The masthead for the magazine 'Q' is in white lettering on a red background in the top left third of the magazine cover. It establishes the magazine brand. The main cover image is of Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, whose arm links through the Q logo. The cover lines are written as if directly on the page to seem more personal. The background relates to Coldplay's tour theme to appeal to fans. Key details like the date and barcode are clearly displayed for readers.

1. The masthead is in the top third of the magazine. It is also
dominant of the page but does not cover the cover images
midshot. Because this is an established magazine editors can
slightly distort the view of ‘vibe’ as the audience will already The header that has been used on this
know the magazine. The masthead is in big bold capital magazine states that inside there is ‘exclusive’
letters, it is blue standing against an off white greyish back news. The word exclusive has been put in pint
ground which makes it stand out it is surrounded by colours
that make it stand out like the pink and black. The masthead
to stand out and the word ‘Notorious’ is in
is placed at the top of the magazine this conforms to usual blue and in italics as it is the name of a film.
magazine conventions because the magazine is usually This catches the readers attention and makes
stacked this was so in the shops it is easy to recognise. them feel special because they’re getting
The colour pink is used for the main cover line and something ‘exclusive’.
compliments the blue, grey and black surrounding
it. The use of capitalisation is used throughout the The sell lines are very short and snappy
magazine cover and the large font used on this following the colours of pink, black and blue.
particular cover line makes it stand out showing They tell the audience what articles are going
readers it’s the main cove line. It is used to tell the to inside the magazine.
audience who the main image is about and
describe the main story to the audience. Under the
cover line is a smaller pull quote from the inside By using the rule of and putting Kanye
article in which Kanye is saying ‘I AM RAP’ this is a West’s head in the centre of the magazine
contrast to the pink writing and is in blue. It also it makes appear to be the main focus of
gives the audience an indication of what genre this the magazine.
issue of the magazine is about.
The background used is plain which
The close up of the rapper dominates the frame. He is also suggests that the target audience
being a stereotypical rap artist and posing quite are ‘cool’ and laid back. Editing has
arrogantly. The clothing he is wearing fits the house been used to give West a drop
style of the magazine with his blue and grey jacket it shadow and a glow empathising his
makes the cover look more professional. His head presence making him look more
covers a small portion of the masthead which is an dominating and powerful.
important part of the magazine so this could connote
that he is better and bigger than anyone else. The artist
is also looking directly at the camera thus making it
look as if he is looking at the audience making them We learn the audience of this magazine
feel part of something which associates with the need is in to rap music from various things on
for affiliation humans have.
the cover for example ‘I AM RAP’ quote
The house style is the same throughout from Kanye and the rap institution at
the magazine. It consists of three different the bottom.
colours; Pink, Blue and black. This could
show that the audience is modern,
minimalistic and sophisticated.

2. NME title is in block capitals and stands out
against the black and white picture. This draws
the readers attention to the magazine because of
the contrast between black white and red. This
title also sets the house style as it is red and the The header displays to the reader some of the
colours in this issue the colours are red and content of the magazine. In this case it’s ‘Nirvana
yellow along with black and white. This title is unseen pictures’ the use of red and yellow catches
also in the first third of the magazine cover this the readers attention as these are complimentary
conforms to the typical aspects of a magazine colours. The contrast between the yellow and the
and it allows the reader to see the title red of the title makes our attention go from the
instantaneously. Having the title in the first third header to the masthead then to the cover photo
and having it dominant on the cover attracts the keeping our eye line on the page. Nirvana are also
readers attention. a very popular band and are well known
throughout the world. So even if some people
don’t buy this magazine this would influence them
The dateline and the price is located to buy it because of the ‘exclusive’ pictures. Which
under the title. At £2.40 this magazine makes the consumer feel like they are getting
is in the higher price range so the price something special .
is not advertised towards customers.
However being at £2.40 it’s still
affordable for younger people with
The two pictures displayed are used
pocket money and working class
as a teaser. The audience will see
people. The date is also printed here
these photos and believe that there
to show the audience what date this
are more inside. Because these
issue was released on.
pictures are ‘exclusive’ people are
not likely to see them so they are
This red puff stands out from the black more influenced toward buying the
and white background this makes it magazine.
attract the viewers attention it is also in
the first third of the magazine cover so Cover image is a medium close
when the magazines are stacked in shops up shot. The image is edited to
the reader will have their attention drawn give it a black and white effect
to this. The puff also has a per cent of gives it a more sophisticated
transparency so the cover image is still appearance. The cover star –
visible beneath the puff. The yellow cover Jake Bugg – is looking directly at
line also stands out and the red and the camera which makes the
yellow colours compliment each other. viewer feel as if he is directly
Having competitions enforces the human looking at them thus making
need for affiliation from Maslow’s them feel part of something.
Hierarchy of needs which shows humans
as needing to feel part of something. The
use of competitions makes the consumer
feel as if they could be part of something.
The cover line says ‘first ever’ which
would make the audience feel special.
The barcode is placed at
the bottom so the
consumer can buy it at
The use of the yellow colouring here makes ‘Noel Gallagher’ stand out shops.
which attracts the audiences attention. Because Jake Bugg is a new
artist it could widen his fan base my relating him to the ex oasis
member Noel Gallagher, who is well know and re nound for his music.
This technique is used throughout the magazine cover to highlight
band or artist names in cover lines.

