Introduction to my AS media coursework

As part of my AS media coursework I will make a music magazine. I will take my own photographs and use Photoshop to edit my photos and magazine on. I will carry out research my looking at existing music magazines as well as researching my target audience in order to help me meet the requirements of the audience I will target my magazine towards.

Codes and Conventions

Front cover

The colour scheme used on the front cover is only red, black and white. The bright red background allows the white writing to stand out, grabbing the reader’s attention. The writing is laid out so that the white writing is on the red background and the red writing is on the white background of the picture and this technique really makes the writing stand out and be clear enough to read.

There are four headings in bold, white writing with the one at the top being the biggest showing that it is the most important. They each have sub-headings underneath them therefore after the main writing catches the reader’s attention they can then read what the magazine is about in more detail. The red writing across the white part of the picture has been written in capital letters and the same sentence is repeated over and over again following the shape of the person’s cheek in the picture giving an eye catching effect.

The text has been written in an informal way using slang, such as ‘grub’. This style will grab teenagers’ attention because it is how friends talk to friends rather than being a formal piece of writing. Having ‘festival’ written in a larger font than the other headings shows teenagers that this magazine isn’t just about ‘weird science’ and ‘the real world’ it is about their social lives too.

The picture used has been edited in contemporary block black and white colours allowing the picture to stand out against the block red background. The facial expression used in the picture looks like somebody is shouting or singing at a party therefore targeting its audience of teenagers. The layout of the magazine looks like an advert that would be given out at a festival, therefore again targeting teenagers.

The title of the magazine is ‘Fusion’ which is the coming together of something. This could be representing the coming together of teenagers going to new schools or colleges, going to parties and meeting new people. There is a sub-heading underneath the title saying ‘every generation needs a new revolution’ which is again targeting teenagers by saying they are the ‘new generation’.

At the top right hand corner of the magazine it says ‘Free issue 1’ immediately grabbing the reader’s attention; mainly teenagers as the majority of teenagers don’t have money of their own yet while still in full time education. With it being free it allows the target audience to read the magazine and get hooked so the next issue they will be more likely to buy it.

Contents

A lot of different colours have been used on the contents page with a block white background helping to make the other colours stand out grabbing the reader’s attention. The main title is written in black, making it stand out against the white background immediately telling the reader what the page is about. There are headings showing what different pages are in the magazine all written in different colours creating a fun, rainbow effect. The colours are what make the reader interested enough to then go on and read the smaller, black writing.

The different headings are written in a smaller font than the title with information about each of them underneath in a smaller font in plain black writing. The most important parts are big and bold, then as the importance lessens the writing because smaller and not as noticeable. The reader gets interested by the bold writing used for the word ‘contents’ then notices the smaller, colourful sub-headings which then leads to reading the information about each of them, the even smaller parts.

Again the text has been written in a colloquial style, using slang, informal sentences such as ‘get off the sofa’ and ‘snack attack’, appealing to the target audience.

The main picture used on the contents page is a tape with colours coming from it representing different genres of music. The target audience here is teenagers as stereotypically teenagers are known for knowing recent, new music and playing it loud; the bright colours coming from the tape represent the loud music. There is a border along the top and bottom of the page with what the page is about at the top and the magazine name at the bottom. This is so the reader is constantly being reminded about what they reading so if they want to read the next issue in the future they know exactly what they are looking for.

The title of the page is shown twice with it being at the top, right hand corner in a pink, small font and it being in the middle of the page in a black, bigger font. It is repeated as it makes it easier for the reader to find the page when flicking through the magazine to have what each page is at the top corner. It is then repeated in a bigger, bolder font because the reader has then opened the page and the contents becomes more important.

At the bottom right of the page we are told that the magazine is printed on 100% recycled paper. A lot more people are now aware of recycling especially younger people as they have been taught about recycling for most of their lives. The recycle logo is also used to ensure the reliability of this. If the magazine is advertised as being recycled more people are likely to buy it as more people look out for the recycled logo when buying products.

Above the recycled logo is a bright yellow box standing out against the white background with black writing inside of it. The writing tells the reader when the next issue is coming out making the reader think about buying the next one before they have even started to read the first one.

School Magazine Final

When making the front cover and contents page of a school magazine I took into account the different techniques the 'fusion' magazine used to grab reader's attention and target its audience. The techniques I incorporated into my magazine include having a free revision guide advertised on the front cover grabbing the readers attention and also having two 'contents' titles on the contents page so when readers flick through the pages they can easily see which page is which. 

