The masthead challenges the forms and conventions of real media products as it is inconsistent to the font used for text throughout the magazine.

Similarly to the masthead of the Rolling Stone magazine, I’ve done this to represent the edgy alternative culture of the magazine.Although I’ve taken the idea from Rolling Stone, my masthead is very different from a lot of circulating publications, establishing brand and steering away from a mainstream audience.

Taking inspiration from NME, I’ve added a website address to the barcode, developing the forms and conventions, this is to keep up with the technological youth who may purchase this publication

There is a noticeable lack of certain forms and conventions, such as many lures and a strapline- making the magazine more unique and establishing the brand, and once again emphasizing the alternative genre of the magazine. As I am attempting to reach a smaller, more specific audience I’ve challenged the codes and conventions a lot as the publication isn’t intended for a mass audience.

The main image takes up the majority of the space on the magazine, this decision I made has been influenced by the likes of big name indie/rock magazines such as NME and Rolling Stone as I want to draw attention to the main feature of the magazine. The image represents youth in a positive and diverse way, it features two teenage girls of a different race and appearance. Props used include a guitar which is an icon of rock and is a symbol of the music lovers who would purchase this publication. Their casual attire is the same style of most modern teenagers allowing the intended target audience to identify with the magazine better, also I’ve chosen grey clothing as it reflects “moodiness”- a connotation associated with alternative/indie music. I developed the codes and conventions here by adding vibrant graphics, such as the coloured lightning bolts portraying loud, electronic music and the musical staff which reflects the technical side of the music and symbolises the good sound of the music.

The irregular layout of the contents page adds interest and a unique vibe to the magazine. Since I am reaching to an older audience this won’t be a problem as they will able to follow the magazine thoroughly. My inspiration for this was NME.

These lures are very music based, which is the main interest of my target audience and would help draw them toward the magazine.

I’ve placed it vertically similar to NME as it adds to the dynamic and rebellious feel of the magazine.

Although it’s been established that the masthead differs from the rest of the font of the magazine, it can be observed the colour is consistent to the colours used throughout the magazine, conforming to the codes and conventions of real media products. It gives authenticity to the magazine as it’s following the generic codes and conventions of real magazines.