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Double Page Spread - NME

This double page spread by NME involves an unconventional colour scheme, it still consists on the three colour scheme however there are aspects in the image which break this. The colour scheme is used creatively by highlighting key information for the reader in blue, This is so it stands out in contrast to other text. The title “the vaccines” is in block capitals and has a significantally bigger font compared to the other texts, this is so the people reading know the artists immediately when opening the page.

Conventional columns have been used to give it that magazine feel. To take up more room in the text they have used a pull quote in a significantly bigger font, using the colour blue linking in with the colour scheme which looks proffesional. This allows us to get an interperate of the interveiw for people that briefly read through. Kickers have also been used to add to the magazine feel, these letters which start the beginning of each sentence have been coloured in blue, this links again with the colour scheme allowing the magazine to keep a professional look.

The image which is portrayed in the magazine takes up around 2/3 of both pages, this is a large image which draws a lot of attention to the reader. The image includes the four band members of the vaccines which are all breaking the fourth wall by looking into the camera, this can make the reader feel like they are more involved in the magazine which is a useful affect. The image used is also very interesting, this is because the band members arent just stood in a line, they are in specific positions, this could allow the audience to note the importance of each member, for example Justin Young  is positioned at the front which draws more interest to him. All of their facial expressions are serious which links well with the type of music they produce. Along with this the background is quite dirty, like old paper which can be seen to foreshadow their type of music. The vaccines are in simplistic clothing which doesn’t reveal any branding names, the rolled up shirt of Justin can show their kind of style well, so can other clothing items seen in the background.

The overall layout of the magazine is pretty conventional for NME with a main image taking up two thirds of the page. I like this kind of design because I find it interesting, it allows close detail and depth in the image and enough zoom for a valid amount of text.

Double Page Spread Analysis - NME

NME have gone for an unconventional look in this specific double page spread, instead of using the standard colour palettes consisting of black red and white they have gone for an overall darker look, including colours purple and black, this suggests the personality of the band, as their new album has been “death obsessed” and they are a “dark-hearted trio”.

The overall look of the double page spread is a layout that we come across a lot; this consists of a big image taking up usually half, or more of the page. The image in this specific double page spread takes up around 2/3 of the page, it is a long shot of the White Lies, the lightening used in the photo makes the image look dark and dull, it doesn’t reveal anything intriguing about the band. However this allows the page to have a more simplistic look which is very affective. In the image the audience can notice that a lot of their body is hidden in shadows to suggest that there could be something that they don’t know about this band. Along with this the lightening can suggest that although they are hidden, they want to be in the spotlight and they want to be a big, powerful well-known band.

The font used in this magazine is very simplistic and easy to read, this is good because it avoids confusion for the reader. We are instantly exposed to a huge title which is taking up around 1/3 of the left hand page; it is known as a pull quote from a previous interview saying “we want kings of leon’s career”. The font is very clear and bold and it is underlined to emphasise the importance of it.  The pull quote is very optimistic and can be seen as arrogant considering the success of Kings of Leon’s.  The type up at the bottom is in New Times Roman, this is just a standard conventional font. In the text main words are also in purple instead of the black, this goes with the colour scheme and allows more focus on specific words like ‘White Lies’ and makes it look professional. The layout of the font is a lot neat and professional; they have used the conventional columns and have used a little sub paragraph, which looks neat. 

Contents Analysis - NME

This contents page is a lot more filling compared to the Vibe contents page. There is information about all of the pages inside the magazine everywhere; this allows the audience to find and look at everything specifically, which is better than having to go through every page. A main contents headline is positioned under the main image which clear bold black font saying ‘artic monkeys’ this instantly allows the reader to see the band, which compliments the photo.

The page is titled NME contents, this consists of the conventional NME logo and contents written in clear block font, it is very easy to read which is affective.  All of the feature titles on the page are in white block capitals behind a black fill, this makes the font stand out a lot more which allows the audience to notice each section more comfortably.

NME use the same black red and white colour scheme. This scheme matches the logo, which allows the magazine to bring across a more professional look. However they break their colour code with the use of a box at the bottom of the page. The colour scheme for this box includes yellow font on a black fill, the yellow will instantly catch the audience’s eye because it’s the only colour difference. They are advertising a subscription for the magazine; this is affective because it is eye catching.

The image the contents page uses is quite conventional for NME because the majority of their contents pages use a medium sized image in the centre of the page. Writing is positioned around the photo, which allows more focus on the image itself. All of the page numbers are printed in red font, this sticks with the colour scheme and allows it to stand out next to the titles; this is so the reader instantly knows where to look for their page. The date is positioned under contents, which stands out clear on the black fill behind it.

Front Cover Analysis - NME

The master head for this magazine is shown in the top left hand corner of the cover, NME are a big well-known magazine and they use their convectional logo so people can instantly identify it. NME logo is written in big clear blocks, which gives a good easy to notice effect. The usual colour code for NME is black, red and white, however in this specific magazine the colours used are white and yellow. This could have been done to add more emphasis to the photo of Plan B, who is swearing, which is unusual to show on a magazine. Therefore it could suggest that the unusual colour scheme can compliment the not often used hand gesture. This is non conventional to what NME would usually portray with their magazine covers which helps it stand out and look more significant.

The cover lines are mainly on the left of the magazine so the whole of the image can be revealed in a clearer light. The uses of the cover lines are affective because the main title is in a vibrant yellow, which draws attention of the target audience because the colour stands out a lot compared to the background it is placed on. They are also in a colour format, which runs alternatively, this adds a more professional look to the magazine. On the cover the main heading is positioned directly below the image, which instantly is drawn attention too because of the big, bold font used. The use of the priministers name shows contrast with the image of Plan B, the headings saying ‘David Cameron be very afraid’ can make different target audiences want to read on and see why the priminister should be scared of the rapper.

The main image used on the magazine is an iconic close up shot of artist Plan B who is starting into the camera and swearing. This look is seen as a rebellious look and could target a youth audience. The fact Plan B is smoking can emphasis his rebellious look and it also fits in with the type of music he produces. This look can be used to attract a younger target audience and lure the customers into buying the magazine. His eyes look fierce and he is showing a sharp facial expression, which adds further emphasis to the image he is portraying. He also seems to have a non-caring attitude by his body expression showed which can show further contrast between the image and the main cover line.

I believe this cover by NME is unique and unconventional which draws a lot more attention to the magazine. The use of the alternative colours in the cover lines are affective and the unconventional colour scheme compliments the stereotypical criminalistic image.