Music Magazine # Front Cover

To produce a Front Cover, Contents Page and Double Page Spread for a new Music Magazine and my chosen audience.

Music Magazine # Contents Page

Music Magazine # Double Page Spread

Question 7 # Evaluation

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

http://soundcloud.com/anniie_anna/question-7-evaluation

Question 6 # Evaluation

 

6) What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

Question 5 # Evaluation

5) How did you attract/ address your audience?

I used a questionnaire to collect my data, asking them certain questions which would be useful to me to add into my magazine and what they expected from a magazine.

Rersults of questionaair 2

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I also drew a sketch of my Masthead to see whether or not it was appealing to my audience.I wanted to be unique and create my own typography so I stuck to basic lines but still made them look bold and appealing. Majority of my audience said it was different and it stood out and complimented the genre I was going for. After all this was the masthead I stuck with and developed it on Photoshop.  

Question 4 # Evaluation

4) Who would be the audience for your media product?

Question 3 # Evaluation

3) What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?

IPC could distribute my media product because they’re a large company which filters into different social group’s i.e. sports, homes and gossip, which means they cater to different audiences. Looking through the different magazines they distribute, its clear that they only publish NME which is a mainstream music magazine. Reasons for why they could distribute my product is because there would be a balance between Mainstream and Niche music being published which will cater to different audiences. As niche genres don’t get as much publicity, this gives my product the opportunity to expand further and build a wider audience base. It’s also an advantage because most niche magazines could be found online and their isn’t as many in stores, whereas having them published and then sold in Big Box Stores such as “Tesco or Asda” enables a wider range of consumers and it could be used as a form of narrow casting because it will cater to only to a niche audience and it benefits them more because it will be easier to find and purchase. As this institution accumulates more women than men, this gives a better opportunity to grab the female crowd because they’re more likely to go out and purchase more magazines then men, so this allows more money to be made, plus my magazine is filled with different topics which women take more interest in such as touring and book signings.

Overall I think that this would be a good institution to distribute my product from because it gives a chance to fill the open market to were it will make a lot of money, and also as Afro Beats is a genre which is becoming popular amongst the audience of most 15-25yr old it’s a good way to promote and gain more readers.

Question 2 # Evaluation

Evaluation qst2

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Question 1 # Evaluation

1) In what ways does this media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?        

My Music Magazine consists of a Front Cover, Contents Page and a Double Page Spread. Each page shows a different layout and, the composition of text and images are different. Within my front cover I have the main image of my artist which is in the centre, the sell lines are aligned to one side of the page; and my puff sits on the boarder, and my masthead spreads across the top. I used colours which worked well and complemented each other i.e. black, white, orange and dark green. I also added in a barcode and a website for audience purpose. Using these conventions I’ve tried to put together a finished front cover by using different technical skills on Photoshop to give a finished quality look to my page.

On the contents page I have my main artist, additional images and text. I decided to adopt some of the former magazines techniques to embed within my own. I looked at VIBE magazine and saw how they split the word ‘contents’ so I used the same affect on my own page. Most of my text runs through the centre and the images are on either side, I decided to use a different approach because most contents pages for magazines have text either on the right or left hand side of the page so I wanted to do something different. I also decided to slant my additional images to give my page a different look because it’s very common to have images which are position straight rather at and angle, it gives a more interesting appeal. I made my own arbitrary logo out of the three main symbols which stand out of my masthead, which was the: O, S and the music note. Having this symbol will allow my audience to recognise my magazine and allows them to be apart of the culture.

With my double page spread I used a natural simplistic background to reflect on my artist and the cover story. I used this idea to steer away from the typical studio shot that would be displayed in a double page spread. This gives it a better appearance because within the location it’s very subtle but speaks a lot and it ties in with the genre of my magazine. I also used other conventions such as pull quotes and heading on this page so that my audience get an insight to what the story is about and my text forms around the main image to give a better affect to the page.

