Music Magazine: Double Page Spread Analysis's 2

NME Magazine



NME's magazine spread is full of images, bright colours and alternating sized fonts to make the article a visual feast whilst still concentrating on the content. The image of the band: The teenagers covers the whole first page as the three piece sit on a small sofa in front of a wall plastered with posters. The image shows the band relaxing in what appears to be their home; matching the story as it is an article about their life, so a casual picture seems appropriate. Colours are bright in the image which will have been altered using Photoshop. Additionally their perfect looking skin has been changed using the healing tool. Other photographs include a small live action shot of the band in the secound column at the start, which has a caption on top of the image. Also included in on the secound page of the spread is a section on other new popular bands and short descriptions about them. This is also followed with a small image to the right of the text.

Titles have all been put in capital letters using different colours which include: blue, white and black. Alternating fonts are used, the 'NEED TO KNOW,' text which is in a blue box on top of the image at the bottom left corner at an angle, isn't in the same style of text as 'THE TEENAGERS' and 'RADAR.' The fonts aren't dramatically different, some look more straight and boxed. 'NME LOVES' is also in different font as it looks like it has been written in white pencil on top of a star banner box. Light blue is the main colour that is used throughout the article. The main title is in bold, black text and has a blue, square background. Other parts that are coloured with a blue banner are: a quote from the story that is written in white, the 'need to know box' and 'radar' at the top left corner. Sections of the separate story on the page also have a couple of parts with blue backgrounds. Bright colour schemes capture the eye of the reader whilst entertaining them.

Three section are to the spread: image, article and separate story. Over the main image is boxes of information about the band and a small banner at the top. Also the main title overlaps on to the photo making it look slightly messy; like the flat in the background of the picture.The last column is a black rectangular box that cover the last third and there is white lower case text in it. All of the sections are straight facing the reader; except the information box over the image. At the end of the main article is a small red box that includes the NME website address.

Special software used to enhance images: Photoshop has been used to create a slightly unorganised banners that overlap over other sections. Text boxes have been used to create this and the fonts and colours altered on that setting.

Overall i like this spread and would consider when making my music magazine, having it similar to this style. The unorganised, whilst being organised feel and the messy background of the image. I would also use Photoshop similarly like they have for enhancing the image. This appeals to the target audience through the colours as it is aimed at my age group and above and it does appeal to me. However although it is busy and looks interesting; i wouldn't have added another story to the page as it distracts the readers attention.

Typical of the artist the font for the title is laid back using the Rastafarian colour of red that looks like it has been painted on. However black and white are predominantly used in the article. The text is written in one coloumn to the left of the page which is umconventional; however it looks like the opening page spread so normally the image is the most dominant. Under the mast head is a small summary of what the article will include is written as though it looks like it has been typed on a type writer and is outlined with a white banner. One the image to the right at the bottom is a small caption in basic small font like the rest of the column; however the text is white on the image and the text is in a larger black font. At the beginning of the paragraph is the starting letter 'K' in bigger bold text. This is typical of a double page spread.

The contrast on the image has been taken down using Photoshop the colours are less bright making the image look cool and relaxed as though he is sitting in a shack. It looks like a natural pose instead of being staged and has a background; although it is not a key image in the back it isn't like it is staged as this would contradict the artist’s ideas. Apart from the change of colours the image isn't as interesting and the font is basic which would work if the image was more entertaining.

Layout is very basic as there is only one column and the image is too the right of the spread. This isn't typical of a magazine cover story as the image would usually be to the left of the page as that is the way people read or in the middle, with text around it. This again follows the ethos of the reggae artists as he was rebellious breaking the rules. The masthead is tilted to one side to make it aesthetically pleasing.

Image and text have been used well on this page. The text is very plain and basic along with the image; however their personalities dominate the photo in font of the plain white background. The artists are dressed in black following the typical indie rock style looking cool and quirky in a leather jacket and checked shirt. The image of one of the band members has a shadow which makes the photo appear darker but very clean cut at the same time. One of the only parts of colour on the page is the red emblem on one of the bands jackets and a small red box with a caption in small white text.

Following basic conventions the text is written in three different columns with bold writing in the same font for the questions that were asked in the interview. Like previous magazine spreads the first letter of the text is big and bold. The title of the article is the name of the band which is in capital dark red letters with a small summary under in black bold text. Occasional words are coloured in red; mainly the parts of the interview where the name of the band member is in bold colour.

