1. How does you media product represent
particular social groups?
Qusetion2
2. • In my magazine the social groups I have represented
are multi-cultured and white British teenagers/young
adults. This I have done on purpose as it is similar to
my target audience and gives them relatable content so
they can associate themselves with the featured artists
– makes for a closer relationship with the reader and
artist (uses and grats.)
• Even though my target audience is both genders I have
only used female models in both my contents page and
front cover, therefore presenting females as the more
dominant subjects of this magazine issue. This could be
seen as an attempt at empowering young females in
the Indie music industry which would conform to
Gauntlett’s theory (2008) that argues all magazines
aimed at young women must highlight the fact that
women should be independent within themselves – so therefore these
magazines will present women as strong individuals and not objects
for a man’s admiration – this is counter typical of many other
magazines.
• However, my double page spread image contrasts with this and
instead sexualizes the model (red, parted lips carry sexual/
desirable connotations and blank expression could be perceived as
inviting) – adheres to Mulvey’s theory of the male gaze – will
attract dominantly straight males, which in turn will make my
magazine accessible to both genders.
3. Front Cover Analysis
• Striking female is dominant image of magazine – chose this
as will appeal to the straight male audience (conforms to Mulve-
y’s ‘male gaze’ theory) – also young females (most predominant
target audience) can associate themselves with the artist –
creates a personal relationship (which is reinforces by direct
mode of address) – uses and grats.
• Mise en scene of image is very representative of my target
audience – similar clothing and minimalistic make-up (fresh face
look). This could serve as look inspiration for the younger half of
my target audience to aspire to.
• Models facial expression is unclear which is pluralistic and
counter typical as it is not particularly inviting the male gaze
(Laura Mulvey) but it is also not aggressive, so much to
challenge gender stereotypes.
• Subjects plain clothing with embroidered detail reflects that of
a trendy young teen – presents target audience with a positive
role model of their own social group.
4. Shot types 1
• In all but one of the images in my magazine I have used eyeline shots
which lets the audience to develop a more personal relationship with the
artists (uses and grat.)
• Direct mode of address also allows for the female to become more of a
subject rather than an object (which would typically be the usual
convention of a magazine shoot) – because their facial expressions are so
visible and such a dominant feature it becomes harder for the subjects to
be objectified as their body language is no longer of particular
importance. I have purposefully done this as my target audience is
aimed at both genders but predominantly females so therefore this
makes it easier to attract that audience.
• This presents females as strong individuals and more than sexual
objects – not in danger of male domination - challenges Mulveys theory
of the male gaze (counter typical and pluralistic).
• I have also used mid- shots in all of my images which enables the
audience to establish the importance of the main feature artists involved
• In the last image (see to the bottom left of the page) I decided not to use
direct mode of address. This is because I wanted the audience to not just
focus on the model as the main subject of the image, but to also focus on
the art that was in the background (which is also why I didn’t use
shallow depth of field). The art will appeal to my target audience.
5. Shot types 2
• In all of my images (apart from on) I have used a camera angle that is level to
that of the subject. I did this purposefully as I wanted to give the impression
that although the females in my magazine were empowered they do not look
down on male artists (thing could be perceived this way if I shot my images from
a low angle as this conveys ideas of superiority) – in doing this I am presenting
social groups that are defined by gender as equal.
• This is imperative as my target audience is of both genders so I do not wish to
offend anyone but rather cause interest. The representation of empowered
females already appeals to my female audience (counter typical and pluralistic)
however it could also intrigue male viewers as to why women need to be
presented this way. This in turn could work to increase the magazines
popularity as it will appeal to a wider variety of people and features feminist
ideas which are very topical in this day and age.
6. Contents page layout
• Used subheadings, rows and columns in order for my
audience to swiftly and easily go directly from the
information on the page to the page they desire (this
fulfils my audiences needs sufficiently – whether
integrative or cognitive).
• I have used 3 large images to again fulfil the needs of
my target audience as younger teens/adults
stereotypically tend to have a lower concentration span
and therefore minimal text amount is required
• To make the magazine look more professional I could
have included more columns with text and less images.
However, this would generally appeal to a much older
target audience which is not the aim I am going for.
• The simplistic layout of my contents page could be
perceived as negative as it portrays a representation of
youth having lower concentration spans and being more
interested by the superficial image of an artist rather
than the actual content provided in an article.
Although, a positive of this is that these things fulfil
the needs of a younger target audience adequately and
easily.
7. Ideology
• In my production I have prioritised the reception theory which is a version of reader response
literary theory that emphasizes each particular reader's reception or interpretation in making
meaning from a literary text – it concentrates on the audiences response.
