Front Cover Drafts

Front Cover Drafts

Potential Front Cover Images

TM Feedback

Female, 17;

"I think these pictures really go with the headline. I think the first one looks good, i think the "Beat" header is in the crrect place, and leaves space for coverlines around the edge of the image. The blank background puts emphasis on the picture, which i think entices he audience by the model looking directly into the camera, and also prodces quite a sexy/rockchick look with the bite of the lip

I think the second image also looks good - but maybe not so much as a front cover. It looks more casual as the model is laughing and would maybe be more suitable for an inside story. However, f you were going to use this for a front cover is shows a more light-hearted and laid back approach to the magzine as the model looks like she is enjoying herself.

The third image is also one of my favourites along with image number 1. I think the seting of he image shows that it is a msic magazine, because of the headphones and the amp. The model also looks like a rockchick because of the leather trousers. I think the bright background compliments the image and maks the headline stand out more. Having all the space around the edge puts emphasis on the image, which present a quite casual but clearly focused and musical approach. There is also enough space to incorporate subheadings etc around the edge of he top right of the magazine!

I don't like the black white of style number 4. Even though it puts a lot of emphasis on the title of the magazine, i think the colours of the previous images look more aesthetically pleasing and visuall dynamic, atracting the reader."

Male, 16;

"My favourite two are the top right image and the bottom left image due to the photographic quality. These images look best for the style and genre of the magazine as the model looks happy creating a more laid-back approach to the magazine. The styling is also significant because it shows the model's edgy fashion therefore suggesting the genre of an indie rock magazine. The backgrounds of both these images are effective as well as they add emphasis on the model and title, making both stand out more and grab the attention of the reader"

Potential Images To Be Used

These images are potential images for the front cover of the music magazine. They are close-up images of the artist, as this is appropriate in showing clearly who the featured artist is and the facial expressions can be used to connote the atmosphere of the magazine. The purpose of the front cover is to sell the magazine to the consumer, therefore the main image not only has to the grab the attention of the customers but also should also fit in with the house-style of the magazine. The props used in these images are significant as these connote the genre of the music; this is due to the headphones, jewelry and contrast of the artist's hair and lips with the blank background. The headphones match the title of the magazine, as they both suggest a pop/ dance genre. Image 1 shows the artist biting her lip; this expression shows sex appeal but could also be seen as too provocative for the genre and target audience of this magazine, therefore I won't be using this image for the front cover, as i don't want to attract the wrong audience. The second image shows the artist laughing. I like this image as it creates a fun atmosphere which can connote the youth of the artist yet also the target audience as the magazine is aimed at teenagers between 16-18years. The third image shows the artist pulling a smiling facial expression. This image is effective as the eye-contact reaches the audience and the artist's piercings show her unique style, suggesting a unique style of the magazine. However, this could be seen to attract a younger audience than expected, therefore Image 2 is the most likely image i will use for the cover image.

These are potential images that i could use inside the magazine, either on the contents page or the double page spread. I like the colour contrasts of these images as they are ideal for the target audience but also would attract the consumers. The styling of the artist is unique and suggests the genre of the magazine, and the props of the amplifier and headphones is used to also suggest the genre. The mid-shot of these images is used to capture the whole body of the artist therefore showing the outfit of her yet also featuring the artists' facial expression. This is useful as Image 3 shows the artist laughing, which matches the previous image that will potentially be used for the front cover (image 2) therefore it is likely that this image will be used in the magazine.

Mrs D

There is lots of detail here. Well done. Don't forget to make the genre of music clear to the audience with your font choices.

Font Choices

Text Font 1

This font, "Kozuka Gothic Pro EL" is basic and easy to read and is therefore appropriate for this magazine. However, it may be too simple, resulting in the magazine not having a unique style.

Text Font 2

This font is called "Kothica" and is a simple and bold font, making it easily readable. However, due to the heading's and sub-headings also being in bold, it is likely that it may look out of place.

Text Font 3
This font, "Grenoble Light SF" is still basic and simple to read, yet is slightly more unique to other fonts used in music magazines. This is th font i am most likely to use, as it is bold, readable and looks effective.

Sub-Heading Font 1
This font, "Blippo Light SF" is a possible font for the sub-headings of my magazine. I like this font as it is unique, bold and eye-catching. It's visually dynamic so makes the magazine mroe attractive.

