Final products

I have made a few touch ups- spell checking, tweeking of text, and a couple of edits to finish my products.

Evaluation - How I have met conventions

Conventions


How I have made my front cover Bold-

Presentation Mag

Evaluation

How does your media product represent particular social groups?

My media product is based on an indie/rock genre, similarly to Kerrang! and NME. Therefore I have found due to research that the main audience would be 15-18 and probabally, as seen from writers to NME and Kerrang! ranging up to 25 years old aswell. It is possible that my magazine could represent particular stereotypes but I have tried to keep the social range wide to attract the largest audience as possible.

What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
IPC Media are the distributor for magzine NME. The distributor of Kerrang! is Bauer consumer Media. Through research Bauer consumer media seems like a suitable distributor for my company because they distribute other magazines that are similar to mine, including 'Q' magazine. This tells me that they are experienced and have knowledge in this genre of magazine and know how to attract the right audience. IPC Media seem to have a range of different magazines - generally for middle aged women. Therefore I would choose a company similar to Bauer's because they have the experience to distribute my magazine well to the right audience. Also, choosing Bauer would mean that I wouldn't have to compete with them for buisness if I were to choose an independent company.

Who would be the audience for your media product?

As found from an ealier questionnaire, the people most likely to read a magazine of my style would be of either gender, aged 15-18. I was limited due to resources and time of only asking candidates between the ages of 11-18 years, therefore I am assuming that people out of this age range (up to 25 years) would be included in my target audience aswell. I assume this because I have seen letters that are sent to NME and Kerrang! from people aged 25.

My audience would be young, fun music lovers. They would have to have interest in bands within my genre, reviews, musical updates and news and the latest releases to be able to enjoy the full effect of my product.

How did you attract/address your audience?

As shown from research (see left) it is clear that the main cover and style play a big part in attracting the audience.

I have made my front cover as bold as possible in the following ways:

(see post)

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

During the construction process I feel I have developed my skills to their maximum potential on Adobe Photoshop. I have been able to experiment with Photoshop's limits and it has taught me alot about using the programme and I have picked up many skills that would be useful if working in the media industry.

I have also been introduced to Blogger, which is a new technology to me. The skills I have picked up may become useful in the future.

I have also been introduced to Scribd, which has helped me exploit my potential on blogger. This website has been useful to me and allowed me to try out new things.

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

When I was producing my preliminary task, I was unaware of the capability of Photoshop. Therefore the outcome of my preliminary task was not particuarlly outstanding. However, through the construction process of my full product I have learnt to do things that I had no idea how to do in my preliminary task. Therefore the outcome of my full product is to a higher and more proffesional standard to that of my preliminary.

Double page spread - Stage 2

This is the second stage of my double page spread. I have added text - in a consistent style but with slight variation in font, size and boldness where appropriate. I have tried to adapt to the correct language for my audience and used 'slang' in places. The band title (GREEN MIND) is done in a completely separate font, as i found that this was commonly done in magazines so that bands can establish their own logo and be quickly recognised by it. I have kept to a simple colour scheme so that the page is not too busy, and the focus remains on the model. I have added page numbers, captions with the picture, sub headings, etc which all add to the 'magazine look' which I am aiming for. This is my almost-finished prouduct.

Double page spread - Stage 1

This is my initial stage in the double page spread process. I have added a large mid shot image which is the main focus of the page. As the model is female, I have done all I can to draw away the girly, or fashion aspect of the model and bring out a rock style. I have done this by getting her to stare into the camera and bare her teeth. Her body is slouched and in a casual, oppose to a "posey" position. This gives a more laid back, or even aggressive feel to the page which matches the genre and challenges the conventions. I have minimised erasing slight imperfections such as freckles, because I feel this brings a more gritty and realistic style to the page rather than it being mistaken for glamourous. I have used brightly coloured mis en scene such as flourescent, eye cathing pink make up and clothing which I have edited to stand out as much as possible. This brings away the dullness of the page and stops the model blending in with the background. It also contrasts with the realistic style I have tried to create. The background is coloured black as I found the general pattern for double page spreads was a one colour wash, and black was the most suited colour as it creates a sense of mystery and darkness. I have added a catchy title- in a suitable language for the audience- in bold capitial text for maximum attraction.

