updated research

1. FMP Research

2. Project Overview
The final piece of my FMP is going to be a fanzine that explores around art and illustration
in the animation and book industry, something I found wasn’t talked about as much when
researching into fanzines. I plan to create a fanzine similar to already existing magazines
such as ‘Weekly Shonen Jump’, an anthology published in Japan by Shueisha (it’s audience
being targeted toward young boys due to the amount of action/adventure manga included
in the magazine). I believe that talking about art and illustration will prove to be an
interesting topic with my audience, since it’s something that can be spoken about whether
or not they like it. I could also even try to re-create these various art styles and techniques I
see using Photoshop and/or any other software and put them into my fanzine as well.
‘Weekly Shonen Jump’ is a magazine that publishes short stories and other popular series’
that is publishes weekly.
I don’t think that I will perfectly replicate this particular magazine as it is just a collection of
story boards and not much else. However I could incorporate this into my own and talk
about various kinds of styles and techniques used in said story boards and talk about
why/how the artist may have drawn a particular panel that way and what they wanted the
reader/audience to feel when they saw it. I could then try to replicate those certain kinds of
artworks in software such as Photoshop to see the different ways I could change the style
into something completely different.
I believe that going into detail about what I talk about in my fanzine is also important but I
must also make sure not to add too much information or the page of my magazine will
become flooded with text. I found that this was a problem I had when creating my fanzine
previously.

3. Existing Products

4. Weekly Shōnen Jump
Weekly Shonen Jump is a weekly anthology published in Japan by Shueisha. It is the
best-selling manga magazine, as well as one of the longest running with the first issue
released August 1st, 1968. With action and comedy manga included, it is a magazine
targeted toward younger male readers. The chapters that are included in Weekly
Shonen Jump are collected in volumes under “Jump Comics” that imprint every two
months. Currently there are twenty manga titles being serialized in Weekly Shonen
Jump. Out of all of them, a series titled ‘Hunter x Hunter’ is the most serialized on a
regular basis whilst newer titles, such as ‘Burn the Witch’, has yet to have
continuation.
Jump Next! was originally an offshoot of the Weekly Shonen Magazine that was
published during the Japanese holidays. However it became its own independent
anthology that is published every other month on March 14th, 2014. Jump Next!
doesn’t include as many famous manga series’ but rather includes one-shots from up-
and-coming manga artists who get their work(s) published in this magazine.
Overall Synopsis

5. Weekly Shōnen Jump – Front
Cover
The overall cover is quite colourful and packed with imagery.
From the front cover you’re clearly able to tell that this type of
magazine is directed toward a younger audience (particularly a
male audience). Having a cover that is packed with imagery is
something that would be good to think about for my own front
cover. The characters included in the front cover are all from
different artists works, so you’re able to tell them apart quite
clearly. The use different characters who all have different
colour schemes and styles is good since it makes the magazine
look more dynamic and impactful.
One of the first things you notice about the front cover is the
different illustrations shown, which are more colourful than
the main title and any subheadings included despite the main
title also using bright colours and bold text.
When looking at various other magazines similar to this one I
found that all front covers were all rather similar, having it
packed with imagery and bright colours (e.g. orange, red).
The text in this front cover is very bold and stands out. I think
that a more bold title with a mix of bright and vibrant colours
appeals well to a younger audience, particularly with a younger
male audience due to the appeal of colours and art styles
shown with the front cover.

6. Weekly Shōnen Jump – Age
Demographic
When researching into this particular magazine I learned that the main age demographic
is centered around young male readers. This is something that I learned when looking
into various websites and sources so, from this, I’m able to accurately state that this
particular magazine is catered toward a younger demographic, primarily toward male
readers. This is because of the selection of manga shown in the magazine is mainly action
based with a fair amounts of comedy included.
The age range of these kinds of magazine that are featured in Japan depends on the
manga included within the magazine. For example this magazine in particular is targeted
toward younger male readers so manga that includes lots of action will most likely appeal
to them the most. Or if a magazine was trying to appeal to a female audience then they
could potentially include rom-coms or slice-of-life manga.

