Completed Magazine Production

Preliminary Task

Evaluation

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

My music magazine uses the typical conventions of other R&B music magazines. I used the music magazine Vibe as a model of how I wished my own magazine to look like.

Front cover

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  The typical conventions of Vibes front cover consists of a bold masthead, a few cover lines, and a large main image. Basic colours are usually used yet the magazine manages to attract the readers’ attention with the use of natural/high key lighting on the main image; which also happens to be an image of recognisable artist. The artist sometimes wears plain clothing but appears urban because they wear chains. I developed the typical conventions used in the Vibe magazine by using basic colours- white and goldish yellow. My model is also in plain clothing yet has an urban look because of her 'tough' facial expression and her leather jacket. I also used a bold masthead and few cover lines and placed the price and issue number above the barcode, similar to what Vibe has done. I have also used a plain background with a gradient.

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  I have also challenged the typical conventions of Vibe magazine. I used different typography and added effects to the words- outer glow, bevel and emboss- which Vibe does not do. My main image also has some effects to make it stand out. I lightened the image yet the model maintains a natural look.

Contents Page

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  The contents page of Vibe magazine again has a plain background and uses a large main image, with little text. Each subheading has a synopsis to inform the reader what is on each page. There is roughly the same amount of text in my contents page as you would find in Vibe. I have used their convention of including a synopsis for every page number.
  
  
• I have challenged 'Vibes' traditional form of using a large image by using more than one and slightly smaller images. I have made the font slightly larger.
  
  

Double page spread

• On one page of ‘Vibe’s double page spread, there is a large main image and a floating quote. I also have a similar layout for my own double page spread.
  
• I have challenged this form by also including a box with text, in order to make it appear more attractive. This box contains an introductory paragraph. On the other page is an additional image which the ‘Vibe’ magazine does not have. The typography for the questions and the typography for the answers differs in the ‘Vibe’ magazine and for my double page, I have made the colours different for the questions and answers. The ‘Vibe’ double page spread has the page number at the top, whereas I have challenged this form and put the page number at the bottom corner.
  

Another R&B magazine that I could compare my own with is Rap-up. Rap-up often uses one model for the front cover but the background is made colourful, not to outshine the artist, but to make them more appealing. The masthead is partially covered by the main image to highlight the significance of the artist. The magazine seems to emphasise the artist rather than the cover lines. There is very little writing on the front cover.

In comparison to my magazine I have paid more attention to the cover lines, adding effects to them and making them stand out against the background. Although I have also made the main image noticeable by adding effects, just as Rap-up does. I have used some of the conventions of Rap-up and Vibe. But I have also challenged both of their forms because I have focused more on the cover lines rather than image whereas they have don’t.

How does your media product represent particular social groups?

My magazine represents a young, urban culture because this is the common audience that listens to R&B music. The models used are of a similar age group and wear similar clothing- hoodies, caps, jewellery- the typical attire for this social group. Most of the models are expressionless or have serious faces, depicting this particular social group as ‘unaffected’- the common stereotype of young teenagers. In the double page spread, the artist in the interview speaks with a casual illustrating the speech used by young urban people- a stereotypical representation. Although basic colours for the words are used, the effects (glow, bevel and emboss) make them noticeable. The colourful clothes the models wear in the contents page make them stand out. The effects and clothes suggest that this social group like to be noticed.

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

Conder Nast would distribute my magazine because most of the magazines they already publish are glamorous and I think my magazine presents the models in an urban yet glamorous way. My main image is one of the highlights on the front cover and the same applies to Conde Nast. The conventions used in most of their magazines are similar to my own so my magazine would be suitable for publishing by this company. IPC would also distribute my magazine because after going through their selection I have found that they lack urban magazines so the inclusion of my magazine could widen their audience. They would willingly distribute my magazine because they already publish NME which is also a music magazine.

Who would be the audience for your media product?

The target audience for my magazine would be teenagers from the age of 13-19. This is because the genre of music is most popular with this age range. The audience may come from an urban culture or would have an interest in urban music. My magazine would be for both males and females and all social classes but more likely to be middle or lower class. In the target audience there is no racial preference. They would be aspirers because most R&B artists wear ‘bling’ and therefore encourage their audience to purchase chains and other jewellery. They would also be mainstreamers as they would wear the typical urban attire; going along with the expected uniform. They would have an interest in the R&B music itself, attending concerts. The gratifications for taking interest in the magazine would be for diversion, as the readers may want to distract themselves by endorsing in the lives of the rich and famous and ignoring their own troubles. Or the reader may personally identify and imitate the artists out of pure aspiration to become them.

