The final task being the evaluation for my Media Studies coursework.

1. Evaluation
JOE JACKSON

2. 1. Who would be the
audience for your music
magazine?

3. For this piece of work I believe it is evident my target audience will be mainly aimed at people
around the ages of late teens and in their 20's; I attempted to template my magazine to fit these
criteria for the ideal reader. The way in which the models within the magazine and the headlines
I am advertising indicates the type of audience I am intending to target. On the magazine front
cover both models I used are both younger in generation and are dressed as if they are
integrated within the younger generation; which will ultimately lead to a relation with the older
teenage and younger adult audience I am intending to target. Both models are also dressed like
someone who I believe would be the ideal audience for my magazine; both are wearing hooded
jackets with their hood up looking at the camera in a particularly serious pose; this will
ultimately sub-consciously lead to relation with my target audience who are viewing my
magazine looking to purchase it. I decided to choose this particular audience because the music
that is intended to be advertised on my music magazine is the music that I, being the creator,
listens to so it will be easy for me to relate to which make it better as a magazine in the long run.

4. I aimed my
audience at….

5. Notice how the models used on the front cover
of my magazine are wearing cloths that you
would depict as someone who would be the
prime consumers of my magazine. The models
used are wearing hooded jackets with their
hoods up and are trendy cloths and jewellery
such as a ring on one of the fingers.
I ensured that the models I
used for my music magazine
would be the similar age range
to my target audience so the
consumer would be made
aware of the age range
intended for this type of
magazine.
It is important that the consumer (preferably my target audience) are related to the front
cover. I ensured that my models are giving off a cool and serious look, providing a pose that I
believe someone of my target audience would appreciate and relate to as most people in
their late teens and early twenties are all trying to give off a cool look themselves; making
this magazine relatable to them.
Thousands of older teenagers and
people in their twenties attend
Reading festival and many other
festivals. Using Reading Festival in one
of my main headings entices the
reader and would persuade them to
purchase the magazine as they would
want to know all the information
about the Reading Festival.
Studies suggest that teenagers tend to have
a strong association with the colour red and
black (most particularly with clothing) so
having my masthead this colour would
subconsciously attract the consumer.

6. Notice the picture on the
left has two teenagers with
a particularly serious look
amongst them. Teenagers in
their late teens are my
target audience; notice how
my models used are
wearing almost identical
clothing with the hooded
jackets, jewellery and
serious pose all have a
strong relation and link
amongst them.
Notice how my models are both wearing their
hoods and so is the teenager seen in the picture
on the left.
All teenagers used in all three
pictures are all wearing hooded
jackets.
Hood is up
on
contents
picture.

7. 2. How did you
attract/address your
audience?

8. Teenagers and younger adults don’t tend to have
much money. To overcome this and ensure they
still have appeal towards my magazine I ensured I
made the price low to reassure them that they can
still purchase the magazine.
Studies suggest that teenagers tend to have a
strong association with the colour red and black
(most particularly with clothing) so having my
masthead this colour would subconsciously attract
the consumer. Even teenagers tend to favour
phones and school supplies in the colours of red
and black.
Notice how the models I used are portraying
a very serious pose which is how teenagers
are stereotyped and you would expect a
teenager to look. The body language used
may depict a troublesome nature with the
serious look and the figures pointed to the
sky.
Notice how both models are making complete eye contact with
the camera which means giving complete eye contact with the
consumer. Giving eye contact makes the buyer subconsciously
trust the magazine and helps engage the reader; which ultimately
leads to persuading the consumer to consume the product.
The main headline ‘FLOCK NORTH’ is one of
the most notable parts of the front cover. It
automatically catches the eye of the
consumer due to its bold writing and easy-
to-read text and font. It is also important
that I maintained consistency by ensuring
the other headlines used are the same font
as the main headline; once the reader
notices the main headline with it’s bold
font in block capitals the will automatically
begin to read the rest of the headlines.
Notice how with my models I used a darker
colour within their clothing and ensured that
their hoods were both up. Also there is sense
of informality with their body language, facial
expression and the fact that one of my models
have their sleeves rolled up.
Notice how every word
portrayed on the front cover are
all in block capitals, this makes it
easier for the consumer to read
and so they notice it easily.
‘Think Big, Think Sound’ is a unique selling point. It portrays
to the reader that if you think of the music magazine Sound
then your are thinking ‘big’ as shown in the logo.

