Front Covers Initial Research

Here is a range of front covers I have researched as style models for my magazine. I chose these covers because they are music magazines in the same sub-genre (alternative) of the magazine that I want to make. They also show unique features, for example, the SPIN magazine on the top row refers to an intertextual of the link to the Nirvana album 'Nevermind', which anchors with the coverline ''What nevermind means now''. These covers mostly show a range of mid-shots and close-ups. There is also a medium two-shot in the NME magazine in the bottom right corner. I like how the two-shot and iconography of Jay-Z in the image clearly connote the binary oppositions of different genres being indie vs rap. The colour red is a prominent colour in NME and SPIN magazines. I like how the use of it on these magazines connote a sense of confidence and boldness. It has also give me ideas for colour schemes for my own magazine and various shots I should take. For example, the shots of Lana Del Rey and Kathleen Hanna show expressions and personality of the musician. This seems conventional in the alternative/rock magazine sub-genre. I chose the Dazed & Confused magazine cover because I like the minimalistic approach and how the shot & story in itself connotes power, so there is no need for other coverlines or plugs. In my personal work, I will try out various layouts like the ones showed above. I intend to make a magazine the same music genre as SPIN and NME magazine, however, subvert it slightly by aiming it towards a female audience rather than men.