David Carlson, the man who tried to break magazine conventions. Failed.
An American graphic designer and art director tried to break music magazine convention however, he failed. Although 'RayGun' are now seen as collectables, in the early 90s they only appealed to a niche audience. Compared to other music magazines on the newsstand this didn't look like a magazine but a poster. It was hard to notice they were the same magazine due to there being no relationship between each other, no logo, no house style or any similarity at all; only the convention that Carlson's magazines were unconventional each issue. With only 73 issues, Carlson's aim was not a success.
The audience he had to aim for had to appreciate the deeper thought that went into making these obscure covers but sadly not many had the time to appreciate it's deeper meaning and rather go to a conventional NME magazine that can be spotted every month than a hard to recognise Ray Gun.
The most focal aspect about these two magazines is the cover images. Both may be mid-shots however the obvious contrast is the upside model on Ray Gun. NME's models are presented in a light welcoming way that stands out where as Carlson's use of light and dark contrast comes across as dark and gloomy.
NME's clear cover lines are readable and in a sans-serif font conveying a young, trendy modernised mood whereas Ray Gun's font is serif and reminds me of a ransom note.
The differences and obvious to spot as Carlson wanted to make a bold impact on the newsstand but it back fired into the audience carrying on buying their own conventional NME magazine.
In my opinion, I quite like the idea of an unconventional magazine as long as it is readable unlike Carlson's 'Ray Gun' however I like the misplaced bar codes and I love the random tomato in one of his pieces. But if all magazines had unconventional designs then we'd lose the idea of convention altogether and would create chaos at newsstands of customers trying to recognise their monthly music magazine.
In my opinion, I quite like the idea of an unconventional magazine as long as it is readable unlike Carlson's 'Ray Gun' however I like the misplaced bar codes and I love the random tomato in one of his pieces. But if all magazines had unconventional designs then we'd lose the idea of convention altogether and would create chaos at newsstands of customers trying to recognise their monthly music magazine.
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