Covers - The following contains information on what techniques I have learnt from analysing existing music magazine covers and why I may or may not use them whilst designing my music magazine cover -
Masthead –
The first technique I have discovered is the use of a clear masthead which is simple for the reader to see. By using this technique, the magazine becomes instantly recognisable and therefore becomes more popular with the audience. The masthead used by the likes of NME and Q contains a number of features which makes it recognisable, these are the use of a clear font, this makes it easier for the audience to read and therefore makes the name of the magazine more memorable. The second feature used in the masthead is the use of a bright colour, one which stands out on the page and appeals to the audience. The use of a bright colour on the masthead allows the title of the magazine to become more recognisable, existing magazines such as NME and Q have used these features to make their simplistic fonts stand out on a vivid red background. Whilst designing my music magazine contents page I wish to use a bright colour and a simple font which will make my masthead stand out on the page and be clear and simple for the reader to see. When all of these aspects are put in place, I hope to have created a bright, vivid, recognisable, simplistic masthead which will be extremely popular with the readers.
The first technique I have discovered is the use of a clear masthead which is simple for the reader to see. By using this technique, the magazine becomes instantly recognisable and therefore becomes more popular with the audience. The masthead used by the likes of NME and Q contains a number of features which makes it recognisable, these are the use of a clear font, this makes it easier for the audience to read and therefore makes the name of the magazine more memorable. The second feature used in the masthead is the use of a bright colour, one which stands out on the page and appeals to the audience. The use of a bright colour on the masthead allows the title of the magazine to become more recognisable, existing magazines such as NME and Q have used these features to make their simplistic fonts stand out on a vivid red background. Whilst designing my music magazine contents page I wish to use a bright colour and a simple font which will make my masthead stand out on the page and be clear and simple for the reader to see. When all of these aspects are put in place, I hope to have created a bright, vivid, recognisable, simplistic masthead which will be extremely popular with the readers.
Banner -
Another feature which the analysed magazines contained was a banner. The use of a banner gives the reader an early insight into what else is featuring in the magazine. The banner also fills in certain negative spaces, giving the cover a busy appearance, something which appeals to the audience, in this case the busyness connotes youth as existing magazine such as NME (a youthful magazine) use this 'busy page' technique. The banner is usually a noticeable aspect of the page and so uses bright colours and clear fonts to highlight its presence. However, depending on the importance of the information on the banner, the designer may opt to make the banner blend in to the background, or stand out. Whilst designing my magazine, I may opt to use a banner to cover any un needed negative spaces and to give the reader an early insight into what else is featuring in my magazine. If I were to use a banner I would definitely make it a stand out aspect of the page, as it would in fact contain important information, however, I would not use colours which would take any attention away from the main aspects of the page, such as the masthead or the main image etc.
Another feature which the analysed magazines contained was a banner. The use of a banner gives the reader an early insight into what else is featuring in the magazine. The banner also fills in certain negative spaces, giving the cover a busy appearance, something which appeals to the audience, in this case the busyness connotes youth as existing magazine such as NME (a youthful magazine) use this 'busy page' technique. The banner is usually a noticeable aspect of the page and so uses bright colours and clear fonts to highlight its presence. However, depending on the importance of the information on the banner, the designer may opt to make the banner blend in to the background, or stand out. Whilst designing my magazine, I may opt to use a banner to cover any un needed negative spaces and to give the reader an early insight into what else is featuring in my magazine. If I were to use a banner I would definitely make it a stand out aspect of the page, as it would in fact contain important information, however, I would not use colours which would take any attention away from the main aspects of the page, such as the masthead or the main image etc.
Main Image -
Whilst analysing a variety of existing music magazine covers I immediately noticed that the main image is arguably the most crucial aspect of the page. The main image holds the power of attracting the audience, as the models aesthetics hold the ability to portray the style of music as well as the style of magazine and the target audience. For example, an indie music magazine such as NME will feature images of bands which appear indie on the front cover (an indie magazine will not feature artists which look punk rock etc. as this would not match the target audience.) When creating the image, the photographer has to make it clear how they want the models to look e.g. what fashion they wear, their stance, their arrogance in front of the camera etc. all of these listed aspects can help the main image become the crucial part of the front cover which it needs to be, if all of these aspects are put in place then the main image should be attractive and therefore should attract readers to the magazine. Whilst creating my main image I will need to put all of the aspects listed in place in order to create an image which is appealing to the target audience. As my chosen genre is indie/alternative rock, I will have to make sure that my chosen models are dressed in a way which portrays this genre. Also, by researching bands in this genre, I have discovered that the members are usually arrogant and appear extremely serious when pictured, this may be another aspect I will use when creating my main image.
