OCR – Level 3 Cambridge Introductory Diploma in Media Unit 13: Planning and Pitching a Print based Media Product. LO2: Be able to generate ideas for an original print-based media product. Emily Thompson 6107

1. OCR –
Level 3 Cambridge Introductory Diploma in
Media
Unit 13:
Planning and Pitching a Print based Media
Product
P2 Evidence
Name: Emily Thompson
Candidate Number: 6107
Center Name: St. Andrew’s Catholic School
Center Number: 64135
Set Brief - Print
Project/Brief –
Music Magazine & Promotion
Idea Generation

3. Contents Page
Title Slide
Magazine Proposal 1 4
Magazine Proposal 2 5
Mind Map – First Idea 6
Mind Map – Second Idea 7
Mood Board First Idea 8
Mood Board Second Idea 9
Hand Drawn Drafts – First Idea 10
Hand Drawn Drafts –Second Idea 11
Graphic Layouts 12 - 13
Spending Power 14
Front Cover Analysis 15
Double Page Spread Analysis 16
Genre of the Magazine 17
Layout of the Magazine 18 - 19
Masthead / Logo 20
Fonts and Colours 21
Planned Format and Style - Front Cover 22 - 23
Planned Format and Style - DPS 24 - 25
Interview Draft Planning 26
Draft Article 27
Conclusion 28

4. Unit 13 – Planning and Pitching – “Magazine Proposal 1”
This is the first magazine proposal that I created. I wanted to ensure that there was lots of detail in the planning so I could I use these
ideas for a final product. Some of the areas that I included in the proposal included the format, working title, genre, content, style or
approach, audience and length. By including this amount of detail and looking into the smaller ideas I am able to visualise the final
magazine.
This first concept looked an indie music magazine that was inspired by Q Magazine. The plan was to create a high professional standard
of a magazine including lots of images, text and free content.

5. Unit 13 – Planning and Pitching – “Magazine Proposal 2”
For this second magazine proposal I wanted to look more at the diversity of content rather than the detail within the magazine. For this
magazine the plan portrayed an informal style that would be consistent throughout the magazine. This style was outlined in detail in the
sections of the proposal including, content and style and approach. Because of the large quantity of detail that was included in the
proposal it made it easier to visualise the magazine as a final product.
This magazine idea generation was inspired by ‘Wire’ magazine, a popular informative magazine that focusses on the smaller artists in
the industry whilst also providing entertaining content.

6. Generation
of Ideas
Colour
Schemes
Masthead
Names
Brand
Identity
Images
Frequency
of Release
Target
Audience
Price
Unit 13 – Planning and Pitching – “Mind Map – First Idea”
Price:
The price of the magazine will
be around £2.49, this is so it is
cheaper than other
competitors whist also
keeping interesting content.
Masthead Names:
• M
• U
• Shuffle
• Playlist
• Volume
• More Music (MM)
Colour Schemes:
The colour scheme of the magazine will be royal blue, lighter
blues, dark green, white and black. I have chosen this colour
scheme as this can connote to the reader that the content is
informative, this is very similar to the style of Q magazine where
they use one primary colour that is consistently used throughout.
Frequency of Release:
It will be released on a monthly basis, this is because of the price being more
expensive than other weekly magazines. However the content will be greater
compared to a weekly issue as there will be more information.
Target Audience:
The target audience of the
magazine will be between ages
15-34 year old, this is due to
the fact that the genre of the
magazine is indie. I have based
my idea from the statistics of Q
magazine, where the highest
proportion of readers are
younger. The target gender of
the magazine will be equal,
within the content there will
be a balanced amount of
adverts that are aimed at both
genders. Additionally on the
front cover the person who is
featuring will have some
appeal to both males and
females.
Images:
On the front cover of the magazine the
main image will be of a new and
upcoming artist, this connotes the
presence of the indie genre, whilst also
promoting the featured article of the
artist inside. The technical code of this
image will typically be a close up or a
mid-shot, this is so the reader can view
their body language and expression of
the person, enticing them to find out
more about who they are.
Brand Identity:
Specific features that will
be seen throughout the
magazine will include
technical convergence, this
is self-advertisement of the
brand, it will be applied
through social media links
before and after articles.

