Tamsin George

Existing Textual Product Analysis- Media AS

The colour scheme used is black, white and red. These colours have been chosen to appeal to a bold and slightly alternative audience. The colours are all flat and solid which give the magazine a clean and crisp feel.

The photograph used for the front cover is an un-posed style image. Liam looks very casual and this photo shows his cool side. The black and white is in keeping with the black, white and red theme too. It also relates to an older style image which could be because Liam wants to be like John Lennon (also shown by the glasses he is wearing). A high contrast has been used which makes the photo have a professional look, reminding us of his stardom.

The writing style is short and to the point. This is to draw in the reader and so they can tell easily what is featuring in the magazine. For example “KASABIAN: HYDE PARK IS CALLING” is short tag line that tells the reader the topic of the article however it has also been designed to hook the reader by suggesting that there is something new happening that we should be reading about.

The overall look of the magazine is bold and the simple colours give it a chic edge, making it come across as an upmarket magazine.

On the front cover the picture dominates it, this is so the reader is captured by who is on the front cover, and then want to read more about it on the inside pages.

The fonts used are all bold and block like, this shows a male dominated audience because if it was female the magazine is more likely to use for feminine associated fonts like Bradley script.

FRONT COVER #1

This is a second NME front cover that uses a red and black colour scheme. This makes the magazine easily recognizable to the regular readers and also appeals to a wide range of people.

A colour photograph has been used for this front cover, by using colour it shows that the band are current and bringing something new to the music culture. It is a posed photograph and Alex Turner is wearing sunglasses to keep some mystery and to create a barrier between him and the reader, reinforcing his stardom and distance from the average person. The composition of the photo tells us that Alex Turner is the leader of the band, by putting him in front of the other band members we know who is in charge and of the most interest.

The writing style on the front cover is short quotes or statements that are designed to hook the reader. “ARE YOU READY FOR US THEN?” is a direct statement talking directly to the reader, making them feel like the magazine has been made for us as individuals. The writing is very informative and un-descript showing that the target audience want to know information and get straight to the point. This suggests a male dominated audience and females are often associated with a more flowery, gossip like writing style.

The overall look of the front cover is busy, but bold and easy to look at.

Like on the first front cover, the photograph of the band dominates the majority of the page. This tells you instantly which band is featuring in the current issue and by keeping the text limited the reader wants to buy the magazine so they can read further into the tag/headlines. The fonts used are the same as on the previous front cover, by

keeping continuity between issues the magazine is easily recognizable and still appeals to the same male dominated audience. Red font is usually associated with danger, so by using this all over the page it gives it an edgey feel.

FRONT COVER #2This is the masthead and is written in a bold red font. Red is usually the colour that means ATTENTION, and by using red it captures the users attention.

This front cover uses a slight variation on the colour schemes usually used. It’s less obtrusive and the toned down colours give a more feminine feel. The blue textured background is softer than the usual harsh flat white used and appeals to a more female oriented audience.

The photograph used is meant to look natural and un posed, giving off the impression that Florence is a relaxed kind of person. It uses soft tones and colours to match her feminine image and the feminine look that the magazine is going for in this issue.

The writing style is still short and informative, telling you what is in the rest of the magazine. This is to keep the usual audience interested, still keeping the male audience hooked. “THE GREATEST TRACK OF THE LAST 15 YEARS REVEALED”. This tagline tells us that it has information that we want to know, but the only way of finding out is by buying and reading the magazine. This clever technique is used to boost sales, making the reader feel the need to be in-the-know.

The overall look of this front cover is gentle and feminine. This theme is compiled by use of colours, font and the photograph of the female (Florence) as the main topic.

The text to picture ratio still remains the same as the previous front covers that I looked at, the picture dominates the majority of the cover.

The font used for the word “Florence” is in italics, which has a more feminine and gentle feel compared to the rest of the writing used on the front cover. This is because it is targeting the female audience, rather than the usual block-like male associated font. It is also the lead article in the magazine, you can tell this from the dominance of the word over the page.

FRONT COVER #3This is the Masthead.

These are all cover lines, they are all stories within the magazine however do not take the main focus, they just make the reader aware of other reading within the magazine other than the main headline.

CONTENTS PAGE #1The colour scheme used is black and white. This makes the page nice and simple and easy to comprehend. The aim of the page is to show information, so being simple and easy to read is essential. However it is unusual for there to be no red in the colour scheme of NME. This may show that they occasionally like to do something different, to show their diversity.

The photographs show people clearly and are all of similar size, showing the different stories all have the equal importance. They are all documentary photos (e.g. bands playing live) which gives the magazine authenticity and credability.

