The document discusses the author's music magazine genre project. They chose to focus their magazine on R&B and hip hop music as these genres were most popular with their target audience of teenagers aged 16-19. For the project, the author created a front cover, contents page, and double page spread. In creating the magazine, they referred to existing products and research to help shape their magazine for their target audience.

2. My music magazine genre is R&B and Hip Hop. I chose to
combine these two genres because these were the most popular
amongst my target audience research, I also felt that both of
these genres can be linked as many R&B artists and Hip Hop
artists work together to make the music that the target audience
listens to. I also chose this genre because this is the genre of
music I listen to therefore I felt I’d have more knowledge about
this than any other music genres. For this piece of coursework I
have created a front cover, contents page and a double page
spread. Throughout this process of creating my music magazine I
have referred to existing products, target audience research and
other research materials. This has helped me to shape my own
music magazine that relates to a clear purpose and target
audience which is teenagers between the age of 16 – 19.

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

4. I firstly created a front cover which used similar conventions as a real music magazine
front cover. As I did not find a R&B magazine I used a Hip Hop magazine which is one of
the music genres which my music magazine represents. I decided to use a model who
volunteered to allow me to take pictures of him. I had three options I could either use the
green screen or take the image in a scenic area or create a ‘mise en scene’.
As my magazine is a R&B and Hip Hop magazine I decided to take
the images in an alley way because I thought this would create a
dark atmosphere which would be represented in the magazine as a
edgy feel. I asked the model to wear clothes which typically music
artists from the chosen music genres would dress like. Therefore the
model wore a cap and designer hoody. I thought this was effective
because it would make the model look more realistic as a R&B male
artist.
After taking these images I decided to take another set of images
with a different model but I took these images using the green
screen. Although it was the first time I used a green screen I did not
find it that challenging. I asked this model to wear black as I thought
this would be effective because many Hip Hop artists wear this
colour.
When I looked at the images I had I used to the first models
images for the front cover. The main image I chose as the
front cover image is effective because it shows what a male
R&B artist would wear and the facial expression and pose
that would be expected.

5. Conventions I have used Masthead – this is the title of the Pug – this is to
magazine which shows ownership of the promote the
magazine. magazine
Main image – this is the cover
image, it usually has significance to
an article in the magazine. It has
been taken as a medium close up
image to show the models facial
expression and importance of this to
something in the magazine.
Date and pricing – shows the
date and price of the magazine
which would be significant to the
reader who is looking on the shelf
in a shop.
Website – this is the information for the
companies website, this is important as it
promotes and furthers the company.
Coverlines – the coverlines are
around the magazine front cover
to catch the target audiences
attention, this gives the reader an
insight to what the magazine is
offering
Barcode – this shows professionalism and
is an important asset to the front cover of
the magazine as it would be scanned in
a shop

6. Comparison between my own music magazine and existing product –
front cover
Code magazine front cover Vibe magazine front cover
Masthead – both
magazine have a clear
masthead which are in
the colour white, this
stand out off the
coloured background.
Main image – the front cover
image is significant as both
are a medium close up
image. The music artist in the
Vibe magazine is wearing a
cap similarly to the fictional
model in the Code magazine
who is wearing a cap too.
Also both images are
covering the masthead to
show that the magazine is
authentic and well known.
Coverlines –the coverlines
Pug – both magazines has a pug in the top are in bold colours and
left hand corner of the magazine front are in large font to show
Both magazines use the cover. This is to promote the magazine.
word ‘exclusively to promote the importance of this
the magazine further. These information.
words are in black font to Barcode – this is in the bottom left hand corner for
stand off the background both magazines.
colours.

