Weekly Update 2

This week by analysing two magazine front covers, I learnt what I should include in my front cover for my rock magazine:

• Harsh colour scheme (preferably red, black and white)
• A selling line at the top of the page
• A simple, yet interesting main image - maybe drained of colour slightly
• A consistent bold font throughout
• Capitalised font throughout
• At least one or two other images (apart from the main image) to advertise what is inside
• At least three cover lines (not including the main cover line)
• A male band or artist on the cover
• Slanted angles to add interest
• A clear bar code

By analysing two magazine contents pages, I learnt what I should include in my contents page for my rock magazine:

• Colour scheme following on from the front cover
• Columns
• Page numbers
• Large heading
• Subscription advertisement with images of previous issues
• All capital letters
• Quotations from articles

I am also going to include:

• Letter from the editor
• Different sections/headings for a clearer layout

Contents Page Analysis - Kerrang!

The contents page's colour scheme does not entirely match the front cover. This time, an accent colour of yellow is used as well as red, over the black and white. Yellow and black is a symbolism of danger - in the real world there are lots of signs and products which are yellow and black (see 'Colour Representation').
Half of the contents page is made up of a black and white image of a famous rock star. He is wearing a plain black leather jacket and has black hair. The background is also black. This works easily with the colour scheme, and also creates a typical rock genre feel. He is off-centre, towards the right of the image, and text and other images have been layered over the plain black part on the left.
The title 'CONTENTS' is fairly large, bold and yellow. Again the font is crackly, like the on the front cover. Under this is the issue number and date, clearly marked out. The white box surrounding this separates it from the rest of the page.
Under this, again like on the front cover, are images of posters with white borders. Next to these are also the page number and a similar symbol marking the fact that it is a cover story. There is also a grey sign with the cover line on it, in between the posters. The text is almost as large as the word 'contents' to show importance and catch the reader's eye. A spider has been layered onto the sign also, this is another symbolism of danger and death - many people are frightened of spiders.

The second half of the contents page is filled with cover lines and page numbers. The black strip has the masthead layered over it followed by 'THIS WEEK' in a yellow crackled font. This acts a title and helps o seperate the two halves of the page.
On the left at the bottom is a message from the editor who introduces the issue and comments on the main features article.
The contents are organised into three columns and are numbered by red characters, the same size and font as the text next to them. There are various headings which are the same crackly yellow font, over a black rectangle. They are as follows:

• Feedback
• News
• Win!
• Live Reviews
• Features
• Album Reviews
• Gig Guide
• The K! Quiz

Under each heading are lists of articles. Under the article name there is generally a very brief explanation as to what the article is about. Again, this is mostly black text over a plain white background.
Next to some of the article names there is a symbol which consists of a red circle under a black star and white text which says 'COVER STORY'. This helps the reader to go straight to a particular page if they were interested in something on the front cover.
On the right is a black text box which almost looks like a blackboard. There is blue shape over it, similar to the shape in the top half of the page, used for the title of this section. This could have been done like the rest of the contents page, however the black text box creates a more interesting layout, which isn't so structured and boring - rock music does not follow a strict set of rules.
On the right hand corner are images of three Kerrang! front covers and a half red, half black shape, promoting a discount on deliveries.

