZINE Sell lines/Cover line The sell lines are positioned around the edge of the page, surrounding the cover image. The cover line is positioned at the top close to Katy Perry’s face. A sans serif type face has been used which again look modern, making the magazine seem up to date. Her name “KATY PERRY” is larger than the sell lines, which makes it stand out the most. Underneath this is an explanation of the article which suggests that Katy Perry tells of her sexual experiences with “KISS’N’TELL”. The sell lines are all in the same sans serif type face, but varying in colour, weight, size and italics. The sell lines advertise the exciting articles that are featured in the magazine using language like “GUITARS GONE WILD” and shocking quotations. The articles seem to be aimed at a younger audience as they seem to be about sex and partying “GETS HIS FANS WASTED”. The words that are in bright pink stand out on the cover “PERRY” “METALLICA” which mean they attract the audience’s attention. Masthead The masthead is displayed across the top of the page in a sans serif, block type face in black, which contrasts against the white background. The masthead a modern/futuristic feel which gives the impression the music magazine is up to date and in the moment. There is a sky line lure announcing “FREE DOWNLOADS! 10 HOT NEW TRACKS!” which not only makes the magazine seem up to date with downloads rather than CDs, but will also appeal to anyone interested in music as it is suggested that if you buy the magazine you will receive free downloads of new tracks. There is also a pink download logo which is paired with the free downloads lure, but is also pointing to the masthead which links the two together. Layout The layout of the cover is very simplistic and clean cut, similar to the layout of Rolling Stone magazine. The masthead is positioned across the top of the cover, the cover image taking up the majority of the page, and the sell lines positioned around the edges. Colours The colour scheme for this cover is black and pink. The masthead is in bold black which contrasts again st the white background. The sell lines are pink with the words they want to stand out in pink. Images There is one main image that takes up the majority of the page of a medium long shot of Katy Perry. She is given sex appeal from her clothing and pose which will attract an audience to the cover. Her head is covering part of the masthead, but it is still identifiable as Blender magazine. The image of Katy Perry is paired with the cover line which is positioned near the top of the page.

BILLBOARD MAGAZINE Masthead The masthead is reasonably large and takes up about a quarter of the page. It is in a modern, sans serif type face which makes the magazine appear up to date and trendy. A small shadow is used which makes the masthead appear to stand out from the page slightly. The d at the end of billboard is filled in with a vibrant green, which not only stand out but also adds to the modern and trendy image. Sell lines/Cover line The cover line is placed at the bottom right corner of the cover. We can tell it is tyhe cover line because it is much larger and bolder than the sell lines. A block, sans serif type face with curved edges has been used which adds to the modern image of the magazine. The cover line stands out against her dark hair, but is not as visible on her skin. Underneath the cover line is some text explaining the article to draw in the audience “The singer speaks out”. The sell lines are in the same font as the cover line but they vary in size, weight and colour. Words that are meant to stand out are in bright pink so they are eye catching and pop out of the page. The sell lines seem to focus on money and technology concerning music, as well as pop artists “Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift”. The magazine seems to be aimed at people who are interested in the financial and technology news of music as well as up to date music. Layout The name of the magazine is placed at the top of the cover, the cover image in the centre and the sell lines and cover line around the edge. The layout is simplistic and a classic layout fro magazine covers. It is easy to read as it isn’t overcrowded with images and sell lines but is still attractive to look at. Images There is one cover image of Lily Allen in a medium close up shot. She is looking directly out, making the magazine direct to anyone who looks at it. She looks quite relaxed but as she is looking straight out, the picture is made to look quite intense. Her head is covering part of the title, like some of the other covers I looked at previously, but the magazine is still identifiable as Billboard. Lily Allen is a pop artist so this perhaps suggests the magazine is aimed more at an audience who are interested in the pop genre. Colours The colour scheme of white and bright pink has been used in this cover. The white is in relation to the cover image of Lily Allen where she is wearing a white headband and top. The main colour of the sell lines and cover line is white, but words that are needed to stand out are in the bright pink, as I mentioned before. I think this colour scheme gives a fun yet modern feel as there is only hints of colour, perhaps aiming the magazine at more of a younger audience.