Sub-Heading Font 2

This font is called, "Firenze SF," I like it as it is more different than a basic font, however is still simple and readable. On the other hand, i don't think i'll use this font, as it is similar to the text font i have decided to use, and therefore the two fonts wouldn't compliment each other.

Sub-Heading Font 3

This font, "Footlight MT light" is unique and different, yet also readable, bold and simple. However, for the task i have been set i don't think this font would be appropriate and think it would better suit a newspaper.

Heading Font 1
This font is bold, and eye-catching. It is called, "Basic Sans Heavy FM" and would be effective in grabbing the attention of the reader. However the font isn't extremely visually effective and therefore wouldn't help the magazine look more attractive.

Heading Font 2

This font, "Ed Gein" is effective in suggesting a rock genre of the magazine, as the distressed look suits the distressed style of rock music. However, i don't want a font that suggests a specific genre, and this font is also similar to the style that is used for Kerrang! magazine, therefore wouldn't succeed in making the magazine individual.

Heading Font 3

This font is called, "Hand of Sean" and looks as if it has been hand-written. I like this font, as it is unique and bold, and therefore would grab the reader's attention. However, i don't like the hand-written effect and thinks it looks unprofessional, resulting in this font being unlikely to be used.


Heading Font 4
This font, "Adobe Heiti std R" is put with a black and white background. I like this font as the colours contrast to make the heading bold and eye-catching, yet the font is still readable. This is the font i am most likely to use as i think it is unique and will be appropriate for the style of the magazine.

Colour Schemes

One of the potential colour schemes i decided on was Purple and white. i chose these colours are there isn't another magazine on the market with a similar colour scheme, so would be unique and stand out. The colour is also eye-catching and bold against the white background. However, the purple colour may appeal more greatly to a female audience, which minimizes the potential target market, limiting the amount of people the magazine attracts.

The other colour scheme i liked was Grey, White and Turquoise. I think these colours compliment one another, yet also contrast in order to appear bold and eye-catching. The grey colour can also be used to show the rocky genre of the magazine, however the turquoise and whtie will be used to prodimantly show the other genres that will be included in the magazine. The turquoise colour is bright and will grab the attention of the reader, without limiting itself to a specific gender, therefore appealing to the widest audience. The colours also don't suggest a specific genre of music, yet they can be used with different fonts and images if i wish to portray a specific genre.

Dolby

Lots of good ideas here, well done. start looking at colour schemes and fonts soon.

Double Page Layout 1

This is the first layout that I tried out for thedouble page spread, and shows the heading and sub-heading at the centre of the left page. This is successful as this is the first place the reader will initially look, therefore grabbing the attention of the reader. The main image is placed at the bottom of the left page, as i think this is more unique in a double page spread, as this isn't where the main image would normaly be placed. The text is in columns across the middle of the left page, with another textbox toward the bottom of the right hand page, left-aligned. The layout features two image at the top left and bottom rght of the right hand page. This is effective in relating to the interview therefore making the interview more attractive to the reader. There will be a box in the top right corner of the left page including extra artist information that may appeal to the audience; this could include information on upcoming music, tours or gossip from their personal life.

Double Page Layout 2

This is my second option for the layout of the double page spread. This layout features the main image in the centre, covering oth the left and the right page. This is effective as this creates a focal point of the artist and is the first thing the reader will notice when looking at the article. The heading and sub-heading will also be placed underneath this image, continuing the focal point and therefore grabbing the attention of the reader. There will be extra artist information in the top left corner of the left page, as this is away from the main text of the interview, therefore seperating itself and making an extra feature of the double page. The text begins in the bottom left of the left page, continuing in colums over to the right hand page. The final column on the right page will have an image within the text, resulting in the text being wrapped around the image. This is effective as it is more visually dynamic and will aid the information in the article.

