The document summarizes how the media product uses and challenges conventions of real music magazines. It analyzes each element of the front cover and contents page, describing how conventions are used or challenged for things like the masthead, sell line, images, columns, and page numbers. For example, the masthead challenges conventions by using a unique cut-out effect, while the sell line uses a common convention but differentiates it with italics. Overall, the document shows an understanding of magazine conventions and thoughtfully discusses how the media product both adheres to and innovates beyond typical conventions for music magazines.

1. Evaluation Question 1
In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions
of real media products?

2. Front Cover
Masthead
Sell Line
Cover Line
Flash
Anchor text
Features
Main Cover Line
Main Image

3. Masthead
Large, bold, modern/contemporary font, san serif styled. Cut out
effect to intrigue the reader and create a unique brand. Positioned so
the masthead looks like it lies behind the model as a new magazine -
unknown name. Name instantly associates to music bPM = beats per
minute. Eye catching witch creates brand awareness. Similar to some
existing media such as ‘iD’ and ‘The Fader’ magazine however the
masthead generally doesn’t abide to the general codes of
conventions of existing music magazines such as NME, Billboard,
Vibe and Clash.
Similar Unconventional -
Conventional Masthead -

4. Sell Line
I used the common convention of a sell line ‘Feel the Beat’ on the
Front Cover, it acts as an introductory headline to the magazine,
usually it is placed underneath the masthead. I have put it in italics so
it stands out and differentiates from the rest of the page, it also
informs the reader (uses & grats)
Magazines that use this convention;
NME - ‘New Musical Express’
Q magazine - ‘Discover Great Music’

5. Main Image
Mid shot using direct mode of address which creates a personal
relationship with audience and draws them in (uses and grats). Full
face lighting which makes the image look brighter and follows more
conventional lightning. Model used in the image is in the age range of
my target audience therefore, can relate the audience can relate to
her. Facial expression not clearly defined, which leaves the reader
wanting more and adds a sense of mystery and unknown.
Existing media using similar images;

6. Features
An insight into features included - informative (uses and grats) - it entices
the audience because it shows them a sneak preview of wha is going to be
included in the magazine. Smaller font - not the main cover line. Links with
the house style - contrasts to the background, has a slight drop shadow to
enhance it and make it stand out - at the bottom of the page, the positioning
isn’t a common convention for the features as they are generally positioned
to both sides of the front cover, however this is a common convention in the
magazines which I have researched and are basing my magazine on.
Similar Unconventional -
(Clash) (Fader)
Conventional Features -
(NME) (Q magazine)

7. Anchor Text
Artists name entices fans and the reader - links to the article and main story
you will read in the magazine - in a bold text, larger text on the page to
stand out against image
Magazines that use this convention;
(Q mag)
(NME)
(Fader)

8. Pull Quotes
Pull quotes - creates questions and engages with the reader, it entices the
audience, ‘MUSIC REVOLUTION’ they are interested how it has become a
music revolution.
Magazines that use this convention;
(Q mag)
(NME)
(Billboard)

9. Main Cover Line
Common convention placed near features and text to reinforce the
connection. It in keeps with the house style (colour orange and font) which
makes the page look more approachable and eye catching therefore more
people would go to purchase it. Slight drop shadow to make the text stand
out against the background - this alleviates importances. It also informs the
reader (uses and grats) - entices the reader to find out what is in ‘The
Music Issue’
Magazines that use this convention;
(Q mag)
(Clash)
(Fader)

10. Flash
Bold and in keeping with the house colours - instead of it being an
advertisement for something in the magazine, it actually is advertising the
first issue of the magazine itself. Stands out as it is one of the biggest
objects on page - informative (uses and grats) - Buzz word ‘Limited’ which
entices audience powerless to finding out what is going to feature and what
this magazine is about.
The only thing which I have gone against is the fact that it fits the house
theme, in my research the Flash is usually in a different colour than the
house style and theme, however I wanted to challenge the codes and
conventions and kept it the same house colour so that my front page didn’t
look to full on as I was going for quite a contemporary minimalist feel .
Magazines that use this convention;
(Q mag)
(NME)

11. House Style
The house style I chose challenges conventions for ‘typical’ music
magazines. I chose the colours white and orange, as I didn’t like the way
red and black (a common house style) contrasted with the photo, as well as
not being able to stand out as much as I had hoped. The orange however
stands out - unique colours - creates brand awareness.
Magazines that challenge the red and black
house style;
Magazines that use the red and black house
style;

12. Contents Page
Issue Number
Date
Numbering
Images
Page Number
Competition
Social Media Links
Regular Features
Column/ Linear
structure
Masthead

13. Date and Issue Number
Recent information - informative (uses and grats) - keeps regular
readers up to date - positioned at the top of the page so shows
importance - bold however smaller texts - contrasts to the
background - the page number not as bold but still readable.
Magazines that use this convention;
(NME)
(Q mag)

