Textual Analysis cover page - NME

Textual Analysis

This issue of NME is very basic; it has very little writing and not many colours. There is a large image of Rihanna which would appeal to a lot of customers as she is such a famous artist. I think the layout is effective as It focus’ on Rihanna as she is so popular so you wouldn’t want to cover the image with lots of text.  There is a quote from her on the cover which works really well as it makes people want to read about it and therefor purchase the magazine. Also I think the use of  having  ‘f**cking’ in the cover as well as Rihanna identifies the target audience as teenagers and young adults as it wouldn’t appeal to an older audience and also It isn’t aimed at a younger audience as it includes a swear word.

The colours are very limited although the colours present are quite bold such as the pink/purple used for the masthead and both cover lines. I think the lack of colours work well as it then focuses on the main parts of the cover and also doesn’t distract from the main image. The background itself is silver which contrasts the pink and also the image of Rihanna as she is wearing black so again it doesn’t draw your attention away. The image itself is very abstract as there is a glittery blue bird on her shoulder which seems really random and grabs the reader’s attention, also how she is standing and her body position seem really unnatural which could be to stand out and look interesting.

There is very little text on the cover, although the text that is present is very effective. In the top right hand corner it states that it is ‘4 of 10’ special edition covers, this obviously will attract costumers as special and limited edition items always attract a larger audience, also as it stats there is 10 issues it also advertises the forthcoming issues of the magazine, generating more sales. The masthead is very bright and bold but also basic, it stands out a lot and will appeal to the target market, also on most magazines the images often overlap the masthead whereas on this cover the image is underneath which makes it easier to see and stand out more. 

The target audience is young adults or teenagers as they are most interested in Rihanna and her music, also the lack of writing on the front would appeal to a teenage audience as it is informal and most teenagers would prefer to look at images as appose to reading. Also the use of pink colour and a female artist may appeal to a more female audience as generally pink is associated with girls, although Rihanna obviously can appeal to both genders.