For my AS media coursework I had to create a music magazine front cover, contents page and double page spread. I think one of the most important things was that we understand how to attract an audience and to use conventions since this is related to reality. I decided to create a music magazine which is not specialized which would attract a wider audience. However the issue that I produced tends to be a little bit rock and punk since the artist is a songwriter as well as guitarist. I think that is the most important element about my magazine is that the style and the genre it deals with may change every month. Overall, I really enjoyed producing a magazine since we can use our creativity however this was sometimes difficult to express because of too little knowledge about the technology.
To get some ideas about what to put on my front cover, contents page and double page spread I did research on the internet and I found different types of music magazines. For my front cover I used a similar design of a music magazine; on the cover you see a box with text in it, this is really effective and organized therefore I put that on the bottom right of my magazine. However beside the box I used I also phrased a text from the interview which magazines often use to make people interested. The most attractive item about my cover is the image that I used because you can literally look into the models eyes; his expression is mysterious which gets the audience interested. Since the imagery used is dominating the design I used minimum anchorage text otherwise it may be distracting.
The conventions I used on my music magazine are the medium close-up at the front cover as well as the masthead on the top left corner. These two things are examples of the conventions I used since it are typical things people expect to see on my magazine. At first I thought about ‘Duchess’ as name for my music magazine because this is a royal name, but then again it is not a proper name for my audience which is why I decided to name my music magazine Musa, because she is the goddess of music, literature and arts. I think Musa as a masthead attracts a wider audience with the age of seventeen to mid twenty because it sounds classy but also artistic and it is unique. The masthead I made is the representation of the music magazine and people can recognize the mirror reflection S.
The second page of my music magazine is the contents page. The contents page I designed is really simple but stylish and organized since the images used are related to the anchorage text. The text used is short and catchy but for example the text: Is the music business really hard to get into? Real-life experiences, gets people questioning. Especially because it is real life stories and we know that people are interested in other people’s experiences and stories.
The third page of my music magazine that I created is a double page spread. The design is again simple but stylish because of the double black line which crosses the page horizontally; this connects the two pages of the double page spread together. The language used for my double page spread is very friendly and easy to read, it contains questions about the artist’s personal life as well as questions about his music and the music industry.
When thinking about the audience it was a good idea to conduct a questionnaire which gave me a better analysis in relation to the audience.
From the questionnaire it is clear to see that people like different types of music, however the genres R&B, pop and rock were the mostly mentioned. This is why my magazine is not specialized in one genre but covers all kind of music to attract a bigger audience.As for the question what would you like to see on a music magazine cover the majority said an attracting and/or interesting male or female artist. Also a striking headline seems to be important as well as anchorage text. As for the contents page this has to be organised and pictures which refer to articles appear to be liked.For the double page spread it is really important that it includes an interview with the artist on the front cover, although there are differences in the amount of text, the audience likes to read quite a lot and wants quite a personnel interview.The first thing that gets the audience attention for all pages is as expected the image as well as the colours used. I also asked why a magazine is bought; there was a choice between because your work requires it, because they are informative, because they are entertaining, because they are interesting. The majority said that they buy magazines because it is entertaining followed by because they are interesting, then because they are informative and least popular was because your work requires it.
Before I started with the main task we had to create a college magazine front cover which improved my skills with programs such as Xara and adobe Photoshop. I approached creating a music magazine by analyzing other music magazines to know what a typical music magazine contains. After that I started to work with Xara which allowed me to use different fonts. However with Xara it is not possible to edit an image which is why I used adobe Photoshop. This program has tools such as lasso and photocopy which I could use to edit images for my double page spread. I used the lasso tool to crop photos after which I photocopies it in several colours for example; the right bottom photos on my double page spread. However since we have to construct reality I faced some difficulties using these technologies, especially with the backgrounds of my front cover. Using adobe Photoshop I tried different kind of background which varied in colour such as orange, purple, black and grey, but all mentioned did not construct reality so eventually I decided to use the original tiled background.
I organized my human resources by using my brother as the artist ‘Joshua James’.
To make him look like a real artist and to build the right tone in my photos I used several props such as the Wii guitar, a glittery hat and a bandana. I used this to form a typical iconography of an artist such as James Morrison and Gavin Degraw because they often have a characteristic style which is kind of scruffy. However the style I produced is somewhat more punk. The location I used to make photographs is the bathroom which is the background of the magazine cover. I also took a photo of the guitars at school which I used for my contents page. The other images I used for my contents page are from concerts I’ve been to, my friend and lastly me and my friend together. I could use those pictures because they are linked to the anchorage text. For my double page spread I took a photo of the artist jumping in the air while playing the guitar. This is because it is more effective as it gives a very powerful image and facial expression.
Wednesday
EVALUATION MUSIC MAGAZINE.