Q MAGAZINE Masthead The masthead consists of the simple logo “Q” in a large, bold red box. The red is very attention grabbing and stands out of the page. A skyline states the magazine is “The UK’s Biggest Music Magazine” which acts as a sort of lure because it suggests the magazine is better than all the others the audience may be thinking about picking up. Sell lines/Cover line The sell lines are displayed around the edge of the page in different sans serif type faces. The use of a sans serif type face makes the magazine appear more modern. Down the left hand side there is names of artists in blocks of red and white making them stand out from the page and attracting an audience who are interested in music. There are larger sell lines mentioning more artist names varying between upper and lower case type face and size. There is also a flash in a grey circle “John Lennon” in quite a large type face. The cover line which is paired with the cover image will the name of her song in red and smaller, then her name larger in white and then the word that stand out the most “rocks” in red. This word has been made most obvious as is attracts people to find out what it means and is paired to. Layout The layout of the cover is a classic magazine layout of one main image taking up the page and the sell lines displayed around the edges of the page. The layout is simple but the sell lines to take up quite a lot of room as well as the masthead. Images There is one cover image of Cheryl Cole looking sexy and mysterious. The image is dramatic and over exaggerated as she is drenched and has her tongue on a claw shaped ring she is wearing. By the image being so exaggerated it attracts people’s attention to the magazine. Colours The colour scheme of this cover is white, red with some grey which fits in with the magazine logo. The colour scheme also links in well with the dark colours of the image and her red lipstick. The parts that are wanted to stand out are in red because it makes them pop out of the page, grabbing people’s attention.

VIBE MAGAZINE Sell lines/Cover line The sell lines and cover line take up a majority of space on the page. They are in a bold, block sans serif type face so they pop out of the page. The words that are wanted to stand out more are in green so they are obvious against the rest of the white text. The sell lines include articles about artists such as Usher, WILL.I.AM, showing the magazine is mostly aimed at people who like the music genre R&B and Hip-Hop. At the bottom is a flash in a bold red shape “CDS ARE DEAD” in yellow type face and then that this issue can tell you the top 30 hottest places to find R&B and Hip-Hop on the web. This not only shows the genre of music the magazine is aimed at, but that it is up-to-date with technology and is aimed at a younger audience who are in tune with this technology. The cover line is much larger and in the same block sans serif type face used for the sell lines. A slight shadow has been used to make the cover line stand out from the page. The question “Is that Chris Brown?” the “that” in italics, suggesting he has changed a lot therefore drawing the audience in. A quote is also featured below which is quite a bold statement “I’m still a virgin...in your eyes” the word “virgin in red so it stands out from the page. Masthead The masthead takes up quite a lot of room on the page. The is a skyline that shows an article that is inside the magazine, encouraging people to read on. The magazine name is displayed across the page behind Chris Brown. There is also a lure placed in a red circle flash on the magazine name announcing the issue is the “mega music issue”, which encourages people to but the magazine when they look at the name. Layout The layout of the page is slightly crowded with text. The main image takes up the page and the sell lines are displayed around the edges, allowing us to see the image as well as notice the sell lines. I think this is an appropriate and most common layout used by music magazines. Images The image takes up the page and is covering part of the masthead. The cover image is of Chris Brown which attracts the magazine more at R&B and Hip Hop fans. The has his hands in his pockets and is pulling a hand gesture that makes him appear cool. He looks proud and relaxed in the way he is standing. Colours The colour scheme of this cover is mostly red and green, with some red. The masthead, cover line and sell lines are in white with the words wanted to stand out in green. The colour scheme is quite neutral, but is also vibrant against the darker background of the cover image. The red is used for things to really stand out on the page, such as the lures and the word “Virgin” in Chris Brown's quote. The red on his t-shirt links in with this colour scheme and also makes him a main attraction on the page.

CLASH MAGAZINE Sell lines/Cover line The sell lines on this page are quite small and spread out. They are in sans serif type face, all in capitals. The sell lines have a heading of a name of an artist and then in much smaller type face below is a small hint to what is in the article. A colour pattern is created between the sell line heading which is white then yellow, white, yellow and so on. There is another much larger sell line which is made to look like a CD cover of Clash’s playlist. This covers some of the cover image. It shows artists that may attract people to read the magazine. Another colour pattern is also used here, pale yellow for one line, then white and so on. It seems as if clash covers a range of music tastes and many artists, which makes them appeal to a large audience. The cover line is in linked to the cover image by being placed on her microphone. It is in a serif type face which stands out from the sell lines. It is quite large with a small shadow and surrounded by stars to make it stand out from the page. Masthead The masthead is quite large, covering some of the cover image. The name of the magazine “Clash” is in a retro, sans serif type face where the a and s are formed by two s’ facing back to back. This gives an interesting twist. Above is a skyline “best in music and fashion” which encourages people to purchase the magazine as it is suggesting it is the best compared to the other magazines on the shelves. There is also a flash lure in the top left corner “Free CD!” By mentioning something free comes with the magazine, the audience is encouraged to buy it. There is also an image of a hip-hop group which could act as part of the masthead. There is also a flash in a spiky circle below this image which tells the reader Clash is monthly, making them go and buy it every month. Images There is a cover image of Duffy that takes up the majority of the page. It is a posed photo to look as if she is singing in to the microphone. The image of her has been cut out and put against an artistic background. There is also another image of Knarles Barkley which is much smaller and paired with a sell line about the group. This could perhaps act as part of the masthead. Layout The layout of this cover is quite crowded. There is a cover image which takes up the entire page, along with a cover line in the bottom right corner. The sell lines are placed around the edge and look fairly organised but are quite spaced out from each other. There is also a smaller image in the top right, with a sell lines printed on the image. There is also another sort of sell line of a clash playlist which looks like it is in the shape of a CD which takes up quite a lot of room, covering some of the cover image. A bar code has also been placed in the bottom right corner to keep to magazine codes and conventions. I feel that the magazine has a retro theme. Colours The main colours on this page seem to be pinks and purple, mostly from the cover image background the Clash Playlist background. The colour scheme fot the sell lines and cover lines is yellow and white. A pattern is cerated as I mentioned before. I feel the colours of this cover are slightly feminine which may lead males away.

BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE Masthead The masthead for this cover takes up quite alot of space on the top of the page. The logo for the BBC is in the corner to show it is their magazine and then MUSIC is a classic serif type face. Part of this is covered by the cover image, but it is still recognisable. The U is in italics to perhaps add variation. There is a skyline “The worlds best selling classical music magazine” which tells us the genre of music the magazine is aimed at and encourages people to buy it as it claims to be the worlds best. A corner flash is also included “Free inside!” which acts as a lure. Layout The cover is mostly crowded with images. There is very little text apart from the masthead and the sell lines and cover lines incorporated in to the images. The layout is quite complicated and is different from usual magazine layouts. Sell lines/Cover line There is not many sell lines on this cover. The only sell lines are placed in a sort of flash which appears to look like a scroll. These sell lines vary between two serif type faces which both look quite traditional. They look eroded to make them look old, adding to the classical genre of the magazine. The sell lines are about artists and the main focus of the issue, the Proms. There is also a lure “win last night tickets!” which encourages people to purchase the magazine. The bar code it also in this section along with the date and price, sticking to magazine codes and conventions. The cover line is incorporated in to the image. It is in the same varying serif type faces as the sell lines which look eroded and traditional. The cover line looks like it is on stage and is being revealed by the curtains, which also relates to the description of the cover line “raise the curtain”. Images The cover image is created out of various images to create a vibrant montage. I think this is interesting and works well here. The images seem to be very British as there is lots of British flags, roses and so on. The images suggest the magazine is aimed at an older British audience. Colours There is a variety of colours on this cover due to the montage of images. The dominating colours seem to be blue, green and red. The colours are very rich, vibrant and could be referred to as British form the dominating blue and red. The sell lines have a pattern of colours from red to black, red to black and so on which creates consistensy.

Magazine Contents Page Analysis

NME MAGAZINE House Style The contents page for NME has a house style of black red and white, which are the colours of the logo. Matching sans serif type face is used throughout the page and the heading all seem to be white in black boxes with red page numbers Lures There is one image linked to the lure below “Everyone got on board the Africa Express”, then the beginning of the article. This is a lure because it is showing a part of something you would see if you read on. There is also another lure in the bold red arrow at the bottom of the contents “The UK’s No.1 Gig Guide Starts p58”. This is part of the contents, but is also luring in the reader to turn to this page. Layout Matching sans serif type face is used throughout the page and the heading all seem to be white in black boxes with red page numbers. The page is crowded with words but only has two images. Down the right side of the page the contents which are divided in to topic sections. This is easy to read and by having headings for each section, so the reader can easily identify the kind of articles they want to read. A sans serif type face has been used which is easy to read and has a bold sort of style. The layout of this contents page is very grid like and almost divided in to sections, the logo, band index, main article and subscription, then the contents. The layout is easy to read and uses a lot of text rather than pictures. However, the image used appeals to the target audience of music fanatics as it is of a band performing. Subscription NME sticks to magazine codes and conventions by including a subscription showing a past cover and that it is cheaper than in shops to subscribe.

