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1. Evaluation Question 1
In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms
and conventions of real media products?

2. • I chose to draw most of the inspiration for my magazine from The
Fader. Because of this my magazine has used many of the conventions
The Fader displays.

3. • My Masthead follows the same conventions as the Fader’s masthead. The fonts
used are similar and they are both positioned at the top of the page in the largest
font on the cover. This ensures that potential readers notice the magazine on the
shelf as the title of it will be sticking out at the top and remain visible if the
magazine is stacked behind others. Readers will remember the title of the
magazine easier if it is bold and stands out, this could create brand loyalty but
only if the content is good. A convention I haven’t followed is the use of a
coloured square being placed behind the first letter of the masthead, I didn’t feel
it added any appeal to my cover.

4. • The layout of my contents page is almost completely inspired by the
Fader contents page. It uses basically all the conventions of it and that
is obvious when you look at mine next to the example image. The
layout of my cover uses a lot of the conventions used by the example
Fader cover. The placement of the masthead is very similar. The
secondary cover lines are in a similar position and under a “+” like on
the example Maceo edition. The layout of my double page spread
uses many of the conventions of the example double page spread I’ve
given. One page is focussed on an image of the artist then the other
page is full of text. I used this convention as I like the simple layout, it
makes the article look more appealing to read in my opinion. I also
used the convention of putting the issue number on the cover next to
the mast head as I thought it looked appealing in that position whilst
also giving the reader information on the issue. Images to support
this slide follow on the next one.

6. • I have been conventional with camera work and the framing of my
images. My cover features a mid-shot of the artist which is a common
shot type used on Fader covers however on the example here a close
up is used which is also a conventional shot used for magazine covers.
• I styled my artist in a conventional way to how hip hop artists are
usually styled in magazines. My artist is wearing chains and
sunglasses which are typical accessories of rappers. The Fader styles
rappers in a similar way which can be seen on my blog where I have
used other Fader magazines as examples.

7. • My article header is conventional to The Fader’s article header as it is
in a different font to the rest of the text on the two pages. This makes
it stand out to the reader so they are drawn in to read. The double
page spread is also the main feature of the magazine so
conventionally should have a title that makes it stand out if the reader
is just flicking through the issue.

8. • Hip Hop as a genre I think has become more laid back and less “in your face”. The
simple layout of The Fader magazine represents the current state of hip hop well
in my opinion. That is why I chose to model my magazine based on The Fader.
There is very little text on the cover or contents of my magazine which is
conventional to the Fader and executes the representation of hip hop I’m aiming
for. The genre is more relaxed and broad as a whole which is why a simple layout
is needed. The images used in my magazine are conventional to modern rap
magazines such as The Fader as they show how broad rap is now. One of my
images has two grime artists with the stereotyped rapper image of a thug then
another has a picture of a rapper with indie style sunglasses on and a smile on his
face.

9. • The colour scheme of the cover of the example Fader magazine
matches the artist well as it gives the issue a raw, urban feel.
Conventionally the colour scheme of modern rap magazine covers
should give an indicator of the type of artist on it. My magazine I
believe uses this convention as “Cassanova” is quite an elusive,
secretive, dark artist so a black and white cover is perfect. A colourful
image of him follows in the double page spread as the reader is
opened up to his personality through an interview. The colour scheme
of the contents is simple and has no particular personality or vibe.
This is a convention from the Fader I have used as I believe contents
pages don’t need to be over complicated or colourful to be effective
in doing the job they are meant for. On the physical version of the
Maceo edition of the Fader the barcode is placed in the bottom right
of the page. I have used this convention for my cover. Images to
support this slide follow on the next one.

11. Theorist conventions my magazine uses
“A cover should be a poster. A single image of a human will sell more copies than
multiple images or all type. Always has, always will.” Roger Black
“Never set a lot of text type in all caps. After a while, it’s just too hard to read.” Roger
Black
“Use only one or two typefaces. Italian design is the model: a strong sense of a few
things that work together. Avoid a free for all of multiple fonts/colours.” Roger Black
“Don’t use too many typefaces. Too much variation will end up looking a mess. It’s best
to limit yourself to one font, and variations of it.” Christ Frost
The “Male Gaze” theory, Laura Mulvey. My cover photo uses this convention as many
men will be looking at my artist in admiration for how he is presented; dominant
position in the frame. Many Women will be drawn in due to his attractive appearance.