1. Lucy Coates

2. What you get on front covers

3. 7. Selling Line
or Banner
1. Masthead
Web-links?
Ears?
2.
Plug
3.
Kicker
4. Cover Line
8. Feature
Article Photo
9.
5. Secondary Lead
Headline
10. Anchorage
11. Date Line
6.
Caption
12. Bar Code

4. The masthead on this NME cover page has a stamp effect as it is bold and nearly always situated to the top, far left
of the magazine. It is a large font illustrating a bright bold red colour on the inside of the writing this highlights that
NME are quite revealing and brave with what articles they produce. The black outline of the masthead makes the
writing stand off the page and grab the viewers attention. Moreover, the photos on this magazine illustrate direct
address as both Alex Turner and Miles Kane are facing the camera with direct eye contact, they are placed on a
side as this conveys confidence as they are ready to reveal something interesting to the reader. I believe the main
image is the most important feature on this magazine cover as it stands out and allows the reader to interact with the
page due to the use of direct address. Also it gives an idea of what the content of the magazine is going to include
therefore this encourages people who enjoy this band and the ‘indie’ genre of music to buy the magazine, Alex
Turner and Miles Kane are very well thought of artists and have a lot of spotlight and attention, so by placing them
central on this cover they will entice a lot of people to buy this magazine. The photos link to the anchorage line ‘First
Major interview’ as the back to back position highlights a sense of connection between the two men as if they are
planning something and the interview is going to reveal what they are going to do as a duo act. In addition this
magazine illustrates a rather unusual layout as the cover lines and kickers are the other way round to how they are
usually on a magazine. This implies that NME are daring with how they create their magazine and this implies that it
relates to their target audience been ‘out there’ and ‘different’ to the everyday usual crowd. For example ‘Panic at
the disco album’ is written in a bold, larger font so would usually be seen as cover line, however underneath is
‘Pretty.Odd Pretty.Ace’ this is a more catchy kind of line therefore this would be seen as the kicker as it grabs the
readers attention and makes them want to see what the article is about. This technique could be used to interest the
reader and entice them more into seeing what is inside the magazine. In addition, the type of language used on the
cover and in this magazine are quite low frequency language such as: ‘Ding!’ this is done as the target audience is
young so by using easier language and demotic lexis (swearing) they can relate to the articles and enjoy the
reading much more. Quite a harsh tone is used on the cover and exclamatives are used often this is done to draw
attention to the text and for emphasis so that the reader stops and takes notice of what is on the page.

5. How front covers are conceived and laid out

6. This masthead
follows the typical
layout and is
placed on the left
hand quarter of
the magazine in a
stamp style to
clearly stand out.
Here is an example of
direct address. This
engages the viewer and
implies the seriousness of
the band as they want your
attention so it also
highlights their confidence.
In this edition of the
NME they have
cleverly used the
space and not left any
blank white space.
The main image is the
biggest attraction on
the page and most of
out attention is drawn
to this.
The background
image of a union
jack, represents how
the who are British
and proud as the
magazine is
highlighting the ‘mod’
era.
This is an example of
anchorage as it explains
what the headline
intakes. They have used
different sizes of font
and colour so that it
catches the readers
attention.
This headline is
placed on top of
the main image to
create a stand-out
effect.

9. Indirect mode of
address can be
mysterious, lively,
sombre…
Direct mode of
address can appear
‘in yer face’, serious,
warm…
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?

10. The overall colour scheme is red and black on this magazine front cover. This is chosen as the masthead has an outline of
black and an inner block colour of red, I believe these colours were chosen as they are very bold and stand out. Also Red
brings text and images to the foreground. It is used as an accent colour to stimulate people to make quick decisions; it is
a perfect colour for 'Buy Now‘ representation, therefore it is a clever colour to use on a magazine colour as it attracts
attention, it also highlights how the magazine is daring and individual as it covers artists which are not always in the
spotlight and it does articles on up and coming bands not just musicians on the current market. Lately, the NME magazine
has dropped the black outer lining on the masthead and now just has a normal plain red font, or changes the inner colour
to suit the image on the front cover, for example this has been done on the Jimi Hendrix edition which is shown further
above this slide. However, it is still printed as a stamp form on the left hand side of the magazine. Moreover, NME choose
to use several different fonts between 4 or 5 this is to create a busy looking page as they are trying to make it look
interesting so it attracts the viewers attention, also by you a different font the reader can clearly see the different articles
and pieces of information on the cover page as the differences can be easily distinguished. Photography is always a main
part of the NME magazines front cover they focus on creating a certain theme such as the wombats edition is busy looking
and has an ‘in ya face’ type of approach. On this example NME have focused on facial expressions and the levels and
positioning of the band it is quite a low angle shot and they have created a sloping effect as they have the lower person
looking away from the camera, the lead singer in the middle standing using direct address, but mainly you are drawn to
the fact he has his arms up pulling his hair, then the finally band member is placed higher up, pointing straight at the
camera. This is effective as it draws the audience in, making them want to pick up and read the magazine; it also creates
an invitational mode of address. NME has quite a typical layout with the masthead at the top left, with kickers and cover
lines down both the left and right hand side, however it is often quite chaotic and bright as they use the busyness to
attract and involve the viewers and readers. I believe that this magazine always has a fun looking front cover with
interesting themes to suit their target audience. The NME always has a clear layout and uses the right techniques and
language to make it easier for there audience to read and enjoy.