AS Media

1. AS MEDIA
AS UNIT G321
FOUNDATION PORTFOLIO IN MEDIA
RESEARCH AND PLANNING
Candidate Name
Candidate Number
Centre Name
Centre Number
Charley Box
4023
The Leigh Academy
61101

2. This magazine follows the typical conventions of most
magazine designs.
The placement of titles on the majority of magazines are always
placed at the top and this design is no exception. It is also
placed behind the main image which allows the image to stand
out more. This magazine design also follows the conventions of
colour themes. This is because it uses 3 colours, without
counting the masthead. If anymore than four were used, the
magazine would appear crowded and give the look of it being
unorganised. The strapline also follows the usual conventions
and also uses the same colour theme. It follows the same
conventions as usual. Straplines are used on magazines that
are aimed towards a younger audience. This is why this
particular magazine follows the typical conventions, because it
is placed on a Billboard magazine that is typically read by a
younger audience. On this magazine, the proportion of text is
smaller compared to the image. This shows that the designer
has used typical conventions. In classical music magazines, the
proportions of text is larger when compared against rock and
pop. As this is billboard, as stated before it is aimed at
teenagers, which shows why the image is larger as it makes the
magazine visually appealing. The use of the colour pink for the
text, represents a more feminine side. This links to the
character that Darren Criss plays in the show ‘Glee’.

3. This magazine has adapted conventions slightly to create different effects for the
audience.
The cover lines around the page, have been placed on a slight slant, which
develops conventions as the typical placing is straight so that everything keeps in
line. This may have been done to fit with the audience of the magazine. As well as
this, the designer has also used 5 colours on the front cover, which is over the limit
for sticking to the usual conventions. This has been done so that it stands out with
all the different colours to appeal to a wider audience. In the bottom right corner,
the website name has been placed in capital letters with a fade on it. This is a
developed convention as the website addresses are usually very small and placed
out of sight so that it doesn’t obstruct other conventions. This makes the magazine
appear more busy as so many things are happening and could cause the reader
to become distracted. This takes away from the main image and cover lines. As
well as having the web address in a larger font, it has been faded so that it is less
opaque, this allows the main image to still pass through and be seen.
Develops and Challenges
This magazine challenges the typical conventions of a real magazine. It doesn't have a
skyline, which keeps the design simple. As well as this, it also doesn't include a date or
issue number. This challenges the traditional conventions and due to this magazine not
having these conventions, it could hint towards the rest of the magazine not following the
conventions. There could also be a hint of surprise and change, which would attract
readers due to it being different. Another thing that challenges the conventions is that the
designer hasn't included any puffs. This could mean that they don’t want to attract
readers just because of competitions, but they want to focus on the articles that they
produce instead.

4. Occupational Social Groups
Social Group A
Consists of bankers, lawyers and doctors.
Often live in owner occupied houses as well as buying recognised brands.
They hardly engage in social media, film and music.
High earners.
Social Group B
Consists of teachers and fairly well paid professionals.
Often own a mortgage and live in their own homes fully independent.
They go on packaged holidays once or twice a year.
Dine at fairly expensive high street restaurants.
Social Group C1
Consists of junior management, bank clerks and nurses.
Often live in a low mortgage property and receive government benefits.
They spend 2-3 hours per day watching TV and listening to the radio.
They read magazines such as Daily Mail and fitness magazines.
Social Group D
Represent audience stereotypes such as drivers and warehouse pickers.
Often live on a tight budget and a rented property.
Shop from discount shops.
Use public transport and shop online for bargains.
Social Group E
Includes students and unemployed.
Have no pre defined spending habits and shop for discounted food and clothes.
Spend a lot of time watching TV and on social networking websites.
Mostly read free media and watch shows such as Big Brother.
Social Group C2
Consists of electricians and plumbers.
They live in rented property and receive government benefits.
Spend leisure on local holidays at the sea.
They own a car which can be used for work as well.