At the top of the page is a grey think banner that is separated by ‘CASH FOR QUESTIONS’ box in the middle which signifies it is a feature that is always in the magazine. The ‘CASH’ is in bold black text. Under the story is a bold black line and under is a small amount of text including the page number.

Music Magazine: Double Page Spread Analysis's

NME: 19th February 2011 

 
NME is infamous for its bright, eye capturing, interesting double page spreads and this issue is no different. On the first page is an image of the band: The Strokes standing before an empty flat looking cool in their rock and roll style clothes: leather jackets and sunglasses whilst standing in different poses looking like they have been caught by surprise on the camera. This is the only photograph that has been taken on this page of the band. This gives the image and article an equal balance of text to visual display which makes it entertaining to look at. The colours of the band's outfits contrast with the yellow page and pink as they are predominantly wearing black which also adds to the interest of the article. The image is very confident especially of the lead singer: this corresponds to the title: "Were Stronger Than Ever" which is a quote from the band.

Font has been used throughout the page which is similar; however capitals and colours have been altered. The title is in bold, pink capitals and is slanted to the left hand side which adds to the quirkiness of the magazine. Below is short text also in pink although it is in capitals and a lot smaller, summarising the articles main parts. There are two higlighted words in black. At the beginning of the article the T of 'The' is bigger in bold pink and covers 5 lines. Similarly this has also been done, but smaller at the start of the secound paragraph. The main story is written in three columns and is in plain, black, lower case text which is typical of an big article.

Additionally under the main title is a faint black banner with the name of the journalist who wrote the story. It is also at a slant with the text. The layout is very simplistic drawing attention to the image and story itself. However the colours: yellow and pink make it seem fun and appealing. 

Photoshop has clearly been used to enhance the image making the rock stars have good skin with no dark circles underneath their eyes this will have been altered using the healing tool. Also the photo is a lot darker so the contrast will have been changed. The text will have been coloured by creating a text box and the title rotated slightly. Also the background yellow will have been added on a lower layer whilst the text was added over the top. 

This double page spread is very appealing to me as i like the cool urban feel to the image and the colours contrasting against each other on the page. I also like how their is not a lot of text and the image is one of the main focuses. It is clear that this type of article would be targeted at a younger audience: teenagers and music fans in their twenties due to the young band and bright colours.           





Q Magazine: 21st January 2009


Image and title dominating this picture it is very aesthetically appealing to younger audiences due to the lack of text and the image that is very dominant and 'in your face' as it matches the main title: " People think I'm an attention seeker, but I'm just honest." The artists clothes are one of the only sections of colour on the page as most text is in black and white with hints of red. Lilly Allen's pose is confident as she wears a red checked shirt and has her hair cut short which is quite masculine symbolising and justifying the story as she is appearing tough. Her only feminine features is her necklace and eye makeup.  As the text is very busy and the image is the main part, the background is plain white as it would have made the article too hectic and would have distracted away from the article; although this isn't the focus on the page. 

Automatically capturing the readers eye the main title shows great design and detail as it looks like different letters have been cut out of a newspaper and stuck on the page. Thus also corresponding against the story as it states that people say she is something, but she is not she is the opposite. Different letters are in white bold capitals whilst some aren't, they all have a black box background and take up two thirds of the page. Other text is in lower case black and is centered at the bottom of the spread. Occasional words such as: 'Lilly Allen' have been highlighted in bold red. Alike the previous magazine double page spread, the first letter of the word in the story is bigger in bold. 

Unconventionally, columns are in four sections which again adds to the rebellious feel of the piece. There is a small description of the story above. The main title is scattered on top of the page and is on top of a part of the photo. Layout isn't too over the top as the image and text speaks volumes and it doesn't need to be over complicated. 

The software Photoshop have definitely been used to create the text using text boxes and cutting tools. The image appears flawless which of Lilly Allen's face which will have been altered using the healing tools. Finally the colour of the image has been brightened on the contrast setting. 

Overall this spread is quirky and interesting to the viewer; however i don't think it matches it's actual target audience of young adults as this type of article could appeal to younger people like it is a feature in a twelve year old's 'SHOUT' magazine.Although i think the text would distract a child of that age from reading. The style that it has tried to capture is a rock star, rebellious look which i think they have managed to create. It could be improved by making the title smaller and adding more text; then it may appeal to their older audiences.

