2. How does my media product My music magazine challenges this
convention, as I haven’t edited or
challenge the conventions of airbrushed my images. I haven’t
attempted to mislead the reader by
real media products? creating this ‘idealised’ image of my
artist – my photographs are
completely natural.
Photoshop / Airbrushing If anything, the increased contrast
on my images emphasises the figures
One way in which my blemishes. This exaggerates the fact
magazines challenge the that nobody is perfect and fame
conventions of existing media relies on talent not the ‘perfect’
products is the use of image appearance . My magazine mirrors
as well as airbrushing the the genuine ambitions of the reader,
Cover Image. unlike real media products.
Using programs such as Adobe Photoshop, many media institutes edit photographs they
have taken of celebrities, important individuals etc. Even though there has been high levels of
controversy over airbrushing models in recent years, due to the significant improvement in
technology, companies still continue to convey this ‘idealised’ image. This process creates a
‘perfect’ image that somewhat misleads the readers as they believe that to be successful in film,
TV and music industries they need to have the perfect body and flawless skin. This instigated the
idea that fame relies on appearance rather than talent which ultimately effects the ambitions of
readers. Young people are specifically effected as they are susceptible to believing what they
see in magazines, TV and other media products – especially as we are exposed to the media
industry on a daily basis.
Apart from conveying the perfect image, the aim of this process is to help maintain / boost
the sales of media products, as it’s believed that readers prefer to look at flawless images
(possibly to imagine themselves as flawless). However the constant exposure to airbrushed
images could have a negative effect on readers as they are reminded they’re not ‘beautiful –
even though in reality nobody is perfect and everyone is beautiful in their own way.
This is an example of the convention, it features the
My college magazine challenges this
singer Adele, who is currently one of the most convention as I haven’t edited my images, with
successful/popular artists in the world. In the March exception to increasing the contrast (to create
2012 issue of Vogue (fashion publication) Adele is a glossy effect). I haven’t misled the reader into
featured in the Cover Image, however you can thinking the college is better than it really is.
clearly see that she has been heavily airbrushed. However this can be the case for some
They have proceeded to manipulate the products promoting institutes such as colleges,
photograph to create a ‘perfect’ image. Even universities etc. As they could manipulate the
though there has been controversy over Karl
image to make the building appear modern
Lagerfield’s (fashion designer) comment that she is
“a little too fat” , the public opinion contradicts this
and up to date regarding technology. This is an
entirely. As 73% of people asked stated that she is fine effective technique regarding promotion and
the way she is, this makes the use of airbrushing her marketisation, as this could gain an institute a
image redundant – as many believe she is beautiful good reputation (even if they don’t deserve
and naturally talented. one).
3. Role Models Frankie Cocozza, who featured in
the 2011 X Factor, is a prime example
The individuals involved in media can also be
of a negative role model. As he was in
considered a convention. Essentially as these are the
the running on a ‘family’ talent show
people who society are exposed to on a daily basis,
that receives millions of viewers a
they are the role models for the people wanting to
week. He was essentially in the
exceed in media industries as well as children. They
spotlight with thousands of fans
are conveying a certain image towards the public
and if that’s a negative image then they are sending
watching his every move, however he
still believed he could flaunt his alcohol
misguided signals. They are inadvertently telling
abuse, sexual antics and drug use. A
children that debauchery is acceptable, which can
blasé attitude that would result in him
lead to them participating in crime or even self
being axed from the show in
abuse.
November 2011.
Many celebrities that feature on media products
Cocozza was only 18 years old, he
today are seen as role models. Even though some
was only a few years older than the
are positive there are some who convey a bad
model I used to depict my artist. He
image i.e. Frankie Cocozza, Charlie Sheen, Lindsey
was an image that I explicitly tried to
Lohan. These are individuals that have featured on
magazines, TV adverts/shows, contests etc. at some
avoid, as his story just proves that
breaking the rules will get you nowhere
time (some are still main figures in media even
(specifically in the music industry).
though the public is aware of their indiscretions).
