This document provides details about a student's media coursework project to design magazine pages for a new music magazine. It includes research conducted on existing magazines, indie music genres and artists, fonts, and the writing style for a double-page feature article. The student has chosen to create pages for an indie music magazine called "Indignant." Research covered magazine layouts, covers, contents pages, and photo styles. The treatment describes planned photoshoots and designs for the front cover, contents page, and double-page spread featuring an upcoming female indie artist.

3. The brief
0 The brief, set by the OCR exam board, was to design
the front page, the double-page spread, and the
contents page of a new upcoming music magazine. We
could choose the genre, all models featuring in the
magazine, the name of the magazine etc…we must
produce a research/planning page, and finally an
evaluation.
0 The first task is an unmarked preliminary project,
which must the cover page and page of contents for an
upcoming 'school magazine’, this is shown on next two
slides.

4. Preliminary Project
FRONT COVER: I created my preliminary
project using Adobe ‘InDesign’ as this
programmed allows me to manipulate
fonts/images onto each other which is
necessary for a magazine. I also created my
‘Mock up’ magazine on the same
programme. The green contrasting with the
sepia pictures gives a vintage effect and
could also represent the age-long tradition
of ‘Sixth Form’. The Fonts I used are in
contrasting colours to the picture so they
can be seen. The picture represents a happy,
united feel to the school.
PAGE OF CONTENT: The page of content features a
summary of articles/interviews appearing in the issue of
the magazine. It may also include preview pictures to
gain interest levels of readers.

5. Treatment (initial
idea of my
project)
0 For my 2012 coursework I will be constructing the front cover, contents page and a double page spread for a
new music magazine. I have chosen the genre of Indie, simply because it’s the magazine I’d be most inclined to
buy, and the one I will therefore get the best research out of.
0 As an initial idea for my magazine I will photograph three ‘upcoming indie musicians’. Two of which will be
girls, and the other a boy/girl duo. For the front cover of the magazine, I will have a close up shot of a
girl, subtly edited, smiling and staring directly into the camera. The model on the front will also feature in the
double page spread. The photographs of the other two will feature in the contents page to show variation and
more diversity within the Indie Music genre.
0 The location for the double page spread will be outside, perhaps with nature, to coincide with the quirky and
free-spirited theme of my magazine, possible shots will be a model playing the guitar outside around
tree’s/fields. The front cover will be shot inside, against a clear background, possibly white (black and white
theme) as I want the front page to be minimalistic but eye-catching. Since the pictures on the contents page
will be close up shots, the location for these are less important, but will most likely to be shot in a
studio/indoor location.
0 The double page spread will be about a new British upcoming female artist. Her look will be
youthful, current, and ‘Indie’, focusing on her image as a role model to young people, being in her late teens
herself.
0 Just as an initial idea for my magazine, I have researched into the magazine ‘Indie’ (The independent style
magazine). Although the magazine is not a music magazine, the image is very relevant to the idea in mind for
my music magazine. It has a very young feel, and perhaps appeals more to the female demographic more so
than the male. But as long as I’m aware of appealing more to girls than boys in my magazine, I can use this to
my advantage and be creating a product for an audience in mind. I have come up with some rough name ideas
for my magazine, the idea that the name of the magazine has the first three letters ‘Ind’:
Indignant, Indignation, Indecorous, Indelible etc…

6. The front image is a mid-shot; I will
most likely use a mid-shot or closer
angle shot for the front cover. The
colours and fonts are subtle; the focus is
Treatment cont .
on the model. A closer angle shot
means attention is drawn directly to
that person, and often if the person is
looking into the camera, the eye-level
shot establishes importance, and status
of the model.
My idea of black and white
This particular contents page only
creating a subtle artistic and
has one picture, on my own
contents page I will include more.
indie vibe for the double page
The idea of all the contents of the spread. Two different images
magazine being on one side is of the same model appear,
something I like, and the font is accompanying the text about
very fun, very interesting. In my her. Again, the ‘indie’ appeal is
contents page ill possibly have a
very simple, without in your
‘note from the editor’ type thing,
and two of three pictures
face colours.
appearing beside the contents.