9. Assuming that I have enticed the audience to point where they
purchase my item I have had many specific ways on how I have
addressed the audiences to suite their needs. For example for the
front cover and the double-page spread I used my forms of
colloquial language in order to make the reader understand what
they are reading and so they can relate to it. For example if the
reader is interested in the article then they would understand that
the band ‘Flock North’ have had an absence from the music world,
therefore terms such as ‘They’re back’ and ‘They’re bigger, better
and back for good’ would relate to the reader and make them
want to continue reading about this particularly topic. During the
article I also often addressed colloquially other bands and
different type of albums; for example I often name albums that
Flock North have done such as ‘Parliaments and Presidents’ and
‘Static Station’ in the assumption that the reader would know
them and relate to them; this would address them.

10. As shown here, I emphasised that this page was
the contents page with larger, bold writing in
order to encourage the reader to read the
contents which would ultimately encourage
them to read the whole magazine.
For the contents page it was important that I ensured that the consumer would want to read on so the headlines for the
contents page must relate and address the audience so they are tempted by the magazine. For example I split up the
different types of headlines within the magazine; ‘Regulars’ would ensure people that these headlines are usually in the
magazine just with differences within them. ‘Exclusives’ is what would entice the irregular customers of my magazine to
read on; I used the headlines in the assumption that the consumer would know the headlines. And finally in
‘Entertainment’ would advertise the different type of gigs and festivals that would entice the audience; this section
would be ideal for the people that want to attend some music festivals.
I decided that it would be best for my contents page that I used one picture as
opposed to many; I believe it is better to use one picture portraying complete
dominance with persuasive eye contact and straight posture. The models I
used for this Is part of one of the main aspects of the magazine as he is in the
band Flock North; this is the main band portrayed on the front cover. This
encourages people to read on for the rest of the magazine.
Notice how on my contents page I used a very similar
colour for the background as I did for my front cover; I did
this because I believe that it is important to maintain a
consistent style. After turning the page from the front
cover, the next page would be the contents page, so having
similar colours for both backgrounds is very beneficial.

11. 3. How does your media
product represent
particular social groups?

12. Class
As it is blatantly shown in the images on the left, the class of my audience would be
lower/working class. Notice the similarities between my models used at the front of my
magazine to the hooded teenagers located at the top of the slide. All are covering their heads
with hoods and giving a serious facial expression to portray a sort of dangerous quality. The
similarities between all people used in these pictures are almost uncanny; they all represent
the same type of class that would be stereotyped amongst people wearing hooded clothing
and giving troublesome facial expressions.

13. Age
Notice how my models used in my magazine
are all a relatively same age to my target
audience; teenagers and younger adults. I
ensured that the model I used is the same age
as my audience as it would relate to them and
entice the them to purchase my product. I
ensured that I used a teenager at the front of
my music magazine so the audience knows the
type of magazine I am intending to portray
and so they can relate to it and preferably
persuade them to buy the magazine.

14. Gender
My music magazine is almost specifically aimed at the male
gender. Both my models are portraying a dominant male position
within the front cover with their serious facial expressions and
serious poses giving complete eye contact to the reader. Very
little content in my magazine is of a matriarchal dominance. It is
very patriarchal. However despite the obvious patriarchal
dominance all content within my magazine can be accessed and
enjoyed my females. The only thing patriarchal about my
magazine is artists within them; they are mostly all male.
However all of the bands are for females as well and aren’t
intended just for males. I have a section within my magazine that
specifies on music festivals which is primarily enjoyed my both
male and female as both genders substantially enjoy attending
music festivals.

15. THE COVER STARS
Notice how in every picture I used for my cover stars they are all portraying complete eye contact with the
reader, portraying a very serious look. This eye contact and troublesome look they are showing to the
audience sort of connotes a sense of confrontation with the consumer which also gives a very persuasive
look. The age and gender I used for these cover stars are the exact age and gender I am intending to
denote with my target audience, attempting to relate to the audience so they purchase my product.

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

17. Existing Conventions – No Alterations
Both magazines portray a strong, bold, white
masthead which advertises the main
band/artist that this specific issue of the
magazine is based on. On the magazine ‘Vibe’
they used ‘Soul Brothers’, whereas in my
magazine, ‘Sound’ I used ‘Flock North’. Both
are the main focus for the magazines.
Both magazines also advertise other
artists/bands which other aspect of the
magazine are focused on, just not the main
focus, hence why they are smaller than the main
headline.
Notice how both magazine bare a
bold masthead portraying the main
brand of the magazine, both of which
are located at the top of the cover.
Also I gathered the idea that it would
be good that one of my models cover
the masthead slightly with their
head. Something the reciprocated
magazine had done also.
Notice how both magazines are portraying the same similar style of
music. The models used on the front cover of Vibe are giving very
similar facial expressions, body language, poses and looks as the
models I used for my magazine. Both have their hands up, close to
their face giving complete eye contact to the consumer.

