Front page 1st draft

Double page spread analysis

This is a double page spread from an issue of NME magazine, featuring British pop/rock artist Lily Allen. Through the useage of dark makeup around the eyes and jet-black hair as well as unglamorous clothing, Lily Allen is portrayed as a traditional rock star. The mise en scene of this image allows us to have an understanding of what type of magazine this is. Lily Allen's posture also represents the stereotypical rockstar, due to her relaxed and uncaring pose. Despite this, she is looking at the camera, thus directly adressing the reader.This double page spread has many atypical traits. One of these is that it only has one image, although it consumes an entire page. The significance of this could be to emphasise and represent the current popularity and importance of Lily Allen. The editor has also structured the spread similar to that of a poster, so that it is aesthetically pleasing, which in turn attracts readers. As a result of
the size of the image of Lily Allen, the interview is limited to a small amount of space. This has the potential to attract a lot of readers many words on a page has less appeal to a reader. In addition to this, the layout of the article’s title looks very attractive as the text is laid out in blocks. The aesthetic appeal of the spread should catch the casual browser’s eye, due to the placement of
the image and title, as well as the limited text.

However, this double page also has typical traits, such as the text being laid out in columns. This makes the text easier to read and follow. Another traditional feature of the magazine is that it has a direct mode of address. It is vital that a direct mode of address is obtained within the interview, so that the reader feels more involved and thu
thus more entertained. The text also maintains its appeal to its target audience, which keeps the reader satisfied.

Contents page analysis

The main purpose of a contents page is to allow the reader to find what they are looking for, this is achieved by making the layout user friend and making the typography easier to read and stand out. This contents page also has a brief description of what each page is about, this is very effective and gives the reader a quick peek at what is on that page is about so it doesn't waste the readers time. This magazine contents page has a typical convention of other contents pages and that is it has an image of the what concludes to be the main feature of this issues magazine. However, most contents pages do not include a issue number and date,and by including one it can save us time instead of turning back to the front cover to view these additions it can also be argued as a flaw as it can be annoying to the reader as it looks like an addition piece of text. The medium long shot of 50 cent shows direct address and entices and engages the reader.

First Article draft

Young star of UK Hip-Hop Teflon had undergone one of our exclusive interviews releasing info about his earlier life which not many people have heard out in the open.

‘Stability had never been a word I could have used for my life at home’

Rapper Mike Jones A.K.A Teflon had a rocky upbringing in one of the notorious Liverpool housing estate in toxteth, but through pure perseverance and a motive to drive him forward he made it through and found a passion for music. Having owned the underground region of Hip-Hop for a while Teflon got signed by an independent label. He then smashed the charts and stayed number one for 3 weeks with his new single ‘Pledged to the streets’

What motivated you to become a rapper?

‘Well I always liked rap myself and enjoyed hearing about how life was so hard and see how that rapper prevailed and began to make a legal living and source of money because the majority of rappers that make it were making an illegal living. I wanted to be in a good position and no longer live the rough and brutal life I had been living beforehand. I guessed I could speak truthfully about my hard life and interest others how I was interested.’

I understand there was a massive bidding war because all the major labels wanted to sign you. Who did you sign with? And how are you getting on?

‘Well I signed with Sony record label Columbia. A great record label with the likes of Beyonce, Leona Lewis and Alicia keys, I haven’t met any of them yet but I am sure my future will lead me to have them in the presence of a same studio. My record label is trying to broadcast me out in America as well as England and if the states like me then I am in business. At the moment they are seeing if I get any ratings from my music being played on the radio and from there we will make a move. I have met Gucci Mane and made an acquaintance. I am also due a little mentoring session with lil’Wayne something I am looking forward to. If I say so myself I think I am getting on great.’

Is there any advice in which you can give to people who are following the dream you were pursuing?

‘Yes. Never stop looking forward. Always stayed focused on what’s ahead of you, try and spend minimal time on what you have done already and try and stayed ahead of the others you are competing with. I was so focused on what lay ahead I didn’t take a break from writing my music until my label told me I could afford to take a break from all my hard work. What you put in is what you get out that is the advice I will give to others who are pursuing the dream of becoming a music artist or anything really.’

This is an update of my magazine front cover, the pose and props chosen are conventional to rap magazines. The pose shows confidence and the money shows wealth.

Potential Front Cover Images

This is the first draft of my front cover.