The title ‘NME’ is in the top right hand corner, which conforms to magazine covers conventions. The font of the title is in bold and outlined in two colours, making sure it stands out so that it is the first thing that draws attention to the eye of the buyer/reader. It is also easy to read and strong. The connotations of red, white and black are masculinity and is mainly advertised towards males. Specifically, red connotes danger and the element that this magazine is different to other magazines and includes more than others. The abbreviation of New Musical Express to NME keeps older audiences interested, but the abbreviation has connotations of the word ‘enemy’ suggesting it is edgy and pushes the boundaries.
The main image obscures the title of the magazine suggesting familiarity and power of the magazine. The image of Alex Turner and Miles Kane very close but, back to back suggests that the two people are friends, but are separated in some way, intriguing the reader to find out their connection and friendship in the magazine.
The first cover line the audience draw attention to is ‘The Last Shadow Puppets’. At the time this was a new duo that people had not heard from, so to see this, the reader would feel as if was an exclusive, this is also enforced by the word ‘first’, and they would want to know the details as soon as they can. The cover line above ‘Alex Turner & Miles Kane’ is divided as the two names are not on the same level. This suggests that they are separate, but the colours are the same showing they are linked. For people not familiar with Alex Turner or Miles Kane, this informs them which one is which, as the name is over the persons body. The quote underneath in white stands out as it is in white, on a black background, the white connotes innocence however the text ‘I was worried the Monkeys would think I’d had an affair’ subverts that as he is talking about an affair. The reader then wants to know the outcome of this therefore will buy the magazine to read on.
The skyline, with a background of red draws the attention to the reader, and as the text ‘STUDIO NEWS’ is in yellow, it is different to the rest of the cover as there is no yellow anywhere else, this shows that the magazine if different than others, but also as the font throughout the cover is also in bold and the majority in capitals it shows conformity and keeps the font easy to read, so that the reader does not feel confused when just reading the cover and does not buy it.
The inserts on the left hand side of the cover shows that the magazine has a lot of variety and that there is much more inside than their is on the front cover, making the reader want to buy the magazine. The names that are on the front cover suggest lots of content about different bands, interesting a diverse audience, increasing sales.
The magazine title ‘MOJO’ is different than it normally is in this edition, as it is a specisal limited edition. Magazine covers normally conform to the conventions by using a bold font, however this one uses just the outline of the font. This shows that this edition is different,, it also shows that the magazine is well known as it can change the title slightly but still be recognised. The text across the title ‘Special Limited Edition’ is a small, delicate font, however it stands out as it is a dark colour on a pale background. These factors that show that this issue of the magazine is different, increase the sales of the magazine as people want to read something and know something that other people don’t.
The main image is discoloured showing the audience this is different to other magazines and other issues, and therefore will attract the audiences attention to this magazine rather than others out of curiosity. They will then be drawn into buying the magazine by reading the cover lines. The eyeline of the 3 people on the front cover is the same, giving personal address to the audience/buyer. The shadows used when taking the image shows the strength of the image and suggests a dark side to the band on the front cover, intriguing the audience.
The main cover line that draws the attention of the audience is in white and bold ‘The Smiths’, it is the second thing that draws attention, after the image, which then informs the audience, if they don’t already know, that the band in the image is The Smiths. Underneath the main cover line ‘THE STONE ROSES AND...’ the ellipsis suggests that there is more than just the main stories to read inside, tempting the person to buy the magazine.
The puff, on the bottom right corner includes the word ‘exclusive’ this attracts the audience as people want to know things that not everybody knows, they want to know information not available to anybody else, or before everybody else finds out.
The text on the left hand side, that would normally be in an insert, have no backgrounds, this does not conform to magazine conventions, again reinforcing this is different. The asyndetic listing shows many names, suggesting lots of context, variety and much more than the main cover shows. This is also reinforced by the footer, with the word ‘PLUS!’ in capitals and bold, conforming to magazine conventions, the ‘!’ used suggests that this is surprising and emphasises the word.
The title of the magazine ‘Kerrang!’ is an onomatepoeia, the word sounds like metal, or an electric guitar, suggesting to the reader the genre of music this magazine is interested in and writes about. The ‘!’ on the end of the word suggests that this magazine is surprising. The colour of the title is easy to read, as it is black on a white background, it shows it is strong and bold. The connotations of the colours are very masculine, portraying that the magazine is mainly advertised to males, or women to want to subvert their stereotype, as in the modern era, mainstream is not as popular. The design of the font is broken, like broken glass, suggesting rebellion.
The main image obscures the title which suggests familiarity and power. The image shows the band of 5 boys, however the lead person (Josh Franceschi) who is more widely known is at the front of the image, which brings in bigger audiences as he is more recognised. However, even though there is a clear main person in the band, the eyeline of each person is the same, also as it is direct at the camera it gives personal address. The way the image has been taken, so that Josh Franceschi is acting childish, connotes that in the article about them we can expect fun and immaturity, and something different to read than a normal interview. The use of sex appeal also brings in a wider variety of audience as it attracts to not just the regular audiences, therefore increasing the sales of the magazine.
The cover line is the main feature of the front cover, as it informs the audience, of who the band in the image is, whether they are familiar with them or not. It anchors the image in the middle of the page. The subtitle is in yellow, this connotes fun and difference, the use of the word ‘new’ invites a large audience in as people always want to know the new things. Also as it says ‘doing it their way’ it suggests this band are not going to conform to the stereotype of other bands, this intrigues the reader as to why and how, in turn, making them buy the magazine. The text is in capitals and is the same font, this conforms to conventions of a magazine front cover, as people do also want to be safe in what they buy, knowing they would not be disappointed.
The insert shows that in the issue you get a free poster, this catches the attention of the audience as people have a hint of greed, and they will want something if they can get it for free.
The skyline and footer, lists names of other bands than the one in the main image, this shows variety within the magazine and shoes that there is alot of context with lots of well known names.
Each of these images has been annotated on flikr, click on the image to see the analysis.
There are many conventions of a double page which can be different from other pages in the magazine. A double page spread can consist of different types of information.
This double page spread has been taken from Mojo magazine. The main convention on the page is the main image of James Blake, who is also featured on the front cover, this shows he is the main focus in this magazine. The main image dominates the whole left hand side page, in order to show the audience the information is about himr, without actually writing who the information is based on.
The image of James Blake is taken through mirrors, this is a different way to take photo’s and suggests that him and this interview will be different. It also suggests that because we’re seeing him through a mirror, we will have an interview from his point of view and will learn things about him that he only knows. This urges the reader to carry one, as it will be exclusive information. His smouldering pose in the image is an element of sex appeal to draw the reader in.
On the right hand side of the page, is the initial interview. The colour scheme is adjacent to the image on the left. The font is different and unusual suggesting the kind of artist that James Blake is, however it conforms to the conventions of a magazine as it is in bold and capital letters.
The quote underneath the name is a byline that entices the reader in even more. It is an insightful quote but does not give much information away, urging the reader to read the article to find out more. The article starts with the first letter larger, bold and in a different colour that fits to the colour scheme of the magazine, which fits into the conventions of a magazine double page spread.
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