All together my product uses different conventions to put together a realistic music magazine, I used the same colours throughout to show continuity and within layout and composition each page looks different to show that my magazine is versatile to show different aspects to it.

Print Screens of Music Magazine # Double Page Spread

Print screens for double page spread

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Print Screens of Music Magazine # Contents Page

Print screens for contents

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Print Screens of Music Magazine # Front Cover

Print Screens for front cover

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Teacher Feedback

Annabel, you are up to date with work so far and need to therefore meet the targets below:
Targets: 1) Show evidence of magazine production work in progress with short commentary
2) Complete draft front cover and contents page by 16/03/12

Teacher Feedback

Annabel I'm really pleased to see that you have met your targets in completing some detailed textual analysis of a range of music magazines, in which you show a clear understanding of the key features and effects of some of these on audience. In addition you have included some sound evidence of qualitative and quantitative research. Keep up this very good work.
Targets: 1) Upload your preliminary task as a separate item
2) Stay on target with the production work deadlines and make full use of the after school workshops

# Interview 3

http://soundcloud.com/anniie_anna/interview-3

# Interview 2

http://soundcloud.com/anniie_anna/interview-2

# Interview

http://soundcloud.com/anniie_anna/interview

#Audience Profile

Audience profile copy

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Sketch of Music Magazine # Double Page Spread

Sketch of Music Magazine # Front Cover

Sketch of Music Magazine # Contents

#Resuls of Questionnaire

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Analysis of Billboard #Rihanna

I looked at Billboard Magazine and analysed the layout and composition and the different features it consisted of.

The main image standouts because of the colours which have been used, the red is very bold and vibrant, this could connote lust or desire because it matches her facial expression- giving the intense look. Also by using a darker background makes the image seem more potent and entices it's audience more. The close-up shot of her may portray her to look sweet and innocent for her audience, but then her tattoo’s convey a different meaning, saying she isn’t as sweet an innocent she’s made out to be, it shows she has more of an edge to her appearance, because not all females like to show off their tattoo’s whereas Rihanna doesn’t mind because it’s apart of her.

The masthead links with the main image and the title on top of the masthead, using the same colours throughout shows the continuity within the front cover, also the typography used in the masthead is subtle which allows the rest of the text on the page to be noticeable. The typography used is sharp and bold, written in uppercase lettering and it stands out to state what’s on the front cover of the issue. The cover lines have certain words which connect to what the story may be about e.g. ‘Bull on Parade’ links with the artist name, named: Pitbull and gives us a quick insight into what he’s on parade for. This is a good way to entice an audience because it gives a snippet of what the story is about which would make them want to read on.

At the bottom of the magazine they’ve used a pull quote from what she has said, this is a good way to attract a big audience because this will make them want to know the real her, and people would want to know what’s she’s been hiding. Also on top of her name, they used a visual pun because her nick name is known as ‘RiRi’ but they changed it to fit the purpose of the main cover story to draw in an audience.

All together the sick composition and layout of text and imagery help to showcase a good cover story on Rihanna. The use of colours help show the type of bold personality she conveys and the main story helps sale her even more because her fans would be willing to know new updates about her and how she’s changing along the way.

Teacher Feedback

Annabel, you have made some good progress with your planning and research so far. Your textual analysis is interesting and you show a good understanding of the use of the key features. Well done.
Targets: 1) You need to include at least one more analysis of a front cover
2) Use the checklist to ensure you are up to date with all tasks by the end of the half term break

Analysis of Double Page Spread # Lana Del Rey

Looking at Q double page spread of LANA DEL REY, I’ve seen that they’ve gone for a dark mysterious look because they have used colours such as black, dark blue and red. They used a close up as their main image of her, this image is very seductive and could connote desire or lust because her eyes are closed, but yet the blue could convey depression because she doesn’t look to happy in the picture. The red used in her hair can symbolise the pain from her past because she wanted to be prom queen, this relates to why she’s in a prom dress on the front cover- she is reliving her youth days, wanting to feel appreciated by others. The way in which her nails are pointed at her neck could convey the gestured sign of being suicidal because they’re sharp and pointed at her trachea, this could link to her still being affected by her past and not wanting to be reminded. This also links in to the whole idea of her being mysterious because we don’t know her persona and what she was like in the past.

