1. In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of
real media products?
My media product uses and develops forms and conventions from many real media
products, specifically those of magazines that already are existent; my magazine interprets
many aspects of the very familiar and popular magazines such as, Kerrang, Metal Hammer,
Q and Total Guitar. My magazine typically uses the conventions of various images, fonts and
typefaces, puffs, plugs, masthead, main cover line, secondary cover lines, a structured
layout, cover price, issue number and a barcode etc. In more thorough detail, I have
specifically used a relatively large image for the front cover image, one that is central, yet
takes up majority of the page also; this is significantly important as it is associated with the
main article. The image of the guitar is also quite large and is situated on the left-hand side
of the front cover, it is representative of music. I have uniquely placed various plugs and
puffs to attract the reader to my magazine, these advertising things, including gifts, give-a-
ways, competitions, guides to gigs/concerts and tours. I have also successfully used other
forms of some-what ‘eye catching’ features such as album reviews, free tablature, guides to
singing/vocal, guitar and drum lessons. These are all used effectively throughout all three
things, my front cover, contents page and double page spread.
How does your media product represent particular social groups?
My media product represents social groups that are particular to the stereotypes inflicted
and influenced by teenagers such as ‘Indie’, ‘Emo’ and ‘Skater’ etc… my magazine forcefully
depicts these through the genre/’s of music I have based it upon. My magazine focus’ on the
music genre’s of Metal, Indie, Rock, Punk and Jazz and I have interpreted them into the term
or category ‘real music’, thus term meaning music that specifically uses the basic
instruments, Vocals, Piano, Guitar, Bass, Drums and Brass instruments rather than any
electronic, pre-recorded/ foley sounds.
What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
The kind of media institution/’s that might distribute my media product are simply
publishing companies that already distribute existing products to which are similar to mine
in some way, in this case, more specifically those who distribute music magazines. Take the
UK based company Future Publishing for example; they are successful in distributing a range
of magazines, including music, gaming, photography and gardening magazines etc.
Who would be the audience for your media product?
My target audience would be those who particularly like and prefer the genres of music to
which associate with the term ‘real’ music and those specific of Metal, Indie, Rock Punk etc,
(this was simply collated by means of the results of my questionnaire before the production
of my magazine) and those to a specific age range from mature teens up wards. My
magazine is also quite formal, so it derives an audience of mature and people with a more
‘intellectual’ frame of mind. However, people who just simply like to play instruments or
want to learn to play an instrument could also be a recommended audience as my magazine
initially gives consumers step by step tutorials and free tablature.

2. How did you attract/address your audience?
I attracted and addressed my audience simply by interpreting forms and aspects used by
successful existing magazines into to my own magazine and immediately portraying to
potential consumers what exactly my magazine consisted of and was generally about. I did
this in numerous ways, firstly by using unique fonts, typically shown through my mast head
and main coverline, these are both eye catching and relatively large so this helps. Secondly,
by endorsing techniques, the plugs and puffs to which specifically advertise free gifts and
tablature, lessons and secondary articles within the magazine.
What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?
Within the process of constructing my media product, I have learnt how to successfully use
the photo editing software Photoshop and my photography skills have become more
advanced. I felt at the start of the production of making my magazine that I was completely
useless even though I had used the program several times before. This media project has
most certainly helped with my editing skills and confidence in its entirety.
Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression
from it to the full product?
Looking back at my preliminary task I feel as though I have learnt a substantial amount.
Specifically with my workmanship and skills with the photo editing software, Photoshop I
have also gained a more of a thorough knowledge of the things to which the program
entails, such as advanced editing techniques and subtly and most straight forward adding
and creating effects. I found it relatively difficult to use at the start of the production of my
magazine and now I feel I can use the program confidently.