Double page research

These are influences to the double page spread I wish to create.

Double page research

I have researched into double page spreads that use female models. I found these to be particually rare, however I have collected some examples. I want to use a female model because I feel it will challenge the typical conventions.



I have found the typical conventions to include; A large image of the female placed over a whole a4 side (typically the right hand side)/ The model posing in an abstract way that draws attention to the image/ A write up in an 'interview' style where the magazine asks questions to the star/ Text placed in collums over the left hand side of the double/ Text to be consistant however some variety in size and boldness/ A caption next to the image placed in a small box/ Text following the 'slang' style language throughout/ Interesting quotations placed in large, bold font toward the top of the pages/ A '>>' sign indicating to turn the page for more/ A well edited, framed image with carefully placed mise en scene/ and more to follow.



I will try to follow and in some cases challenge these conventions throughout my making process.

Contents page - Stage 2

This is my nearly-finished product. I have continued to follow the text style and included everything that was advertised on the cover. I have added 2 smaller images - both long shots to show different gestures and actions and create variation in my shot types. I have also added an advert which offers a magazine subscription, as my research shows this was very commonly found on contents pages of such magazines. Another colour (green) has been added to the layout to make it more interesting and challenge traditional conventions. I feel white was a suitable wash for the background because i didnt want to use too much black. This allowed me to use black text to complete the 'black/white/red' colour scheme.

Contents page - Stage 1

This is the initial layout of my contents page. Here i have added a title - conventionally placed in the right hand corner of the page. My image is an englarged version (to draw attention) of the smaller image on the cover, as seen done in an issue of Kerrang! I have challenged the conventions by using black and white to make the image extra bold. This effect also removes the ordinarity of the room and makes it seem more suited to the rock style.

I have began to add text, following a consistent style and a simple black/white/green colour scheme. Again capital letters and fonts are used appropriately, and I have tried to use suitable language in the titles.

Contents page research

Conventions of a Contents page

- 1 large image, followed by 1 or more smaller images.

- The main image is interesting, it could be an action shot and often involves mise en scene such as musical intruments.
- A large 'Contents' or 'This week' title at the top to establish the page, generally in the right hand corner.

- A list of sub titles including headings such as 'News', 'Reviews' and 'Feedback' etc.
- An advert to promote subscription to the magazine, including a phone number, price, picture of the issue, etc.

- Page numbers varying up to around 50-60.

- A simple black/white background often enhanced with red or yellow colours throughout.

Cover Stage 2

This is my nearly-finished product. Here i have added text, smaller titles and images. I have tried to keep the font to a consistent level but still use variation. I have looked into the language used and tried to match mine to the conventions. The majority of the text is in capital letters to match the convetions of the genre. I have used shapes and colours appropriately, challenging the conventions by adding a blue colour to the layout. I have used mis en scene (instruments; guitars, drum kit) to help establish the genre and have tried to vary the types of shots used. I have used a two shot to try and establish the relationship of the band members, and a high over the shoulder shot to define the drum kit. I am happy with the overall layout so it is on it's way to being finished.

Cover stage 1

This is my initial stage in photoshop - here i have cut out, edited and fitted the image appropriately. I have began to layout my page by adding coloured panels where the title and sub heading will be placed.

This is my second stage in photoshop. I have began to add detail such as a title. The title is in a large, bold, capital black font. It is placed across the top of the page which i generally found matched my chosen conventions. I have chosen 'AVENUE' out of a selection of words, with aid of a vote as i found it nicely represents the style of my magazine.

I have also added a sub heading reading- 'LOTTIE MORRIS.'

I have generally found that sub headings are in capital letters and are of a different font to the title. I have used the text inside blocks to make the sub heading interesting, as i was inspired to do this by an issue of NME starring Lily Allen.

I have made sure to stricty stick to the colour scheme. A bar code has been added for a more realistic magazine effect.