Whilst analysing a variety of existing music magazine covers I immediately noticed that the main image is arguably the most crucial aspect of the page. The main image holds the power of attracting the audience, as the models aesthetics hold the ability to portray the style of music as well as the style of magazine and the target audience. For example, an indie music magazine such as NME will feature images of bands which appear indie on the front cover (an indie magazine will not feature artists which look punk rock etc. as this would not match the target audience.) When creating the image, the photographer has to make it clear how they want the models to look e.g. what fashion they wear, their stance, their arrogance in front of the camera etc. all of these listed aspects can help the main image become the crucial part of the front cover which it needs to be, if all of these aspects are put in place then the main image should be attractive and therefore should attract readers to the magazine. Whilst creating my main image I will need to put all of the aspects listed in place in order to create an image which is appealing to the target audience. As my chosen genre is indie/alternative rock, I will have to make sure that my chosen models are dressed in a way which portrays this genre. Also, by researching bands in this genre, I have discovered that the members are usually arrogant and appear extremely serious when pictured, this may be another aspect I will use when creating my main image.
Main Cover Line/Cover Lines -
From analysing numerous existing music magazine covers I have discovered that the Main cover lines and cover lines are a crucial aspect of the page. The Main cover line is usually an extremely eye catching aspect, which contains crucial information about the featuring artist, this is usually the artists name. Similarly to the masthead, the main cover line uses a simplistic font and vivid colour in order to attract the readers eye. Although the cover lines are not as important as the main cover lines, they are in fact still extremely important aspects of the page. The cover lines include further information about what else is featuring inside the magazine. The cover lines may include talkie headlines in order to interest the reader and inspire them to read on. Therefore, whilst designing my music magazine front cover, I will need to use both a Main cover line and a number of cover lines in order to give my front cover a professional edge. By doing this, my page will appear eye catching and will hopefully appeal to the target audience and therefore intrigue them and give them the desire to read on.
Contents Page - The following contains information on what techniques I have learnt from analysing existing music magazine contents pages and why I may or may not use them whilst designing my music magazine cover -
Running Head -One of the very first features I discovered whilst analysing music magazine contents pages was the running head. This eye catching feature is situated at the very top of the page and acts as a headline by giving the reader the information they need to know, in this case, what the page is about. The running head also has many similar characteristics to both a masthead or banner, as it usually features a clear font (making it easy for the reader to see) as well as a colour palette which helps it stand out on the page. The running head often features the single phrase 'CONTENTS' however, existing magazines such as the NME use the phrases 'THIS WEEK' to make the page appear more interesting as well as stand out from any other music magazine.
Therefore, whilst designing my contents page I will most definitely use a running head in order to capture the readers attention as well as inform them of what the page is about. I will most likely use NME's technique and use a different phrase to add a certain uniqueness to my magazine. In my opinion, the phrase 'CONTENTS' used on a contents page is extremely dull and does not match the thrilling, energetic genre of indie/alternative rock.
CVI (Central Visual Interest) -
The CVI is the most noticeable part of the page. It is commonly used on each, individual page of the magazine in order to make each page appear eye catching, this therefore draws the reader in, due to the aesthetic appeal. From analysing a variety of music magazine contents pages I have discovered that the most common CVI is the main image. The main image on the contents page is usually the artists which has featured on the front cover and which is the main feature of the particular edition of the magazine. The main image is used as the CVI as it is easily manipulated by the designer and can be re-shaped, re-sized and re-coloured in order to stand out on the page. By using the main image as the CVI, the designer is able to intrigue the reader even further, as it is a well known fact that pictures are more interesting that writing.
Therefore, whilst designing my contents page I may use a large image as the CVI in order to give the page a professional edge and make the page more aesthetically pleasing and interesting to the reader.
Deck -
Whilst analysing a variety of music magazine contents pages I discovered a particular aspect which is commonly known as the deck. The deck is usually situated underneath the main image and is usually written in a clear, eye catching font, which attracts the reader toward it. The deck is commonly a short introduction, which gives the reader an early insight into the main article on the following page. The deck is a useful aspect as it allows the reader to get an early taste of what the featuring text will be like, they can then decide whether they want to continue reading or not.