Music Magazine: Contents Page Analysis's 2

Q: October 2008



 

Q's old contents page follows all the codes and conventions when making a magazine. It is similar to a previous issue of NME; however the main image isn't as large and the column which lists what is in the magazine doesn't appear as forced to fit in. The focus image is of a band, The Courteeners in the country on top of a hill as they pose in a shirt, t-shirts and jeans whilst the lead singer wear sunglasses to follow the rock and roll look. Unlike the other magazines that were previously viewed most of the images didn't have a background. Whereas both of the photographs on the page have more than just the band or artist. The secound image located at the bottom in the middle is of the artist: Nick Cave in an expensive looking suit stood leaning on a pillar. By including a background it makes the picture more visually interesting than the stereotypical band in a studio wearing modern clothes, sunglasses looking cool. 

All the font on the page are similar and the text is all in drop capitals. Although the colours are different following the front cover's colour scheme.  The basic trend of the text is: page numbers in bold red at the start of the sentence and the article title in black. Also there is a brief description about the story in lower case black letters. In the middle of the features list is a box that follows written in bold gold for the title: OASIS SPECIAL then like the other stories the text is in black; however the page numbers are coloured in gold. This part of the page is also in larger text. The bigger parts of the section are: CONTENTS, which is in a black banner at the top of the page and the text is bold white. Other sections that are larger are the title: FEATURES, Q REVIEWS, EVERY MONTH and finally the main story, THE COURTEENERS. By doing this it makes the text capture the readers eye and makes the page more organised. 


Other text includes the date, magazine website URL and the blurb after the Q reviews section. Additionally there is a quote in a box underneath the main article teasing the viewer into reading story.  


The main image corresponds with the title of the story on top of the picture. This making the article appear the most important and interesting as it the first part the eye is drawn to. The small photo also matches the short Q review section which is listed beneath as it is one of the stories that is included. There are three columns that the page is split into left to right, the first one covers the whole page whilst the secound and third are the same size below the main image. 

I like the way the articles broken up into three different sections: features, every month and Q reviews, i like the order of the page. However i would prefer more images to break the text up more. In my music magazine i might use a background in my images to make the photo look more aesthetically pleasing. I also may put my text in alternative boxes again for neat presentation. 


Mojo: December 2010 


 
Mojo's contents page is unusual compared to previous music magazines that have been looked at. It uses a two colour colour scheme and and image predominant, although this is similar there is only one photograph on the page which is visually disturbing of the artist: Alice Cooper naked with black snake covering him. This following the style of the magazine, controversial and daring focusing on rock music and old bands. It is a very dark image and his face, hair and eyes look tired, dirty and messy. He laying in front of a plain background that is the colour for the whole page, dark grey; also following the rock and roll genre. 


The text is very simplistic in either bold red for page numbers or bold words for the titles and plain black for the description underneath. It is written in two short columns displaying the simplicity. The first column is titled: FEATURES, the other one is named COVER STORIES THE MAKING OF BOB DYLAN. The titles of the article is written in capital letters e.g. ALICE COOPER whereas the rest in is lower case.  Other text includes the date, issue number which hasn't been featured in other magazine that have been viewed. Also the page number and different countries or a street under the mast head that is placed at the top. There is a quote that follows the image in lower case and a description in capitals below in red and black text.  


Layout of the contents is very basic due to the picture of the Alice Cooper being the main part of the page. There are two faint dividers between the cover story section. Apart from this there is no other elements except the two basic columns. Additionally there are two yellow and black lines above and below the date and issue number.  


I like the way the image is controversial and the main feature however i think there could be more photo's added to add more interest. Or the colour scheme could be more interesting with varying fonts because it looks very minimalistic. On the other hand, it is very ordered which make it slightly more interesting to view.  

NME: 19th February 2011

Beginning with the title: 'INSIDE THIS WEEK' in black capital letters with a date below it in smaller font; the contents page is very interesting to view as the images capture the audience whist corresponding with the story it is linked to. The main image in the center is an artist with a unclear background of buildings. Under the photo is a quote from the story in italics and lower case letters, below is a brief description of the story. The rock star is dress in a suit and long jacket looking happy as if he has a story to tell hence the article.All of the other six images which are in three columns, the middle being the largest have a quote from the article in black bold, lowercase or italics which looks like it has been hand written. The photographs show different angles of the various bands and artists from a close up of a unhappy looking face to  medium shot of the band: Frankie and the Heartstrings. Most are plain white or grey backgrounds; however at the top left is a live shot of the lead singer from Wu Lyf singing with out a top on which fonts the rock persona whilst performing. 