The fonts used are bold and easy to read. Some of the taglines are in italics, giving the overall image some variation and added interest. This is unusual for an NME magazine which usually sticks to more conventional standard fonts.

The masthead is centred showing a more formal layout but to contrast this the photographs showing each story are more abstract, bringing back that unique and individual feel, matching the Indie target audience.

The overall look of this contents page is simple, neat and organised, this is done so that it is easy to find the article that you are looking for.

The text to image ratio is split so that images dominate most of the page, with just a short pull quote underneath them. The quote is there to explain the picture, although the pictures are meant to be the key indicator to what the article is about. This suggests that the reader is going to be well educated in the subjects of the magazine and do not need everything explaining to them.

Large page numbers have been used as an easy guide for the reader to find the articles they want as quickly as possible.

CONTENTS PAGE #2

The colour scheme used is black, red and white. This continues the usual NME magazine colours, making the page fit comfortably into the magazine, creating continuity between the pages.

There is only one photograph used which shows the featuring article. You can tell that it’s the featuring article from the dominance of the photograph on the page. The photograph is of the band playing live which appeals to the target audience who like the authenticity factor of live music.

The fonts used are bold and easy to read. This makes articles easy to find and clear to the reader. The fonts of this contents page also stick to the classic NME colours of red, white and black,

The masthead is bold and instantly lets the reader know what they can find in this weeks issue.

The overall look of this contents page is neat and organised, this is done so that it is easy to find the article that you are looking for.

The text to image ratio is split that although the photograph is large and centred, the text surrounding it dominates a large proportion of the page. This shows the importance of the other articles, not just the featuring one.

The writing style is informal, which reflects the young and indie target audience. The cover line titled “THIS WEEKS BEST GIGS” uses up to date language which connects with the readers. It also keeps short in length and doesn’t give away the full article. This catches the readers interest making them want to read the whole article inside the magazine.

CONTENTS PAGE #3

The colour scheme used is black, white and red, although there are also a number of other colours used which make the page more energetic and playful. The consistency of red, white and black bring the image back to the classic NME look. However, the colours are muted compared to the bold bright colours of the current NME magazines, this in an old issue and shows how the magazine evolves with the times, keeping current and up to date.

The photographs show a range of bands showing the magazines diversity. The slanted angles they have been set at give the magazine and informal twist and remind me of a football style magazine. This reminds us that this is a more male targeted magazine. .

The fonts used are bold and use bright colours. This shows a fun and casual side to the magazine, capturing the reader’s attention whilst reflecting their playful personalities.

The masthead is to the right of the page showing how it has been given less importance this week over the featuring article of the Kaiser Chiefs.

The overall look of this contents page is messy and full of colour, giving an energetic feel to it.

Although there is one main photograph showing the feature article, the writing dominates the majority of the page showing that the information is the most essential part of the page. This differs the text-image ratio on the newer magazines, showing the change in style over the generations of readers. This shows that NME is a developing magazine, keeping up to date with the current cultures.

DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD #1The colour scheme used on this double page spread is white, black, pink and orange. The Pink and orange are continued from the main photograph into some of the text and other smaller images across the double page spread

The photographs used on this double page spread are all documentary style images. The main photograph is of a live event, aimed at the reader of this magazine whose hobbies are going to live music events.

The writing style is informal and by using a sports related title like “GAME ON” we know that the magazine must have a male oriented target audience. Another cover line used is “I GOT DRUNK WITH BEYONCE”, this is a brave title because it talks about celebrity scandals, which is usually associated with female magazine. However by having the article written by a male figure may mean it becomes an acceptable topic for a male to read about.

The photo to text ratio is almost even but there is slightly more text. This shows that the text is the main focus, but some photos are there to give the reader visual information and to break up the page making the writing easier to digest.

The font used is easy to read and simple. This makes all the writing easy to follow for the reader and by setting out the first of the pages into four columns it breaks it down making it more digestible.

The overall look of the page is full of information and pictures, and by putting a range of colours and some quirky angles it gives the page a fun and interesting look, reflecting the alternative target audience.

DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD #2The colour scheme used on this double page spread is black, white and orange. The colour scheme brings the page together making it more aesthetically pleasing. By including the orange, it transforms what would be a fairly conventional DPS into something different and interesting that catches the eye.

The photographs used on this double page spread are all of Liam, showing his importance and enhancing his dominance over the music world. By having minimal colours in the photographs they have an old fashioned edge, connecting Liam with music history.

The writing style is fairly informal. By having a short and catchy headline “What’s Next For The Eye” it shows that we are meant to already know who “The Eye” are and that it does not need explaining further.

