RepresentationThe conventions in many magazines in terms of representation are often negative of women, and young girls in particular. Focus is directed towards the image, often using make up or accessories that would be associated with older women. Provocative images and poses of idolised celebrities are often displayed on the front covers, giving unrealistic expectations to the readers, and causing a lack of confidence. I have gone against this convention, dressing my band in casual clothing that readers can easily relate to. Their make up is natural and replicable, meaning that they are being presented as good role models, especially to young girls as they are not adults yet themselves, and I think this is positive as they are relatable and not trying to appear older than they are, and setting unrealistic expectations for young readers that the magazine is targeted towards.

CategoriesThe anchorage is clearly demonstrated across the contents page, making features easily found through the categorisation of the articles. This includes ‘On the cover’ and ‘every week’, making it easier for regular readers to find their favourite features as well as locate the exclusives of the issue.

ImageI have used some conventions of contents pages with music magazines in my contents page, using a large dominant image for the majority of the page. This image was of my band, which also had the most anchorage through the largest page number, which demonstrates that this is the main feature for the issue. It also has a pull quote to entice the reader further to this feature. Going against usual conventions I have used overlap to layer my pictures, with a cut out picture of the guitarist from the band ‘Biffy Clyro’. Opposite to the picture of ‘The Crows’, this is a live picture from a gig, and I think that this adds life to the contents and entices the reader through the expression and action of the shot. The overlap results in it still being noticed and also fits the house style with the red/pink lighting from the gig. The overlay also goes onto the image of the outside of an ‘Arctic Monkeys’ gig, which was a very successful UK tour, which would interest readers. Again, the image fits with the house theme, and this picture does follow the conventions of music magazines as contents pages often have smaller, neat images such as this to increase the anchorage and engage the reader more. The large image is also accompanied by a short paragraph of text to introduce the article, a convention of magazines that I chose to follow to draw readers in.

TextI chose to follow the brand through to the contents page by using the ‘O’ from the masthead, using the pink to highlight key points that would interest the reader, and using different fonts to separate different subjects, which are conventions.

When creating my magazine front cover, I wanted to create a professional look that would appeal to teen readers that have a passion for indie rock music. I wanted the magazine to be unique enough to attract new readers, and gain a large target audience, yet still fit into the conventions of music magazines to

make the genre recognisable and appealing.

ImageBoth my magazine and the real magazine cover I have selected feature the use of direct address, as this is a classic convention that drawn in readers and makes an automatic connection. I have chosen this magazine to compare to as NME is an established magazine that targets a similar, yet older audience. It also features a duo as the cover stars, similar to my magazine which offers a clear comparison. Both magazines have used a close up, with the tallest of the pair on the right. I chose to do this so that I could follow the convention of placing the masthead in the top left hand corner. I thought this was an important rule to follow as generically, people will read from this side and follow across from the left. It also looks professional.

MastheadI followed the convention of a large, bold font masthead. It is a large, dominant text on the cover, forcing it to be noticed and making it recognisable as a brand name, which is the aim of the magazine in the hope that in the future it could be developed. I also decided to add ‘Britains No1…’ beneath it, adding to the professionalism. However in contrast to the NME I am comparing it to, and many other magazines such as Kerrang! and Q, I’ve decided against placing the image of the band overlapping the masthead. This is often done to connote the importance of the band/brand; Vogue rarely places their cover star in front of the masthead as the brand is ‘more important’. In music magazines it is a form convention to have the cover star ‘on top of’ the brand name. I have gone against this, as whilst establishing the brand the masthead should be seen. Also whilst featuring new artists as the cover star, the brand name takes priority over the new, somewhat unknown artist. It doesn’t largely overlap, along with the other cover lines still resulting in a clear image.

Puffs and PlugsI used a plug in the top right hand corner, which draws in the reader as it is a teaser, which is followed with anchorange on the contents page. Anchorage is also seen for the rest of my cover lines, which have followed the conventions of having excessive punctuation (lots of ‘!’) to excite readers, and have also given a short title followed by a short insight into the contents of the feature.

ColourI have followed a clear house theme, which does follow the conventions of music magazines. I think I have used it affectively, tying the magazine together. Convention may have been challenged through less vibrant, bright colours being used.