Rough Sketches and Ideas for Music Magazine Layouts
1.
2. Contents
1. Rough Sketches Front Cover
2. Rough Sketches Double Page Spread
3. Final Sketches
4. House Styles for Beat
5. Font Styles
6. Masthead Ideas
7. Images of Influence
8. Mood Board
9. Draft Article
10. Graphic Layouts for Front Cover
11. Graphic Layouts for Double Page Spread
12. Test Photography and prop list
13. Photography plan
14. Photography plan
15. Production plan
16. Production plan
17. Resources needed
18. Conclusion
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3. Rough sketches- FRONT COVER OF MAGAZINE
The Masthead is advertising
the Brand of the magazine,
located at the top of the page
to draw the audience’s eye,
bright and simple consisting
of a few letter.
Cover Lines covering more of
the content within the
magazine and offer more
information from across the
whole genre. These will cover
all aspects of the magazines
genre to ‘Inform and Educate’
(Katz) the audience on the
whole genre, enticing them to
purchase and read on.
It is essential to have a Barcode
visible on the front cover, this
includes the price the magazine,
the issue number, and social
media connections. I have
located the barcode at the
bottom of the page to not
distract from main cover and to
be easily scanned for the
company’s selling the product.
Main Headline introducing the
star on the main image and the
double page spread that is inside.
Enticing the reader to purchase
the magazine to read on,
persuasive pull quote taken from
the interview captures their
attention and creates continuity
throughout the magazine.
A Puff Promotion is encouraging
reader participation as they will
have to enter the competition.
Also, offers their audience
something for free if they win
which is related to the genre of
the magazine encouraging
purchases as the reader will want
to own the prize.
Strapline is always placed
below the masthead, catchy
slogan unique to the brand and
remember able by readers.
Social Media icons included in the barcode to
promote technical convergence but also
promote the brand’s franchise and encourage
audience participation
Main Image will cover the
background and layered under all
verbal codes. This is first glimpse
of artist within so has to be bold
and mysterious.
4. The centrality of the Main Image is because it
grasps the attention of the reader. It must relate to
the text and will be a mid shot or long shot,
differing the image from the front cover.
The Headline is bold at the top of the page, this is advertising
the main story or artist. This introduced the content of the page
and ties the image and text creating clear strong anchorage of all
the information.
I have added the Logo
on this side of the page
so that it increases the
advertisement of the
magazine company
reinforcing the brand
identity and continuity.
Interview - This
interview will be
introducing the artist,
outlining what
upcoming events they
have, how the joined
the music industry and
their music. This
format allows the
reader to personally
connect with the
subject and give gain
direct knowledge
about the subject.
There will be a Pull Quote
in the middle of the text
taken from the interview.
To enticed the reader to
read the full text.
There is an Addition
Section the bottom of
the page for other
photos to do with the
main Image. This
gives the reader a
variety of images of
the artist and add
more content behind
the genre of music.
Rough sketches- DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD
Drop Capital will be
at the beginning of
the interview to tell
the reader where to
begin from. Will be
the first letter of the
interview this will
also be in the
masthead font to
create continuity.
Social Media beneath the interview to encourage
reader to use the other media platforms of the
magazine to gain further knowledge. Also, a
sentence encouraging reader to view whole
interview on a Facebook and website page.
Page Numbers on
both sides of the
double page spread
along the spine side by
side will allow readers
easier access to the
information.
5. Final sketches
These are the final sketch layouts that I have chosen as a base for the magazine Front Cover and Double Page Spread. This is due
to the spaced layout therefore easy accessible to read. It also is a simple design, based from other popular magazines of this genre
and therefore is appealing to the reader visually. It includes all the conventions of a music magazine and will be focused on the
content within the pages which is what the reader wants to be ‘informed and educated’ (Katz) and ‘Personally identify’ (Katz) with
the information.
As denoted in the final sketch of the front cover I would have the masthead at the top of the page for clear visibility and the main
image as the background in the center of the page to make sure the audience know who is being featured, similarly the same
reason my headline is centrally positioned. I would use puff promotions and social media to expand the consumer ship. The
additional cover lines of related content will be to the left side of the page over laying the main image to highlight the variety of
content within.
The double page
spread as denoted by
the final sketch will
include the masthead
to create continuity
and brand
identification. The
usual conventions of a
double page spread
such as drop capitals
and pull quotes will
also be included to
entice the readers in
and the text and
image will be separate
to make the page
appealing as other
magazines format is
similar.
6. House Styles for Beat
The house style for BEAT magazine is monochrome and yellow. This is
because the two colours contrast well and they look good when there is
an even amount of each colour on a page. The yellow will be used for
key information such as Masthead and Headlines, whereas the white
will be used for additional information; cover lines and barcode.
