2. IN WHAT WAY DOES YOUR MEDIA
PRODUCT USE, DEVELOP OR CHALLENGE
FORMS AND CONVENTIONS OF REAL
MEDIA PRODUCTS?
3. FRONT COVER
My magazine is based on R‟n‟b, therefore I had to use similar codes and conventions from other already
existing R'n'b magazine e.g. VIBE. As seen on my front cover, you see the main focus which is the main big
image of the artist. I have used a anchorage on top of this, so that once you see the picture your eyes drop
down to the text that comes along with it. This is seen on a similar magazine of VIBE, as you see the main
image of an artist with writing placed on top. Moreover, on a R‟n‟b magazine, you are more likely to see bold,
dark colours like: black, grey and blue. From my feedback I received from my research, I decided to use red
as my main colour, and then leave my background plain white so that the other images and writing stands
out. Then, I used a bright yellow for the anchorage which allows the main focus to drop onto what is written
and who the magazine is about. I decided to keep my front cover looking slightly more colourful and sexy in
order to relate to the artist on the cover, which challenges and differs from the expected, as most R'n'b covers
give off a more dangerous dark look . Furthermore, on my magazine front cover, I used a pull quote from the
interview on my DPS, which is seen on R‟n‟b magazines, as it gives a small hint of what the main topic of the
DPS is about and also teases the audience into finding out what is being discussed within the magazine.
However, on most R‟n‟b magazine you see the masthead placed behind the main image, but I decided to
place the masthead on top of my image as I felt it looked more effective and due to my magazine being a
new issue, it allows the readers to establish and recognise the brand/make of the magazine.
Moreover, from my research I found how on magazines, you usually have cover
lines down the side to reveal what else has been included inside the magazine.
So, on my magazine I decided to use 3 main artists in the R‟n‟b industry, and
underneath write something that relates to them or recent occurring events. E.g.
“Kanye West – Baby mama drama” referring to the recent events with him and
Kim Kardashian. On my front cover, I added a primary picture of a student posing
as a singer. Underneath I added 'upcoming new artists' this goes along with the
codes and conventions of a music magazine, as they're always promoting new
artists that are
trying to make it in the industry. Moreover, this allows the audience to find out
about new singers and helps the artist to establish themselves within the industry.
4. After some thought I decided to change my secondary image of Chris Brown into a
primary image of a fellow student in my class who had similar features and style as
Chris Brown therefore, it would stick within my theme. I got him to stand in in a similar
position as Chris Brown, which gives off the mysterious and sexy look. As I changed it I
felt my front cover looked much better as it looked more professional and unique
compared to other existing pictures, as I used my own primary image.
5. CONTENTS PAGE
For my contents page, I decided to keep red as the main colour, however use a more dark background. On
an already existing VIBE magazine, I noticed how the main focus is the image of the artist therefore, I decided
to make my primary image of the fingers the main focus of the background and then to have the writing going
across the page. This differs, as usually you see the writing go alongside or beside the image, but I decided to
challenge this as I felt it looked more effective by fading out the image into the background. Moreover, I used
the same style with the title as I felt it went well with my whole magazine, as it gives it that edge which is what
R‟n‟b is about. In addition to this, I used a similar style of layout as the VIBE magazine has „features and fashion‟
which I replicated into my magazine, which uses similar codes and conventions as when you look at a music
magazine, especially with R‟n‟b you expect to see some sort of fashion involved. Although, I decided to add an
editors address on my contacts page, which is usually seen on music magazines that are of more pop or rock.
as in the R‟n‟b magazines that I looked at I did not see an editors address added however, I felt it was
important to add as it will set my magazine aside from the rest and give that source of communication
between the editor and consumer. Also, due to this being the first issue of my magazine I thought it would be a
good introduction between the editor and consumer.
