media

1. EVALUATION QUESTION ONE
In what ways does your media product use,
develop or challenge forms and conventions of
real media products? (i.e. of music magazines)

2. Graphology and page layouts: The layout throughout is very simplistic with minimal
level of text on the cover and double page with the expectation of the contents having
a variety of text that has be positioned to add individuality as it isn't a layout typically
seen on the market, and breaks the text slightly so appearance is visually different.
Few taglines are used so the selling point becomes the image rather than the text. It
appears only 2-3 fonts were used in the magazine which conforms to designer Christ
Frosts idea ‘that you should only use 2 fonts or else it becomes hard to read’. The
barcode is considerably small however it compliments the overall layout and colour
scheme of this particular magazine cover.
The title of the magazine: The white
masthead is positioned at the top of the
page adding a convention aspect to the
overall cover, with the pictures deliberately
located over the cover star (Matt Healy;
lead singer of the Indie band The 1975)
therefore being a prominent feature of the
cover. This is a tradition technique used to
ensure that the consumer is always able to
see ‘CLASH’ because of the large
masthead and a distinguished colour(in this
example white). Which connotes it is
important therefore needs to be
recognised.
Costume, props, iconography
used to reflect genre: The costume
is traditional monochrome which are
known to work well together for any
kind of cover The look of Matt is a
clear link to the type of music he and
his band create therefore his old
school, rough yet charming is a clear
reflecting on the genre of music he
creates and what kind of things
‘CLASH’ as a whole feature.
Camerawork and framing of images:
Close up mid shot is featured on the
cover to show the cover stars facial
expression to attract the reader as it is
personal, and in the double page a mid
shot is used to give a visual idea of the
tone of the article and who it is about.
Article, header ect font and style: The
language register( article) is simple with bold
heading and negative space to reflect the
minimalism of the magazine relating to the
clearly relaxed and aesthetically pleasing
style. The typefaces is simple and easily
readable for all consumer.

3. The title of my magazine
The masthead for my magazine is ‘WAVES’ with ‘magazine’ located directly next to WAVES to add extra
detail to the magazine and a goal of mine was to add some uniqueness to the magazine therefore the word
magazine being intentionally added gives it a signature in the competing market. WAVES has been
purposely written in capitals throughout the magazine’s cover, contents and double pages in order to
accentuate the title and act as an indirect marketing technique in order to visually attract the intended
audience and possible consumers I deliberately selected during my initial research and planning task. The
masthead follows the same codes and conventions as popular music magazines such as CLASH and fader
who share the same target audience and visual messages as WAVES. Both my title and big name
magazines like CLASH have a prominent masthead appearance on the cover which subconsciously causes
the consumers eyes to be attracted to the title upon the first glance therefore will have a monumental effect
on the audience I hope to attract. The reason I decided to call the magazine ‘WAVES’ is because it does
have a clear link to music through the concept of soundwaves pulsing through one’s body when they listen to
music yet still remains relevant to the music genre I have chosen as a wave is typically thought as relaxing
much like Indie pop. The message behind my masthead is to keep a minimalistic, simple yet bold and
original, whilst remaining within the typically conventions to a certain extent. From my perceptive, I believe
this relates my target audience and Indie pop genre due to the fact it has the clear signs of individuality and
breaking the boundaries but does still have that versatile look that won’t overwhelm or over exaggerate the
clear focus, style and message being given from the magazine and its contents. The positioning, font and
sizing of my masthead is very similar to typically mastheads from other magazines as it is located at the top
of the page from magazines such as CLASH and Fader, showing that WAVES conforms to conventions
within the magazine media industry. However, upon finishing my magazine I made the decision to make my
masthead a pink tone colour matching an item of clothing shown by one of the girls in my cover image which
contradicts the conventions slightly but does add a distinctive impression.
WAVESMAGAZINE