7. The contents page was more challenging than the front cover, this was mainly because
existing products which conformed to my music genres for my music magazine did not
have clear conventions. I looked at a range of different Hip Hop music magazine
contents page and many did not have the same conventions. In order for my music
magazine contents page to be effective I adapted some of the conventions from
different magazine genres.
I used three images on my contents page, the first was the image for my editors address.
The second image was an image I had previously took and was considering for my front
cover image. The third image was an image I recently took at a Drake concert, this artist
is a Hip Hop artist and conformed to the music genre Hip Hop and R&B. I edited the
second picture I took and the third image by selected only the image not the
background so this could be easily inserted on the contents page.
In an existing product I had seen that the title of the contents page was bold, I adapted
this convention on my own contents page but to conform to the theme colours of my
music magazine.
In another existing product I had seen that the magazine put heading for some of the
features in the magazine and then put the name of the feature under the title. I adapted
this convention to suit the features I had made up.
The most challenging part of this process was the layout of the contents page, I wanted
to make the contents look spacious much like the existing products I had seen but I also
wanted the contents page to look effective. In this case I developed conventions of
existing products my taking conventions and developing this to suit my music magazine.

8. Conventions I have used
Title – contents page title is
bold to stand off the
background and to show the
Magazine name – this is in the reader what this page is.
top right hand corner to further
and reassure the magazine
name.
Editors address – this is not featured in
any Hip Hop magazines that I have
seen, however I chose to create this
as I thought it make the magazine
more authentic, realistic and unique.
The contents of the magazine is going down
in numerical order. The font I have used is bold
and clear this is effective as it carries on the
theme that I have used throughout the
magazine to show consistency.
Colours – the colours I have used are
conforming the theme colours that are
grey, black and white. I have also
Images – the images I have used are at a range
used the colour purple to make the
of shot sizes and angles, this is to show diversity.
magazine look brighter and eye
By using two images which are males I thought
catching,
this would draw attention to both genders as
they can relate.

9. Comparison between my own music magazine and existing product –
contents page
Code magazine contents page Vibe magazine contents page
Title – the title of the
contents pages are
both in bold font and
in large font to stand
off the background.
Magazine name – the
magazine name is in the
top right hand corner to
reassure the reader of
the magazine name and
to make the magazine
elements consistent.
Headings – these have
been used in both
magazines above the
title of heading name
Font – for my magazine I have of the page. This is to Images – the Vibe magazine has
used a range of different group the information only used on image whereas I
colours for the font whereas, and make it more clear have used three images to break
the Vibe magazine has only up the contents page and give
used one colour. the reader more to look at.

10. The double page spread was not as challenging as the contents page as
I was able to look at a range of existing products. This enabled me to
have different ideas and adapt different elements to make my double
page spread unique. I did no have to worry about photography as I had
already taken images. I only had to decide what image I wanted to use
and where.
My double page spread was focused on the fictional model I had used
on the front cover. The double page spread would consist of a reported
interview. Firstly I began this process by creating the interview and then
putting this into reported speech. I then went onto the designing process. I
used the same theme colours that are black, grey and white for the
double page spread. I used a range of conventions from page numbers
to the magazines website name and headings. These conventions
conform but also challenge conventions as I have made my double page
spread different.

11. Conventions I have used
Headings – the main heading is
the artists name with a quote
underneath. This is to give the
reader an insight to the topics that
will be discussed in the interview.
Introduction – on the right hand
side is a short introduction to
introduce the artist and to
introduce the interview.
Colours – the background for the first
page is an image and the background
of the second page is the colour grey
as this ties well with the colour scheme.
Font – the font is similar to what has been
used so far this is to show consistency in
the magazine. The font colours stand off Page and website – I have added this
the background are do not clash in information as it makes the magazine more
colours to make the double page spread authentic. This shows that the company wants
look more effective and bold. to further other elements of the company (in
this case the website).

12. Comparison between my own music magazine and existing product –
Heading – the name double page spread
of the artists are in the Page number - the page number for the NME magazine is in
headings for both the bottom left hand corner where as I have situated the page
magazine. number along with the website address in the bottom right
hand and left hand cornier.
Colours – the colours used for the existing product are
different to the colours used for the Code magazine
Layout – although the layout for both
double page spread. However both magazine use
magazines are different they do share a
two different text colours which is effective as the font
similar convention which is that an image is
stands out. The font type for both magazines are
on one side of the page. But the image for
simple and consistent which the reader would
the NME interview is a close up shot and is on
appreciate because it can be read easily. For the
the right hand side page whereas the Code
text another convention has been used which is
magazine has the image on the left hand
making the first letter large and in a different colour to
side and the image is at a long shot angle.
make this stand out and show the significance of the
interview starting point.