On my contents page I added a picture of myself to go along with the editors address,
which again emphasizes the relationship between the writer and reader and how it is
important to have this piece of communication. Moreover, I added the picture so that
the audience knows who is speaking to them and also shows the thought the editor
goes through to get the information and gossip to the buying customers. In an R'n'b
magazine you would not usually see the editor trying to communicate with the
consumer, however you would get little lines of the different editors name and what
they wrote about. Also, I decided to change my background of Chris Brown, and
make it more creative by taking a picture of my fingers with 'deuces' written on my
middle finger. I have done this as I wanted to base my magazine over a new artist that
is similar to Chris Brown. Decuses relates to a Chris Brown song, which only my target
audience would understand when they see the picture. I felt this went with the codes
and conventions of a magazine well as R'n'b magazines are known for having very
unique and creative imagery within there magazines, therefore I felt this picture would
fit well within my magazine.
6. I also decided to change my contents page, as I felt the faded picture of Chris
Brown was not creative and looked very boring and dull. In result to this, I decided
to take a picture of my fingers with „Deuces‟ written across it. I wanted to this
because I felt it was a specific connection with my particular demographic as only
they would understand what the link was and what the word meant. I felt this
made my contents page more quirky and stand out to usual contents pages that I
have seen.
7. DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD
On my DPS you will see similar codes and conventions used that you will spot in other R'n'b magazines. For
example, the language used will be a mix between formal and informal. In R'n'b magazines you will see some
slang words being used within the text like 'yuno' and 'nah,' you may also see some explicit words like 'Sh*t' and
'f*ck.' This fits into the certain genre of music and the audience would expect the particular artist to use words such
as these as R'n'b is very open and voiced with what is said. Moreover, on my DPS, I have tried to keep it very
structured and neat which I feel makes it look professional. I have done this as I have seen similar examples from
VIBE magazine which I have used as a guidline and I also feel it looks better than having everything cluttered and
messy; as this way the eyes can focus on everything rather than not knowing where to start or look. My title for my
DPS goes across both pages and explains what the interview is about, which is important as it sets the scene. My
main title sticks to the forms and conventions of a media product as it stands out, it is straight to the point and also
sells the DPS. Although, I changed the font and color of the word 'VEEZY' in the title as I felt it was important to link
the writing to the picture. I first designed my layout differently, as I positioned the text around the pull quote going
around as a circle, which the introduction placed at the top. However, from the feedback I received was told that
there was "no structure, hard to know what text to read first" and also that "some the information would be cut off
in the middle" taking this on board I decided to change my layout on my DPS. I decided to place the text into
smaller boxes and put it into columns on the right hand side, I also added more content as I felt there wasn't so
much. This all led to my DPS looking more like a magazine and fit into the grid lines.
The colors I used for my DPS relate to what is expected from a R'n'b
magazine. I did this because I wanted the image of my magazine to look
obvious that it was related to R'n'b. Therefore, I used a black background
with my primary image placed ontop of the 'artist, then I used black and
dark grey for the colour of my writing with the interview. Usually in
magazines where an interview is included you see a pull quote placed
somewhere on the DPS however, I decided to remove this and I didn't
feel it looked good placed on my DPS and also I felt it took up more room
for which I added in more information as I felt that was more
important.My DPS is very simple and stripped back with only one image
and columns of text, however i feel it is the content that is more important
as readers want to know everything about artists in the industry .
8. In order to link the front cover to my DPS, I had to also change my DPS image to the same
person on my front cover. Therefore, I took a primary image of the student, and asked
him to pose in a similar way that Chris Brown would. Moreover, I decided I wanted to
keep the layout the same as I wanted to stick to already existing R‟n‟b magazine layouts.
I decided to stick to similar codes and conventions of a R‟n‟b magazine by using dark
colours, which have connotations of mystery, and the bad side to the artist which could
link into the bad press the artist has been receiving. However, on the right side I decided
to use a more natural brighter colour in order to represent there is a happier and positive
side also to the artist. The information I added within the interview I kept the same,
although I did change the names around and some content in order to link in with the
new artist „Veezy‟ instead of Chris Brown.
9. HOW DOES YOUR MEDIA
PRODUCT REPRESENT
PARTICULAR SOCIAL GROUPS?
10. The social demographic groups who are more likely to pick up and read my product would be of a
black ethnicity. This is due to the type of music produced within R'n'b and how most artist that are
linked with this particular genre are from the same background. Moreover, it represents this social
group to be very open minded and opinionated, as they express a lot of what they feel through the
raps/songs they produce. Furthermore, you also see how certain words are used within the
magazine that are to do with smoking weed or getting 'high'. This also links with the social group as
they would be familiar with this, and what it means but others for example adults from an Asian
background would not understand the particular terminology as they would not be familiar with it.
