Masthead

While drafting my forst publications it became apparent that these imported fonts from online became pixelated when stretched on editing software such as Photoshop. Therefore i had to resort to the basics for the time being. I decided that 'Britannic Bold' was most suitable for the font of my masthead.

Masthead font ideas

Pixlr session

We dedicated the majority of a lesson to learning how to use Pixlr editor online, i used different layers and a vibrancy enhancer to create this image. I added a default effect to one layer and enhanced the other and rubbed out the overlaying image to reveal the background. I decided to add a potential masthead behind her to try and gain a feel for how this would look on the front cover of a magazine.

Secondary Research

Although i don't want to create a niche publication is was interesting to look at Raygun from an artistic point of view:

The colour red is a striking colour and it does stand out in comparison to the rest of the page, however the variation of capitals and lower case letters within the masthead is unusual, there is a sense of disorganisation. The masthead is not positioned in the usual place. Although it has a bold characteristic, the positioning is not central or placed along the top of the page.

The background seems as if it is one of the pages from a well used book, adding to the authenticity of the magazine. This could reflect the type of artists featured in the magazine and the era they’re from.

The font of the cover lines seems similar to the work of a typewriter, the text spacing also suggests this.

The barcode is positioned at the bottom of the page. This seems to be the only aspect that is similar to the usual magazine conventions.

There is not a set theme, layout colour scheme, font style or a consistency with the masthead visible for this magazine. This is intentional to add to the quirkiness of Raygun.  The lack of organisation has a purpose of having an effect on its readers. Several of the magazine front covers include text and images that aren’t typical of the distinct magazine form. Aspects such of the rule of thirds and the set positioning of where certain things should be placed is not present; the page is free to creativity. The centre of visual interest is not clear for this magazine. In some cases it becomes difficult to reveal the main artist through the edit applied.

Analysis of double page spreads

The picture editor has used a black and white shot to give the image a sharper definition, this is important because Lana Del Rey is a big star and she needs to grab the attention. She is winking, at the reader, which suggests a mischievous and flirty attitude, which is synonymous with the model. The background is of the national flag of America, this shows patriotism but could also connote a desire to challenge authority. The playful nature of Lana Del Rey is juxtaposed with the solemnity of a national icon. The additional facts, highlighted in blue, add further interest for the reader; this reinforces Lana’s popularity ‘A STAR IS BORN’. Also the blue colours connote freshness and purity, a new star has burst into the music industry. There is also a sense of honesty established about her already, on the front cover she is described as the ‘true face’ of a modern American icon. She truly represents America hence she is a positive and influential role model. Lana deserves to be admired for her huge success ’MISSION Accomplished’, the word ‘accomplished’ appears in gold, connoting that she has brought illumination to America. The drop caps are also in gold so the theme of success is carried through the article. This links with Bulmer and Katz’ Uses and Gratifications theory, seeking models of good behaviour and aspiring to be like them. This along with finding personal identity, the readers may find an air of determination after being presented with Lana’s dramatic success, she is a more realistic version of a superstar due to her background and upbringing, sticking to her roots; this also helps the consumers to identify with her and her situation. Also the consumers may just enjoy her music and since she is so popular, may use her as a basis for social interaction.

This double page spread includes conventions of a stereotypical magazine:

The text in columns defines a clear layout for the reader, the typography is small which may be tricking the reader into thinking there is more of the article as it appears that only two thirds of one of the pages is filled with text. Drop caps have been used, the first one, ‘C’ for ‘Cheryl’ is overly large and is cut off by the other featured image, it is bold and vivid in red, adding a splash of colour to the page as the images use a lot of black, and a lot of black text can be boring for the reader. The layout, sectioning off a whole page for a large image is stereotypical of a magazine such as this. A very similar image has also been seen in the contents page but this time no shadow is behind her, her body is positioned to the front and her eyes although aren’t giving direct address are seen to be looking in towards the article which directs our attention. This is a cleaner and more striking image, revealing a little more to her this which is also the intention of the article. The image is mid-shot, which shows other things in greater detail such as the studs on her top, also her facial features etc. but does not show her fully, this may infer that there is more to be learnt and discovered about her. The image in the contents page shows the whole of her body but she is positioned almost as if she is coming out of the page, the bottom of one of her legs cannot be seen. This image puts Cheryl in the spotlight which is effective as the article also does this; the white background also starkly contrasts with the sharp, glossy dark image. Pull quotes – the quote from Cheryl herself is a rhetorical question, which brings the attention and connection from the reader as they feel involved; the readership is being directly addressed. The article, according to Bulmer and Katz Uses and Gratifications theory, may be intended for personal identity, the connection with the reader may make them learn something about themselves, maybe they are alike Cheryl and also don’t know what they look like anymore. 

