2. The masthead of NME music magazine
has never changed over the many
years the magazine has been
running. It’s very simple but bold
masthead stands out and is instantly
recognisable. The only thing that
would change about the masthead is
the colour.
This is an NME magazine from
1995. They have kept the
Masthead the same over all
these years to make it a
recognisable logo all over the
world.
Examples of how the
Masthead is used in other
NME magazines
Masthead

3. Kicker Text
The two examples above are both Kicker texts. These are the title to the explanatory text
which is placed underneath them. For example one they use bright red text and an
explanation mark which helps the text to stand out and use the word ‘DUUDE!’ This word is
classified as slang which will appeal to the younger, edgier audience that will read this
magazine and is also spelt with two Us. This makes it seem as if someone is really shouting.
The other kicker line is the name of a famous band ‘ The libertines. ‘ Having the bands name
in bold near the masthead will attract fans to want to find out what is in the magazine.
Example two uses white bold font against a black boxed background which creates contrast.
This makes the text stand out. However it challengers the convention of a magazine but
having the layout of the text on different angles and levels. This compliments the text of ‘
Rock’s messiest bust up ‘ as it is not neat and perfect but edgy.
Example one Example two
It’s boldest kicker line is the band name ‘ Oasis ‘. This is in the
middle of the two band members and is what your eye is firslty
drawn to

4. Explanatory text
The explanatory text is in a smaller font
under the cover lines. They briefly explains
what the cover line includes. The black font
works well with the white background to
create a contrast. The use of red colour for
the kicker line and black for the explanatory
text helps make it clear that they are
separate but their positioning makes it clear
that they are linked.

5. Colour Scheme
The colour scheme for this
magazine cover is red,
black and white. These
colours work very well
together as they
compliment each other to
create a strong contrast
which will attract the
readers eye.

6. Layout, Eye flow and Language
The eye flow of this magazine cover
doesn’t follow the conventions of the
C shape. Instead there are cover lines
at the top and one seems to be placed
in the middle between Liam and Noel.
However one criticism I have is that the
magazines layout seems a bit messy.
Your eye doesn’t know where to look
first which can make it confusing. On
the other hand the fact that the main
cover line isn’t in a straight line adds
to the text itself, ‘ Rock’s messiest
bust-up’.
The language is breif and doesn’t tell you much about what is featured
inside the magazine and leaves you wanting to know more about the
stories that are featured inside. This makes the readers more interested
and will make them more tempted to buy it.

7. Image analysis
The image of Liam and Noel is
very basic. They both were the
colours to match the colour
scheme of the magazine front
cover which helps the cover look
more attractive. Neither of them
have eye contact with the viewer or
each other. This links to the
second boldest cover line ‘ Rock’s
messiest bust up.’ This helps us get
a understanding that something
happened to cause a tension
between the two band members.

8. Price line, tag line, Barcode
The price and tag line are all placed at
the top left hand corner on the page.
This is good as this is the first thing
the reader might read naturally as
your eye line goes from top left,
downwards and along. But also the
text is small enough for it not to
interfere with the cover lines and
image. However the tag line is
covered by the image due to the
editing. It would normally read ‘ New
Musical Express.’.
The barcode is placed on the bottonm
left had corner. This is a good place
as it also doesn’t interfere with the
layout of the cover.