Moreover, another social group this magazine represents is those teenagers who are into their
fashion and set new trends, that speak up and aren't afraid to be different, and that is what this
magazine represents. That's why I named it V.I.P, because it stands for people who are set apart
from the rest and who are different due to many different reasons.
The type of clothing you would see them wearing would be as followed:
MEN:
1) http://www.billboard.com/files/styles/promo_650/public/stylus/2221879-4-9-2012-Kanye-West-
fashion-2-Chainz-617-409.jpg
2) http://fashionbombdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Trey-Songz-at-MTV-VMAs-2010.jpg
WOMEN:
1) http://www.graziadaily.co.uk/pub/21publish/f/fashion/FIRST-LOOK--Rihanna_s-Tour-Wardrobe-
Designed-By-Riccardo-Tisci-For-Givenchy.jpg
2) http://media.onsugar.com/files/ons1/422/4224411/35_2009/6662b48939b9b0cf_cassie.jpg
This is the kind of fashion style that my chosen demographic would also use/look similar to. This is
because when they look at these well established artists, some aspire to look as good as them and
even go as far as basing their whole individual style around that one specific artist. Moreover,
product placement may occur as when certain products are seen on a famous artist, the audience
will want to go out and buy the same product.
The clothing will be a mix between bright and dark colours, this depends on individual and their
style, but many will look similar with the baggy jeans and stand out jewelry.
11. WHAT KIND OF MEDIA INSTITUTION
MIGHT DISTRIBUTE YOUR MEDIA
PRODUCT AND WHY?
12. In order for me to decide what kind of media institution I wanted to distribute my
magazine I needed to research into a already existing R‟n‟b magazine, and look at
how they get the information to their demographic and how the magazine was
distributed. Therefore, I decided to look at VIBE magazine which I have used as a
source throughout this course. I found that VIBE magazine is mainly sold in shops as
paper copies so that people can actually have something solid in front of them which
some prefer. Moreover, it allows other people to take a look at the magazine and
also allow the brand to become more recognisable. In addition to this, I also found
that VIBE magazine also use internet to get information to their target audience and
also use this as a form of distribution.
http://www.vibe.com/
This is accessible on computers, smartphones, iPads and iPods, this is due to the
increasing usage of technology.
In result to this, I then decided I wanted my magazine to be available in stores as it will
help establish the brand and allow people to be aware of the magazine, acting as
promotion. Also, I wanted my the internet to also act as a form of distribution for my
product as looking at my demographic they‟re more likely to use technology to get
their information on different things, one of them being music. Moreover, by having it
on the internet it becomes easy access and cheaper, which is what people look for
now as it is more convenient to them then going into a store weekly/monthly to buy
the magazine, when they can instead subscribe to it online and also get more
information and content for less.
13. WHO WOULD BE THE AUDIENCE
FOR YOUR MEDIA PRODUCT?
14. The target audience for my media piece is a mix culture of black, white, Asian 17-19year olds,
becoming young adults. That is why I have chosen this particular genre as I feel it is not
constricted on who it is aimed at, as many different cultures listen to this type of music and can
relate to what has been produced. Moreover, the particular artists that would be covered in
my magazine would be of those who in this age range would listen to and would know about.
With the age range I have decided to look at, a big majority of them look up to famous
people, especially artists as they feel they provide some sense of comfort or truth through their
music. This helps them to get through struggles, reminisce on happy times and keep them
motivated through all that they do.
Moreover, some of the music that artists within the R'n'b genre produce acts as motivation for
these young adults which they need as they're at the curical stage of soon becoming a
complete adult, therefore this source of motivation helps them on their journey.
16. I attracted my target audience by doing research into R'n'b magazines and seeing what kind
of things attract different age groups. I decided to focus on people my age as I felt I could
relate to them more, and know what kind of things they would want to see within a magazine.