This could imply the motive behind media
institutes is making profit from anybody in the news
headlines at the time. The fact that many find I attempted to convey genuine role models in
amusement from reading about the ‘stupidity’ of my college magazine by focusing on the
celebrities contributes towards this. It means that academic side of college rather than the social.
magazines can use bad role models and still Instead of using images depicting the students
maintain high sales, ignoring the moral issue. life, I focused on building itself. This implies that
college revolves around the students
commitment to work and studying. Rather than The artist that I have created in my music
‘partying’ that has been implied by TV shows such magazine can be perceived as a positive role
as Skins or the advertisement of student gigs. model . I haven’t used shots that depict him
The TV series Skins is an example of this, as it partying, smoking or drinking, I have used completely
depicts the life of college students at college. natural shots. This conveys the genuine image of the
However they spend the majority of the series at individual not a contrived ‘character used to impress
parties and not working, this can mislead its people. If anything I have tried to emphasise the
viewers. As it is effectively conveying the image average appearance of my model. As he isn’t a sex
that you can spend the entire time having a symbol with muscles and a defined jaw line, he is the
laugh and not working, and yet not be ‘nerdy’ kid that lives down the street. I haven’t shied
suspended from college. If someone leaving away from not using studio shots and the ‘perfect’
school considered these role models, they would person, I have emphasised the point. My use of
have the completely wrong idea when applying images depicting the artist’s younger self is also
for college. I wanted my magazine to tell the significant. As childhood can be associated with
readers exactly what college life is, that it is innocence, this can improve the reputation of my
essentially a 9-5 job, not a vacation. artist if he is seen as a ‘good kid’.
4. This is a convention that was also
necessary for my magazines, as I am
How does my media product developing a idea for a potential magazine.
use the conventions of real One way in which I made my college
magazine distinguishable was my design,
media products? instead of a traditional layout I opted for
using multiple Images rather than one Cover
Selling a product image. While my USP would be my focus on
The fundamental goal of the academic element of college rather
magazine companies is to than the social life of the students. Even
sell a product. They are though this could be risky regarding sales
creating a product to from prospective students, as they be
repelled by the apparent work load, it could
meet the demands of the
be popular with those wanting to know
consumer. what ‘real’ college life is like. As college
This is essentially the basis of creating media magazines focusing on college gigs and
products, they are ensuring that the content is
what they readers want. All the while making
Informative (Purpose) events could mislead the reader into
believing that student life is primarily about
sure that the overall design/layout appeals to Another convention that my products and real improving your social life. This is a element of
the target market. They need to make sure college life, however this is balanced out
media products have in common in the purpose of
that their magazine is distinguishable and has the magazine. As well as selling a product they are with academic work – readers need to be
aware of this.
a unique selling point e.g. free gifts, in-depth informing the reader in a objective or entertaining
interviews. If this isn’t he case, if they cant I have also attempted to make my music
way. Whether it be college magazines that are magazine distinguishable from existing ones
appeal to the target market directly, then informative to prospective students, or music on the market by creating an original
sales are compromised as readers may
magazine that informs readers of the artist’s life. design. I haven’t followed the convention
decide on purchasing another publication. A design/layout I have attempted to develop
Otherwise, why would people purchase media
potential fall in the selling rate can then effect a scrapbook theme, hopefully an interesting
products if they weren’t gaining information/an
the profit of the media institution – this is a design that will appeal to the reader.
repercussion that needs to be avoided. insight from it?
Another way in which I could maintain/boost
This is an example that uses the convention of a USP (Unique Selling Point), the sales of this product is through my USP, I
have conveyed a genuine image of the
this June 2007 issue of NME features Beth Ditto (singer-songwriter in the band
artist (I haven’t edited the images) and not
Gossip). As you can see they have chosen a plus sized model instead of a slim
an idealised view. As many readers may
artist, which is the usual convention for many magazines, this technique can
appreciate the fact I haven’t attempted to
appeal to the readers as they aren’t conveyed this misguided image of
mislead them about artists’ lives through
beauty. They aren’t give this unnatural image, primarily as everyone differs in
‘rose tinted spectacles’. Particularly those
appearance readers are used to seeing plus sized individuals on a daily basis.
apposed to airbrushed/photo shopped
This doesn’t make this image as obscene compared to if they used a figure
images on magazines, this could also
with the ‘perfect’ body and flawless skin (uncommon in today’s society).
expand my target market.
