2. ANALYSIS OF „NME MAGAZINE‟ FEATURING
DIZZEE RASCAL

3. I am going to start off by analysing the images within the double page spread. The
dominant image of the singer Dizzee Rascal, is placed on the left page of the
double page spread. He is vandalising the wall as there is a spray can placed in his
hand. He is not looking directly at the camera as he may be looking over his shoulder
to see if someone has caught him or perhaps he knows that he‟s up to no good. This
allows the article to be quite comical for the readers. This also relates back to the hip
hop genre as graffiti is part of it‟s history.
He is dressed in a red puff jacket with a white vest underneath accompanied with
some jeans. Although the graffiti on the wall and his actions relate back to the stereo
type of the hip hop industry, the fact that Dizzee is not wearing any gold chains or
has his boxers on display may suggest that he is trying to differentiate himself from the
cliché.
The colour red is usually associated with elements such as power, energy, strength
and determination. Rascal looks quite determined to take the risk because although
he knows there may be consequences he is still finishing his work of art.

4. The hip hop artist is on the double page spread as it is a music magazine convention to
always have the main article featuring the artist on the cover. the targeted audience are
able to relate to the musician, due to reasons such as his age and the genre of his music as
well as the fact that he is vandalising public property which most young people do to rebel.
the urban background is full of graffiti. This represents the stereotype of the hip hop culture, as
this particular ethnic culture is associated with the gangster/ghetto lifestyle. However, the
colours create a vibrant and trendy atmosphere as the shades compliment the cover „s
colour scheme as well as the artist‟s image(style).
On the right hand corner readers will find the article. The organisational structure of the
spread sheet allows readers to clearly read the article without finding it difficult. The article
usually relates to the images surrounding it.
NME have successfully used appropriate Mise-en-scene to emphasise the hip-hop industry.
The article has a header placed right above it in big, black, bold letters. “ From Tags to
Riches” this title emphasises the success of the young artist and how he has made it from
being an ordinary boy to a prosperous artist.

5. The header itself takes up half the page. This suggests the issue is image dominated rather
than text. This also suggests that the target readership is a younger audience as youths
prefer to look at pictures rather than read the text.
There is a catchy sub heading placed underneath the masthead. This gives readers a further
insight into the article. “ 2009 has been Dizzee Rascal’s year.” The fact that his name is
written in bold makes it clear for the readers that the article is based on him specifically as
some of the readers may not even know who he is.
The article is set out into four columns making it clearly visible to the readers eyes. It starts
with a drop capital making it clear where the article starts. The font and it‟s colour is
consistently black throughout, this allows it to stand clearly across the white background as
the graffiti begins to fade.
Supporting the theme of the urban vibe are four empty bottles of beer and a vintage
music player. The prompts are used to add to the Mise-en-scene.
The title NME, date and page number are placed in the corner of the page. This is a
constant reminder for the readers to remember what magazine they are reading as well as
allows the publishers to promote their brand identity.

6. The editors have also credited individuals that have helped provide the
double page spread by adding their names to the header.
Over all the magazine has successfully used basic music magazine
conventions and altering them according to their specific style and
identity. They have successfully established the targeted audience as well
as the theme of the issue by using appropriate Mise-en-scene.

7. ANALYSIS OF “Q MAGAZINE” DOUBLE
PAGE SPREAD FEATURING FLORENCE
WELCH

8. I‟m going to start off by analysing the images within the double page spread. Florence
Welch is known as the lead singer of the band Florence and the machine. There are
three images of the artist that take up majority of the double page spread. She is
dressed in a black cat suit and her whole outfit is dominated by the colour black, this
also allows her red hair to stand out. The colour black is usually associated with
elements such as power, mystery and elegance. The fact that her outfit reveals so little
skin produces a sense of mystery following the idea „ less means more‟ this also allows
the artist to look elegant as she is not selling herself or her body to the public eye. This
may also suggest that she is a night person as she is dressed up for an occasion. The
whole outfit may reveal the edgy side of the singer. The outfit would probably appeal
more to the male reader as it produces a sensual yet not a trashy atmosphere. The
different poses make the artist look like she‟s dancing this relates back to the music
industry as she is a singer after all.
Since the artist is not looking directly at the camera and her hair slightly covers her face
on each of the images the middle image has clearly been taken with a fan facing her
as this allows readers to recognise her and see what her make up looks like.

