3. Masthead Dominant font with a drops shadow effect, sets the scene for the magazine, and will provide a running consistency throughout, with the use of the font “Market Deco”. Flasher The flasher gives something extra and tells the target audience more. The use of the colloquialism makes the magazine informal, and chatty, whilst also informing the reader about a current event Dominating image This mid-shot of two people in my band dominates the page. It directly addresses the reader, and the use of eye contact establishes a relationship between the reader, and magazine. Barcode, date, issue number and price Makes the magazine look professional and authentic. Used as it makes it easy for the reader to know when the magazine was produced, and how much it is. It adds convenience, an attractive factor for the audience. Pull Quote Pull quotes are used to “literally pull” the reader into looking at the magazine. This line briefly raises the point of what will be the main point surrounding the Accidental Discoveries article, enticing the reader with further- relevant information of what will be in the magazine. THE MAIN COVER LINE This almost mirrors the main image so that everyone can relate to this big, bold text and the image together. The fact that they are both in the middle of the screen alone suggests importance and the reader instantly knows the main point of the magazine. Footer The footer gives extra information found inside the magazine. In this case it list some new music and the fact that the 2012 Festival dates. It is a chance to add some more information, without the page looking cluttered and disorientated.
4. Masthead Cover Lines Pull Quote Rule of thirds Dominant Image Barcode/Price/Website Footer S i m i l a r i t i e s 1. In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
5. 1. In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products? D i s - s i m i l a r i t i e s Main Image I have decided to feature 2 people in the band, and then show the others inside the magazine Title/Issue/Date I have put this at the top of my magazine for ease to the customer, whereas NME put it under the masthead My band are an indie band, compared to “The Enemy”, who are more a rock band.
6. Why I have used similarities/made changes For my front cover, I was looking to emulate and change things that I have learned from the style of NME. Similarities are quite universal to all magazines, in the way that they all have a masthead, footer, dominating image, etc. However I have tried to manipulate this into my own style. Differences are something that I have chosen to do. For example, I have chosen to show only half of my band on the front cover. I have done this because I think it is good to keep the element of surprise. By doing this, the readers know that there will be ore featured inside the magazine. NME don’t normally do this, and I have challenged the conventions of normal published magazines, and I think it has worked. Also, I have put my flasher in the right third of the page, towards the top. NME always have theirs in the left third, normally covering the artist. I dislike this, and think it takes away from the dominating image. Once again, I have chosen to challenge the trend taken by my inspiration magazine NME, and I think it has worked. My flasher works to good effect, is dominating, even if it is not where conventional magazines would place it. to existing products (NME)
8. 1. In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products? Masthead My masthead follows the same theme as the contents page, with the red, white and black colour scheme Main Image(s) I have used a variety of edited images. They compose half of the contents page, and give an illustrative and informative point of view on the contents page. Band List This is the part of the magazine where NME and other magazines have traditional band lists. It is a helpful guide for the consumer, and instantly shows what is inside the magazine. Editor’s comment This is the editors introduction to the magazine. It uses informal, colloquial language to appeal to the reader, and it produces anticipation so that the consumer looks forward to reading it. Competition Competitions or latest offers frequently appear on contents pages. It is a good way to entice the reader in further, as every one likes a promotional offer. Date The date is used as a useful informative, so the consumer knows what issue it is from.
9. S i m i l a r i t i e s 1. In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products? Layout I have emulated the layout of this version of NME. I liked the consistence, and thought that the balance of text and images was just right. Colour Theme Editor’s comment Promotional offer Masthead Band List
10. 1. In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products? D i s - s i m i l a r i t i e s Images Count I haven't used quite as many images as NME, mainly because I didn’t want my contents page to be overly image dominated, but I think I have the right balance Slight change to band list I have done an “up and coming” section of real indie boy bands that are up and coming in music. I think this adds realism, and gives people a chance to see acts that they wouldn’t normally have heard of. Separators I have used black lines to separate my various components, and I think the double black line effect gives it a crisp feel.
11. Why I have used similarities/made changes to existing products (NME) As in the front cover, the similarities are relatively conventional to a normal magazine. For example an editors comment, and a band list. However one main similarity I have emulated is the layout. I like the fact it has been separated, and this way the rule of thirds has been observed correctly too. There are some differences as well too. I have mainly changed current conventions to adhere to my target audience. NME has a much wider age range than myself, with mine being from 16-24. Because of this, I have done things like used black line separators. In my profile group, it was stated that they don’t want a “cluttered” magazine, and by doing this, I have given it a more crisp feel.
