1) The document evaluates the student's music magazine project by comparing it to real music magazines. It finds that the student's magazine includes most typical codes and conventions like a masthead, issue number, price, and large cover image. 2) It also summarizes the contents page and double page article spread, finding they also effectively use conventions like headlines, images, and columns. 3) Technological challenges in designing the magazine are discussed, but the student learned about page layout, imaging, and limitations of design software.

1. EVALUATION FOR MY MUSIC MAGAZINEBy Jhynel Cowan G4 

2. How does my media product use, develop and challenge the forms and conventions of a real media product?

3. FRONT COVER:213This image is an example of a magazine with similar images to my product which is also based on the celebrities shown here:4My media product has most of the codes and conventions of a real media product, for example my product includes a masthead (1), issue number (2), price (3), left third (4), barcode (5) and main image (6). I have also used a house style throughout my magazine, this includes the colours blue, white and black and the fonts: TRENDY, Century Gothic and Broadway, which are more like graffiti style or “tagging” which the grime genre is mostly known for. My media product’s genre is “Grime” this style is more urban and street.65

4. CONTENTS PAGE:126My magazine’s contents page includes monthly updates (1), the issues date (2), lures- such as offers and vouchers (3), a logo(4), page numbers(5), cover story(6), page details(7)and images (8), all of which a real media product would include. My product’s house style also runs through to the contents page in order to state that each page belongs together in a magazine as a whole.874In comparison to the example of a music magazine’s contents page, my product does look similar as I have included the same forms and conventions.53

5. My product’s double page article also uses and develops the form of a real media product as it used a headline for the page (1), enlarged lettering (2), interview(3), images(4), page numbers(5), columns(6) and websites(7).DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD:6137During research, before I began constructing my product I had come across a few double page articles and had decided to base my structure around them for an effective finishing product.245Here is an example of a music magazine’s double page article, I used A similar dark background with large and slightly smaller images. I also added text on both sides of the page.

6. How does my music magazine represent particular social groups?

7. FRONT COVER:Looking at my music magazine’s front cover, it is fairly easy to believe that it represents “Grime” social groups with the social demographics of C1-E (working class to the unemployed) which fits under the criteria of young people who are mostly associated with grime. This is known by firstly looking at the masthead, not only does the name “Grime Time” state that it connects to “Grime”, but also does the font as it is fairly contemporary and stylish. Also the colours used are known as youthful colours, especially the blue- this is a fun and vibrant colour and the white’s and black’s create a contrast and allows the blue to grab the readers attention. The context of the writing is simple to read and understand and once again relates to the youth due to the terminology used nowadays in the “streets” and uses highly up to date words and phrases. Also the imagery is casual and relaxed, the clothing the models wear also helps to portray the “Grime” theme.

8. CONTENTS PAGE:The layout/structure used within the contents page of my product also fits in with grime, as it includes some interesting shapes such as the star shape. This makes it more appealing for the reader and catches the target audience a bit more as it stands out. Also the events listed are held at very cultural places, once again relating back to “Grime” as most of the associates would guaranteed to visit at least one of the events. The shop logo for “JD” would also appeal to the social group as the store allows purchase of the newest and upcoming “Grime” outfits. The logo helps to emphasize on the name of the magazine as a clock refers to time and the lettering and fonts used once again reflect on the “Grime” social group.

9. DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD:My double page spread also represents the “Grime” social group. The house style is once again the same to bring out the “Grime” vibe/feel. The imagery on the page allows other followers of grime to discover the latest fashion as it is displayed quite freely.My overall product tends to portray grime-associates as ambitious, and determined but also free-spirited and down to earth due to the language used and the images add the “fun” illusion.Also the poses are fairly grime-related as they look like poses for respect and status. The context of the article itself plays a big part in representing “Grime” as it is written in an informal tone with up to date phrases and words.

