Potential image for front cover 1

For the image on the front of magazine I decided to feature the lead singer of the band mentioned on the front of the magazine. These are the photos and edited photos which I could have potentially used.

This first image puts emphasise on the lead singer as opposed to the whole band as I wanted to include a single person on the front cover of my magazine as that is a common code and convention of a magazine front cover. The shot here is a close up which puts full focus on the artists face. This is in order to allow him to be fully recongnisable to audiences and they will identify him with the band name on the front of the magazine. The fact he is wearing sunglasses still gives the shot a bit of mystique as people who aren't fully familiarised with the band may be intruiged as to who this is. The iconography within this picture such as his checked shirt relates to the target audience who will take an interest within my magazine/this band. The store TOPMAN is a popular place to stock these type of shirts and this will make the audience identify this artist and perhaps aspire to be like him by purchasing similar clothing.












I decided a plain, white background would have been best to use for this particular image as it is a typical code and convention of a magazine to include a plain background as there will also be other text included on the front cover. I decided to use photoshop to acheive this. As I am not too familiar with this program, I don't feel this image looks proffessional enough to use on my front cover. The fact that it is a close up of his face also suggests that it may not be suitable to use on my front cover as, typically, a mid or long shot is used.

Potential image for front cover 2

This is another image which I would potentially use on my magazine front cover. The shot is taken at a slight lower angle which may represent the status this particular artist has in the music industry. It may suggest that he is prestigious and well respected as the audience is seen to look up at him which brings connotations of authority. Aspects of the photo such as his tattoo being on show and the 'geek glasses' he is wearing are greatly indentified as fitting in with the 'indie' genre and may confirm to the audience that this is the type of magazine they are reading. Male members of the audience may have a similar sense of style and feel they belong to this magazine.

Again, I decided to put this image on a plain, white background in order to keep the focus on the actual artist and to make it appear clean cut and proffessional. I didn't decide to use this particular image as I feel it challenges the codes and conventions of a magazine a little too much, especially for the first issue of a magazine.

Images for front cover3

This is another image I took and thought may be suitable for my front cover image. It is a mid-shot of the artist which is more of a code and convention of a magazine front cover, therefore it would be a more successful image to use. Iconography such as the bottle of beer the model is holding suggests going out and having a good time. This will make the audience relate having a good time with the band featured or they will relate it to the magazine. If they read it, it will show them how to have a good time or introduce them to music which will make their nights, nights to remember.
































Using a location shot for certain images may be effective but I feel this certain shot wouldn't reflect the 'rock and roll' lifestyle of going out and partying that I want to portray. Little aspects of the photo such as seeing the radiator behind the home like leather chair. Again, using Photoshop, I decided to make the background colour plain and white. It makes the colours of the artists clothing etc stand out.

Front cover image4

This image is again focused soley on the lead of the band and being a mid shot, it follows the codes and conventions of a magazine front cover. Again, the clothing the artist is wearing clearly fits into the genre of the magazine. This may not be suitable for a front cover image as the artist is wearing sunglasses and people who aren't familiar with the band may not be able to identify who this is.

I decided to put a white background as although I liked the idea of a location shot outside, as it reflects a laid back feel, this would be particularly suitable for a summer issue of the magazine, I decided I wanted to relate this band and this particular issue of the magazine with the party scene and having fun. Also, there appears to be elderly people in the background of this shot which certainly would'nt project this.

Images, front cover5

This picture was a lot closer to the type of image I felt would be effective to use on my front cover. It is a mid shot of the artist which follows the typical codes and conventions of a magazine. I decided I would leave this image as a location shot and not alter it on Photoshop as it made it clear that this was a shot taken whilst out partying. Again, I made sure the models clothing corresponded with the genre of the magazine e.g the geek glasses, the hat etc.

I didn't want the artist to look directly into the camera as I wanted him to appear engrossed in having a good night and create and atmosphere in which the audience could get involved in- they feel as though they are getting a sneak peak into his lifestyle. I also didn't have the model with a toothy grin as this is a less obvious way of showing he is enjoying himself.

Iconography such as the drink in his hand clarifies the fact he is out in a club or a party.

The reason I didn't use this particular image is although I wanted a location shot, I feel in this particular shot the people in the background could be distracting and they it doesn't appear proffessional in some ways. Also, the artist appears a little shorter than people in the background due to a slight angle but I wanted to make the audience think he is someone to look up to and seem powerful and successful and I don't think that message comes across too well here.