This colour scheme will be carried out throughout the whole magazine
to show that it has a consistent house style, creating a brand identity
and continuity. This also appeals to the target audience who will identify
with this consistent style but also passing by audience who will be
intrigued by the magazine that stands out the most against competitors.
This colour scheme is new for this genre of music magazine with the
closest house style being Billboard who use a range of colours. This is
due to the gender neutral colours and the connotations of yellow being
happy. The synergy created with the social media icons allow the
magazine to use technological convergence to widen the audience and
use below the line marketing to promote their product. This should lead
to more readers and consumers as well as overall publicity. The icons
could possibly be altered to fit the house style with Photoshop skills to
change them to yellow.
7. House Styles for Rhythm
The house style for Rhythm magazine is monochrome and red. This is
because the two colours contrast well and they look good when there is
an even amount of each colour on a page. The red will be used for key
information such as Masthead and Headlines, whereas the white will be
used for additional information; cover lines and barcode.
This colour scheme will be carried out throughout the whole magazine
to show that it has a consistent house style, creating a brand identity
and continuity. This also appeals to the target audience who will identify
with this consistent style but also passing by audience who will be
intrigued by the magazine that stands out the most against competitors.
This colour scheme is popular for this genre of music magazine with Q
and NME adopting this house style. This is due to the gender neutral
colours and the connotations of red being passion. The synergy created
with the social media icons allow the magazine to use technological
convergence to widen the audience and use below the line marketing to
promote their product. This should lead to more readers and consumers
as well as overall publicity. The icons could possibly be altered to fit the
house style with Photoshop skills to change them to red.
9. Masthead ideas
On this mind map I have analysed all the aspects that the Masthead should meet before the
magazine is produced. The aspects include things like: eye catching, original colours, unique
font styles etc.…
The reason for planning in advanced and especially for the Masthead is because it is the first
thing that the audience will see, it is the identity of the brand and it needs to stand out against
its competitors making it easy for the reader to recognise.
Masthead for BeatMasthead for Beat
COLOUR
SCHEME
COLOUR
SCHEME
FONTFONT
Connotations behind BEAT
Style
Monochrome and a
primary colour
Beat is a term with music creation, Hip-hop
primarily relies on beats to create the song.
This masthead directly indicates the genre the
magazine will fall into.
Connotations behind Rhythm
Rhythm is a term used within the music
industry to describe the feel of the music. This
masthead relates to the genre of the
magazine being Hip-Hop a well know music
taste.
The font style needs to be in keeping with the genre of music
therefore will be using DaFont to select the most appropriate
block typography that is clear and easy to read and also works
in colour.
This will allow the primary colour to
stand out and therefore the categorize
the information into most important.
Connotation behind
colour Yellow
Happiness, upbeat,
strong, shine,
standout.
10. Images of Influence
The reason why I have chosen these photos for inspiration is because they have used three key
colours, monochrome and a single primary colour, making the pages look visually appealing. Also,
the layout is simple and clean making it easy to read and additionally focusing on the content
within.
This front cover of VIBE has a
simple yet effective house style
that makes it stand out
compared to other covers, it is
a four letter word in simple
font, that stands out from the
page with a graduated colour.
This double page spread has darker colors but there is nice
contrast between the different shades of blue that grasps the
attention of the reader, the lighter spotlight effect draws the
audiences attention to the center of the page where the main
artist face is, almost creating a forced scene. Taking up the left
side of the page with clean line to separate text and image. The
interview is in black and white therefore not detracting from the
content within the text.
12. Draft Interview
Hello How are you?
Very good thank you
Just wondering if you would answer a few questions that the members of public would want to know?
Yes of course I'm always happy to answer the questions that my fans have prepared to ask me, it lets them know more about myself
and my life.
When growing up was Hip Hop always your favorite genre of music?
Yes, it was. I always thought that it was an interesting type of music and I never got bored of listening to it. I listened to it whenever I
had the chance.
How long have you been in the music industry?
When I made my first album I was 17 years old, that means I have been in the music industry for 7 years.
Did you always want to be in a famous band?
Ever since a young age I always had a dream of preforming in a band in front of thousands of people, I always liked to preform in
school productions and I loved the adrenaline I got from being up on the stage. However, it was never the same as being in a band at
a concert which was a true dream of mine.
Who is your inspiration in life? Who do you look up to?
I don’t have a specific idol as such, I get inspiration from other people in the same industry as me. They motivate me to contribute as
much as I can to the music industry.
What do you think got you into music?
Since a young age I was always in a good mood when I listened to music, so I have loved music since about the age of 5.
When did you find out that you had a talent?
When I was about 15 years old, my mum overheard me singing and said that I am a very good singer.