7. Weekly Shōnen Jump –
Contents
Layout: The layout of the contents page for this particular
issue that I found is the same with every issue of this
magazine. They have the same similar layout in every
issue of the magazine. I might use the same or a similar
kind of layout in my own fanzine when it comes to my
experiments. This will give me the opportunity to see if it
will work well or not.
Colour Scheme: There is little to no colour scheme in this
contents page. This is fitting since the entire magazine has
the standard black and white colour scheme because it
fits with the idea of manga and various other art styles.
The only colour shown in the magazine is the vibrant
front cover.
Images: The images in the contents page help to indicate
what the magazine is talking about e.g. this example I
found is talking about a survey done by various members
of the general public to see what characters are most
popular in their opinion. The images are quite clear and
detailed which makes the contents page look more
appealing than just having text on it’s own.

8. Weekly Shōnen Jump –
Contents
Sub-Headings: I think that this magazine handles sub-
headings well and I also like how the text is spread out
through out the page rather than just having it all
crammed onto one space. The reader will clearly be able
to read this without getting confused.
Target Audience: I think that the target audience of this
magazine would be attracted to this as it shows a lot of
aspects that a younger audience would like such as; an
appealing and eye-catching front cover with a lot of
bright and vibrant colours. It also includes a variety of
different styles and techniques used that would appeal
to a younger male audience because of the action and
adventure (as well as comedy aspects) shown in the
various short illustrations shown in this magazine.

9. Ribon
Ribon is a monthly Japanese magazine published by Shueisha (the same company that
also published the Weekly Shonen Magazine) that is released on the third of each
month. The magazine was first published in August 1955 and its target audience is for
young girls around the ages of 8 to 14 years old. It is one of the best selling shojo
magazines having sold over 590 million copies since 1978. Ribon has inspired multiple
spin-off magazines including Bessatsu Ribon (1966-1968), Ribon Comics (167-1968),
Ribon Deluxe (1975-1978) and Ribon Original (1981-2006).
Ribon Original was a Japanese magazine also published by Shueisha. It was a spin-off
from the main Ribon magazine and was published in 1981 until 2006. This magazine
was dedicated to new and up-and-coming artist who often had their first short stories
published in this magazine.
Overall Synopsis

10. Ribon – Front Cover
This front cover is incredibly bright and vibrant looking.
Much like another magazine I’ve researched it’s clear
what particular age group this is trying to appeal to. For
example this magazine would appeal to a younger
audience and would mainly appeal to girls.
I think that the illustrations shown in the magazine is
colourful and uses an array of bright colours such as
pink, red, yellow. In most magazines that mainly target a
female audience tend to use brighter colours to appeal
to them more.
I think that the font of the title is quite unique.
It stands out against pastel pink background and other
brighter colours. The title is bold and uses various other
effects to help highlight it. The front covers depend on
the issue. I found when researching that they tend to
stick to a similar sort of theme (the theme being the
same use of bright and pastel colour schemes).
However I found a few covers that were related to
events that happen through out the year e.g. there were
a few that were seasonal in winter during the Christmas
period.

11. Ribon – Age Demographic
When researching into this particular magazine I learned that the main age demographic
is centered around young female readers (around 8-14 year olds roughly). This is
something that I learned when looking into various websites and other sources so, from
this, I’m able to accurately state that this particular magazine is catered toward a younger
female demographic. This is because the main selection of manga shown in the magazine
is mainly romance (rom-com) and slice-of-life (lighthearted and comedy).
The age range of these kinds of magazines depends on the manga included within the
magazine. For example since this particular magazine is targeted toward young female
readers, light-hearted and romance manga would appeal to them the most. Or if it was a
magazine trying to appeal to a male audience they would more likely include action and
comedy manga.