Furthermore this cover gained a large amount of praise and was even
nominated for the best magazine cover of all time. There was also praise from Additionally, I was able to establish the
feminist icons such as Germaine Greer, famous for her ground breaking 1970 demands of my target market and elements
feminist tome ’The Female Eunuch’. This cover doesn’t only challenge the that directly appeal to them through the use
conventions of other magazines, it is also depicts the development of women of market enquiries. I have created
in today’s society. Over the course of a century, women aren’t seen a men’s questionnaires and cross referenced their
property anymore, they are able to be independent and free to strip naked for results, and researched popular existing
a magazine. They no longer have to live up to the expectation of being this magazines such as NME and Kerrang! for
‘prim and proper’ figure for men to show off. inspiration regarding designs, layouts e.tc.
5. My double page spread design is
similar to those featured in NME and Q
magazine, as I have segregated each
page. I have focused on the text (my
article/interview) on one page while on
the other one is a selection of images. I
have gained a large amount of influence
from NME’s feature on Kurt Cobain (refer
to my DPS analysis) as they used a
scrapbook theme to recollect his life and
journey. In all honesty this was the basis of
my idea as it was a theme that directly
appeals to me, especially as it is not a
common design.
Mast Head / Anchorage
Double Page Spread Another convention I have used is the Mast Head,
as I have used a similar style to NME. For both my
college and music magazine I have used a bold font
and used capital letters, this is to emphasise the
element and establish the magazine.
I have also use an Anchorage element that differs
Cover Image from those seen on NME or Kerrang! Cover. I haven’t
One layout convention I have used on used a large point size to emphasis the artist’s name,
my media products is the Cover Image. I have decreased the opacity to blend in with the
Similar to that of NME and Kerrang! model’s skin. This is a similar technique used for Jessie
Magazine I have used a Medium Close-Up J in Q magazine as the font isn’t bold and striking,
to show a reasonable amount of the figure however it gets the point across.
while effectively capturing the emotion on
their face.
There main reason I chose this camera
shot was to allow the artist to mirror the
ambitions and hope of the reader. If I was to
use a Long Shot I would have been unable
to convey the depth of emotion I wanted.
Also if I was to use an Extreme Close-Up I
would only be focusing on a certain area of
the face i.e. the eye and not the entire
facial expression.
6. I have developed this convention in
How does my media product my college magazine as I have decided
to use natural images of the college
develop the conventions of rather than staged. I didn’t use a
real media products? professional camera to take my photos, I
used a simple digital camera as this
improved my accessibility. I was able to
Studio Shots take shots that I wouldn’t have using a
Many media institutes take their photographs in
tripod.
studios using high tech equipment, as this delivers The fact that my photos may consist of
professional looking images. This can genuinely random students walking around the
improve a reputation of a company as the public campus contributes to the natural
perceive them as professional and committed to their element. I wouldn’t have been able to
cause. Ultimately this can help to boost sales and achieve this if I had taken them when the
enables companies to increase the price due to the campus was vacant. I also captured my
photographs on a rainy day, this is I have also developed this convention on my music
high quality of the product.
evident in the reflection in the puddles, magazine, as I have opted for natural shots rather
Studio shots can also be beneficial for readers, as This contrasts the image below, as that than studio shots. However instead of taking them at
they are able to focus entirely the main figure and not image was taken on a sunny day where a random destination, I have tried an interesting
be distracted by the environment. For example on a the natural lighting has emphasised the environment at the port/quay. This location also holds
fashion magazine such as Vogue, a studio shot allows positives of the building. Even though the historical significance, as the old worn surroundings
the figure’s clothing to become the main focus point. latter method can be more effective, my provide my images with grittiness and Verisimilitude.
In this case a Glamour Shot could be used, a shot that photos could represent that not The natural light is also beneficial, it conveys openness
allows the figure to mirror the ambitions and everything is ‘perfect’ (as well as the and a clear view of the model, opposed to artificial
British seasons). lighting in studios that can cast shadows etc.
aspirations of the reader (this can be considered a
Even though I personally prefer natural shots over
USP that helps to boost sales). studio shots, there are some downsides to the former
However, there are negative aspects of using studio shots. As the background could potentially have a
shots, for example the models posture. As they are range of representations (refer to my photo analysis),
essentially ‘posing’ for the camera they aren’t natural. however it could also distract the reader from the
This can make the image appear contrived and model. The main focus could be altered which
unnatural, in retrospect this doesn’t convey the undermines my intention of having my images as the
main focal point.
readers ambitions but the complete opposite. The
reader is unable to relate to the figure as they are
obvious part of a ‘facade’ to make the magazine
look more appealing.