Potential image for front cover REAL

I decided to use this image as my front as this reflects the party scene I wanted to have on my front cover. This is clarified by the bottle of alcohol in the models hand. The added iconography of the paint on his face makes the artist look like he's having a good time and he isn't afraid to rebel and get a little messy. That could be linked to the audience being interested in festivals and wanting to go there to get a little bit dirty and sacrifice cleanliness for their dedication to music. I liked the idea of the model not having a direct mode of address like the previous picture as once again, this creates and atmosphere of being totally engrossed in the moment and music. Being pictured in a club or party also makes it obvious that the artist is out, surrounded in music as that is a key aspect in the individuals life as opposed to being in a studio somewhere- he's out there experiencing the music scene. The hand gesture the artist is making is also related to 'rock and roll' and that lifestyle/music. Using an in-direct mode of address is also slightly challenging the codes and conventions I have analysed on other magazine front covers and this may appeal to the audience as it is slightly rebellious and it may suggest my music magazine has something different to offer.

Analysis and development of my front cover.

To get my basic design idea I studied the layout of other magazines and looked at the traditional conventions and where they typically position various aspects on the magazine such as the strapline, main image etc. I decided to add a strapline to my front cover as I noticed most magazines included this and it was an important convention that would need to be followed.

Stereotypically, the logo of a magazine is placed at the top left hand corner of the magazine and I decided not to challenge this when positioning my magazine as it is ambitious for a first issue and it is easy to follow, recognisable for potential audiences and it works well.

I only want to use one large image on my front cover as when looking at other magazines for inspiration, I feel this is the kind of layout which stands out more as it focuses on one particular artist instead of being busy and crowded with several bands/artists. It also makes the front cover look sleek and professional and follows the conventions of a typical magazine cover. I am also going to use a small image on the bottom left hand corner introducing the artist which will be featured in my double page spread along with some text to give an insight into what the interview or article will be about.

The main headline will be introducing the main image and making it clear to the audience who the artist/band are if they are not aware already and could hail to existing fans as not only the face, but the band name will be clearly recognisable.

I will also be using a smaller image in the bottom left hand corner along with some text giving some sort of insight as to what is going to be one of the main attraction points of the magazine.
At the top left hand corner just underneath the logo is another small text box. This will also include something to attract readers to purchase, open and then read what is in the magazine, perhaps details of a competition. There will also be a small line of text at the bottom of the magazine.

This was the first draft of my music magazine cover. From analysing examples such as NME. I have come to some conclusions as to how to create my magazine.

Firstly , the colour scheme is red,yellow ,white and black , this matches the scheme of NME magazine and works well because the colours are complementary whilst standing out amongst other magazines on the shelf. The colours are effective as they can appeal to both genders.

Across the top of the magazine is a strapline which is included on the cover of most magazines. It announces what could be of ineterest to a potential buyer and hail them to the magazine. I chose white font on top of red as this is striking and immediately capturing attention.

Coventionally, the magazine name and logo are placed in the top left corner of magazines. This theme makes it easier to establish what the magazine it is and I decided not to challenge this convention as it works well in all existing magazines. The reason for choosing this logo is because it has a smashed glass effect which gives conotations of rebellion whilst having a modern feel. Underneath the logo I have included what the title of the magazine actually stands for e.g NME stands for New Music Express. This makes it clear for any new readers to identify what it stands for and to avoid confusion.

Beneath the logo I have a cover stating a competition within the magazine. This too can attract readers and give them the opportunity to gain more from the magazine and has the potential to entice new readers who may not ordinarily purchase a magazine but will do with the promise of gaining some rare merchandise. I decided to challenge the usual layout of having straplines running horizontally across the magazine and instead had them in different angles. This can catch the eye straight away as it is positioned differently to the rest of the magazine. The fact that the text is written over a block of colour also makes it striking more than some of the less appealing text.

My main headline is the most enticing text on the page. This is because it corresponds with main image of the artist. I decided to continue to use the colour scheme of red and white but for the actual artist's name I used a completely different colour as this needs to stand out and be the main feature of the front cover. This, along with the image is going to be one of the most appealing aspects of the magazine so it important to make sure the focus isn't taken away from that.

Again, the barcode is in a traditional position of the bottom right corner. This creates familiarity which gives the magazine a professional look. Likewise with the date, issue number and price being placed together.

I didn't want to use too much text on the front of the magazine as this can take away focus of the main image and create a busy, non-professional look. The idea of having alot of text could 'put off' a potential buyer as it can seem somewhat overwhelming and rather having to read to be attracted to it, it's visually attractive. With having so much competition on the current market, the magazine needs to stand out and be appealing to the target audience especially if a potential buyer doesn't really have any 'browsing' time. It is important that the text actually included is simple, but is able to draw you in. I included straplines in the bottom right hand corner of te page as well as along the bottom of the page as it isn't distracting attention away from the main focus of the magazine and they are in traditional posisitons of a magazine front cover.