7. Unit 13 – Planning and Pitching – “Mind Map – Second Idea”
Generation
of Ideas
Colour
Schemes
Masthead
Names
Brand
Identity
Images
Frequency
of Release
Target
Audience
Price
Masthead Names:
• Listen
• Download
• Now
• YM (Your Music)
• Beat
Brand Identity:
A feature that will be
included within the
magazine will be ‘puff
promotions’ this can
increase the overall
readership of the magazine
due to the appeal of
gaining ‘free content’.
Images:
On the main front cover of the
magazine the focal point will be an
image of an ‘indie’ genre artist. This can
create ‘star appeal’ (Richard Dyer) with
the reader who will be more likely to
buy the magazine if they recognise an
artist. The technical code of the
photograph will typically be a long shot
this is so the main attention when
viewing the front cover will be on the
artists face.
Frequency of Release:
The magazine will be released every month, this is due to the fact that there
will be lots of content within the magazine. This also correlates with the higher
average price compared to a weekly magazine.
Target Audience:
The average age that the
magazine will be targeted
towards is between the ages
20-35. This is because the
content of the magazine will
include features such as
writing style that is best
suitable for an older audience.
Price:
For the price of the magazine
it will average around £3.50,
although the price is higher
than other competitor
magazines once bought the
reader has the opportunity to
also download the content
onto an electrical device.
Colour Schemes:
The colour scheme of the magazine will revolve around pastel
colours, these give the magazine a classic and clean look. This
follows the theme of informative music content. Additionally the
colour scheme will not be any way biased towards either gender,
this increases the target audience spectrum.

8. Unit 13 – Planning and Pitching – “Mood Board – First Idea”
Q – “Discover Great
Music”
Using the word ‘discover’ can
signify (De Saussure) to the
reader that they will find
something interesting and new.
From this in relation to Katz’s
theory, the purpose of the
magazine is to ‘inform and
educate’. The strapline of my
magazine will include features
like this to appeal to a large
target audience.

9. Unit 13 – Planning and Pitching – “Mood Board – Second Idea”
The Wire -
“Adventures In
Sound And Music”
By including both ‘sound and
music’ this connotes to the
reader that the magazine
covers all genres, thus
‘injecting’ (Hypodermic Syringe
Theory) the impression they will
find something new.

10. Double Page Spread Draft:
The main interview and information about the artist is on the left hand
side of the page and the image is on the right. This was chosen because
when the page is turned the image will be the first thing that is seen on
the page, this can spark interest for the reader and they will want to look
through the article to find the purpose of the image. A quote from the
interview has also been overlaid this is because within the quote will be
something interesting or funny that is taken from the interview. This will
connote to the reader that the article is easy to read and includes
interesting features that will be enjoyable.
Another feature is an image of an artist within the columns of text. This
was inserted so it separates the text and makes the page look more
aesthetically pleasing. It can also connote to the reader the personal
nature of the article as it is a close up of the artist with informal body
language.
Front Cover Draft:
The magazines logo and strapline feature in the top left hand corner, this will be a repeat
feature for each issue of the magazine. Additionally this is similar to the barcode, the
information within the barcode will be the same, however this may move positions dependant
on each edition of the magazine and the image of the front cover artist.
One feature that had to be chosen accordingly was the main headline and the cover lines, it
was essential that they could be easily seen from a distance but did not cover the image of the
front cover artist. The main headline was placed on the right hand side of the page, just under
the artists head, this was so it did not take away any ‘star appeal’ – (Richard Dyer). The quote
from the interview, as part of the main headline was placed above as this was in a smaller font
so could fit in the smaller place next to the artist.
Additionally on the right hand side of the artist are the cover lines. These were placed on the
right so the front cover does not look too text heavy and overpower the reader. They will be in
a thinner column and a smaller font than the main headline.
Finally the puff promotion is at the top of the page opposite the main masthead/logo. The
purpose of placing this here is to attract the eye because when readers turn the page they
typically turn with this corner. The circle shape has also been chosen to stand out the rest of
the text which is placed in a square/rectangular format.
Unit 13 – Planning and Pitching – “Hand Drawn Drafts – First Idea”