Evaluation of school magazine

I have now finished my front cover and contents page of my school magazine and looking at what I took from my research of the 'fusion' magazine I have completed an evaluation.

Evaluation

After looking at the existing school magazine ‘fusion’ I incorporated some of the techniques used into my own school magazine. ‘Fusion’ targeted teenagers with a bright red background as well as a mid shot with somebody shouting. I took on this idea by using a bright blue background and using a mid shot. I incorporated my own ideas by having the person on the front laughing instead of shouting still targeting the teenager but in a different way. I also took on the idea of grabbing the reader’s attention by having a ‘free’ sign displayed on the front cover. Instead of having ‘free issue 1’ I used ‘free revision guide inside’ to let the reader know that this magazine may be based on having a social life in school but is still a school magazine. ‘Fusion’ used white writing on the front cover which stands out well against the red background. I incorporated this by also using white writing but using a different font, a different size and in a different layout.

I also looked at the contents page on the existing school magazine ‘fusion’. I took the idea of having the word ‘contents’ written twice on the page; once as a large title and another small, in the corner of the magazine so when readers flick through they know which page is which. On the large ‘contents’ title I used a black, large font as it stands out against the white background so the reader straight away knows what page they are reading. ‘Fusion’ uses an image of a tape cassette with flowers and rainbow colours coming out of it. Instead of this, I took photos from around the school of various people doing day to day school things such as reading and researching on the school computers. I added 7 of these photographs down the right hand side of my contents page. I also incorporated the bright colours used on ‘fusions’ contents page by using a different colour for each page title and an orange colour for the sub-headings. Finally I used the line shape tool to add a line at the top and the bottom of the contents page to create a border giving it a sharp finish.

My experience of using cameras to take a medium close-up has taught me that the model’s facial expression is really important. This is because the front cover is what catches the reader’s attention therefore you want it to look eye catching so they will pick it up and read it. When taking the photograph the background is also important. This is because if it is to dark or too light it may be harder to edit on Photoshop later as some of the tools such as the lasso tool may find it harder to identify which part you are trying to edit. For the photograph used on my front cover, I used natural light. This is because I wanted my model to look natural by laughing therefore the natural light added to the natural feel the front cover conveys.

The main tools I used on Photoshop were the text tool, and the shape tool. For the front cover I used lots of different layers to add each piece of text. I did this because it would be easier to move different parts of the text around and change the size of the text without having to change all it. For the contents page I used the text tool, the shape tool and the move tool. By using the shape tool I was able to make 2 lines that went at the bottom and the top of the page creating a striking border. I used different layers when using the text tool so it was easier to move different parts of the text around and change different parts of the text to different colours. I used the move tool when adding in the photographs. I minimized each photograph so they were all the same size and moved them one under the other down the right side of the page.

Diary Entry

Week One

31^st January – Today I looked at previous school magazines and chose one to look at in detail. I decided to choose the magazine ‘fusion’ which I then went on to analyse its front cover and contents page. Once I had finished the ‘codes and conventions’ page I posted it onto my blog.

1^st February – Today I went out and took the photos of my models that I am going to use on my school magazine. I took varied mid shots of one of my models; one on her own that will be used for the front cover. I also took photos that will be used on the contents page; these photos showing my models working on the computers and in science.

2^nd February – Today, I first looked through all of my photos which I cut down to the best ones that I will use on my magazine. I then chose the photo I am using as the front cover and started to do my front cover on Photoshop.

3^rd February – Today I began to construct my front cover for the school magazine. I came up with the magazine name ‘Social’.

4^th February – Today I finished off making my front cover and started to construct my contents page. I used a few photos on the contents page with them going down the right hand side.

Diary Entry

Week Two

7^th February – Today I finished making my contents page and posted my front cover and contents page onto my blog.

8th February – Today was the introduction of the music magazine coursework. I looked through different magazines looking at the codes and conventions of each one. Looking through these helped me decide what type of magazine I want to do.

9^th February – Today I looked at the front covers of existing magazines. I did this to look at the techniques other magazines use that I could use for inspiration.

!0^th February – Today I looked at the contents page of existing magazines. I did this to look at the techniques other magazines use that I could use for inspiration.

11^th February – Today I looked at a double page spread of a existing magazines. I did this to look at the techniques other magazines use that I could use for inspiration. I also posted my evaluation on my blog.