The layout and composition of the text is written in a column which gives it a simplistic look because the picture is the main focus of the page. The big S is a hyperbole of the typography, which stands out more because you’re more likely to read what’s covering the S which could be its main objective. Within the text, juxtaposition is used: ‘demonic standing’ / ‘prom queen crown’ this could show the contrast of her; the picture she’s being portrayed as two different things which could probably make it harder for the audience to understand her. Further down the text it states that ‘her mascara is streaked’ this could represent disappointment that has occurred in her life and how she may have felt betrayed. There’s also the use of alliteration ‘bruised and broken’ this could connote how she’s emotionally feeling prior to her past; she eventually chooses the picture she feels best sums her up and says ‘that’s my life’- this suggests she feels some sort of heartache and doesn’t feel it will heal.

Analysis of Contents page #Q

I analysed Q content page and explored how they used layout and composition, image and text.

Within the layout and composition of text, Q decided to place it on the left hand side and it’s written within a column which can make it easier to read. The main pages to view have been put in a bolder font so it stands out for the reader and it gives a brief statement of what the topic is about, this is good because the reader will have an insight into what they’re reading. The main stories are written in upper case lettering to imply that they’re important for the audience to read, the typography used is very curvy which could be used for the type of genre the edition is putting on display i.e. Pop, this creates more of an appealing effect for the audience because it looks better then having sharp typography.

Q has stuck with the same continuity of colour which is red, this colour is very vibrant and would appeal to an audience and also it could be Q signature colour. Using a white background for this page is very simplistic, but also good because then everything else on the page stands and speaks for it self rather than having too many colours which could be a distraction.

By using visual contents this allows the reader to find what they’re looking for rather than finding the pages, also by having features within their contents means they have a mix and blend of different genres which can interest a wider audience because they’re not only sticking to one they’re thinking of versatility to engage more people.

The main image stands out because there isn’t much going on to it, but the use of black and white makes the page look more seductive and appealing. With what she’s wearing makes her  look more edgy because she’s in tight fitted clothing which can attract more of a male crowd plus females might like what she is wearing. 

Analysis of Contents Page #VIBE

I looked at VIBE contents page and explored the different features it consisted of: layout and composition, text and image.

With the layout and composition within text and images I saw that all the written text has been aligned to the left hand side of the page, whilst the masthead and subheading is on the right and the main image is in the centre. This allows everything on the page to be more visual and easier to find rather than having texts with pictures in different areas of the page. 

As VIBE generating from a HIP HOP/R’n’B/Rap genre, the red connotes masculinity and power, and the white which is used for the text creates a more chic look to the magazine. The white and red adhere to the type of genre the magazine is, it could represent pure dominance because the male rapper is the main cover line story which shows how he is important to read within the magazine.

The typography used in the sell lines subverts the idea of masculinity whereas on the contents it has bold, sharp upper case lettering; this can show how the magazine is very diverse in conveying different meanings so that it fits a wider audience. The way in which they’ve displayed contents could attract their audience because it visually stands out better and it’s more of a creative way to appeal to an audience.

As the key image being the most important aspect of the page, it grabs the audience by the way his body gesture is and the jewellery that he is wearing. This could convey that he’s apart of the ‘bling culture' and it shows he has a lot of money by the amount of diamonds he’s wearing. The tattoos convey masculinity and it could show that he feels no pain. He fits the stereotype of a gangster because, he’s wearing no clothes from what we can see and he is boasting of the amount of money he is able to make. The expression on his face shows confidence and pride because he could be smiling at the fact he’s been able to break into the music industry and make money out of it.

Analysis of Q magazine #Tinie Tempah

I looked at Q Magazine and I analysed the front cover to explore the different features it had, and how it uses image, text and colour throughout the page.