7. There has been somewhat of a role/
stereotype reversal on these two issues of
Sexualised Images Rolling Stone. As one depicts the music artist
In recent years many media products have Lady Gaga holding two large guns, however
become sexualised, whether it be within she appears to be nearly naked. This uses
magazines, TV, Film and explicitly in music videos. sexuality to promote the artist and the
magazine however the guns provide a
As sex is no longer considered a taboo in society,
masculine aspect (possibly a male fantasy or
it is no longer a subject that is avoided – as representation of strong independent women
media relies on adapting to an ever-changing in today’s society). The second cover also uses
society it is constantly portraying it. This concept sexuality to promote, although the male figure
has certainly progressed in the last 50 years, as appears to be at a beach (possibly a
the younger generation developed a sense of backdrop) which can be considered a
‘freedom’ post-war. The swinging sixties can be feminine environment. This could also represent
compared to modern society, as there is still a the increased popularity in metrosexuality and
large amount of controversy over adolescents/ male cosmetics, changing the male stereotype
from completely masculine to somewhat
young adults. Sexual permissiveness appears to As you can clearly see, I haven’t attempted
feminine.
be at the centre, however this isn’t surprising to sexualise my images in any respect – my
considering today’s celebrities attempt to Artists are then promoting the belief that its ok photos remain completely unedited. As
promote themselves through sex. Figures such as to use your body to gain and exceed in specific portraying my artist as a typical teen relates to
Rihanna and Taylor Lautner have been at the industries. Children are most at risk of these my overall theme and effectively represents the
centre, with Rihanna’s risky music videos and campaigns, as they grow up exposed to this lives of many teenagers today.
sexualised media. Some may grow up believing I have used an image of an average looking
Lautner’s change in appearance to feature in male aged between 14-16 and implied that he
the Twilight film series. that they don’t need an education or
qualifications as their appearance will get them processes an amazing talent for music. I have
Many companies are aware that ‘sex sells’ that ultimately avoided trying to improve his
placing an image of a semi-naked woman or a where they want to be – not their work and
appearance in any way to directly focus on his
muscular man will attract a wide audience. This commitment. There has been darker issues related talent. I haven’t used a model or manipulated/
can ultimately help to increase sales and to this exposure, specifically young people who sexualised the image to create a pin-up for
improve profit. However there can be some wear inappropriate clothing, as they are more teenage girls. I have remained true to the
moral issues, as they are once again portraying prone to receive unwanted attention. image, creating a genuine role model for
an ‘idealised’ image. Subsequently this can lead to subjects still children and wannabe musicians.
considered a social taboo, such as abuse etc.
Rihanna, a popular recording artist in today’s
society has caused some controversy over her
use of sexuality to promote her music. Her music
videos such as ‘Only Girl’ and ‘Good Girls Gone
Bad’ constantly show her in little more than her
underwear. This act has drawn criticism from
various critics as well as Mel C, as member of
the 90’s girl group Spice Girls. Who stated that
“the Spice Girls used to draw criticism for being
too sexual, but parading around in crop tops is
nothing in comparison to what today’s female
pop artists are doing”. This proves that sex has
become more of a accepted subject in the last
10-20 years.
8. How does my media product
represent particular social Ethnicity / Gender
groups? While ethnicity and gender are not used to the extent of
social class, they are still significant when representing social
Social Class groups. You can clearly see that I have used a white British
Every product’s target audience can be placed male for my main figure, even though I haven’t incorporated
within a certain social class - JICNARS (Joint Industry ethnic diversity into my project this doesn’t mean the
Committee for National Readership Survey) social representation is racist. If anything, I based my choice of
grading scale shows us how this contributes to the figure on geographical location, as I wanted a model that
differences in media and sales. would ‘fit in’ to the surroundings of Kings Lynn (photo shoot).