9. The fact that she is dressed in black and is located across a white background allows
all focus to be on Florence herself. This may also be a connotation of her style as she
has a 50‟s style to her, therefore the black and white effect may be associated with
her background style.
Next, I will be discussing features such as the writing e.g. the font. The double page
spread is image dominated, this allows the article to have an image feel rather than a
written one as they may want to attract readers who enjoy pictures.
The writing is located on the far right hand side of the page and is set out into two
columns, the organisation of the layout makes it clear for the audience to read. There
is a subheading that says Florence in white across a black background so that the
artist‟s name stands out. A quote from the artist herself is located next to the first image
on the left hand side of the double page spread. “ it had all the tappings of a great
hangover: lost phone, chipped tooth, hotel on fire…” The fact that it is within quotation
marks allows and is located right next to the artist, allows the reader to immediately
know the words are coming out of her mouth.

10. The word hangover itself makes it clear that the magazine is directed at a younger
audience as they would be able to relate with that feeling the next day after having
too much to drink. The three dots at the end of the sentence would encourage the
audience to keep reading to find out what she is exactly referring to. The neutral
colours used suggest that the article is aimed at both sexes.
Overall, the article follows the basic conventions of a double page article and alters
them to suit their targeted audience. However, the magazine also lacks basic
conventions such as a header (title) for the article. Conclusively , the magazine uses
appropriate features to portray the target readership.

11. ANALYSIS OF “VIBE” DOUBLE
PAGE SPREAD STARRING
SOLANGE KNOWLES

12. I‟m going to start off by analysing the images within the double page spread.
Solange Knowles is a well-known artist especially for being Beyonce Knowles‟ sister.
Although there are around 8 photographs the double page spread is not image
dominated. The main image is a long shot image of Solange, wearing a striking red
dress with ruffles on the end. The colourful image contrasts with the plain colours of
the page everything is in black and grey aside from the subtle blue writing. The
colour red associates with elements such as love and lust. The fact that the dress is
quite short, tight and shows an alluring part of the female body, her legs, connotes a
sense of desire. She has topped off the dress with a colourful yet dark fur collar. That
varies from blue to brown. This directs all the attention to the dress. She is wearing
peep toe high heels that have a hint of orange between the purple colours and
accessorised with two necklaces (a long silver one and a colourful chocker) her
outfit has a young vibe with a sophisticated twist. This reveals the artist‟s young side
as well as her sense of class

13. The outfit would definitely appeal to the male readers due to how short and tight
it is, female readers would enjoy the images as well as they are fun and stylish. The
singer is standing in a basic position with her hands placed behind her back. She
is staring straight at the camera; this represents a direct mode of address as if she
is talking directly to the readers. She has a serious/straight look on her face, this
contrast with the way she is posing for the other camera shots behind her.
Readers can tell that this is the dominant image as it is larger than the others and
is in colour. The way the images are set from left to right make them look
professional and unique. The black and white coloured poses give the readers an
insight to the artist‟s personality. This also is used as „eye-candy‟ for the male
reader, as the attractive singer looks flirtatious. This allows the readers to visualise
how the text relates back to the images, as well as makes the article more
interesting and eye-catching. The layout is organised, the black lines separate the
images from the texts this allows the readers to clearly read them text rather than
having everything scattered over the pages.

14. Next I will be discussing features to do with the writing such as the font. The
language and tone that is used is essential to any magazine as it describes the
type of relationship the magazine wants to have with its readers. „Vibe‟ uses a
convention to differentiate itself from other magazines, this is done through the
first sentenced that is written.
The article begins with a snappy sentence whereas most magazines usually start
their articles with a dropped letter. „Forget her sister. The outspoken Solange
Knowles created one of the year‟s best RnB albums.‟ The fact that her name is
highlighted in blue suggests importance, as well as allows those who don‟t know
the artist to identify her, the use of mentioning Beyoncé is also a way to recognise
the artist as Beyoncé is highly known internationally. The word RnB would
immediately suggest that RnB fans will be interested in the article and how the
artist came to selling one of the year‟s best RnB albums. On the other hand it uses
the basic conventions of any magazine by using features such as columns that
divide the text as well as makes the article look neater and easier to read.

15. The quote next to her is taken out of the article. The fact that it is within quotation
marks allows and is located right next to the artist, allows the reader to
immediately know the words are coming out of her mouth.
The colour scheme of the article is grey dominant (background) with black and
slight blue writing. These neutral colours suggest that the article is aimed at both
sexes; however the subtle blue suggests that the article is not female based and
that it would appeal to the male reader as well. The colour Grey is usually
associated with elements such as cloudy and sadness. This may be used as Mise –
en –scene to symbolise the quote „‟It‟s no fun to feel like I have to audition for
everyone…” the fact that the quote is written in capital letters suggests the
importance and moodiness of the words.
Overall, the article follows the basic conventions of a double page article and
alters them to suit their targeted audience. However, the magazine also lacks
basic conventions such as a header (title) for the article. Conclusively , the
magazine uses appropriate features to portray the target readership.