1. In what ways does your media
product use, develop or
challenge forms and
conventions of real media
product?
2. Font and Style
Deciding on the different fonts and typography's I'm going to use is very important aspect to consider
and think through thoroughly when producing a magazine. They will need to fit in perfect and every
element needs to have a purpose on why I have chosen it and included it in my magazine. The main
aim needs to be readable and attracts the audience. I went into a lot of research on typography, as I
wanted to select a font that was readable, simple and represents my genre, this was common of all
magazines I analysed. Magazines such as Vibe and billboard use fonts both sans serif and serif
depending on the article and what they were writing about, however it is mainly sans serif. So then for
my magazine I decided to go use ‘Calibri’ font for the text; this is because there is going to be a large
about of text on my double page spread and contents, and the font can not be too big, therefore I
needed something that was very simple and a sans serif font, which allowed the text to be read very
easily and fast. I used this font for all the small and large amount of text, I was inspired by the
convention that many magazines in general tend to use the same font throughout their magazine to
add to the smoothness and stability of the product, and my aim was to follow this convention.
The colour of my magazine is consistent throughout all my pages. I used the colours burgundy, black
and white, as seen in the Vibe and R&B magazine. It was also my target audience choice this is because
through my survey they chose dark colour such as these being their favourite and most attractive. For
my double page spread I felt as I needed to develop on this convention because I believe not adding a
simple touch of new colour would make my target audience bored. Therefore when these three
colours, I added a little bit of gold just to make the double page spread stand out a little more and the
audience won’t be bored of seeing the same thing. This is the link to my house style decisions:
http://www.slideshare.net/doaael/house-style-for-my-magazine-
59313451?ref=http://doaa6613.blogspot.co.uk/2016_02_01_archive.html
3. Masthead– codes and conventions
My magazine is called ‘VOLUME’ this is because my magazine is all about R&B music and anything that evolves R&B.
Therefore I believe that ‘VOLUME’ was appropriate as it refers to music and especially R&B, this is because when
listing to this type of music the ‘volume’ needs to be turned up, referring back to the R&B style loud. The audience
will instantly know the magazine has got to do with music as the name relates to sound. The name is different and
needs the audience to think a little before know what type of music genre it relates to, which would encourage
people to pick up the magazine, as they feel curious and want to find out more. My magazine includes of exclusive
stories and interviews of the world’s best R&B artists. It is also one word making it short and snappy therefore easy
to remember. This is a key convention that I have followed will trying to come up with a name, as most R&B magazine,
such as ‘Vibe’ and ‘R&B’. I haven't used any props this is because in my other images I tried out using headphones and
microphone however the image looked very unprofessional and not good looking. Also through my research I did not
see any R&B magazine using these props or any other props on their front cover and contents. In terms of style and
layout of my masthead; it is also very similar to Vibe. I located it on top, going across the whole width of my magazine.
This is because it really makes it stand out and grabs the audience attention.
The font I choose is ‘Eras Bold ITC’ this is because it is a bold, sans serif font and much easier for the audience to read
and understand it. When considering the style , I wanted something that will stand out, look professional and follow
the conventions if R&B magazines, therefore I choose the following font. As through my research all R&B and most of
other music genre magazines have their mastheads bold with a sans serif font, which is a convention that I have
followed, which not only does it follow the conventions but reflect on my audience as loud with bold attitudes, which
relates to this genre. In terms of colour that I have chosen it is my target audiences choice and following the
conventions of R&B style. Here I will be mainly explaining about the conventions as in the next questions where it
asks how I have attracted my target audience I will be going to further detail about how these colours link to them.
The colours of the masthead are shades of red (burgundy to lighter red) and black. I had to make sure the colours I
use are no more than 3 colours, as this was a convention that I can across when analysing and searching through R&B
mastheads. This simplicity adds to the professionalism and the ability for readers it. The colours are quite dark
because my audience wanted this when I conducted the survey and through my research all of R&B mastheads were
dark. Furthermore, I added a few effects in order to make the masthead unique compared to the rest but still
following the conventions. Inside of making the masthead on shade of colour. I used the ‘gradient tool’ to allow to
make shades of that one colour.
4. Magazines Bold
(Noticeable)
Position
(top & across width
of the page)
Behind or in front image Masthead on the contents page
Vibe Yes Yes Behind Yes
Volume (my
masthead)
Yes Yes Behind Yes
Billboard Yes Yes Behind Yes
Comparisons They are all
bold and
noticeable.
