2. TARGET AUDIENCE
My media product has been produced to appeal to a target audience who enjoy rock music across all
of its genres. I have also tried to cater for a wide age range of both genders therefore I have included
both male and female models of different ages. As my music magazine will feature different genres
of rock and only well known artists and bands, I did not follow the usual extreme stereotypes
attached to rock music fans. However, for the magazine to be recognised as a rock music magazine
I did include enough general elements to make it recognisable and enable my target audience to
connect and identify with it. This has created images that reflect particular social groups.
3. STEREOTYPES
The rock genre is seen as rebellious, dangerous, anti-establishment and music with attitude. In style
clothes are not fashionable and are generally dark and mainly consist of leather, denim, t-shirts,
boots and dark tight jeans. Tattoos and piercings are also associated with the rock genre. Make-up is
also dark and in extreme cases, men will use it also.
Rock music is stereotypically loud with electric guitars and repeated riffs. It connects with the
audience by its lyrics as well as its music. The rock music genre is dominated by bands, not solo
artists.
4. CULTURES AND LIFESTYLE
People who enjoy rock music are perceived to be outgoing, arrogant, edgy, quite offensive, individual
and cool. They enjoy socialising and live music. Non conformists.
My magazine has concentrated on British and American artists as they are the most iconic in rock
music. They also have similar values and culture
The rock genre is dominated by white/Caucasians and my magazine reflects this. Males also
dominate the rock genre therefore my front cover image is male.
5. FRONT COVERTo show how I have represented a particular social group of older men, I have compared my
dominant front cover image with the front cover image of Mojo magazine featuring Paul Weller, an
iconic rock artist.
Their body language is very similar, it is relaxed and casual
with their hands in their pockets indicating they are
comfortable with who they are. A mid-body shot is used in
both images with an eye level angle looking at and
connecting with the audience. Both images have a cool/level
facial expression, which projects arrogance and confidence
to the reader. This, the slight angle of the head and the direct
gaze gives edge, attitude and defiance to both images. This
is added to by the lighting which is a key light from one side
giving shadows to the face and making it more dramatic.
Both images have plain backgrounds and no props. However,
the background to Paul Weller is darker than the white
background of mine. This allows my image and his shadow to
stand out more.
6. FRONT COVERThe front cover image on a magazine always features a high profile star. I emphasised this by
placing my artist in front of the masthead signifying his importance. This is also shown on the
photograph of Paul Weller.
This could influence younger males to aspire to be like them
but in a positive way by increasing their confidence, and
raising their determination to be successful in their chosen
careers. It might influence older males to become more
adventurous and try new things, and reinvent themselves.
7. CONTENTS PAGE
Another social group represented in my magazine is a young female. This is important to appeal to
my female target audience as the iconic rock music genre is dominated by men. For my mainstream
music magazine comparison I have used Avril Lavigne, a famous rock artist, in a photograph taken
from an article in Billboard magazine. Both images are a full body shot.
Although one is black and white and the other is
colour and they are not the same in costume,
hair, lighting and Mise en Scene, the social
representation, values and beliefs they appear
to hold are similar. The body language is similar
as both images are sitting in a relaxed way
holding a guitar which neither are playing. This
prop is representative of a rock image. They
share an eye level camera angle which again
directly connects with the audience. Their facial
expression is invitational with a hint of mystery
and sensuality but not sexual.
8. CONTENTS PAGE
This is also shown in their clothes which are slightly revealing (bare shoulder) but not obviously sexy.
Both images have the rock characteristics of dark make-up and wearing a crucifix. Although this is a
religious symbol, it does not directly relate to a faith as it is often used as jewellery in the rock genre.
Avril Lavigne is a famous rock artist who
became famous at 15. I would like my model to
promote the fact that it is possible to achieve
success at any age in a male dominated world
by motivation, belief in yourself and hard work.
Both images portray confidence, inner strength
and independence. These qualities make a
good role model and I would like my female
readers to aspire to them. Also, that to succeed
you can still be feminine and attractive without
becoming too sexualised.
9. DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD
I have compared my image with an image of Liam Gallagher who is well known for his bad behaviour
He appears to be associated to ‘A Game of Thrones’ which is a violent cult series on T.V. There is no
direct comparison between the images apart from the fact they both have connotations to dangerous
character types. My image has a mise en scene with fire and red signifying Hell.
Although on the surface these are not good role
models for my readers, they are good
representatives of the rock genre which is
perceived to be rebellious and often immoral.
In my double page spread, the article is
controversial and deals with issues such as
destructive behaviour and drugs. These are
strongly associated with the rock genre in
general, particularly the artists in their lifestyle
and attitudes.
10. DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD
Both images have a dark setting although Liam Gallagher is a studio shot and my image is an
outside shot with fire illumination. They both have a sinister, slightly threatening facial expression
with a direct mode of address directly involving the reader. Both photographs are full body shots with
the artist sitting down. The props used are potentially dangerous – a sword and fire.
In my double page spread the article is
controversial and deals with issues such as
destructive behaviour and drugs. These are the
lifestyles and attitudes that are commonly
associated with rockstars. To increase the
impact on the reader, I have tried to make it
appear to be as if the model is in his own Hell.
The direct eye contact by all models on my
image seems to draw the reader into this world
as does his body language as he leans slightly
forward.
11. DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD
As my main model is dressed in normal outdoor clothes, it allows my readers to identify with him and
indicates that the circumstances in the article could happen to anyone.
On the surface, my male artist is not a good role model for readers.
He represents the idea that most male rockstars have this
destructive, rebellious lifestyle and are not particularly nice people
(aggressive and arrogant). However, my magazine article illustrates
that even the most repulsive people can have good character traits
and a social conscience. It does not show drug taking in a positive
way and it highlights the consequences of this lifestyle e.g. possible
death. My article could start discussions among readers on these
topics that are relevant today. Some might identify with the lifestyle
and aspire to turn their lifestyle around, others may be encouraged
to think about people less fortunate and help others.
12. OTHER SUB-IMAGES I HAVE USED
On my contents page I have included two sub images that reflect the other social groups from my
target audience.
Nathan is dressed stereotypically from the rock genre. He is a young man and
doesn’t look threatening at all with a slight smile on his face. This could
encourage readers not to judge people by their appearance. He has his own
identity and does not follow the current fashion. This could give readers the
courage to dress the way they want to and not feel pressurised by peers into
conforming by wearing fashionable clothes. It’s okay to be different.
I have also included older female models dressed in conventional rock clothing.
They have a carefree facial expression with an indirect mode of address in a
casual full body shot. I wanted to include a happy photograph to reflect that not all
of the rock genre is dark. This shows that older females can dress with an edge
and a rock style that is not extreme and they can therefore keep their own identity
and be accepted in mainstream society.