14. Images
All the images I have taken of the models are mid close ups so
their body language and facial expressions are visual.
I used the photo of the band ‘the 1975’ performing to add variation
to the page as I didn’t want the page to just be images of people,
also it means that it is explicit that the magazine is a music
magazine.
I presented them in a way like a thumbnail, this allows a variety of
images to be on the page - no overlapping - creates professional
look.
Magazines that use this convention;
(NME) (Q mag) (Clash)

15. Columns
I used columns as they bring organised look to the page and I
found they were a common convention in my research and
planning - split the page into three columns like an article - framed
perception for professional finish - no overlapping of images or
features - allows easy navigation therefore fulfills the audiences
needs (uses and grats)
Existing media showing similarities to mine;
Q mag NME Vibe

16. Numbering
Organised text, which is easy to find and read, allows the reader to
find individual needs to fulfill, as well as informing them (uses and
grats). The numbers are positioned on the left hand side of text
and structured in columns = conventional, as seen below.
It is also linked with feature/ image/article - informing whats
included inside (uses and grats) in keeping with house style.
Magazines that use this convention;
Fader Q mag

17. Features
Title of ‘features’ contrasts with the black so it is eye catching -
short and simple and easy navigation. Consistency column for
regular readers - entices readers for continuity reading for repeat
purchase. Information included in feature (uses and grats) entices
reader and fulfills needs about the array of articles.
The special features ‘New Music’ also is contrasting with the black
and in keeps with the house style by using the same font - columns
for easy navigation which fulfills the readers needs (uses and
grats) - short artist name to attract the reader and inform them
about what artists are featured in the magazine.
Magazines that use this convention;
Billboard
Q mag
Vibe

18. Social Media Links & Competition
In my research I have not come across a contents page with social
media links on, however, I decided to use it as my target audience
are teenagers and young adults and social media is very popular
especially with this 21st century generation, therefore it seems like
a sensible way to get the audience involved.
It also means that they can keep updated in between issues and
will help form a customer base, it means that I am reaching my
readers and marketing the magazine effectively. Additionally, the
social media link are vital for the competition.
Competitions aren’t a common convention for contents pages
however, I did find in my research that there are often giveaways
related to buying multiple issues therefore I decided to adaapt this.
Also because this is the first issue of the magazine it would e
logical to have a motive for the audience to buy the next issue and
a competition is a good way to attract potential regular readers. I
discussed this with my focus group and the majority thought it was
a good idea.

19. Page Number
Page number - informative - magazine name next to page number
- creates brand awareness - professional and consistent
Magazines that use this convention;

20. Masthead
Large bold text, draws the readers attention - stands out against
background - in keeping with the ‘bPM’ font on the front cover. Lies
at top of page - follows conventions. Upper case lettering is also
conventional
Magazines that use this convention;
Billboard
Clash
Kerang

21. Double Page Spread
Drop Cap
Columns
Text
Page
Number
Artist
Name
Image

22. Layout
With my double page spread I challenged the usual convention of
having an image on only one side on the magazine by so reading it
across both pages similarly to the rolling stones magazine. I did this
because I wanted continuation across the pages and for the image
to be the most important and prominent element of the pages.
Even the title overlapping it in a contrasting colour, I ddont feel
derails the attention.

23. Image
I decided to use an unconventional edit on my image, which covers
both side of the double page - The direct mode of address only
adds to this effect making the image a powerful one and creates a
personal relationship to the audience (uses and grats) - I think the
models positioning and the graffiti in the background reinforces the
going against of the conventions and societies expectations which
attracts the younger generation - by enhancing the colours they
image stands out more and grabs the readers attention - also in
keeping with the house style and theme.
Magazines that use this convention;

24. Text
I added two columns on my double page to the right of the page.
This is so naturally, the reader will look at the image of the artist and
then read the text. The columns make the text clear and organised
which is pleasing to the eye for the audience. The anchor text under
Elliot Bottle directs the readers attention towards the artists name
and informs them of who the article is about (uses and grats)
Sans serif font used, in order to appeal to audience (bolder more in
your face which reflects the audience themselves). Stands out from
the background and follows my house colours.
I chose to position the artists name on the very top of the double
page spread which entices the fans and can be easily seen. These
are existing medias that follow these conventions;

25. Page Number & Drop Cap
Page numbers - informative - I put the bPM logo next to the page
number as it creates brand awareness
Magazines that use this convention;
Drop cap - introduction to text - bold - grabs attention -
entices buyers to read article
Magazines that use this convention;

26. Language
A final way I conformed to codes and conventions was the use
on sensationalism. I did this through using exaggerated words
or phrases which were aimed at my target audience eg ‘Rap’
‘Art’ ‘Exasperate’ in order to create a buzz around the text on
the double page spread.
The interesting story keeps the audience keen and allows me
to generate more interest in further editions as the audience
would be left satisfied.
To add to this, I included informal phrases to create a
relationship to the audience through the use of language.
Many other magazines similar to mine also use this as
a technique as seen in the given examples;