Analysis of contents pages

The contents heading is bold and striking, however the font differs from that of the front cover, it may be that the contents page has a particular style that Is followed in each issue. The date of the issue is positioned directly under the heading; this is a very important part of the magazine. The page seems to be divided into the rule of thirds; this method has created three columns of which feature text and images. The images within the left and right columns are of the same size; this ensures the layout is clear for the readers. The images used will relate to stories or articles included in the magazine. A short summary or quote is positioned underneath for clarity and to gain more appeal from the readers. Although the text attached to the images differs in style, for example some is in capitals, italic, bold etc., the fact that the rest of the layout is simple in terms of colour and positioning allows this to work, and there is still clear navigation around the page and for the rest of the magazine because everything else is simplistic and consistent. The main stories are seen on this page with their page numbers overlapping, taking up a fraction of the image, they are bold and larger than the text beneath them; this again adds to the clarity of the layout and makes sure the navigation is easy for the readers – user friendly.The centre of visual interest would be the central image of Pete Doherty even though the splash of red in the bottom corner does become a distraction. Direct mode of address is given as he appears to be looking straight at the camera; his weary and disillusioned expressions links with the comment of needing more sleep, with bags under his eyes he appears a shady character. The background is also very dull, waiting to reveal something brighter. The background colour of this magazine is plain and allows creativity on the page; this has mostly been seen with the different fonts used. All text is black, apart from what is included in the red box, so that it can be seen clearly against the background. It is apparent that some of the images on this page have been edited; this may have been done to relate to the music style of the artists or to present them in a particular way. For example the image in the top right hand corner is focusing on the individuals rather than the setting to outline the vastness of people on tour. There may have been editing with lighting to add clarity to the image. The advertisement is striking as the vibrant colours red and yellow have not been featured anywhere else on the page. Incentives are often included immediately on the front cover and followed through to the contents page, they are deliberately made to be eye-catching, this is usually a dominating factor people look for when choosing their magazine.The extra list of content is included for added interest and information about inside stories. Faint grey lines have been used to divide the page, this keeps the layout organised. It could be suggested that the magazine aims to satisfy people in late teens and above as the textual content is not suitable for anybody younger. ‘You’re fucked’ is not language for tame individuals. The content reflects the target audience of dominantly males effectively.

The contents heading is written in serif font which is clear and simple for readers. It is surrounded by a red box, outlined with black and with the magazine name in white, sticking to the house colours. Also the page numbers are large and bold, taking up a fraction of the images. The bottom image is portrayed as less important due to its position however it still grabs the attention as it is tilted creating the feeling of the image coming out of the page. Cheryl Cole seems to be turning her body away but her head is tilted slightly in towards the page but her eyes are looking down,  seemingly to direct the readers to the image below. Also the fact that we have no direct address, the element of disguise is continued. The lighting has created shadows; the light is directed from the other side, it seems as though something is drawing her in to the page slightly, this directs the readers towards other features as the main image is the first thing that is looked at. The element of danger is carried through the magazine, her clothing being ripped and black and it appears to be studs on her low cut top, also revealing her as a sex icon. Other artists are featured on the right hand side of the page to add further interest and to allow the readers to find specific articles to their preference without having to read through the whole magazine, this is a people pleaser.

The black and white effect creates an element of mystery which connotes something is yet to be discovered. This is also suggested as the heart is the only object that is colourful on the page, the fact that a hand, presumably a woman’s, is grabbing it from behind, portrays Kanye as being in a vulnerable position, maybe the article features shows that beneath the surface his heart and emotions are fragile. This is also reflected in the cover lines of the front cover ‘the truth hurts’. The layout for this contents page is bold and simplistic the main attraction is the main image which is clearly artistic and is set in-front of the V from the magazine name; the editors may be suggesting that Kanye is their ideal icon for the genre of the magazine. This contents page contrasts with the splash of colour presented on the front cover. The lack of colour here could suggest his emptiness. But also his facial expressions appear very similar in the two. In the front cover Kanye seems separated from the colour, he has a dark shadow surrounding him, this could suggest his grown inability to let people in because of the thought of life/love hurting him.

  

                                        

Analysis of front covers

The masthead (the name of the magazine) is adapted to the colour white, In keeping with the style and colour scheme of the magazine. The colour of the masthead changes frequently and so does the colour scheme, although NME is most famous for the red, white and black house style. The masthead on this cover is overlapping the main artist image slightly, in many other of NME’s magazines it would be the artist that overlaps the masthead, the fact that ‘Lana Del Rey’ is not overlapping the masthead could be because the house style isn’t present and the audience may not be familiar with the colours used.