KERRANG! MAGAZINE House Style The contents page for Kerrang uses a consistent house style by using the colour scheme black, yellow, red and white. The contents page uses matching sans serif type face and the headings all seem to be yellow text in a black box. Lure The quote placed at the top of the contents page “I hope my boyfriend would say that I’m 10/10 in bed!” acts as a lure. Because it is quite a bold statement, it may shock readers and encourage them to turn to the page to read the article. Layout Kerrang’s layout is very grid like with more photos than text. The images are arranged in small squares which make them look like CD covers, apart from the larger image of Green Day which implies this is the main feature. These images would appeal to a younger audience of 15-25 year olds who are more interested in rock music. Each image also has a small page number, heading and description underneath telling the readers about the articles and encouraging them to read them. Editorial/ Subscription Kerrang follows magazine codes and conventions by including an editorial and subscription. The editorial is positioned at the top of the page with an image of the front cover from that issue. The passage makes the reader feel involved with the magazine, as if the editor is addressing them. The subscription includes images of past covers and shows that the price to subscribe is cheaper than buying the magazine from shops.

BLENDER MAGAZINE House Style The contents page for Blender magazine has a house style by using matching sans serif, modern font in black. The colour scheme of this contents page is pink, blue and black, but this may vary depending on the feature image. Lure A speech bubble has been placed next to the image as if she is speaking it, showing a quote “I’m discovering my sexual side” which acts as a lure. This is a bold statement that will attract reader’s attention, encouraging them to read on. Layout They layout is very simplistic and clean cut, giving it a modern image. The heading “contents” is displayed at the top with the date, then the features are only shown in the contents underneath a page number and a heading. This is interesting only showing the features, but it does show the main attractions of the issue, grabbing the reader’s attention. Underneath the headings is a small description of the article which acts as a sort of lure. There is only one image of Alicia Keys on this contents page which has been photo-shopped in against an abstract blue and white background, which implies a fun and modern feel to the magazine. The image looks very flat as there is no shadow. Website Promotion At the bottom of the contents page is a promotion to encourage people to visit their website. The “ANNOY YOUR BOSS” implies that readers will feel rebellious when they watch the music videos at blender.com. The mention of music videos and a website shows the magazine is hip and up to date, appealing to a younger audience of perhaps 20 plus, as “ANNOY YOUR BOSS” implies office work.

VIBE MAGAZINE House Style The contents page for Vibe magazine uses a consistent house style apart from the colours of the contents page vary with each issue (as we you can see from the second example below). The fonts also vary, but they do have a house style in that the different fonts are in the same place each time. A block sans serif font is used for the contents heading, and then a serif font is used for the section headings. Layout The layout of the contents is quite abstract as things are placed in different places on the page. There is one main image of Kanye West looking quite proud with his hands in his pockets to give him a “cool” image. The image has been cut out and placed on a grey background with a darker grey V behind him. This again adds to the abstract urban feel to the magazine. The heading “contents” is split up giving and artsy feel to the page. However the content list is very organised with a consistent house style of a serif font for the heading and sans serif font for the listings. Only a few page numbers are included in the contents, showing the main features of the magazine. Colours The colours of the contents page consist of different shades of greys. The only colour is the heart the woman’s hand is placing on Kanye West’s chest which stands out, capturing the audience’s attention to the image of the celebrity. The colours have been chosen to fit in with the image, and change depending on the image used (see below).

VIBE MAGAZINE 2 House Style This is another contents page from a different issue of Vibe magazine. The overall house style is consistent in that the font styles of the headings are the same in each issue, but the colour scheme varies. Layout The same sort of cut out, artsy layout has been used where the background has been removed from Barack Obama and he has been placed on a very light blue background a two darker blue V. The heading for the contents is split up again, keeping the house style. The contents list is organised in the same way, with serif heading and sans serif page number and text, keeping the house style. Only the main features in the issue have been featured in the contents. Colours As you can see, in this issue the colours scheme is different shades of blue, matching the image of Barack Obama.

Q MAGAZINE Lure The quote included in the description of the main article acts as a lure. “He’s just showing off” from a member of the band’s mum may be found funny and will make readers want to turn to this page in the magazine. The use of a lure keeps the reader interested once they look at the contents page. House Style Q magazine has a house style of heading in a block of colour, a colour scheme of black, red and white, which is also used in their covers. The same sans serif type face is used for all the headings and the same type face is used for the page numbers and contents lists. The only part the is out of the house style is the “Oasis Special” section which uses a different serif type face and green colour, which makes it stand out on the page. Layout The layout of this contents page is quite organised and linear. The contents and images are divided in to columns making the page quite simplistic. The actual contents is in a column down the left hand side of the page, then the main image and a smaller image with more a Q review in a section below. The images are posed pictures of artists which make them look cool and stylish, which will attract the readers attention. The title Contents is placed in a black strip across the top of the page with the issue number and date included on he other side. The logo “Q” is also used. The use of organised layout and bands of colour for headings sticks to the house style also used in the cover I previously analysed.