How did you attract/address your audience?

I have used a puff to make the magazine appear successful. Within the puff itself, the genre is written, therefore attracting an audience which favours this genre. The price is a reasonable cost for my target audience. The cover lines contain information that would interest the reader e.g. 'The Latest Tunes'. The main image stands out, attracting any reader. There is direct address as the model faces the reader, further encouraging them to purchase the magazine and read on. The contents page informs the reader that not only music is included, but also fashion and interviews, both of which would interest the target audience. The colour scheme is basic yet attractive. I have used young models roughly the same age as the target audience so that the readers can relate. In my double page spread I refer to well known artists so the reader knows who is being discussed. The interviewed artist has a casual tone of voice; the same of which is used by the target audience.

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

I have learnt how to use Adobe Photoshop as I did not know how to before. I can cut out a picture using the lasso tool. I discovered why it is easier to cut out a picture with a white background; so with the use of the magic wand, the white sections can be selected easily. I know how to move a picture onto the new A4 page. I know how to make the image blend with or stand out from the background with the use of 'blur' effect around the edges or an outer glow. I can now use filters to change the appearance of the image and background. I know that if i wish to undo an action I can go back using the history menu. I can make a layer visible and not visible. I know how to put layers on top of each other. I have discovered the several types of font how to change their appearance with the use of effects such as stroke and inner shadow. I know how to use the gradient tool to improve the appearance of the background. I know how to use the spot healing tool to make the models face appear smoother. I know how to lighten the image if it is too dark. I know how to increase and decrease the size of the image. I know how to present text as like an article - as done so on my double page spread. I have learnt how to make a blog, which i didn't know before and how to create posts. I have learnt how to post a presentation onto a blog using slideshare.net to store the presentation and then past the embed onto a new post. I learnt how to upload images and videos onto the blog.

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

The practice of using Adobe Photoshop has taught me how to use it efficiently. I have learnt the importance of using mid-shot, clear images with suitable lighting. I have learnt the importance and usefulness of using original images instead of images from the internet. I understand the significance of keeping typography and colours consistent. I know that it is not essential for the content page to include an editorial. I understand the importance and effect of subheadings and synopsis. I have learnt how to organise the additional images more sufficiently. I have learnt the typical conventions used in music magazines, which I took no notice of before. I have learnt how to attract my target audience by using specific models, effects and language. I know the importance of using a large, colourful masthead in order to attract attention. I have discovered the large contribution that the main image makes in the attraction of the reader. I have learnt how to make the image more attractive by lightening it and adding effects and filters. I realise the importance of the layout of the front cover because in my preliminary work, the cover lines were not positioned orderly. I have used more effects on the text and discovered that different filters can be used to create a sketchy effect or water effect. I have learnt how to use basic colours yet make them noticeable to the reader. I have learnt to space put the images on the contents page and the effectof using more than one image. I have included synopsis and now know how to position the subheadings correctly. I have also used corresponding colours to make the contents page more attractive and consistent with the front page. I have learnt how to communicate with my target audience by using informal language and models of their age. My communication with the audience has improved as they can now relate to the images and text. I have learnt the typical conventions which include floating quotes, puffs, synopsis and how they effect the reader's interest. I understand the importance of research and using questionnaires to find out what my audience wants to see in the magazine and what must be included.

Audio evaluations

The focus group questions are important to my production of the magazine because then i know the changes that can be made and i acknowledge what it is that my target audience which to see in my magazine. My own evaluation and answers to the focus group questions show that i understand the negative and positive parts of my magazine and can show a neutral point of view.

Audience Feedback

Conclusions I made from peer assessments and questioning my target audience. The negative and positive comments.

Negatives

• The front page is rather plain and therefore not eye-catching. A front page needs to be attractive, to interest the reader.
  

• The contents page should include more pages as most magazines are at least 50 pages long


• The model who acts as the artist wears the same clothes throughout the magazine. This makes the magazine appear dull. It doesn't mimic typical music magazines as the model would usually wear a different set of clothes

• There isn't enough text in the main article

Positives

• The colours are attractive and typical for an R&B magazine

• The title is noticeable and attractive. Even the choice of words for the masthead suggests that the music mentioned is fresh and entertaining.

• The way I made the cover lines stand out by using effects e.g. stroke, was appealing. Especially how the puff has a slightly different effect, making it more noticeable.