10. Who would my target audience be and why?

11. The target audience for my media product would most likely be any “Grime” associate as this is what I believe they would like to see. This relates to the audience pleasures and feedback. Due to my research I had taken notice that most people who are into the “Grime scene” would prefer to see unisex colours such as blue’s, purple’s and green’s along with the standard black’s and white’s. Images that include both males and females were also preferred, and up to date language and current events within grime music and upcoming events were also opted to see within my grime magazine. My audience were targeted by being involved with the events taking place, for example I chose to write in third person using “we and us” so that everyone would feel involved with the magazine. I also chose the “Grime” target audience as this is very new and current and has been established in the earlier years and has now been progressed into something bigger and better, which made me realise why the grime music tribe was the best thing for me to base my music magazine around. Within my feedback I had found that the majority of my audience felt involved with my product and believed it fitted in well with my chosen music tribe and explored most of the audience pleasures.

12. What kind of media institution might distribute my music magazine and why?

13. Due to my product being related to “Grime” I have figured that the types of institutions that might distribute my magazine are radio stations such as 1Xtra as this institution play a lot of music associated with grime and most of my target audience would listen to the station and If 1Xtra did distribute via promotions my product it would give these “Grime Headz” more of an incentive to go out and buy my magazine as it includes all the stuff they would like to see, once again referring back to my audience pleasures.Another institution that I believe would distribute my media product is popular street clothing stores such as “JD” (as sponsored within my magazine) This store might distribute my music magazine as it fits in with their “culture” and relates to the stores background. Along with the JD sports store many other clothing institutions are most likely to help promote for the exact same reason.

14. How did I attract and address my audience?

15. I managed to attract my audience in a variety of ways within my magazine and with the range of approaches I was able to address them freely and on a lighter tone. To start with I came up with a catchy masthead: “GRIME TIME”- this rhymes which begins to add a fun, free-living tone to my product which is highly need to grasp my audience. Also the colours blue, black and white I had chosen to use create contrasts and appeal by creating an eye-catching effect. The images used throughout my media product are unisex and add a welcoming, yet lively feel to the magazine aiming to bring this across to the audience.My target audience are also able to feel in contact with the issues being raised within my magazine and are addressed as if the context is directed to them as individuals due to the text being friendly and informal most like the world of “Grime”. I had also used the codes and conventions such as the lure’s to entice my audience as when the overall product looks and “sounds” good they become more temped to purchase the product.

16. What have I learned about technology from the process of constructing this music magazine?

17. Within the process of producing my media product I had faced a few difficulties but I had managed to resolve these issues over trial and error. I have learnt that producing products such as magazines are not simple at all and a whole lot of hard work goes into making it. Also within the short period of time I had to complete this task I was in charge of giving myself enough time and space in order to do this. I was not familiar with the software we had to use to make the magazine, which made it harder for me and “Indesign” is a complex programme- and I had discovered dilemma whilst in the stage of construction. The programme “Photoshop” was used to remove the backgrounds off my images by using the magic wand tool, I found this simple as I had used the programme a few times before. It had come to my attention that you must set up the correct lighting and backgrounds in order to produce high-quality images to make the product look professional. I had also discovered that not all technology can perform the same and some areas are limited and you must find a way of accomplishing the task to your potential. But along with all these issues you are then able to achieve a high standard piece of work to make yourself proud!

18. Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

19. Preliminary TaskFull ProductMy front cover for my preliminary task was very basic in comparison to my full product, I believe this was due to being more creative and putting more effort into the full product. My full product also has more conventions of a real magazine including a barcode, also my full product looks more like a real magazine. I think that I have learnt a bit more based on how to explore producing on computer programmes and how to add a bit more of creativity by discovering new tools.

20. Preliminary TaskFull ProductThe layout of my preliminary task’s contents page seems very poor once compared to my full product. The imagery used is much more detailed in the full product, whereas my preliminary task’s images look very basic and unprofessional. I did include a editors letter in my preliminary task but looking back I have realised some of my grammar was incorrect. My full product, on the other hand does not include an editor’s letter but seems to be much more structured with the real “feel” of a magazine. I have felt that I have progressed more key items in which the real product must include in order to look effective, such as box-outs, logo’s, lures and promotions.

21. Full ProductMy preliminary task did not include producing an article page but within my full product this was necessary. I believe I have produced an overall good product and compared to my preliminary task, much improved. I had gained a lot of skill by doing the preliminary task as it helped me prepare for the real thing which resulted to a fair turn-out, of which I am proud of. Including the use of codes and conventions where necessary.