What were your thoughts when you started getting recognized in public by fans?
I was emotional because since I was young I always wanted to be famous and when I got recognized I was overwhelmed with
excitement.
Have you got any targets for your success in the future?
Yes, I would love me and my band to be Top in the Charts.
These questions and answers are to be used in my double page spread and is all content surrounding my featured artist, who is the
main focus on the front cover, from first person response. I will be using my inspiration as a format as the simple colours make is
appealing to read the content and the photography is in keeping with the artist.
13. Graphic layouts for Front Cover
The Graphic Layouts are two options for
my magazine front covers. This is giving
me a clear indication of where to place
my different magazine conventions.
These layouts are based on my
inspiration VIBE, as this is a popular
magazine in the genre of music I am
using, this therefore gives me a good
indication of what my target audience
except and like.
Personally I prefer the graphic layout on the left as it is clear and easily readable. Certain
conventions will always remain in the same position and this is evident in the inspiration
magazines. This will include masthead in the top left, barcode bottom right ( including
price; issue date and number; website address and social media links) this is due to the
visibility from a distance and the value of the information. The right graphic layout includes
more information and could be adapted to be more clear but will attract a wider audience
who want to be ‘informed and educated’ (Katz).
14. Graphic layouts for DPS
This graphic layouts are depicting what my
Double Page Spread design and page layout
will be. This makes it easier when creating
my page as I am assured all the conventions
are included and the layout is popular with
my target audience.
The layout will remain similar in the
common conventions. The placement of the
title/Headline of the artist in the top left,
and the page being split in text and image.
The inclusion of a advertisement will be
related to the artist featured and
encourages the reader to read the
article/information about picture. The will
always be a page number at bottom of both
pages.
15. Project The denotation of the Masthead Beat connotes that the
information in the magazine is going to inform the user about
music and the artists that produce them. If a magazine is up
beat it means it will be a positive magazine to read for people
who enjoy listening to music.
Project description For the project I will be analyzing my magazines of inspirations
double page spreads and front covers. I will also be looking
into how they advertise these magazines and the techniques
they use to do this.
Photographer For the photos I had another class member named ‘Jonathan
Carter’ be the photographer. This allows me to focus on the
look and model.
Reference images and ideas The idea to take the photos came from the
images displayed below when completing
a test photography shoot.
Casting The cast used for this was myself and Jonathan (the
photographer). This allowed less pressure on the day and was
easier to work together to achieve the best shots.
Photography Plan
16. Model requirements The model has no specific requirements, however
a range of photos or varying shot types and angles
need to be taken to and variety to the front cover
and double page spread images.
Wardrobe requirements For the wardrobe requirements the clothes have
to be relevant to the genre of magazine. For the
clothing it was ‘Puma X Trapstar’ which is popular
fashion brand for the grime/trap scene
Appearance in the photo Along with the correct clothing the posture and
facial expression used for the photo needs to look
relevant to the type of music in the magazine. This
was connoted by the attitude portrayed and the
slightly hidden face.
Hair and makeup The was no hair and makeup requirements in the
photos because the model’s attire included a hat,
which is typical of the genre. Also the shoot was at
night therefore makeup and lighting was not
needed also.
Where and when The location for the photograph has to be an urban
background because it is a representation of where grime
originated from. It also would help if it was dark so it
adds effects to the photo.
17. Test Photography and Prop List
The clothing against the night background worked well as the colours stood out. There were no requirements
for hair and makeup but the costume was key to represent the genre of music and allow the audience to
identify with the subject.
The only problem that occurred during the filming was the lighting as this was taken at night and relied on
street artificial light that wasn’t controllable. This was not taken into consideration within the photography
plan however the resources that solved this came from components that were planned for. Using the flash
setting on the camera and headlights from the transport allowed enough light to gain a strong photo.
The point of the photography plan was to make sure every aspect of the set was covered
form costume to setting. This was a good guide building to the day to make sure that
everything needed was prepared and any problems had solutions.
18. Week beginning: August 8th
2017
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Meet new employees
and brief of the purpose
and overall initial ideas
for the magazine and
what I plan to achieve in
the short and long term .
Search for the artist to
interview for the first
addition of the magazine.
Needs to be a
popular/upcoming artist
of the Grime genre.
Delegate job to the writer to write
script for the interview of the
artist, considering what the
Get the reporter to
interview the chosen
artists with the questions
the writer came up with.
When the
answers have
been collated the
they can be
written up into
the magazine .
Do a photo-shoot of the
artist for the front cover
and DPS for the magazine,
take a wide range of shot
types and angles.
Get the designer to
design the layout of
the front cover and
DPS.