12. Ribon – Contents
Layout: The layout of the contents page seems to be
the same with every issue of the magazine. I was
unable to find many other contents page(s) for this
magazine. I like the simplistic layout and how
everything bright and colourful not only the images
are but also the font as well. I might use the same
sort of layout for my own magazine as well as using a
similar colour scheme. The colours and images I use
will depend on the audience I am trying to appeal to.
Colour Scheme: The main colour scheme of the
contents is pastel colours (mainly blue and pink). This
is a running theme through out the magazine covers
for Ribon. The illustrations shown also help brighten
up the page since they’re also just as colourful.
Images: The images used in the contents page as just
as colourful as the background and different texts.
The main images are illustrations that are most likely
drawn by artists who have had their works published
in this magazine. It’s good to include imagery at the
beginning to show the audience what to expect.

13. Ribon – Contents
Sub-Headings: This contents page is simple and easy
to understand compared to previous works I’ve seen
in the past. The titles are clear and don’t cover or
overlap any of the images shown on the page. These
clear parts on the page will help the reader to clearly
indicate themselves through the magazine.
Target Audience: The target audience of this
magazine would be centered around females as the
colours are bright and pastel e.g. pink and red. This is
something I will take into consideration when
thinking about my magazine during my production
process as I think this layout is appealing and easy to
navigate, something that I found doesn’t happen as
much with modern magazine in other countries such
as the U.K or the USA.

14. Creative Boom
Creative Boom is an art, design and visual culture magazine that is aimed at the creative
industries and focusing on visual communications. It was launched on 24th July 2009 and
the site is run by it’s founder Katy Cowan. The site includes general articles, features, tips
and inspiration pieces under art and culture, advertising, film, graphic design, illustration
and photography.
Creative Boom was created by Boomerang, a UK-based PR agency.
On 4th November 2011 Creative Boom became part of The Guardian’s new Culture
Professionals Network, one of many professional networks available on the newspaper’s
website. The idea for Creative Boom, according to it’s founder, was after she spoke to
other freelancers and small businesses on Twitter and realized there was a need for
creative support online.
Overall Synopsis

15. Creative Boom – Front Page
The front page is incredibly simple. I don’t
think that this is something I would want to
considering doing for my own magazine front
cover, due to how simplistic it is.
In previous projects I’ve made, I’ve made the
mistake of over-simplifying my products so
that they don’t look appeal or eye-catching.
I think that one of the first things you notice
when looking at front page is the main image
used in the center. I think that this is good
because it’s what the audience will first see
when the come onto the website.
The dark image contrasts with the use of bright
text to make it stand out more.
The simpleness of the front page is shown
when comparing it to other covers I’ve looked
at previously. An over-packed front page and a
simplistic and bare front page is something
that I should consider during the production
phase. There isn’t much to say about this front
page since it’s quite simplistic and bare.

16. Creative Boom – Age Demographic
When researching into this particular magazine I didn’t find the main age demographic
but from the information I found about what their target audience is (e.g. those who
are interested in visual culture or are interested in working with that profession) I am
able to determine the age demographic, this being roughly toward 19-25 year olds. I
think this because Creative Boom is an art, design and visual culture magazine that
focuses mainly on visual communications, this being something elder people would
more likely be interested in rather than younger people.
As stated previously the age range for this magazine would be toward an older
audience due to the themes of the magazine. I think that the visual arts appeal more
to an older audience rather than a younger one.

17. Creative Boom – Contents
Layout: The layout of the contents page is rather
simplistic, having a background that is all one
colour as well as a simplistic font and colour. This is
a similar layout I found when looking at many
different websites that include more than just one
page. This is a good use of a contents page with a
website since it’s easy to navigate and use.
However I don’t think this is something I’d want to
consider doing for my own product.
Colour Scheme: There isn’t much of a colour
scheme with this page. With websites I don’t think
that appealing colours and images are needed
since it’s prime use is just to navigate people to
other pages on the website. The font is rather
standard and white whilst the background is dark
and black, contrasting the font onto the
background.
Images: I found that there weren’t a lot of images
included on the front page of the website. There
was a few images to help advertise articles that
were being shown when I first went onto the
website.

18. Creative Boom – Contents
Sub-Headings: Some contents pages are hard
to navigate when they are crowded with
various images and other subheadings.
However this contents page is easy and simple
to navigate much like other websites I have
seen in the past. An easy to understand
contents page is essential when making a
product such as a magazine or a fanzine.
Target Audience: I’d say that this website
would be targeted toward those who have an
interest in art and illustration e.g. a person
who wants to study art and/or illustration or
something who is interested in those specific
areas. Figuring out who my audience is and
how I will able to appeal to them with my own
product is something that I must take into
consideration.