Therefore, whilst designing my contents page I may use a deck to give my readers an early insight into the following article. I also believe that the deck brings with it an added interest to the page. The use of a deck allows the contents page to appear busy and youthful, the theme therefore continues throughout the entirety of the magazine.
Sub headings -
By analysing numerous examples of music magazine contents pages I discovered a particular aspect commonly known as sub headings. Sub headings are vital aspects of the contents page as they act as minute titles. These headings feature short and snappy phrases and are used to inform the reader of what the text written below is about. Although the sub heading is not the most important aspect of the page, the designer always sees fit to make the sub headings a stand out feature. A prime example of this would be inside of the NME. The NME contents page features a number of sub headings which are situated on the sides of the page. Here, the designer has chosen to place them at the sides so that they do not take any attention away from the CVI or masthead. By analysing sub headings in even more detail i have also discovered that they are usually Wob's (white text sitting on top of a coloured background) The use of a Wob is able to highlight the sub headings and make them noticeable, yet let them blend in and not cause any un wanted distraction.
Therefore, whilst designing my music magazine i may opt to use sub headings in order to give my page a professional edge and to make crucial information simple for the reader to see. I will most likely use a wob also, as in my opinion the wob gives the page the 'clean cut' style which i am aiming to produce.
Double Page Spread - The following contains information on what techniques I have learnt from analysing existing music magazine double page spreads and why I may or may not use them whilst designing my music magazine cover -
Main Image -
Whilst analysing examples of double page spreads I discovered once again that the main image is arguably the most crucial, eye catching aspect of the entire page. However, the main image which features on the double page spread holds different characteristics to the one used on the front cover. The main image used on the front cover is used to attract the audience and entice them into the magazine. However, the main image used on the double page spread is used to give the reader an early insight into what the following article is about and to show a different side to the artist (usually, the main image which features on the front cover is of the band performing a serious, enticing pose, however, the main image which features on the double page spread may be of the artist being less serious, they may be laughing or joking, this technique is used to give the audience a sense of happiness and to show them the relaxed, human side of the artist, this therefore builds a closer relationship between the reader and the artist, making the following article more meaningful and personal.
From my analysis of main images, I have decided to use one whilst designing my double page spread. I may opt to use an image which represents the artists relaxed side, in order to draw the reader in and portray the artists 'off stage' appearance. By using this technique, I hope to create a personal bond between the reader and the artist, this will therefore make the article and the magazine much more meaningful to the reader, this will also add to its memorability and popularity.
Drop Cap -Whilst analysing a variety of double page spreads, I discovered a particular technique which when used can be extremely useful, this technique is commonly known as the drop cap. The drop cap is a form of text, usually the opening letter of the article, however, the letter is usually bold, colourful and larger in size than the rest of the text. By using a drop cap, the designer is immediately indicating where the reader should start reading from, this allows the reader to get straight to the main aspect of the page - the article. Therefore, whilst designing my double page spread, I will use this technique in order to make the article one of the most noticeable aspects of the page and to show the reader exactly where they should start reading from.
Feature -The feature appears on every double page spread as it is arguably the most noticeable and important aspect of the page. The feature is in other words the article and so contains information about the featuring artist, this therefore hands the feature the title of the most important aspect as it is the main reason why the reader has bought the magazine. The feature usually consists of interviews and background information on the featuring artist. It is used to give the readers a sense of the artists personality, inspirations, musical preferences and even their future plans. The feature allows the reader to form a closer bond and a higher interest to the artist, as this information allows some, if not all of the readers questions to be answered. Therefore, whilst designing my double page spread I will most definitely use a feature to give the readers exactly what they want, information on the featuring artist. Whilst writing my feature I may include both quotes from interviews as well as background information, musical preferences and future plans. I believe that if I use each of these aspects I will be able to produce an article which is entertaining, humorous and suitable for the target audience.
Pull quote -The final eye catching technique used by many existing music magazines is the use of a pull quote. The pull quote can feature on virtually any page, and on any place on that particular page. The pull quote is most commonly a quotation taken from a particular interview and is used to add humour and added interest/appeal whilst attempting to attract the audience. This particular technique has been proven to be extremely successful as not only does it add humour to the page, it also breaks up the article and allows the reader to see a fresh piece of text, which therefore inspires them to read on. The pull quote is usually written in a unique font, and is placed in a box or is written in a bright colour. The designers use these techniques whilst using a pull quote to highlight the fact that it is a different piece of text and to highlight its importance to the reader. The use of a bright, unique font allows the reader to be drawn to it easily, therefore the pull quote is virtually impossible to miss or ignore. Also, to add interest, the quotation used is usually short, snappy and witty. By using a quotation which includes these three aspects the pull quote is almost certain to fulfil its purpose and make the reader laugh and inspire them to continue reading.