13. 1. In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products? Layout Split into 2 half pages, a dominating image then a text article spilt up with smaller images, to ensure image domination Band name Gives an easy to see detail of which band is in the issue Pull Line Literally pulls the reader in, with an attractive line from the magazine Article The article gives a small insight into the bands life, and some gossip Dominating Image There is a dominating image, to ensure the reader clearly knows who the article is about Drop Cap Conventional, and draws in the reader 3 conventional columns
14. S i m i l a r i t i e s 1. In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products? D i s - s i m i l a r i t i e s Took inspiration for the mise-en-scene from this magazine article. A liked the image, and thought it would be a good way to emulate it in my magazine. Flasher- I have put in a flasher saying Majestic loves, like the NME loves. I think it is a good way to pull in the reader, if we love it then you will to. Information box- A good way to get to know the band more, and provides further informative text Drop Cap- Conventional, and a good way to catch the readers attention to the article Column shaped layout- I preferred this layout, and I think it makes it easier to read. It also applies the rule of thirds principle better Selection of smaller images- I think this further breaks up the text, and makes it more image dominated, a key feature of any conventional magazine.
15. Why I have used similarities/made changes to existing products (NME) In my double page spread, I have used existing conventions from the NME double page spreads. For example, I have emulated the mise-en-scene that was used in “The Teenagers” edition of the magazine. I have used this because I think it is effective way of the band looking chilled out and cool- a key feature of indie culture. Going to the differences, I have as column shaped layout, instead of a pure block of text. Once again, in my profile magazine, my audience asked for a magazine that wasn’t “cluttered”. So I have written the article in clear columns, using double line separators, just as I did in the contents. This is for two reasons. Firstly, the columns prevent that cluttered feel and gives room to read, and secondly the columns keep a reoccurring theme running from the contents page. This is important to have a running theme as it prevent the magazine looking too different on each part. It needs to look similar. Also, to prevent the “cluttered” feel, I have used some smaller images featuring the band on the double pae spread also. This separates the text, and gives more fore the readers to look at than a massive page of text.
16. Question 2 How does your media product represent particular social groups?
17. How does your media product represent particular social groups? The Traditional indie look has always been about glasses, tees, chinos, posing, good appearance, earrings It is traditional aimed around white 16-20 year olds They are traditional festival people, and spend a lot of money on their appearance Challenging the trend I have chosen to challenge the normal trend of indie rock. I think that nowadays there is a wider range of indie rock on the market, and it is not just the normal characteristics, as suggested here. There are many new bands that take perspectives from rock, pop and indie. In my band, I have someone who follows the stereotype. I have one who subverts it, and wears sporting clothing I have a middle man, someone who wears neutral clothing something also becoming more popular these days. Different areas of society represented in my band In my band, I have a group of different people in my band, regardless of social background. 1 of the members of my band represents socio economic group D, who lives in a maisonette. The other two have higher earning abilities, but in my opinion indie music is not about how much money you have, or the wealth that is available to you.
18. Challenging the stereotype There are a number of reasons I have chosen to challenge the current stereotype associated with indie music. The first is because I wanted a wider range of people in my band. I think it is good to have a wide range of people in my band. Also, there wasn’t enough time to gather a full group of indie people in correct dress wear too. However, this gives me chance to reflect on what I would have done if Ii had more time. I would have spent more time trying to gather a more authentic boy band. My social group Also, I have tried to emulate, through my mise-en-scene how my target audience (aged 16-24) would act. In the NME version, the “Teenagers” band are lying on a bed, chilling. I wanted to try and bring that element of coolness to my magazine. I think because I have tried to bring in realism in this particular mise-en-scene. This is very much how my target audience act in real life, so hopefully this may create a realistic relationship between my audience and the magazine.
19. Question 3 What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
20. Some examples of magazines produced by Bauer Media and IPC Bauer IPC
21. IPC would be very suitable for a new music magazine because of its multi-million pound organization. For example, in 2000, they changed their name from IPC magazine to IPC media, and this incentive allowed them to become an organization focused on being a brand-centric business. They would probably publish any music magazine, as long as they saw its full potential. Their most popular music magazine, NME is multi general these days. Bauer media might be a better choice publisher than IPC due to its concentration into the specific music magazine market. Where IPC publish a range of magazines, Bauer focus on TV and music, and have such brands as Kerrang and POP, arguably the 2 biggest music magazines in the UK. What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why? http://www.ipcmedia.com/ This is the link to the IPC media website. It shows all of the magazines that it famously produces and I think my magazine would fit in well, if IPC produced it. http://www.bauermedia.co.uk This is the link to the Bauer media website. Once again I think that they would be a good candidate if I was to formally produce my magazine
22. Question 4 Who would the audience be for your media product?
23. Who would the audience be for your media product? Strengths that were named from target audience feedback: “ Good manipulation of images” “ Good variety of images” See also, video
25. From looking at my profile group answers, and my questionnaire results, this is how I attracted my audience for my front cover: On the front cover the audience wanted: A dominating main image, that will contain the band that will be featured inside the article. This was identified by the profile group, and I think I have done this. I have involved two members of the band, and left the readers waiting to see the rest of the band, which builds anticipation The profile group also identified that they think that the front cover should not be over-cluttered with information and images. I have made a dominating image, with a main sell line, a flasher, a masthead, a footer, and the barcode essentials The questionnaire also stated that 60% of those interviewed read NME regularly. Having read this, I have taken my main inspiration from NME. I have stuck with a three colour them, a top right hand cornered masthead, and a flasher in the top right and corner- all conventions that NME follow.