13. Overall my media product uses and develops various conventions of a real music
magazine. I have tried to stay as close to conventions which are in a music
magazine that conforms to the similar genres that I am representing in my music
magazine. However for my contents page I have had to challenge conventions and
make my own up to make the contents page look realistic and authentic to my
magazine theme and style.
By using the same theme colours I have enabled a style which is similar to real
media products as they follow a style which is put out in every magazine published.
Looking at existing products helped me to achieve an effective look of my own
magazine. I have also used the target audience research to shape up the content
of my magazine for example the target audience research showed that 16 – 19 year
olds would buy a magazine if it offered free gifts therefore I constructed an offer
advertisement on my front cover to ensure that the target audience would get what
the wanted.
A way that my music genre develops forms and conventions of real media products
is by firstly the name ‘Code’ I chose to use this name is it is short, catchy and can
mean different things. This develops forms and conventions as it gives the target
audience the chance to think of the meaning behind the name. The name could
mean different things but does relate back to R&B and Hip Hop as there is a code
behind every successful artist.

14. How does your media
product represent
particular social
group?

15. I have represented teenagers in production by creating the magazine around both
males and females of a teenage age. I have made sure that the images, colours
scheme, language and structure will suit the purpose of the magazine and relate to the
teenagers. The images I have used are edgy which relates to this demographic. I have
not used images which are seductive or revealing as this could create a bad image for
the magazine. For example, the main image I have used for the front cover involves the
model wearing a hoodie and a cap this is typical of a teenage boy which shows that
teenagers of the age of 16 – 19 are represented in the magazine.
I have also represented teenagers in
production by using quick persuading
language which will catch the target
audience’s attention. For example in the
target audience research showed that
teenagers would buy a magazine for a free
gift/voucher, therefore I incorporated this into
production buy advertising a free £5 off
vouchers for HMV in the issue. This is also
significant as the free gift/voucher is relates
to the music industry because HMV is a British
entertainment retailing company. The short
and persuading language is effective as the
text is eye catching to the target audience
as they would be interested in free vouchers.

16. Also the colours I have chosen to use are representative of the target audience, I have
used grey, black and white repeatedly through the music magazine on my front cover,
contents page and double page spread. These colours represent a dark, pure and mixed
side to teenagers which is more of a true of their personality and preference. The
representation of teenagers in my music magazine conforms to the stereotypical view in
society which is rebellious and fun but also appreciative, in this case this is relating to the
appreciation of music. The price of the magazine was decided in relation to the reality of
what teenagers who may have a part-time job would be able to afford. From the target
audience research the price of £3 was the most suitable price as this would attract a
large amount of teenagers as the price is not too high and can also be considered due
to a issue being published every fortnight. This shows how teenagers have been
represented in production.
The images I have used in Code are edgy and relates to the music genres R&B and Hip
Hop. Both of these music genres promote a money orientated lifestyle whereby
materialistic items are important. Similarly 16 – 19 year olds are materialistic and aspire to
one day have loads of money for these expensive items. The front cover image shows
how the hoody label is in an area which can be easily viewed. Therefore this shows that
designer labels are important and significant amongst teenagers and celebrities.
Designer label

17. What kind of institution
might distribute your
media product and
why?

18. Media institutions which will distribute my media product (Code magazine)…
‘A media institution is an established, often-profit based organization, that
deal in the creation and distribution of advertising, entertainment and
information services.’ In this case it would be a magazine publisher.
IPC Media – International Publishing Corporation
This is a company which distributes magazines. There are a range of magazines
which this company distributes. The music magazine which IPC Media currently
publishes is NME.
As this is such a well known company I think that this would be the perfect institution
that would distribute my magazine Code. In the UK alone the magazines under this
publisher engages with 26 million adults. This would be effective for my magazine as it
would have the correct exposure to those in the UK and worldwide.
I think that IPC Media has a diverse range of magazine currently.
My magazine would extend the genres of magazine from what they already have.
Also think that IPC engage with teens and young people therefore this would be a
good opportunity for their company to become even more popular by having a
stronger teen audience. IPC Media’s advertisement and creativity would enable a
certain social group to follow this and many more magazines.