Images

Cover image: I have chosen to use this as the main image on my cover because I found it was very bold. My actor was carefully chosen to match the style of my genre is leaning towards and staring into the camera so the main focus of the picture is her face. Her expression is mysterious and fits the conventions of my indie/rock genre and therefore is perfect for a cover image. I found the use of subtle mis en scene; bright lighting, subtle make up, and naturally styled hair help to match to the conventions. I have taken care to ensure that the colours of the photo are a black, white and red scheme. I will enhance these colours by editing the photo (playing with contrast and brightness) so that i get the effect of a very pale face, darker eyes and hair and red clothing and lips. She is located in a photography studio against a plain white background, because white contrasts with the colours she is wearing and will help me to separate the figure from the background during the editing stage on photoshop.

Contents page image: I have chosen to use this as the main image on my contents page. I found it was conventional to have an "action" type shot on the contents page. I chose to challenge the conventions by using an over the shoulder shot oppose to a mid/long shot which makes the image seem more interesting and frames the shot well, aswell as balancing the different types of shots I have used. My actor is male, this is to balance the gender of actors in my magazine - too many females I found is unconventional to the indie/rock genre. I have used mise en scene (drum kit) which is appropriate to the genre of the magazine and helps to establish it. I have chosen the costume to be black/red/white baggy clothes as this fits the genre and conventional colour scheme of my magazine. It was inconvinient for me to take a drum kit into the photography studio, so instead it is held inside a room against a laminate floor/white wall, similarly so that it will be easier for me to play around with the background during the editing stage. The lighting is bright to allow me to play with the contast on photoshop to give a bold effect.

Double page spread image: I have chosen to use this as the main image on my double page spread. I have used a female actress (this is quite rare but I have found examples) which slightly challenges the conventions. I have used a midshot/close up which is conventional and my actress is staring into the camera, pulling a slightly agressive face. This helps to establish the rock genre and brings away any 'girlyness' about the image which may give the wrong idea about the genre. For mise en scene, I have used a guitar which helps to establish the genre and bold clothing and make up which make the image interesting. I want to have alot to look as because the image is going to be large (over an a4 side) to draw maximum attension to the image. I have used bright lighting again which will allow me to play around with contrast.

Contact sheets (experimenting with shots)

Further planning images

I have done research into using close up images on the front cover of magazines, and these were the results that I found. Generally the backgrounds of the images are simple, or have been edited out. Therefore I think it is best for me to hold my photoshoot in the photography studio against a black or white background - oppose to my original idea of filming in a rural scene. I think this will help me during the editing stage of the photo and will allow me to alter the background easily later on, to give a more flawless and professional look.

Planning images

On the front cover, I want something really bold that stands out. To challenge the conventions of a magazine of this genre I will experiment using a range of shots including close ups and midshots, using mis en scene to establish a style. I will use a female model to challenge the conventions as they are less commonly seen, and she will be wearing alot of abstract make up. Her hair will be styled and her clothes will be appropriate. She will be in an outside rural scene, so the styled look contrasts with the natural background. Maybe she will have a flower in her hair, and other such props that help to frame the shot. I want it to be bold and eye catching so that the reader is drawn in from a glance at the cover.

The other images will be more recognisable as band related. Props such guitars/keyboads/microphones may be used to help establish this, but still following the eery style. I will use a couple more models to play 'band members' or other artists. Generally the band shots will be longs shots, but I will use a variety of different shots throughout the magazine.

Research and Analysis

I found that the most suitable price tag for my magazine would lie in the £2.00-£2.50 range.

Research and Analysis

I found that there were quite alot of attraction factors that made people want to buy a indie/rock magazine. The most popular were; bands, pictures, articles and news and interviews. Therefore I will try to meet in particular these 4 conventions in the designing of my magazine.

Results and Analysis

From my results I can see that most people within my audience prefer to read magazines on a monthly basis. Therefore my news, articles, interviews, rewiews, gig information etc should be reflecting on the whole month.

Results and Analysis

From my research I have found that most people prefer to read Kerrang, closely followed by NME. Therefore I will look very closely at the conventions of these 2 magazines when designing my magazine. Most people said they favoured these because of the style, front cover, and more favourable bands in Kerrang and NME. This is shown in the chart below.

Therefore I should take great care in designing the style and front cover of my magazine because

this will be one of the main factors that draws in my target audience. I should collect and use Kerrang and NME magazines to inspire me to achieve this.

