Layout – The layout of this cover is quite complex but also very effective.

The cover lines, text, Cover Lines – The cover lines add additional
barcode and headings all centre around the image of Jimi Hendrix. The layering of these features information to the cover that the reader might
is readable and makes the cover more interesting. The main cover line layered on top of the wish to know about. The text is quite minimal
image is effective because it sends a clear message to the reader what the magazine is about. but just enough to fill in the background and
The words surrounding the main image fill in the background which is also relevant to the topic surround the main image. They stand out and
of the magazine because they include important facts about him. This makes them want to read are relevant to topic because of the bold,
more about him as they only know what they see. The banner is laid out in a professional way as capital font and vibrant colours. They engage
it has a clear font and font size. It also at the top of the page which is most recognisable for the
the reader’s attention as they inform them on
reader. The cover lines at the top, right hand side of the page are also clear because of their
what to expect inside the magazine. The key
location on the cover. The white background makes it look more spacious and eye-catching. The
words surrounding the image are an exciting
barcode is located at the bottom left hand side of the page so that it doesn’t take away the
change on a magazine cover and give the
success of the design because it is less important and doesn’t need to be very large. The special
readers information they may not have known
offers at the bottom right hand side of the page is also a lot smaller and at the bottom as the
designer obviously wanted to focus more on the image than anything else on the cover. about him before.

Colour Palette – The colour

Masthead – ‘NME’ uses very palette that is used is varied to
unique and imaginative make the reader focus on
magazine conventions. They different areas of the cover.
make their mastheads stand The masthead and the cover
out by their large, bold fonts. lines are a pink/purple colour
The colour palettes that they which contrasts from the main
use also make the masthead image, the black text and the
more eye-catching as it is very white background. The white
bright and vibrant. The heading in the centre of the
masthead is also layered on cover, layered on top of the
top of the main image which main image is effective as the
makes you focus on both. The font is white, bold and is
font is very large and the readable from the colourful
blending of two colours, pink image of Hendrix’s jacket. It
and purple is very effective as informs the reader what the
it is a clear contrast from the magazine is focussing on and
rest of the main coloured what they will expect inside.
area, Hendrix’s military The purple text around the
jacket. I like how the name of main image highlights the
the magazine is very short main events in his life, the
although it stands out and is important facts and memories
recognisable. of him that readers might
want to know before reading
the article inside.

Barcode/Text – The barcode and text is a common

magazine feature and informs the reader what the
magazine includes. The barcode, price and offers show
that it is a conventional magazine and these are included
on every one of NME’s covers so the features are
consistent. The text is relevant and at a suitable size. The
cover lines and headings are also a suitable size and the
larger headings are clearly more important and
recognisable. The whole cover focuses on Jimi Hendrix
which shows that he could inspire NME and would be
very popular with his fans. The colours and layout are
very imaginative which adds more interest for the
reader.
Main Image – The main image is the key focus of this magazine
cover. Everything centres around this which makes the topic
clear for the reader. The colours that they have used make a
clear contrast from the cover background. The colours are also
very bright and vibrant which add more colours to the rest of
the colour scheme such as pink, purple, black and white. This
could represent his personality or just the fact that the NME
magazine is reflecting back on his life. The primary and
secondary colours are very effective as they stand out most to
the reader. The image is also very large and takes up roughly
two thirds of the page. The size of the image also states what
the topic of the magazine is but also how significant it is to the
NME magazine.