This document summarizes how the media product both adheres to and challenges conventions of real music magazines. It follows conventions such as using a masthead in the top third, featuring artists on the cover and contents pages, and having a column-based layout. However, it also challenges conventions by having an overlapping masthead, atypical color palette, and images that don't use direct address. The double-page spread challenges conventions by depicting the artist in a long shot looking to the side rather than a close-up. Overall, the media product draws from real magazines like Q and NME while also adapting conventions to better suit its intended indie music audience.

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

2. Front Cover: Masthead
Masthead  black and bold text, following the rule of
thirds, placed in the top third of page – the target audience
will see this first and recognise the brand
immediately. I noticed that the font didn’t look right amongst the sharp fonts I
used for the cover lines so I used the brush tool in Photoshop to give it a more
faded look.
Colour palette for masthead – adheres to codes & conventions of monotones
(black, white and grey). This is simplistic and stands out against the reds used
for the cover lines. Also, the drop shadow helps it to stand out.
However, my masthead does not adhere to all conventions
of magazines as quite often, they are in a red box in the top
left corner – therefore, it does not establish the conventional
elements to the media product which could engage a more
niche audience like Indie rather than Pop.

3. Front Cover: Main Image
Main Image  medium close up of the feature artist – adheres to
conventions of music magazines such as ‘Q’. This creates a sense
of identity for the reader as they can form a closer
Also, has a direct mode address by looking straight at the camera.
It is superimposed in front of the masthead – the image overlaps the
text which is a typical convention of music magazines. It shows that
the ‘Diverge’ is easily recognisable despite the fact that it’s slightly
concealed.
The model is wearing typical indie clothing as it is quite unique, for
example, The Harrington Jacket. This adheres to the codes and
conventions of the indie genre.

4. Front Cover: Cover Lines
Typography – simplistic, contemporary font for large amounts of text and a harsh, bolder
font for the masthead and cover lines following a colour palette of red, white, blue and
yellow.
Cover lines – consist of featured bands and artists similar to those of ‘NME’ and ‘Q’
magazines
The cover lines on my magazine are most similar to those on ‘Q’ magazines as they mention
names of bands with more niche fan bases. For example, The Enemy. The use of the buzz
word ‘exclusive’ also attracts the niche audience as only fans of Hailee Moon are going to
want to know information about her.

5. Contents Page: Layout
Follows codes and conventions of ‘Q’ and ‘NME’ magazine – has
structure and columns similar to those existing products. A popular
indie artist takes up a large proportion of the two pages and
maintains direct mode of address by looking directly at the camera
keeping the reader engaged.
Columns – separated in to six columns which makes it easy to read
and imitates newspapers. This reinforces ‘Diverge’ brand identity of
being a professional and well respected publication.
Colour palette – mainly white and red following on from the main
colours on the front cover giving a sense of brand identity – fits the
conventions of a typical indie magazine.
Page Numbers – they are enlarged at the bottom of every image to
anchor the images and highlight the main areas of interest for the
target audience.
Social Media – shows this magazine is advertised across other
platforms such as twitter, Facebook and snapchat – suitable for the
target audience starting at age 16 as they are the primary age for
using social media
I have challenged one main code and convention of magazines
which is that they are normally single pages however, mine is
double and I feel as thought this is effective as the audience get a
wider insight as to what's included in the magazine.

6. Double Page Spread: Layout
Similar to ‘Q’ as it has the main image taking half the page with text on the other half
in columns – looks more professional and follows conventions of other magazine
Colour Palette – challenges some aspects of typical magazines as it is grey and pink
which aren't normal indie colours like red, white and black. However, it mainly aimed
towards females which is why I feel as though my colour choice is suitable.

7. Double Page Spread:
Image
Main Image – challenges code and conventions because as the article is an interview, the
image is normally a close up of the artist with direct mode of address however, my artist is
looking to the right and it’s a long shot meaning her full body can be seen as well as the
background.
The mise-en-scene is typical of indie photo shoots however, because it’s a brick wall which
may remind the audience of areas such as Camden in London which has lots of brick walls
for scenic images.