Research - My intentions

Through my analysing process, I understand the conventions of rock/indie genre magazines to have dark/ suitable colours (red, black, white) on the front cover, along with a large and eyecatching image of a popular band/artist, bold font to emphasize band names, interviews, articles and news on popular/new bands and pictures to a high quality. Text is usually in capital letters, and an appropriate 'slang' type of language is used.

Through my target audience research I have found that magazines of this type appeal to both male and female, of ages 15-18 and I am assuming slightly older as well. I have found that they read these magazines to entertain, relieve boredom and get gossip.

Therefore I plan to meet these conventions by making my magazine packed of exciting articles and news shown on the contents page, the front cover should be fairly busy, emphasizing band names in bold font and show high quality and unusual images. I should make the double page spread interesting to read so that it will entertain my audience.

However, I plan to challenge the conventions by using a close up of one 'band member' and using props and other mise en scene to frame the shot so that it is really eye catching and appealling. They will be a female actress- as this is less commonly found and will allow me to challenge the conventions as much as possible.

Research: Questionnaire

Magazine Questionnaire

Q1) Choose your gender
Female/ Male

Q2) How old are you?


Q3) Are you interested in indie or rock genre magazines?
Yes/ No

Q4) If so, what attracts you to buy magazines?
Bands/ Price/ Colour scheme/ Pictures/
Articles and news/ Gig information/ Interviews/
Other?


Q5) How often do you read magazines approx?
Weekly/ Monthly/ Rarely/ Never

Q6) From the following, which magazine would you prefer to read?
NME/ Q/ Kerrang/ Other

Q7) Why did you choose this?
Style/ Contents/ Front cover/ More favourable bands?

Q8) Why do you read magazines?
To entertain/ Relieve boredom/ To get gossip/ Puzzles/ Free gifts, for example: posters/ Other

Q9) What is the maximum you would pay for a magazine of this style?
Under £2.00 £2.00-£2.50 £3.00-£3.50 More than £4.00

Analysing Music Magazine Front Covers; Q

Q is a british magazine of the indie/rock style. It's front cover is not very busy, but contains a good image of a well known band - Kings of Leon - containing lots of mis en scene which is an attraction factor to readers. It has a couple of sub titles which tells the buyers what is going to be inside, however i think that there could be more. There is bold title which is recognisable and fits in with the colour scheme (red, black, white) which fits perfectly the conventions of the genre. However, there is a title in pink which could be seen as feminine. There is a bar code and price on the cover which is easy to spot and a suitable size. I find the font is slightly inconsistant.

Target: 22/01/10

Finish analysing the 3 front covers.

Analysing Music Magazine Front Covers; Kerrang!

Kerrang! is an established rock genre music magazine, published in the UK. It's target audience is (similarly to NME, however perhaps more rock-based) young music lovers. It's front cover is definatley noticeable in a group of magazines, perhaps leading to the great success of Kerrang! magazine.

The large and eye catching image, featuring a different act every week attracts attention from the right audience. On most issues, a one coloured background is used, which differs from the background of NME which consists mainly of a background built of mise en scene. The title is bold, noticable and recogniseable. Band/artist names are emphasised to attract readers, in similar fonts and colours. The bar code and similarly, fair marked price are located in the bottom right corner. A colour scheme is maintained to form some sort of link to the genre. Overall, a well laid out front cover to fit it's genre and attract an audience.

Analysing Music Magazine Front Covers; NME

NME is a British, up to date weekly music magazine. It's genre covers everything from soft indie to rock n' roll, so it's cover is designed to draw in all sorts of young, music lovers. Informing it's readers of the essential weekly news, interviews with stars, rewiews of albums, tracks and gigs, and acting as the UK's most essential gig guide, NME ticks all the boxes for a great music read.

It's bold, red title is easy to spot and recognise and is eye catching on a bland, newsagent shelf. It's font is bold and consistent, so band names are obvious and can be easily indentified, instantly drawing in an audience. A large and good quality, unusual, well framed close up photo is bound to draw attension. A small bar code and fair marked price are placed in the bottom right corner. Other headlines, in a variety of fonts but still fitting the colour scheme, are dotted around the edges of the mag. Overall, a well designed and suitable front cover for it's genre and target audience.