The only colour included in the page is in the images which makes it look simple; however the text size, fonts and images alter this view. Page numbers are in bold and are bigger than the words that follow in the feature. There is also a small column located in the bottom middle of the page that includes a list of what is to follow in the magazine which is typed in the smallest text on the page. At the bottom left is an advertisement telling the reader about the latest subscription offer this is typical of NME and occasionally some other music magazines.

It is divided through the columns by small black faint lines to separate the stories and make it more structured. Every article has an image attached that is displayed in a rectangular order. The page numbers are in a white box contrasting against the black numbers.

I like the way every story has an image and it is divided by faint black line separators. The different fonts make it interesting to view. But i think more of a colour scheme needs to be added instead of relying from the colour from the images which is limited. In my magazine i might think about including an advertisement.

Music Magazine: Contents Page Analysis's

NME: 23rd October 2011

Contents pages are very important for a magazine, when browsing in a shop deciding whether to buy or not people will skip to the contents page to get a quick overview of exactly what is in. Once the magazine is bought and they only want to read stories of interest the page will tell them quickly where to look. 

NME's contents page has eight different sections which includes a general advertisement. Each section has an image attached to it all from different angles which relate to the article. Typically the pictures tend to be of bands or artists. One of the pictures shows a woman close up to the camera, hunched over looking cool and stylish following the story: 'Cool List 2010.' In the middle is a black and white image of Oasis with a quote below which is taken from the interview which is to follow. Most of the images have a quote below them in relation to the article. The only colour on the page is in the pictures as the colour scheme is black and white throughout with an exception for the advert.

Different font is used in the page. 'INSIDE THIS WEEK' introducing the page is in big, bold, black text introducing the contents page. Some of the article names are also in bold black however they are a lot smaller fitting in the boxes. However the other stories names are in lower case and in italics. Although some stories aren't in bold but the blurb under the bottom is it alternates for a good variation making it look quirky. The small main list is written one above each other in drop capitals and the page numbers are in bold like most of the boxed features are but they are smaller in listed box. The 'PLUS' titling the column also in italics and it has extra swirls coming off the P. 


The page is set out in three seperate columns and after each story is a faint black line which creates a box for some of article names. However the bottom half isn't as structured keeping in line with the other two columns as it is the main list of what is in the magazine. 

i like the way the stories are ordered into column and boxes. However i don't like the minimal colour scheme as it makes it look plain, the images almost justify the lack of colour but i'd prefer it to be as busy as colourful as the cover. 

NME: 6th February 2010  

Although from the same magazine the layout of the contents page is drastically different to the previous one. The image dominates the page and there is a short story which follows it. The image is of the band: The Maccabees on stage. It is a natural picture unlike the posed images of bands that music magazines frequently use. The photo is a live action shot as you can see some of the audiences heads and the lead singer feeling his music as his eyes are shut and his face is strained. At the top of the picture is a date, title of the band and location of the gig written in capital white typing in a small red box. The only other images is a small, square posed photograph of another band on top at the bottom of the live picture. They are standing before a checked background in suits and appear to be an old band from the age they look. Additionally as some extra advertising there is an image of an old NME magazine which follows with subscription details.

At the left of the page is a long list in red writing with black page numbers telling the reader 'WHAT'S INSIDE.'  The title is written in bold white with a black background. The colour of the text matches the logo of the NME AWARDS which is placed on top of the main image in the left corner. The logo also includes other colours splashed in the background like paint. The text on the logo is different, sections look like it has been hand written whilst other parts look like its rustic with small straight chunks out of it. 


The layout is simple the image takes over most of the page more that two thirds. There is a long column for the list of articles in the magazine. Finally there is a small section for the advertisement at the bottom of the page. It is very ordered and makes it pleasant to view. 


I don't like this contents page as much as some of the others because they have focused on the small story and made the image the most predominant part of the page. The first column with the list on almost looks like it has been squashed into that section of the magazine. However i do like that there is a main image on the page as some content's use many which can make it look like a mess.

