As media evaluation question 1

1. 1. In what ways does your media
product use develop or challenge forms
and conventions of a real media
products?
Olivia Dexter

2. Mast head

The masthead needs to stand out against the background to ensure that it engages the eye of
customer when the magazine is on sale. ‘Top of the pops’ magazine uses a masthead, which is clear
and has a bold title, which instantly attracts the reader’s attention. The title and fonts used are also
indicative of the genre, whilst looking at pop magazine I noticed a trend in having the word pop within
the magazine masthead. As a result I wanted to conform to popular pop magazine conventions and
include the word ‘pop’ within my magazine. This also further illustrates to the buyer what genre the
magazine is about.

The cover lines should have a link, to featured artists in the magazine. The artist or band chosen for
the cover must be relevant and attract the target audience. This is why choosing the model who will
appear as an artist on the cover was so important, as they will be representing the genre.

3. Cover

The main background image should feature a band or artist
who is relevant to the target audience and music genre. They
must also be of interest to the target audience, on them it
should state the name of the featured artist.

Using the left third for plugs to attract the reader and try to
reach their interest. They also use the bottom third to present
a range of topics inside. Pull quotes are used and scattered
around the page, in the attempt that people will see the quote
and want to read further.

The cover consists of various different images which are
placed strategically to catch the audience members attention.
The images often contain a pop ‘star’ in a studio shoot, in
which they make eye contact with the audience.

4. Text

Focus is on a bright color scheme as it attracts the readers eye on the newsstands. The colors
used are also connation of the target audience. Using ‘Girly colors' to show they target a
younger female audience. The text must engage the audience and entice them to further look at
the magazine in a buying environment. Therefore using visually appealing fonts will appeal to a
younger pop audience who will get bored if the page is consumed by lots of text.

Bold fonts used in sub headings or cover lines to indicate what the story is about.

5. 
Contents page- They use on average 6 images however one that stands out and is the main
feature. The title of the magazine is often repeated on this page and date to prove it is the latest
version. Sub headings next to the page numbers. This is to give a clear idea of what is inside
the magazine and makes it easy to navigate.

They use numbers which are highlighted in another colour to show their significance, followed
by a few words to say what is on the page.

Images will have a caption box which will draw the reader to the story, the caption will make
them want to read to feature. Colloquial language found in pop magazines to suit the younger
audience.

As a convention of pop magazine the contents page is typically full of images and text. As it
provides a tasters as to what is in the magazine. And allows for easy nagaviation around the
magazine.

6. Conventions of Pop music

Artist are clothed fashionably in mainstream culture
outfits. Artists are portrayed happy, enjoying
themselves and content with life. Pop stars are almost
always stereotypically attractive. With female stars
this works as women aspire to be more like their
favorite celebrities

Lyrics within pop songs are based on love and
relationships

Bands often express unity associated with other teens
which is the main target audience.

Pop songs usually last between 3-5 minutes with a set
structure and a consistent beat.

The pop music industry, follows current trends rather
than being independent in making something new and
unique. The form of pop songs usually follows a versechorus-verse structure, using hook line which are
catchy for the audience.

Pop music promotion is done via radio stations and
magazines.

7. Imagery

Songs usually include a beat which is dance orientated. These
songs are stereotypically associated with people in their teens
as many people in their youth enjoy such dance music.

A lot of the imagery created is based on sex or partying at this
is stereotypically what teens enjoy.

Artists are expressed in a sexual and seductive way trying to
lure the audience, in a show like manner. However more
currently artists have chosen to dress in a provocative way
portraying a sexual atmosphere. Previously women in pop were
presented in a Mulley's male gaze, however more recently they
have been making a conscious decision to dress provativley.

8. 
Hair and makeup are more commonly being used as a way to commutate the artists feelings,
views and express a message; this plays a major role in pop music videos.

Technology recently has been used as a major part of music videos, animation is used to create
an exciting, loud and lively atmosphere

Pop music videos are known for their heavy lighting and vibrant colors. This makes the video
more attractive.