11. Unit 13 – Planning and Pitching – “Hand Drawn Drafts –Second Idea”
Front Cover Draft:
These are the hand drawn drafts for the second proposal. By drawing up the
ideas for the layout of the magazine this enables me to configure which
aspects look best and what could be changed.
For the front cover I wanted the logo/masthead to be in the same place as
the first proposal. Additionally I kept the main image of the artist centre to
the page so it would be the main attention grabbing feature.
With this draft for the second proposal I wanted to experiment with moving
some of the main aspects of the magazine around. The most noticeable on
this front cover was the ‘puff promotion’, I changed the colour to match the
house style and also placed it under the main logo, this is so it can be seen
easier.
For the main headline I wanted it to be close to the centre of the page,
therefore I made sure that it was not overshadowed by any other text and
placed it further away from the cover lines and the headline quote.
Double Page Spread Draft:
For the double page spread draft I kept the main headline
and the stand first in the same place, this is because I felt
it was the most affective way to draw the readers
attention. Underneath these I placed the main image,
this means that when the reader turns the page the
image of the artist will be the first thing that they will
see. The main bulk of text, including the information
about the artist and interview was placed on the right
hand side of the page. This was so all the information
could be found in one place and it is easier for the reader
to understand.

12. Unit 13 – Planning and Pitching - “Graphic Layout” Front Covers
Before creating the pages on Photoshop I created a graphic layout of both the front cover and double page spread. These have enabled
me to gain a more accurate representation for the sizes of different elements of the pages. I feel that this is more helpful than the hand
drawn drafts as I am able to control the overlay of certain columns and boxes over the main image.
For the front cover I felt that a positive of creating this page was being able to organise the final layout for text elements such as the main
headline and the cover line. This is because it was important that they do not cover too much of the main image that will take away ‘star
appeal’ (Richard Dyer).

13. Unit 13 – Planning and Pitching - “Graphic Layout” DPS
For the double page spread I felt that by recreating
this page the most helpful aspect of Photoshop
was organising the sizing and spacing of the main
text interview columns. I found this difficult as they
all have to be the same size and have even spacing
in-between so that the magazine does not look
irregular. The Photoshop tool, ‘ruler’ enabled me
to correct this problem and increase my accuracy.
First Idea
Second Idea

14. Unit 13 – Planning and Pitching – “Spending Power”
For Volume magazine I have to predict the
target readership and the initial spending
power they have. To make sure that the data I
publish is correct I am basing the predicted
statistics from already published information
on Q magazine. I have chosen Q magazine
and it is similar in the content it produces and
genre of music it focusses on.
Source: http://magazines.bauermediaadvertising.com/magazines/detail/Q
Source: http://ncrafts.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/socio-
economic-needs.png
From looking at statistics from the official Bauer Media advertising press
pack I have analysed that the typical Q reader is between the ages of 15-24.
This is similar to that of Volume magazine due to the fact that there are
some features within the content like profanities that may not be
appropriate for younger ages. This is in reference to Hartley's seven
subjectivities and how age, gender, class, self image , nationality, family and
ethnicity must be considered when looking at spending power.
The spending power of the readers will also be similar to Q magazine,
currently Q has a high 70% of readers that are in the socio-economic bracket
of ABC1. This connotes that they are more likely to have a higher amount of
disposable income. By looking at this data I am able to predict that they will
be more willing to spend money on a slightly more expensive magazine
based on the quality of the content.
There is one difference between the statistics of Q Magazine and the
predicted statistics of Volume magazine. Q magazine has an unequal split on
their readers gender, this may be due to their gender targeted
advertisements I aim for Volume to have a nearly equal gender balance, this
will be due to the fact that there will limited targeted advertisements and
content will not appeal to only one gender.

15. Unit 13 – Planning and Pitching – “Front Cover Analysis”
Through my analysis of Q magazine there are specific features that I will ‘ repeat’ (Steve
Neale - 1980) and adapt into my own creation of a indie genre music magazine.
One of the most important features
that I believe should be included is a
clear cut masthead and strapline. This
connotes to the reader that the
magazine is of high importance and is
of a professional quality.
Additionally another code and
convention that I will ‘repeat’ (Steve
Neale - 1980) is the technical code of
the main image. This is focussed on a
close up of the artists face, this creates
suspense and interests the reader into
finding out why this style of photograph
has been chosen. With my photograph I
will use Photoshop, this is so I can
deliver a professional quality image that
is suitable for being the main feature of
the page.
The variety of text size and font draws attention to specific
articles that are being advertised. This creates a diversity of
content whilst also grabbing the readers eye with ‘star
appeal’ by including band and artist names.
Other visual codes that I plan to
include on the front cover are
symbols such as the ‘+’, this notifies
the reader of extra content that is
available.
Secondly, borders or ‘bubbles’ around
text that is typically seen on ‘puff
promotions’ will be used. The
different shape on the page draws
the eye well whilst also keeping it
away from other text so it does not
get lost within the majority of artist
names.

