The document analyzes the contents page of a music magazine. It discusses various design elements like typography, font colors, images and their purpose. Key points discussed include: - The masthead and other titles use consistent typography and color scheme to make the magazine recognizable. - Elements like drop caps, article snippets and images are used to attract readers' attention and entice them to read particular stories. - The layout follows conventions like the rule of thirds to create a clear structure and visual hierarchy with important elements in center stage. - Contact information, special segments and the band list are designed to promote and sell the magazine to audiences.

1. Research task 2b
NME Contents
page analysis

2. The typography and font colour of the masthead “NME” is
identical to the front cover branding the magazine, making
it a recognisable institution for the audience. The black
border contrasts with both “NME” and “Contents”
following the colour scheme shown on the front cover
(white, red and black).
The typography for “contents” is the same as the
masthead, however the font colour is white to contrast
against the black background, making it visually stand
out to the reader, this outlines the importance of the
page.
In the top left third ( following the conventions of rule
of thirds) “Band index” is written in the same
typography (linking all the subtitles/mastheads
together) in the colour black. The magazine follows
the conventions of the rule of thirds as the structure
of the issue is clear and easy to follow.
Within the magazine, there are elements of mise-en-
scene. An example of this, is the border for the main
text. Not only is it visually clever as the text contrasts
against it ( making the mini article stand out) but the
box is an image of a transportation box used in the
music industry ( transporting instruments location to
location). This image relates to the genre of the
magazine and also presents the article with style.
A drop cap is used to attract attention to the
article featured in the contents page. Its large
appearance enhances the article as it entices the
audience to read the text that follows.
The main image is placed directly below the masthead
in the top half of the page. The tilted image gives the
magazine style and flair connoting its layout differs
from a ‘normal’ magazine as it’s a specialist music
issue. The image links to the main article which
therefore entices the audience to read the story below.
The girl present in the image is presented in a medium
shot showing elements of her surroundings. She uses
direct address causing the audience to feel a
connection with the artist.
The date the magazine was published is
shown on the top right hand side
emphasising that it’s the latest issue.
The article featured mentions successful artists within the text and page numbers
so the audience can read/learn about their favourite musician. The text is in the
2nd third of the page (centre) emphasising its importance within the contents
page- connoting centre stage (like in the music industry). The language used is
informal as it uses a casual form of mode of address in the first sentence “ Thank
god the sun has disappeared, eh?”. The informal language gives the magazine a
relaxed tone emphasising its purchase is for luxury.
Information on how to contact NME or subscribe
is shown fairly large in the bottom right hand
corner. This doesn’t follow the conventions of a
typical magazine as there would usually be white
space. The typography and colour differs from
the remaining subtitles connoting this feature is
different. The bright yellow text is trying to
promote saving money within the magazine-
entices the audience to find out more on the
deals/services they provide. Contact details on
how to subscribe are written below the issue
images to entice the reader into purchasing their
monthly issue.
Conventionally the left third contains the
most important/ exciting articles- the
band list entices the audience into
researching/connecting with their
favourite musician. The red texts contrasts
with the white background instantly
attracting the readers attention. The page
numbers provide the audience with the
information of what page each artist is
featured on.
The ‘worn out’ typography gives the article an
‘edgy’ feel connoting the rock genre.
The bold subtitles separate the magazine into
different sections, grouping similar articles
together. The border outlines the subtitle
giving it a greater visual appearance. The
smaller articles below ( including page
numbers) and shown to give the audience a
flavour of what stories are inside- creating
excitement for particular articles. The articles
highlighted (in bold) by the institution is
purposely done to strongly recommends to
specifically read that article.
“PLUS” is highlighted in a bold red font
to catch the target audience’s attention-
creating more demand for the magazine.
It implies to the audience that their
getting better value for their money when
special segments are introduced.