Diary Entry

Week Three

14^th February – Today I started an initial ideas diagram. The reason for this was to put all my final ideas on a page so that I could then go onto developing them.

15^th February – Today I carried on with my initial ideas diagram and finished it.

16^th February – Today I started the research for the five existing magazines. I scanned in five front covers and five contents pages.

17^th February – Today I carried on with my research by looking at and scanning in five double page spreads.

18^th February – Today I began to write the codes and conventions of the first of the five front covers, contents pages and double page spreads.

Diary Entry

Week Four

21st February – Today I finished writing up my first codes and conventions page for Kerrang front cover as well as another page, Kerrang contents page.

22^nd February – Today I wrote up the double page spread codes and conventions from Kerrang magazine and started to look at the front cover of Total Guitar magazine.

23^rd February – Today I started to think up questions that I could ask in a questionnaire for research of my magazine.

24^th February – Today I wrote up the contents page and double page spread codes and conventions for Total Guitar magazine.

25^th February – Today I began to think of questions to ask people from my target audience for when I come to do video interviews with them as well as questions for when I do a picture questionnaire. I want to have a variety of different questions in my research.

Codes and Conventions

Kerrang Front Cover

The title ‘Kerrang’ is written in bold white writing in a sans-serif font allowing the title to stand out more clearly. There are lines going through the letters which is a theme carried out throughout the magazine allowing the reader to recognise that they are reading ‘Kerrang’. The title is half hidden with the band Good Charlotte overlapping it attracting readers who like the band.

There is a 3 colour scheme used with the colours being red, black and white. Having the black as the main background colour allows the red and white writing to stand out more grabbing the reader’s attention. The dark colours help the magazine to target its audience of young female and male adults. The sub-headings next to the title Good Charlotte are written in red with a separate black background around them making it easier to read against the picture behind them.

The main image used is of the band Good Charlotte but there is also smaller pictures used. Having Good Charlotte as the main picture allows the reader see the importance of it in the magazine compared to the smaller pictures used for Paramore and Greenday etc. Although Paramore and Greenday etc are smaller pictures, Paramore is separated from the other pictures showing the reader that it is a more important part of the magazine compared to the other small pictures. There are five small pictures along the bottom with a black border around each one then a red border around all of them together. These colours help the pictures to stand out and grab the reader’s attention even though they are small. Having a selection of different pictures on the front cover gives the reader a brief view of what they will find in the magazine.

There is a variety of different fonts used on the magazine the majority being sans-serif fonts but having a few other parts written in just a serif font. Having different fonts on the cover makes it more interesting to look at grabbing the reader’s attention. The titles are mainly written in sans-serif as it is a simpler font therefore easier to read. It also stands out more when in bold, block capitals. The writing above and below the title Good Charlotte is the only text written in the serif font. This is because it is telling the reader more information about Good charlotte therefore a more interesting font has been used so the reader is more likely to read on.

A symbol of a plus sign has been used at the bottom of the front cover. It is white with yellow lines coming out all around it like sun rays, grabbing the reader’s attention. This has been used at the bottom of the page to let the reader know that the magazine has everything on the cover in it as well as much more. A circle has also been used on the left hand side with ‘926 gigs listed inside’ in the middle of it. The 3 colour scheme has been used here with the background black, the border red and the writing white. Using a circle, again makes the front cover look more interesting by having a variety of different ways of presenting what is in the magazine and not just having it all written down the sides.

From this magazine I will take forward the colours used and the fonts used. I like the plus sign at the bottom of the page and how it also lists more bands. I like the fact that one main image is used along with smaller images used around it and also I like the fact that the title is half hidden but because it is so bold you can still see what magazine it is. I will try and incorporate these features into my own magazine.

Codes and Conventions

Kerrang Contents Page

The title ‘Contents’ is at the top left hand side of the page and is written in the same writing as the title ‘Kerrang’ on the front cover. ‘Contents’ is written in a smaller font compared to the one of the front cover showing it is less important. There are still lines going through the letters to remind the reader they are reading ‘Kerrang’. The title ‘Kerrang’ is repeated in the centre of the page where it begins to tell the reader what page is what.

A lot of block colours and patterns have been used as they stand out more and help make the layout of the page look tidier. A 3 colour scheme has been used with red, black and white as well as some of the writing in yellow. Each section of writing is written in a colour that stands out against its background such as ‘Hot Shots’ is written in white writing with a red background where as the sub-headings of the contents page are written in yellow writing with a black background. The reason for this is so that the writing can be read clearly and easily.