Double Page Layout 3

This layout for the double page spread, shows where all the information, images and text, that the reader most enjoys, is placed. The page will be in an interview form, focused on the artist that is feature on the front page. There will be an image over the top half of the left page, with the heading and subheading of the feature placed overlapping it. This is effective as it will directly link the image to the interview, showing to the reader that this is the main feature of the magazine. The large image is also ideal as it is eye-catching and encourages the reader to read the article. The text will begin underneath the sub-heading, using a drop-cap for the first letter of the article. The layout shows and image in the centre of the textboxes, showing that the text should be wrapped around an image of the artist; this is also the effect of the image and textbox on the right hand page. The double page also features a box at the bottom of the right page outlining extra information about the artist that the reader may enjoy reading. This is my favourite layout, and is the layout i am most likely to use when creating the double page spread. I think it is most effective in portraying the information included in the interview to the reader and is also visually dynamic making it more attractive to read.

Contents Page Layout 1

This is the first layout i tried, and shows the contents of "This Week" and the regular Features on opposing sides on the page. This is effective as it seperates the new articles from the ones which are featured regularly. The layout shows the title left aligned, as it is on the front cover, which in effect continues the house style, and there will images on either side of the contents. This is done in order to relate to the features and articles and make it clearer for the audience to identify the page they wish to read. This is my favourite Layout design, so it is most likely the layout i will decide to use for my final page. However, as

researched, many magazines included an editor's note on the contents page, so i may also include an editor's note on mine.

Contents Page Layout 2

The second layout i tried out, features the title to the right of the page with the headings and contents directly underneath it. I like this layout as it keeps all of the contents in line and easily identifiable and the images will be left aligned and will relate to the features and articles of the issue. This layout is basic, yet the images allow the page to be more visually dynamic; i may choose to include and editor's note where Image 3 is placed, in order to give the reader a better insight into the past month behind the scenes of the magazine.

Contents Page Layout 3

I like this layout as it shows all the content directly down the centre of the page, making it the first thing noticed. The title is also placed in the centre at the top of the page, and the two headings, This Week and Features, are directly underneath. ither sides of the contents will be images relating to the pages and features of the magazine. If decided, i may use an editor's note to replace image 6, as this allows the reader to get an insight into what's happened since the previous month, and also gives an opportunity to locate other features. I would use page numbers to the left of each listing, and would continue the colour scheme of grey, white and turquoise.

Front Cover Layout 1

This layout features the title centralized at the top of the page, with the heading and sub-heading also centralised underneath this. Most magazines feature the title left aligned so this layout shows a different visual technique, therefore may appear more attractive for the reader. With the heading at the top of the page, it is clear to see that this is the main feature of the magazine and therefore gives an insight into the contents of the magazine. The main image acts as a background to the front cover, with the title, headings, coverlines and images placed on top. This is effective as it compliments the headings and appeals to the reader. The coverlines would be right-aligned to show the content of the magazine, so the reader knows where to look to find the features and decide whether to buy the issue, and the image showing the free posters within the magazine would be placed in the bottom left corner. I like this layout as it is slightly different from the traditional layout of a magazine, however i don't think it would compliment the simplistic font choice that i have chosen.

Front Cover Layout 2

This is my favourite layout as it shows clearly the different areas of the magazine and what's included. The title is placed in the top left corner so that it is easily and clearly noticeable for the reader and the main heading is placed underneath the title, right-aligned and over the main image. This is successful as it will compliment the image and is also one of the first things the reader will notice, and therefore will be effective in attracting them to buy the issue. The coverline's are listed to the left of the page, showing the content of the magazine and giving the reader an insight to the magazine. The image showing the poster's featured inside is placed in the bottom left corner, with a sub-heading to accompany this. The main image is over the whole page to supply a background and to also be eye-catching and noticeable.

Front Cover Layout 3

This layout shows the title in the top left corner, as this is the first place the reader looks when looking at the magazine. This is ideal as the title grabs the attention of the reader and encourages them to buy the magazine. The main image will be placed over the whole cover, with the coverlines, images and headings placed on top of it. Image 2 in the top right corner, will show the free posters included inside the magazine and also include a pug stating this. The main heading and its sub-heading will be placed centrally over the bottom of the image, attracting the reader to the feature and influencing them to buy the issue. This layout also shows two coverlines right aligned toward the top of the page, and a third left aligned at the bottom. The coverlines attract the reader as they give an insight into what is inside the issue, so will need to stand out. I like this layout as it doesn't over-crowd the page, therefore becoming easier for the reader to read.

