2. Introduction
Overall, I would like to produce a magazine that looks
professional and possesses all of the qualities that other
magazines posses in order for it to fully obey the codes
and conventions of music magazines that will appeal to
the majority of the individuals within my target audience.
3. Title
• I have decided that I am going to name my magazine AMP,
which stands for, Alternative Music Press. Not only is an
amp a musical device which is in keeping with the fact that it
is a musical magazine; it also tells the audience what genre of
music the magazine will contain. Also, as it is small, it will
enable me to place it easily in the top left hand corner of the
magazine in order for it to be clearly visible when on a shelf,
as is done similarly in Q and NME.
4. Genre
• After researching into NME, Kerrang! And Q, I have
decided that my magazine will cover the
indie/rock/alternative genre. I believe this will work best
as the particular genre is extremely popular, and also, as
I like that particular genre the most and believe that I will
have the most knowledge on this particular music genre.
• I have also decided that I will focus on new artist as well
as old classic bands such as The Smiths and The Sex
Pistols
5. Target Audience
• As I intend to produce a similar style magazine to NME.
I have decided to target my magazine at 16-24 years
olds, who are highly passionate about music and know
what they are talking about. By targeting my magazine at
individuals over 16, I will be able to talk about more racy
subjects in my magazine such as drugs and sex. Also, I
shall try and make the magazine appealing to both male
and female in order to make my magazine as appealing
to all as possible.
6. Front Page
• I wish to place my masthead in the top left hand third of the page so
that it is clearly visible when on a shelf, and also so that the name of
the magazine becomes an image that can be associated with it
easily.
• The copy shall all be written within the same colour, and I shall use
a pull line in the centre of the page, on top of the main image in a
contrasting colour in order to grab the audiences attention.
• I intend to use a limited colour pallet so that a uniformed and mature
look is given to the magazine, as I wish to appeal to young
individuals and professionals it has to look “cool” and appealing.
• I shall use one main image of a medium shot, as magazines such
as Q and NME use this often and it looks professional and
appealing.
7. Contents Page
• I would like to have the articles that are within my
magazine to be divided up into sections, and to be
headed by a sub heading in order for the articles to be
easily found and for it to look organised
• I would like to have one main image, which takes up
most of the page, with a few smaller images around the
outside.
• I intend to continue the limited colour pallet throughout
the magazine in order to continue with a unified
appearance.
8. Double Page Spread
• I shall have one main image on the left hand side of the
double page spread as I have seen magazine like NME
and Q adopt this convention
• I shall write my double page spread in a Q and A form
as through my survey people indicated they prefer them
to be in this way
• I will keep a limited colour pallet throughout so that my
magazine looks professional and recognisable.
9. Images
• Front Cover – After looking at other magazines that are similar to the
magazine I wish to introduce, “Q, NME” I have noticed that often, if it is an individual artist, that a
medium close up of them appears central to the page only, often on a plain background.
Therefore, this is the style I would like to use on my front cover. For example:
• Contents Page – Following the same process when looking at contents pages, I’d like to
follow the same codes and conventions of having one main image, copy being on mainly one
side of a page, and having a number of smaller images next to sub headed sections.
• Article – Articles often have a main image on the left hand side, and the main copy on the
right hand side. Also, I would like to have my main copy to be in the form of questions answers,
with two small opening and concluding paragraph.
10. Images
• Front Cover – After looking at other magazines that are similar to the
magazine I wish to introduce, “Q, NME” I have noticed that often, if it is an individual artist, that a
medium close up of them appears central to the page only, often on a plain background.
Therefore, this is the style I would like to use on my front cover. For example:
• Contents Page – Following the same process when looking at contents pages, I’d like to
follow the same codes and conventions of having one main image, copy being on mainly one
side of a page, and having a number of smaller images next to sub headed sections.
• Article – Articles often have a main image on the left hand side, and the main copy on the
right hand side. Also, I would like to have my main copy to be in the form of questions answers,
with two small opening and concluding paragraph.