19. Media institutions which will distribute my media product (Code magazine)…
Bauer Media Group founded in 1875 is another media institution which publishes
magazines. A well known music magazine which is published by this company is Q
magazine. This institution would be another good publisher for my magazine ‘Code’
because it would has the experience to further the advertisement and credibility. As
my magazine is a R&B and Hip Hop magazine this would help create a target
audience which would extend the current audience which Bauer engages with.
Currently the magazines which Bauer publish amounts to 38 million magazine a week
worldwide.
Magazine is not the only product that Bauer publishes, it only publishes Radio which is
another form of marketing. If the magazine was to get the right exposure through
radio this could make the magazine popular. This could lead to the magazine having
it own radio station for the music genres R&B and Hip Hop.
Another important factor is that Bauer do not publish a R&B and Hip Hop magazine
showing that there is a gap in the market therefore ‘Code’ would
be a good asset to this company.

20. Who would be the
audience for your
media product?

21. • The audience for this media product would be teenagers (males and
females) between the age of 16 – 19 who enjoy R&B and Hip Hop music. I
chose this age range at this age teenagers are experimenting with their music
taste, fashion, language and trying to become their own person. My
magazine challenges the stereotypical view that all teenagers do drugs, get
involved in crime but instead they are lively and outgoing.
• I chose to represent teenagers in my magazine as modelled versions after
music artists, this is in relation to the way teenagers dress and the things they
enjoy to do and find the things they want to find out about (gossip). Many
teenagers enjoy music because of the emotion and feeling behind this, for
this reason my music magazine is about representing that and allowing
teenagers to be able to have something to read that they are interested in. I
also didn’t want to just offer masses of text but also images, offers and other
information which teenagers between the age of 16 – 19 are actually
interested in.
• The price of the magazine is another important feature of the magazine, I
chose this price accordingly to what I thought a 16 – 19 year would be able
to afford. I also wanted to give the reader the right amount of information for
the amount they paid. Therefore by giving quality and unique information the
reader would appreciate this and keep on reading other issues.
• R&B and Hip Hop music is enjoyed by any nationality or ethnicity therefore I
have not made my music magazine based around a specific nationality or
ethnicity.

22. How did you
attract/address your
audience?

23. I attracted my target audience by having a I used words like excluisvely,
volunteering model on the front cover. By controversy and revealed to
using a medium close up shot this would attract the target audience
draw more teenagers towards the magazine as they would be interested
as they would want to know who this would by these words to find out the
be. latest information or gossip.
I used a pug which
is the advertisement
to attract the target
The colours I used for the front
audience as those
cover also attract the
who answered my
audience as these colours are
survey said that
bold and colourful. This shows
they would buy a
the significance of this
magazine for a free
information.
gift. Therefore by
offering this, it
would draw more
attention towards
I also attracted the audience
the magazine.
by advertising the price, this is
important as teenagers
between the age of 16 – 19 are
conscious about their money.

24. What have you learnt
about technologies
from the process of
constructing this
product?

25. • I used many programmes during the process of constructing this product. I used two
different adobe software's to create my music magazine. To create the front cover
and contents page I used Photoshop and to create the double page spread I used
InDesign. This is was challenging to get used to as I had not used these software's
before. To get an idea of how to use this software I used Google to search for some
tutorial or tips. This helped me a lot as I was able to have some knowledge about
layers, colours, inserting shapes and editing images. During my process I took some
screenshots of the work I was producing to show progress.
Base of my front cover
I finished my front cover like this,
after receiving feedback and
rearranging colours and text.