Final Title Decision

This is my final decision for the font i will use on the cover of the magazine i create. I like the colour of this font; it's bright, eye-catching and will attract the reader to the magazine. The font is easy to read, and the capital letters make it bold and iconic. The font doesn't specify itself to one genre of music, therefore multiple can be included resulting in appealing to the largest market possible. On the other hand, i am still able to focus the magazine on Indie music, as the mojority of those i surveyed agreed that they enjoyed the Indie genre the most.

Mrs D

Great detail Hannah. Keep up the pace.

Potential Title Fonts

Font 1
This font is simple, easy to read, and the colour compliments the colour scheme of my magazine. I like this font as it is basic and doesn't suggest a specific genre of music, so effectively any image could match the title to show a more specific genre; Indie, for example. If i were to use this font, i would alter the colour to be slightly more turquoise, brighter, and therefore more eye-catching. I would also want this font to be bolder to stand out more.
Font 2
I like this font as it is bold, eye-catching and reflects the rock genre of the magazine. I like the edgy look it has and it matches the colour scheme, however i think it appears to be more of a rock genre and less appealing to other genres, minimizing the target audience, i also think the font is similar to the font used for the title of Kerrang! and therefore is unoriginal. On the other hand, i may use a font with a similar background to this, as i like the blurred affect and this it is appropriate for this magazine.

Font 3

This font is affective as i like the blue highlight behind the black title, and therefore it fits into the colour scheme. I think it is appropriate for multiple genre's of music as the style doesn't limit itself to a specific genre, eg Rock. However, i don't like how this font is in lower case letters as it doesn't look as eye-catching or professional.

Font 4

This font is bold and stands out, therefore catching the eye of the reader. However i think the font is more appropriate for a sports magazine, due to the varsity-style letters. On the other hand, i like the shadowed affect of this title.

Font 5

I like this font as i feel it is individual, and therefore doesn't appear on the cover of other magazines already on the market. I also think it appeals to a range of genres, and doesn't limit itself. I also think the font is bold and eye-catching, therefore attracting more readers. I think this font would be more effective if it were slighly shadowed in order to highlight the text and make it stand out more.

A good overview here Hannah, when you go into more detailed planning, don't forget to consider shot types and who the central image is going to be of.

Initial Planning

I have researched the areas to consider when planning my magazine, the areas i have looked into are: Names; Colours; Cover Lines; Contents Page; Double Page Spread and Images. I have done this in order to identify the factors that need to be focused on when creating the magazine, and possible articles and features.

The three names I liked most were, Fuel, Beat and XS. The name "Fuel" has connotations of making something energetic, which reflects the genre of the music the magazine will focus on, as indie and rock music is often energetic. Another name i liked was "Beat" which directly indicates that this is a music magazine due to music having a beat and the beat of a drum. However the name also has connotations of fighting, e.g. to beat up, which suggests the genre of rock music due to the harsh and edgy nature of the word. The third potential title was "XS" I liked this as the initials were bold and simple, yet also represented the word Excess, which has connotations of extra, over-the-top and loud.

The title I like most is Beat, as i think it is most appropriate for this magazine, and doesn't limit itself to rock and indie music only, therefore i can include other genres of music to open up the target market.

For this magazine, the colour schemes I prefer are; White and Purple, and Grey, White and Turquoise. I liked these colour schemes as they are unique and not used for any other music magazines that are currently on the market. However, for my magazine, i will use the grey, white and turquoise scheme, as i think it is appropriate for both male and female, and a large age range, and is also an eye-catching colour to grab the attention of the readers.

The next factor i investigated were the images that could be used to appeal to the reader. The image and visual content is the first thing the reader will initially notice, therefore the image should reflect the genre and encourage the reader to buy the magazine. On the front cover, i will take a picture of a female artist to show that the magazine is pejoratively for women, however will also appeal to a male audience due to the genre and music of the artist. The image could be in grey scale to match the colour scheme, to look professional and add and edgy appearance to the cover, therefore complimenting the genre, or in colour in order to be eye-catching and bold. I will also use images on the cover to demonstrate the free posters offered with the magazine in order to encourage the reader to buy it. On the contents page i will use images to relate to the features and articles listed to ensure that the reader can easily locate the page they are looking for, i will also have an image of the artist i use for the front cover as this will show the reader where the article that initially attracted them, can be found. I will use images on the double page spread i create, as well, in order to compliment the feature. The feature will be focused on the artist used on the cover, so images of her will be included. I'll also use images to show the artist's personal life, outside of her career, in order to compliment the accompanying story.

