ANALYSING AND COMPARING FRONT COVERS: (NME AND Q MAGAZINE)

Both Q and NME magazine share similarities in the use of presentational devices. The mastheads in both magazines are red and white which makes the name of the magazine stand out whilst allowing the audience to know the name of the magazine easily but also makes it recognisable. Furthermore, both magazines include additional imagery which highlights what else will be included in the magazine.

In addition Q utilises a main image of music artists. This is eye-catching as it is centre-frame and is the biggest item on the magazine which is gratifies the target audience as if the people on the magazine are recognisable they are more likely to buy the magazine. Also, if the audience are able to identify with the main image, they are also more likely to purchase it. This is the same with NME magazine as the main image on the front page is of a teenage male group which grabs the attention of the target audience which increases the possibility of them buying the magazine alongside the gratification of being able to identify with the magazine.

The coverlines on the magazine is similar in both magazines. Both magazines use bold colours and typography on the front cover which grabs the audiences attention but also the coverlines highlight what else will be included in the magazine and increases arousal. On Q magazine, “Pete Doherty-Kate Hates my Music!” and NME’s “James Brown R.I.P” does this. In addition, it increases arousal as it creates questions in the audiences’ mind like Why? When? Which raises the desire to answer questions they have therefore purchasing the magazine.

Alongside the similarities there are differences between the two texts. The main difference is who the magazine is targeted at. Q magazine is targeted at a more sophisticated audience aged 25 up. This is depicted through the feature image and coverlines of the interviews they have conducted and turned into articles. For example, James Blunt’s music is normally associated with an older audience. Whereas NME is targeted at a more youthful audience aged 14-25 which is evident through elements of the front cover. The tie-ins of the magazine highlights this. NME offers posters which is normally associated with teenagers as they use it to decorate their bedrooms with posters.

Each of the magazines has its own brand identity. This is clearly evident in the NME magazine. I think NME is successful in targeting its audience and conveying the rock genre through its use of typography and colour. First of all, all the text is in capital letters which relates to the rock genre as it is characteristically bold and loud which is what the typography represents. This differs from Q as it uses a mixture of cases on the front page. There are other elements that convey NME magazine’s genre. On the main coverline there is a flame on one of the letters that connotes the dangerous and rebellious behaviours associated with rock music which is reinforced by the yellow that is around the coverlines and tie-ins which looks very electric and lively which again is related to rock music.

The brand identity of Q differs from NME. Q magazine is generic which is evident through the white background. Q has no particular genre and is varied therefore there isn’t much elements which connotes a specific genre as NME does.

In conclusion, there are many similarities and differences between the two magazines.