16. Unit 13 – Planning and Pitching – “Double Page Spread Analysis”
One of the main features of the
double page spread that I plan to
include is an image that ranges
over more than half of the page.
A technical code of this will be
the shot type, which will be
focussed with a long shot of the
artist. In the example shown
there is high contrast in the
image, this has brought out
important background elements
such as ‘Big Ben’, this can
connote the British features of
the magazine. I plan to ‘repeat’
(Steve Neale – 1980) this within
the technical conventions of my
magazine this is so it gives the
most dramatic effect possible.
Within the main article of this double page spread a
drop capital has been used, this is an effective method
of attracting the readers attention to the start of the
text. To accentuate its presence they have coloured the
drop capital in the typical Q magazine red, this is
contrasting with the main body of text which is black.
Underneath the main image a quote in bold red
and white text from the interview has been
included. The purpose of this is to focus on the
most central and amusing aspects. The quote has
been positioned at the bottom of the page so it can
be easily seen against the image.
From my additional
research of music
magazines, I have
noticed that this
particular magazine
does not contain other
associated images on its
double page spread.
This may be due to the
fact that the main
photograph is highly
detailed and by
including other images
surrounding this can
become too
overcrowded and
overpowering for the
reader.
The stand first for this article is below the main quote. I feel that within this
example pairing the quote and stand first together does not work as well
because there are no effective eye-catching aspects other than the drop
capital.
On my double page spread for the magazine I would choose to position the
stand first above the main body of text, this is so the reader is attracted to
the larger text first off and will then continue to read on into the article.

17. Through my research of music magazines I have developed an
understanding on the diversity of the music genre. When looking at Q
magazine I established the content of the indie genre, from this I plan
to ‘repeat’ (Steve Neale – 1980) this genre category for the music
magazine I will produce.
The ‘repetition’ of this genre is due to the fact that there are many
positive features of the indie category, this includes the continual
modernizing of music and artists. This can further connote to the
reader that the magazine is the most up-to-date so therefore is the
best to discover different music and artists every month.
Another connotation that can be gathered from the indie genre is
behind the meaning of the word. The definition of ‘indie’ means
individual. In relation to music, bands and artists that are indie are
independent from other genres and create music that does not fall
into a typical music category. This means that the genre has a variety
of music styles and the popularity of the content released cannot be
predicted. Because of the diverse range of independent musician
styles, the indie genre can appeal to a large quantity of people and is
not people specific.
Unit 13 – Planning and Pitching – “Genre of the Magazine”
Steve Neale (1980) – “Genre’s are instances of repetition and difference”

18. Unit 13 – Planning and Pitching – “Layout of the Magazine”
Front Cover:
The most appealing feature on the front cover is the large image that is
placed in front of all the surrounding text, even including the magazines
iconic masthead/ logo. This portrays to the reader that the person who is
featured within the magazine is of high importance, and the interview that
has been conducted will contain information that is sure to inform and
educate (Katz). However there is some text has not been put behind the
image, this is typically an attention grabbing quote from the front cover artist
and the name of the person who is featuring, this can create ‘star appeal’
(Richard Dyer) to help sell this media text.
The position of this text is on a less important part of the image such as the
shoulders, this is so it does not cover the identity of the person which could
reverse the effect of ‘star appeal’.
For my magazine I plan to use this image and quote layout as I believe it is
the most effective way to encourage readers to buy the magazine. To make
sure that the image comes across as the most appealing item on the front
cover I will use professional software such as Photoshop CS6 to edit the
photographs that I take.
Another important feature on the front cover of Q magazine that I plan to ‘repeat’ (Steve Neale -1980)
in my own music magazine is the use of ‘puff promotions’. Q magazine uses these to advertise free and
exclusive content from artists, a denotation of this from issue 298 (May 2011) is “ Free! Exclusive
unheard Foos album!”. This can connote to the reader that they are accessing content that is of high
demand and only exclusive to them as they have bought the magazine. In the issue of Q magazine that
included this puff promotion, to access the free exclusive album they must subscribe to the magazine.
This is a tactical method of gaining a higher subscription rate to the magazine and thus increasing sales
and readership.
By using puff promotions on the front cover layout of my magazine, this entices readers to find out
more about what is inside the magazine. Additionally I could use a technique similar to Q’s and offer
content free when bought with a subscription.
When researching other popular music magazines I explored the
visual codes of both the front cover and the double page spread.
An area that is most important to how a magazine is perceived
by the readers is through the layout of the page.

