1. Evaluation

3. 1 In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

4. Cover features Created a unique masthead with the ‘FRET’ text designed to look like an actual guitar fret, which relates to the large guitar input within indie music. Also fits nicely with regard to the positioning of the background image. Date positioned at the bottom of the masthead Specifically designed logo that is carried throughout the whole magazine. Dominant main image. Contains a barcode to pass regulations if it were a real magazine and give an impression of professionalism. Also gives potential buyers information regarding the price. Informative page numbers stated Issue number and price displayed. Main cover line relating to the main image and standing out from the other smaller cover lines as it is the largest text on the cover excluding the masthead. Cover lines corresponding with the colours of the main cover line attracting aesthetically to the audience with sub lines used to elaborate on these. Clear footer with related bands that will feature inside Puff line used to attract the reader and summarise the general purpose of the magazine. Guitar shaped shocker Adding variety and originality One main image which emphasises the main appeal of the magazine effectively. Vibrant shocker providing information about what is contained in the magazine.

5. Actual magazine similarities Large masthead/logo which allows the reader to immediately recognise the magazine. Main cover line which stands out Barcode Smaller cover lines Page numbers One large main cover image Footer with list of bands Shocker Direct quotes Use of yellow Selling or puff line Multiple models The date

6. Actual magazine differences Other cover images Header External logos Innovatively shaped shocker Dynamic shot(jumping in the air) Captions Use of the glow effect

7. Why? Other cover images: I only used one main image as I based my construction around the results of my questionnaire. Due to the fact that most people wanted one main image on the cover I decided to deliver that requirement not using other images also, as I felt that it would detract from the main image and decrease the overall impact on the audience. Header: I didn't use a header on the cover as I felt that by using a footer I could deliver the desired information like related bands without detracting from the masthead. Innovatively shaped shocker: I decided to create an innovative shocker as I knew that it would appeal aesthetically to my desired audience, therefore showcasing the bright colours within the shocker like the yellow stroke effect on the text, bright colours was a requirement that was the second most popular answer in my questionnaire (question nine) and I felt that this would initiate a statement of individuality to my audience therefore allowing my magazine to break predictable trends set by previous magazine and reflect the true nature of the Indie genre. Dynamic shot(jumping in the air): I didn't take a dynamic shot for my main image as I wanted to highlight the chilled nature of indie as soon as the reader set eyes on the magazine. I also felt that by using a static shot an element of attitude and individuality is represented. Captions: Captions were not appropriate for my cover as there are no more images other than the main one. Use of the glow effect: I decided to incorporate a glow effect as I felt that it would add interest aesthetically and draw the reader into the cover. For example I feel that the glow effect on the shocker was particularly effective as it draws the reader in, not only to the appearance, but to the information presented.

8. Contents page features Large contents title at the top of the page. Created two different categories, one regular section with consistent features and a section which relates to the images usually already established on the cover. Contents subscription information Varied photographs used Continued colour scheme Page numbers incorporated at the end of the sub lines on order to give the magazine a solid structure. Logo continued to cement the continuity within the magazine. Quick response code incorporated to add an element of professionalism and make the subscription to the magazine as user friendly and easy as possible. Arrow which features as a shocker Issue number Amp like frame design Date suggesting that on the next page there will be an exclusive interview.

9. Actual magazine similarities Both have logo integrated titles at the top of the page Date and issue numbers displayed Use of images with props used Subscription information box Use of a regular section with headings which create divisions and sub lines which provide extra information Large heading/ caption initiating the column text relating to the image. Arrow functioning as a form of shocker Use of red, black and white Large initial letter to begin the main text. Stroke/outlined effect used on the title and logo of my magazine and the logo of the NME magazine Yellow coloured text used in both subscription boxes

10. Actual magazine differences Laid out in an unconventional manor using integrated images as opposed to three standard columns and one picture. Band index incorporated The use of a white background Custom frame made to contain the main image Quick response code used Small informative arrows used relating to the sub lines. Use of different colours for all page numbers A radial gradient applied in the background No effects used in terms of three dimensional effect or shadows. Title section stretches the whole horizontal span of the magazine as opposed to the part way across feature of the NME magazine