4. Graphology/page layout
Throughout my magazine I decided to stick solely to two specific fonts; ‘Aharoni’ and Arial as they seem the most appropriate for the overall
appearance I wanted out of my magazine as the Aharoni typeface has a modernistic look that was ideal for my title as it made an impression without
being over bearing and unnecessary with the simplistic Arial typeface for the smaller features and details to remain simplistic and minimalistic to
complement the positive negative space that has been shown throughout my cover, contents and double page spread. I didn’t want to add too many
contrasting typefaces as it would distract from the minimalistic look of my magazine, and loss the professionalism it should have. A key thing that I
thought was important for me to remember when choosing and selecting typefaces that matched the indie pop genre I wanted to recreate was Chris
Frost’s advice ‘don’t use too many typefaces. Too much variation will end up looking a mess. It’s best to limit yourself to one font, and variations of it’.
My mast head is deliberately the biggest text on the page as it is the main focus on the cover in terms of what will attract the reader’s attention if it was
to be sat on a shelf in a shop the masthead will be visually obvious. The fact my title does have a salmon pink colouring adds personality to the cover
and gives it an extra touch which although is seen as quite unconventional in terms of the actually colour choice it matched the idea I had and have
relevance to my target audience and genre so I made it a deliberate theme to have WAVES consistently in that shade whenever it was mentioned in
the magazines as a trademark , I took inspiration for the unique colour choice from Fader magazine who typically have a coloured text box to mark the
F and have the rest of the title typically in white or black, this links to how the word ‘WAVES’ in coloured whereas ‘magazine’ is in black. On my cover
the next biggest text was the cover line stating the band’s name/main story located in the centre of the image slightly to the left in white, followed by
the cover lines informing of a few featuring artists and stories to be found the magazine yet is intentionally made smaller to keep within the minimalistic
theme with little text to distract from the image and title. Below the image I added a smaller cover line that give basic information about the issue
number, website and month so it is clear my magazine is a monthly published magazine and add extra to the cover. The name of my band ‘The
Violets’ is positioned on the image of the band as a selling point for the magazine as consumers can look at the cover as instantly understand that the
cover stars are called ‘The Violets’ therefore will trigger an interest in the magazines contents. I think the colour complements on another because
although it is pink is still remains neutral and breaks up the white and make it look more unique. Within the double page spread it added a violet tone
to the title ‘Painting the town Violet’ and the pull quotes added which links to the band’s name and also incorporates a subtle pop of colour. I purposely
made each part of the text being separated from one another to cause the consumers eye to subconsciously follow the text follow. In terms of my
barcode I tried to keep it subjected to the theme so instead of making the barcode massively large I measured to a barcode that could be incorporated
into the cover without ruining the space, however I did have to relocate the barcode a few time to ensure the size and page (22 W, 44 H) had a good
proportion so it was able to look as professional as possible. Although I didn’t measure a bigger barcode from a Fader cover I found it took up too
much of the space in a way that rather than making it look realistic appeared to fill to much space making it lose its authentic appearance which was a
deterrent for me to continue trying bigger barcodes. I found that a larger majority of my visual inspiration came from magazines like Fader, CLASH and
Loud and quiet rather than the more typically music magazines like MOJO and Kerrang, as I favoured the idea of having negative space incorporated
throughout my magazine like Fader and Clash tend to do therefore certain styles were big influences of mine. I preferred my magazine to have
borders and clear headings so that it was a visual representation to distinguish my magazine from others. For the contents page layout, I found myself
taking inspiration from Fader because of the pictures having thick black borders, and CLASH’s summary of the artist style but added columns that
suited the style and genre I had planned for. I decided to have a single image of the band featured on the front at the centre of the contents page with
the writing and information located below it in line with everything so it was seamless to read and executed with full professional intention. I tried to
stick to the conventions set by other magazines therefore each of my headings matched with CLASH however I decided to try several typefaces but
decided on making my subheadings the same typeface as my title as it meant that the page layout ensured the heading subconsciously followed the
‘Z’ shaped created through my positioning and layout. But to ensure that the actually text could be readable for a variety of different consumers I
ensured the information was in lowercase Arial typeface as it is a versatile font that complemented the magazine therefore was made into the article/
interviews typeface also. My contents featured a lot of white space which can be noted as unconventional from a mainstream magazine however it
isn’t unheard of and I decided that it was a theme that complemented the genre I was trying to represent.

