Cover line

I have decided that my double page spread is going to be all about the life of a well known chart 

topper, and how her personality changes from being at home with her friend, too being the

world artist she is whilst on stage. Therefore this will give reader who like her music an insight on what

it is really like to be an artist and that it is not all perks all the time.

I have chosen 4 different names for the cover line:

Blaze bares all

Public school girl... To rocker

Bizarre Blaze

Blaze exposed

I have decide to go with the cover line Blaze exposed as this sums up what the whole article is going to

be about, however at the same time it leaves connotation in the readers mind as they want to know

what we are going to expose about blaze.

MASTHEAD

I decided on four names, that I could name my magazine, these were;

Shadow, Black Out, Highway 2 Hell (H2H) and Awaken Evil.

To help me decide which masthead to for i asked 12 people who like this genre of music which one they preferred best and ¾ of them preferred the name highway 2 hell.

Due to this I decided to go with the name Highway 2 Hell, as it is the target audience favourite, also it is catchy name as well as being a well known rock anthem which ties into the genre of the magazine.

Shadow

Black out

Highway 2 Hell (H2H)

Awaken Evil

Font Ideas

Different types of fonts

H2H HIGHWAY 2 HELL    (broken ghost)

H2H Highway 2 Hell (broken74)

H@H HIGHWAY @ HELL  (Cramps)

H2H  Highway 2 hell (Cold night)

H2H   Highway 2 Hell  (face your fears)

H2H       Highway 2 hell

I have chosen the font Cramps because it is unique, but at the same time fits in with the conventions of rock and independent music. As well the skill symbolises hell, which links in with the name, also the skull can become the logo for the entire magazine so when people see the skull they are immediately reminded of the magazine “Highway to Hell”

Target Audience

Target Audience

This is Veronica Smith, she is nineteen years old, from Birmingham but currently living in a two bedroom flat in Camden. Veronica (know to her friends as flash) is currently studying fashion journalism, at the London metropolitan university, in addition to this Veronica also plays the drums in her spare time, and has her grade 6.

In Veronica spare times she enjoys a variety of different relaxations, such as going shopping with her friends to check out the latest fashion styles, and she also enjoys attending local gigs in Camden, which are just on her door step, and due to this she has made a group of new friend which help her to forget about the world of university.

Flash likes a wide variety of music, however her favourite band is paramore and blink 182.  As this type of music expresses the type of person flash is. In her spare time flash likes to read magazines, however she isn’t in to gossip magazine such as OK! And Closer, like most girls her age are, but instead she prefers to read NME! Kerrang! And The Fly, these are the same genre of magazine that my magazine is going to be.

My target audience is to be in levels D and E, as this is the category into which includes students such as Flash and her friends. As the most of them will be unemployed, I will ensure that my magazine is an affordable price so that it will generate a high number of sales. This will also help my magazine generate a lot of sale, as current magazines in the same genre are around £3-£4, therefore I would sell mine at around £1.50.

NME!!

NME FRONT COVER

The colours used on the magazine consist of red, white, black and yellow representing to the buyers that this is a unisex magazine as it is not targeting a specific gender audience. Also the colours black white and red are normally associated with the rock/indie genre yet the yellow used helps to make a more exciting front cover allowing it to stand out from other magazines. The NME masthead is in bright red following the tradition allowing it to stand out and be recognized by traditional fans.

The masthead is situated in the top left hand corner conventional of a magazine yet it is not top of the page like most magazines. Above the masthead is the banner where 'The Killers' a very successful rock/indie band in the UK are in white bold writing almost as big as the masthead. This implies to the audience that the magazine will feature a story on 'The Killers' appealing to a large audience of rock/indie fans (traditional audience of NME) as they are very well liked in the UK. The masthead is on a white background with red lettering so it stands out to the audience. There is a bright yellow banner across the page that has teared edges proposing the idea that it has been teared out form a page. This creates an edgy feel to the front cover again appealing to a young audience who would find the teared edge effect quirky. Bold black lettering is used against the yellow background stating 'the new music issue' highlighting to readers that this is new and up to date music magazine appealing to an audience who are interested in the newest music. The layout of the magazine is quite messy targeting teenagers again as it reflects their lifestyle. It also creates an exciting image as there is lot going on the page connoting that the magazine content will also be exciting.

The main image on the front cover is a medium long shot of Florence from Florence and the machine. At the time in 2009 when this magazine was made the band was new to the UK charts and were very successful so the magazine were targeting a broad audience of teens who would want to buy the magazine as the main feature is based on the newest craze in music. There are other images on the front page which are pictures of the other artists featured in the magazine, this allows the buyer to receive a good incite of what is in the magazine just by a quick glance of the front cover. The pictures are at an angle creating more of an edgy look to the magazine making it appealing to young teens.

