The document summarizes the key components and conventions of a music magazine, including the front cover, double page spread, editor's letter, and contents page. It then discusses how the author of the magazine applied these conventions in their own student media coursework project on a music magazine called "URBAN". Specifically, it discusses the design choices made for the front cover focusing on the title, images, and taglines, as well as the use of black and white images on the double page spread based on feedback. It also summarizes the simple one-column design used for the contents page to avoid clutter.

1. EVALUATION
Media Coursework- Music Magazine
Emily Watson

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For a music magazine to look professional there are certain conventions it needs to have. For
example it must have a front cover, a double page spread, the editors letter, a contents page,
and advertisements.
The front cover is the most important at first sight, as that is what will attract the readers. To
make a successful front cover it must include; the magazine‟s title, the strapline or tagline,
different fonts and colours used, the main image, the anchorage and cover lines. Perhaps any
other tactics; lures, celebrities, „freebies‟, even the amount of exclamation marks!
A typical DPS will have two or three columns for your text, horizontal as well as vertical, almost
book-like. Sidebars, text wrapped around images and photos which bleed across the grid line.
For my magazine I used three columns for my text, before I started to decide which design I
would use I did some research on different DPS pages. I have used all my images in black and
white which could be a risk but I believe my pages have worked better with no colours, as did my
audience feedback- 97% agreed it looked better than the colour pages.
For the contents page it s important to remember that they offer an overview of the features
inside, as well as the brand identity of the title. There are all different types of contents pages,
however all of them have page numbers, some more specific than others, and they have the
main features and reviews of the magazine. Some include more than one picture and some only
the main photo. A page number is not necessary, however typically would be around pages 2-3.
You would always see the title of your magazine somewhere else on the page. I used one
column for my contents, as my picture was quite strong I didn‟t want to over crowd the page I
used a more simple design. I labeled it page 3, and put the name of my magazine „URBAN‟ in
the left right hand corner with my page number. There is only one image on my contents, as
otherwise it would become cluttered.
In what ways does your media product use, develop
or challenge forms and conventions of real media
products?

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My magazine is targeted at both sexes, from the ages 16 to about 20 years
old. This meant I had to make it attractive for both genders, including multi-sex
cover lines and content.
On the front cover I used a male model however the cover lines talk about
albums, festivals and fashion. Tyler Ryan is the made-up celebrity I have used
for my magazine. He was part of a band who recently split up, called “Little
Comets” who are a popular, multi gender band.
The colours I have chosen are red, grey, black, and white, they are mainly
unisex colours and invite a wide range of readers. These colours were
approved by a number of students from my college who did a vote on which
colours would work best for both genders.
There is a free “Passenger CD” sticker on the top left corner, this is not only a
very popular, well- known artist, but a lure to attract readers, to make them feel
that they are getting their moneys worth.
The front cover talks about having an “exclusive” interview with Tyler Ryan, the
word exclusive is key because it makes the interview seem as if it is only
featured in this mag, it makes the reader feel special reading about it. It gives
the audience a
a chance to connect with URBAN as well as being a part of the interview. I
believe my magazine gives a lot for both male and female, which also could
save money for students, as they can share it, as it is suitable for both.
How did you attract/address your audience?

4. Without the institutions to distribute the magazines there
would be no point making the magazines. IPC, GoldKey,
and Bauer are all famous media companies that distribute
different magazines. Personally I think IPC would publish
my magazine as it does look like a similar layout style as
NME. I think my magazine would be a fresh new addition
to this company as it isn‟t very similar to anything else on
the market. It has similar features, although the design is
unique!
My magazine has more than one type of music, it offers
different music genres, as well as fashion, bucket list ideas,
and interviews with well known artists.
Bauer already distributes music magazines, therefore I
think it could be a possible rival.
What kind of institution might distribute your media
product and why?