13. The bubble across the top
The model of this issue is Research into existing magazines ‘140 songs you must
‘Lana Del Rey’ , An American download now!’ Uses
‘Indie pop’ artist, is made up alternating background and
here to be ironic (the font colours. It is effectively
rhetorical caption ‘Why so advertising the artists of
bloody good?’) and also to these crucial songs, and
draw attention. Though her teasing the reader to buy the
dress is plain, her long dark magazine and download the
hair is the main focus to the songs.
cover, as well as the blood
fall down her face. The advert for ’26
festivals that will blow
your minds’ is in a yellow
The title of the
bubble partially covering
magazine is
the model, this means it
red. Against
is easily visible, and
the
becomes a main factor on
background, th
the magazine. Music
e simple ‘Q’ in
festivals are very popular
the red box is The featuring story to this magazine ‘Lana Del
for Indie music, and
made Rey’ is in a noticeably different font to the
therefor the Indie
dominant and others, and also a different colour. The font is
demographic.
a centre focus. bigger than any other on the cover, and the
quirky writing which looks maybe scribbled or
hand-drawn adds to the ‘Indie’ and ‘Young’
appeal to Lana Del Rey.

14. The picture, ‘FREE’ is in capital and bold
like in ‘Q’ letters to draw attention to
matches the this.
caption ‘I’m a
psycho’. The
caption in
diagonal, it
cuts across NME (new musical express)
the page so is an Indie Rock magazine.
takes up more The feature of this week’s
of the front magazine is ‘Lana Del Ray’,
page. since she’s American the
theme of the issue is based
around this (The red white
‘Plus’ makes it and blue American flag). The
seem like this audience for NME is wider
magazine has than the other two
MORE, more magazines simply because
than competing it’s better known and is
magazines and
more gender neutral.
more than its
advertising.

15. The red title works incredibly
well because it is especially
bold against the black and
white colour scheme.
UNCUT has a specific
clientele, it’s aimed at
The black and white works
men aged 25-45, hence
here because the faces of
the Beatles are on the
‘The Beatles’ still stand
front, as they were from
out, the picture has been
around this era, and
enhanced, but the black
hence the black and white
and white work for a
picture to tie-in with the
simple theme.
vintage theme. Artists of
the same calibre have also
featured in UNCUT such
as David Bowie,
Morrissey, John Lennon
etc.

16. This picture is bigger than ‘Plus’ makes it seem like
the others, so though not more value for your money.
the ‘cover’ or ‘feature’ Also, the simpler layout
story, its importance in and lack of exuberant fonts
the issue is made known and shapes makes you
by the picture being think this magazine is for a
larger, and the smaller audience than ‘Q’
accompanying quotation. or ‘Uncut’.
All contents
pages seem to
use a number Advertising a
scheme; this subscription to the
highlights the magazine. In my own
page number magazine I may
where each include this, and also
story will include an
feature. It also advertisement for
organises the smart phone
page. It also apps/online copies of
features the magazine to keep
pictures of each up to date with
artist included audiences and
in this technology.
issue, almost as
a teaser.

17. This magazine, like
‘Uncut’ repeats the
theme of red and white
that was seen on the
‘140 songs to download contents page, this
now’ is advertisement for keeps continuity and
the involved artists that will gives a more
most likely be of the indie professional feel to the
genre because that’s the magazine.
genre of the magazine. Once
someone has downloaded
the songs they may be more The close up picture of
tempted to purchase the cover feature ‘Lana Del
magazine again. Ray’ gives a sex
appeal, and also an
intimacy with the artist.
The picture dominates the
page, because she is this
issues double page
spread. I may use a close
up picture of the cover
story in the contents page
myself, to offer
variation, and also a
‘connection’ with the
audience.