Simple language is used all over the front page to appeal to an everyday audience, mainly young adults/teenagers as they would easily understand and identify with the magazine. By using the phrase 'rock n roll' on the magazine in bold red writing, it is targeting a rock audience as that phrase is stereotypically associated with rock artists and rock fans.

The artist’s names on the front cover are in reasonably large bold writing that has contrasting colour backgrounds. This allows the text to stand out allowing the buyer to be able to read from a distance and gain an instant incite to what is in the magazine, without giving too much away.

NME Content page

The colour scheme on the contents follows the colour scheme of the front page, with red white black and yellow used again. By using a white background it allows the attention of the buyer to stay on the text in the contents. Black backgrounds are used for the side headings to maintain the indie/rock style of the magazine yet also compels it to stand out so readers can easily navigate themselves around the magazine. The magazine logo is again printed on the contents page, printed in bright red with a white outline against a black background. This allows the logo to define itself and allows the reader to identify with the magazine. The page numbers are all in red colour allowing them to stand out so readers can easily find what pages they want to read.

At the side bar there are clear headings splitting the contents into sections with clear bold font, making it easy for the buyer to quickly find a particular thing they are looking for in the magazine. The stories have page numbers next to them, this is an important convention to a magazine content as it is an essential in order for the readers to know how to get to the pages they want to read about efficiently. At the top of the contents page in bold capitals it states 'NME THIS WEEK' connoting that this magazine is weekly and has a new range of features within it each week. Beneath that in smaller writing is the date to ensure readers know which edition they are reading. On the left side of the page there is a band index column showing traditional buyers where to find there favourite bands, but also a good selling point to the one off buyers who will want to specifically find the bands they are interested in. In the contents page there are also arrows next to the text in which reflects stories on the front page.

The main image in the contents page is the Astoria pub showing that it is an important feature within the magazine, this story about the Astoria was featured on the cover of this edition, showing that the magazine uses the stories on the front page on the contents page showing the importance of the stories. The image of Astoria pub is also anchored by the text beneath it again emphasizing its importance to the magazine. At the bottom of the page there are also photos of previous editions of the magazines advertising them to be ordered weekly and if ordered today you could save over £45 causing a good selling point to the magazine. This also connotes to one off buyers that the magazine must be good as it is successful as people want it ordered weekly.

The language is simple and easily understandable suitable for the magazine target audience of young adults/teens. In addition to this the story headlines show what story there featuring yet don't give too much away compelling the reader to want to read further and find more out about it. Exaggerate language is also used for example 'The UK'S number 1 gig guide' a good selling point to the indie/rock music fans as its showing that this magazine features the best gigs in the UK which is an interest in the target audience.

NME DOUBLE PAGE ANAYLSIS

The colours used on this double page spread are very bland yet consist of the typical rock genre colours of black red and white, sticking to the theme of the magazine and the front page colour scheme. A white background is used in order to make the pull quote that Lilly Allen is saying stand out and entice readers to read the interview. Also it allows the small writing at the bottom to be easily read by readers, as oppose to a bright multi coloured background which would be unpleasant to the eye. Red writing is used for her name in order to make it stand out so people who are fans will be interested.

The layout of the double page spread consists of the main image being situated on the right hand side. The main quote of the page is printed in bold writing which fills the majority of the left hand side showing its importance to the article featuring Lilly Allen. The main quote heading is edited to give the idea that it has been cut out from a page and stuck back down like a collage presentation; this is effective as it would be attractive to a young target audience. The text is positioned around the image to create a more aesthetically pleasing page to the readers. 

The only image on the page is of Lilly Allen. It takes up the whole left hand side of the page to emphasis her importance to the magazine. Her pose is very casual with her hands on her hips to connote that the interview is casual, it also appeals to their target audience of young teens as they would rather that then a cheesy pose. Her wrists are facing outwards in order to show the reader her tattoo to reinforce that edgy indie rock magazine look. She is dressed in a bright red chequered shirt, a fashionable item of clothing at the moment to make the magazine look fresh and in fashion, it also stands out from everything on the page and adds some colour and excitement to the dully colour page, without withdrawing the reader’s attention from the text. Her facial make up is quite suttle, yet her dark eyes stand out to again give her that indie/rock look that the magazine is going for. It also gives her an image of attitude which corresponds with the pull quote from the text 'people think I'm an attention seeker but I'm just honest'.

The text is separated into four identical columns separated by gutters so the text is clear and easy to read. A pull quote from the text is used as a title and headline for the double page spread. This is effective as at a quick glance it informs the reader a bit about the content of the interview and they can quickly see if it will be of any interest to them. The name of the magazine is in the house style font and colour as it always is whilst the date is in a smaller font and is in italic. This helps to create a house style which is the magazine's design that distinguishes it from the other music magazines.