­With the main image it stands out from the rest of the text this allows it to be noticeable, the use of glasses makes him seem more mysterious to its audience which could entice the reader. The colours of his shirt links in with the main cover story and the puff/ cover line, the shirt makes him look sophisticated, and his facial expression pursues confidence and no fear because we can’t see his eyes. The two different colours used on the side of his face (blue/redish-pink) could connote two sides of his personality; the blue being his softer gentleman side and the redish-pink being the bolder side to him, conveying power and dominance within his music.

The puff that’s used under the masthead could suggest the magazine has a lot to offer because it says: DISCOVER GREAT… which means its audience will be in for a treat; also the other puff which is used on top of the main image helps boast about the magazine because it’s very popular and has been running for 25years- this can persuade the audience to let them know it’s a good magazine because its been published for a long time. Also the main puff/ cover line helps boast about the artist more because it’s telling the audience that they must collect this edition because he’s in the ranking of one of the best artist out of 25, which gives him a better image because he’s being portrayed in a good light. The main cover line which is used as a quote, would attract a big audience because it draws them in to knowing his life story and how Music changed his life, the quote used is short and snappy which connects to the audience better because its leaves them in suspense.

There are two types of typography being used, one that’s bolder written in upper case lettering and the other that’s softer and has more curves to it. The main cover line is written with the bolder font so that it stands out and attracts its audience, whereas on the cover lines it uses the softer font which make the artists seem not as important because the main artist to focus on is Tinie Tempah.

The typography used for the artists’ name look as if he’s signed it himself which could be purposely done for his audience, to make it look sentimental for its reader because it looks personalised.

Within the layout and composition of this front cover everything is in line with each other, there isn’t much happening on the page which could make it better for an audience because the main image and cover lines speak for it’s self which could entice people to buy this magazine. The main image looks as if it’s pushing the main cover line of the page, this is to enhance on how important the main image is and what it’s trying to offer its audience.  

Analysis of Contents Page #Kerrang

 

I looked at Kerrang’s contents page and explored the different features the page consisted of. I looked at the layout and composition of text and images, also the colour scheme they went for.

With the layout and composition of the text and images, I saw that everything was arranged in columns this gives the page a better appearance and it’s easier to find things. On the left hand side, they use numbers to help match with the images, this is more of a practical way of using visual contents because the audience will be able to find what they’re looking for instead of flicking through the pages.

With the main image it stands out more because it's the main cover story which would appeal to its audience. On the top right they use an editorial which helps to introduce the magazine and compliment it.

The use of colours steer away from the stereotypical view of what a rock magazine will or should look like- the typical colours that would be used is red, black and white those colours are really bold; but this contents page uses black and yellow. Yellow is a very neutral colour and it stands out against black- this conveys a sense of sophistication to the Rock magazine compared to Kingsize were they stuck to the typical colour of red and black. The reason why this magazine would’ve went for a more sophisticated look is because they would attract more costumers and it’s a popular magazine which is read quite regularly. This magazine uses juxtaposition because the contrast of the key image and the typography could convey two different meanings- the image implies masculinity and confidence through his body posture and his tattoos. He’s also using hand gestures which convey profanity which could suggest he doesn’t care because he knows he can do it and it peruses more confidence. Whereas the typography is more curvy than sharp; the use of sophistication makes the magazine more accessible for a wider audience.

Overall this contents page puts together a slick composition and layout to be more appealing to its reader, also the colours and images work together to convey a better meaning to put across and it diverts from the archetype view of what a Rock magazine should look like.

Analysis of Blender # Jay-Z

Looking at Blender Magazine I explored the different features the magazine consisted of, which was the layout and composition and the different media conventions which is displayed on the front cover.

This magazine consists of three colours: red, white and black. The connotations I got from this was that red is a very powerful colour and it represents power and passion; the white suggests elegance and sophistication and the black could connote seriousness and dominance. We see through the front cover the continuity of the same colours being used in the sell lines, puffs, masthead and the main cover line, they all tie in and compliment each other. This is to create a slicker look to the front cover also the colours could suggest the type of genre the magazine could be: i.e. Hip Hop, Rap or R 'n' B.