18. ‘Uncut’ is different to
the other to as it only
includes one picture.
Having one picture
gives a less cluttered
page, and since the
readers are
established (25-45
male age bracket) The black and white
they don’t need theme from the cover
pictures of every continues onto this
featured band. page, giving a vintage
feel, vintage being
associated with the
type of music
(indie/rock) this
magazine promotes.

21. Iconic Indie
Musicians/Audience
research
Indie music- research
Indie became known in the UK around the 1980’s, it’s a genre of Alternative Rock, with influences from punk,
folk and grunge music. Indie music is rather a ‘Niche’ genre, with a specific audience and a stereotype, which
accompanies this audience. Best known Indie artists in the UK are: Arctic Monkeys, Oasis, Radiohead, The
Vaccines, Fleet Foxes, Mumford and Sons, Ingrid Michaelson, Ellie Goulding, Damien Rice, The Kooks, The
wombats etc.
Characteristics of an Indie Music Consumer (The Indie music demographic)
• Dress in Skinny jeans, band t-shirts, vests, cardigans, baggy jumpers,
retro/vintage clothing, plimsolls, dolly shoes, flip flops.
Aged between 15-25 (my magazine aimed at 15-19 year olds (students)
• Attend music festivals such as Glastonbury, Reading…as well as regularly attending
Gigs.
• Shop at Topshop, Charity shops, Vintage Shops, H&M, Online shopping etc
• Free time spent; With friends, at parties
• More likely to smokedrink socially
• Take pride in appearance
• Take influence from celebrities such as Alexa Chung and Henry Holland.

22. Indie musicians
0 Mumford and Sons are a British Indie Folk band, who became popular in 2010. The unique selling point
of this band is their ‘folk’ image and instruments. The instruments they play are untraditional for a
modern Indie band, instruments such as the banjo, mandolin, and accordion. Their appeal is their
diversity, individuality, and quirky image.
0 Ingrid Michaelson is an Indie solo artist, most of her songs are piano based, but also include the ukulele
and guitar. Ingrid Michaelson is a typical Indie icon in that her overall appearance is care-free, young, and
approachable. She doesn’t come across as this corporate artist who keeps up with latest trends, which is
appealing to audiences.
0 Fleet Foxes are similar to Mumford in their Indie Folk appeal, but dress more traditionally, checked shirts
and jeans are more what this band is about. Fleet Foxes also include ‘pop’ influence, and gained fans but
their Myspace presence in 2007. The Fleet Foxes bring more of an American Indie appeal, rather than
UK Indie like Mumford.

23. The Vaccines are a British Indie rock band, who’s overall image is incredibly vintage, greatly inspired by the
70/80’s but with a modern revival. Short sleeved shirts, vintage shirts, high wasted jeans; flares are iconic within
the band, as well as the general anarchistic vibe gained from the band.
Damien Rice is an Indie folk/rock solo Artist from Celbridge (Ireland). Damien Rice is a rather an unknown
artist, he isn’t mainstream, and hadn’t had much notice until his song ‘Cannonball’ was used as the 2011 Xfactor
winners song. This unknown-ness is appealing to Indie Music fans as being different is important. Damien Rice has
a very unique voice, and his image matches this, he is incredibly ‘rough and rugged’ but in an appealing and
relatable way.
Ellie Goulding is an ‘Indie Pop’ artist, possibly with the most ‘general’ appeal of all the artists I have researched.
Ellie Goulding was among the first few celebrities to shave one side of her head in the on-going trend during the
summer, she is a fashion icon with her vintage blouses, shorts, and baggy jumpers. Her ‘messy’ blonde hair is her
trademark feature.
I have researched a few Indie Artists as planning for my own magazine. It’s important to have an understanding on
the image that Indie artists portray, as the genre of my own magazine should be recognised straight away as an
Indie music magazine. Staple Indie styling, from my research is: vintage, casual, shirts, jeans, shorts, not ‘try hard’
or ‘styled’ so to speak, very rough and ready.