I would personally grade the target market for my There is also an ethnic stereotype that could be represented
magazines at Skilled Working Class - Working Class in my music magazine. I previously stated that the model was
(social grading C2-D). You may not be able to of working class, and if you were to believe sociologists
notice but the model I have used is from the Modhood et al , they would tell you that working class white
working class, however I haven’t made this obvious British boys are falling behind in education. While ethnicities
by living up stereotypes etc. Although this does such as African-Asian and West Indian children tend to
allow the readers to relate the figure. exceed in education (possibly down to positive self image).
These social grades are very useful as they can give me an insight into my
This could convey a negative image of my artist/model as
target audience’s life. Primarily I believe that the main target market of my
many higher class individuals may look down on the working
magazines would be the working class, as they could potentially have the
class. Additionally, I have avoided using a male stereotype,
time to read music magazines and attend gigs, as opposed to the Middle
as I haven’t used a ‘masculine’ figure but rather a young
Classes. Especially as they would most likely be skilled – unskilled workers, their
‘metrosexual’ man (i.e. the neat haircut). This is relevant in
job might not be as demanding as someone in Grade A/B working in an
today's society, as the appearance of the male gender has
administrative or professional position.
altered drastically. Instead of preparing for labourer’s work or
Furthermore, my college magazines promotes vocational courses (working
business, many young men are more interested in cosmetics,
class children tend to apply for these as they were unable to exceed contrasting a society 50yrs ago.
academically, though this isn’t always the case). This is the reasoning behind
me choosing social grading C2-D for my target market.
I believe the target market of ‘Vogue’ magazine are
Upper Class-Lower Middle Class (Social Grading: A-C1)
as well as Skilled Working Class-Lowest Class (Social
Grading: C2-E).
I have included all the social gradings, however
they have two very different functions. As the Higher
classes (Social Grading A-C1) are able to purchase this
magazine to catch up with the latest fashions and
then buy anything that catches their eye. Though this These are images
isn’t the case for the lower classes (Social Grading C2- depicting ethnic students
E). They may buy this magazine if they are interested in
and working class boys.
fashion but are most likely unable to afford any of the
clothing, they are able to imagine that the ‘idealised’
image here is what they want to be when they grow
up as the figure could mirror the reader’s ambitions.
9. What kind of media institution
might distribute my media
IPC Media is another institute that could
product? distribute my magazines.
It is a consumer magazine and digital
Media Institutions Bauer Media Group is a potential media institute
that could distribute my magazines, at the moment publisher within the United Kingdom, it
Media is a significant part of our everyday lives, they are very popular and currently own top consists of a large collection selling over 350
as we are considered the audiences our days our brands of music magazines. million copies each year. In I968, the
often structured around reading, watching and company was divided into six sections
It is a multinational media company head
listening to media products. For example, talking quartered in Hamburg, Germany which operates in • IPC Newspapers — including The People
about what happened last night’s X Factor or Big 15 countries worldwide. This worldwide circulation and The Sun, as well as the Daily Mirror
Brother. This implies that Media has become an of Bauer Media Group's magazine titles amounts to and Sunday Pictorial
38 million magazines a week. The Bauer Publishing • IPC Magazines — consumer magazines
essentially part of society, that it has become an
Group consists of 282 magazines, as well as TV and and comics
institution(similar to a Family or the State). • IPC Trade and Technical — specialist
radio stations. Bauer started in the UK with the
launch of Bella magazine in 1987 and as H Bauer magazines
It is made up of three elements, Economic, Cultural and • IPC Books — all book publishing
Publishing became Britain's third largest publisher.
Political: • IPC Printing — all non-newspaper printing
Two major Media Brands owned by Bauer are
•a business which produces media commodities in Kerrang! And Q. operations
order to make profit I believe this is a very suitable media institute to • IPC New Products — launching pad for
•a social structure which constructs our cultural use, as it has developed brands that initiated in the products which used new technology
values and beliefs 20th century and yet are still popular within society I am considering this institute due to it
•Ownership is highly concentrated and very today. It has shown major success regarding the British inclusiveness, in contrast to Bauer
powerful music industry, adapting and developing the Media Group that is based worldwide. If my
brands to make them relevant to the current media product used strictly British artist’s then
culture. All while maintaining a turnover of €1.79 IPC Media would be the most appropriate
Billion Euros. for me. However if I was to expand my target
market, then Bauer would probably be the
most suitable, due to it’s operations in 15
different countries and vast amount of
Specialised Magazines successful magazines.