I decided I wanted to change the main image on the front cover, as my double page spread is focused on a female solo artist and the previous picture used was of a solo female aswell. To replace this, I decided to use the lead singer of a male band as this could reach out to a wider audience. Men can identify more with a male figure on the front cover and can be drawn to that fact as they may aspire to be like him. Women may look up to this male as someone they would want to be with and also as a strong male icon. I needed to make sure my magazine could appeal to a both male and female audience by not only focusing on one of the sexes.

The main image is fun and striking and also compliments the colour scheme which is important. The main headline also corresponds with the main image as it is about the artists band and along with the image and headline, fans are able to recognise the name of the band alongside the lead vocalist.

Images for contents page4

Image for contents1

contents pic 2

Images for contents page3

Analysis and development of my contents page.

After analysing other magazine contents pages, I decided to follow a rather simple, yet effective layout such as NME's. Although Vogue's contents page looks proffesional, the layout used is more recognisable with a fashion magazine and I personally felt more drawn to and inspired with NME's layout.

I decided to include a banner across the top of the page making it clear that it is the contents page for that actual issue. It is the first thing that will attract the reader so it will have to be large and striking.

I am also going to use a picture taking up the middle half of the page. This will correspond with the main artist on the front and also be eye-catching. Rather than being over whelmed with a block of writing, a picture helps excite the page and also gives the reader a visual to help them get to the correct page they want to go to. Beneath the picture I will have a small bit of text, reflecting the picture just to give a quick bite of information for the reader to engage in. Beneath that paragragh of text, I will have another little bit of text and perhaps a picture advertising or possibly promoting something else within the magazine. This will also stop the risk of having excesses of writing.

Along the right hand side of the contents page, I will have a column and that will be where the reader can directly access the exact page numbers of the page they desire to turn to. Having the contents in a comlumn layout is a typical convention of a magazine and is an easy and typical layout to follow.

After planning the rough layout of my contents page I started to peice it together. In the banner across the front of the page I decided to use a bold font in black saying 'THIS WEEK' with the month beneath it. This allows the to reader clearly identify the purpose of this page. I used purple as it is an attractive colour, but won't distract the reader's attention from the actual image. 'January 2009' is in white as it predominantly stands out across the dark black and purple background. Throughout the magazine I will continue to use the same fonts as this is a known convention of other magazines on todays market and once again, I didn't feel I could challenge this as it works so well. I also think it gives a sleek look to the magazine and brings it together.

The image I used clearly corresponds with that of the front cover. It includes the lead artist featured on the cover but also a band member. As the artist is featured as part of a band, it is important to make it recognisable to the reader that other members are included. The image mirrors the size of the text below so there is a sense of balance on the page and so it doesn't appear to be too busy or to have too much text. There is a clear, large heading introducing the image and the text. The language used in the text is that of a conversational tone which appeals to my target audience. I will include a light overview of a night out with the band and will follow the 'what, where, who and when' gossip style writing of todays media.

At the bottom of the page there is a small black box with a 'subscribe today' offer. I found this to be a typical convention of a magazine and it encourages readers to purchase more issues of this magazine despite the fact they have not yet read this copy. I decided to use orange for the colour of the font as it is a complimentary colour with the purple used in the banner. I also included a small image of the actual front cover of the magazine as this also is a typical convention of a magazine.

The column along the left hand side is filled with page numbers with the appropriate text to lead the reader to what they are looking for. I have split the text into small sub-headings as this makes it easy to follow and it doesn't look messy or complicated. It was also a convention I noticed in the contents pages of Vogue and NME. Although they are both different genres of magazines, they both include this style in their contents pages which suggests to me it would be a convention to follow when completing mine rather than challenging it.

Although I was happy with the main layout of my magazine's contents page, I decided it still needed a few changes to make it more effective. The first thing I did was play around with the colour in the masthead. I decided to go with red as I found the font in black didn't stand out as much as the white did and looked rather dull. The red colour also corresponds with the red colour scheme I used on the front cover and links the contents page with the front cover and makes it look like a genuine issue of a magazine.

I was happy with the text below the image but decided to change the image itself. The image includes the two models from the other picture but also including a third band member. This makes it easier for an audience to accept them as a band. Also the way the models are posing indicates they are having fun which reflects the title of 'Our wild night with...'.