• This allows the reader to form a more personal relationship with them and the artist/s they
look up to and in turn intrigues fans and could potentially create a loyal fan base for the
magazine. This has been done through using teenage/young adult artists that other youths
would feel they can relate to and makes them (possibly) want to read about their own
potential or gives them something to aspire to be like. I’ve achieved this through a variety of
things such as using direct mode of address in nearly all of my images which helps create a
personal relationship between the viewer and artist as well as basing my double page spread
around an artist that had to work hard to get to where she is now (which is something youths
may find inspirational.
• An example of another magazine that uses relating to their audience as a way of creating a
fan base is Billboard. In doing this the audience also gets the content they so desire and
prefer.
• I have used similar aged models – key aspect as helps audience perceive magazine as relatable
(hegemonic).
• Audience response – used both white female and mixed race females in images – represents
more ethnicity (relatable) so the magazine could become more successful - however, still not
that diverse as haven’t got any different social groups
8. What kind of media institution might
distribute your media product and why?
Question3
• Bauer
• Jann S. Wenner
• Time Inc.
9. Bauer Media
• Well known European- based publishing company that manages over 600
magazine worldwide.
• Most known for publishing the music magazines Kerrang! (indie/rock genre)
and Q (urban/rock). Although my young adult target audience is similar to
that of Q’s we do not share the same type of magazine content.
• Bauer has platforms all across the media spectrum, such as; radio
stations(e.g. KISS FM and magic which I could use to sufficiently market my
magazine as the stations may be popular amongst my target audience) and
television programmes.
• In approaching Bauer my magazine could reap an abundant amount of
benefits because of their vast experience in managing magazine of all types
of genres. I believe they could also benefit from having a magazine like mine
as they do not already have one that is similar and could be as up and coming
and could potentially bring in a whole different/ broader target audience for
the institution.
• As Bauer has multi-platform ownership they could release my product much
more efficiently which would help my brand become even more noticed.
10. Time Inc.
• Time Inc is a well known Western based publishing company that merged with Warner
Communications and is owned by Time Warner, meaning the company is able to grow larger.
• Publishes over 90 magazines worldwide
• Most know for publishing the music magazine National Music Express (NME) which is not
similar to mine however their target audience is also young adults which could help my
magazine progress as if I were to work with Time Inc I would hold the same platform as
them and could therefor cross over and gain a larger target audience through association.
• If Time Inc were to publish my magazine it could majorly boost their success as they are a
company that usually deals with more rock based magazines they typically have a
predominantly male based target audience, however, with my mag I will introduce a whole
new target audience to their company. Something that would help me in doing this is the fact
that Warner also owns television programmes such as E! which has a wide audience that
includes a target audience similar to mine (as they are teenagers/ young adults of both
genders interested in fashion/culture/music) meaning that I could help create a link between
that television platform and my magazine.
• A partnership with Time Inc could be mutually beneficial as it would help me market my
magazine and I would be able to bring something new to the table for them, bringing them
even more success and larger influence over the industry.
11. Who would be the audience for your media
product? &
How did you attract/address your audience?
Question4&5
My target audience:
• Both genders (leaning towards more females)
• Young adults – aged between 14 to 30
• Interested in ‘Indie’ music genre
• Interested in fashion/culture/art
• Middle/Upper-class with disposable income
• Eager to use online outlets, such as; website and social media
Throughout the creation of my media product I have conferred with my target audience through my
focus group and asked them to give me feedback on any idea I’ve been stuck with. They have helped
me to understand further what my particular target audience would want from the (genre of) media
product I’ve been constructing.
12. Attracting my target audience
I decided for my magazine I wanted my target group to consist of both females and males
In order to appeal to both genders in the construction of my production I tried to resist using colours that
were gender specific. In all of my music magazine research I have found that many magazines tend to go for a
harsh, primary colour scheme of red, white and blue. I however, opted for something a little more subtle by
using more neutral tones of white, grey and light blue to create a house style that was more delicate.
Furthermore, to attract my target audience I have also used reception theory. I did this as I wanted to ensure
the audience could relate to my magazine’s artists. This therefore allows for a more personal relationship
between the artist and reader and in turn could potentially create a loyal fanbase for my magazine.
13. Front cover – Attracting my audience
For my front cover I wanted to make it as visibly striking as
possible in order for it to stand out when put alongside other
magazines. I also wanted it to attract both male and female
viewers and to do this I utilised and conformed to Mulvey’s
theory of the male gaze by using a visually stunning woman
as my image. When editing the image I wanted to draw
attention especially to the subjects eyes as they are the
easiest way to connect with the viewer. To do this I enhanced
the colour of blue in the background so that her eye colour
would naturally ‘pop’.
Additionally I used features, pull quotes and other band
names to attract my target audience as they create
hermeneutic questions and as a result spark interest from
the reader/viewer. I used other band names primarily because
when my target audience reads the front cover they will most
likely see a band that they enjoy or have heard of and this
works in my favour as it will entice them into reading more.
