Research: Front Cover 6 - NME (Indie)

NME - Arctic Monkeys

Masthead

The magazine is very recognisable as the stars head overlaps the masthead. The masthead is vibrant red, therefore this has connotations of danger, energy and power, in addition this links to the genre because its indie rock. The positioning of the masthead is towards the top left of the page, this adheres to conventions as this is a common place for mastheads. The size of the masthead is quite small compared to other music magazines due to the fact that they are letters. Furthermore NME is an acronym for 'New Musical Express' as shown underneath the masthead. A house style has been created as NME is always located at the top left, however the style of the masthead can vary.

Central Image

This image is of Alex Turner, a member if the band Arctic Monkeys. The camera shot is medium to long this is because the photographer wanted the background to be visible and to also shows the artists chest. In addition this links to Greens theory of men are viewed for the pleasure of women as Turner has his shirt undone, this therefore intrigues women. Furthermore Turner gazes directly into the camera to engage with the reader, therefore following conventions. The size of the image takes up half of the page because the editor wants the background to be shown. This photograph was taken against a white brick wall, this may have been in the studio, furthermore artificial lighting was used because the photographer themselves can create light in their desired place. The record Turner holds links to the pull quote 'The record that changed my life'. The record held in his hand is black and red this links with the colour scheme of the front cover. Alex Turner is also dressed in black and red clothing again this links with the colour scheme of the article, therefore creating synergy. Furthermore he has quite slicked back gelled hair, this creates quite a retro and vintage feel. Turners appearance links with the record, this will appeal to a target audience of 17 - 30 year old's and is also unisex but is mainly for men. 

Headline

Direct address has been used 'What's Yours' this is aimed at the reader, furthermore the colour is in red as this is opposite to blue therefore standing out. The writing saying 'The record that changed my life' is in white attracts attention as it contrasts with the black shirt, in addition the writing is also much larger than any other text on the page for the same reason. The words 'changed my life' is used as a lure to influence the reader. A variety of colours have been used to create different effects. 

Cover Line

Sans serif has been used to keep the magazine quite classy and stylish. The colours of the text varies from blue to white and repeats the pattern this looks intriguing and unusual to the audience. The cover line has shadows behind the text to give the effect of three dimensional writing, furthermore the black helps the writing to contrast with the background. The blue writing is bold because the editor wants to creating an alluring effect. This would appeal to the target audience because it looks unique.

Banner

The banner is located at the top of the page following conventions. An opaque banner has been used as the editor did not want this to be a focused point. Half the writing is in black and the other in red as this adheres to conventions as well as producing a divide on the page.

Puff

In this case the puff is a promotion. Many colours have been used within the puff to look inviting and exciting. The puff looks to be a ribbon at the top this is quite unusual but effective. 'The Ultimate Guide' is wrote in bold to catch the readers eye. All of the text within the puff is uppercase as is the rest of the writing on the front cover of the magazine. The word 'gig' links to Stuart Halls theory of 'the process by which members of a culture use language... to provide meaning' the word appeals to a younger audience as they refer to concerts as gigs.

Buzz Word

The buzz word is reveal this is very intriguing as the reader wants to find out what is being revealed in the article. Furthermore there is a black shadow behind the white lettering, this contrasts as well as creating a sense of projection. 

Bar code

The bar code is a convention that is used as without this the magazine would be unable to be sold. In addition the bar code is always placed towards the bottom corners.




How this has influenced my planning and creativity

• I will take into consideration of placing shadows behind certain words to create a three dimensional effect.
• Also the puff looks exciting as the shape is unusual.
• In addition I like the use of colour for certain parts of writing to draw attention there.