I was still happy with the subscription box at the bottom of the page but thought it was necessary to also change the colour of the actual font as I also felt it didn't stand out as much as it could of. Rather than using the less attractive orange, I replaced it with an eye-catching yellow. Not only does this stand out more on a black background, it also fits with the colour scheme on my front cover of red and yellow. I decided to leave the small image in the right hand corner of the box as I still felt this looked good and made it very clear what the offer was about.

I left the format of the column running down the right hand side of the page the same as I was still happy with that layout and continue to believe that is the simplest way for a reader to find the page they desire to turn to. I added a few more headings since my last draft and included a small image of another band. This is another visual aid for the reader to quickly identify what else will be included in the magazine.

Beneath the image I added a little arrow which prompts the reader to turn the page and reveals more about what's in the magazine without adding more writing to a long list. It looks more appealing at a first glance.

I think my contents page is successful and accurately reflects what a contents page of a music magazine should look like.

dpspread1

dpspread2

dpspread3

dpspread4

Development and analysis of my double page spread.

After analysing a double page spread, I made a rough plan of what I would include and how I would layout my double page spread.

I decided to include a large image on the left hand side of the spread. This will attract the reader and immediately introduce the featured artist/band. Beneath this I will include some text, possibly quotes or facts about the artist.

On the right hand side of the spread, on the top of the page will be the main heading introducing the artist. This will need to be bold and striking to make sure it draws the reader in. Beneath the heading I will layout my text in the typical convention of columns. This will make large amounts of text less daunting and easier to follow. On this page I will also include another image, again to split up vast amounts of text.


















After planning my double page spread, I started to put it together. On the left hand side of the spread, the first thing to attract the reader is the main image of the featured artist. The model is staring straight into the camera and it is a close up shot. She is styled to look retro and unique, pulling a playful face. This will represent the genre of music she fits into which is electro/indie.

Beneath the image is a quotation from within the article. This will engage the reader as it in a bright box with crutial words highlighted. If the quote can gain the reader's attention, this will then prompt them to continue reading the article.

On the right hand side of the spread the main heading is simply the artists name. This gets straight to the point of the article so readers can identify who it is about straight away. Bright, eye-catching colours are used. The yellow on pink is playful but also reflects the fact it is a female artist stereotypically. Next to this on the left is a star with 'LCE LOVES' written in it. This gives the magazines 'approval' to the reader as this is a new artist featured, the magazine needs to prove that it worth while reading the article and getting to know the artist as well as giving the feeling that the magazine is first to give the audience the 'hottest' new artists/bands.

Beneath the heading is a simple, snappy sentence introducing the artist and briefly outlining the type of person the artist is. At the beginning of the article I decided to follow the typical convention of using a larger, bold letter at the beginning to establish exactly where the article starts. Following this is an introductory sentence in bold which on again, highlights the start of the article and attracts the eye.

I decided to run my article in the interview form as I thought this would be an easy way for an audience to get familiar with a new artist. It also is quick and easy to read and is a simple, un-cluttered layout. The questions asked by the writer of the article are in bold in comparison to the answers given by the artist. This allows the reader to clearly identify what is being said by who. There is a coloured line running down the middle of the article as to clearly indicate the column layout of the interview. The colour purple was chosen to purposely clash against the other colours and to highlight the exciting, bright personality of the artist.

There is another image included for more visual stimulation and make the artists face more recongnisable. At the bottom of the page is a box stating who will be featured on this page in the next issue. Similarly to the subscription box on the contents page, this allows the reader to assume they will purchase the next issue or subscribe to the magazine in order to find out what is said in the article of an artist/band they already fans of or it may trigger them to be intruiged to find out more about a new artist/band. I decided to include the colour scheme or red and yellow as that links to the previous pages of the magazine as it is the main colour scheme throughout this particular issue.






















After completing my first draft, I noticed some things I could change to improve my double page spread. I was happy with the main layout but decided to firstly swap the images around. The motive for this change was throughout the interview, the artist is portrayed as outspoken and dramatic but aving an image where the artist appears more innocent contradicts this and allows the audience to get in touch with a quieter side to her. The smaller image is still showing a flicker of the 'madness' the audience recognise as to not confuse them or mis-lead them in anyway.

The next thing I decided to change was the colour sheme. Although the clashing colours in my first draft corresponded with the personality of the artist, now as I changed the focus of the images, I decided to go with a tranquil blue colour to reflect this purpose. Also it follows the rest of the colour scheme in the magazine of keeping it simple.