24. Fonts/name of my magazine
research
In my treatment I mentioned calling my magazine something with the beginning letters ‘Ind’ because of it
being an Indie Magazine. I worked around ideas such as Indignant, Indignation, Indecorous, Indelible… and
I’ve now decided on the name Indignant, because it sounds fierce, original. Indignant means to show
anger/annoyance at something that is unjust, which I think is appropriate because Indie is a quirky genre with
a rebellious feel to it, its anarchy against mainstream/corporate music. Using ‘Myfonts’
(http://new.myfonts.com/) I have researched possible fonts to use on the front cover of my magazine.
I like the 3D effect of this font, and the idea of bricks, bricks give an Urban feel, so if I was perhaps doing a Rap
magazine, or an R&B, this font would be ideal.
This font is edgier than the other two because of the rubbed out/patchy effect it has. Although the Indie music
genre is rough and ready, the font is too ‘word processed’ looking, I want my magazine to look professional,
and not as though it’s been made in word.
This font is too elegant to feature on a music magazine; it’s too curvy and graphology like. Although it’s simple,
unlike the other simple font it doesn’t have the ‘look’ of an Indie magazine.
I like this font the most of the five because of how simple and imperfect it. It is perhaps slightly childish, but
with the simple theme I hope to create on my front cover, this font would really work, especially with a mostly
white background.

25. Research into the writing style of a double-page spread article
0 Q
0 “She looks demonic standing here in her white slip dress and prom queen crown, blood running
down her forehead, staring into the camera. Her expression switches by the frame from looking
either like she’s mourning someone or about to knife them. She photographs like a model, which is
to say the camera accentuates the deep pools of her eyes and the epic pout of her lips. During a
break in the Q cover shoot in this West London photo studio, Lana Del Ray walks over to a
computer screen that is projecting back each picture of her taken. The one on screen now is an
extreme close-up of her face: on it her mascara is streaked and her crown askew. She appears
bruised and broken. “That,” she says, pointing an extravagantly nailed finger at the screen, “that’s
my life.” “Until she posted her self-made clip for a haunting torch song called Video Games onto
YouTube last May, Lana Del Ray was almost entirely unknown.”
0 The format of this ‘Q’ double page spread is descriptive, and comes across honestly, in a
colloquial appealing way as though we are with the interviewer or know her personally.
The text is the opener to the interview, and it then goes into show and question and
answer type format with Lana Del Ray eg. “Have you had notion of what made people so
respond to Video Games?” and her answer is then shown “I know that it’s a beautiful song
and I sing it really low which might set it apart. …” The picture that accompanies the
double page spread is haunting, and complicated, which reflects perhaps the genre of ‘Q’,
as it is obviously aimed for an elder demographic because of it’s more brutal appeal, this
is obviously not aimed at young children

26. 0 NME
0 “Popularity algorithms and comment board snark can go whistle: if the weight of expectation
carries any significance, then Lana Del Ray is the biggest artist on the planet right now. “
0 “The week before she releases her official debut album, ‘Born to Die’, it’s the biggest selling pre-sale
record of 2012 on Amazon UK---selling twice as many copies as Leonard Cohen’s ‘Old Idea’s’ (Also
out January 30th) at Number Two---and according to HMV’s Gennaro Castaldo, it will be number
One a week on Sunday.”
0 NME is for a less wide and more specific audience than ‘Q’, this is made immediately clear
by the less glossy pages, and the less extravagant pictures. The writing format is more
personal than ‘Q’, maybe because of the lesser audience than ‘Q’ or ‘Uncut’.
0 Uncut
0 “Between 1960 and ’62, THE BEATLES played more than 300 nights in Hamburg, being schooled in
the holy mysteries of rock’n’roll. There are pills, girls and fights, but mostly there is “music, music,
music” and the company of remarkable characters: the English Little Richard, a protective ex-
boxer, and a charismatic singer who will enlist them as his backing band. Fifty years after The
Beatles arrived at the Star-Club, Uncut discovers the full story of their apprenticeship and
wonders---did Hamburg see the most exciting part of their career?”
0 Uncut is obviously for an older demographic and most likely males, because statistically
men prefer Indie Rock. The writing in the opening paragraph is supposed to excite
audiences, but is only appealing to those who were around at this era, as they’ll
understand the references to “’62” and “Little Richard”.