Music Magazine: Front Cover Anaysis's 2

NME: 14th August 2010

Dominated by the image of Jimi Hendrix dressed in a brightly coloured army style jacket, NME's cover is very busy and interesting to look at. As it is a special edition it's focal point is the life of the rock star and all of the text is slanted around the picture and matches the colours of his clothes on the cover. The image is in the center of the page and fills the whole of the magazine front page. However interestingly his face and hand are in black and white which could be cleverly done as if he isn't there anymore because of his early death.

Font and text is very aesthetically entertaining from the colours to the different text styles.  The main four colours are pink, purple, black and white. NME is a blend of the pink and purple as the title increasingly gets lighter. Additionally the title is in front of the image which traditionally with this magazine the picture is almost always in front.  All of the text is in capitals; however at either side of the image the words are slanted around the picture and some follow the outline of Hendrix. This makes the page look quirky and cool. At the top of the page are two other stories in bold, pink capital letters for the title of the article and then a short text underneath in thin, black writing. There is also text across the middle of the image as the title of the main story linking to the picture which enforces that weeks main focus making people want to buy it because of Hendrix's huge popularity. At the bottom right corner of the magazine is an opportunity for a reader to win tickets for the big Reading and Leeds festivals. This will draw the viewer into buying the magazine. At the top of the magazine is another title in black capitals linked to the Hendrix story in the middle the '40' of the '40th anniversary' section is in pink the same slanted text as the articles around the image.

On the front cover also is the bar-code; however it is at the bottom left hand corner in this issue because at the other side is a competition advertisement for the readers. This isn't typical of a magazine. In the bar-code is the date of the issue's release, price and website address.  The date and price is also featured at the top of the page above the title in a small black font.  

The software Photoshop has been used on the page as the black and white face and hands of Jimi Hendrix has been altered by changing the gradients of colour. Also the text will have been typed, coloured and rotated around the image. The other text will have also been typed in a text box and changed colour to then some put in bold. Hendrix image will have also been altered for blemishes and dark circles with the healing tool. All of the elements will have been done on different layers so that some parts are in front of others.  

I like the font used in this front cover; and the colour scheme which appeals to their target market well because of the use of colour.  

NME: 23rd October 2011 

Unlike the other music magazines i have reviewed they all used one image as a world exclusive or big main story. This issue of NME has four images with different artists on. However it still uses a plain,white background. The images are all at different angles placed on top and behind each one. Again although it there is not one image it matches the main story of 'cool list 2010.' Thus attracting the reader into buying. The variety of images make it visually appealing as they are all dressed in alternative colours and look different from one another, each artist interesting different readers. This is usually done if the stars aren't that well known or don't have a huge fan base. Whilst looking at all of these magazines, all the images of the different bands/artist's are posing as opposed to natural pictures. 

There isn't as much text on this front cover as the variety of images dominates the page. All of the words are again in capitals apart from one section which is typed in calligraphy hand written looking text: "Who's in? Who's out?" This is written in white along with most of the main article titles. At the top left corner is a repeat of the main story re-worded: "THE 50 COOLEST PEOPLE IN MUSIC," written in bold black it is underlined in a faint black lines. The images are again over the bold, red title and thin black blurb below. 

A bar-code is placed conventionally at the bottom right corner, but in this issue it is turned horizontally opposed to landscape; however it still involves the same details, date, price and website address. The date and price is also placed at the top about the title of the magazine.Three columns below the main story reveals a selection of other articles that will also be included in the issue. This makes it more structured, ordered and easier to read. Additionally a small cross has been placed to the bottom left of the page. Also 'COOL LIST 2010' is in a hexagon that is tilted and coloured in red whilst the bold words are in white. 

Photoshop software has been used to soften the feature of some of the artists and hide blemishes or darkness under their eyes using the healing wand. Also the colour of their hair had been enhanced. Each image of the different stars will have either been placed on different layers and added on top of each other that way or they have been cut out using the magnetic lasso and placed on one layer. However by cutting out the images it may have made them unprofessional looking as it is hard to get them to look accurate but it will have been easier to get them precisely ordered over the other images. Text boxes have been used in red, white and black coloured alternating fonts.

I like the different images on the page as it makes it more interesting to view and it doesn't just appeal to one type of audience. However the colour scheme is too basic and there is limited text. 