19. Unit 13 – Planning and Pitching – “Layout of the Magazine”
Double Page Spread:
In Q magazine the normal format for the page is to have one half nearly
taken up by all images of the band/artist. The opposite side then includes
information about them and the interview that was conducted.
The most eye-catching feature on these double page spreads it the large
bold title, which sometimes is spread across onto both pages. I will
‘repeat’ (Steve Neale – 1980) this text format within my magazine as I feel
it is an effective way of gaining the readers attention because the title is
not confined to one page, additionally elements of ‘star appeal’ can also
contribute to this. The colours of the text also are vital to capturing the
readers attention, for example the denotation of “Sing out sisters” has
been printed on the double page spread in two differ colours, white on
one half of the page, and black on the other. These colours stand out well
on the pages as they are bright and contrasting, they can also connote to
the reader the high importance of the article.
Another feature of these double page spreads that I plan to ‘repeat’
(Steve Neale – 1980) is the layout of the text. The positioning of the text
within the columns of the article have been made to fit around other text
and images. I would achieve this through the use of Photoshop. This gives
the article a professional and smooth look whilst also making it easy to
read.
An additional feature of the text within the article is the quote included
from the interview, this is usually overlaid on the main image or in the
centre of the story. With Q magazine the quote is typically found over the
main image, the purpose of this is when the reader views the image the
next thing they will view is the quote. The quote usually revolves around
the most interesting or humorous feature of the article captivating the
readers attention and urging them to read further into the article.
Another element that I will include in the magazine is the use of a
consistent page numbering at the bottom of each page. Also next to the
page number will be the official website for the magazine, this is an
example of technical convergenc3e. I gained inspiration for this from Q
magazine.

20. Unit 13 – Planning and Pitching – Magazine Masthead/Logo
When creating my magazine masthead/logo I wanted to make sure that it was easy to read and eye-catching. Therefore when it is on
magazine shelves it will be the first thing that is seen.
I had to ensure that the logo was similar to that of my magazine of inspiration Q magazine, hence I made sure it was one bold block
colour, in the end I chose a royal blue so it connotes to the readers that this is a professional, reliable and high quality magazine.
For my logo I will just include the first letter of the magazine name (Volume), I wanted to choose a font that was similar to q magazine. I
tried and tested different font styles on Photoshop and dafont.com to overview how I wanted to final product to look. In the end I found
a font called ‘RomanT’ , this is a very traditional font that is easy to read and I feel will work well on the front cover of the magazine.
Font
Name:
Test:
SuperFrench
Swis721
BdOul BT
Centaur
Felix Titling
After editing the font on Photoshop I created the main logo.
When creating the logo I used several different effects including
stroke, bevel and emboss. I believe that all of these features
made the logo appear professional. The background colour for
the logo is a solid navy blue, I plan to continue using this colour
throughout the magazine.
House Style Consistency:
By exploring the fonts and colour choices for the
magazine I have been able to develop and plan where I
will include consistency throughout the magazine
features.
An example of this is using the main magazine ‘V’ logo
on every page of the magazine. By including it next to
the page number at the bottom of the page, this can
connote to the reader the professionalism and reliability
of the magazine.