3. The masthead for Q is in the top left third of
the magazine. This differs from conventional
music magazine stereotypes as it does not go The header used is the same style as the cover
across the top fully. The masthead is also the line an is yellow so it stands out against the red
logo for ‘Q’ which establishes the magazine logo it is overlapping and the different coloured
further. It is white lettering on a red back (predominantly black) back ground. The phrase
ground making the letter ‘Q’ stand out from ‘2011 reviewed’ makes the reader think they
the red and it also draws the readers don’t know everything about Coldplay this is
attention towards the logo an thus towards firther reinforced by the ‘secrets’ adverised on
the magazine. Chris Martin’s (cover star) arm the coverline. This influences the consuer tobuy
is linking through the ‘Q’ which leads the this sothey become part of this secret and feel
part of something which is a himan need.
readers eye from the ‘Q’ to the cover image
keeping their attention on the page.
The cover image of Chris Martin is in the second
third of the magazine anddominates this
The main cover line is on a side angle which third.The shot is a long shot and is also a motion
when read draws the readers attention shot. His hand and body is placed In the centre
towards Chris Martin (cover star) once again of the magazine but is right arm is shooting out
an keeping the audiences eyes on the page. to the left side of the front cover. The designaer
The main cover line looks as if the font has has played around with layers to make his arm
been written on the page giving it an original link throught the ‘Q’ making it look eye catching.
and special appeal. ‘Coldplay’ has been
underlined which makes it stand out more, it The other cover lines have been placed in the
is also bigger than the rest of the writing. The last third of the front cover. Main image, Chris
words ‘By Chris Martin’ suggest that he Martian is looking down at them suggesting he is
himself wrote it making the audience and fans reading them and he is also interested in the
more inclined to buy it because it is more articles. This draws the readers attention
personal. It also overlaps the main image and towards the article features.
the white writing stands out from his dark
clothing. The multi coloured glowing paint background
relates to the Coldplay tour theme it has been
The footer at the bottom gives the reader featured on the stage, costume, instruments
making it a sort of staple to Coldplay's’ persona.
more information to the reader about the
content of the magazine. It tells you other
artists included in the magazine this may
appeal to the audience because if they see an
artist they like they will want to read the The date and barcode are placed in the
feature on said artist. left hand corner. This is essential for
people to keep up to date with the
different issues and be able to buy it in a
shop.