A large picture of Greenday has been used acting as the background for the top half of the page.  The serious facial expressions used help the magazine to target its audience of people who take their rock music seriously. Having a large picture of the band contrasts with the importance of the band as on the front cover as only a small picture was used there. As well as Greenday, 4 small pictures of other bands have been used showing that a variety of different bands are used throughout the magazine. On the bottom half of the page a small picture of the deputy editor has been used with a few words from him underneath telling the reader a bit about what has happened in the magazine. Smaller pictures have been used in the ‘Kerrang! This Week’ part to show the reader in more detail what a few of the pages inside the magazine are about.

All the text used on the contents page is written using a sans-serif font. This is because it is a block font and the block theme has been used throughout the magazine. It is bold, stands out and is easy to read therefore attracting the reader’s attention. Although the text is all in a sans-serif font it is all written differently such as different sizes have been used as well as different colours and different effects. Having a variety of different ways of displaying the text makes the page look more interesting therefore the reader is more likely to read it and then go on to reading the rest of the magazine.

At the bottom right hand corner, there is an advertisement for getting the ‘Kerrang’ magazine delivered. There are 3 examples of ‘Kerrang’ magazines as well as persuasive language: ‘for just £6’ to attract the reader’s attention. Having this advertisement at the beginning of the magazine puts the idea of it in the readers head so if they enjoy reading it, they know they can read it again easily without having to go out for it, it can be delivered.

From this contents page I will take into consideration when doing my own contents page the layout of the page. I really like the way they have set it out in two half’s compared to the usual columns style. I also like how an editor's piece is included along the left hand side making it seem like a lot of work and time has gone into making it. I will also take into consideration the words 'This Week' as it separates the page and sounds better than just 'contents'.

Codes and Conventions

Kerrang Double Page Spread

The title used on the double page spread is written in a small, serif font. It doesn’t stand out compared to the main picture used which is what grabs the reader’s attention. The title ‘Paramore’ is written inside a banner going diagonally across the top left hand side of the page with a black background, red border and is written in white which is the same 3 colour scheme used on the front cover and contents page. The title isn’t very noticeable as it shows the reader that the article is about before the band Paramore became popular instead of the article being all about what they are doing now and plan to do in their future. 

On the left hand side of the page the picture of Hayley Williams fills up the page with her other 4 bands mates in smaller pictures going across the middle of the two pages. The other 4 bands mates being shown in smaller pictures shows that they aren’t as important as Hayley is, as she is the one that grabs the reader’s attention. There is also a contrast in the photos by Hayley sticking up her two fingers showing her ‘rock and roll’ side whereas the rest of the band mates are laughing or messing around again showing her importance over theirs. Having Hayley Williams stick up her two fingers helps the magazine to target its audience of young female and male adults. The 3 colour scheme is carried on throughout the pictures with Hayley wearing a red t-shirt and the other band mates wearing black and white t-shirts. On the right hand side of the page there is 2 columns of writing with a black background, red border and written in white. There is also some bigger writing in the middle of the second column quoting Hayley Williams which is written in white with her name written in red matching her t-shirt.

The smaller writing in the columns is written in a sans-serif font whereas the larger writing such as the title and the quote from Hayley Williams is written in a serif font. There are only 2 styles of writing here compared to the contents page and front cover where a varied amount of different styles were used showing that this page is all about Paramore and nothing else.

Underneath the picture of Hayley Williams there is a caption written in white writing with a black box around it. It tells the reader who is in the picture as well as saying a ‘star is born’. She is again shown as the most important person of the band as the other band mates don’t have a caption so aren’t given names; they are just her band mates. The page number is given at the bottom of the page   as well as the name of the magazine so the reader is being constantly reminded on what they are reading.

From this double page spread I will take into consideration when doing my own magazine the fact that one main image is used as well as a few smaller images. I like the fact that the smaller images separate the main image from the text so more attention is draw towards the main image. I will also try to incorporate a quote like the one used on this page as it grabs the readers attention before they even start to read the article.

Codes and Conventions

Total Guitar Front Cover

The title ‘Total Guitar’ is written in a serif font in bold, white writing. The word ‘guitar' is a lot bigger than the word ‘total’ showing the reader that this magazine is all about guitars. The band on the front cover is half covering the title but because the band are holding guitars the reader still knows what the magazine is going to be about.