5. Mise-en-scene has been used to appeal specifically to
social groups D and E as a lot of images have been
used on the magazine to catch the audiences
attention.
The language used on the cover is chatty gossip as it
is aimed towards social groups D and E. This appeals
to the social groups as they are a younger audience.
The cover of the magazine features a lot of quotes
from people who are featured in the magazine. This is
used so that the audience can see what the articles
will be about. They include shocking quotes, which is
used to grip the readers and encourage them to buy it.
As social groups D and E spend the most time
watching TV and on social media, this magazine is
particularly aimed towards them as they are aware of
who these people are. Each image used is different,
meaning that it is a mixture of stories that suit different
people. They have done this so they can cater for
different needs rather than trying to reach a certain
age. Students are stereotypically known for knowing
what is going on with celebrities, which is why this is
magazine is aimed towards social group E. In the
main image, the Duchess of Cambridge is smiling,
which is used to attract readers as they want to know
what she is smiling about. The quote underneath goes
hand in han, as it

6. Technologies and Processes
Physical Technology
Photographical cameras
Studio
A digital camera encodes digital images and videos digitally and
stores them for later reproduction. They allow you to see the
image as soon as it is taken which helps during the magazine
process as you can see whether or not you have the right shot.
Digital cameras are needed so that you are able to take photos
for your magazine.
A studio can be a room where an artist, photographer, sculptor,
etc. works. It allows you to have your own space and to keep all
your work together which can help in the magazine process as
you wouldn’t be distracted.
Digital Technology
Computer hardware
Memory cards
A few of the computer hardware needed for a computer is the
monitor, mouse, keyboard, data storage and hard disk drive.
Hard disk drives are needed to store the photographs taken
for the magazine process. Graphic cards are also needed so
that you can see the photos clearly.
A memory card is an electronic flash memory data storage
and is used for storing digital information. They are most
commonly used in digital cameras which helps with the
magazine process. This is because the images can be
transferred from the camera to the computer, which speeds up
time.
Software
Photoshop
Promotion software
Photoshop is used to edit images and has become the industry
standard in raster graphics editing. It allows you to edit things out,
change the filters, etc. Throughout the magazine process,
Photoshop will be used to enhance the images and change tiny
details that may not look right.
Promotional software can include Billboards. These are larger
outdoor advertising structures that can be found in high-traffic
areas as they present larger advertisements to people passing by.
To promote the magazine, it can be shown on billboards to build
up the advertisement and bring customers in.
Printing
Printing processes
Printer hardware
To print a magazine, a printing press will be used due to the
amount of copies that need to be produced. A printing press is
a device that transfers ink by applying pressure to an inked
surface. This is what is used when creating magazines as
they produce copies quickly and efficiently. The simplest
printing press consists of a large table that is fitted with an
overhead screw. There is a lever mechanism, which forces
the printing plate against the paper. Although, magazines are
are created using the modern presses. These consist of
cylinder mechanisms that rotate at high-speed, where as the
simple printing press’ are hand-operated and can only create
small volumes of printed items.

7. The masthead is placed at the top of the magazine which follows
conventions. It’s in black capital letters which helps attracts
customers as it stands out. The masthead is placed above the
image so it doesn’t overlap, this helps both the masthead and
image as they stand out without it looking too over crowded and
busy.
Above the masthead, there is a skyline which also follows
conventions. It mentions the activities and competitions in the
article. As this is a school magazine, this has been designed
cleverly to catch the attention of school readers. This shows that the
designer knows how to entice their audience because they have
used the skyline and researched about their target readers.
For the colour scheme, they have used a white font against an
orange background on the skyline. These colours compliment one
another so they work together as the font isn’t too dark to be seen.
Throughout the rest of the magazine design, orange, white and
black have been used. Without counting the school logo, it has
followed the usual conventions as three colours have been used.
This helps give the magazine a clean and organised feel, and can
allow the readers to scan over the cover without becoming
confused. On certain parts of the text, words have been placed in
bold and underlined text. This has been done to make them stand
out so that the readers understand that they are important.
The main image takes up the whole space with text placed on top. It
clearly shows a girl laying in bed on her phone, which represents
the readers as again, it is aimed towards school children. It is a mid
shot/close up but is placed at an angle due to the girl laying on her
side. This doesn’t follow typical conventions as it is an action shot.
This can make the magazine appear unprofessional but also unique
at the same time.