Another area i looked into, are the Cover Lines. The cover lines are extremely important in attracting the reader to buy the magazine, as this is what will be inside. Some cover lines i came up with were; "I'm a Music Monster" Green-Eyes on Young Fast!, her twenties and her comeback; Festival Fever and 20 not-to-miss tours of 2011. The first cover line refers to the front cover image and the double page spread i will create, as it sounds like a cover line that would attract the reader to find out more about the artist's life. It also shows a pull-quote from the feature which will make the reader want to read on and also outlines the information within the feature. The second cover line, Festival Fever, shows that there is coverage from the summer's festivals within the issue which, as identified from the questionnaire i carried out, is something that the readers enjoy reading about; therefore influencing the reader to buy the magazine. Another potential cover line is, 20 not-to-miss tours of 2011: from the research i carried out, it was shown that tours were a subject that those surveyed enjoyed reading about and staying up-to-date with.

The contents page, will include an editor's note with images relating to the features of the magazine, making it easier for the reader to identify the feature they wish to read. I will also include a section under This Week, and a section under Features, to distinct between the new features and those that occur in each issue. I will use large page numbers to ensure it is as simple as possible for the reader to locate the article they wish to read.

The double page spread will be in the form of an interview, as this was surveyed to be the feature that the majority of the target audience liked to read most, therefore appealing to the largest amount of people. The double page spread will include images of the artist from her personal life and professional life, to show each aspect and to relate to the interview. The interview will also include information about the artist's music career, new songs and up-coming tours.

Mrs D

There is some great RMA analysis here. Well done. To improve, add audience data to your product placement i.e. explore readership stats

How Research will Inform Planning

I have carried out research in the form of questionnaires to identify how the market respond to music magazines, and the preferred genres, artists, colours and prices of my target audience. The age range of people i am aiming the music magazine at is between 15-19 years old, so the range of people i surveyed were within this age range.

For the first questionnaire, I surveyed 40 people, 60% of which were female and 40% were male. From the questions i asked, i identified that the majority of those in the age range were 16 years old, and the most popular genres of music were Rock, Indie and R'N'B. The music magazines that were most read by these people, Kerrang, NME, and Q magazine and most people would buy them once a month or once a year. I also identified that the majority of people would spend between £2.01 and £4 on a music magazine.

From these results i can make decisions on where there's is a gap in the market, and what kind of magazine is going to appeal to the largest range of people, therefore having maximum consumption. These results have indicated to me, that the best target audience for the magazine will be 15-17year old, and to focus mainly on females however ensuring that the magazine is also appropriate for other ages and to males as well, to attract the largest possible target. The magazine should include a range of genres to also help attract a wider audience, however the most popular genres; Rock, Indie and R'N'B should be predominantly used as they are the genres that are most likely to attract a wide amount of people. I have also identified that to sell the magazine as best as possible, it should be priced between £2.01 and £4.

For the second questionnaire, i surveyed that same target audience and identified that the majority of those again were female, and the three most popular genres were Indie, Rock and then R'N'B. The four magazines those surveyed said they were most likely to buy were Q, NME, Kerrang! and MOJO. It was then asked whether the cover affects whether the magazine is bought, where 95 % stated that yes it did affect it, and reasons why were listed. From this i have gathered that the over will need to have an eye-catching picture, interesting coverlines, and perhaps some freebies.

The task-specific questionnaire, also showed the range of artists that those surveyed enjoy listening to, therefore showing that this magazine should also include a range of artists from a range of genres as this is what most attracts the reader. It was then shown that the cover should include these artists to influence the reader to buy the magazine. The aim of the front cover is to attract as many readers as possible and create a customer base, therefore images of upcoming and established artists will catch the eye of the reader. From the results, i also found out other things that may encourage the reader to buy the music magazine, such as; Headlines, Freebies and Competitions.