There is a 3 colour scheme used with the colours blue, white and black. The masculine colours used help target its audience of young male adults. The picture of the band has been taken on a black background with a spot light just on them allowing them stand out grabbing the reader’s attention. The larger headings are written in white where as the smaller headings are written in blue. By using only 3 colours it gives the magazine a more sophisticated look rather than having a lot of different colours making it look amateur.

Only one picture has been used on the front cover therefore giving the reader’s attention to only that band. It has been taken with the band looking straight at the camera with the main person stood at the front pointing his finger towards the camera as if he is telling the magazines target audience to read the magazine; the target audience being young male adults. The other two band mates are stood behind him showing that they aren’t as important as they are hidden. Behind the band there is a bright light with lightening coming from it making the band look powerful. At their feet there is smoke making it look like the band is at a concert giving the magazine a more creative effect.

The magazine has used a mixture of different fonts from large, bold, serif fonts to smaller sans-serif fonts. The main title has a sub-heading in a smaller font right above it letting the reader know that it is ‘Europe’s best selling guitar magazine’. By having this right next to the title means the reader is more likely to read it, therefore they are more likely to read the rest of the magazine as they will see that it is a best seller therefore must be good. Smaller headings have been used along the sides of the page which are written in a blue, serif font. They each have a small caption underneath them giving the reader more of an idea of what the magazine is like. Some words are highlighted such as ‘plus’ in a different colour to the rest of the sentence, grabbing the reader’s attention, showing its importance, allowing the reader to see that it is worth reading.

Near the bottom right hand side of the page, there is an image of a guitar on its side where the head of it goes underneath a blue box that has ‘Rocked & Rated’ written inside of it. This again is showing the reader that this magazine is based on guitars; it also helps the magazine look more interesting as only one other picture has been used. Near the top of the magazine there is a yellow circle with red and black writing inside of it that looks like a label that is peeling off but really is part of the cover. It is as if the magazine is breaking its rules like ‘rock and roll’ by using colours that contrast with the rest of the magazine. From here the reader might get the impression that the magazine is more interesting than it looks and that it might have more in it then just guitars.

I will take into consideration when doing my own magazine the way 'Total Guitar' has placed its stories along the sides of the page with a heading for each with text underneath describing more about what it is. I also like the way the guitar is facing towards the camera making a strong image grabbing the reader’s attention.

Codes and Conventions

Total Guitar Contents Page

The title ‘contents’ is written in a bold, serif font in white, block capital letters allowing the reader to clearly see what the page is about. The background behind the word ‘contents’ is in red and has a black border following it underneath.  The other headings are written down the left hand side of the page in the same style writing as the main title but are smaller with a black background.

A 3 colour scheme is being used here with the colours red, white and black which is different to the front cover which was blue, white and black. The colour red signifies power and the main image used also helps the page to look powerful therefore it grabs the reader’s attention. Having different colour schemes inside the magazine compared to the cover makes the magazine look more interesting therefore the reader is more likely to read on.

There have 3 images used; one main one with two smaller ones underneath. The main image has on it the two men that were stood in the background of the picture on the front cover therefore contrasting their importance from each page. They are both holding guitars; one pointing up and the other pointing down, this fills out a larger area helping the picture to stand out more. The picture slightly overlaps the title ‘contents’ again allowing the picture to stand out as well as it giving a 3D effect. The two men are looking right into the camera with serious facial expressions showing the serious side to the magazine compared to the fun, rock guitar side that the two smaller pictures show underneath. The two smaller pictures both have guitars in them constantly reminding the reader that this is a guitar magazine. The 3 colour scheme is also being used throughout the pictures, having either a white or red background with the guitar being black or the clothes the man in the picture is wearing being black.

Every font on this page is a serif font although they are different styles, different sizes and different colours. There are 3 headings down the left hand side written in a white, bold font each inside a small black box allowing the white writing stand out. The numbers listed underneath these headings are in bold but are in black with a white background allowing them to also stand out. The larger and brighter fonts are what grab the reader’s attention so they then go on to reading the smaller text that is harder to read which gives them more information. Next to the 3 images used, there are large page numbers in the corners of each of them. These page numbers stand out a lot more compared to the page numbers written down the left hand side, showing how they are more important; worth reading.

The layout of the page is very neat which isn’t what you think of when you think of guitars therefore different techniques are used to meet these expectations. An example of one of these techniques is the title 2 sculls have been used in the letter ‘O’ showing the magazine still has its ‘rock and roll’ side. A yellow text box has been used next to the page numbers that were mentioned on the front cover. Having the colour yellow, contrasts with the 3 colour scheme used on the rest of page again showing that it isn’t just a ‘neat’ magazine.

