MUSIC MAGAZINE FRONT COVERS

This is an example of a R&B magazine. VIBE is a very well known american music magazine. The image dominates the page; it represents what stereotypically R&B music is about. The artist (Usher) is shown to look serious, but at the same time he has an element of cool and 'swagger' about him. He is wearing expensive jewellery and R&B artists wear a lot of 'bling' as they would refer to it. The sunshades are also an accessoire which you associate with male R&B artists, therefore these elements are something which i should contribute in to my final images for my magazine. The hand gesture as well is something which you see R&B artists do frequentley on magazines, music videos and general photos. It's something ,which again, is associated with that genre.

The font suggests that it's aimed at a younger audience. They have used a microsoft sans-serif type font, which is bold, but simple. This particular front cover has used 4 main colours for the font(yellow,black, blue and white). Having four consistant colours keeps it fairly simple, but i personally think 3 is the limit, as it creates less complication. Although, they're not contrasting colours- which is perhaps quite unsual, but it works well as Usher is wearing basic coloured clothing, which allows the font colour to work well. The word 'Swagger' across the page is the only word which is red, which makes it vibrant, therefore it stands out. The font is fairly askew, which relates to how 'swagger' is quite cool and edgy. The barcode is also on the front which is common for a magazine to have. I can't tell if the price is at the bottom, but usually that is situated around the barcode or on the top right hand corner.

This is another example of a music magazine called XXL. The name of the magazine stands out as it's the only part which has red in it. The artist 'Ludacris', is covering part of the name, which suggests that it is popular enough that people can easily establish the magazine. It allows the main image to stand out. I prefer the close up/ medium shot as it covers more space, therefore the image looks bold and impressive, which catches your eye. The layout is simple, but looks well structured. They have used a bold font, which fits in nicely with the layout. The colours are simple, with only black and white being used, which again emphasies more on the image.

They have used a 'sell line'' 'Rapper ternt actor'. This draws in people's attention as it's changing the agenda. The magazine uses formal language, but as he is a rapper, they have linked in american 'slang' in what you could call another sell line. 'Ludacris will shoot yo' a$$'. They have used dollar signs for the 's' which contrasts well with the genre he is in. It's also the only font which is yellow, which makes it significant.

For my festival ,R&B magazine, these components will make it easy to establish the genre, although, there will need to be an element in it which makes it obvious that it is based on festivals. There will need to be particular elements which establish that.

This music magazine is called NME. The name of the magazine and the artists name, 'Mia' stand out compared to to the rest of the magazine. It's a good technique to use as they've used a quote from the content inside, which shows that she is making a statement. Consumers feel more attracted to buy the product when you show subtly the artist has an interesting interview. The font is similar to the magazine above. They have used 3 consistent colours again,(Red, white and black). They have matched the font colours with her outfit(Union jack colours). This could be emphasising on her british roots.  The characteristics of the magazine are fairly similar to the other magazines, with the barcode at the bottom right hand corner. Although, the price is in the opposite top hand corner. I think it keeps it simple and less crowded. Personally, i prefer that layout.

They have used a medium shot, which also looks as good as a close up/medium shot. As my magazine is based on festivals, i'm starting to think that a medium shot would be the best option. It establishes the clothing, therefore it will elaborate on the festival theme. 

Her eyes are slanted down slightly, which makes it seem as if she's looking down at you. She's smoking as well- contrasted with the baggy clothing, and messy hair, this image links together well, showing a care-free attitude. I've noticed that with each magazine cover, everything has a connection, whether it being the font matching the colour of the artists clothing, or the props used, which relates to the pose and attitude the artist has.