This has shown me how i should plan the front cover of the magazine and what factors should be used to attract a wide range of readers. For example, the use of images is extremely important as this is the main thing the reader initially notices about the magazine, so needs to be eye-catching and of a well-known artist. Another feature that attracts the reader is the cover lines; exciting headlines and features of the magazine will encourage the reader to buy the magazine in order to read on and follow up the headlines. The title is also essential in attracting new customers, as it should be snappy, memorable and attention-grabbing. This links in with how a colour scheme needs to be present and ultimately forms a house-style, that occurs in each issue, making the magazine more easily identifiable and becomes a brand. From my results i identified that the most popular colour scheme recommendation from those surveyed was white, grey and turquoise, however other options such as, white and purple, and, black and orange, were also popular suggestions. Magazines also often offer free gifts to encourage the reader to buy the magazine, this suggests to me that the magazine i create should include a free gift to influence a large range of readers, from the questionnaire, gifts suggested are; posters, CDs and Free Downloads. This shows me that to encourage the maximum amount of people to buy the magazine, free gifts should be offered. Pugs are also often used as a visual aid on the front cover, and contain details about what can be found on the inside of the magazine, or extra information that's important to the reader: this implies that the use of pugs should be looked into in the design process of the front cover of the magazine.

From the task-specific questionnaire it can be deduced what contents of a magazine the reader most enjoys reading. The most popular answers were; celebrities, interviews and festival coverage, however other answers such as, Up-coming artists, Tours, Classic Artists, Up-coming Songs and Music Awards, were also suggested. This shows me what content should be included in the magazine, and also suggests what cover lines should be used to influence the reader to buy the magazine. These results will also help me when creating the contents page as i will be able to custom what's inside the magazine, to the preferences of the target audience. The most popular suggestion of content the reader most enjoys, were celebrities, and within an article they'd want to know about the celebrity's personal life, career and the latest gossip. This information shows me what an article in the magazine i create, should include, and the details of the article that the reader will enjoy. This will affect how i plan to create a double page spread for my magazine, and what should be done, for this to be as successful as possible.

Over the four pages i create; Front cover, Contents page and Double-page spread, a house-style should be present. The house-style ensures continuity across the whole magazine, tying in the style, fonts and colours throughout. This creates a magazine brand that is easily recognizable by the reader. This house-style includes using the same colour scheme for each issue, with the same font of titles and headings, and making sure that the magazine compliments itself, in order to have it's own style. Therefore, this shows me that across the four pages i create, there should be a house-style, linking similar colours and fonts across the pages.

Your product placement is well understood and you have some good ideas as to where to place and the target audience. maybe just have a think about where people buy magazines and why that may be- do most buy in supermarket as a one off or would you have a loyal following and sell in more specialist shops or by order?

Product Placement

Music magazines are extremely popular and can normally be found in most superstores and newsagents. Between January and June 2009, approximately, 582,697 music magazines were sold in the UK alone, and 642,424 music magazines were sold the year before. This shows that there has been a slight decline in the sales of music magazines, which suggests a launch of a new magazine may regenerate the industry, and also close a gap in the market.

From the research i carried out, i identified that the majority of those who read music magazine were females and out of the age range of 15-19years, most were 16 years old. This gives me a target audience for the magazine, however to appeal to the largest amount of people, the magazine should be suitable for a range of genres and ages. The range that was most popular between those surveryed said that they most enjoyed Indie music, so this gives me a base of the style of magazine and coverlines that would attract a buyer. However, R'n'B and Rock music were also popular genres so the magazine should also be appropriate for people who wish to read about that.

On the market already are many music magazines focusing on a rock genre; MOJO, NME, Kerrang!, Q, Classic Rock and Metal Hammer. This suggests that although rock magazines are clearly selling well, there isn't a magazine available for a different genre of music, such as Indie. These rock magazines are extremely popular and can be found in most superstores, such as; Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsburys, Asda and Waitrose; they are also commonly sold in most newsagents.

The shelf these are displayed on often puts these magazines together to give the consumer a choice of what to buy; greater enhancing the competition between the magazine companies. As the magazine i am going to create doesn't focus on the same genre and is targeted mainly at females, the placement of my product will still be amongst the music section, however i would choose to have it placed closer toward the female magazines, as this will attract the correct target audience, therefore launching into the market most effectively.

However, those who buy magazines in superstores and newsagent often buy the magazine as a one off or a treat. Those who loyally read the magazine are likely to subscribe to the magazine, to ensure that they will be able to read each issue. The magazine i am going to create, will be available to be subscribed to, but will also be sold in stores. Therefore becoming better available for a wider audience.