From this contents page I will take into consideration the way enlarged numbers of pages in the magazine have been used on the pictures to show where the pictures are in the magazine. I also like the way the contents page is separated with black boxes making headings for each section of the contents page.

Codes and Conventions

Total Guitar Double Page Spread

The title of the band ‘Lostprophets’ is written in white, ghost like letters in a sans-serif font. Lightening is coming off from some of the letters giving it the ‘rock’ look. Having the letters smudged and the lightening coming off of them allows the title to stand out against the black background grabbing the reader’s attention.

Only 2 colours have been used here these colours being black and white. The dark, masculine colours used, again help the magazine to target its audience of young male adults. The background is black on the page on the left as well as the photograph having a black background on the right. All of the text has been written in white and a white spot light is shining behind the band drawing attention towards them. The page is quite simple because of only 2 colours being used but they represent the band well, as the photo is showing that this is them, just a normal band.

There is only one picture used which fills up the whole of the right hand side page. It is the same styled photo as the one used on the front cover but, the band is in different positions. The man at the front looked like the most important one on the cover, but even though he is still in front he is below the other two band mates making them look more important than he is. He is holding the guitar up right, allowing it to fill the page from the bottom to the top so the guitar now looks like the most important part. There is a spot light shining behind the band which focuses all the attention on them, grabbing the reader’s attention.

The text is mainly written in a sans-serif font with the sub-heading in a serif font. There are two columns of text with a dropped capital at the beginning of the sentence. The dropped capital is an ‘S’ which is written in black inside of a white box that look like it has been torn at the bottom. By having the ‘S’ larger than the rest of the text and in a different colour, it makes it look more appealing for the reader to read. There is a quote at the end of the article which is in the same style of writing as the title by it looking like it is glowing and having lightening coming off of it. The reader is more likely to read this first as it is eye catching and then be interested enough to read the whole article.

At the top of the page, above the title there is a picture of the bands album cover. The picture itself is small but has white, shape like wings around it as well as lightening therefore bringing the reader’s attention towards the album. At the bottom of each page there is a page number with the name of the magazine written next to it in small letters. Having the name of the magazine on each page means the reader is constantly being reminded on what they are reading so they are more likely to remember it in the future.

From this double page spread I will take into consideration when making my own magazine the way the page is set out. One main picture has been used filling up one side of the double page spread and on the other side there is the title with a short description below it and then the article underneath it all. I also like the fact a drop capital has been used at the beginning of the article and the border line used across the top of the page. I will try and incorporate these things into my own magazine.

Codes and Conventions

Front cover of NME

The title used on this front cover doesn’t stretch across the whole page and instead is just in the left hand corner. It is written in a sans-serif font in 3 different colours; red for the text with a white background and black border. The title is inside of a yellow banner that stretches across the top of the page which also has in it 8 pictures of bands that are in the magazine giving the reader a better idea of what is in the magazine. Having the red NME title against the yellow banner helps it to stand out grabbing the reader attention.

There is a 3 colour scheme used with the colours red, white and yellow. The bright red and yellow colours are used for the background of the banners that go across the page. When red is used for the background the text is in yellow and when the background is in yellow the text is in red this is to help the writing to stand out therefore grabbing the reader’s attention.  

A large picture has been used in the centre of the magazine with eight smaller pictures showing different artists at the top of the page. The main picture is a close up of two men looking straight at the camera which overlaps the title at the top allowing it stand out more grabbing the reader’s attention. The eight smaller pictures are grouped together at the top of the page showing how they are all equal in importance compared to the main, large picture used.

A sans-serif font has been used in red, white and yellow colours on the front cover. The text is written in bold with the opposite colour behind it allowing the text to stand out more. The price in the top left hand corner is the only piece of text written in a serif font making it look softer and nicer to show that it is a good price for a magazine. Some of the text is written on angles giving a variety of different ways of presenting the text on the page as only one or two fonts have been used.

There is a banner going across the middle of the page advertising ‘New Albums of 09’ in a bright yellow font with smaller, white writing underneath it explaining more of what it is about. Having ‘New Albums 09’ written in a large font going across the middle of the page, grabs the readers attention so they pick it up and read the smaller writing then the rest of the magazine.