• The outer glow around the main image makes the model more eye catching and her whole look allows the reader to relate. Her attire suits the typical costume of a teenager and her facial expression gives an intense vibe which further interests the reader.

• The contents page has a good layout and looks professional

• It is easy to find the pages and what is on each page. People found it useful that I used subheadings so that they could voluntarily select which sections they wished to view first.

• Most of the questions in the interview are open and the answers would interest the reader

• The magazine is successful in attracting the target audience.

• The floating quote in the main article indicates that the artist is inspirational, which acts as an encouragement for the reader to continue.

• The introductory paragraph informs the reader who the artist is and the information is so realistic that the artist doesn't even sound fictional. Referring to well-known artists interests the reader further.

• The responses from this artist in the interview are typical for a teenager and the reader can relate to the casual language.

• 'Madame D.' makes the person sound sophisticated yet cool
  

I found that 90% of the people I asked approved of my magazine and enjoyed every aspect of it.

Target audience profile

My target audience will be aged 13-19, and will take an interest in R&B music and possibly live an urban lifestyle. They will already acknowledge information about the the most popular R&B artists around. They themselves may wear urban clothing eg. a cap, baggy jeans, chains/bling. They may have any occupation but the expectation is that they will be either lower or middle class- Social grade B, C1/C2 or lower. They are likely to be mainstreamers as they may wear similar clothing and they will definitely be aspirers as most R&B artists wear bling and therefore use this as a symbol of their wealth.

Double page spread

Main Article

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I added a floating quote and the introductory paragragh within a box so there would be more room on the other page for a longer interview.

Vibe double page spread

For a double page spread, Vibe have used an interview with an artist, which is what i also plan to do. The typography used for the questions differs from the typography used for the artists' answers. This allows the reader to distinguish who says what. The questions and answers have a formal, column layout, making it appear professional. There are also small bits of information on the sides of the interview, informing the reader about the events discussed. On the page next to the interview is a main image of the artist. This attracts attention as well reminding the reader who the interview is with. There is a floating quote alongside the image as to interest the reader to read more and discover what else the artist says.

Drawing of double page spread

I have chosen to add an introductory paragraph so that the readers are informed about who the artist is. The questions are colloquial, much like Vibe magazine, but i have attempted to use only open questions. I have written above each answer who is speaking so the reader can differentiate who says what. I have included additional images on the sides of the interview to make it appear more attractive. The concluding question ends with a congratulatory note.

Analysis of Vibe double page spread

The typography of the first letter at the top corner of the double page spread is in a block, edgy style. This font could represent the artists' own personality. The typography of the questions are cursive and sophisticated, whereas the answers are in a basic typography, depicted the two different persona's- the magazine has a sensible yet stylish tone, whilst the artist is straightforward and basic. There is a mixture of open and closed questions, allowing the artist to expand on their answers for the open questions, as well as allowing them to give brief answers for the closed questions. However, for interviews it is best to use open questions and obtain as much information from the artist as possible in order to maintain the interest of the reader. There is a floating quote above the additional image. The image grabs attention and the quote interests the reader, influencing them to read more. Some of the questions have colloquialism, appealing to the actual artists language, as well as the target audiences'. It is noticed that this is an unstructured interview because at times, instead of asking a question, the interviewer says a comment, responding to the artists answer. This shows the interviewers reaction and makes the interview appear more like a standard conversation- adds realism.

Contents Print Screens

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Key conventions of contents page

NME

• The main image and typography of the contents page is consistent with the front page




• The image highlights the main topic and above this image is the masthead




• There is a band index so bands can be found easily




• There are no additional images of other artists




• The specific colourscheme allows us to identify the magazine




• There is a subscription advertisement to encourage people to subscribe




• The puff makes the magazine seem important




• The page numbers make articles easy to find and the synopsis informs the reader what content is on the page



• The subheadings organise the listings into categories

DRUMMER

• Main features are linked to the image


• Effective use of typography


• Main image dominates


• The page conveys the magazines genre


• Organised layout - Sophisticated


• Subverts rock conventions, therefore widening the target audience
  

KERRANG

• Quote positioned beneath contents


• The language is informal and relates to the target audience


• Colourscheme is yellow, black and white


• The only section that is red is the subscription, so this attracts the readers attention- red also represents power


• The typography is bold- attracting attention


• Pictures of live perfomances gains interest

VIBE

• Plain colours allow the readers not to be distracted by colour


• There are more pictures than writing so the reader is not bored


• The main image dominates the front cover


• Contrasting images of an artist dressed smartly, with another dressed in urban clothing

Possible images for contents page

Print Scrnz Fo Contentz

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Contents Page from preliminary task

I have also made much progress in my music magazine contents page in comparison to the contents page from my preliminary task. The editorial in this contents page was too long, taking up much of the space and the image appears squashed to the side of the page. Also, the colours are not consistent with the colours on the front cover.