11. Why? Unconventional layout: I decided to use an unconventional layout as I took this as an opportunity to create a sense of individuality and uniqueness. The main method I used to do this was the main image and surrounding frame which I created from scratch. I also feel that my layout is more interesting and innovative compared to the NME contents that I based mine around, although there are quite a few obvious similarities. Band index integrated: Rather than dedicating a whole section to a band index I felt that I could integrate bands and page numbers into my existing columns that feature in the magazine every week and maintain the same impact. I chose this route as I feel that a band index can be slightly predictable and I could present information that my audience wanted from the questionnaire just as effectively through integration. Quick response code used: I used a quick response code as I feel that it makes my contents look more professional and gives my audience an easy way of subscribing to the magazine. A radial gradient applied in the background: I applied a radial gradient as I feel that it adds to the appearance of the contents ultimately increasing interest, this also corresponds to the rest of the colour scheme continuing the symmetry within the magazine and consequently increasing the overall professionalism. Effects used: I opted to use effects such as a drop shadow and stroke effect as I feel that these effects give a more three dimensional feel increasing the impact on the audience.

12. Double page spread features Continued use of the logo Concise integrated quotes allowing the audience to relate directly to the featured band, coloured in black with white strokes to attract the readers attention. One main image dominating the whole page clarifying the focus of the article and providing direct address. Props like the tambourine and the headphones have been used to highlight their musical purpose. Half of the article is the image Box providing the shock element, it features as a shocker and encourages the reader to find out more about the artists in the image. Contains the date and states the names of the individual band members both coloured in white to stand out effectively from the image. Radial gradient used within the background which complements the red text boxes and the quote. Main title coloured in white to stand out from the red box, this is relating to the artists in the image. Bold, white text used to increase the aesthetical impression on the reader with integrated drop quote included which is coloured in black with a yellow stroke effect. This contrasts against the main body of text and introduces a conventional element. Laid out in two unconventional columns to enhance the rebellious nature of the magazine. Section which changes the topic from the main body of text and informs the reader on bands that could be of interest and page numbers.

13. Actual magazine similarities Logo/magazine name in the top left hand corner of the image page Main title displaying the name of the band on the image page Extra box featuring as a shocker on the image page Multiple models in the main image Both magazines have devoted the left page to the image and the right to mainly text Use of a drop quote. Section dedicated to ‘Everyone's talking about’ which features bands that are up and coming who could appeal to the intended audience.

14. Actual magazine differences No quotes used on the image page. Extra shocker used on the image page Use of drop capital at the start of the main body of text White background on the right page Extra images used to give a better visual representation Individual sections with text and an image dedicated to each band in the ‘Everyone’s talking about’ column Date displayed and individual artists names that feature in the image stated at the bottom Use of red text boxes and yellow elements to stand out Aesthetically Short pull quotes which attract the readers attention on both pages Use of radial gradients both in a text box and in the background.

15. Quotes used on the image page: I decided to use quotes on the image page as I feel that it makes the connection between artist and audience more successful as the audience can relate to the exact words of the artists. I used specific band members on the image page as it complies with the requirements of my target audience according to the results of my questionnaire. I also feel that by integrating colloquial language into the quotes that rebellious nature of indie is highlighted. Why? White background on the right page: I didn't use a white background on my double page spread as I feel that colours other than white are more effective in portraying specific emotions, for example, my chosen colour scheme has red as the main colour which portrays excitement and a rebellious element which, I feel, fits well with the indie genre. Extra images used: Extra images have been used on the model double page spread to possibly enhance the visual representation of the relevant artists but I feel that it can detract the readers attention from the article and the main image, which is why I chose not to incorporate extra images. Date and individual artists names displayed: I displayed the artists names at the bottom of the image to give them credit and extra exposure, whilst the date was used purely for informative purposes and to increase the professional element as a lot of professional magazine do this. Red text boxes with a hint of yellow: I used red text boxes to continue the colour scheme and it also complements the white text and allows the text to stand out. I used yellow to add an element of surprise and interest.