4. NME title is in block capitals and stands
out against the white background. This
masthead draws the readers attention to The header tells you the special
the magazine because of the contrast features in this issue.
between black white and red. This title
also sets the house style as it is red and The cover lines lets the reader
the colours in this issue the colours are know what other articles are in the
red, black and white. This title is also in magazine. If there is a cover line on
the first third of the magazine cover this the cover of a magazine there must
conforms to the typical aspects of a
be a story inside that is related to it.
magazine and it allows the reader to see
the title instantaneously. Having the title
in the first third and having it dominant
on the cover attracts the readers
attention. The main image looks like the artist is
jumping out at the reader. He has a big
The pug use gives the viewer extra
open grin smile on this face showing he is
information which they might not get
anywhere else. The pug is red which first friendly and happy, suggesting the story
the house style and is also eye catching. inside is a positive story.
It is placed in the left third to the side of
Dizzee Rascal which then reverts the
readers eyes towards his head up his The main cover line lets the reader know
arm and back to the page through his who he magazine is featuring and anchors
thumb. the image which makes it obvious who
the image is.
The back ground is in graffti
style and is part f the mise en
scene it applys to this because
he is a rap star.
The date and barcode are placed
in the left hand corner. This is
essential for people to keep up to
This pull quote tells the reader why
date with the different issues and
Dizzeeis featured in the magazine
be able to buy it in a shop. The
and is also used like he is speaking to
price is important because if you
the reader which makes it more
are paying around £2 for a
personal.
magazine you will expect to have
The footer at the bottom gives the reader more at least 80 pages.
Dizzee Rascals face is in the left third of the information to the reader about the content of the
magazine and the cover image is ominate in the magazine. It tells you other artists included in the
second horzontal third. His arm is postitioned so it magazine this may appeal to the audience because if
looks like he is jumping out of the shot. they see an artist they like they will want to read the
feature on said artist.

5. Editors have placed the logo behind the It is a typical convention of a contents page in a
main image. The two lines wouldn’t be clear magazine is to put the date near the logo or
to everyone but knowing the magazine masthead. This is used to show the reader
name ‘vibe’ lets the reader make the what issue they picked up. The date in this
connection to the two lines being a ‘V’. This magazine is simplistic and is just a ‘1/3’
placement challenges regular conventions meaning it’s the 1st of March.
of magazine titles by placing it in the top left
third rather than it typically going across the
‘Features’ and ‘Fashion 'are both
top.
headings on the page. They are the only
headings on the page. And their larger
size and different font makes them
stand out against the text below them.
The by-line gives credit to the It also shows the reader what’s included
photographer and editor who designed this in the magazine. The second heading
page. This lets the reader acknowledge who ‘Fashion’ shows that although ‘Vibe’ is a
they are. It usually anchors the main image. music magazine it has widened its
It is in small print but noticeable due to the audience and specified its target
bold black text. audience by adding in a few fashion
pages.
The contents page shows Kanye West has
been placed in the first two thirds of the Also under the headings are the cover lines
page this could be because we read from and the page numbers. The whole content of
left to right so our attention would be the magazine is not written down with each
automatically drawn towards that side of page number just the main stories the target
the page. The photo is overlapping the ‘V’ so audience would be interested in.
your attentions is then drawn towards the
‘CONTENTS’ text and then further down the
page. A filter has been used on this page to
make everything black and white apart from
the paper heart on the right side of Kanye’s
chest. Making the heart red makes the
reader focus on that object and combined
with the woman's hand holding it could
suggest an article about his love life and Unlike other typical magazines there is no letter
how he has ‘given his heart to a girl’. The to the editor on the contents page. This shows
heart stands out because it of the filter and that this magazine has a different target
the heart is the only coloured thing on the audience and its own style.
page.

6. The main image is titled to the side,
this makes it more original appearance
than a dead face on image. It has also
been taken like this to make it look not The masthead ‘NME’ which is also the
more like a ‘snapshot’ that has just logo is the same colour and style as the
been printed off and stuck on. They one on the front so it links to the house
have done this because it links with style throughout out the magazine. The
the title ‘Touring Special’ and you white capital ‘Contents’ stands out
expect Polaroid-esque photos on tour. against the black backdrop and attracts
the readers attention.
Bands are listed down the side as an
index. They have done this so if you The date is used to let the reader know
are not interested in the front cover what issue they are on and if they are up
artist you can find your favourite artist to date.
by using this. This technique brings in
more readers as they will find it easy The headers of different sections
to find who they like. It is in red as it throughout the magazine are displayed
links with the house style of ‘NME’ and as white text with a black backdrop this
it stands out next to the black page stands out to the reader and makes it
numbers. clear the different sections in the
magazine. Then there is a brief summary
of what is on each page and the page
The editors introduction to the number is in red to stand out and make
magazine talks about what this issue it clear and also fit into the house style.
about. This particular one is about
‘proper British gigging’ Where they The reader can subscribe to the
have mentioned something in the magazine and it is shown that they will
article they have put the page number get the magazine cheaper which
next to the keywords for the reader to influences them to subscribe.
easily find more information. A drop cap has been used at the beginning of
the article to stand out and look good.