Drawing of my contents page

I have drawn a rough layout of how i want my contents page to look like. I have included subheadings as well as synopsis' and thought it essential to put more than one image along the side to make it appear more attractive. I have not yet decided what colours to use for each section but the colours will be consistent with the front cover. I am not yet sure about the use of an editorial because Vibe magazine did not use an editorial, but i wrote a brief one and will later decided whether or not to include this.

Vibe magazine- contents page

Vibes magazines contents page is quite basic yet is consistent with the colours used in the front page. The main image dominates the page and the dark background makes the artist moe noticeable. There is only one subheading but each page has a synopsis, informing the readers what content can be found on each page. This is not the typical layout for a contents page but I think it is effective and i hope to use some ideas from this contents page, in my own.

Improved Front cover

Print Screens Of Front Cover

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I think this is a big improvement from my first magazine cover. It looks much more professional whilst still attracting my chosen target audience. The dark background makes gives the magazine an edgy appearance and the glow around the main image makes the artist stand out. The cover lines have a noticeable white and goldish colour to attract readers.

Front cover from preliminary task

The front cover of my music magazine is an improvement from the front cover from the preliminary task. In this front cover the typography and colours are not consistent and i used images at the bottom which are not original. The inconsistency, along with the background and placement of the bar code make the magazine appear unprofessional. Even the main image was not cut out accurately.

The different options I had for mastheads for my front page and my plan

Responses from questionnaire

Results Frm Questionnaire

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These two questions are the main questions that will inform me of what should be included in the magazine.

New ideas for the front cover

After reviewing my original production of the front cover, I have made drastic changes and overall improved the front cover.
I decided to change the typography as I realised the words are not easy to read. I only realised this after presenting my magazine to people of the target audience. I used the colour white instead of green as I decided that white added some maturity to the magazine. I made the background a plain black/silver colour, replacing the brick wall because most magazines have a plain colour.

Targets

Francesca you must now work through the blog checklist to update your blog with evidence of ALL planning and research tasks completed i.e. textual analysis, questionnaire analysis etc.

Planning

Francesca you have included some good evidence of planning this production - well done. I am particularly impressed by your evidence of work in progress and the revisions you have made following my feedback.

My Questionnaire

I created this questionnaire to find out what my target audience would expect to see in a music magazine;


1) What gender are you?
Female __ Male __




2) How old are you?
13-16 __ 17-20 __ 21+ __




3) Which genre of music do you listen to?
R&B __ Hip Hop __ Funky House __ Garage __ Rock __ Grime __
Classical __ Pop __ Other________________




4) What music channels do you prefer to watch?
MTV __ TMF __ 4music __ BET __ Channel U __ Smash Hits __
Kerrang __ VH1 __ Viva __ Other______________




5) What radio music stations do you prefer to listen to?
Kiss100 __ Choice FM __ Capital FM __ Magic __ Other________________




6) What features would you like to see in a music magazine?
Interviews with music artists __ Music album reviews __ Photo’s __
Adverts __Latest Fashion __ Celebrity Fashion __
New, Upcoming Artists __ Information on concerts/gigs/events __
Whats hot and Whats not __ Other________________




7) When purchasing a music magazine, how much are you willing to spend?
£1-2 __ £2-3 __ £3-4 __ Other____________


8) What freebies would you like to come with your magazine?
CDs __ T-Shirts __ Posters __ Headphones __ Ipod Case __
Free downloads __ Other______________



9) Would you take part in any competitions?
Yes __ No __




10) How often do you go to concerts/gigs?
Never __ Rarely __ Occasionally __ Frequently __



11) Who are your favourite artists/Bands?
____________________________



12) Which of the following Music Magazines have you purchased before?
NME __ Vibe __ Mojo __ Q __ Other__________



13) What type of magazines do you usually buy? (Please write the name of the magazine underneath the box that applies to you)

Music__ Fashion __ Entertainment__ Gadget__
____________ ____________ ____________ ____________

1st draft of front cover

This was orignally my final front cover, however I have decided to change the models as they do not carry an urban look and retake the picture with a professional camera as this photo is slightly blurred.

Photo added