The masthead for Kerrang magazine are bold letters in black standard text. They are all incapital letters, following with an exclamation mark. The masthead is appropriate for this magazine as it gives the magazine a loud gesture. ‘Kerrang!’ sounds as though someone is shouting it. The text looks like someone has cracked the writing. Almost like cracked glass, this works well with the slogan ‘life is loud’ meaning It will shatter your words perhaps?

The masthead relates to rock music in depth as rock is loud attitude music, with no gestures to a specific gender. The title grabs the readers attention because of the bold black writing backed by a white background making the letters stand out. The colours create a straight forward mood. Black and white very original. Then a slogan insisting ‘life is loud’ orange coloured.

The masthead for ‘Vibe magazine are bold letters in black fading into red standard text. They are all in capital letters. The masthead is appropriate for this magazine as it gives the magazine a strong gesture. ‘vibe’ sounds like the type of music and how it flows through people. An urbanised theme.

The masthead relates to mainstream music. Using low beats and ‘head-bopping’ music. The title grabs the readers attention by the word ‘vibe’ and also the fading of two colours red and black. The colours create a casual mood. Black and red are two colours which don’t represent gender.

The masthead for NME magazine are strong, solid bold letters in red standard text outlined by white and black. The colours are strong positive and vibrant. They are all in capital letters. NME sounds as though it saying ‘enemy’. The text looks like someone has cracked the writing.

The masthead historically was generally white based, guitar playing punk/indie music. This can relate to alternative rock. The colours reflect rock. NME has a tradition, It has been around longer than most rock magazines. The title grabs the readers attention because the writing is coloured and red and is very striking. The colours create a young vibrant, new edgy off the wall mood.

The masthead for Q magazine is one Bold white letter ‘Q’ and is backed by a red square. The masthead is appropriate for this magazine as it gives the magazine a very simple subtle look. The Q magazine reflect the history of pop music rather than the new upcoming artists. It is more respectable looking magazine aimed at an older audience.

The masthead implies ‘Quality?’ because of the Q.

Summary:All Four mastheads use bold, capital lettering and red, black, white colours. This can be because of convention. Over the years many magazines may have used this idea and it has no become a convention. The colours catch the eye. A red and black title with a black combination is bold. Black and red can also suggest darkness and blood contrasting with white. However, these colours do not suggest gender. This may be the main point of using these colours specifically.

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