26. From looking at my profile group answers, and my questionnaire results, this is how I attracted my audience for my contents page: Looking at the audience profile group, the audience wanted an editors pick. I have included one of these in the top left hand corner, just as NME would, but added a new editor etc. Also, the profile group identified that they want a feature on the band dominating the right hand side of the page, with a conventional band list taking up the middle third. I believe that I have achieved this with good affect. I have used the left third to feature on the band, and the middle third on the band list. From the questionnaire results, it was identified that 60% of those who took the survey thought vochers were a good idea. I have included a promotional subscription offer on the contents page, so my audience will have been attracted by this.
27. From looking at my profile group answers, and my questionnaire results, this is how I attracted my audience for my double page spread: The audience profile group said that they wanted a dominating image, with some smaller images surrounding the text, while keeping it conventional. I have managed to achieve this point, I have the dominating image on the left, with the interview, and a few smaller images that break up the interview, and keep it image dominated. From the profile group, they stated that it would be a good idea to use a clear, crisp font style. I think I have achieved this point, and through the use of the red and black, Arial font I have achieved a cool, professional looking text font
28. Question 6 What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?
29. I used Photoshop to edit all of my images and effects that I wanted to use in my magazine. As a result of new internet capabilities, it has been made easier to produce and distribute social medians easily, and quickly. Companies like Bauer and IPC produce these magazines using desktop publishing, the same as I did, and it has given me a better insight as to the means needed to try and produce a mainstream magazine. I used indesign to present the various parts of my magazine. Blogger was used to present my magazine and the various components, like research and planning Microsoft PowerPoint has been used to present my research and planning, and evaluation Microsoft word was used to present my stages of development, and other parts of my magazine Internet explorer was used to use all of the sites. Scribd was used to present my stages of development on Blogger Slideshare has been used to show all of my PowerPoint's on the blog
30. Using Photoshop Here, I have used Photoshop to edit my images. Here, I have adjusted the levels to give my front cover image a spotlight effect. Photoshop has been the programme that I have used to edit all of my images.
31. Using Photoshop During the making process of my magazine, all of the font I have used from the website “Dafont” have been edited in Photoshop, as shown above
32. Question 7 Looking back on your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learned in the progression from it to the full cover
33. This is my preliminary task front cover, and my final product. I think my skills have developed since then. In my preliminary task, I have used a range of fonts, not followed conventions, used random image distortion, a poor masthead and a inconsistent colour scheme. However, in my final product, I have used a bold masthead, a clear barcode- with date and issue number, a dominating cover line, with a pull quote, a flasher, a consistent colour scheme, and a footer. In my college magazine, I have not followed any conventions, and I think that this is reflected. They are all my own ideas, which now look unprofessional and jumbled. Whereas, for my final product, I have followed conventions of an inspiration magazine (NME) and this has made it look more professional and market worthy
34. Development of Editing skills These are some of the skills, that I have enhanced throughout the making of my product. Levels effect, as shown on the left. Allows me to adjust the levels of the image to give a moodier feel- a convention of indie. On the right, I am using the drop shadow effect on the masthead title. Following my audience research and recent conventions, it seems that the masthead needs to be big and bold, and the drop shadow tool has allowed me to intensify this effect. In this image, I am using the stamp tool to blotch out an existing company name. It is important to know that you are not allowed to feature other companies work in a production of your own, and I thought that this was a good way to get around the problem. Also it added to my knowledge of Photoshop skills.
35. Development of Editing skills In this image, I have adjusted the brightness and contrast to give the image that extra crispness. I feel that by doing this, it makes it look like more of a professional shot, and adds authenticity, because it is something a magazine producer would do.
36. I feel that I have created a magazine of sufficient authenticity that would appeal to a magazine producer. I think I have included the correct balance of genre conventions and my own ideas to create my magazine. I took important stages like carrying out a research questionnaire and using a profile group, so I could adhere my magazine to the needs of my audience. This is highlighted in some of the feedback given. (See question 4) I have enhanced my skills in image distortion, and by using a range of media packages, and introducing the aspect of using a blog to store my developments, I now have greater knowledge in what is needed to create a music magazine. Summary