After I decided what age I wanted to look at I decided to gather research into R'n'b
magazines and different music styles and figure what particular genre I wanted to look at. This
followed with me looking at different music magazines and annotating them and writing what
attracts the audience and why. In addition to this, I interviewed people from the age range of
17-19 asking them different questions varying from what do you like seeing in magazines? to
what colors would you associate with R'n'b? This allowed me to look at what my target
audience preferences were and how I could produce a one magazine that would see to all
their needs. After I gathered all my information together I decided to add up all results and
create graphs, which allows the research to be presented in a more visual manner. From this, I
then began to collect my ideas together keeping in mind the information I had gathered off
my target audience, and then focused on creating a magazine that would suit this age
range. By using a popular artist within the industry to star as my main image it attracts the
attention of the audience, as they are intrigued to find out more, and to have that sense of
knowledge of the artists and over other people.
However, I had to use primary images therefore, i took a picture of a student who had the
same style and dress sense closest to the artist i was looking at and made him pose in a similar
way. This then still allowed me to use similar designs that would be seen in a magazine with
that particukar artist on to. As i am of the same age range as my target audience i
automatically knew what type of artists attracted my demographic and what they would
want to know.
17. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ABOUT
TECHNOLOGIES FROM THE PROCESS
OF CONSTRUCTING THIS PRODUCT?
18. Firstly I have learnt that technology is a great thing and can be used for many different
things. Although it is sometimes complicated to get your head around, I still feel it produces
many extraordinary things. I never used Photoshop before, so when I first started off
designing my product it was very hard as everything was new to me and I struggled on
putting pieces together. As I was unsure how to use Photoshop at the start, I decided to do
extra work at home and school to also gain the skills of using the high end of technology
and to use it effectively to my advantage. However, after I had time messing about with the
different controls I found it was very straight forward and simple to use. This helped me gain
confidence in using not only Photoshop but experimenting with other software. Moreover, as
I gained the confidence in using Photoshop it then showed through on my work as I began
to produce better things that looked professional. However, I did sometimes get the help off
my peers or teachers on certain things like how to place an image on top of another, or
advice on what colors mixed well with one another. This all helped me to develop my
constructing ideas in my end product. Moreover, i gained the skills of how to insert/place
different images onto one another and how to fade images into the background. This
helped me a lot when adding affects to certain pages in order to make it look more
proffesional. In addition to this, i felt i was able to get quality pictures which made my
magazine look better.
19. LOOKING BACK AT YOUR PRELIMARY
TASK, WHAT DO YOU FEEL YOU HAVE
LEARNT IN THE PROGRESSION FROM
IT TO THE FULL PRODUCT?
20. Looking back on my preliminary task to my end product of my magazine, I feel I have come a very long
way. As I started off being a basic learner, using the simplest of skills and software to help me produce
this school magazine, which does not look like a real magazine by the way it is laid out and structured.
Moreover, you can see by the way the information has been laid out that I had no skills of producing a
front cover of a magazine. Although, the pictures may relate to the topic and subject of a school
magazine, the background and theme does no follow the codes and conventions of a school
magazine, as you would see different things added on the front cover in order for it to look more like a
school magazine. On my school magazine I also used a speech bubble which does not link or relate to
anything on the page, However, I feel I may have got the wrong idea of a magazine at the start and
thought of it like a poster also. However, posters and magazine are very different things and I have now
gained the knowledge of why they are separate and have many differences. Comparing the
preliminary task to my magazine front cover, I feel I have learnt how to develop my ideas and also to link
them all back to what my actual subject and purpose is of the magazine. More importantly, I have
developed the skills of structure and have realized how essential it is to get structure right and how every
magazine has a unique structure due to there content and target audience. Following this, I have learnt
color is not only based upon what looks good, but also what goes with the subject of the magazine e.g.
red and black goes with R'n'b music magazine, but you would not see these colors on a school
magazine, as their conations do not have a relation with a school magazine.
In addition to this, I have realized that magazines are very
important as they not only act as a provider of
information, but they also allow us to feel a sense of
belonging or self satisfaction. Magazines provide us with
much more information than maybe a TV would as when
you analyze what and why the pictures and colors have
been used, you understand more and the message is
received more clearer. Therefore, when creating my front
cover, contents page and DPS I thought carefully about
my pictures and what colors to use around them as they
had to go with the codes and conventions of an R'n'b
magazine and not any other genre of magazine.