With the typography its very bold and written in upper case lettering, this helps it to stand out more and grab it's audience. With the line going through the masthead, this shows a visual pun and it could suggest there’s a mix a blend of many different genres and artist featured in the magazine which could entice costumers to read/buy the magazine. The puff that is used under the masthead “Your music Buddy” could create alliteration when combined with the masthead, the effect of the B’s makes it seem more personalised because it uses words like ‘your’ and ‘buddy’ so this could also entice the costumer to purchase the magazine because it's aimed at them, it could also be seen as a slogan. Also the masthead is nearly as big as the main cover line: ‘JAY-Z’ which could represent how important he is.

The main cover line uses short snappy words/ phrases to catch the readers eye. For instance: “WEALTH! FAME! BEYONCE! The use of exclamation marks help insinuate on everything he has, and it shows the importance of those three things, it will make the audience idealise him or it could create people to emulate or envy him. The connotation of wealth could suggest that Jay-Z has set up a legacy of his own, and it’s unusual to see black male artist who are wealthy.

Also within the main cover line it links to the main image that is being portrayed about Jay-Z, the “Fly Life”, this image pursues the life of a gangster- it could link to a mafia style of dressing. It uses an intertexual reference to the film “American Gangster”; trying to portray the image of the original gangster called Frank Lucas. He’s also displaying his ring to show his in with the fashion of wearing  pinkie-rings; it shows what a common mafia/gangster would do. He is dressed very suave and sophisticated, this could be a new way in which to re brand Jay-Z, to show people he is maturing into his manhood and he’s becoming more determined to display a new sense of fashion. The pose could suggest he’s a very serious person- but also slightly arrogant but confident, he’s almost being seen as untouchable. The hank chief that is being used isn’t commonly shown with men on a front magazine, but what I inferred from this, is that it’s an arbitrary sign, because it has his initials in the centre and it’s placed within a triangle and for those who know about Jay-Z will notice it's his comical sign that he does with his hands.  Also it could imply that he could be royalty or apart of an elite. 

Analysis & Comparison of #XXL & VIBE Magazine

   

We looked at two different Music Magazines one called XXL and the other called VIBE. XXL generates from a Hip Hop genre, and VIBE is from an R’n’B genre. With XXL the genre is conveyed by the body language and costume. The two artists’ body language is very intimate which shows some sort of protection and the intimacy between them both could suggest them as being homoerotic which can give this magazine a different audience. The tattoos are very masculine, also the jewellery around their neck shows wealth and it links with the masthead- showing the ‘bling culture’. With the VIBE magazine the Artist looks very slick and confident; the glasses make him seem very mysterious.

With text, the XXL magazine is very masculine; it’s very sharp and written in upper case letters. The colour red can indicate passion and power which could suggests how the two artists are like, also the background could suggests where they’ve come from- always remembering who they were before they were famous. With VIBE the typography is much softer; most of the lettering is curvy which could appeal to both male and female crowds. The background is blurred so it makes the audience focus more on the key image; XXL's sell lines connect to the type of music genre it is because all the featured artists’ fall under the category of Hip Hop.

VIBE’s main cover story is about sex and sex sells, so this could attract a bigger audience because people would want to know the latest celebrity gossip. XXL’s main cover story doesn’t give away too much detail of what story is going to be like, this could attract more people to read to find out what may happen; also they use puff’s to boast about their magazine which could grab more costumers so that they get an insight on why the magazine is really good. 


VIBE magazine uses a close up to indicate that the artist is getting married because its one of its main stories which will grab a wider audience because consumers like to indulge in artists personal lives, plus his head is tilted to the side which could suggest confidence. Whereas XXL uses a mid shot to show more of their body posture and Lil Wayne’s head is also tilted to the side which portrays confidence and dominance, the composition and layout gives a stereotypical view on how Hip Hop artists’ are viewed throughout the media.