18. Existing Conventions – Some Alterations
I wanted to use a banner in my music magazine as
does most magazines. The music magazine Vibe uses
its banner in the top of the page, just above the
masthead. Whereas on my front cover I decided to
put the banner on the bottom of my magazine, as I
believe people’s attention will be more diverted to a
banner if it’s at the bottom; if it was at the top, they
could be distracted from the banner by the
masthead. Also, as opposed to the Vibe magazine,
on my banner I have a lot more writing and content
on it. I decided to put my banner on the bottom
because I believe it would be efficient for the
consumer to read the main headlines first and then
read the banner afterwards to increase persuasion.
Note how both magazines used a similar style to portray the features; there is a dominant
masthead, portraying the main story, and there are smaller features beneath, portraying
lesser stories. However not how on my music magazine, mine are slightly more organised
and grouped together with a consistent colour. Whereas Vibe magazine has multiple
colours, and the news features are slightly more spread out and spontaneous.

19. Goes Against Conventions
• For my magazine I used a blue coloured background as opposed to used a white one. I
did this because I believe it is a more dominant colour and would catch the eye of the
consumer.
• Notice how on the magazine Vibe they used almost full body shots to portray the
models, whereas on my magazine I used more close up shots with less models. I did this
so it would be easier to denote the facial expressions used for my models. I wanted my
audience to have strong link with the models used at the front of the magazine; I did
this by using the close-up camera angle to make the reader feel a relation with the stars
on the cover.
• Also, the magazine Vibe portrays their masthead in bold, very big writing with a gold
colour and no border around it. However on my magazine I used a red and black
colouring and gave my masthead a border.
• Also, note that on my magazine I have a slogan for my magazine ‘Think Big, Think
Sound’ which I believe is a good form of advertisement to persuade my consumer.
Whereas the magazine Vibe does not have a notable slogan.

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

21. How I AdvertiseSound!
Some of the examples above are of how I believe I would like to
advertise my product. Due to the fact that festivals are full of
eccentric music lovers, it would be an ideal place to advertise am
music magazine product. Also, advertising my music magazine
product on a t-shirt would indicate that the person wearing it has a
passion for the magazine which would encourage people to buy it.
Sound!
THINK BIG
THINK SOUND
It is important for the sake of my music magazine that I advertise my product well, otherwise the consumer would not know to buy my product and would favour amongst another brand. These forms of
advertisement are devised to persuade the consumer to purchase my product. I have to assume that nobody knows what my magazine has to offer, therefore advertising my logo for a price in heavily located
areas, a music festival for example, would encourage the reader to give my music magazine a try. I believe it would be ideal to sponsor a music festival as it so packed with music lovers.

22. Vibe is the music magazine that I believe my magazine is
most associated with (I thrived similarities towards Vibe). I
believe it has the most links to mine. I had my price range
similar to the Vibe magazine as this magazine is really
competitive in the market. If a consumer subscribes to Vibe
magazine it would cost just under £10 for 6 issues, this
accumulates to around £1.60 an issue; this is a very similar
price range to my magazine (my magazine is £1.99 an issue). I
feel that this is a very cheap price for a magazine and would
be an efficient price range for my target audience. My
magazine would be sold fortnightly for my consumers. I
believe, baring in mind the price of my magazine, that selling
it fortnightly would be a good selling point.

23. Using the Internet
Sound!
Buy Sound music magazine for just £1.99 –
Think Big, Think Sound
Due to the fact the internet and social
media is developing substantially every day
I believe it is important for the sake of
advertising my product that it would
efficient to have it advertised within
Facebook and Twitter. Millions of people
use Facebook and Twitter daily so therefore
would be an ideal place to advertise a
music magazine. I also believe that it would
be good to increase the popularity for my
music magazine by creating a Facebook and
Twitter page so that fans can like and follow
the page and learn about news about the
magazine. News, information and pictures
can be posted daily so people can
understand specific things about the
upcoming issue of my music magazine.

24. 6. What have you learnt
about technologies from
the process of constructing
this product?