The date line and issue number are usually positioned underneath or to the side of the masthead. The colour scheme links in with the American flag used as the background. Blue and White are the two main colours used, there is red featured within the flag however that has not been continued. The text is either black or white, the majority of the font is written in capitals. The pull quote “I’M A PHSYCHO” intentionally has drawn a lot of attention. We can therefore relate this statement with the artist’s expressions. The model credit is large as she is the centre of attention for the issue. The colour of the text is a very feminine blue; the use of this colour may have derived from the colour of the artist’s nails. The Pug is offering free posters, with supporting images of what’s inside. Lana Del Rey is the main artist image, dominating the middle third. Her appearance is one that the average young woman would idolise. Her facial expressions are very playful and edgy as she sticks her tongue out. Her hands are on her hips which may connote that she is very confident. She is wearing white, the opposite of black which may infer that the artist is successful and holds a bright future. Her hair is very sleek in perfect curls; this may have been styled intentionally to show the smooth and modern nature of her work. However with not a strand of hair out of place is she presented as a realistic role model for young women? Her appearance is idealised and most probably photo shopped, this creates an image that women stride for which they will never be able to achieve.The strap line gives further clues as to what is featured inside the magazine. These draw subtle attention for the audience. Information such as artist names and short conclusions of gossip are seen here. A bar code is always seen on the front cover of a selling magazine, this is just for purchasing purposes. The bar code is always positioned at the bottom of the page. 

  

Strap line ‘The UK’s biggest music magazine’, a superlative has been used to put the success of the magazine in the spot light. This adds a lot of interest and it is something that would make this music magazine a priority choice over another that does not share this success or that has not made their success obvious.The masthead is large, dominating a fraction of the left third. The colour red is very striking therefore the colour of ‘Q’ also stands out because of the contrast. The house colours are red black and white; this is also reflected in the main artist image.
The bar code for this magazine is positioned in an odd place compared to the magazine ‘NME’. I think this was not a thoughtful way of positioning the bar code as more interesting and alluring cover lines could have been used as the left hand side of the magazine is usually what is shown when sold on a news stand as other magazines overlap. The ‘John Lennon’ puff circled in silver gains further attraction from the target audience. The cover lines are small, stating the subject of the magazine content, being popular artists of the genre such as ‘vampire weekend’. They’re positioned on the left third of the page to ensure relevant information catches the eye of the consumers. Cheryl Cole is the centre of visual interest for this magazine; her image overfills the middle third. A very provocative expression is presented which draws appeal from men. Her red lips connote danger and link with the sexual nature of the image. The lighting and makeup makes her skin look pale and ghastly which in this case does not infer her purity as is juxtapositioned with the vivid, intense red on her lips and the blackness surrounding her eyes. In this case it simply draws attention to the other features, her eyes which may disguise her secrets and also her devil inside. 

The masthead takes up a large part of the top third of the page; part of it is hidden as the magazine is easily identified due to popularity. The colour theme varies with each issue; there are not set house colours. The vibrant blue masthead, linked with the title may reflect the feeling the type of music gives the listeners.  The pink and blue are relatively light and uplifting colours, used to create positivity and attraction to the page; the blue also links with the colour of the collar on the jacket of the main artist.The centre of visual interest is the image of Kanye West. The shadow effect creates the impression of him coming out of the page. The image dominates the middle third and more, which makes a statement, giving little space for text. His eyes are looking directly out of the page to the readers, alluring them to buy the magazine. The definition on the image is also making him appear more realistic. The cover lines are bold, simple, clear and striking. They assure that much about Kanye West and his work will be featured. This has been done intentionally so the most important content reaches the target audience when placed on a news-stand etc. The image may represent the ideal reader. The added cover lines to promote other artists featured inside are merely for further interest. The strap line is instantly grabbing attention with words like ‘EXCLUSIVE’, ‘NOTORIOUS’, and ‘SECRETS’. The magazine has clearly identified their audience and how VIBE is going to apply conventions to appeal to them. It is likely that the consumer type is rebellious and mischevious due to the huge feature of Kanye West. The consumers of his music are stereotypically dangerous and therefore marvel in the challenging attitude of Kanye, which is reflected in his work. His use of language also attracts this type; they enjoy challenging authority. This audience clearly look up to Kanye and aspire to be like him, although he isn’t sticking to pretty expectations he has huge success with his music, which is inspirational for his consumers. Apart from being simply entertained by the magazine and his music the consumer want to identify with Kanye, this may also lead to personal identity, the realisation of similarities may provoke even change.