Task 1a

Analyse the front cover, contents page and double spread of a magazine

Masthead is NME which is abbreviated thus giving a strong
branding to the magazine since it is to the point the use of a bold
font makes it clear to the audience which magazine it is thus
theyd recognise what it is.
Footer again has more bands listed similarly to
the header thus it solidifies what sub-genre it is
a part of however it also gives a sense of niche
market since although it has a rapper in the
main image the magazine is rock related hence
it can suggest it is a special edition magazine.
Barcode / Date-Line / Price these are all
necessary so the magazine can be sold in
retail outlets as people would need to know
what issue it is and how much it cost thus
needs to be scanned when they do purchase
it at the tills.
Main Image consists of Dizzee
Rascal a UK rapper the usage
of Long Shot. This allows the
usage of mise-en-scene
because it gives a backdrop for
the artist to be in thus
grabbing more of audiences
attention. This is because they
begin to make connotations to
the cover in this case we see
Dizzee Rascal in an urban area
surrounded by graffiti hence
showing that Dizzee Rascal is
considered rap cultured /
ghetto. By using a well-known
musician, NME Magazine can
gain more of an audience as
Dizzee Rascal fans would want
to buy the magazine. It also
helps with the branding and
marketing of Dizzee Rascal
since it gives him a certain
image to the public hence
synergy between both parties.
Main Coverline follows the codes and
conventions as the main coverline is bigger
and stands out from the rest of the cover
lines thus drawing the attention of the
audience to that particular article, by using a
quote fans of Dizzee Rascal would begin to
want to the rest of the article as they want to
know his opinions on the subject matter.
Pug makes the cover line stand out
because of the red shape behind it
thus the text is clearer and stands
out from the rest of the magazines
cover lines hence giving a clear
layout.
Header overviews the bands and
musicians in the magazine in this case it
uses a majority of rock magazines thus
suggesting to the audience that they are
a part of the rock sub-genre however,
with Dizzee Rascal in the main image
suggests that they are not limited to
one genre through this they are aiming
towards a larger target audience not
just rock fans.
Colour scheme is consistent and is black and red and since the
magazine is predominantly rock the colour black follows this theme
thus audiences would recognise the colours and make the connotation
of being rock. However, the use of red gives the impression of rebellion
and thus the placement of Dizzee Rascal on the cover follows this.
Rule of Thirds have been applied so hotspot areas are made use of in this
case we have Dizzee Rascals eyes in the central hotspot areas therefore it
applies Direct Address as it would be like Dizzee Rascal is looking at the
audience also the left third is the quote from the main article thus again the
audience are more likely to see it then therefore more likely to read the
article.