BLENDER MAGAZINE Layout The layout of this contents page is quite simplistic. There is one main image of Katy Perry which appears to have been cut out and put on a white background due to the lack of shadow. She is holding a large inflatable mushroom with covers some of the contents heading. Katy Perry is centre of the page but she doesn't take up that much room. The image is quite odd and fun which will attract readers attention to the page. The contents list is placed down the right hand side underneath the date of the issue and the pink heading “features”. Not all the parts of the magazine are included, just the main articles. I like the layout of this contents page as I think the way the text and image are displayed in a simplistic way works very well. House Style Blender magazine keeps a consistent house style in their layout, colours and type face. The layout is simplistic and clear like the front cover. The same colour scheme of black and pink has also been used, the words wanted to stand out in pink “features”. The same sans serif type face has been used for the contents, quote, date and “features” heading as the sell lines and cover lines on the previous cover I analysed. However a different sans serif modern block type face has been used for the title “Contents”. A consistent house style has been kept for the contents list where the heading of the article and page number are in bold and the brief descriptions are not. Lure This quote placed by the image of Katy Perry acts as a lure. The quote used may be something the reader agrees or disagrees with, making them want to read on to find out more. This also gives a hint to what is featured in the interview. Website Blender has used a link for their website to encourage readers to visit it.

BILLBOARD MAGAZINE Layout The layout of this contents page is quite linear. The page is split in to sections, the charts in a strip down the side including the Billboard logo, the main heading contents with some square images in a block at the top, the contents list with a larger image in a black below that, and then some articles and features on their website in the block below. The square images used in the top block look like CD cover because they are small and square. The other large image has been cut out and placed on to the page, the text shaped to fit around the image. House Style Billboard uses a consistent house style throughout this contents page and their front covers. The contents page includes hints of colour and is modern and simplistic. The same type face that was used for the sell lines and cover lines on the front cover has been used for some of the headings such as “The Latin kings”. However there is huge variation in type faces on the cover, but a house style is kept in the way that the split up sans serif font is used for large headings, a serif font for smaller headings, and a sans serif font for the even smaller headings. Colours The use of colours in this contents page is particularly interesting. The main colours of the page are black white and grey which are then paired with dashes of bold colours which gives a fun, modern image.

CLASH MAGAZINE Layout The layout of this contents page is organised in to sections. The contents list has been placed in a strip down the left hand side, then some more important articles in a section next to it with included images. A strip has also been placed at the bottom to highlight articles on fashion, but from lack of space it takes up compared to the music articles, we can see that music is the main focus. The main image is black and white of an artist performing, which will appeal to music fans as it makes them feel involved with the artist. The page number is much larger for the main article and then next to it is a larger heading and a longer description. There are then two pink and green strips which pop out from the page showing some more main articles. There are then some smaller square images of artists, again they look like CD covers. These images are paired with a page number, heading and description of the article. The images for fashion are much smaller, but the page numbers and headings seem to be the same size, although the description seems to only be a few words. House Style This contents page has a consistent house style in the colour scheme and use of type faces. The colour scheme of green and pink has been used, varying in shades depending on what is wanted to be highlighted. A bold serif type face has been used for the headings which looks quite classic. The description of the articles are in a simple sans serif type face. The page numbers in the contents lits are always in pink and the sections and in a pale olive green block.

ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE House Style Rolling stone magazine has kept a consistent house style to the covers in that it is simplistic and organised. A grey and black colour scheme has been used, which work well with the rolling stone logo. There is hints of pink on the issue number and the page numbers. A serif type face has been used for larger headings, same as the sell line headings on the covers, and then for the contents list the same sans serif bold type face has been used for each article heading. Layout The layout of this cover is simple and organised. The main image takes up the majority of the page and is paired with a large heading and introduction to the article. The image is of Johnny Carson, which may appeal to an older audience. The strip next to this main image has a heading “RS” standing fro Rolling Stones and the issue number in pink. The heading is in a block serif type face and from the numbers we can see the letters are slightly misshaped. There is a quote “all the news that fits” which suggests the magazine has good, relevant news on music. An image of Beyonce performing has been used which shows action and movement in the way her hair is flying around. This image is paired with a heading and description of the article. Website Rolling Stone have included their website address to encourage people to visit their website. Credits Credits to photography, design etc on front cover.

