Analysis of existing magazines COVERS 3

The Masthead Is the logo of the magazine “NME” which is short, bold and positioned in the left corner which makes it more noticeable to the reader and easy to recognize to people who want to buy this particular magazine. It is in a block, sans serif font. This is effective as it appeals to the younger audience; it looks less traditional and more modern and up to date. Arguably, some people say it looks more current as if it is typed, whereas an outdated serif font looks more old fashioned like handwriting.

Like the rolling stone magazine, there is a very effective use of juxtaposition in colours. The black and white image is very iconic and is anchored by the main headline and subheading. ‘JAKE BUGG’ is the main cover line and sells the magazine.

The image itself is black and white which is unusual for the central image of a magazine cover. This suggests that the readers of NME are attracted to unique things and that they enjoy rebelling against conventions.

The use of the banner on the top 6^th of the page is very effective as the colours are juxtaposed against the black and white main image. The yellow is bright and usually portrays excitement or happiness, in this edition it is clearly excitement which is further shown by the use of an exclamation mark.  ‘nirvana unseen pictures!’ is in a larger font, this is eye catching and the position of this text means that it would still be seen if other magazines were to be placed in front of it. The images to the right of Kurt Cobain are slanted which is effective as it again rebels against conventions. It looks laid back and cool which will appeal to the audience that they have.

There reference to alcohol could reflect the average age of the audience (25) which is effective as it appeals to them, and encourages reading as they feel like the magazine is specifically aimed at them.

The use of mise-on-scene in this edition of this magazine really mirrors the audience of the magazine. Jake is wearing a vintage Fred Perry track jacket which is very contemporary in the northern soul fashion. This is also effective as the clothes that he is wearing are high-street, and affordable this makes it more personal to the people reading the magazine as they feel like they relate to the magazine, therefore making it more enjoyable to read. Additionally, Jake is sat in what looks like a diner or an old school café, this is shown by the condiments in the back and his drink (that isn’t alcoholic) in his right hand. This is effective as it reflects jakes personality; it makes the magazine look laid back, less staged and just ‘real’ which is anchored by the line ‘o% alcohol 100% for real’ the laid back setting of the image makes the magazine more personal because Jake like anyone else is just having a drink wearing high street clothes. He isn’t portrayed as being an unapproachable musician in his own studio making music or wearing clothes that cost a year’s worth of wages.