Therefore, whilst designing my double page spread, I may opt to use a pull quote to add humour and added appeal to my page. The use of a pull quote will allow my article to be broken up, and therefore made more interesting. To be certain that the reader will view the pull quote I will use vivid colours and a unique font in order to make the pull quote unique from anything else on the page so that it will stand out. -
From analysing numerous existing music magazine covers I have discovered that the Main cover lines and cover lines are a crucial aspect of the page. The Main cover line is usually an extremely eye catching aspect, which contains crucial information about the featuring artist, this is usually the artists name. Similarly to the masthead, the main cover line uses a simplistic font and vivid colour in order to attract the readers eye. Although the cover lines are not as important as the main cover lines, they are in fact still extremely important aspects of the page. The cover lines include further information about what else is featuring inside the magazine. The cover lines may include talkie headlines in order to interest the reader and inspire them to read on. Therefore, whilst designing my music magazine front cover, I will need to use both a Main cover line and a number of cover lines in order to give my front cover a professional edge. By doing this, my page will appear eye catching and will hopefully appeal to the target audience and therefore intrigue them and give them the desire to read on.
Contents Page - The following contains information on what techniques I have learnt from analysing existing music magazine contents pages and why I may or may not use them whilst designing my music magazine cover -
Running Head -One of the very first features I discovered whilst analysing music magazine contents pages was the running head. This eye catching feature is situated at the very top of the page and acts as a headline by giving the reader the information they need to know, in this case, what the page is about. The running head also has many similar characteristics to both a masthead or banner, as it usually features a clear font (making it easy for the reader to see) as well as a colour palette which helps it stand out on the page. The running head often features the single phrase 'CONTENTS' however, existing magazines such as the NME use the phrases 'THIS WEEK' to make the page appear more interesting as well as stand out from any other music magazine.
Therefore, whilst designing my contents page I will most definitely use a running head in order to capture the readers attention as well as inform them of what the page is about. I will most likely use NME's technique and use a different phrase to add a certain uniqueness to my magazine. In my opinion, the phrase 'CONTENTS' used on a contents page is extremely dull and does not match the thrilling, energetic genre of indie/alternative rock.
CVI (Central Visual Interest) -
The CVI is the most noticeable part of the page. It is commonly used on each, individual page of the magazine in order to make each page appear eye catching, this therefore draws the reader in, due to the aesthetic appeal. From analysing a variety of music magazine contents pages I have discovered that the most common CVI is the main image. The main image on the contents page is usually the artists which has featured on the front cover and which is the main feature of the particular edition of the magazine. The main image is used as the CVI as it is easily manipulated by the designer and can be re-shaped, re-sized and re-coloured in order to stand out on the page. By using the main image as the CVI, the designer is able to intrigue the reader even further, as it is a well known fact that pictures are more interesting that writing.
Therefore, whilst designing my contents page I may use a large image as the CVI in order to give the page a professional edge and make the page more aesthetically pleasing and interesting to the reader.
Deck -
Whilst analysing a variety of music magazine contents pages I discovered a particular aspect which is commonly known as the deck. The deck is usually situated underneath the main image and is usually written in a clear, eye catching font, which attracts the reader toward it. The deck is commonly a short introduction, which gives the reader an early insight into the main article on the following page. The deck is a useful aspect as it allows the reader to get an early taste of what the featuring text will be like, they can then decide whether they want to continue reading or not.
Therefore, whilst designing my contents page I may use a deck to give my readers an early insight into the following article. I also believe that the deck brings with it an added interest to the page. The use of a deck allows the contents page to appear busy and youthful, the theme therefore continues throughout the entirety of the magazine.
Sub headings -
By analysing numerous examples of music magazine contents pages I discovered a particular aspect commonly known as sub headings. Sub headings are vital aspects of the contents page as they act as minute titles. These headings feature short and snappy phrases and are used to inform the reader of what the text written below is about. Although the sub heading is not the most important aspect of the page, the designer always sees fit to make the sub headings a stand out feature. A prime example of this would be inside of the NME. The NME contents page features a number of sub headings which are situated on the sides of the page. Here, the designer has chosen to place them at the sides so that they do not take any attention away from the CVI or masthead. By analysing sub headings in even more detail i have also discovered that they are usually Wob's (white text sitting on top of a coloured background) The use of a Wob is able to highlight the sub headings and make them noticeable, yet let them blend in and not cause any un wanted distraction.