Music Magazine Double Page Spread Analysis

KERRANG! MAGAZINE Section Header Kerrang uses a section header so people to find the article easily. Quote A quote from the article has been displayed in a much larger font to attract people to the article. The words they intend to highlight are in red to bring them to attention. “We don't need to change our style” is a quote that will make people want to read on to find out what they have to say about it. House Style Kerrang uses a house style of a colour scheme red, black and white and the same bold, cracked sans serif type face for heading. A smaller sans serif type face in black is used for the interview content, the questions in bold to make them separate from the answer. Stand first Kerrang uses a stand first to introduce the article. Images The image is of the band Limp Bizkit and is taking up the left hand side of the page as well as some of the right hand side. Layout The layout is quite simplistic in the way there is large image and then a strip of text for the article. This make it easy to read and follow as well as the large text and images attracting attention. The page is uncluttered so it is easy to see what the article is about and start reading it.

KERRANG! MAGAZINE 2 Section Header Kerrang uses a section header so people to find the article easily. Quote A quote from the article has been displayed in a much larger font to attract people to the article. The words they intend to highlight are in red to bring them to attention. The quote “we’re being the best MCR we can be” makes people want to read on so they can find out how they’re being the best they can be. House Style Kerrang again has used the house style of a colour scheme red, black and white and the same cracked effect type face for headings. A smaller sans serif type face has been used for the article that is easy to read. Stand first A stand first has been used to introduce the article to the reader. Layout The layout of this double page spread is quite crowded and less organised than the previous Kerrang spread. On one The left hand side of the page is taken up by an image and the right side with text and images, which overlap on to the left side. Images Various images are used in this double page spread. There is one main pictutre that takes up the left side of the double page of the lead singer performing. This attracts people’s attention because it is likely anyone reading a music magazine would be interested in performances. There is then three smaller images showing the guitarist performing and then some shots from inside their recording studio. These images attract people’s attention because they are seeing behind the scenes footage. Banner A Banner is included to give some short facts about My Chemical Romance. They are quick to read and will encourage people to read the full article. Drop Capital

NME MAGAZINE Stand first A stand first has been used to introduce the article to the reader. Section Header NNE has used a section header “Radar” so people can find the article easily Quote A quote has been embedded in the article highlighted in blue to make it stand out. This draws people’s attention to the article and makes them want to read it. House Style NME keeps a house style similar to their covers and contents pages where the text is blocks of colours. This page keeps a consistent colour scheme of blue, black and white. The headings vary between a sans serif ands serif type face. Flashes A banner has been used to give some brief information on more emerging bands like The Teenagers. Images have been included along with the name of the band and a brief description. The is also a spiky flash next to the heading “NME Loves” showing why they have featured them in an article and it also makes the reader want to read on to find out why they love The Teenagers. Images The main image is a posed image of the band. The look relaxed as they lounge on the bed, giving them a cool, chilled image. A smaller image has been placed within the text of the lead singer performing, which gives the reader an insight in to their gigs. In the flash banner there is some images of other emerging bands like The Teenagers. Layout The layout of this double page spread it quite crowded. The main image takes up the majority of the page and then the text is placed next to it. There is also a banner showing some brief information on other new emerging bands like The Teenagers. Drop Capital

NME MAGAZINE 2 Quote A very large quote has been used almost as a heading. They have used a quote from Lily Allen in the article which the reader may agree or disagree with, making them want to read what else she has to say. The quote is in an interesting type face to look like it has been created out of letters that have been individually cut out of a newspaper or magazine. House Style This article has quite a different house style to the previous article. The colour scheme of this double page spread is black white and red, which fits in well with the colour of Lily Allen’s shirt. The article has a sort of cut out newspaper feel, mostly because of the interesting type face used for the quote. Image There is one image of Lily Allen that takes up the right hand side of the page and slightly overlaps on to the left. She is standing with her hands on her hips and looking straight ahead, making her look confident and direct to the reader. The colours of her shirt also fits in with the colour scheme of the double page spread. Stand first A stand first has been used to introduce the article to the reader. “Lily Allen” has been highlighted in red to make it stand out from the page. Layout The layout of this double page spread is quite abstract. The quote is spread across the page in an unorgansied fashion which makes the page look interesting and artistic. The image of Lily Allen takes up quite a lot of room but the quote has been displayed to fit around it. The article starts at the bottom of the page in columns.

Q MAGAZINE Quotes A quote has been used to attract people to read the article. An opinion of one of the members has been used for the quote which people may agree or disagree with, making them want to carry on reading the article. House Style The house style of this double page spread is quote different from the cover I previously analysed, but still has a consistent style within itself. The colours scheme of black with hints of blue has been used with a bold sans serif type face for headings, quotes and questions in the article. Images Two images have been used on this double page spread. There is one larger image of the band in a dramatic image of them walking through water. This gives them a cool image which attracts the readers. There is also a smaller image of one of the members looking directly ahead. This image is paired with a quote from this memeber. Layout The layout of this double page spread is quite simplistic. It is very organised and mostly consists of text. The two images don't take up too much room to the text is organised to fit around them. The text is also organised in to columns so they are easy to read.