19. Audience Survey

20. Observation: I think that this is one of my most important questions in my survey in regards to my
product. It shows that the majority of those who answered my survey are between the ages of 18
and 24. I think that this age range is good for my product because it’s relevant to potential interests
and/or experience they may have done it the past. However I also think that not just having one
specific age range is good because it will allow me to see what other people think and see their own
preferences. I also plan to do interviews. Because of the responses I’ve collected I think it would be
best to interview those with the same age range as 18-24 year-olds. I think it will be interesting to
see what my audience likes and dislikes.

21. Observation: I don’t think this question is as important as trying to specify the particular age range
but it shows that the majority of my audience is male. Now that I’ve established what specific
audience is I don’t think it’s as important to establish a gender that I’m trying to appeal to. The
gender I would want to appeal to depends on the styles of products I decided to look at in my
product e.g. if I wanted to appeal to a female audience I would try and look at art and illustration
work that would appeal to a female audience. I would be able to find this out by doing an
additional survey and/or doing interviews to specifically ask. I think that I will be able to get most
answers from my audience when I do my interviews. This will allow to get and in-depth look as to
what they like and dislike, which will then help me to make a better product.

22. Observation: This was another one of my main
questions because it allows my audience to
express their own interests and expand on any
ideas that they may have. I mainly asked this
question just to see their own preferences
rather than just giving them the option of just
one or the other. The majority of my answers
seem to prefer bright and vibrant colours rather
than darker colours. This is something that I
expected because of the overall theme of my
fanzine. I don’t think that darker colours would
suit my fanzine well. I believe that I have gotten
the kind(s) of responses that I wanted from my
audience. Other preferences my audience may
have will be shown when I do my interviews.

23. Observation: I chose to ask this question
because it will help me to see what my
audience will be interested to see in terms
of imagery, which will help me decided as
what kind(s) of content I will add to my
magazine. The overall responses are varied,
a lot of them spoke about images that
were related to the theme of my fanzine.
This was something I had planned on doing
from the beginning. This shows that
audience would prefer large images and
related content to my fanzine. This means
that this something I’ll have to take into
consideration when creating my
experiments and then my final product.

24. Observation: For this question I asked my audience if they would buy a fanzine based around
various artists and illustrations from various industries. I asked this because this is the key
premise to my own fanzine so it will give me an idea as if my audience find my product
interesting and would read it. This was a good idea for a question because it has shown me that
my audience is in fact interest in my product and would read. In order to keep that attention I
must make sure that do everything that my audience has suggested in this survey. I could have
improved this question by giving examples of magazines that I’ve found in the past and then ask
them which they prefer the most.

25. Observation: I think that this is another
important question as it will allow my audience
to express what they would specifically want to
see in my product. The responses I got from this
survey are varied which is good because it
means that there is a lot I will be able to adapt
into my own fanzine during the experiments
and the production phase. I think that the
answers I received were fairly simple and a lot
of them didn’t go into as much detail as I would
have wanted. Despite this I still think that this
feedback is helpful and will help me to create a
good product in the end.

26. Observation: This question was to see if my audience would purchase/read a magazine and
100% of my audience said that they would. This would also help give me an idea as to what my
audiences preferences are. Since I plan to talk about various artists that are international I’m
happy that my audience would read something similar to this. All of these questions are helping
to give me an idea as to what my audience likes and dislikes. This will then allow me to then
implement them into my experiments and then in my final product.

27. Observation: I wanted to know my
audiences opinion as to what they
believed the type of audience my fanzine
would best. The majority of my audience
said it would be enjoyed by a younger
audience (18-24) or by creative people
who have an interest in these specific
topics. They also consider that it would be
good for those who potentially want to
study these at University or in some kind
of industry in the future. I like to know
what my audience thinks as I try and
develop my project so these kinds of
answers will help me in the future.