14. Contents Page – Attracting my audience
One technique I focussed on when attracting my
target audience was allowing the reader to engage
with the magazine/ brand in between issues by
including links to social media pages. This appeals to
my target audience as they are a generation that are
constantly on their phones and therefore will have no
trouble viewing the magazine through social media
platforms. Another technique I have used is including
a competition. This creates hype and interest around
the magazine as it is an exciting opportunity and
therefore will make people visit the magazine online,
where they might also be interested in looking at
other things to do with the magazine too, furthering
the amount of hype, buzz and popularity of the
magazine as a whole.
The sections for ‘features’ will surely attract the interest of trendy young teens who come to the
magazine looking for exclusives.
15. Double page spread – attracting my
audience
I placed the title ‘celebrating creativity’
in bold, block letters (the same as the
main title and magazine name font) to
immediately catch the readers
attention so they have to ask the
question, “how is she celebrating
creativity?” This title also appeals to
my target audience as they will be on
the more creative side so will relate to
this and want to read on.
The artists name ‘Jazzy Ban’ is in the
largest font on the double page spread
and also has a drop shadow to
emphasize its importance. This will
appeal to and attract fans of the artist
and make them wish to read on.
• The image I used is very bold and
will attract the target audience
because of this.
• Paint on face gives the photo a
unique feel to it – appeals to the
more artsy audience
• Using direct mode of address –
allows audience to create a personal
relationship between themselves and
the admirable artist.
Pull quote gives hint as to what
the article will be about but also
creates hermeneutic questions
which entices to reader into
wanting to know more
16. What have you learnt about technologies
from the process of constructing this product?
Question6
During the construction of my product I have used several technologies for
things like; research, planning, production, editing and evaluating.
These include –
• The internet (Google, Blogger, YouTube, Prezi, SlideShare etc.)
• Lighting equipment
• Canon 600D
• Photoshop CS3
• Microsoft PowerPoint/Word
17. Canon 600D
I used this DSLR camera to capture all of the images included in my final
production. Using this camera was very helpful as it meant I was able to
easily and quickly see my images straight after I had captured them so I knew
what I liked and what needed to be changed at the time (for example lighting
or angle).
I have picked up a lot of knowledge about this cameras functions in my time
using it (such as ISO, shutter speed, aperture and iris) which has allowed me
to get the best possible outcome for my final production.
However, on con of using this camera is that it is quite heavy as personally I
prefer to always carry around different lenses with me in case I’d like to take
a wider variety of shots.
19. Lighting
I decided because of the clean cut look I was going for, it would be best to use
artificial lighting to achieve this.
I found manipulating the lighting to be simple. However, getting the lights
in the exact correct position was very hard to do as I did not have an
assistant to hold them or more them whilst I checked things looked okay
through my camera lens. There was a lot of going back and forth involved
which became tedious but required persistence as I wanted to create the best
possible outcome.
I looked at quite a few YouTube tutorials to try and educate myself on how to
get certain effects although in the end most of the things I learnt were
through trial and error.
In the end I decided to stick with high key lighting as I found this was a
common convention on a lot of magazine covers and also because I feel it
gives the photo a more professional look.
20. Adobe Photoshop CS3
In both the creation of my magazine and the
editing of my images I have used photoshop.
In using this I have learnt how to
manipulate images by adjusting things like
brightness and contrast. I also used
photoshop to add things like text and
borders in my final production. To learn how
to use this programme I researched multiple
tutorials or pressed the help button on the
app if ever I got stuck with something.
To the left is my main cover image before
and after editing it in photoshop. Using the
program I made multiple adjustments such
as getting rid of the shadow behind my
subjects head using the clone stamp tool and
adjusting the contrast, brightness and hue
to give the image a glossier more
colourful/vibrant feel.
21. The Internet
The internet has been a key factor throughout the whole of my production. It
has assisted me in conducting the majority of my research into codes and
conventions before I began constructing my magazine.
I also used the internet in order to learn how to use photoshop, my camera
and how/where to specifically place lights to create a certain affect on the face.
Whenever I needed to post updates onto my blog I had to use the internet and
throughout the whole process I learnt a significant amount about blogger and
how to use it which turned out to be very useful in the recording of my
research.
22. PowerPoint
I have used PowerPoint during my research as a platform to collate
and co-ordinate the common codes and conventions of music
magazines. I decided to use PowerPoint as it is a clear, quick and
organised way of presenting ones informational research in a concise
format which makes it easier to refer to at a later date.
23. In conclusion…
Technology has taken a massive role in both my production process and
reaching my final outcome. If I were to not have the technologies I’ve
discussed my product would be drastically less professional and certainly of a
much lower quality and standard.
The tech used has not only ensured my product is presentable but has also
assisted in making my work organised with clear research and planning.
Without these my work would not show half of the level of understanding or
evidence of skills.
Before constructing the magazine I was only partially familiar with the
technologies I have used however, this familiarity helped me quickly gain a
larger understanding which has now lead to a clear understanding how to use
them.