MOJO Double Page Analysis

As the front cover shows, the main feature of this issue of MOJO, is the article on Nirvana and the music of 1991. This double page spread shows the story regarding Nirvana, and the colou scheme that is present on the cover of the issue, is also present on this page; black, white and yellow. This is successful as it links back to the cover and also creates house-style, the colours used also contrast yet compliment one another, allowing the yellow featured to highlights important details. For example, the yellow featured, highlights two of pull quotes from the article; "I could live with or without anything. i've built up defences to be able to handle anything." and, "our world was turning upside down..." This is significant, as it immediately grabs the reader's attention and allows them to preview the content of the article. The yellow against the black is effective due to the colour connotations of excitement and sparks, which in turn will reflect the readers feelings toward the article. Yellow is also used for the background to a pull quote on the left side of the double page: it appears to be scribbled which suggests naivety and a child-like nature, for example, a child may scribble when having a tantrum. The idea of tantrums links in with the genre of music, as rock music can be seen as loud and angry.

The images on this page show Kurt Cobain asleep on a bench, and Dave Grohl on-stage. The picture of Dave Grohl is placed across the top of the right page; the greyscale of the image is effective as it blends into the black background of the page, and continues the rock and edgy look associated with the colour black. The image is successful in reflecting the articles as it talks of Dave Grohl's career, and the picture shows him performing his first single. The article also states how Dave Grohl started in nirvana, so the two images of Nirvana albums are successful in showing this.

The second image is placed in the bottom left corner of the left page. It is formatted to have a shadowed effect and a caption explaining the image. This image is also greyscale so ties in with the image on the second page. The caption states, "Kurt kips backstage at the Sir Henry's show in Ireland. He began 1991 essentially homeless and sleeping in the back of his car," this reflects his rock and roll attitude and the difficulties he faced as a member of the band. The image is successful in supporting the article, and is also a visual aid to the reader.

The font on each page contrast one another with a white background and black writing on the left page, and a black background with white writing on the right page. This is visually effective because it is unique to see this effect, and keeps up wih the rcok attitude of not only the article, but the magazine as well, continuing the house-style. The font used, is a basic font, so it is easily readable making it more attractive for the reader. For example, if a font is difficult to read, it is unlikely that the reader will want to read the feature.

MOJO Contents Page Analysis

The contents page of MOJO magazine, goes over two pages, with this month's features on the first page, and the reoccurring contents, featured in each issue, on the second page. This effectively spreads out the contents and makes is clear where new news can be found. The heading at the top of the page is of "MOJO" in the same style and font as is found on the cover of the magazine. Underneath is the date and issue number, so that the reader can identify when the issue is for and the magazine can keep a record of this. Surrounding the and issue number, is two lines. They are formatted to be black and yellow, which links in with the front cover where a black, yellow and white colour scheme is present This is a stylistic device that creates continuity in one form, as a house-style is not continued throughout.The page has an image of the artist Rumer down the right of the page, and the features and headings are left-aligned down the page. The image ties in with the magazine as it shows a main article of the magazine; a pull-quote is also used to give the reader an insight into the interview, and this is followed by the page number so that the reader can easily locate where this interview will be.
The features of the magazine are all of similar content; interviews and articles from a range of artists. This encourages the reader to read the features, as they show an insight in the lives of different artists. Another of the stories is, "Nirvana & the noise of '91" under the heading of "Cover story" which clearly indicates to the reader the main story of the magazine and shows where they can find it. It's laid out to be in it's own area, dettached from the other contents; the information has two lines above and below, in red, which ties in the colour scheme of both contents pages and the use of the lines surrounding the story details, links in with the lines used underneath the title on this and the second contents page.
A colour scheme of black, white and red is shown on this page, as is also shown on the contents page of each issue of the magazine. This shows the house-style between issues, and is also continued onto the second page of the contents.
The second page of the contents, shows images down the left side of the page, with the contents on the opposite side. The images reflect the contents as they are taken from the articles and features withinb the magazine. This is effective as the reader can identify which story is most appealing to them, and identify the page it can be found on more easily. The images don't fit a colour scheme, as they are images already taken previously to the issue and show a range of pictures to attract the reader. This is a visual technique used to make the page look fuller and more interesting and therefore encourage the reader to read the stories inside the issue.
There are three titles on the second contents page, and a textbox showing "This month's contributors include..." The three headings are; Regulars; Whats goes on! and The Mojo Filter. These headings are included on each contents page of each issue, so, not only can regular readers find the information they are interested in each month, simply, but one-off readers can also see what features the magazine contains. The font and layout of these headings and the listings underneath, are similar to the first page of the contents, continuing the house-style. The listings are right-aligned and all the fonts used are the same. The headings are red and bold, yet the page numbers are gold as opposed to red that are on the previous page. Gold has connotations of being superior and valuable, which may suggest why the colour is used for the features that reoccur in each issue.
The use of the textbox at the bottom of the page shows who has had a big influence in this issue. This is successful because it shows acheivements of these people, yet also links in with the issue and shows which page the following articles can be found on.
The language of MOJO magazine is laidback, and is written directly to the reader. For example under the heading of "Theories, Rants, Etc," the description is; "You liked last month's covermount CD? What next, birds falling from the sky?" The use of the rhetorical questions shows the relaxed manner of the magazine, making the reader feel at ease. This also links back to the previous issue in order for the reader to relate to what is being said and the joke of, "What's next, birds falling from the sky?" creates a lighthearted atmosphere.

