NME CONTENTS PAGE ANALYSIS

Colour

The page is based around the same core colours used on the NME front cover - red, white and black. The use of these colours make the page look classy and sophisticated, as well as helping the magazine to flow. Also, the colour red can be associated with passion, and in this case it is used to emphasise the passion for music that is the focus of the magazine. The colour black seems to be used for the text of larger headings, whereas the colour red is used for smaller text. This gives the page a more organised arrangement, making it clearer and easier for the reader to navigate from.

Design

The page appears to be divided into sections - the image occupying the centre and right of the page, and the text surrounding. The far left column is separated by 2 thin lines that run down the page either side of the text. This column lists what is inside the magazine in alphabetical order, making it clear and easy for the reader. This list is in red and contrasts with the dull image covering the rest of the page. The image does however contain some red (for example, on the clothes of the people - Klaxons) which links the image to the text, helping to continue the theme of red throughout. The font used is an ordinary bold style, and like the front cover, large font in capital letters is used for titles and headings. The white text box on the right of the page contains a heading in a different style of text and a paragraph of small black text. This is different from the rest of the page and for this reason stands out to the reader. It has been done as this section contains information regarding the main feature of the page - The Klaxons, as well as the focus running through the magazine as a whole - The Albums of 2010.

Images

The image on the contents page is of Klaxons, a very well known band. Using this image should help the magazine to appeal to its target audience (older teenagers - people in their 30's, who like music). Also, the setting of the photo appears to be the kitchen/living area of a flat or house, which is a very familar setting for the majority of people. This fits in with the perception that the artists that many people aspire to are simply ordinary people. The 3 band members are all positioned differently in the photo and are all busy doing different things, giving a feeling of depth to the image. Everything from the environment they are in, to the clothes they are wearing, portrays a relaxed atmosphere that ordinary people can relate to. In the image 2 of the band members are holding instruments which reminds the audience just who the people are - very famous musicians.

How are words used on the page?

The heading 'SNAPSHOT' stands out from the page due to the very bold black font used in contrast with the white background. It gives a sense of shouting, that grabs the readers attention, drawing their eye to the image below. Underneath this main heading is a red rectangular box with the words: KLAXONS, LOS ANGELES, in white font. The vibrant red causes this tag to stand out, giving the reader information on who is in the image. This same vibrant red is used to list the names of the artists featured in the magazine, also causing them to stand out as important. Much of the text on this contents page is very small, however this is suitable for such a page as the magazine has already grabbed the initial attention of the reader and so it is not necessary for the text to be visible from a distance.

Language

The heading 'SNAPSHOT' is blunt and to the point, and so grabs the reader's attention at first glance. The list of artists names running down the left had side also draws the eye in. The vibrant red causes the list to stand out as important and allows the reader to identify possible favourite artists at first look, enticing them to read on further. The language used on the page as a whole is very simple and straight forward - no 'waffle'.

Overall impression

From first look, the audience can get a good indication of what the magazine contains. The use of colours - particularly red - draws attention to the different artists featured in the magazine and straight away makes it obvious to the reader that the magazine is packed full of musical influences. The types of artists listed show the audience that NME is a high end music magazine as many very well-known artists are featured. This would not be seen in a lower end magazine. It is clear that the page is designed to appeal to a teenage - early 30's audience, this is shown through the choice of bands and the use of the Klaxons as the image featured. Also, there is a wide variety of artists listed, which would suggest the magazine is aimed to appeal to a wider variety of people within the targeted age group.

NME FRONT COVER ANALYSIS

Colour

The core colours used on this magazine cover are red, white and black. These colours are bold and simple, yet still classy. The red against the black and white is used to emphasise the most important headings. The title NME is in red and for this reason stands out significantly. The numbers 2010 also stand out significantly as they are in a huge, thick font - a font bigger than any other on the page - and are in black against a white background, which gives them a 'loud' appearance, grabbing the audience's attention. The cover as a whole is surrounded by a thin black border, drawing the audience's attention to what is inside the frame. There are many images of famous artists on this cover. The people are dressed in a variety of different colours; most of the colours used are dark and dull, giving the impression that the artists are just ordinary people.

Design

This magazine cover is not very conventional as not only is it focusing on a large group of artists, but it also does not contain important information on the left third of the cover, like a conventional magazine would. The magazine cover as a whole, very much has a central focus. The colour and size of the text on the cover causes it to stand out against the overlapping images of people. The images of people are all positioned very closely together in the upper half of the magazine and the use of overlapping gives the representation of a crowd of people bursting out from the magazine. This gives the audience the impression that the magazine is packed full of interesting information - so much so that it is 'overflowing' or 'bursting' out of the magazine. The images over lap with headings and borders in places, again reinforcing this representation. The majority of the text on the cover is in capital letters which suggests that the magazine is 'loud'; as though it is shouting out to the target audience about what is inside, helping to grab their attention. All of the text on the cover is in one colour, with one exception - the title. The title NME consists of 2 colours. It is in big red lettering, outlined in white, on a black background and for this reason stands out more than the other headings, emphasisng its importance. There is also a bright yellow pug on the upper right hand corner of the cover which stands out against the core colours used on the page. This helps to draw the eye towards the special feature it is advertising.

Images

The images used are all of artists who appear to be relatively young, aged in their late teens to 30's, relating the magazine to an audience of a similar age. Even though the artists all appear young, they do all vary in their appearance, making the magazine appeal to a larger variety of different types of people. As well as this, the artists all look very average (no drastic hairstyles, make-up etc), which again helps the magazine to relate to the general public who will be the ones purchasing the magazine. Dressing the artists in plain clothes helps the audience who are likely to idolise these people feel that they are not so different from the people they admire. A few of the the people are holding guitars which reinforces the music theme that is the focus of all NME magazines. The person in the centre of the crowd of images, the person who appears in the foreground, is looking up at the title - NME. This draws the reader's attention to the title of the magazine. The rest of the people on the other hand are all looking out at the audience, helping the magazine to connect with the reader. All the people have quite a serious, moody expression making them look important.

How are words used on the cover?

The title is in red, bold, capital letters surrounded by a thin white outline, on a black background. It is the only text on the cover that has an outline and for this reason stands out significantly. The strapline - ALBUMS OF 2010: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE - is again in capital letters and is in white against a black background. The contrast of the white text against the black background is eye-catching, drawing attention to the main focus of this issue of NME. The use of the word ultimate helps the audience to think that they are purchasing 'the best'. The style of text throughout, and the use of capital letters gives the magazine a 'loud' image. The word albums is repeated which allows the reader to identify at a glance what the magazine may include. Also, some of the text is large enough to be seen from a distance and so can grab the audience's attention from a shop shelf. '2010' in particular is visible from a distance and helps to show the magazine is new and current.

Language

The language used is clear and direct, enabling the audience to understand what the magazine is featuring. Again, the majority of the text gives the impression that it is shouting out to the reader to emphasise its importance. The artists featured are listed in bold text at the bottom of the cover which should attract the target audience. Also, the use of words such as 'essential' and 'ultimate', give the impression that this magazine is one of a kind.

Overall impression

Despite the front cover's unconventional appearance, it is still very effective in appealing to it's target audience (older teenagers - people in their 30's, that have an interest in music). The images are not particularly exciting however they do give the desired impression of a magazine packed full. The variety of different artists featured allows the magazine to target a wider audience within the targeted age group. The types of readers that are not addressed appear to be young children and people over the age of 40. The reason for this is that the types of features inside the magazine are not likely to appeal to such audiences. For example, young children are less likely to be interested in attending music festivals, than teenagers and people in their 20's.