25. Front Cover
This is the original image used for the front
cover of my music magazine. I decided this
would be the best picture to used for the
front cover. I then placed the image onto
Photoshop and erased the background wall
using the lasso tool. I used the lasso tool to
draw around the image and then erased the
background completely.
I then added this image onto a
InDesign page and placed the
masthead of my magazine
within the same image as the
picture so it gives the effect
that it’s behind the model. I
also changed the background
colour to blue.
I then added all the headlines
and feature onto the music
magazine. I made these text
on PowerPoint and saved it
onto the InDesign folder. I
altered the font, size, colour
and complexion of it so it
stands out on the cover.
For the final part of the design I added
the price and date of the issue (seen at
the top of the cover) and also the
barcode. I also added the banner
located at the bottom of the cover with
other parts of the magazine that would
be included within the magazine. I also
made theses parts of the cover on
PowerPoint

26. Contents Page
This is the original image I
used for my contents page.
I then placed the image onto
Photoshop and erased the
background wall using the lasso tool.
I used the lasso tool to draw around
the image and then erased the
background completely.
I then added this image onto an
InDesign document and changed
the background colour to the
similar colour of the front cover,
blue. I also created the text on
PowerPoint and saved it onto the
document and placed it in the right
position
The next step involved me creating three red, stand-
out boxes and placing them onto this contents page.
As seen by the titles of these boxes, this is wear the
information for the contents will be held. For the text
used in the document were all made on PowerPoint
and saved onto this document. I made the box by
firstly drawing a rectangle within PowerPoint and then
altering the colour by clicking ‘format’ and then ‘shape
fill’ and filled with the red colour.
This is now the final design for
my image. I added all of the
content for my music
magazine onto these pages in
the same consistent font used
for the other text within the
contents page.

27. Double-Page Spread
These are the main original images I used for my double-page spread.
Notice how the image on the left has a fade effect on the top and the
bottom; I did this by firstly pressing the ‘marquee tool’ and then dragged
over selected part I did not want to fade. I then went onto ‘Select’ and
then onto ‘Refine edges’ and then feathered the edges which gave the
effect of the fade shown above.
I then placed these images onto an InDesign
document (double-page document). I placed the
images in the positions that I like and altered the
background colour to the colour above.
The next step involved me using a Word document to
write the article for the spread. After I wrote this I copy
and pasted it onto the InDesign document and altered
the size and font and positioned it how I wanted.
The final part of making the double-page spread involved
me making the main title for the spread. I chose the font
on PowerPoint and then altered the colour and
complexion of it by pressing ‘format’ and then ‘text fill’
and then ‘texture’ and then I picked an efficient colour
that would look bold and stand out well. I also did the
same for the other bits of text within the spread. I also
copy and pasted a star onto the spread and filled this
with text I has previously made on PowerPoint.

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

29. My School Magazine My Music Magazine
I believe it is evident that my music magazine is a lot better design that my school
magazine. I believe my understanding of the software has allowed me to develop
the front cover further so it is a better design. I believe that the fonts and designs
of the text are poorly done on my school magazine and don’t stand out from the
background as well as I should have hoped. Whereas on my music magazine I
believe that the fonts used are a lot better and stand out a lot more. I ensure that
I spent more time and effort on creating the right font, size, colour and
complexion so that it stands out from anything else, so the consumer knows
about the headlines. The skills I used for the music magazine were a lot more
developed and complex as opposed to my school magazine. Notice how the
masthead is significantly clearer to read on my music magazine and that on my
school magazine the masthead isn’t that clear, it looks to blended into the
background image. Also on my masthead, notice how the model’s head is slightly
in front of the masthead, this is a technique that many other music magazine use.
I did use the idea for both my music magazine and school one to have a main
feature in large bold writing and then have smaller writing just below it to slightly
explain the main title, I believe this idea is a good format for any type of
magazine. The planning and shoots of my music magazine was significantly
developed compared to my school magazine. I took around 30 to 50 pictures for
my music magazine and picked the best one which would fit my front cover,
double-page spread and contents page best. Whereas on my school magazine I
only took around 5 photos for my front cover and didn’t even use a notable photo
for my contents page. The photos that I did take were much more carefully taken
with a better camera and an actual photo shoot background, the locations I chose
were very carefully picked.

30. It is obvious to see the notable differences and improvements between my school
magazine to my music magazine. For my contents page for my school magazine I
didn’t even prepare a picture of a student for this contents page, I simply used a
picture of the Chosen Hill logo. However, for my music magazine I ensured that I
had a good variety of pictures for my contents page so I could pick the best one
that fit a contents page best. I decided that it would be efficient to use just one
picture for my music magazine’s contents page as this is something a lot of other
professional music magazines have done as well. I knew that for the development
of my music magazine as opposed to my school magazine that I needed to have a
picture and a bit more quality within it; for example I ensured the picture was a
good fit for a contents page and that I made it look more attractive for the
consumer so they would be enticed to read on.