Q: January 25th 2010 

Q magazines image cleverly shows two images in one: a single big picture of Liam's face whilst in his sunglasses are his band members standing against a black background as if they are being reflected against the lead singers glasses. The image matches the main story at the bottom of the page in big, bold red and white text which covers the whole of the bottom third of the magazine. It shows the rock stars face in a dark glow and makes his face look rough as he is unshaven and his eyes are covered with sunglasses; thus matching the story, 'BEADY EYE KICK OFF.' The band member in Liam's eyes look clean cut compared to the ragged rock star.

Similar to the previous Q magazine, the colour scheme is red, black, white and gold. The same font is used; however they are sized differently. The main stories are in the biggest text with a preview or short description below; but this is smaller. The variety of colours and sizes make the reader want to open the magazine because it has attracted their attention. Placed at the top left corner is an empty circle with an exclusive Queen story. The layout is very square and boxy in columns at either side of the image so therefore adding a circle to the top of the page is unusual and draws attention to that section of the cover. The text also captures the viewers imagination by having short phrases about the article or the story name itself 'LIVE ORGY.' A quote is also used for the same affect and popular bands are listed on the page which indicates they will be mentioned in the magazine circulating interest. 

Similarly to the NME magazine the bar-code has been placed horizontally so that it fits in with the large main title story and the date, price and website address are also included in the bar-code box. The Q title in the red box is in the foreground and is put above the picture which isn't typically done in music magazine the image is the focus because of the recognition it has already got. However it doesn't detract from the picture.

Photoshop has clearly been used to get the other band members in Liam's sunglasses they will have done this by cutting out the image using the cut tool and placing it in the glasses then altering the colour of the background by taking an original sample of the background sunglass then repeating the process so that it blends in. Also the colour of the image looks darker this will have been done by altering the contrast. Liam's cheekbones and lips also look more defined which have been altered using this software. Text boxes have been used and the colours of the text have been changed. There is a gold cross on the page which will have been created by using the basic line tool. Finally all the parts of the issue were done on separate layers so that text is in front of the image or the Q is in the foreground.

All together this is a good music magazine the image is in your face which serves its purpose and the text is well structured at the sides. The main conventions are followed which is also appealing. The style of Q is apparent as it combines new music which makes it relevant to its target audience as this is their preference.

Music Magazine: Front Cover Anaysis's

NME Magazine: 19th February 2011

NME, an urban, indie new music magazine is cool looking appealing to young adults and teenage audiences. This front cover has all the conventions on the magazines target look. The image to the text, colour scheme and layout.

One image of the band 'The Strokes' is used and covers the whole of the front cover, the image shows the band members at different angles looking like indie-rock stars. There costume also depicts this look as they wear leather jackets, black sunglasses, t-shirts and dirty Converses. The main colour scheme for the picture is black and white; however there is sections of blues and yellows in some of the t-shirts. The background is shades of grey and white as if they are standing in a street or in front of the walls of an underground.

The variety of the font isn't extensive however different styles of text have been used for the magazine title: big, bold square writing in white. The date and price of the magazine: slanted text like a basic version of calligraphy. Also the main story and different quotes from the articles that are used are in italics in capital letters. Although all the text is in capitals. The main story ' WORLD EXCLUSIVE THE STROKES' is centered in the middle of the page, on top of the image of the band. The makers of NME have done this so that the readers attention is drawn and it makes them want to read the magazine. The basic but bold colour scheme of white and light pink also help attract the reader. The article name in pink and a quote in white or the other way round is used.

Layout is important when constructing the cover as there may be many good images and interesting stories but if they aren't structured well then it isn't as aesthetically pleasing as it could be and may detract readers from buying. The title 'NME' is placed at the top left hand corner which is conventionally done. The heads of some of the band's heads are over the top of the title; but this shows that the magazine is well known. Above the title is the date and price; however it is also featured again n the bar code at the bottom right corner, which again is typical of a magazine. The main article headline is found in the middle of the page with the other stories in three coloumns below. At the top right of the page is a quote from the star Graham Coxon which makes the viewer want to read more.