26. Before feedback After feedback

27. I opened a separate document for the
Tools I used to create my front cover image and selected around the image
without the background in so that this could
To create the background I be placed on the background. For this I used
used the gradient tool and the magic wand tool, I then copied the cut
selected the colours black, out image on the background.
grey and white. I moved
around the scales which gave
me this effect from the centre.
To create the masthead I used the text
tool. I selected the font type and the
size.
For the cover lines I done this same
process but selected other font types.
For the large coverline is selected the font
type Stencil Std as it was bold and stands
off the background image.
Using the rectangle I interested a rectangle
and coloured this in black. I then rotated it
around and placed this is the top right
hand corner to look like a
banner/advertisement.

28. After receiving feedback I was told I need to
make use of this space so therefore I thought
that this space could be used to advertise the
price. Inserted the circle tool, which I filled in
black and placed the top right hand corner. I
inserted text on top of this in white to make
this conform to the theme colours.
I then inserted two more shapes to
advertise other information on the
front cover. The first was a start to
advertise an offer, I chose to fill this is
in white because it stands off the
background. The second shape was a
rectangle with curved edges, I chose
to fill this in white as it needed to allow
the text to stand off it as the text was
not visible on the image.
I then inserted more text which was the
I then inserted a barcode which I found information about the magazines website. The
from the internet to make the font cover web address was originally in black however
look more attractive. after feedback I changed this an one of the
coverlines to red. This colour made this
information stand out. The colour red
represents urgency and danger, automatically
drawing the readers attention to this area.

29. By this point the designing process was easier for me as I had practice from the front
cover design process. I used similar colours and font types to keep the consistency. A
unique asset that I created was my editors address signature, I created this on paper
and then scanned this in. I think this is effective as it makes the contents page and
editors address more realistic.
I used this shape as the background as I thought it would
make the text stand out. Also by using this shape I have
shown the reader where the main set of information is
situated.
For the double page spread I used the InDesign as this seemed easier for layout.
InDesign was in fact easier to set out text as I used layer which I had set up on the
page layout. However, it was not good for editing images, therefore I did not edit
any pictures on this software. I was able to insert the text correctly as the tools are
the same as the tools in photoshop.

30. I was not aware of how to use
blogger before I started this
process however, after a
while I got used to the
uploading process and then
became aware of how to Slideshare has been the easiest
post links etc.. Knowing this I website I used as I was able to
was able to post links which upload a PowerPoint which I had
related to my work and had and then posted the presentation
significance to something I link on my blog. I used uploaded
was researching. many PowerPoint's whether it was
from research to analysis of results as
it was an easier way of presenting
my work.
This process taught me how to use different technologies which I had not used before. This put
me out of my comfort zone, at times this was difficult as certain things were hard and took longer.
However, as I was patient I was able to deal with this better. I have bettered my ict skills during
this process. I have also learnt how to manipulate images and how to edit background and
colours. These skills I can use in the future as I have learnt these new skills.
Something which I used often was importing items and uploading items, this could at times take a
long time if there was a lot of memory.

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

32. • Looking back ay my preliminary task I feel that I have firstly learnt how to
design something unique better. My preliminary task was poorly designed
and had not layout or structure compared to my music magazine which is
far more better in design and structure.
• I also felt that I have been able to better my ict skills which I did not have
when I started my preliminary task. Throughout the process I made sure that
my decisions were taken on the basis that the magazine must look realistic
and also fulfil what my target audience would want. For this I made sure I got
target audience research along with feedback for the product I had
created. This helped me as I was able to take in other opinions, not just my
own which could at times be seen as biased.
• During this process I have been able to expand my knowledge by
researching further on my own favourite music genres and adapting this to
my work. This made the process more enjoyable and interesting. I have learnt
how to use Adobe Photoshop and InDesign confidently whereas at the start
the process I did not know anything about these software’s. I have also learnt
how to upload PowerPoint's on slideshare and also how to edit posts on the
blog.
• I have also learnt the importance time in this process, if I was to do this task
again I would structure my time better and allow more time for when I am
working out new software’s. By estimating and planning my time
appropriately I wouldn’t have had to feel so rushed towards the end of this
process.