The main cover line is

certainly bigger than the

rest and is usually linked
with the main image,
following the codes and
conventions of
magazines. The
magazine s quite often
use a quote from the
article inside to intrigue
the audience to read
more. The text has a
black outline to make it
stand out.
Also, NME follows through with the Rule of Thirds.
The coverlines presented are all placed in a C
shape. They mainly start from the top right corner to
the top left then down and across, this allows the
reader to follow the page freely. Also, the
composition of the coverlines are purposely placed
in that way as that is how the reader would follow
the magazine.
A puff is used mainly to promote a special offer or
freebie within the magazine. NME have used a puff
to promote the reunion of the band Pavement. The
intention of doing so could be because the magazine
producers want to boost sales using the power of
dedicated fanbases of such bands.
The header at the top of the magazine reads 16
page Autumn Tour Special emphasising that this
issue is special, this acts as its unique selling point
and separates this magazine from the rest. With no
detail, it encourages the audience to read further.

This magazine is quite obviously directed at a younger

audience , such as 16-25. The colour scheme presented
suggests masculinity through the powerful bold colours such
as red, black and white. The price of the magazine is 2.30
which is reasonably affordable, therefore it suggests that the
paying readers would be of working class.
The main image presented is a medium long shot of Dizzee
Rascal crouching down so that his whole body is in sight.
This artist takes up most of the front cover and has his arms
reaching out to the camera which creates a 3D effect. Also,
Dizzee Rascal is photographed looking directly at the
camera, this creates direct address towards the audience
and automatically creates an intimate connection between
the readers and the magazine. Furthermore the colours
Dizzee is wearing are similar to the theme of the magazine,
black red and white.
The masthead is the title of the magazine, NME stands for
New Music Express. The masthead is placed in top left
corner of the magazine, as it would be on any other. This is
following the codes and conventions of magazine covers and
it allows the reader to recognise the magazine easily. Also,
the masthead is in bright red capitals, again standing out to
the audience and captivating the readers attention.
The barcode is a necessity for a front cover as it is law and
also the reader cannot purchase the magazine without it. The
barcode is placed at the bottom left hand corner so it is not
in the way of anything on the magazine cover. The font used
for the price is very small so that the reader doesnt pay
much attention to it and they would buy the magazine
without thinking twice.

At the top of the magazine the NME logo is again reinforced besides contents which
carries out its purpose to gives the audience a constant reminder of the leading
company of the magazine. By using the same font and colours as the front cover did, a
house style is being created amongst the magazine. The layout of the contents page
would be more subtle as it does not have to attract the readers attention as that was
the job of the front cover. The purpose of the contents page is to inform the reader of
what will be in the magazine in further detail.

The magazine seems to

be divided into three
columns, this separates
each area and makes the
page appear more
organised. It avoids
unnecessary cramping of
context, and puts the
readers mind at ease
rather than causing
stress.
Every contents has a
brief article, giving the
reader an insight of an
interesting story that
would come up in the
magazine. This story is
not as important as a
double page spread or
front cover promotion
but is secondarily
important.

Having the date on the contents page is conventional

so you would expect to see this in every magazine.
However its entirely up to the magazine producers
whether the magazine is daily, monthly, or yearly.
Furthermore, the date might be linked with a particular
season or yearly celebration.
The contents are blocked and separated into sections.
The use of a larger font for the heading than the detail
underneath, makes it easier for the reader to navigate
and select what part they would like to read. It is
conventional for every magazine to highlight what is
included in the magazine and this is usually done so in
another colour from the rest so that it stands out.
Furthermore, a contents page would conventionally
require subsections.
It has become a convention of NME magazine to include
a Band Index on the contents page. This ensures that
the reader will find their specific band easier and faster
than looking through the whole magazine. The number
of bands listed is shocking, however it simply suggests
that there is something in the magazine to cater for
everyones musical preferences. The band names are
red and the page numbers are black which keeps the
consistency of the housestyle.

The main image is of a

woman standing outside what
looks like a tour bus. This links
with the header we saw on
the front cover previously 16
Page Autumn Tour Special.
The slant of the image and
white border creates the
impression that this could be
a polaroid picture of a
scrapbook. This brings a
personal and creative feel to
the magazine. Furthermore,
the fact that it is a mid shot at
a low angle suggests that it is
perhaps important to this
edition.
The subscription is advertising
the magazines service of
providing daily magazines to
readers by saving them the
stress of shopping for it each
time. The offer for the
subscription is usually
cheaper for the investing
readers.

The main image of the double page

spread is the cover artist Dizzee Rascal,
wearing a bright red jacket and dark
jeans. He is holding up a spray can to the
graffiti on the wall and is looking over his
shoulder craftily in response to his
actions. The colours of his clothing are
again consistent with the house style
being presented, this would receive
additional praise as nothing clashes. The
background that is across the double
page spread is a wall of graffiti. This
could connote his past or upbringing
before he got into the music industry. The
clothing appears urban which enhances
the representation of the youthful
community; it also because of this,
strongly appeals to an audience of young
adults. Other images on the page include
those of empty beer bottles which
emphasises the theme of rebellion. The
stereo could imply that this is an urban
party theme as well and may be aimed at
young, wild party goers.

The main headline reads From Tags

To Riches this is a play on words
from the from the phrase From Rags
To Riches. This implies that Dizzee
Rascal hasnt come from rags but
from a background that involved
criminal offences such as tagging.
This is what he is pictured doing for
the main image, a further
interpretation for his body language
shown is that he could be looking
over his shoulder to look back at his
past. Tagging is linked with
undermined young people and can
be seen as a crime or as street art.
Furthermore, it is putting across a
positive message, explaining that
anyone who is in position can turn
their life around dramatically. Also,
the headline is in bold, black capitals
so that it stands out effectively and
grabs the readers attention. The size
of the font is important, as again it is
quite large which signifies its value
and resembles Dizzee s loud and
unique personality.

The double page spread layout

is simple and basic. The main
image takes up the whole of the
left side and the title of the
article takes up half of the right
page. This already looks
spacious and well planned out
as it is easy on the eye. The
actual article is then split into
four columns. The four columns
are evenly sized and
proportioned which gives a light
tone to this double page spread.
The audience realises that the
focus is on the visual aspect
rather than the text. This could
connote that there is more to life
than words and formal writing,
as presented in Dizzee Rascals
story. Furthermore, it could hint
that the magazine producers are
trying to highlight the creative
side of things rather than the
same old text as any other
magazine would do. This acts as
a unique selling point for NME .
The language used within the article is very informal, this is clever as it
would relate to the feel of the article and the issue being discussed. Its
also unique as it is informal rather than formal like many other
magazines. The use of inappropriate language implies that the
magazine is not for children, and is clearly aimed at teenagers, young
adults and elder. The image alone is given its own space on the double
page spread to keep the magazine visual.

The main point that they all have in common is the house style that is being portrayed. The
colours used, red, black and white are consistent throughout. Red could strongly suggest
anger and passion which links with the genre of this magazine. Black could suggest darkness
and mystery again linking with the Indie/rock genre and white implies clarity and a fresh start
perhaps.