I am inspired by 90's magazine covers because of their bold, unapologetic energy and ability to capture the genre of the music through the design.

The combination of raw, unpolished photography, striking typography, and rebellious headlines creates an aesthetic that feels both iconic and effortlessly cool. These covers don't just promote music; they reflect an entire attitude and rejection of mainstream pop culture.

Their DIY feel, often reminiscent of punk and indie culture, resonates with me as it shows how design can be powerful without being overused. I liked the use of colours and contrast to demand attention, as it proves that visuals can be just as important as the message they convey. Ultimately, these covers embody the spirit of the 1990's and that is something that I would want to take inspiration from when designing my own magazine.

MAGAZINE SPREAD, (analysing the Ian Brown one, see last page)

This spread shows off the bold, chaotic aesthetic that defined the 90's. The headline, "AND YOUR SPECIALIST SUBJECT IS..." is in large, bold, red block letters, which immediately grabs attention. This text is fragmented across both pages, making the layout feel dynamic and unconventional. The main body text is structured in columns but still maintains an informal and conversational tone, reflecting the rebellious, anti-mainstream ethos of the era.

This spread uses a cut-and-paste collage aesthetic, combining photography with surreal, out-of-context images.

Ian Brown from The Stone Roses is the focal point, but he is surrounded by seemingly random imagery like a chimpanzee, a lion, two double decker buses displaying a sign saying "NO COCAINE."

These are juxtapositions to create humour, irony and a surreal, chaotic atmosphere, mirroring the unpredictable nature of Britpop personalities like Ian Brown.

The imagery and text reference drug use with the "NO COCAINE" buses, street culture and fame, which were central themes in Britpop's anti-establishment identity.

The casual mention of these controversial topics aligns with the raw uncensored style of 90s music journalism, which often blurred the line between myth-making and reality.

I'm inspired by this magazine spread as it is humorous and eye catching. What I really like is how it captures personality and energy rather than just presenting information. This kind of busy design proves that editorial layouts can be expressive and narrative driven, something I will take with me when creating my own magazine.