Therefore, whilst designing my music magazine i may opt to use sub headings in order to give my page a professional edge and to make crucial information simple for the reader to see. I will most likely use a wob also, as in my opinion the wob gives the page the 'clean cut' style which i am aiming to produce.
Double Page Spread - The following contains information on what techniques I have learnt from analysing existing music magazine double page spreads and why I may or may not use them whilst designing my music magazine cover -
Main Image -
Whilst analysing examples of double page spreads I discovered once again that the main image is arguably the most crucial, eye catching aspect of the entire page. However, the main image which features on the double page spread holds different characteristics to the one used on the front cover. The main image used on the front cover is used to attract the audience and entice them into the magazine. However, the main image used on the double page spread is used to give the reader an early insight into what the following article is about and to show a different side to the artist (usually, the main image which features on the front cover is of the band performing a serious, enticing pose, however, the main image which features on the double page spread may be of the artist being less serious, they may be laughing or joking, this technique is used to give the audience a sense of happiness and to show them the relaxed, human side of the artist, this therefore builds a closer relationship between the reader and the artist, making the following article more meaningful and personal.
From my analysis of main images, I have decided to use one whilst designing my double page spread. I may opt to use an image which represents the artists relaxed side, in order to draw the reader in and portray the artists 'off stage' appearance. By using this technique, I hope to create a personal bond between the reader and the artist, this will therefore make the article and the magazine much more meaningful to the reader, this will also add to its memorability and popularity.
Drop Cap -Whilst analysing a variety of double page spreads, I discovered a particular technique which when used can be extremely useful, this technique is commonly known as the drop cap. The drop cap is a form of text, usually the opening letter of the article, however, the letter is usually bold, colourful and larger in size than the rest of the text. By using a drop cap, the designer is immediately indicating where the reader should start reading from, this allows the reader to get straight to the main aspect of the page - the article. Therefore, whilst designing my double page spread, I will use this technique in order to make the article one of the most noticeable aspects of the page and to show the reader exactly where they should start reading from.
Feature -The feature appears on every double page spread as it is arguably the most noticeable and important aspect of the page. The feature is in other words the article and so contains information about the featuring artist, this therefore hands the feature the title of the most important aspect as it is the main reason why the reader has bought the magazine. The feature usually consists of interviews and background information on the featuring artist. It is used to give the readers a sense of the artists personality, inspirations, musical preferences and even their future plans. The feature allows the reader to form a closer bond and a higher interest to the artist, as this information allows some, if not all of the readers questions to be answered. Therefore, whilst designing my double page spread I will most definitely use a feature to give the readers exactly what they want, information on the featuring artist. Whilst writing my feature I may include both quotes from interviews as well as background information, musical preferences and future plans. I believe that if I use each of these aspects I will be able to produce an article which is entertaining, humorous and suitable for the target audience.
Pull quote -The final eye catching technique used by many existing music magazines is the use of a pull quote. The pull quote can feature on virtually any page, and on any place on that particular page. The pull quote is most commonly a quotation taken from a particular interview and is used to add humour and added interest/appeal whilst attempting to attract the audience. This particular technique has been proven to be extremely successful as not only does it add humour to the page, it also breaks up the article and allows the reader to see a fresh piece of text, which therefore inspires them to read on. The pull quote is usually written in a unique font, and is placed in a box or is written in a bright colour. The designers use these techniques whilst using a pull quote to highlight the fact that it is a different piece of text and to highlight its importance to the reader. The use of a bright, unique font allows the reader to be drawn to it easily, therefore the pull quote is virtually impossible to miss or ignore. Also, to add interest, the quotation used is usually short, snappy and witty. By using a quotation which includes these three aspects the pull quote is almost certain to fulfil its purpose and make the reader laugh and inspire them to continue reading.
Therefore, whilst designing my double page spread, I may opt to use a pull quote to add humour and added appeal to my page. The use of a pull quote will allow my article to be broken up, and therefore made more interesting. To be certain that the reader will view the pull quote I will use vivid colours and a unique font in order to make the pull quote unique from anything else on the page so that it will stand out. -
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