VIBE MAGAZINE Images This double page spread has used various images. At the top is a strip of images of Solange Knowles in different poses, which creates the effect of movement. These images are in black and white so they are not distracting from the main image and the text. There is also a larger image that appears to have been cut out and placed appropriately on the page. House Style Vibe magazine an artistic, bold house style in the way the images have been laid out and the type faces that have been used. The same bold sans serif type face has been used for the quote and stand first that was used for the sell lines and contents list in the cover and content pages I previously analysed. Quotes A quote has been incorporated in to the article and is in a larger and bolder sans serif type face. By including a quote the reader can see a small part of the article without reading the whole thing, which will attract them to read the entire thing. Stand first A stand first has been used to introduce the article to the reader. “Solange Knowles” is in a slightly larger and bolder type face and highlighted in blue so the reader knows who the article is about and is attracted to it. Layout The layout of this double page spread is quite simple. The pictures and text have been organised to fit together so they are readable. At the top of the double page spread is a strip of images and then a larger image that has been cut out and placed so it spreads down the length of the page. The text has been placed at the bottom to fit around the images.

BLENDER MAGAZINE Layout This double page spread is quite organised and clean cut. The page is split equally in half, text on one side and image on the other. The text has been organised in to columns so it is easy to read. House Style Blender has kept a consistent house style in their black and pink colour scheme and type faces. Both these things were used in the front cover and contents page I previously analysed. Stand first A stand first has been used to introduce the article to the reader. Katy Perry’s name has been introduced first in a bold sans serif font in capitals and underlined in a pink design, which lets the reader know who the article is s about and attracts them to it. Images A black and white image of Katy Perry has been used wearing the same outfit as on the front cover. She is pulling a striking pose with her hands up against her face like a boxer. This gives her a playful and strong female image. The image of her looks like it ha been cut out and put on a background of words from her songs which appears to be “Kiss”. This words links to the “Girl” on the other page from her song “I kissed a girl”.

BILLBOARD MAGAZINE Layout The layout of this double page spread is quite organised. The text has been divided in to columns so it is easy to read and has been displayed to fit around the images. The main image spread across both pages which helps join them together to appear as one page. House Style Billboard magazine has kept a consistent house style in their colour scheme of black and white with hints of colour, in this case pink, and the same sans serif type face. The use of dashes of pinks links in well with the main image where the majority of the image is pink. Images There is various images in this double page spread. The main image is a shot from one a Rihanna’s concerts where she appears to be sat on a canon, which is quite a statement image. The main colour in this image is pink, which the colour scheme is based around. There is also two smaller images of Rihanna with other celebrities, which makes the audience feel involved with her life. Stand first A stand first has been used to introduce the article to the reader. The stand first in this case is the beginning of the article in a much larger bold sans serif type face. Quote A quote from Rihanna has been imbedded in the text. This allows the reader to see a small part of the interview without having to read the whole thing, but the intention is to make them read the whole thing. Some words are highlighted in pink "Only I can do” which makes them stand out from the page and attracts the audience's attention to them.

METAL HAMMER MAGAZINE House Style Metal Hammer has kept a consistent house style that relates well to the genre of their magazine. The same serif calligraphy type face has been used for the heading and a similar gothic serif type face has been used for drop capitals and quotes. The consistent colour scheme of black and red has also been used, which works well with the image. Images The image takes the entire page and is used as a sort of background. The band are all dress up and look quite scary, which makes them appeal to their audience. The image is mostly black and red which fits in with the colour scheme. Quote A quote has been included to allow the reader to see part of the article without reading the whole thing. The quote’s aim is to attract people to the article and read it. Drop Capital Stand first A stand first has been used to introduce the article to the reader. Layout The layout of this double page is simple. The image acts as a background and uses us the space on both pages and then the title, stand first and article has been placed length ways on the left hand page. The text has also been organised in to columns to make it easier to read.

ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE House Style Rolling stone has kept a consistent house style by the use of the same serif type face and black and grey text. The text is slightly transparent so it fits in well with the colours of the image. Images This image takes up the entire page and acts as a background. The colours are very bright and the people all seem to be having a good time, giving the double page spread an uplifting feel. Pun The title of the article is a pun of the film “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” but instead they have used the articles names. For most readers this will be in their frame of reference, so will enjoy the title. Layout The layout of this double page is fairly simple. The image has been used as a background so it takes up both pages and then the title, stand first and start of article have been placed in the left hand corner. Stand first A stand first has been used to introduce the article to the reader. Drop Capital

Audience Research Questionairre

Questionnaire 1)Which music magazines do you read? 2)What bands are you in to? 3)What music websites do you regularly use? 4)How much do you spend on music magazines per month? a)Under £3 b)£3 to £5 c)£6 to £9 d)£10 + 5)Do you go to gigs for festivals? If so, what ones? 6)How much do you spend on physical or downloaded music per month? a)£0 b)£1 to £5 c)£6 to £10 d)£11 to £15 e)£16 to £25 f)£25+ 7)How do you access music? a)Illegally download it b)Legally download it c)Live stream tracks d)Other 8)What would encourage you to buy a music magazine? (choose all the ones that appeal to you) a)Free cd on cover b)Free posters c)Competitions (win tickets, cash etc.) d)Original photography e)Detailed articles f)Features on up and coming artists g)Features on established artists h)Tips and hints on working in the music industry i)Music tutorials and guitar tabs j)Tips and hints on song writing k)Discount on clothing website l)Discount on mobile top ups 9)What music TV shows or channels do you watch? 10)Where do you watch music videos? a)TV b)Online c)Other

My research was helpful because it allowed me to see what my target audience wanted out of a magazine and were interested in. I found the most popular festivals to be Reading, Download and Glastonbury, so I could include an article on these festivals in my magazine. I also found the most popular magazines were Kerrang and NME, so I could follow the way these magazines are put together. I found people mostly accessed music through the internet like YouTube rather than TV, but the more popular music channel mentioned was MTV. The majority of people, as you can see from my pie charts, downloaded music illegally. The majority of people said they spent no money on music per month due to then downloading their songs for free. It is clear that my target audience don’t like paying for music, so as a lure on my cover I could offer “10 free downloads” or something of the kind. The most popular answers for what would encourage people to buy a magazine was free cd, free posters and features on established artists. Therefore it makes sense to offer something free with my magazine and articles on known and popular artists. Some artists people mentioned were Rihanna, Bruno Mars, Kings of Leon, Oasis and 30 seconds to Mars.

My Tribe You are a Townie! Your job might be a bit boring but it brings home the bacon and helps you save up for those two weeks away to Spain. Your weekends are set in stone – trip to the shops in town, buy yourself something nice, head to the All Bar One with friends, have a laff, maybe go for a club, as long as there’s none of the indie weirdo music. Keep it straight, you say.

Summary From doing this questionnaire I saw how people were placed in social groups based on their taste in music, fashion, social life etc. I saw from the questions I was asked what people may be interested in which gave me a good idea of what to feature in my magazine. I was placed in the most popular tribe in the UK, which seemed to be someone who was interested in to whatever was mainstream. Because this was most popular I will aim my magazine towards this social group.

Personal Learning and Reflection

Front Cover Analysis’ This part of my research really helped me see what existing magazine covers looked like. It inspired me for my front cover and also helped me to see how magazines keep to the codes and conventions of the industry. The front covers I especially liked were blender, rolling stone and billboard. I liked them because of the layout, type faces and the images that were used. I will use these front covers to inspire mine.

Contents Page Analysis’ This also helped me to see what existing contents pages were like and inspired me for mine. I saw what most contents pages consisted of and how they kept to magazine codes and conventions. I found that mostly all of them only featured the main articles in the contents, had some images perhaps a subscription. The contents page I particularly liked what for Billboard magazine because I thought the layout, colours and images all worked very well together. I also like the used of the charts down the side of the page. I will use this contents to inspire my work.

Double Page Spread Analysis’ Again, by looking at some existing double page spreads I could see how they kept to magazines codes and conventions and got some inspiration for my work. The contents pages usually consisted of one main image which the text fitted around and perhaps some smaller images. There also tended to be a large heading, a stand-first and some quotes from the article embedded in the text. I particularly liked the examples from NME, Vibe and Blender. I liked these because of the layout, images used and the type faces used. I will use these as inspiration for my work.

Audience Research My audience research really helped me to understand my audience for my magazine. From this I learnt what they wanted out of a magazine, which seemed to be free give-aways and articles on both established and new artists. I also found what magazines, artists, festivals etc. were most popular which will really help me on what to base my magazine around. I also found out what people were willing to spend on a magazine, which was £3-£5, so I will give my magazine an appropriate price based on this result. The find your tribe questionnaire showed me how groups of people were identified from their taste of music, fashion, social life etc. I was placed in the most popular group in the UK, a “Townie”, which from the description seemed to be someone who was “normal” and followed whatever was mainstream. As this was the most popular group in the UK, I will aim my magazine towards this tribe. From the questions I also saw what other people may be interested in, which I could incorporate in to my magazine.

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