From this magazine I will take into consideration when making my own magazine the way bands have been listed at the bottom of the page straight away engaging the reader into who’s featured in the magazine. I also like the 'plus' used inside of an arrow making it more interesting than just the word 'plus'. I will try and incorporate these features into my magazine as much as I can.

Codes and Conventions

Contents page of NME

There isn’t a title showing the reader that this page is a contents page instead there is the title ‘NME THIS WEEK’ which is a way of reminding the reader that it is a NME magazine. The word ‘NME’ is written in a red font with a white border and black background which is the same as how it was on the front cover therefore a constant reminder that this style of writing means they are reading NME magazine.

Four colours have been used on the contents page these colours being red, black, white and green. The red and white colours are carried on from the front cover so each page of the magazine looks similar but different so it isn’t boring and instead more interesting. The red, white and black colours have been used around the outside edges of the page with green and black colours used in the middle of the page.

Small images have been used instead of having one main image on this page, these being 6 smaller pictures of studio interviews with different bands. They are all together in a group all in the same size showing how they are of all equal importance. There are also 2 pictures of other NME magazines at the bottom of the page advertising to the readers to subscribe to the magazine. Having pictures of previous NME magazines gives the reader a better idea of what they will be getting if they do decide to subscribe.

The main font used on this magazine is a sans-serif font in either the colours red, black, white or yellow. There is a ‘Band Index’ down the left hand side of the page with all the different bands in the magazine listed in a small, red font. The page numbers are given next to each band in a black font. The small font makes it hard to read so the titles are what grab the reader’s attention and then the readers go on to reading the smaller text. On the right hand side of the page there are sub-headings of main news and reviews in the magazine. By having these pages written in a larger font with sub-headings it looks more appealing, showing its importance over the ‘Band Index’, making the reader look at the pages on the right hand side rather than the left hand side.

An arrow has been used along the right hand side of the contents page showing what is on the cover of the magazine. This is helpful for the reader as if they see something they like on the cover then it is easy for them to find which page it is on from the contents page. A small green and black border has been used around the title ‘Albums of 2009’ in the centre of the page with the background as green circles. Having a green background that contrasts with the rest of the page and a large black title over the top of it allows the text to stand out grabbing the reader’s attention before they look at the rest of the page.

From this magazine contents page I will take into consideration when making my own contents page the way the bands in the magazine have been listed down the side of the page making it easier for the reader to see which bands they want to read about and which they don't. I also like how headings have been used above each section of stories such as 'news' and 'reviews' separating the contents page again making it easier to read. I will try and incorporate these features when I come to do my own magazine.

Codes and Conventions

Double page spread of NME

The title of the band Kasabian is in a bold, black, sans-serif font that spreads across both pages grabbing the reader’s attention. The letter ‘K’ has a green circle going around it highlighting it so it stands out against the grey sky background of the picture used behind it.

A 3 colour scheme has been used with the colours green, black and white. This has been carried on from the contents page which also used red colours. The patterned border used on the contents page has been repeated here on the drop capital as it goes so far down then starts to separate into green and black colours creating a interesting pattern.

Two pictures have been used on this page; one main image filling up the left hand side page and the other, a lot smaller, placed on the right hand side page. A low angle shot has been used on the large, main image looking up at the band Kasabian. The man at the front looks the most important as he is in front of the other 3 band mates. The picture presents a very casual look of the band just walking along in a car park targeting its audience of young male adults who are stereotypically known to just ‘hang out’. The smaller picture used also presents a very casual look with a few of the band mates in the studio making music. Having a smaller picture, showing the reader the band back stage, gives the magazine article a more personal approach therefore the reader is more likely to read the article.

The titles and headings used on this page are written in a sans-serif font unlike the actual article which is written in a serif font. Using a sans-serif font for the titles and headings makes them clearer and easier to read which is good because they are the first thing the reader would look at. Once the reader looks at the title, if they are interested enough, they will read the article which is in a serif font which gives the magazine a more sophisticated look.

Both pictures used have a caption underneath them telling the reader a little bit about what the picture is showing. This is a good technique to use as if the reader has looked at this page then they must be interested in the band so would be interested in things like what they are doing in the pictures. A green text box has been used at the bottom of the second column which has a quote inside of it taken from the article. This is a good method to use to grab the reader’s attention and make them want to read the article because it gets them wondering what the article is actually about.