Due to the
fonts and
colours used.
They are all
positioned across the
width of the
magazines. This
makes the masthead
standout and easier
to read.
Yes for both magazines the model is
always in front of the masthead and I
have followed this. My models head
slightly hides the masthead, which
indicates that it is already fairly well-
known. As due to its fame and
recognisability readers are able to
understand what it says.
They have the masthead placed on
the contents page. This allows the
audience to remember the names, as
they keep seeing it. Also Q magazines
have their masthead on nearly every
page I know this as I analysed other
music genres before decided which
genre I will be doing.
Overall, I have conformed to the codes and conventions of a magazines. I have also followed taken some ideas and
turned them into my own ideas such as the design (colour) of the masthead.
I made the centre of the masthead red, gradually becoming lighter read. I was inspired by Vibes masthead. As on some
of their magazines they have the bottom of the masthead black going up to red. I used this idea and changed it to my
own. I also added a very thin black stoke to make the masthead looks sharper and bolder. I also added a very light black
shadow , this enables the logo to stand out even more on the front cover making in the reader’s face and won’t look
flat. I have also experimented with other logos and names, which are placed on the side of this slide. I have decided to
go with this name for the reasons I have just explained. In this link: http://www.slideshare.net/doaael/house-style-for-
my-magazine-59313451 there is a presentation that shows all my ideas.
5. Masthead- codes
and conventions
Billboard and Vibe magazine have done the same
thing and this is where I could my idea from. I
noticed that the first and earlier editions of the
magazine would generally have the object behind
the masthead, this is to allow
the audience to familiarises themselves with the
name. However, through later editions I have the
noticed how this has developed by having the
image at the front of the masthead. As the
magazine have become more popular and
successful. Therefore I wanted the
target audience and other people to see my
magazine in such away, and this is why I had done in
like this. It also look more visually pleasing to the
eye. In terms of the colour for the masthead I have
decided on making fade from dark burgundy in light
towards the centre as I found that makes
the masthead look a lot more attractive and grabs
the audience attention. I took this ides from vibe
magazine as they do they sometimes, as
seen through the first image. I have done into
more detail about what I did and why I deigned my
masthead in this way in my previous posts. The way
I designed it is the same process as my other text
and image. Which is through adding effects, just
how I have explained it at the start for my image.
6. Mise-en-scene- Front cove image
This use of images in my magazine plays a big role, as they are the main aspects in a magazine to attract
the audience and this is the first element they see especially on a front cover. Therefore, it is really
important to think carefully about ever element that evolves the front images, such as costume, props,
position, facial expression and gesture. It also represents the magazine’s style ad ideologies.
I used on person for my main which is male, therefore I needed to dress him in a way that will reflect on
the R&B genre of the magazine, this will enable the audience to instantly tell it is an R&B magazine who
and what the model is wearing if they do not know the artist. I told exactly what my model should wear.
In this case, black T-shirt, necklace (chain), watch, bracelets and black trousers. However the trousers I
did not really mind as it wouldn’t show due to the shot I took, which is a medium shot. These clothing
reflect the R&B style which consists of mostly casual and day-to-day clothing, especially with the chain,
and black T-shirt which generally staple features of an R&B enthusiast. As R&B listeners and artist are
really into chains and wearing really comfortable items. The black T-shirt conveniently reflects the
colours of my house style as I have used black and looks really nice with the burgundy and white colours.
Also the folded hands convey the confident and assured personality which is generally associated with
the R&B genre. This is also reinforced through his facial expressions as he isn’t smiling , but has a straight
face looking directly at the camera. This also relates to the theory said my Jacques Lacan ‘Ideal I or Ideal-
ego’ in which the audience may want to aspire to look like Matt Blake who is good looking and
successful. The light and effect of black and white makes the detailing and his skin to look bright , which
reinforces the idea of high clarity. Also the tattoos that I have photo shopped add to the R&B style as
most of R&B artist are into tattoos and have tattoos on.
I also took advantage of the white backdrop behind the model when taking my images so it was really
easy for me to edit the background and create my own that goes will and makes the image stand out. I
made sure the background isn’t too busy because throughout my research I found that all background
are simple and plain colours. I followed this convention by making the background grey gradually
becoming white. This also made the masthead and cover lines stand out due to the simplicity. The black
colour signifies power, elegancy and mystery, which almost symbolic to his story (double page spread).
