Front Cover Analysis- NME Magazine

NME Front Cover Analysis

 



Mast Head:
The Mast Head of this magazine is very bold. 'NME' is in block capitals, making it stand out, it is also obstructing the main image, showing that they want their brand identity to be clear, and stand out to anyone who may want to buy the magazine.
As well as this, the colour of it is red, which is a very bold, loud colour. Red is usually a colour associated with anger or danger, this means that the type of person who they are aiming the magazine at is someone young, daring, or someone who likes music that is loud, and perhaps very unique. Although it is obstructing the main image, there is also some text obstructing the corner of the Mast Head, which is a quote from one of the band members on the front colour, this tells the reader about the bands they are using, that they fit in well with, or are perhaps even louder and more individual than their magazine.

Straplines/Slogans:
The fact that there is no real strapline on this front cover, shows how much they are focusing on this particular band 'Haim', NME is choosing not to follow this convention in magzines, perhaps they are trying to be different, and to stand out from other music magazines. As a strapline would normally be a line of text promoting the magazine, or promoting an 'exclusive' event inside the magazine, by not using this, they are instead using text that promotes the band on the front cover through the use of 'Haim, Get the Picture?'


Pictures:
The only image on this front cover is of the band 'Haim' that they are focusing on in this particular issue of 'NME'. The picture very much draws the reader in, which is what it is supposed to do, it is large, taking up most of the front cover, and the picture of the band members are of all of them looking directly at the camera, making eye contact with the reader. There is a slight difference in that the centre band member, is holding a camera, as though taking a picture. Because she is pointing it at the camera taking a picture of her, it gives the effect that she is taking a picture of the reader, making them feel included, and further drawn in. This motion of taking a picture is then further enhanced by the text 'Get the Picture?', addressing the reader, and being associated with the camera in the main picture.


Sell Lines & Puffs:
As this magazine cover is so simplistic, there isnt really anything used as a sell line, or any conventional puffs, however there are things used that are similar. For example, the band names around the outside of the page are being used as sell lines, selling the bands to the reader and promoting what is inside. Puffs used on this front cover are the quotes from the band members, thhey are showing small bits of information from the article inside, and drawing the reader in, they are very small but effective, instantly giving the reader an idea of what the band is like and making them feel connected to them and want to read the article.