The Fly

The Fly

Front cover

The colours used on the page consist of black, white, yellow and pink. The black and white draws attention to the independent music genre, as these are the conventional colours. Whereas the pink and yellow brighten up the magazine and lighten the mood. Due to the colours selected the magazine appeals to a wider target audience, to people who enjoy rock, Indi and metal, as these are the colour we associate with these genres. Also the pink will attract people of the female persuasion, but as there isn’t a lot of pink it want limit the target audience to females.

The layout is conventional of “The Fly” magazine. The magazine consists of a bold black masthead, which contrasts with the white background of the image. Also the main image over laps the masthead, which indicates, “The VACCINES are more important!”. There is a pug located at the left third of the page advertising Radio head reviewed the magazine, which will interest readers, it is also eye catching as it is yellow and stands out against the white background.

Also there is another pug overlapping the masthead advertising that this magazine is free, both of the pugs use the same colour scheme.

The main story is in the middle of the page in bold pink writing, contrasting with the black and white background behind it.

Lastly at the bottom the page is added information about who features in the magazine, it is written in pink making it stand out against the back ground.

There is only one image featured on the cover which is a long shot of the band “The Vaccines”, the colour that are used (black and white) are what we associate with the independent genre, the clothes that their wearing skinny jeans are also conventional of the independent genre.

The typography used in the masthead is big and bold, in the colour black. The font used is Arial Black. The cover line also uses the same font, however the colour pink. Overall there is little writing on the over.

The Fly

Content page

There is only one image featured on the front cover on the content page which is a low angle, medium long shot of the band ‘Noah and the whale’, the entire band is dressed in formal wear (i.e. suits). The whole image tells you that they are the main feature in this magazine, and that it is a must read column. There is a white banner around the image making it stand out.

The masthead of the page is located in the top left hand side of the page, the typography is small but bold, it also stands out against the white background. The date is big and bold across the entire top of the page, it is written in the colour yellow, however where it crosses the image at a light backdrop the writing changes to the colour white.

At the bottom of the content page lists are given, in horizontal columns. The numbers are big and bold, also underneath is the name of the article which is underlined. All the writing is written in black, making it contrast with the white background. The content page follows the colour scheme of the whole magazine by using the colours white, black and yellow.

The Fly

Double page analysis  

Noah and the whale

The main image consists of a long, low angle shot of the band ‘Noah and the whale’. The entire band are wearing suit with a tie, except Charlie Fink who stands out the most and isn’t wearing a tie, this is due to the fact that the article is mainly about him. This image is a longer shot of the image used on the content page.

The location of the image is a posh back street which ties in with the colours used in the image. All the mise-en-scene is typical of an independent genre of music. The shadows make the band member appear much larger and important, and that we should listen to what they have to say.

The main headline is ‘Fink Tank’ written in black bold writing against a white back ground. The headline takes over half of the page, making it more eye catching. The head line sums up what the whole article is going to be about, Charlie Fink’s life is and how he changed the band. Also the headline plays on words as a fish tank is a fish’s world, and the article fink tank is about Charlie Finks world.

The sub heading uses the same colour scheme and typography as the masthead. The subheading adds extra insight about the article, however leaves it on a cliff hanger… making the reader want to carry on reading the article as it leaves connotation in the reader mind.

The text on the page is set out in two columns on the bottom of the right page, beneath the title. The columns are laid out in paragraphs.

The column talks about the how the whole band has evolved from the pop-folk genre to the independent genre. The article discusses the changes they have made to their old music, to make it fit onto their second album, and also where they test out their new music and the changes they made to their old songs 

KERRANG!

This is KERRANG! Magazine, issue 1136 which was released in October 2010. This magazine withholds a rock and heavy metal genre.

Colour

The colours used on the front cover consist of black, yellow, red and white.  They use the black, red and white to draw attention to the heavy metal theme of the magazine, as these are the general colours, which we associate with rock and heavy metal. However the colour yellow is used to brighten up the magazine and attract attention to the cover lines. All these colours together still maintain the rock and heavy metal image and attract traditional fans. Also the rock image on the cover, appeals to a large audience as now a day’s rock and heavy metal image and sound is widely like across all age groups and genders. As well, due to the colours black red and yellow being neutral and unisex, the magazine is not aiming at a specific target audience by using colours such a pink and blue, which would aim at a particular audience in the rock / heavy metal fan base. 