It is also important to consider where my media
products would be available from. As not every IPC Media
existing magazine is on sale at every shop, for own the
example newsagents and supermarkets. As
successful
newsagents aren’t capable of storing every
publication, you probably wont be able to
publication
purchase a specialised magazine without NME.
ordering it in. Supermarkets such as Tesco tend to
sell a wider range of magazines, so you are more
likely to find the one you’re looking for. I would
probably prefer my media products be available
in supermarkets as this ensures high exposure to the Some of their successes include; Q magazine,
public, which can boost sales. Kerrang!
10. the construction work as well as
Who would be the audience the courses available. It also Music Magazine
for my media product? offers an insight into the While I have aimed my music
vocational courses available at magazine at teenagers and
College Magazine COWA. These can be great young adults (between the age
My college alternatives for students who of 11-25yrs). There are two other
magazine could don’t receive the desired grades specific groups that may find my
appeal to a range of or who don’t want to follow the magazine appealing, people
people within academic path. Many leaving who love music and attend
education. Three main school need to be aware of their music gigs/festivals regularly as
groups could be other options, otherwise they well as those wanting to become
current college might drop out of education famous musicians.
students (16-19yrs), entirely.
prospective students Trained lecturers might also be Particularly as many will be the same age as the
and even lecturers. interested in this magazine, if model/artist I have used , they will be able to gain
First and foremost, existing college they were interested in a job inspiration from him as he and many existing music artists
students, as one of my main aims of this then they would get a clear influence younger individuals today. As I have
magazine is to promote the college this is image of what it would entail documented the artist’s memories, past, present and his
important – as we want a diversity of from the magazine. They may overall journey, readers are able to see each step he
students to attend the establishment. I took to exceed in the music industry. This can work as a
even gather contact details and
have included a USP and focused on the
info on job enquiries. ‘plan’ or ‘guideline’ for wannabe artists as they embark
college itself rather than the students,
enabling potential new students to on their own journey.
decided whether or not they want to enrol Music lovers who enjoy this specific genre of music
at COWA. If the magazine ends up (indie, alternative) may also find this magazine
appealing to students and increasing the appealing, as it is a magazine that primarily focuses on
student count then the college could this genre. I am currently not aware of real magazines
receive better funding etc. This is that focus on ‘independent’ acts, although there are
beneficial for the students and the college magazines for punk rock/metal (Kerrang!), classic rock
Prospective students are also important, (Mojo) and pop/rock (NME). This makes my magazine
as school leavers are facing the hard
original and will attract the individuals who primarily
decision of what to do next. This magazine
gives them a clear image of what the enjoy the indie genre.
college consists of,
11. Publisher
What have I learnt about Microsoft Publisher is a computer program
that I relied heavily upon in the initial stages of
technologies from the process the project. I have used it to complete my
of constructing this product? college magazine mock ups and final designs
as well as my music magazine’s double page
Photoshop spread (as opposed to Photoshop).
My skills regarding Adobe Photoshop I chose to use Publisher at the start of the course, as I am
have significantly improved of the familiar with program having previously used it on occasion.
course, as I felt comfortable enough to Due to the simplicity of the program I was able to develop
use this program to construct my music
my skills quickly and with ease (unlike my work completed in
magazine cover and contents page.
Adobe Photoshop). This meant I was confident with using the
Even though initially I processed little knowledge of how to
tools to create my college magazine, a front cover and
use Photoshop, I was able to expand my knowledge and
improve my skills through tutorial videos (taken from contents page. I was able to construct my final piece
YouTube) and written tutorials on various websites. These relatively quickly as I used a basic layout and design, this
helped me considerably as I was able to manipulate my contributed to my decision to use Photoshop on future
images effectively which improved my confidence when pieces. As I wanted to challenge myself while learning new
creating my final pieces, skills (they could be essential in the future) in the process.