5. Article, header ect font and style
My double page featured an article and interview styled piece
which has inspiration from Oh comely and Loud and Quiet
magazine, as it had a column aligned on one side of the page
introducing the interview in an article style with open ended
questions marked it bold so they are prominent on the page on the
other side with simple pull quotes to break up the text slightly and
add a seamless feel upon reading. I chose to focus on this style
type as I believe it connotes a more casual approach to a double
page feature rather than a formal style article or interview which
doesn’t match the audience WAVES is intended for nor does it
seem appropriate for the style of magazine I have created. The
typeface ‘Arial’ was used throughout my article in order to link
each piece together as it made the article appear seamless as it
can be easily read and relates to the contents description as it is
the same typeface. I followed the same styling as Oh Comely with
the image and text being on one page with clear separate between
them followed by a full page of writing on the other with colour and
quotes to add texture to the piece because I found this matched
the overall theme of my magazine really well and allowed me to be
creative with the layout as the article/ interview style were
unconventional in terms of how it the style was achieved. One
unconventional thing I added to achieve the look of my article was
by having my heading ‘Painting the town Violet’ at the bottom of
my page rather than the traditional top in the same font as my text
‘Arial’ because it suited the unconventional layout and added some
originality to the double page.

6. Costumes, props, iconography used to reflect genre
My cover band and main focus for the magazine ‘The Violets’ was deliberately dressed in colours that
corresponded with one another with two pink tones with the block of black breaking it up so although it still
came across as casual had a clear link which made for a visual pleasing image overall. I featured block
colours in order to add personality to each image featured and found that from having these simplistic looks
with pops of personality it allowed me to use those colour in my magazine overall; with the pink for a
metallic jacket worn by one of my models I was able to establish a colour for my title that worked well with
the image without overpowering or distracting from the image. I found that the fashion choices reflected the
type of clothing would have imagined the consumers the magazine was aimed at would wear due to the
fact they are casual and authentic yet had the indie look with the ripped jeans, band t-shirts with choker
features and ADIDAS shoes and jacket therefore had that appeal. From the magazines I looked at I noticed
that there was a vague line between black and white clothing choices and bright colours therefore I wanted
to keep in the line as I did try to accentuate colours whilst still having that natural feel to it which matches
the demographic I wanted to mainly attracted. For the final images I wanted to have a modern, typically
indie style that wasn’t ‘fake’ or obviously staged but was instead a classic shoot with fashion choices that
met my Indie Pop genre. Because my covers main focus is the image, it meant that the style was
appropriate for the genre of music, had a visually pleasing effect and incising my readers though the
iconography. Though the choices of clothing I felt that in my opinion each outfit worn has a feminine
appearance that didn’t necessary attract the male gaze but did have a balance of masculinity to encourage
a wider audience profile.
Camerawork and framing of images:
The shots used for the double page was typically mid-shot, long shots and three close up shots adding an individual contrast between each of my
band members on my double page single. The fact these shots have been used for the magazine follows the codes and conventions made from other
music magazines such as CLASH; the fact my cover image is centred in the middle of the cover means it shows the similarity of conventions set by
CLASH and adds a unique look to it. It was important for me to manipulate each of the shots taken and chosen to focus on facial expression and
emotions in order to add personality to each image and allow the reader to get the feeling they are creating direct eye contact with the cover star so
they have a connection with what they are seeing therefore have the obligation to buy it because of that camera technique. For my double page
spread, the image of the band together was located to the left off centre on the two pages which allowed space for a column and title, so it remains
looking realistic but with a black border to add a clear link between the cover, contents and double page spread with breaks the boundaries slightly
complementing the intended audience’s visual preference. I added a slightly faded effect to the individual close up shots and the magazine to ensure
that although each shot had a contrast in style and appearance they have an equal lighting so it appears more professional and has a stylish overall
look, showing skill in Photoshop and add interest to the piece. A key concept for me when taking the pictures was to ensure that each image is framed
equally and had a poster like look to them so that when looked at in detail or briefly during a browse of the magazine left a visual impression on the
consumer. For each of my images captured for drafts, test shots and final images were all taken on the Nikon D32100.