I like on this magazine how there have only been two pictures used one showing them properly on a photo shoot and the other one behind the scenes with them in a studio. I also like how the quotation taken from the text has been made a feature of by putting a green bubble effect around it continuing on with the colour scheme. I will try to incorporate these features when I come to do my own magazine.

Codes and Conventions

Front cover of NME

The title used on this page is in a red, bold, sans-serif font at the top left hand corner. The letter 'E' is slightly hidden by the head of the man in the image used as the man on the cover will attract more readers than the title will. The red title is against the block white background, allowing it to stand out and be clear enough to read therefore grabbing the reader's attention.

There has been a 3 colour scheme used with the colours red, white and black. The background colour is white with the picture used in black and white and the text in either red or black. The red and black text stands out against the white background allowing it to be easy to read.

Only one picture has been used on the front cover which is of a man sticking up his two fingers with a arrogant facial expression appealing towards the male audience. His clothes contrast with his facial expression by him wearing an open shirt and blazer which appeals more towards the female audience. With him having messy hair and sticking up his fingers helps to show the reader that this is a rock styled magazine.

Sans-serif fonts have been used on this page but in different colours, styles and sizes. The straight, bold lines of the sans-serif font makes it easier to be read and allows the text to stand out more therefore grabbing the reader's attention.

A plus and minus sign have been used at the top right hand side representing good and bad things in the magazine; the bad things being how fans are judging 'Liam's return' and the good things being 'new albums'. These signs make the cover look more interesting as it is already a very plain and simple cover.

From this magazine front cover I will take into consideration the way the text has been written in different colours creating a more interesting effect rather than them all being in the same colours. I like how the titles of bands and pages have been written in larger fonts with more detail about the story underneath them in smaller fonts. I will try to incorporate these features when I come to do my own magazine.

Codes and Conventions

Contents page of NME

The title 'contents' hasn't been used and instead the title is 'Inside this week' has been. This means that it isn't clear to what the page actually is. The title is written in a black, serif font with the date written in a very small font underneath it.

There are mainly only 2 colours used on this page; black and white, as well as a small bit of red colouring. The picture in the centre is carrying on from the front cover by having a black and white photograph yet the rest of the photos are in colour.

Five small images have been used along the sides of the page with a larger image in the middle of them showing the reader that this is the most important thing to look at and read in the magazine. Each picture shows a different thing each representing the piece of text underneath them so the reader is given a better idea of what each page is about so it is easier for them to choose what to read in the magazine.

The majority of the page has been written in a serif font giving it a sophisticated look which contrasts with the genre of the magazine, rock. In the corner of each picture there is a page number of where that image can be found in the magazine. This is good for the readers as they will be able to easily find what they want to look at in the magazine.

Next to the picture at the bottom of the page, there is a column that says 'plus' with different page numbers and one worded pages down it. By having these pages listed in a small text at the bottom of the page where not many people will look, shows the contrast in importance between those pages and the pages listed above with pictures and in larger fonts.

I like the way the page numbers have been added to each image used on this contents page allowing the reader to clearly see what picture is linked to what story. I also like how each story is more than just a title, it has a little more information about what is on each page.

Codes and Conventions

Double page spread of NME

A title hasn’t been used on this page therefore it isn’t clear to what the page is actually about. Pictures have been used of a band but again it isn’t clear to whom the band actually is. This isn’t a very good technique to use as you want to grab the reader’s attention by them seeing a good bands name written in large, bold letters across the double page spread.

A 3 colour scheme has been used with the colours black, white and green. The page is just black and white with different, dark colours in the pictures. The panel down the right hand side of the page is an advertisement which is written in a green font with a black background. The pictures used don’t carry on the 3 colour scheme of black, white and green as a mixture of colours are used in each image. The page has been laid out in a block style making it look more sophisticated targeting an older audience who like rock music.

There is one main image that spreads across the centre of the double page spread with three smaller images underneath it. The main picture used shows the band playing at a concert immediately grabbing the reader’s attention by it showing them that they are a successful band. Then, using smaller pictures, the reader is shown the behind the scenes part making the article more personal.

A sans-serif font has been used for this article, continuing on with the sophisticated look of the article. Two drop capitals have been used on the page indicating a more important part of the article. On the left hand side of the page quotes have been highlighted allowing it to stand out for the reader so when they read it they are curious to see what it is talking about so they go on to reading the rest of the magazine.

I like how at the beginning of some of the paragraphs drop capitals have been used breaking the text up. I also like how one main image is used with a few smaller images which I will take into consideration when carrying out my own magazine.