The shot I took my model with is medium shot, this is because I just wanted to capture his waist
upwards. I took this image in the media studio, As I professional lighting which made it easy for me to
capture a prefect image. I didn’t feel the bottom part of him and clothing was important to capture as
this wouldn’t really represent the style. It is also a convention that I followed as many music magazines
and especially R&B used a medium shot or medium close-up. Therefore I have developed this
convention into my own front cover, and especially through the use of mise-en-scene, made sure that
my front cover image was effective .
7. Mise-en-scene- Contents page
For my contents page image I was inspired by Vibe magazine, as the models pose and arm really looked good and
created the felling of curiousness in me as I wanted to find out more. Therefore I wanted to make my target
audience feel the same. I also really liked the idea as it links perfectly to my cover story, double page spread
(about a women, he’s in love) women’s hand and the heart shape. I decided to make it back and white as I
wanted to keep a theme between the front cover and contents page I will also be doing this for double page
spread. Hands in his pockets suggest he is relaxed and a calm, laid back person. As for the use of direct address it
grabs the audience attention and makes them feel as the model is speaking to them. In terms of the hand, I made
the model make her hand looking as if she was grabbing on to the heart, this connotes she is wild referring back
to love (crazy in love). I did not use any props as through out my research R&B magazines did not contain images
of people with microphones, headphones or any of these features. Using the same model makes everything
contentious and shows he is the main artist and therefore the cover story is about him.
In terms of costume, the model is dressed in in a white shirt, blazer, watch and black trousers which isn't
showing a lot as he shot I have taken him in is a medium shot again. This emphasises the other side of R&B as not
only do they dress in the way I have shown in front and double page spread images but when it comes to smart
this is their way of style. They do not really wear ties or bows. I have seen this through my research and the Vibe
contents page shows the conventions of me following R&B magazine that I was inspired by. In R&B magazines I
can add more than one image on the contents page, however it is more common convention to only add one
image, I also decided to go for this style because I wanted the audience to concentrate on this specific image
only. For the background I kept it plain making it dark grey getting lighter towards the bottom this is the similar to
my front cover same colour but opposite direction of shade. I did this because I wanted to keep the theme of the
magazine; as it is very important to keep a theme of the magazine to give it a sense of professionalism and when
the reader see my magazine they will feel a sense of consistency while reading through them magazine.
During my research I found that my target audience were most interested in a music magazine is interviews with
artists and upcoming events. Therefore I will be planning to put these two feature under the features column as I
would like to have a few features on these features. The other content will placed under the features column.
Through my research on R&B magazine I found out their contents pages only include features column and 1-3
pages on fashion. However in the questionnaire I conducted my target audience said they wanted reviews as it
interested them a lot. Therefore to please and engage my target audience and keep on track with the codes and
conventions of an R&B magazine I will add only 2 pages one reviews. This will allow me to give my target
audience what they are interested in and I won’t be going totally against the conventions of the R&B magazines.
8. Mise-en-scene- Double page spread
For my double page spread image, I made sure the image is interesting and links well with the article. This is so it grabs
the audience attention, I made sure I think very carefully about what would attract my target audience, link to my article
and follow the conventions. I took two different images and put them together to create my final outcome. The shot I
used is a medium shot to capture the model and legs of the women. I did not use any props that are visibly showing on
the image, but I have used a chair for the model to sit on, I came up with tis idea I was going through R&B magazines. As
soon I the image being used as front cover for a magazine I instantly realised it will definitely link to my article, therefore I
decided to create my own. This follows the conventions of an R&B magazine as women are usually being objectified. By
using the legs; the man sat looking directly at the camera, suggest he is relaxing and doesn't care about the women,
whereas she is walking towards him this link to John Berger's theory ‘Men look, women appear’, and to my article
mystery women. As for the background and colour of the image (black & white) I kept it the same as my other images,
because I want it to be contentious and for it to all link together, this will infer to the audience all the images have a link
from one to another, which it does.
In terms of costume, the model is wearing black jumper, jeans, chain necklace with skull; the women has black tights and
wearing heels. This links to the R&B genre as they sue dark colours and my target audience wanted me to use dark
colours as they aren’t to bright colourful images. The use of jewellery re-emphasises the R&B style and what they love.
This also links to my other images. Not only that by thought out my research the costumes used in the images are dark
simply colours and design, therefore I decided to follow this convention. Given that the images of existing magazines
rarely manipulate their images the way I did to mine, however, I felt that this was necessary in emphasising the story
within my DPS.
