Lucy Coates

What you get on front covers

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Masthead

Kicker

Cover Line

Secondary Lead

Plug

Selling Line or Banner

Feature Article Photo

Anchorage

Bar Code

Date Line

9. Headline

Caption6.

Web-links?

Ears?

The masthead on this NME cover page has a stamp effect as it is bold and nearly always situated to the top, far left of the magazine. It is a large font illustrating a bright bold red colour on the inside of the writing this highlights that NME are quite revealing and brave with what articles they produce. The black outline of the masthead makes the writing stand off the page and grab the viewers attention. Moreover, the photos on this magazine illustrate direct address as both Alex Turner and Miles Kane are facing the camera with direct eye contact, they are placed on a side as this conveys confidence as they are ready to reveal something interesting to the reader. I believe the main image is the most important feature on this magazine cover as it stands out and allows the reader to interact with the page due to the use of direct address. Also it gives an idea of what the content of the magazine is going to include therefore this encourages people who enjoy this band and the ‘indie’ genre of music to buy the magazine, Alex Turner and Miles Kane are very well thought of artists and have a lot of spotlight and attention, so by placing them central on this cover they will entice a lot of people to buy this magazine. The photos link to the anchorage line ‘First Major interview’ as the back to back position highlights a sense of connection between the two men as if they are planning something and the interview is going to reveal what they are going to do as a duo act. In addition this magazine illustrates a rather unusual layout as the cover lines and kickers are the other way round to how they are usually on a magazine. This implies that NME are daring with how they create their magazine and this implies that it relates to their target audience been ‘out there’ and ‘different’ to the everyday usual crowd. For example ‘Panic at the disco album’ is written in a bold, larger font so would usually be seen as cover line, however underneath is ‘Pretty.Odd Pretty.Ace’ this is a more catchy kind of line therefore this would be seen as the kicker as it grabs the readers attention and makes them want to see what the article is about. This technique could be used to interest the reader and entice them more into seeing what is inside the magazine. In addition, the type of language used on the cover and in this magazine are quite low frequency language such as: ‘Ding!’ this is done as the target audience is young so by using easier language and demotic lexis (swearing) they can relate to the articles and enjoy the reading much more. Quite a harsh tone is used on the cover and exclamatives are used often this is done to draw attention to the text and for emphasis so that the reader stops and takes notice of what is on the page.

How front covers are conceived and laid out

Here is an example of direct address. This engages the viewer and implies the seriousness of the band as they want your attention so it also highlights their confidence.

The background image of a union jack, represents how the who are British and proud as the magazine is highlighting the ‘mod’ era.

This headline is placed on top of the main image to create a stand-out effect.

This masthead follows the typical layout and is placed on the left hand quarter of the magazine in a stamp style to clearly stand out.

In this edition of the NME they have cleverly used the space and not left any blank white space. The main image is the biggest attraction on the page and most of out attention is drawn to this.

This is an example of anchorage as it explains what the headline intakes. They have used different sizes of font and colour so that it catches the readers attention.

Direct mode of address can appear ‘in yer face’, serious, warm…

Indirect mode of address can be mysterious, lively, sombre…

Creates a wacky, fun image, sharing an identity with the reader that offers the ‘independence’ of indie music.

Enigma – what are they getting up to now?

The overall colour scheme is red and black on this magazine front cover. This is chosen as the masthead has an outline of black and an inner block colour of red, I believe these colours were chosen as they are very bold and stand out. Also Red brings text and images to the foreground. It is used as an accent colour to stimulate people to make quick decisions; it is a perfect colour for 'Buy Now‘ representation, therefore it is a clever colour to use on a magazine colour as it attracts attention, it also highlights how the magazine is daring and individual as it covers artists which are not always in the spotlight and it does articles on up and coming bands not just musicians on the current market. Lately, the NME magazine has dropped the black outer lining on the masthead and now just has a normal plain red font, or changes the inner colour to suit the image on the front cover, for example this has been done on the Jimi Hendrix edition which is shown further above this slide. However, it is still printed as a stamp form on the left hand side of the magazine. Moreover, NME choose to use several different fonts between 4 or 5 this is to create a busy looking page as they are trying to make it look interesting so it attracts the viewers attention, also by you a different font the reader can clearly see the different articles and pieces of information on the cover page as the differences can be easily distinguished. Photography is always a main part of the NME magazines front cover they focus on creating a certain theme such as the wombats edition is busy looking and has an ‘in ya face’ type of approach. On this example NME have focused on facial expressions and the levels and positioning of the band it is quite a low angle shot and they have created a sloping effect as they have the lower person looking away from the camera, the lead singer in the middle standing using direct address, but mainly you are drawn to the fact he has his arms up pulling his hair, then the finally band member is placed higher up, pointing straight at the camera. This is effective as it draws the audience in, making them want to pick up and read the magazine; it also creates an invitational mode of address. NME has quite a typical layout with the masthead at the top left, with kickers and cover lines down both the left and right hand side, however it is often quite chaotic and bright as they use the busyness to attract and involve the viewers and readers. I believe that this magazine always has a fun looking front cover with interesting themes to suit their target audience. The NME always has a clear layout and uses the right techniques and language to make it easier for there audience to read and enjoy.