Ellie Francis

Research Task 2a: NME Front

Cover Analysis

Masthead:‘NME’ is placed at the top of the magazine in the left hand corner. The font which is used for the masthead is Sans Serif which is one of the codes and convention magazines follow. The masthead is also placed in the left hand corner as this is the first thing the audience will see on shelves. This is used as part of the rule, within the rule of thirds. The magazine is split into three columns and rows in order to make certain parts of the magazine stand out.

Main Image:The main image of the well known Dizzee Rascal is a full body shot however can be seen as a mid shot due to the top half of the body being visual and focused on. The main image also anchors the main cover line which draws in the attention of the audience due to having something to relate to. The choice of mise-en-scene which is used within the background makes the main image stand out. The chose of graffiti in the background also connotes the energetic side to the magazine. The loud vibe sets the tone for the magazine and draws in the target audience as it seems happy and relates to the genre of the magazine.

The Header:The strapline has been added to the magazine in order to draw attention to the magazine.. This also gives the audience more information on the magazine as well as what they have to offer. Giving the audience more reason to buy the magazine.

Main Cover line: The main cover line which can be seen anchors the main image of Dizzee Rascal. The main cover line itself denotes Dizzee Rascal itself. The bold and outstanding effects of the writing itself connotes Dizzee himself due to being loud and standing out from the crowd. Not only does the main image anchor the main cover line, but Dizzee Rascals facial expression anchors what the rest of the cover line has to say. The facial expression which can be seen is happy, over excited and a welcoming body language. This relates to the words ‘I’m spreading joy around the world, man!’ giving reason to why he is posing how he is.

Bottom Strip: The bottom strip includes information on other artists which are included inside the magazine. By doing this it means the magazines target audience is likely to be widened due to having a range of musical genres within the magazine. This means the magazine is not just targeted at a stereotypical person who would like rap music but however at a range of people and music lovers.

Barcode:This is a code and convention of which every magazine should have. This is because it is essential to the magazine due to this being where the audience can find vital information regarding buying the magazine.

Colour Scheme:The colour Scheme which can be seen consists of red, black and white throughout the whole front cover. These colours attract attention to the reader as they work well together as well as keep a serious tone to the magazine. The magazine does not use to many colours and remains the same throughout all NME magazine; meaning the magazine will be recognized just from the colour scheme. The colours of both black, red and white are also colours which are neutral and are not regarding to go with any specific gender but towards both male and female genders.