9. Models
In terms of people that I have chosen to model for me, I did
not use too many people as I wanted my magazine to look
professional and believable as possible. The model that I have
chosen to be in all three of my pages: front cover, contents and
double page spread, suited my genre and the role he had to be
in young R&B adult. The model is an 19 year old which
definitely suits the role od young R&B adult, as he also looks
older therefore I was able to give him an older age, when
talking about him in my double page spread. This also suit my
magazine as my target audience are young people who want to
know stories about artist similar ages to them and older. This
made the magazine and headline believable. The mise-en-
scene also helped him look the part, and following the
conventions. I also used a girl aged 18 in order for me to take
images of her legs. This is an appropriate ages as she was tall
and skinny, following the conventions of R&B women and ideal
beauty.
When looking at other front cover images, it was easy to tell
the models personality. For example, Chris Brown shown in the
front cover below, is known for his greatest R&B albums but
also confident, assured person, through his folded hands and
direct address. I had done the same for my model which
emphasises the same personality, and the costume further
reflects this.
10. Written Content
The written content is the most important part of the magazine, this is because I will need to focus of my target
audience and attract in the most possible way. I used specific language to enable my target audience to understand it
easily and will grab their attention. Before beginning to write up the text for my double page spread I made sure I
analysed and research many double page spread contents. This allowed me to make sure I was aware of all the different
techniques. I need to include a lot of different facts and interesting questions about the artist personal life. This is
because in Vibe and billboard magazine they used these time of questions in order to grab the audience attention. As
my target audience are interested in knowing artist personal exclusive information. They also use headlines that do not
give the read much information but just enough to make them want to read the article. For example, ‘when mars
attacks’ this gets the reader knowing its about the artist Bruno Mars but what do they mean by attacked. Which makes
the reader want to find out more. A key convention I need to follow was add an introduction before writing up the
article as I have seen this in all double page spreads that I searched and analysed.
More language devices such as alliteration, rhetorical questions, pronouns are all used in my double page spread
interview. I took this from the research I did before on language devices used within different magazines. For example in
my double page spread I used alliteration for my title ‘sex, secrets and songs’ to grab the audience attention and allow
them to remember it.
I also used appealing language on my front cover such as ‘FREE’, ‘You decided’ or question to get the audience thinking.
This enables the audience to bond with the magazine.
11. Layout- Front coverIt is really important to know where every element of the front cover should be placed, as this considers the importance's and what they are, as
everything has a reason on why it’s placed in that specific place. Through my research into magazine layouts such as Vibe, Billboard R&B and much
more other genres, to help me compare and place everything correctly. I need to make sure the layout for my front cover to be following the
conventions and looking professional. If I don’t not do so then my magazine will look unprofessional and the audience would not want to buy a magazine
with over-crowded and unorganised layout. Very important conventions that is followed by nearly every music magazine is the masthead. Needs to be
located at the top of the page. On how big and what side its placed on that depends on the name and magazine. For example Q magazine place it on the
top left corner because it is a very short name consisting of only one letter, therefore it can not take up the width of the magazine. Whereas mine it is
short as its only on word, however consists of more letters therefore I was able to follow Vibe or billboard a magazine, by placing at the top of the
magazine, spread across the width of the magazine. Placing at the top suggests importance and will grab the audience attention. Going against this
convention will make the audience confused as they are used to seeing it at the top and will decreases it importance. In terms of centre image I made
the top of it (models head) slightly covering part of the masthead, as seen in most magazines suggesting the magazine is famous and well known. It also
keeps the attention on the main image as it is the main selling point and what grabs the attention of audience instantly. I placed the image in the centre
slightly more to the left, as this is the convention of where it should be placed. It enables the audience to see it immediately and stands out.
For the cover lines I placed them to the side of the image this more optional on where you want the cover lines to go. However they will need to be
placed around the images, in order for them to link. Through my research I have seen this in nearly every magazine, but the placement of the cover line
varies depending on the image and content. For the main cover line this also depends on the issue, however through my research on R&B magazines
most of the cover lines where placed in the centre towards the bottom of the page, or the side. But I decided to go with the centre as I felt this stood out
more and for this specific issue it also looked better. In addition, I added a pull quote to grab the audience attention and give them something to allow
them to approach the magazine. I placed it underneath the main cover line, this is because through my research the pull quote is normal placed
underneath or near the feature that it is related to. Therefore I have followed this convention and placed underneath the cover line, which is the name
of the artist, suggesting it is said by him. I decided to place the barcode vertically on the bottom left corner as I have seen this in many R&B and other
existing magazines. This is a convention I had to follow so I ensure that my magazine, looked as professional and as believable as possible. It is also away
from the text so doesn’t distract or take away the attention.
