Salford City CollegeEccles CentreAS Media StudiesFoundation Portfolio

Masthead The masthead of ‘NME’ is in a bold and large font which overtakes the main image, this is because the main focal attraction point of this magazine as it is a well established magazine and is therefore why people may buy this magazine. The masthead is in a white font which is a neutral colour and is therefore relatable to both males and females. The masthead is situated in the left hand top corner of the magazine, which is recognisable and also represents the target audience of the magazine who are typically young and rebellious mainly males but sometimes females.

Main image

The main image is of a well known attractive female called Lana Del Rey, she is situated in the centre of the magazine suggesting that she is the main attention of the magazine. She is a female and her music is universally appealable and so therefore makes NME an appealable magazine. She would attract men aged 17-30 which is the target audience as they would find her attractive and could also find her music appealing. She is positioned in front of an American flag, suggesting that she is the new big star of America and is globally well known. She has her tongue out in the magazine which suggests that the contents of the magazine will be fun and also links with the quote “I’m a psycho!” therefore attracting the reader to be more interested in reading the magazine. She is wearing a white dress which symbolises her universal appeal to both genders. The blue nail varnish is light blue and electric looking this identifies her as being an electric cover star and so therefore makes her more appealing and interesting to a wider target audience. She has a religious necklace around her neck which appears to be a fashion type statement however it could also symbolise her background as an American making her appear to be an average American woman. The flag behind her is an American flag this therefore makes her appear patriotic as though she represents America

Model credit:

The model credit of ‘LANA DEL REY THE TRUE FACE OF A MODERN AMERICAN ICON” sells the magazine as it makes the target audience interested in her music and therefore article as she appears to be an ‘Icon’ suggesting that she is highly regarded in music business. The emphasis on the American background also symbolises her background, which suggests that the article will be more personal and therefore makes the audience relate to her as a person. The phrase ‘true face’ suggests a personal article and that anything that we do know about her is all fake therefore making the article more appealing.

Coverlines

The coverlines mainly feature on the left side third therefore the audience will be drawn towards viewing these coverlines first. The quote “I am a genius, just like God” is a bold statement, and as it is a quote from the article it makes the target audience want to read inside to find out what the article is and in what context. The other coverlines such as ‘FREE POSTERS!’ attract the audience as they are more likely to purchase the magazine if it is dearer as they think that they are getting better value for money. Also all of the coverlines are bands of the same genre which appeals to the audience who are interested in this particular genre

Main cover line

The main cover line is a quote from the main cover article ‘I’m a psycho!” the word ‘psycho’ suggests that the article would be interesting ad eccentric therefore making the magazine appear more appealing. There is also juxtaposition with the formal patriotic representative with the flag and her informal pose, identifying her as an eccentric character and that the article will be lighthearted with serious questions asked.

Typefaces

The main text is in block capitals this suggests that the articles are of importance and also draws the attention of the audience towards the articles making them more appealing. The typeface is at a slant on the main coverline and the coverlines this could identify with her main image and the main cover line as in her mental state which links with the statement of ‘Im a psycho!’

Photography Lighting

The main lighting is high key especially on the main image this identifies her as being a happy and light-hearted coverstar, and also that she is the main focal point of the whole magazine. Towards her arm on the right side of the magazine the lighting goes more low key this suggests that half of her nature is dark and more mysterious and this article delves deeper into her nature.

Colour:

The main colour schemes of the magazine are white, black and light blue colours. The white could symbolise the neutral idea of the magazine and is universally appealing which is featured on the masthead suggesting that people of all ages are interested in the magazine. The black colours connotate the power of the magazine and as ‘I’m a psycho!’ is in a black colour this suggests a dark nature to the magazine.

The light blue electric colours of the magazine suggest that the articles are exciting and enticing and so therefore appeals to the target audience.

HOLLY TAYLOR