On the left hand side where the main image is, I decided to use a small box of text saying 'RADAR: HOT NEW ARTIST'. This makes the reader think they are exclusively being handed the insight into a brand new artist before anyone else and persuades them to read on so they get the news before anyone else. I also decided to include another quote and a box of 'need to know' facts about the reader so if a reader was to skim the page, they could briefly read bout the artist and it could also possibly prompt them into reading more. I decided to keep the red and yellow box on the bottom right hand side as I feel this works well in bringing the magazine together.

I am happy with my double page spread as I feel it appears proffesional, easy to follow and attractive to readers.

EVALUATION

1. In what way does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

My media product uses forms and conventions of real media products such as straplines, main headings, main images which draw the audience to the magazine as it important to make it appear as proffessional as possible. The uses and gratification model can be used in relation to my magazine as the audience isn't seen to be a victim of media, absorbing whatever is handed to them but they use media to fulfill their own needs. I don't challenge too much aspects of real media products as I feel it would be too ambitious for a first issue of a magazine and it has to appeal to a real type of audience. However, I challenged exisiting media when choosing the image for my front cover, I had the model using an in-direct mode of address as opposed to a direct mode of address which is more typical for a magazine front cover image. Also aspects such as placing cover lines at slightly different angles allowed me to challenge the more typical horizontal layout. Looking at existing media products played an important in developing my magazine as it helped me to identify and develop aspects of magazines that would be vital to use in order for my magazine to appear as a proffessional media product which hails to my target audience.


2. How does your media product represent particular social groups?

My media product represents the age group of 16-25 year olds of both gender interested in indie/electro music. Looking for inspiration in magazines on the market such as NME helped me to achieve the layout and content of the type of magazine I desired. Language plays an important part of getting through to this age group as if formal language was used, it may not be seen to be something to read for leisure as this age group, stereotypically, may be students at college or university who have alot of 'deep' reading to get through and may need some light hearted reading about something they enjoy. I made sure I used male and female models within magazine as to appeal to both sexes, the models are also the same age as the target audience so the audience can identify and be inspired by them. Mise en scene such as costume and props within the images will help to represent this genre to the target audience. The readers will be able to identify certain clothing such as the continuous use of geek glasses as iconography as representing the indie genre. Also the male audience members may identify the male models clothes as being from popular high street store TOPMAN which also represents the indie sub-culture.

3. What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?

The main institution that might distribute my media product is a news agents or book shop that sells a variety of magazines and news papers. This is because although technology has moved on and things are greatly being accessed via the internet or television, the most typical way to access a magazine is to go out and buy one. It is also easily accessable for a wide audience whereas there may be some people who may not be able to access the internet etc. Also, people who weren't aware of the magazine's existance may come across it whilst browsing the shelves of a news agents and decide to purchase it and the internet may not have that advantage. Music specialist stores may also stock my magazine as people in that store would clearly have an interest in music so this in a media product which would greatly appeal to them.

4) How did you attract/address your audience?

The most important feature of attracting/addressing your audience is to have an attractive front cover. I feel a large image on the front which is interesting and eye-catching with bright colours will draw the audience in to continue read the rest of the cover. It is important to create a surface realism with the images included as it is important for the reader to be able to identify and relate to the people within the magazine. Keeping this in mind, the model on the front cover is 20 years old which is in the middle of the target audience age which can clarify who the magazine is aimed at. I had to make sure I used aspects of the magazine which directly relate to the target audiences attitudes, values and beliefs and make sure that everything on the magazine front cover related to their interests.

5) What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

At first I didn't know where to start or what program to use to construct my product but after trying out different programs I had access to, I decided Serif Page Plus was the one I could learn to use fairly quickly and I felt it was able to give me the type of magazine front cover, contents page and double page spread I desired. I also used the program Photoshop in order to change the background in certain images. I didn't feel I worked too well with this program so I decided against using any of the photos which I used this program on. I also learnt how to download and use fonts from the website http://www.dafont.com/ which proved to be very useful as it allowed me to choose from hundreds of fonts in order to find one which I felt accuratelty reflected my magazine. I had to complete this task on my own so the progress I made by using these programs and putting together my magazine was through trial and error.

6) Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression it to the full product?

Looking back at the preliminary task, I can see how much I have progressed since the first time sitting in front of a computer and wondering where to start. I started with Microsoft Word and realised it was hard to structure and decided to try a simpler program, paint. I found it hard to get it to look to a standard I was happy with and ended up not completing the task. Analysing other existing magazines really inspired me and a helped me manage to identify the codes and conventions needed in a music magazine for it to be successful and I managed to incorporate these in my final peices. I feel my confidence with computers and being able to develop my product successful has really grown and I have throroughly enjoyed this project.