Contents Page Analysis - NME

The contents page is plainly black and white - it is representative of a newspaper (the paper used for the magazine is also like a newspaper's). The title font used is also similar to a font which would be used for titles in a newspaper. The newspaper form that the contents page takes on relates to the name 'New Musical Express', as The Express is a typical name for a newspaper.  The page is also separated into columns by lines, as in Kerrang!.
The title is not 'INSIDE THIS WEEK' - it is large and bold and centred at the top of the page. Under this the date in numbers.
The headings of each article are not used in the this contents page like they are in Kerrang!. Instead, a quote from each article is used. The text for this is generally large, however the fonts used differ slightly. Eg. the text "Die very young. The best method has gotta be car crash" is in italics and is not bold, where as 'I WANT GRAMMYS AND I WANT BRITS" is simple and bold. It also differs because some text in capital letters whilst others are lower case. The variation in text is used because of the simplicity of other aspects of the contents page (i.e. plain black and white colour scheme).
Under the quotes is a brief summary of each article. The text is smaller and consistent, unlike the quotes above.
Above the quote and summary, an image is used. This is used in place of the article name. This works well because the image clearly represents who the article is about. On the corner of each image is a bold number, larger than the quote. This grabs attention so that the reader can pick which article they are interested in, and immediately turn to it.
The large centre column in the middle of the page, under the heading, consists of images of the two versions of this issue (there are two different covers) - this is the largest image on the page and has been placed here to attract attention, in the hope that people might go out and buy the other cover. Under this a title and a very short introduction to the issue; in Kerrang! this was in the form of the letter from the editor.
Towards the bottom right is another section which doesn't follow the columns as in the rest of the page. In this is a separate section 'Plus', which gives a list of other articles in the magazine - this time there is no image, quote or summary, just the name of the article. This is done because of a lack of room, and not to complicate the layout. To the right of this is another image, quote and summary, presented in the usual way. This has been placed in the centre of the page in order to balance it out - a balanced page is more appealing to the eye.
Finally, in the right corner is a text box used to promote the subscription to the magazine, "SAVE 35% ON A SUBSCRIPTION TO NME!" The font is the third largest on the page and is white, which is different from all the other text which is black. This is over a teal blue background which goes well with the blue accent used on the cover. There is more text under this, smaller than the text above. The word 'FREE' is in capital letters to emphasise the fact that there is no charge and to convince people to subscribe. following this there is also a website and a number, in smaller text still, so that people can find out more about the offer.
There are images under this of four issues of NME, to further advertise the subscription offer.

Front Cover Analysis - NME

This magazine is slightly larger than A4, which is why the edges have been cut out.
The colour scheme of this front cover is black, red and white, like Kerrang!, however this time, a blue accent is used. Blue is a masculine colour and contrasts to the red. This added colour creates more of an indie-feel, slightly less bold and harsh than the previous front cover.
The magazine has the same general layout as Kerrang!. White and red is predominantly used for the text which is also bold and in capitals.
The selling line at the top is very large to attract the attention of the reader. The blue circle shape next to this contains the text, "1 of 2 NEW BAND Covers". The magazine has released two magazines, each with a different band on the front cover. This is to maximise interest and sales.
Under the selling line and towards the left of the page is the Mast head in white, block capitals. The same font is used consistently on the cover for simplicity.
On the right hand side of the mast head is a text box, unfilled, with a small picture in it. Also in this box, is the cover line "CAPTAIN BEEFHEART ROCK'S MAD GENIUS REMEMBERED". The name 'Captain Beefheart' is larger than the rest of the cover line to draw attention, and also to link to the image. Under this, the rest of the cover line is blue.
The band "The Vaccines" are the main image on this cover. The image lacks saturation to create a slightly morbid, depressing feel - again to accompany the rock type genre. They are dressed in brownish or black clothing which is neutral, and therefore, does not contrast any of the colours used for the rest of the cover. The four men all have serious looks on their faces, as did the subject on the front of Kerrang!. The lead singer is placed forwards and in the centre of the image, in front of the other three band members. This is to add a focus point, as the eye is immediately drawn to the lead man in the band (maybe he is the most famous or well known). He also seems to be clutching onto his guitar, symbolising that music is his comfort zone and what he loves; the band mates are placed behind him to show unison.
The front cover is well balanced with cover lines on either side of the image. On the left, the cover line is a list of the 'NEW STARS OF 2011'. The text is slanted and mostly white, with alternating colours for the text box. On the right is a plain white cover line so as not to over power the one on the left.
Placed in the centre of the page, under the main part of the main image, is the main cover line. This consists of a quote, written in white text, "WE WANT INDIE BACK IN THE CHARTS", and this is followed underneath by the name of the band and the text "THE RETURN OF THE GREAT BRITISH GUITAR BAND". This links to the main image in the fact that the band are holding onto the guitars as though they are their prize possessions.  The word 'THE' is at a slight slant so that the cover is more interesting, and "VACCINES" underneath this is very large and red. The text is slightly larger than the selling line text, but smaller than the mast head. This shows importance.
On the bottom left hand side is the bar code.