7. Colour scheme:
For my magazine I used at magazine like Fader and Clash for inspiration on types of colours I want incorporate
into my final magazine as I knew from the start I wanted a colour that could be made into the sole focus on much
like Fader does. It was clear from magazines I had looked at that getting the ideal colour scheme was important
for the consumer to determine what type of music magazine is will be, for example magazines like Kerrang and
Rolling stones tend to use primary colours like red and blue to give a visual representation of the magazine type,
which is typically rock whereas magazines like OH Comely and CLASH tend to favour pastel colours and
monochromes therefore it was important for me to find a contrast between pop and indie in terms of the colours.
I waited until the photo shoot to determine a final colour scheme. In my research and planning stage, I
mentioned how I hoped to achieve a gender neutral colour scheme that had prominent colours that
complemented one another and fitting the overall genre of indie pop without making it too feminine, too basic or
too overwhelming so it didn’t fit with the conventions followed or the type of artists I wanted to feature. For the
final colour scheme I decided to feature the salmon pink sourced from one of the jackets to add the colour I
wanted based on the previous colour analysis’s I made on other magazines on the market with monochrome
colours to accentuate the pink, so it appears relaxed, calm and natural whilst still having a colour to allow it to
stand out. Purple became another prominent colour in my double page to accentuate the fact the band’s name is
‘The Violets’ therefore it was a play on the name again to break up the black and white theme from the interview
text which was featured in standard black. Upon reflection I think my final colour scheme is pink and purple that
are although typically classed as the brighter colours on the spectrum, appear still muted so adds a pop rather
than distracting from anything seen, with blacks, whites and greys to keep it neutral and appropriate for the
intended audience and musical genre.
COVER
CONTENT
DOUBLE PAGE
Genre and how the magazine cover, contents and spread suggests it:
My magazine followed the indie pop genre as it had the neutral relaxed tones with
pops of colour to add personality and interest to it much like what the stereotypically
combination of pop and indie, with bright colours and unique colour schemes that
will trigger the attention of my audience. The overall layout has a unique look
because of the large border with sparse text that breaks the boundaries and isn’t
typically see on the market for the indie pop genre therefore it does have a clear
link to the indie pop genre as it combines the two music genres together in a clear
way which was an aim to act as a selling point. A key theme was showing simplistic
creative images that complement the genre, text and remain professional in how I
create the magazine’s cover, contents and double page. This is a technique that will
make the consumers feel inclined to buy the magazine because it will clearly appeal
to them and their music preference.

8. Cover inspiration
For my cover I took most of my inspiration from CLASH, Loud and Quiet and Fader
because I found that each one had the same idea in terms on focusing on the image in
order to attract the audience, with simple cover lines and basic writing. I wanted to
feature a colour that would stand out on a shelf which is what I found magazines like
Fader consistently do throughout each issue they release.
Contents inspiration
My contents had a lot of inspiration taken from CLASH magazines contents as the style
and layout corresponded with the white space theme I wanted to achieve. I liked how
the information was set out in a way that was informative, detailed and directly straight
to the point to ensure that the layout looks professional and conventional with other
magazines but still stays in line with the layout I wanted. A key thing that drew me to this
contents was the fact after referring to the cover star/ cover stars they gave a brief
summary of that artist allowing the consumer to get an insight into the tone of the
magazine, who the band is so they are appear to get an idea about the magazines
contents. I like that unlike many magazines I doesn’t feature ‘contents’ as soon as you
end the page at the top but instead had the magazine title as the main cover line so the
pages feel linked and allows that connection to be made, therefore I used the
convention in my own magazine and I felt it really suited the style of contents made. I
added the black border to add extra dimension to the page, allowing the consumer to
get a visual image of the style and made a unique statement through the picture.
Double page spread inspiration
A lot of my double page inspiration was from the magazine Oh Comely as I found
myself preferring the idea of having my text together on one page with a column located
next to the idea rather than having an image and then my interview as it didn’t see as
though it would have any relation to my cover and contents. I liked the idea of having
my idea still a focus but positioned in an unconventional style which matched the genre
and theme much better than other typically layouts I had seen. Although my double
page started slightly unconventional, I did ensure that each column on the second page
of my double page had clear columns which fits the classic conventions so it remains
professional.