21. Unit 13 – Planning and Pitching – Magazine Fonts and Colours
Font Name: Font Preview: Font Usage:
Minion Pro
- Cover Lines
- Price and Date on
Barcode
- Web Address
- Drop Capital
- Stand First
Just Another
Stamp Font
- Headline
- Main Article Title
Poor Richard
- Strapline
- Article Titles
Century
Schoolbook
- Puff Promotion
Eras Demi ITC
- Puff Promotion
Eras Light ITC
- Main article font
I had to make sure when deciding the magazine fonts and
colours that they looked professional and clean cut. This is
because my magazine is aimed at the higher end of the market
to a variety of people.
I have chosen several fonts that will be used in my magazine,
there is a large range because some are easier to read than
others when sized differently. For the main headline and cover
lines the font will be the same, this is so there is a consistency
throughout the magazine and prevents it from looking
overcrowded on the front cover. Other fonts such as ‘Eras Light
ICT’ are being used as they are easier to read when they are a
smaller font size, therefore I will use this as the main article
font.
The primary colour that I will use is a dark royal blue, this will be
on Volume magazines logo of ‘V’ and used in other places
throughout including technical convergence, promotions and
headers. I was inspired when creating the initial mood boards
for the magazine and found the dark blue the most eye-
catching. The reason for this colour choice is because its similar
to Q magazine where it has one solid bright colour. That is
repeated throughout the magazine, which I plan to do.
I have chosen to include two fonts for the puff promotion, this is due to the
fact that I want one to be the most striking with text such as ‘Exclusive!’
then there will be information below in a clearer text where the reader can
find out what the promotion is telling them.

22. Unit 13 – Planning and Pitching – “Planned Format and Style - Front Cover”
Puff Promotion:
By placing the puff promotion at the top
of the page, when the magazine is picked
up this will be one of the first things the
reader will see, as well as the logo. I
believe that having this here entices the
reader to buy the magazine more as they
also have the change to win something
or gain something for free. Another
reason why it has been placed in the top
right hand corner of the page is because
typically people turn the page here,
when they turn the page their eye will
catch the bright red promotional colours
and shapes.
Article Feature:
On this hand drawn draft of the front cover I wanted to include more information
about the content that can be found inside the magazine. Therefore I plan to
include a small textbox with the name of one artist or title. This will be placed over
the front cover subjects lower chest, as this is not considered as an important area
that creates ‘star appeal’.
Main Story:
I have decided to place the main story to
the right of the main image, this is
because the ‘star appeal’ that is created
when viewing the image will draw the
eye to the bulk of text next to them. To
make the main story title more
interesting I could include a direct quote
from the interview. Additionally I thought
that by placing the main story
underneath the magazine logo, when
they view the logo they will see the story
as the most important thing within the
magazine. Looking at my research of Q
Magazine many of their front covers
have used this layout for the main story
text.
Magazine Logo:
I have decided to place the logo of the
magazine in the top right hand corner of
the magazine, this is due to the fact that
when people pick up the magazine it will
be one of the first things they see. This is
very effective when they are placed on a
magazine shelf within a shop. I have been
inspired for the placement of the logo by
Q Magazine, this is due to the fact that
they include bright colours that should be
one of the main aspects the reader sees
when they first pick up the magazine. To
ensure that it is eye-catching they have
placed it in the top left hand corner of
the page.
Magazine Layout:
When producing the drafts of my
magazine I wanted to make sure that it
looks professionally structured and well
presented. I have followed a similar
layout from Q Magazine, which includes
placing smaller items over the body of
the front cover artist. Also another
feature is the text of the main story and
cover lines wrapping around the
silhouette of the artist.

23. Unit 13 – Planning and Pitching – “Planned Format and Style – Front Cover”
Technical Convergence:
I plan to include technical convergence
on the front cover of my magazine, these
will be in the form of a official magazine
web address and social media logos. The
placement of this convergence will be at
the bottom of the page. This is due to
the fact that it is not of high importance
and there will be technical convergence
found at the bottom of every page.
Cover Lines:
As the main story is at the top of the
page I decided to place the cover lines
of the magazine under the magazine
logo. When creating the magazine I
have to make sure that the cover lines
do not overlay on the main image, this
could reduce the ‘star appeal’ of the
person on the front if they become less
recognisable.
Bar Code:
On the bar code I will have the issue
month and the price of the magazine .
This will always be at the bottom of the
page as it is less important. Additionally
it will be positioned based on the
image that is going to be on the front,
to make sure that it does not cover the
artists features.
Strap Line:
For my strapline I have decided to place
it near the main magazine logo. This is
similar to that of my magazine of
inspiration (Q magazine). The purpose
of this is so that when they read the
logo they then see the strapline and
associate it with the brand. This
repetition can give the magazine a
more well known identity.
House Style:
Features that I plan to repeat throughout my magazine are the type and size of the font. The
font I have chosen for the main story headline is ‘Minion Pro’, I will use this several times
throughout the magazine such as the drop capital for the main articles. Other fonts that I will
include are ‘Poor Richard, Century Schoolbook and Eras Demi ITC’, all of these fonts are
similar to that of Q Magazine with an interesting formal style.