8. This magazine does not have a skyline anywhere, which already
shows that it doesn’t follow typical conventions of a magazine.
Instead of a skyline, they have placed the date at the top. The first
thing that stands out to me is the masthead. It is in red capital letters
that stands out against the cream background behind. The main
coverline also stands out as it is in blue text. It states that it is the
‘cover story’, which allows readers to know but is also unnecessary
because if the whole text was in blue, it would appear obvious that it
is the main coverline.
The main image is a mid shot of a girl holding books. This relates to
the theme of the magazine well as it represents a student. It’s been
placed on the left side of the magazine, which allows for the text to go
on the right side. This could be so that the text is visible to the readers
and not hidden by the image beneath. This is because sometimes the
image can make the text harder to read.
Aside from the main image, there are also three smaller images that
may have been used to break up the main coverline along with the
other pieces of text. Although, they have used images to relate to the
other coverline. This is a good way to entice readers because it is
giving them a glimpse of the sort of things they will see.
The anchorage text below one of the coverline stories, is in black text.
This may have been done to contrast against the coverline and make
sure that it doesn’t overpower the actual story. Although, it is still a
good thing to have because it relates to the what the coverline is
about and provides the reader with more information about the topic.
The designers also placed the rest of the coverline stories in red. This
ties up the colour scheme consisting of red blue and black. They
match the masthead and can show that they have clearly thought
about colour scheme, which follows typical conventions.

9. On this contents page, it sticks to three main colours throughout,
with the exception of the different shades of blue for the numbers
on the left. There are four images on the right hand side, which
show what some of the content may be about. This is a good idea
so that readers can see and decide whether or not they want to
read that page.
The masthead has been created in a bold font. This stands out
against the page and allows readers to clearly see what it is. The
page numbers are each in different shades of blue and are bold.
This helps them stand out so that the readers can clearly see what
page the stories are on. The titles next to the page numbers are all
in bold white text. This contrasts well against the pink, which makes
it eye catching. The text underneath that have been placed in black
font colour. This doesn’t work as well when put against the pink as
they are both quite dark. As this has been done, it means that the
reader needs to pay more attention to try and read what it says,
which could lead to them not bothering at all.
The designer has also covered one half with the pink and the other
half with purple. Depending on the colours used, it can create a nice
contrast. For example, black and white would create a good
aesthetic but, the colours are too similar and along with the blue
masthead, it makes the contents page appear chaotic.

10. Which forms and conventions will be used in my design and why?
• Skyline at the top of the page to show important information that can be found in the magazine.
• Masthead to lay over the image, this will make the masthead stand out more.
• Main coverline will be on the left side, with a slightly larger font. The larger font will represent that it is the
main coverline.
• Medium shot of a school kid working. This shot will indicate that it is a school magazine when seen in a
quick glance.
• Fun and part serious language will be used as it is a school magazine and the audience will respond more
to this language.
• The colour scheme will include blue because that is the main colour for the school. Red, white and black will
also be used to stand out against the blue background.
• Coverline on the opposite side of the main coverline, still in black text but a bit smaller. This is so that it
won’t take up as much room and isn’t as important compared to the main coverline.
• Puff in the bottom corner in white. The star will be in the corner with text inside mentioning a competition.
This will attract people because of the contrast between white and black.
• Issue number placed underneath the title but in very small font size. This is a basic thing to include so that
people will know what issue it is to differentiate between similar ones.