27. 0 In my own magazine, since it’s aimed at a relatively young audience (16-early twenties) the
writing needs to be young, hip, and colloquial…so of all the magazines, probably the most like ‘Q’
magazine’s upfront appeal.
0 I have began writing my double page spread article for my own magazine ‘Indignant’, I begin with
a detailed description of Ariella Ad(the name of my ‘indie musician’), and will then move onto a
question and answer part:
0 Ariella Ada, or ‘Az’ as she’s known professionally, sits opposite me at an intimate table in the
Rosetta Hotel in Bristol. Her pistachio-shaped green-blue eyes seem to smile as she openly
tells me of her Hebrew heritage, and her secret obsession with Scrabble…of this not
technically part of the interview, but wonderful to learn anyway. She’s animated as she
reminisces the first video she uploaded to YouTube, and how a year later she never expected
to be signed to a mass record label, be voted ‘The UK’s under 21 new talent’ or to have 2012’s
fastest growing single with ‘Stepping stones and a yellow rose’. When I begin to ask her
questions, she sits forward and gives me her complete attention, a stern expression of
concentration that says she’s giving me nothing short of the real Ariella.

28. Mock up
This is a mock up of my final magazine. The image is
not one I have taken, but the general appeal of the
model, the layout, fonts and colours are all likely to
appear on my own final design.
For the masthead
this is the font I
decided to use
named ‘Hello I like
you’ (found on
myfonts.co.uk, desi
gned by Cindy
Kinash). Its very
quirky, graphology-
like, yet simple.
The bar code/dateline is a legal requirement. The
UK price for my magazine (£2.99) is higher than
‘NME’ magazine (2,40) which is a magazine aimed
at a lower/lesser audience. My magazine is aimed
at a lower demographic than magazine ‘Q’
because ‘Q’ is a glossier and more of a general
magazine, whereas I’m focusing on the indie
genre, and perhaps more bias to girls , so my
magazine will be cheaper than ‘Q’ or ‘Uncut’
magazine (‘Q’=3.99 and ‘Uncut’= £4.80). My
magazine is also aimed at students, aged 15-19,
so my cheaper price will be more appealing to the
‘student budget.’

29. This is the ‘Selling line’ or
‘Slogan’ of my magazine that
readers would recognise
from each issue of my
magazine. I may change my
slogan to something more
original such as ‘Because
great music matters’ or ‘All
the current music updates
before they get mainstream’
(Because Indie music is a
niche market, consumers
want to feel special and a part
of something niche).
This appeals to the
indie demographic as
they enjoy live
music/gigs, so is
audience-specific.
This is the main cover line. The
red gives a splash of colour to
the black and white and makes
magazine stand out. The
slanted angle of this text adds
to the quirkiness of my
magazine.

30. The black and white of the image instantly
lowers audience appeal because of its diversity
compared to other magazines. It makes the
demographic ‘exclusive’.
The image itself is a mid-shot, the model stares
directly at the camera, showing intimacy with
the readers, yet her hand on her mouth shows
a shyness, and makes the magazine seem
understated.
There is a candid vide from this picture, it
doesn’t seem staged or posed, this is appealing
to the Indie audience.
‘Free’ makes it seem like readers
are gaining something extra for
their money, making my magazine
value for money.