24. Unit 13 – Planning and Pitching – “Planned Format and Style – Double Page Spread”
Main Image:
The inspiration from this double page spread layout came from Q magazine. By having the whole image on only one side of the page I
can make sure all of the subject is seen. Also because of its size when the reader is looking through the page will catch their eye because
of what is in the image. The position of the subject in the image is centred and has been taken in a wide shot, this enables the reader to
see who the article is about what their personality is like from gestures such as their posture.
Article Images:
By including smaller images
that relate to the article and
the interview this makes the
page more interesting for the
reader. By including images the
page becomes more visually
appealing. I also have the
opportunity of adding captions
for each image so the reader
will be tempted to find out how
the image relates to the article.
Info About Artist:
Including information
about the artist before
the main interview
provides minor
background details
about who they are. I
have decided to lay this
out on the page just
underneath the main
story title and the stand
first on the left hand
column of the page, this
is due to the fact that it
will be read from left to
right.
Interview:
The reason for the positioning of the interview being after the main information is so that the reader has the opportunity to
find out interesting personal information about them, such as their music style and other quirky features. The interview text
will be formatted in a differentiated questions and answer style, this is responses will be clear and easy to read. My idea for
using a differentiated question style is from Q Magazine, in all of their interviews so the reader can establish who is talking
they make part of the text stand out more than others. Additionally they also shorten or use the initials of the name of the
person being interviewed. This saves space in the magazine and is easier to read through.

25. Unit 13 – Planning and Pitching – “Planned Format and Style – Double Page Spread”
Quote From Interview:
To make the page more
interesting and to fill
some of the blank and
uninteresting space I
decided to include a
quote from the
interview. By doing this
when the image is
viewed the reader will
see the quote and then
proceed to read the
article out of interest. In
Q Magazine they make
sure to include a quote
from the interview, this
is to spark interest for
the reader when they
see it with the image;
this then entices them
to continue reading
more of the article.
Main Image:
The layout of this image is different to my other designs of the double page spread.
Instead of limiting the main image to only one side of the spread I wanted to overlap the
image so it serves as a more interesting background for the text. This means that on the
outside borders of the text you will be able to see features of the image. Although this
may cause some problems when reading the text so I will have to consider either making
the background have little detail or surround the text with text boxes.
Main Story Title:
Compared to the previous ideas for the main title, on this plan I wanted to
place it further down the page. This was to spread things out differently
compared to a normal layout which will attract the attention of the reader.
Stand First:
I feel that the stand
first is very important
as this introduces the
reader into the topic
of the article. Also
because the font size
is also bigger it serves
as an eye catching
feature of the page.

26. Unit 13 – Planning and Pitching – “Interview Draft Planning”
For my double page spread within the magazine I plan to conduct an interview with the well known artist, George
Ezra. As well as featuring on his own double page spread he will be the main headline for the magazine and will
create ‘star appeal’.
I have chosen to interview George Ezra as he is well known as an up-and-coming indie genre artist who has only
been in the music industry since featuring on an introducing stage at Glastonbury Festival 2013. Since his success at
Glastonbury he has had three singles in the top charts and is famously known for his quirky stylised song ‘Budapest’.
Additionally this year he has released his first album, by featuring him in the album we are essentially promoting
the new album as well as drawing readers in because of his previous hit songs.
Some of the questions that I will ask in the interview will be based around his new career in the music industry. I
also want the interview to have an informal feel so other questions including ‘What his musical inspiration was as a
child’, this will spur on possibly humorous answers.
The presentation of the interview on the
double page spread will be laid in a
differentiated question and answer style. This
is typical in many of Q magazine interviews,
and makes it easier for the reader to
understand the information that is being
published.
This is my page of inspiration that is from the
October issue of Q magazine. They have used
differentiated question and highlighted this by
the boldness of the writing and the different
colours of red and black.