Complete by: Complete by: Complete by: Complete by: Complete by: Complete by: Complete by:
Monday 12th
August 2017 Sunday 19th August 2017 Thursday 21st
August 2017 Saturday 24th
August
2017
Sunday 25th
August 2017
Tuesday 26th
August 2017 Tuesday 26th
August
2017
Week beginning: August 15th
2017
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Get reporter to research
the latest stories in the
music industry that are
related to the chosen
genre.
Edit the photos on
Photoshop that were
taken to make them look
good for the final cut of
the magazine.
Insert interview into the DPS of the
magazine.
Ask businesses if they
would like to advertise on
the pages.
Insert the articles
that were found
into other pages
of the magazines
Editor to proof read
annotate changes to
the magazines
content.
Any extra work to be
completed today, make
sure all content is to a
high standard and check
truth of the facts.
Complete by: Complete by: Complete by: Complete by: Complete by:
Friday 19 th August Saturday 20th
August Wednesday 17th
August Thursday 25th
August Friday 26th
August
Production Plan
19. Week beginning: August 29th
2017
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
The magazines should be
printed and if they have,
we need to find places to
distribute them too.
Distribute magazines to
stores and other shops
that have signed the
contracts to sell them.
Set up a social media account that
can help kick start the advertising
for the magazine and will boost the
amount of readership.
Update Social media
accounts to full content
advertise offers and deals.
Product launch Weekend off Weekend off
Complete by: Complete by: Complete by: Complete by: Complete by: Complete by: Complete by:
Tuesday 30th
August Friday 1st
September Friday 1st
September Friday 1st
September Friday 1st
September
The production plan shows me the dates that things need to be carried out and
completed by. It is useful to have a production plan made before production because it
gives yourself and employees a guideline when making the magazine.
Week beginning: August 22nd
2017
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Do the final touches to
finish off the magazine
and make it appealing for
the audience
Find more short stories
about the artist that
people will find
interesting.
Find more short stories about other
artists that are featured in the
magazine that people might not
already know.
Try to find any other
additional information
about the genre of music
that people will find
appealing
Send finished
magazine to the
printing company
for printing
Weekend off Weekend off
Complete by: Complete by: Complete by: Complete by: Complete by:
Friday 26th
August Friday 26th
August Friday 26th
August Friday 26th
August Friday 26th
August
Production Plan
20. Resources NeededThis camera is all the photographer will need because it is a good quality and simple to use camera. The cost of this
‘cannon 700d’ is £569.99 there will only need to be one camera because there is only one photographer. Lenses and
memory sticks will be purchased as need after the initial test photography.
http://www.argos.co.uk/product/1024470?cmpid=GS001&_$ja=tsid:59158%7Ccid:200291090%7Cagid:12525697850%7Ctid:pla-
94832032610%7Ccrid:66128556290%7Cnw:g%7Crnd:16286430329956698556%7Cdvc:c%7Cadp:1o1&gclid=CL_c0JqzodICFekW0wodwtsAbg
For the computer the employees will need something that is easy to edit the magazines on and has the software that
best suits the job role they will be carrying out. For this I have chosen an ‘IMAC’ this is because they are what is
commonly used in the industry and support the applications for editing. The cost of one IMAC will be £1,049.00 I will
need 9 of these for all the employees so it will cost £9,441
http://www.apple.com/uk/shop/buy-mac/imac/215-inch-imac?afid=p238%7CsboCqtOrE-dc_mtid_187079nc38483_pcrid_64626336361_&cid=aos-uk-kwgo-pla-
mac-slid--product-MK142B/A-UK
Equipment Cost
Office space outside London £891,0
Apple IMAC x9 £9,441
Cannon 700d camera £ 569.99
Printer £79.99
Stationary pens/paper £34.99
Office furniture (chairs and desks) £ 1508.95
For the office space I have selected an office in
central London that is reasonably cheap for the
location. It will cost £495 per month for one
person. I will only be renting the office for a
couple months (only for the duration of making
the magazine. This means it will cost £8910
for the 2 months for everyone.
https://www.officespacelondon.com/london-
bridge
21. Conclusion
For LO1 I have highlighted what planning I have put into making
the front cover and the double page spreads. I have inserted my
hand drawn drafts to show what my initial ideas were of what I
wanted the pages to look like and then I have added screenshots
of my final designs to show what I have used from my plans and
what I have changed. I have also highlighted the type of settings
I took the photos for and the types of clothes I used while
modeling for the photos. This is now a guide for all issues of the
magazines and a good resource to refer back too.
Through LO1 I learnt the importance of being prepared and
sticking to deadlines. This meant everything is kept on track and
all of high quality. The challenge was creating a new magazine
that sticks to the genre and is marketable, however referring to
inspiration has helped to achieve that.