Design

The layout of this page is conventional of Kerrang! Magazine front covers, as it consists of a shattered black and white masthead, across the top of the page, with the main image overlapping the masthead, to show that the models (M.shadows and Cory Taylor) are more important. The masthead is bold and eye catching with black bold shattered writing contrasting with the white background. There is also a skyline above the masthead at the apex of the magazine, saying “HORROR-SCOPES! * CHESTER BENNINGTON COPS IT! WTF?!” this highlights another cover line. Also the font used for “HORROR” is the typical font people associate with horror.  There is also a image at the end of the skyline which relates to the cover line, attracting peoples attention and living connotation in there mind, wonder what Chester Bennington has done and why is it so unusually which is emphasised by the phase “WTF?!” at the end of the cover line.  The main story is in the middle of the main image, with bold white writing placed on the black background of the models tops, this colour scheme is the opposite way round from the mast head. These colours and the bold font are extremely eye catching, and are the first thing you notice when you look at the magazine.  By having “Avenged Sevenfold & Stone Sour” stand out as the main story line attracts a wide audience, due to the fact that they are two separate bands therefore attracting the audience of both band and people that may only like one or two songs of either band, or even just the type of music they play.

Images

The main image on the front cover is a medium shot of M.Shadows and C.Taylor, who are well known heavy metal / metal artists, therefore targeting this magazine at people who like this genre. Due to the fact the colours are all dark, and conventional colours we associate with rock/heavy metal, this limits the audience they are trying to attract.  The appeal of the whole magazine is dark and mysterious just like rock/heavy metal. The thumbnails follow the convention of the magazine, as they are predominantly red and black, with a little bit of white, therefore sticking to the main colour scheme of the magazine. Also the thumbnails have an angry / creepy feel to them, for example one of the thumbnails is of a person in a killer mask, whilst another is of a man with blood over his face and shirt. The images on the cover reinforce what the magazine content is going to be like, horror but in jokey manor.

Typography and language used

The typography used for the masthead is big and bold, in the colour black, just like Arial Black, however affects have been added to make the masthead look shattered and smashed like a mirror. The cover line uses a similar font as the masthead, as t is bold however the colour scheme is opposite, which enables it to standout. There is not a lot of language used on the front cover, but pictures instead which appeals to the target audience. However the little language used is limited, with only one or two words, as well being informal.                                                                                                                                           

KERRANG! Content page

The main image on the content page is a medium close up of a man dressed up as a skeleton, gesturing the conventional angry face, but in a tongue and check manor. At the bottom of the main image is a “cancer BATS” the name of the story with the number 06 with a black star behind it, indicating that it is a must read. To the left of the image is two sub stories Alkaline Trio and Chickenhawk, which also indicate that they are must-reads.

The masthead of this page is located in the left hand side of the page, at the top, the content is written in yellow contrasting with the black background, and also the issue number and date is written in white.

On the bottom left hand side of the page there is a short column from the editor. By talking to the reader directly, in make them feel involved. Also is pleases them as they are being thanked for reading the magazine.

There is a sub heading which use the same colour scheme as the masthead, which is a black background with yellow and white writing. Also all the sub heading use the same colour scheme which indicates the featured stories, whilst automatically becoming eye catching. Some of the cover stories have images with them, indicating that they are featured in the front page.

Lastly there is a USP located in the right third of the page. It is still eye catching even though it follows the colour scheme, the red on the black separates it from all the other stories. 

Double page analysis                                                                                                                       Kerrang! Page 44-45                                                                                                                        Alkaline trio

The Main image is of Matt Skiba from Alkaline trio. Matt Skiba is wearing a transparent mac, with a black t-shirt underneath, whilst holding an axe covered in blood.  This photo is similar to the photo used for the cover of the TV show Dexter, which indicates to us that this article is going to be nasty and about the dark side of his life and the band life. In the background there are plastic sheets lining the wall symbolising an abandoned warehouse, which I typically in the horror genre, relating back to inform us this article is going to be nasty.  Also in background there is blood splattered around the image, which is cliché of typical horror photos, as there is a smudged handprint and blood patch. There is also blood scattered across Matt Skiba face, like he has hit someone and the blood squirted into his face. There are no other images used with in this article.

The main headline is “True Blood” written in black and red in a bold typography, which is a tad faded in places. The title “True Blood” ties in with the Halloween theme and the article its self.

The sub-heading uses the same colour scheme as the title and the entire magazine. The sub-heading leaves the reader interested and wanting to read the article, as it is a rhetorical question, which leaves connotation in the readers mind.

The text is set out in two columns at the right hand side of the page, with the question in red and the answers in black, tying in with the colour scheme of the magazine.

The typography that has been used for the column is bold allowing it to stand out to stand out against the background. The typography does not have curled edges making it relate to the column about the horrors of real life portrayed in his songs.

The column discusses the darker side to life “revenge, violence, murder and death” and what horrifying events he has witnessed, what he’d do and other Halloween horrors. The target audience for this article would be the fans of the band “Alkaline Trio” as they are able to find out the story behind the song lyrics and where they come from. Also fans of band that are like Alkaline Trio and play the same genre of music.

Other elements in the this double page spread is “what lies Beneath” which are short questions about Matt’s dark side, for people who cant be bothered to read the whole article, but want an insight of what its about.