The photo to text ratio is almost even but there is slightly more text. By keeping this ratio almost even it gives the page balance, making it look aesthetically pleasing to the reader.

The font used is easy to read and simple. This makes all the writing easy to follow for the reader and by splitting the text into manageable sized columns it gives the reader the opportunity to read it in sections rather than lumping it all in one where the reader may feel overwhelmed.

The overall look of the page is clean cut and crisp. This gives it an edge of sophistication but by using the orange colour it adds some more fun to it.

By having the photographs of Liam in the place where the headline would usually be found, it shows that the images do all the talking themselves, and that they have become the headline. This shows the level of stardom that Liam has.

DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD #3The colour scheme used on this double page spread is unusual for an NME page. The colours have been chosen to reflect the album that is being talked about, not the magazine scheme colours. This is to enhance the importance of the album. The blues, oranges, and blacks have been carried through from the image on the left, to the text on the right which gives the page continuity and making it look like a piece of artwork.

The graphics used on this DPS (double page spread) dominate most of the page and instantly give the reader a feel of the grunge image. This lets the reader know immediately whether or not they would be interested in reading the article.

The writing style is dramatic, and by using a superlative of degree, “MOST”, shows the passion used by the people who would read an article like this.

In this double page spread there is more imagery than text, perhaps suggesting that the importance of this article is in the image of it and not in the actual writing. By making the graphics dominate the page it shows a lot of time has gone into the design, highlighting the importance of the spread.

The font used matches the style of the album genre. It’s a slanted angles and has scratch marks through it, giving it a grunge feel. The italics used in the tagline give a sense of softness which contrasts the disturbing words.

The overall look of the page is like a piece of art. The artwork continued through the double page spread would attract the reader to it, making it more appealing to read.

The colour scheme used on this KERRANG! Front cover is very similar to NME, using only red, white and black. This colour scheme again appeals to the male audience, and runs through the majority of their issues which keeps a sense of continuity and recognition to it’s buyers.

The image to text ratio falls heavily on the use of photographs. Text seems to be less important, reflecting the young and energetic people who read this magazine who have little time to read as they would rather be listening to music.

The main photograph used features the band Biffy Clyro who are the main feature of this issue. The image is well lit and taken in a studio, by taking an image in a studio we are reminded of their fame and fortune as they are able to have professional photographs taken. As well as this indicator, the camera angle used to just below eye level. A low angle shot shows the power of the people in the photograph and the weakness of the audience. This makes us look up to the band, and want to feel like we know them. The band members are all gazing directly into the lens, drawing a connection between them and the audience, making us feel like we are closer to them and like we want to know more about them. And we can achieve this by buying the magazine.

The writing style is similar to NME, using informal language and short sentences. “ROCK’S NEXT SUPERSTARS” is a short sentence that adds drama to the cover. By making it seem like a big deal, people feel the need to be included in this amazing new fad. The quotes used reflect a rebellious nature of the readers for example, “WE’RE NOT DOING THINGS TO PLEASE PEOPLE!”, shows the bands having a carefree attitude, which is meant to appeal to the young and rebellious readers of KERRANG!.

FRONT COVER #1Although KERRANG! Is not an Indie based magazine, it has a similar target audience to NME, aiming at young males who are music fanatics.

The overall look of this front cover is bold and full of visual information.

The font used for the masthead is square, and bold. It has lines running through it in a random pattern which are meant to look like scratches, reflecting the rough and messy male audience.

The colour scheme used on this KERRANG! Front cover is also the same as the first front cover, again the identity of the magazine is clearly defined. However

The image of Paramore dominate the page, showing the importance of the band and the image that they have.

The main photograph used features the Paramore. The main singer is a female, who has been placed at the front of the band to show her dominance over the males. Her bright hair shows her outgoing personality and individuality, which would appeal to the males reading this magazine.

The writing on this page is very limited, however the word “GIANT”, is an extreme word which reflects the extreme nature of the people who read this magazine.

FRONT COVER #2 Although KERRANG! Is not an Indie based magazine, it has a similar target audience to NME, aiming at young males who are music fanatics.

The overall look of this front cover is bold and full of visual information.

The font used for the masthead is the same as the first KERRANG! Cover I looked at, showing the identity of the magazine is clear to it’s audience, making it easily recognisable.

The colour scheme used on this KERRANG! Contents page follows the same colour scheme as the front cover and on the other issues, again reinforcing the KERRANG! Identity.