Front Cover Analysis - Kerrang!

The colour scheme for Kerrang!'s front cover is red, and black which are suitable to the rock genre because these colours are harsh and 'dangerous'. White is also used to compliment the two colours.
The masthead is large and bold and at the top of the page. It is white against a black background - this is to show contrast and edginess. The text itself rough at some of the edges and crackly, there are also lines going through it as though it has been smashed (like how a Rockstar might smash up his guitar).
The selling line is over the top of the masthead and is again, white text, this time over a red fill. The selling line is used to try and capture the interest of the reader and convince them to buy the magazine. The selling line says "WIN! NEW MACBETH TRAINERS EVERY MONTH FOR A YEAR!" These shoes are aimed at Kerrang!'s target audience in the hope that the reader will feel more inclined to buy the magazine. The word 'WIN!' is in a different front and angle just before the other text, this is done to be eye catching, and to exaggerate the fact that the reader can win something.
There is a box with an image in it under the masthead and right of the main image. In it is a picture of Hayley Williams, who is the well known lead singer of a band names Paramore. Her body language and facial expression (as though she is thinking) links to the caption of the image and cover line, "WHAT'S NEXT FOR PARAMORE?", which is again in bold, white and red font.
On the otherside, towards the left of the main image, is a round shape with a red fill. The shape looks like it has been splattered and the red conveys a blood-like image. This again adds to the 'danger' of rock music. In this is text which says "11 HOT BANDS TO ROCK YOUR 2011". This is in white to show up against the red background - notice that black and red never seem to be used over each other. This is probably to keep all of the text clear, and to stop the cover from looking amateur. Here, a pun is also used to related to the genre of rock, this adds a slightly more light-hearted and comical dimension to the magazine, so that the tone is not so serious.
The main image is a medium close-up of Corey Taylor, who is again, the lead singer of a very well known band. He is dressed in mainly black to match the colour scheme and so that text is able to lay over the image easily. He is not clean shaven which is representative of a typical Rockstar, and also has a tattoo on his neck which symbolises rebellion. His shoulders and face are not directly facing the camera, but his eyes are. This adds a sense of mystery.
Under the subject's face over a block, red rectangle is the start of the cover line, "SLIPKNOT... SUCCESS... SURVIVAL..." This introduces the band that he is in and highlights some of the topics that will be in the features articles, all whilst using alliteration to roll off the reader's tongue and make the article sound more appealing. Under this is his name "COREY TAYLOR" which bold and white and over a black background. This is very similar to how the text looks in the masthead, however the text is slightly smaller. This shows that, apart from the magazine itself of course, this features article is the most important thing in the magazine. Again, under this, is more white writing over a red background which finishes the cover line - "ANSWER'S YOUR QUESTIONS...". The word 'your' is underlined to address the audience in order to generate interest in the article. This is also done to create a sense of partnership between the magazine and the readers' who feel like they are acknowledged and appreciated.
Underneath this are three images advertising free posters in the magazine. This again, is done to convince people of the target audience to purchase it. The images look as though they are on a film strip.
Next to this is another cover line in bold, white and red lettering, some of which is slanted for added effect and edginess.
At the bottom of the front cover is another red strip to balance out the selling line at the top. Over this is a + symbol and white text listing various bands who are in the magazine. This gives the reader lots of insight into what is inside the magazine, and convinces them to buy it.
Notice that all of the text used is in capital letters. This is done for boldness and to add a sense of masculinity to the cover which is part of the rock genre.
The bar code at the bottom right hand side is layered over the red strip.