The document discusses the design choices made for a magazine mock-up project. It explains how some elements, like the masthead color, follow conventions of real magazines to seem authentic. However, other aspects challenge conventions to make the magazine unique and appeal to its target alternative audience. Inspiration was drawn from magazines like NME and Rolling Stone, but the document's author aimed to establish their own brand rather than copy directly.

1. Although it’s been established that the masthead differs from the rest of the
font of the magazine, it can be observed the colour is consistent to the colours
used throughout the magazine, conforming to the codes and conventions of real
media products. It gives authenticity to the magazine as it’s following the
generic codes and conventions of real magazines. The masthead challenges the forms and
conventions of real media products as it
is inconsistent to the font used for text
throughout the magazine.
Similarly to the
masthead of the Rolling
Stone magazine, I’ve
done this to represent
the edgy alternative
The irregular layout of the culture of the magazine.
contents page adds interest Although I’ve taken the
and a unique vibe to the idea from Rolling Stone,
magazine. Since I am reaching my masthead is very
to an older audience this different from a lot of
won’t be a problem as they circulating publications,
will able to follow the establishing brand and
magazine thoroughly. My steering away from a
inspiration for this was NME. mainstream audience.
The main image takes up the majority of the
space on the magazine, this decision I made
has been influenced by the likes of big name
indie/rock magazines such as NME and
Rolling Stone as I want to draw attention to
Taking inspiration from NME, I’ve added a the main feature of the magazine. The
website address to the barcode, developing theimage represents youth in a positive and
forms and conventions, this is to keep up with diverse way, it features two teenage girls of
These lures are very music based, which is There is a noticeable lack of certain forms the technological youth who may purchase this a different race and appearance. Props used
the main interest of my target audience and and conventions, such as many lures and a publication include a guitar which is an icon of rock and
would help draw them toward the magazine. strapline- making the magazine more is a symbol of the music lovers who would
unique and establishing the brand, and once I’ve placed it vertically purchase this publication. Their casual
again emphasizing the alternative genre of similar to NME as it adds attire is the same style of most modern
the magazine. As I am attempting to reach a to the dynamic and teenagers allowing the intended target
smaller, more specific audience I’ve rebellious feel of the audience to identify with the magazine
challenged the codes and conventions a lot magazine. better, also I’ve chosen grey clothing as it
as the publication isn’t intended for a mass reflects “moodiness”- a connotation
audience. associated with alternative/indie music.
I developed the codes and conventions here
by adding vibrant graphics, such as the
coloured lightning bolts portraying
loud, electronic music and the musical staff
which reflects the technical side of the
music and symbolises the good sound of the
music.