This contents page has a lot of blank space around it which is unusual compared to the other contents pages I have looked at. Which are all full of visual information. The photographs are all of Paramore, however the word “Paramore” has not been written anywhere obvious, which suggests that the band are so well known that they do not need to be introduced. This also tells us that if you are buying the magazine then you are already an established fan of the band, so the purpose of the following articles are to add to your knowledge and not advertisements of the band. There are only four photographs

used on this contents page and they all feature the same band, Paramore. The images have been placed on the page in a chaotic manner which depicts the carefree and rebellious target audience. The photographs are all studio photographs and remind us of the fame and fortune that Paramore have, creating a barrier between them and us which in turn creates idols out of them as we want to be on their side of the barrier.

The writing style on this page is very open, creating questions in your mind and making you want to read more. The masthead “IT’S A RIOT” is unclear as it does not tell you what it’s talking about straight away, this is a good technique because it encourages you to buy the magazine to find out what it is talking about.

CONTENTS PAGE #1 Although KERRANG! Is not an Indie based magazine, it has a similar target audience to NME, aiming at young males who are music fanatics.

The overall look of the contents page is simple and plain. The ripped divide down the side of the page reflects the reckless nature of the readers.

The font used for the masthead a similar style to the font of the KERRANG! Logo, this keeps a continuous feel to the magazine, creating an identity and making itself recognisable. The font is big and bold, it’s easy to read and gets across the information straight away.

The colour scheme used on this KERRANG! Contents page is slightly different to the usual colour scheme. On this page we see yellow featuring throughout the text and pictures, this differs to the usual red, white and black colour scheme.

This contents page has a very structured layout, dividing each section up by using boxes around images. There are many more pictures than there is text, which fits in with the pattern with other contents pages I have looked at in both NME and KERRANG! The photographs used on this

page are mainly of bands playing live which indicates to us that the target audience have a great interest in live music events. There are also two studio shots where the camera is at a low angle, creating a powerful image for the musicians.

The writing style on this page is relaxed, for example in one cover line it says “getting caught by the fuzz”. By referring to the police as “the fuzz”, it shows a lack of respect for the law and reflects the young and rebellious target audience. The use of quotes gives a chatty style to the text, making it easy for young readers to relate to the stories.

CONTENTS PAGE #2Although KERRANG! Is not an Indie based magazine, it has a similar target audience to NME, aiming at young males who are music fanatics.

The overall look of the contents page is structured and informative. There is lots of visual information, giving hints of what you can find inside the magazine.

The font used for the masthead “contents” is a more rounded font than the one usually chosen for KERRANG!

The colour scheme used on the DPS is monochromatic, using de-saturated colours throughout the image and text. This reflects the bands name “Metallica”, as only metal-like colours have been used.

The DPS is dominated by one large image, showing the image of the band has more importance than the article itself.

The photograph used on this page is a well lit studio photograph with a metal-grey background to match their band name and their cold look.

The writing on this page matches Metallica’s Rock ‘n’ roll life style, the masthead is a pun on the famous phrase “sex, drugs and rock n roll”. By putting “less” in front of each of the points it shows an element of comedy, as the men get older they want less of what they are famous for.

DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD #1Although KERRANG! Is not an Indie based magazine, it has a similar target audience to NME, aiming at young males who are music fanatics.

The overall look of the contents page is structured but the torn lines that divide up the text give it a rough and carefree style, reflecting the target audience.

The font used for the masthead is clean-cut and easy to read. Some words have been put in bold to be emphasised, “alcohol … drugs … dodgy women” this shows their rock and roll attitude.

The colour scheme used matches the KERRANG! Colours, the black and white base with red accents that are carried through the image in her hair and in the stripes that she is sitting on. The red and white stripes reflect the American flag, foregrounding the basis of the article.

The DPS is dominated by one large image, showing Florence posing in an alluring manner. This image would appeal to men on a sexual level and inspirationally to women. The photograph has been taken in a studio and has been taken to sexualise the star Florence.

On this DPS the photograph of Florence dominates in showing the importance of her image, over the content of the article.

The writing on this page is enticing, matching the seductive image of Florence. The use of the rhetorical question, especially on the first sentence, “why is Florence Welch lying on the floor attacking herself?” draws the audience in making them wonder the answer to the question.

DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD #2Although KERRANG! Is not an Indie based magazine, it has a similar target audience to NME, aiming at young males who are music fanatics.

The overall look of the DPS is a classic black and white look with red accents which give the page a classy and upmarket feel, which is very different to other pages from KERRANG!.

The font used for the masthead very different to the usual fonts chosen for KERRANG! As it uses a script like font in italics. This gives the page a feminine feel which matches the topic of Florence. The lowercase letters also help to give the page a softer feel.