Student Copy

What you get on front covers

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Masthead

Kicker

Cover Line

Secondary Lead

Plug

Graphic Feature or Puff

Selling Line or Banner

Tagline

Feature Article Photo

Anchorage

Flash

Menu Strip

Bar Code

Date Line

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Headline

Caption7.

Web-links?

Ears?

Connotations of the Masthead - NME is usually written in red, bold block capitals to interest the reader and make the magazine seem lively.

What meaning is added with the interaction between anchorage and photos - LILY ALLEN ‘& her wicked, wicked ways..’ this gives the effect of seduction and this connects with the picture as she is topless and looking over her shoulder.

What lifestyles are hinted at in taglines, kickers and use of language in general- Most of the kickers are of older, more well known bands and interviews that will attract readers and draw them in, then they use quotes from the interview that will make the reader more interested such as Oasis’ “IM A TIGER”.

What is regarded as most important on the cover and why you think this is – I think the way the anchorage and picture connect is the most important part of the cover because of the “wicked, wicked ways” gives the impression of seductiveness and sexiness that will attract mostly male readers but also girls that see Lily Allen as a role model.

How front covers are conceived and laid out

The Colour scheme of this issue is white, black and red. Most NME covers stick to a red secondary or third colour with every issue to keep the original colour of the logo.

This issue in particular uses red as more of a main colour to emphasise the brightness of the feature article photo, the only part of the cover that keeps away from red completely is the headline which sticks to simply black and white making it stand out and catch the eye of the reader.

The top of the page is dominated by the menu strip which simply gives the reader an idea what sort of things are inside the magazine such as interviews and reviews.

The bottom left of the page is taken up by a kicker and barcode, the barcode is often at the bottom of the page because although it is essential its not really that important.

The right hand side of the page has a colour subtitled ‘+’ this has just names of bands or artists that feature within the magazine but with no real indication to what they are in there for, leaving the reader with the decision whether to find out or not.

The picture also has a direct mode of address giving off a serious vibe.

Again the masthead is positioned in a similar place to before (top left corner of the page) with this cover clearly stating that the magazine is having a revamp “welcome to the new NME”

The colour scheme is burgundy and white, this has probably got something to do with the lead singer of the group wearing a burgundy jacket that dominates a lot of the bottom left side of the page.

The anchorage to go with the headline draws the reader in and leaves the reader wondering what they could mean by.. “we need some little sh*ts to come and mess things up”

The secondary lead also has a large section of the page drawing readers in with big named artists.

Once again the barcode is situated at the bottom corner of the page to signify its overall importance.

The top of the page is dominated by the masthead which is designed to look like smashed glass, emphasising that the magazine is for people who enjoy heavy, loud music.

On the other hand the bottom of the page is the menu strip which compared to the mast head has very little importance.

A large picture of Gerard Way takes up most of the cover with small kickers and plugs filling in the white space left behind the picture.

Once again the barcode is situated in the bottom left of the page.

Direct mode of address can appear ‘in yer face’, serious, warm…

Indirect mode of address can be mysterious, lively, sombre…

Creates a wacky, fun image, sharing an identity with the reader that offers the ‘independence’ of indie music.

Enigma – what are they getting up to now?