The document provides an analysis of how a mock magazine product called "Shenanigans" uses and develops conventions of real music magazines to target a female audience. Key points discussed include using typical magazine design elements like a masthead and cover lines. Images feature confident-looking female artists to appeal to women. The intended distribution partners, target 16-20 year old female rock fans from middle-class backgrounds, are identified.

1. Evaluation Coursework ‘ SHENANIGANS’

2. In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products? The Cover Masthead – a typical feature of magazines. It is positioned horizontally across top of page (see Kerrang!). The font connotes edginess and rebellion and mischievousness . The word ‘Shenanigans’ itself connotes mischievousness which is appropriate as rock bands can be associated with mischief. The use of a strapline is conventional in magazines. The strapline itself connotes loud noise and shouting which can be associated with ROCK MUSIC. The use of coverlines is conventional in magazines , as is the anchoring of the main image with the main coverline (see Q magazine) .

3. A central image is conventional of a music magazine, usually of a band or solo artist. The central image is also usually from the main feature of the magazine. To follow the conventions of music magazines I included one other image (not including the poster promotion) for another feature in the magazine. Usually, however, a music magazine will have one than one image other than the central one (see Kerrang!). Moreover, there would usually be a preview of more than one poster, I have used only one.

4. Typically, music magazines will have several cover lines, I have used only two.

5. I have used lures such as competitions and posters to attract readers. This is conventional of magazines. The competition has been placed in the ‘sweet spot’ of the page to immediately attract the attention of the reader. Use of the ‘sweet spot’ is conventional in magazines. I have included institutional details (in this case the magazine’s website). It is typical of magazines to have the institution’s website on the cover. I have used only two fonts on this page. Conventionally, magazines will only have two or three fonts in order to avoid confusing the reader. I have also used only three main font sizes for the same reason. I included a barcode in a conventional position with a price and issue date. I used a gutter to advertise the features inside the magazine to my target audience. The is method commonly used on music magazines.

6. The Contents Page The sections of the contents are thematically grouped, as is conventional of most magazines. A montage of images has been included to give the reader a preview of the features within the magazine. Many other magazines do this too. All the images have been anchored with page numbers to make it easier for readers to navigate the magazine.

7. I included institutional details on the page, which is conventional of magazines. I have however developed on this with the unconventional location of the details (the rim on a drum for a drum kit in the photo). The vertical positioning of the title of the page ‘Contents’ is unconventional as most magazines have it placed horizontally along the top of the page. The repetition of the masthead on the contents page shows continuity of design and is conventional. Having an editorial on the contents page to greet the reader is conventional of magazines. There would normally, however, be a photo of the editor as well. It is conventional to have a main image, which I have done so here. The image would, however, usually be positioned in the top half of the page.

8. To follow the conventions of music magazines, I used a colour scheme consisting of four colours (black, purple, white and red). I developed on this convention by carrying my colour scheme through to even the double page spread. As with the cover page, the contents page has only two main fonts and three main font sizes to avoid confusion.

9. The Double-Page Spread I have included a by-line; this is conventionally done by magazines. The feature has multiple entry-points to make the page more interesting for the reader. This is a conventional method. A heading is used to title the feature in a different font, font size and font colour. These will make it stand out. This is conventional of magazines. The font colour of the answers is different from the that of the questions to differentiate them. The article ends with news in brief to offer essential information for readers. I also carried my continuity of design through to the double page spread by replicating the ‘layered box’ design from my masthead. A main image is used on the page as well as several others. None of the images are for the male gaze and most of the band members are looking at the camera. This connotes confidence to attract the female audience. The use of photos from a photobooth connotes the fun side of rock stars and shows the confidence of the band in order to attract the female audience. In the main image I have used ‘mise-en-scene’ of guitars and an amp to connote that this magazine is aimed at fans of rock music.

10. How does your media product represent particular social groups? My product represents several ethnic groups including: Asian, Caucasian and Black. I have done this by including photos of people from these different groups. While I have represented all three of these groups, I have included only one image of someone from a Black ethnic group. This means that this group is represented to a lesser extent than the others and so may not feel like they are the target audience.

11. The middle class social group is represented by my product. The clothing and jewellery worn by the individuals in the photos suggest middle class finances. In all of the photos the hairstyles of each of the people are quite toned down and aren’t extravagant – this is typical of middle class girls. On the double page spread, the main image has a school-like setting which also suggests middle class. The musical instruments also suggest that the individuals have a higher budget than those from, say, the working class.

12. With the exception of one photo, all of the individuals photographed in my product are female. By doing this, I have represented the females of the target audience. Moreover, they are all presented in a positive light. The girl on the poster has her hand on her waist and is looking at the camera, connoting confidence. In the main image of the cover, the middle band member is looking straight at the camera, also connoting confidence. On the double page spread almost all the band members are looking into the camera and seem to be having fun in the photobooth photos. This connotes confidence. I have also done this by using a purple that is quite close to pink; this colour is stereotypically feminine and therefore represents the female gender.