11. The masthead is white text on a red background,
this allows the reader to see it clearer as it jumps
out at you on the page. On this contents page,
there is a clear colour scheme of red, white and
black. This doesn’t make the page appear over
crowded as the colours compliment each other.
As for the image, the designer has included one
long shot image on the right side of the page.
This makes for a nice focal point because it
doesn’t cut off any text and as well as that, it fits
nicely in the space. The layout of the magazine is
clear and nothing overlaps. This could be used to
fit in with the type of magazine. For example for a
rock magazine, the layout may be messy with a
dark colour scheme, whereas for classical music
the colours could appear neutral. For the page
numbers, they are the same layout as the
masthead. This has been done so that readers
can clearly see what is on what page. As for the
actual content, important words have been
underlined. This is to engage the readers and
show that it is an important or exclusive part of
the magazine. The designer has also included a
quote from one of the interviews, this is to entice
readers by giving them a glimpse of the content
featured in the interview.
Researching your main task

12. The masthead on this contents page is a
lot smaller compared to the first contents
page. This is so that it doesn’t take up as
much room and become the main
attraction of the page. The contents page
follows conventions with images, as the
majority of other contents pages are
image heavy. A reason for this could be
so that readers aren’t put off by the
amount of text used and become bored,
therefore not continuing with the
magazine. The image is a close up shot
which again, follows typical conventions.
The designer has used a large close up
shot to attract the readers, as well as
weigh out the heavy text on the left so
that it doesn’t become too much. The
colour scheme that has been chosen is
black, grey and white. These are all very
neutral colours but a pop of red to match
the magazine logo is also on the page.
They’ve stuck to basic colours so that it
doesn’t appear chaotic with the large
amounts of text. For the sub-headings,
the red has been brought in to make
them stand out as that’s what sub-
headings are intended for.

13. On this double page spread, a medium shot
takes up one page. The colours used in the
image also match against the text used on
top. These colours compliment one another
and make the magazine appear aesthetically
pleasing. The language used in the article is
serious and proper as it is an interview. The
designer has also used a large typeface at the
beginning for the ‘A’, this matches the colour
scheme going on between the image and text
on the page before. The large typeface
follows conventions as it is typically found in
all magazine spreads at the start of the
article. It is also used to attract readers
because it stands out against the smaller font
underneath.
Throughout the article, they have used another large typeface, this time, for the ‘F’. This
is so that the chunks of small text are broken up and don’t appear too daunting for
readers. In the center of the page there is a quote. As well as the large typeface, this also
follows typical conventions of a magazine. The quote has been placed in a larger font
compared to the rest of the article meaning that when a reader scans the page, the quote
is one of the first things that they see. This is why the designer has done this, as it gives
the readers a glimpse of what will be in the article. It is a good way for the readers to see
if it will be interesting or not, without wasting time reading through the whole thing. In the
bottom right corner, an image has been placed there. This could be to again, balance the
text and images out so that the page doesn’t appear too cramped, or it’s the same as the
quote box in the middle. To show in a visual way what subject the article touches on.

14. The first thing that I notice when
looking at this double page, is the
quote. It instantly grabs your
attention as soon as you turn the
page, due to the large font and
colours used. As the designer has
used white against black, it
catches the readers eye. They
have then used a pop of colour,
which is the pink, to make it stand
out even more. These colours
make the reader want to stop and
read what it is about because it is
visually pleasing, hence why the
colours have been used together.
The colours used together may
represent the type of music that
the artist makes.
The background is a light grey
colour, which works well and
doesn’t make the spread seem
overcrowded. The colour scheme
follows the typical conventions as
three to four colours have been
used throughout the article.
For the questions in the article, they have been highlighted using white.
This is so that the black and white contrast against one another, making it
even even more straightforward to read. The font is also bigger than the
answers underneath. The answers could have been placed in a smaller
font so that it encourages the readers to read the article properly to find
out what was said.
The image has taken up the whole first page and is a medium shot of the
artist standing with what looks like his hands in his pockets. Although this
can not be seen, this is the impression we get from the shot. The body
language can represent the type of music that is made and gives off an
almost ‘don’t care’ attitude.