12. Layout- Contents
When it came to creating my contents page, I made sure that I follow the conventions and keep referring back to the layout I created in my
planning. The most magazine that I was inspired by was Vibe, as I created a very similar contents page this enable to follow all the
conventions of and R&B contents page. I decided to go for this specific page because it looked very professional, wasn’t over-crowded or
busy and will interest my target audience. I made it really simple by adding the number and the title next to then a little bit of explanation
about the page. but to make it stand out I decided to make the colour different to the title. For title of the page I decided to call it
‘CONTENTS’ because this was a convention and many of the contents pages I analysed called it that. Therefore I decided to go with this
convention and do the same. In addition, the masthead/logo I placed it at the top left corner of the magazine as it looked the best and
would show importance because it is at the top. I also saw all magazine include the masthead in there magazine, which is a convention I
followed. In terms of colour I made the title in burgundy so it follows the colour scheme. However I made it one plain colour because the
masthead needed to look better and stand out more.
For the contents I placed one after the other beside the main image in order for it to be read easily and people will know which part to
read next. I did not add any other background I used the same on as they one for my image. Placed it so it takes up the whole page. The
colour I used are burgundy for the titles and white for the rest of the description this is because it goes will with the background and allows
the text to stand out and be easily read. I developed this as in Vibe magazine they kept the text in all on colour. However I though that it
needed to stands out therefore I added a little more colour. I also ensured that the amount of pages I included in my magazine was
appropriate for an average magazine.
I did not include the editor’s comments because I didn’t see this on Vibe magazine, however on others yeas, therefore I decided not to
included them as it wasn’t very important. It also ruined the magazine and there wasn’t enough space. I did not want to place it at the top
of the image because the ruined it and won’t stand out as much.
13. Layout- Double page spread
For the double page spread I started of by doing the same as my other pages, referring back to my layout planning. the first convention I followed is the
continuity of the page which shows the professionalism of the magazine. I used the same house till, which is the burgundy, white and black colour.
However I added a little bit of gold to make it stand out and my target audience won’t get bored, which means I have developed this convention. In terms
of font it is the same as my contents page which is ‘Calibri’, this will enable to the audience to familiarise themselves with the house style. I changed the
outfit of my artist to what he was wearing in pervious pages because it wouldn’t interest my audience if they see the same thing repetitively, so they need
something new. Therefore I developed on this convention as I kept everything the same and the artist however changed the clothing. As some magazine
tend to keep the same clothing of the artist as well. For the page numbers I made sure there is enough pages for this magazine and not too much that will
get my audience bored, as they are quite young. I based my magazine on Vibe which is a monthly magazine, however I included less pages because, my
target audience are little younger than Vibe. I placed the double page spread half way through the magazine which is normally placed.
For the masthead I placed it at the top of the page to grab the audience attention as through my research as the title is always placed at the top, to grab
the attention of audience. I used alliteration for my title which I explained in in my written content. For the pull quote, I placed it in the centre of article this
is because I have seen it through out my research on double page spreads, therefore I followed this convention. It also grabs the attention as it bigger than
the rest of the text, so the reader will is it instantly before anything else.
I also added a drop cap feature at the start of my text, which is another convention which I have seen in my double page spreads and now I am following. I
added a curvy letter and not bold because I wanted to added something different a little as everything else was bold. I liked this as it looked authentic and
definitely directs the readers attention towards the text. I have also added a CD on the top left of the left page, this is because through my article I was
speaking about the artist latest album, therefore I decided to add the CD in order for it to link with the article. I made the size small because I did not want
it to seem as I am advertising the CD. Through my research I looked at the codes and convention however there wasn’t any conventions to follow because
the design of the CD could depend on the artist and their preferences, same goes for the CD layout on the double page spread. However through out all
the R&B CD’s I saw they only included an image, name of the artist and album, so for the reason I added the same.
Overall, I have mostly followed the conventions and developed some however I haven’t really went against any conventions. Further features that I
decided to use were based on the decisions I made in the follows criteria grid. In this link: http://doaa6613.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/criteria-grid.html