Some of the key skills I have learnt on Photoshop include Even though I experienced no major problems in Publisher,
making an image’s background transparent (this caused I did find it to be very restrictive regarding the tools and
me some minor problems in regard to the figure’s hair, effects available. As you are only able to edit the brightness/
however I overcame this by researching tutorials) you can
contrast on images. However creating magazines was never
see this in the print screens below. Another skill I have
acquired through experimentation on the program is to the intention of this program, it is probably
make images appear worn by editing the layer’s properties. more suited to creating leaflets etc. for
Through this I was able to add a drop shadow (to make the personal or commercial use. Photoshop is the
image appear elevated), add noise (to make the image better of the two for the designing purposes,
appear damaged over the years), add an inside shadow however it was created with this intention.
and emboss the image – this made the image appear 3D. This is my Music While Publisher has it’s merits (easier to
After spending a large amount of time on the program Magazine’s front use/master) I personally prefer Photoshop, due
and experiencing the vast amount of tools available I now cover and to its wider range of tools and effects.
know why the program is so popular and why it carries an
expensive price tag. I wasn’t able to appreciate the
contents page.
complexity of the program previously, as I was unaware of
how to use it. However I now find it a valuable resource and
an effective program to use, I would definitely use it again. Poladroid & Slide Share
I have used these two programs,
available free on the internet, within my project. I
used the program Slide Share to upload my
analysis presentations onto Tumblr (by embedding
the HTML code). While I used Poladroid to create
my polaroids from my digital photos – essential for
my final designs.
12. Improvement in Technology Due to the increased popularity
With the significant improvement in and use of handheld devices such
technology over recent years it isn’t surprising as e-readers, kindles, tablets and
that the convention of printed publications smart phones. Many believe that the
are at risk. As technology effectively does the printing industry is at risk, as many
hard work for us, all we have to do if wait for magazine readers would rather have
an update on our phones/tablets etc. the publication on their Ipad or
Compared to a decade ago, today’s iphone rather than a paper issue. As
society seems are be a futuristic world. As ten this method is considered easier and
years ago we didn’t have smartphones with time-saving as they don’t have to
We appear to be entering a new technology age, as
the latest apps or kindles that will deliver you a
well as increasing our demand for new innovative products travel to the shops (with the risk that
book in a matter of seconds. The pace in the publication is out of stock), you
to satisfy our ‘hunger’ for change. Once you introduce a
which technology has developed has just receive an instant update. This
revolutionary product, then there will always be a
certainly increased the last few years with the could ultimately make the printed
consumer demand for something better.
introduction of the Apple Ipad in May 2010 publication redundant.
As society works as a ‘unit of consumption’, it isn’t any
and the IPhone 4s in 2011. These are both There was a similar circumstance
wonder that the popularity of latest gadgets have
considered revolutionary products as they with the introduction of the kindle in
increased . Evident in the fact that 1/10 people asked have
define the modern era. For example an Ipad is
admitted to using e-readers, while by late 2011 Apple had 2007,as many purchased these to
currently used in many professions, from
sold 15.4 million Ipads to the public. Due to the diversity of contain all their books. There was
teaching (to engage children in a new also a considerable amount of
this product it is in popular demand, and while the target
innovative way), to music (create your own
market continues to demand the company Apple will keep controversy over this subject,
tunes using musical apps) and even medical
creating new and improved products (that will effectively however many still favour printed
professions. As they consist of a 9.7inch display books to this day. So could this mean
gain them profit).
and have a storage capacity of 64GB, that the printing industry isn’t at risk?
doctors can use the Ipad to show Especially as many members of the
patients/staff problems through use of 3D target market may prefer to have
diagrams and high graphics. the sentimental physical magazine,
rather than a device that could
damage easily.
Social Media
I have incorporated the element of social media into my
music magazine, sites such as Facebook and Twitter are
not only popular in today’s society but almost essential to
many of its members. As social media is seen to be a vital
form of communication, in business and even personally –
as many of us rely on these sites to keep in contact with
relatives (as Facebook is accessible worldwide). Many also
rely on Twitter, as they receive regular updates ‘tweets’
about people, paces and events they are interested in.
With the invention of smart phones and iphones, the public
are able to click on a simple ’app’ and they find out
exactly what is happening around the world.