7. The main heading is
The medium close up of
placed in the top 2
thirds of the double
Lily Allen dominates the
page and takes up the second page. Her
majority of the first clothing, makeup and
page. The type of font hairstyle is quite casual
headline is made so making her more
that it looks as if each accessible to the reader.
letter has been cut out This lets the reader
of a newspaper relate to Lilly Allen and
making it look quite want to read her story.
quirky and original He clothing is also red
reflecting the artist which matches the
being talked about. house style throughout
The headline is a NME and the red
quote from Lilly Allen clothing and black hair
which grabs the stand out against the
readers attention and off-white back ground.
makes them want to
read more.
The by-line anchors
the headline. This
gives the designer of
the writing credit.
There are 3 different
types of font used
throughout out this
page. They vary both
serif and sans serif are
used. The title is sans
serif and the main The colour of the heading is
body of text (the The sub heading is used to give the reader a the same of the as the
article) is serif. The ‘NME’ logo reminds the reader what
brief description about what the article is about. background but stands out to
magazine they are reading. The date is
It also breaks up the main heading and the the audience because of the
used to let the reader know that the article
article up so the heading stands out more and black boxes shaped around
is up to date. The page number must be
does not get lost within the article. ‘Lily Allen’ is the letters.
the same as it is in the contents so the
also in red and a different font to stand out and
reader can find the article easily.
grab the readers attention.

8. The caption saying
The background of ‘Dizzee Rascal’ Lets the
the couble page reader know who the
spread is the main image is in case they do
image on the page. not recognise him. A
The background is paint splat effect has
graffiti on a wall an been sued to relate to
Dizzee Rascal the main image.
createing grafitit
making him seem
like a bit of a The Byline gives credit
rebel.The grafiti
to the photographer.
creates a personalitly
for the page. The
main image is of
Dizzee Rascal. The
mediumlong shot The sub heading is used
ominates the left half to give the reader a brief
of the page. The style description about what
of this image gives us the article is about. It also
an idea of the breaks up the main
environment and let heading and the article
you see the up so the heading stands
expression on his out more and does not
face. It lets us know get lost within the article
more Dizzee Rascal
before they read the
article. The main headline is a
play on words to the
The copy uses drop texts to make it clear saying ‘Rages to riches’
when the article starts. by using the word ‘tags’
which is something
The article is in four The beer bottles and graffiti artists are known
columns and wraps around radio shows interests of for gives you an idea
the radio making the radio Dizzee Rascal and could what the article will be
and stand out more and not make the audience relate about e.g. Dizzee rise to
get lost in the text. to them. fame.

9. The black and white
colourings are very typical of
On the black bar at the top of the page it says Florence in white The photograph used of
the rock genre which is what
genre the magazine is. writing this stands out to the audience. Florence is very big, it
takes up the right side of
The writing is large so it is the ouble page spread to
easy to read and uses the
same font as the ‘T’ later on show who the article is
in the article suggesting that about. It stands out
is symbolises the start of a agasint the other side as
new topic. The heading says
“EARLY ON” which could it is a colour photograph.
suggest that the article is It is a close up shot and
about Florence’s early life, her face is framed by her
this shows us different side
of the star and her fan would
hair and her hands. She
want to read it too find out has quite heavy make-
more about her. The font is up, messy hair and dark
quite classical and
sophisticated thus suggesting
nail polish; these things
that the article is more like a are all very typical of the
biography and less gossipy rock genre so they have
like many articles are as it
done this so audience of
the truth in black and white
(literally). This would then Q magazine can relate
mean it would appeal to an with her.
older more mature audience
who want to know about the
‘real Florence’ rather than
the tabloids that people have
made up.
The writing is in three columns and
At the bottom is the page number an ‘Q’ symbol.
The logo reminds the reader what magazine they aligned to the left which is typical of
are reading. The date is used to let the reader a magazine article and it makes it
know that the article is up to date. The page look neat so it is easy to read. It is
number must be the same as it is in the contents also shaped round the heading as
so the reader can find the article easily. that is the most important part and
the first part to be read.