Photoshop has been used to create this front cover. They may have used the spot healing brush to cover any blemishes the band members may have had. Also a tool would have been used to hide dark circles underneath their eyes. Text boxes have been used and added on top of the image by creating a new layer. This has been used again for the image over the magazine title. A cross has been added to magazine cover which will have been made using this software. There is a white border around the cover with a small black line this will have been created by putting all the elements of the page into a box.

In my music magazine i may use the border around the page and the capitals for the text. I could also have a plain background because by making it as minimalistic as possible it makes the band the focal point.

Q Magazine: April 2011

Q magazines choice of image is very minimal however it speaks volumes as it is very bold and in your face, almost intimidating. The background is just simply white as the lead singer of elbow stands in a fixed, serious pose in an expensive looking suit before an old style microphone. The image is very dominant and is placed slightly over the magazine title which again like NME shows that it is well known.

Different fonts have been used on the cover for the article then the text underneath is alternative; however all of the writing is in drop capitals. The sizing of the words aren't all the same though the main article is at the bottom and takes up the whole of the lower third as it is what will draw the reader's into buying the magazine. Interestingly the bar code has been moved up the page to make space for the title which is unconventional. The main stories are in the biggest text as it is the stories that will be the most popular. Additionally they are also written in bold e.g. AMY Winehouse and the GREATEST BRITISH songwriters. Other text that has been used is a blurb under the magazine title, also a date price and website address on the bar code. There is a quote from a story luring the viewer into turning the page.

Six colours have been chosen on the front cover: black, white, two different shades of red and gold. This makes the page very visually interesting; however the main shade that is used is black and there is only a few bits of text in gold. White is just used for the main article: ELBOW and the title of the magazine as a contrast against the red squared background.

The main image is in the center of the page with the text at either side in columns. There are big, bold black line dividers between each story to separate the article's up. The title of the main article is at the bottom of the picture of the band members feet, but it is over the top of the picture. By doing this it shows that it is the most important feature and if the reader likes the band, which usually they have a large fan base if the key story is about them, then they are most likely going to buy the magazine.

The use of Photoshop in the magazine isn't very prominent compared to other magazines, but it has been used. To make Elbow's lead singer's suit appear shinier they have altered the contrast. They may have also got rid of blemishes or bags under his eyes by using healing wand. The use of text and different fonts will have been done by adding a text box and changing the colours and text style. Finally the way the image is place over part of the red square of the title; he would have been cut out using the magnetic lasso and placed on a layer above the title box. The bottom of the Q will have also been cut out and placed on a higher layer than the image.

I like this front cover it looks basic but it has a lot of elements. In my magazine i would think about using the dividers between each story and the minimal background.

School Magazine Evaluation

When looking at existing school magazines they all followed similar codes and conventions. An example is George Stephenson's magazine that incorporated a main headline, name of the magazine at the top left corner of the cover and the images didn't have a particular order but were generally in line with text. There was a basic colour scheme of reds and yellows that matched the school logo, which was placed at the right hand corner of the cover. However the colours were eye catching. I found my inspiration from the George Stephenson school magazine. I liked the layout of the cover, the headline, text, school logo, images and title were all in coloured boxed. It looked organised and professional, the bright colour contrast attracting students to read it and the arrangement the cover which would attract parents into reading the magazine. Once analysing different school magazines' conventions i created a front cover and contents page for a Whitley Bay High school magazine. However unlike George Stephenson's magazine i did not include a school logo.

I have learnt many things technologically whilst constructing my magazine. I have been practising how to take a good quality photo to give less work and ammendments on photoshop. I experimented with differrent angled shots: for example: medium close ups and low angle shots.  I learnt how to adjust the focus on a camera and how to work with natural and artifical lights to create a professional looking photo. Natural light helped to extentiuate the features of the model and make them look like a more natural beauty. Artificial light gives a more polished image. Whilst using photoshop i learnt how to use the cutting out tools better such as the magnetic lasso and the crop tool. I was also able to crop my images and add different fonts for my headlines in the magazine. To save time i learnt how to 7use shortcuts on the keyboard on photoshop such as 'Ctrl Z' to paste images.

Music Magazine Ideas

The genre of music magazine i have been thinking about doing is alternative/indie pop music featuring new and up coming artists.

I would target teenagers and young adults for a cool, quirky and urban feel.

The codes and conventions will be very simplistic with big, bold headlines, simple but effective images and a basic colour scheme of two to three colours.

Outline of School Magazine

School Magazine Preliminary Task