Existing music magazine analysis

1. Existing music magazine analysis

2. Magazine study

3. Photography NME and Vibe have gone for a similar style of cover photo. They have chosen a close up shot of a well known celebrity, this is done to attract a particular audience. In both photos the subject is looking directly at the lens and has a ‘smug’ grin on the face, this style of shot represents their superiority and could be deemed to give a slightly intimidating look. Vibe have chosen to use Kanye West, a rapper, in this manner as he has a ‘swagger’ and influence on todays pop culture and fashion industry. Similarly NME have chosen to represent Simon Cowell in an arguable, ‘big-headed’ photo, this also helps to illustrate his public influence. Contrastingly DIY have gone for a completely different photography approach for their magazine cover. They have gone for a abstract photo collage with a compilation of photos of the upcoming band, Alt-j. The ‘indie’ culture of the band is shown in the front cover as it to, is very original, this will help draw a readers eyes in a cramped magazine shelf. The photos of the collage are very random shots of both the band and individual members, this unusual nature may help attract new readers.

4. Colour All three magazines having gone for very contrasting colour schemes and effects. Vibe – Vibe have chosen a blue and pink colour scheme for their magazine, these colours are very eye-catching and stand out well against a white/grey background. To create a co-ordinated colour scheme within the magazine they have taken the exact blue colour off Kanye’s shirt. NME – In line with the magazines ‘Christmas theme’ NME have gone with a grey scale colour scheme with ‘key’ information (images/sell lines) in colour, making them stand out. Because the images and sell lines are in colour a reader or someone looking for a magazine will be drawn to the key selling points, in theory this would help increase sales, and more people will see it. DIY – DIY have gone with a very ‘indie’(original) magazine style, along with this the colour scheme is also ‘unusual’. They have chosen to use a vintage colour effect which helps to enhance the paper texture that is the basis for the magazine. The sell lines and magazine titles are all either yellow or white so that they can easily be read on the contrasting magazine colours.

5. Fonts All three magazines have gone for different fonts, of which all give the magazine a different look. Vibe – Being controversial in magazines helps to sell copies. Vibe are clearly aware of this and because of it have a very consistent bold font throughout, except for one piece of italic text, the controversial topic. This is designed so that a potential buyer would be drawn to this section, helping to sell the magazine. The fonts also vary considerably in size, this is so the reader focuses on the sell lines and key story opposed to the ‘minor’ ones. NME – In comparison to Vibe, NME have chosen to use a bigger variety of fonts, although this only extends to around three. The main magazine information such as sell lines and main story are all big white bold fonts. This draws a buyer to the key information which will help sell the magazine. The white text colour keeps in line with the magazines Christmas theme and also it to be clearly read on a predominantly dark cover. Italic text under the main sell lines explains what the sell line article is about, it is also used to convey an element of controversy, as discussed earlier. DIY – DIY magazines font choice completely contrasts that of Vibe and NME. They have chosen to go for a more professional ‘sleek’ magazine look, so have chosen to use a very thin font type. The difference in font choice helps to attract a different type of audience, in which the content of the magazine reflects. Similarly to the other magazine DIY have used italics to illustrate either a controversial quote or a brief overview (on the article) of the respective band.

6. Layout Vibe – Vibes magazine front cover is arguable very ‘standard’. It has the portrait shot of their celebrity in the centre of the page surrounded by the sell lines and key issue information. Some of the text is rotated at acute angles so that it fits around the image opposed to covering it, this makes it easier for the buyer to read and gives the photo its full justice. NME – NME similarly have gone for the ‘standard’ magazine look although it does differ, giving the magazine a different feel. The portrait celebrity photo is now aligned to the right, this leaves no space for sell lines on this side, so there is now fewer sell lines. This shows us that NME expect that the Simon Cowell interview will sell the magazine, so losing some sell lines for a bigger image is a risk worth taking. DIY - DIY have gone for a very organised magazine layout, opposed to NME and Vibe who have tried to position everything where possible. The layout is based around the central image (photo collage), with the information blending in. The sell lines/artists covered in the issue are in an organised ‘align right’ format on the right hand side of the page. DIY have a banner at the top of the page featuring one of their main sell lines, having it at the very top of the page allows in to be clearly seen when surrounded by other magazines in a shop.

7. Extra’s All three magazines have included ‘extras’. For example, barcodes, ‘sticker’ images and price. Vibe – Vibe have included a website link at the bottom of the page, this has several uses. Firstly, if a user has read articles on the website and is aware they have a magazine, including a website link reassures the customer that this is the right product. Secondly, some customers may see the link and go onto their website, from this Vibe may be able to sell magazine subscriptions or other content. NME– Since NMEs magazine cover is predominantly dominated by the main picture and heading there isn't much space for any sell lines or included bands. To solve this issue NME have used baubles dotted around the magazine cover so they can include the bands and other sell lines, this also continues with their Christmas theme. Unlike the other two magazine NME have chosen to include a barcode and issue price on the front cover. This is more for convenience, it allows a shopper/cashier to easily scan the item, and allows a customer to see the price easily and clearly rather than having to find it on the back page or in the magazine. DIY– Have included a ‘sticker’ on their magazine front cover. This sticker effect is used so that the text on it stands out from the rest, DIY have chosen to include some of the main issue artists on it.