28. Observation: This would allow me to see
what my audience wouldn’t like to see in
a fanzine. I thought that this would give a
good idea as what to not include/do
when creating my own fanzine. A lot of
the responses I got were good and
helped me to see what I can avoid doing
to keep my audience engaged. They
would not prefer to see a page full of text
and hardly any imagery, I can avoid this
by making sure I include a mix of text and
imagery equally.

29. Secondary Audience

30. Age
During my research I found a website that shows that a survey was conducted by
Shueisha, a large cooperation that publishes magazines in Japan, where it talks about
it’s overall circulation numbers and demographic information. This showed overall
numbers for both magazine that are catered toward males and then magazines that
are catered toward females. Looking at these statistics has helped me to determine
what age range my fanzine would best appeal to. From this, I was able to determine
that a younger demographic would be the better fit, between 14-19. However this is a
rather large age group so it would be better to narrow that down to 16-19 year olds.
Magazines I found that fit this demographic include V Jump and Saikyo Jump (two
magazines that appeal to older male readers). V Jump having 90% male readers and
10% female readers as well as 25% in high school and 24% in middle school. For Saikyo
Jump 58.5% of readers are in high school and 11% in middle school. For female
readers these magazines include Bessatsu Margaret and Ribon. Bessatsu Margaret
having 56.2% of readers being 24 year olds and 16% are 15-18 year olds.
https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-04-22/shueisha-reveals-new-circulation-numbers-demographics-
for-its-manga-
magazines/.145991#:~:text=27.4%25%20of%20readers%20are%2025,%2C%20and%2010%25%20are%20women.

31. These screenshots are from the website where
Shueisha listed the different statistics of their
magazines including the average prices as well
as their average reader per issue.
The two lists show the different magazines that
Shueisha has published. The two list differ
depending on their target audience. The first
list is centered to male readers and the second
list toward female readers.

32. Gender
Previously mentioned I found a survey conducted by a Japanese publishing company
Shueisha. The screenshot above is a piece of text I found from the survey that talks
about the average gender of those who read magazines from this particular company.
Although this survey shows that 67.5% of Shueisha’s readers are male I don’t think it’s
a good idea as to subject my fanzine to just one gender. I still think that it’s more fair to
keep it neutral. This is because there are overall series’ that are enjoyed by both men
and women that could be included into my product. By including these series’ into my
product it wouldn’t seem like I’m just subjecting my product to just one gender. By
doing this it wouldn’t stop anyone from wanting to see my product. Also a lot of
different popular series’ lately have been both enjoyed by men and women e.g.
Noblesse (a Korean manhwa published onto an app called WebToon, which was
recently adapted into an animated series).
Overall I think that appealing to both men and women would be the most effect way
to go about my product as it will allow me to talk about a range of different series’ and
artists.

33. Subject Research

34. Shueisha

35. Newtype

36. Why am I making this?
I’ve always been fond of the different artists and illustrations (+ the product(s) they
create). This is the same with various products such as manga, manhwa, magazines
and even animations/comics created by the general public. The various art styles I’ve
seen within products is intriguing and seeing how they incorporate their art styles into
products like manga and manhwa, which then helps add onto the story they’ve
created.
From my research I have been able to see a variety of different products and learn
about a lot of different artists. I learned about their passions, how they go about
creating their art work/styles as well as how their products are manufactured. I think
magazines like Ribon are the sort of product I would like to produce. This is because of
how the front covers are so eye-catching with it’s bright colour scheme and jam-
packed imagery used. Eye-catching products appeal more than just a simplistic cover
that doesn’t say much about the product being advertised.

37. Bibliography
• Weekly Shōnen Jump (1968-2021). Shueisha. https://www.viz.com/shonenjump
Last accessed: 6th February 2021.
• Ribon (1955-2021). Shueisha. http://ribon.shueisha.co.jp/
Last accessed: 6th February 2021.
• Newtype (1985-2021). Japan. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newtype
Last accessed: 6th February 2021.
• Creative Boom (2009-2021). Boomerang. https://www.creativeboom.com/
Last accessed: 6th February 2021.