27. Interviewer: Hello George! It’s good to finally have a chat with you – how has your past week been?
GEORGE: Hi! Yeah it’s been great thanks, very busy but exciting.
Interviewer: I bet! Has your life changed much since climbing to the top of the music chart with ‘Budapest’?
GEORGE: It’s non-stop, since signing the record deal then travelling around Europe people have been recognising me more and I’ve had
hundreds of amazing opportunities thrown at me!
Interviewer: Wow! Did you gain your inspiration for the song Budapest when you went travelling?
GEORGE: (Laughs) Yeah you could say that. I got a bit drunk when the Eurovision contest was on, and I missed the train to Budapest. This
made me think that there are many songs about losing something for somebody else. So I thought why not write a song about giving up
things I don’t have?
Interviewer: So how does the George Ezra song writing process work?
GEORGE: When I have a spark of inspiration I write my ideas down everywhere, sometimes even on the walls. Although people see it as
crazy it’s just how my mind works, I don’t want to lose that inspiration. Most of the lyrics have some reference to the placeI am inspired.
Interviewer: So your new album is being released soon, what can we expect from it and when can we have a listen?
GEORGE: Well the two EP’s that have been released so far (Budapest and Cassy O) were meant to introduce people to listening to me
with a band, this is because I do gigs on my own usually. The new album will be me with the band and when I gig I will be joined by the
guys. We’re hoping for it to be released around the start of June/July, the music included has a summer vibe so would be perfect for the
festival atmosphere.
Interviewer: Have you learnt any important or tough lessons from your early experiences of the music industry?
GEORGE: I’d say the first thing I learnt when joining the music industry was to listen to those around you, this is because you’re all in it
together trying to make it and its best to have friends rather than enemies. However it’s also important to be yourself and have your
own opinions as the music industry is looking for people who can be themselves through both music and ideas.
Interviewer: I saw that you have sold out your tour! How does that feel having such a high demand of people wanting to listen to
you?
GEORGE: It’s crazy!! I never thought that I would come this far in music as it started out as a hobby when I was younger. Although picking
up the guitar then and now the feeling hasn’t changed at all, it is still my passion and I will always love playing even if no one wants to
listen.
Interviewer: What was the first song that you ever wrote? And how old were you?
GEORGE: (Laughs) I wrote my first song around thirteen years old, I remember it being called ‘Wishing Well’. I have no clue what it was
about but I’m so glad there is no recordings of it as that would be embarrassing!
Interviewer: When you were younger and started playing the guitar who was your musical inspiration?
GEORGE: I grew up listening to Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie, people find it strange that my inspirations are revolved around older
blues and folk sound but within the music I create its more 21st century.
Interviewer: Finally, thank you George for your time it’s been great talking with you. Do you have any words of inspiration for your
fans who are looking to pursue a music career?
GEORGE: Thank you. Never stop playing music even if they tell you too, be unique and always look for opportunities to better yourself.
I created a magazine interview
draft, this featured the
popular indie music artist
George Ezra. When creating
the questions I took
inspiration from Q magazines
interview style, this was
relevant and informative
questions that create an
interesting response.
I also had to take into
consideration the answers of
the questions from the artist,
as I could not interview them
in real life. To make sure the
answers were accurate I
conducted some small scale
research into other interviews
they had.
Unit 13 – Planning and Pitching – “Draft Article - Interview”

28. Unit 13 – Planning and Pitching – “Conclusion”
In this learning outcome I focussed on the idea generation for the music magazine. This started from two separate
proposals that outlined different ideas for a new indie music magazine. I then created plans for both, including
mind maps, mood boards, hand drawn sketch up and graphic layouts. By producing these drafts I was able to
compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses for both ideas. After looking at the plans I decided on a final
magazine concept.
Once this final concept had been decided I researched further into my magazine of inspiration, Q Magazine. Here I
looked at previous articles and interviews where I planned to repeat certain features, such as the language and
image style. Additionally I looked at the house style of the magazine, which focussed on the font and colour
schemes. This further idea generation meant that I could assess what would appeal best to the demographic of
readers.
Finally I produced some draft sketch ups of the magazines front cover and double page spread. Certain features
were ‘repeated’ (Steve Neal) from Q Magazine. By creating these drafts it made it easier to visualise the final
product that is going to be created.