MOJO Front Cover Analysis

MOJO music magazine's first issue was November 1993, and focuses on the classic rock genre. The magazine doesn't have specific coour shceme that is present in each issue of the magazine, however the style is similar in each issue, making it more easily identified by the reader. This issue has a large grayscale image with yellow and white writing overlapping the image. This is effective as the bright colour font makes it bold and stands out vibrantly against the dim background. This colour scheme is due to this issue being the "Special Anniversary issue" of twenty years since 1991, and how artists affected this year.
The main image is of the band Nirvana. This is significant as they are an extremely well-known band and shows that this is the main feature of the magazine. The front cover's purpose is to attract the reader to buy the magazine, therefore an image of the well-known band is likely to encourage people to buy it, as they want to find out more about them. The image shows the three artists sitting and drinking alcohol. This suggests that they are laid-back, relaxed and the bottle of alcohol has connotations of the rock'n'roll persona. The image overlaps the title, "MOJO" which suggests how well-known the magazine is, that the reader will be able to identify the magazine due to the house-style.
Each issue features the same title, which shows continuity between the issues and makes it easily noticeable and creates a brand of the magazine. The title is white with a dark shadow, this enhances it and makes it look as if it is standing out, which in effect makes it morebold. This is helped by the use of white font, as it contrasts with the grey and black background, ensuring the customer can see it clearly.
The main coverline; NIRVANA 1991" is written directly across the centre of the cover, in bold, capital letters and in yellow. This contrasts with the initial title due to the colours however is more noticeable, not only showing that this is a main feature of the magazine, but also to stand out to the reader and encourage them to buy the magazine. The "1991" is placed underneath the word "NIRVANA" and the colour scheme alternates to have a white centre with a yellow border. This incorporates the whole colour scheme, tieing the cover together, and create a front page with continuity. It also makes the page more visually dynamic as all three colours contrast yet compliment one another, therefore giving a more professional impression.
Other coverlines include a range of artists that will be featured in the magazine; these are artists such as; Dave Grohl; Pearl Jam; Rumer; Beady Eye; Johnny Cash; Swans; Richard Thompson; Scritti Politti and Plastikman. These are all artists of a similar genre however diversifies the range of music and articles that will be included in the magazine, encouraging a wider range of people to buy the maazine.
The font of the cover page is completely in capital letters, attracting the viewers attention, as this appears more urgent, suggesting it needs to be read. The colour of the font alternates between yellow and white: yellow is used for the heading of the cover line, and white is used for a description underneath this coverline. This is effective as the reader can simply see where the headings are and decide whether this is something that they wish to read, and the extra description also acts as encouragement to buy the music, due to the detail of each feature making the reader want to read more.
The front cover also includes a pug in the top left corner, stating "FREE CD!" The placement of this is ideal, as this is the first place the reader immediately looks at, and therefore acts as an incentive for the reader to buy the magazine. This pug also in keeps with the colour scheme, however the black writing against the yellow background ensures that it is bold nd noticeable.