Results quistionnaire
From the questionnaire it is clear to see that people like different types of music, however the genres R&B, pop and rock were the mostly mentioned. This is why my magazine is not specialized in one genre but covers all kind of music to attract a bigger audience. As to the question what would you like to see on a music magazine cover the majority said an attracting and/or interesting male or female artist. Also a striking head line seems to be important as well as anchorage text. As for the contents page this has to be organized and pictures which refer to articles appear to be liked. For the double page spread it is really important that it includes an interview with the artist on the front cover, although there are differences in the amount of text the audience likes to read quite a lot and wants quite a personnel interview. The first thing that gets the audience attention for all pages is as expected the image but also the colours used. I also asked why a magazine is bought; there was a choice between because your work requires it, because they are informative, because they are entertaining, because they are interesting. The majority said that they buy magazines because it is entertaining followed by because they are interesting, then because they are informative and least popular was because your work requires it.
I have two possible front covers, I think this one is good because the colours are black and white and the only colour used is purple around my masthead.
However I am almost sure I will use my other background because that one is more organised.
Ideas for music magazine
Musa -ae f. [a muse; a goddess of music , literature and the arts].
I think I am going to call my magazine musa and then the S in mirror reflection.
also like the name Duchess (Used as the title for such a noblewoman) and then I could also do the mirror S.
I like Duchess because it has something royal.
The genre of my magazine is not specialised on one genre.
MUSIC MAGAZINE NAME: MUSA (mirror reflection S)
ON THE COVER: I want to have a picture of a boy with tattoos and it has to look a little bit punk, for props I could use our wii guitar!
DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD: interview
EDITING IMAGES FOR DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD.
I edited this image with the program Adobe photoshop. I used the tool photocopy to create this effect.
1) How does the choice of band featured in the article suggest who the target audience will be? Because of the way they are dressed, the hat, the sunglasses which enables us from seeing their emotions. and their t-shirts all look kind of rockish. 2) What type of language is used in the article? Give examples of words or phrases which are specific to the style of the magazine
’’I’ll try to come across a little scarier...’’ ‘’Metellica’s go to make a better album!’’
3) How is colour used? The colours used are green and white, as for anchorage text is used black.
4) What style of text is used? Is it similar to any other pages? What does it say about the image of the magazine and the audience? The style of the text is used to make us questioning, for example scarier is written is big bold letters which makes us curious because we want to know why he will try to come across a little scarier
.5) How is the double page spread laid out? How much of the pages are taken up by images and how much by text? How does this reflect the audience? What do they value? Most of the pages is taken up by the image. However there is also a lot of text. I think the audience values both text and images.
7) How is the artist/band presented to the audience through the images? You may wish to carry out a textual analysis. The band is presented as really tough men who don’t want to be personal, this is because of the sunglasses, we can’t look in their eyes so we can’t see their emotions. Their bodylanguage is also really closed, they actually don’t look really nice to me.
9) Does the article demand any prior knowledge? Give examples. Yes, you need to have knowledge about the band metallica, I think you also need knowledge about other bands in the music industry.
) How does the choice of band featured in the article suggest who the target audience will be?The target audience will be people who like hip-hop music, this is suggested because of there is written ‘hip-hop connection’) What type of language is used in the article? Give examples of words or phrases which are specific to the style of the magazine The language used is kind of gangster, for example; no the gza, no wu-tang- It’s that simple. Yet he clan’s elder statesman still has creativity to burn... Also: It’s frustrating seeing rappers talk about the same shit all the time. There’s so much to write about.) How is colour used?The colours used are red and black for anchorage text and white for the background.
) How is the double page spread laid out? How much of the pages are taken up by images and how much by text? How does this reflect the audience? What do they value? Both the image and text take up half of the double page spread. It’s valued equally. 7) How is the artist/band presented to the audience through the images? The artist is presented as a smart young men.) How does the style of the article match the style of the front cover?
) Does the article demand any prior knowledge? Give examples. Yes you need to know knowledge about hip-hop music, this is because of the phrase ''It’s frustrating seeing rappers talk about the same shit all the time. There’s so much to write about''.
Monday
Quistionnaire
How old are you?
What kind of music do you like?
What would you like to see on a music magazine cover?
What would you like to see on the double page spread and contents page?
What parts of a music magazine do you prefer?
What is the first thing that gets your attention? Either colours, fonts, image or the main articles on front page?
What are your main reasons for buying Magazines?
(please answer using 1/4, with using 1 as you first priority)
Because your work requires it
Because they are informative
Because they are entertaining
Because they are interesting
The evolution of Britney spears part 3.
1) Why has this image been chosen? Is the use of black and white significant?
This image is chosen because we can literally look into Britney’s eyes and actually see her emotions and the audience will probably emphasise with her. Britney her eyes look really sad… actually she is doing the puppy face. The black and white make it sadder I think, but also plain and pure.
2) How has the image been cropped?
The image has been cropped in a way that it is only focussed on Britney her face which show us her emotions.
3) What type of relationship does Britney want with the audience? Is this supported by the anchorage text?
She obviously wants to show the world her feelings and what she is going through. The anchorage supports this by the word used ‘tragedy’
The evolution of Britney spears part 2.
1.) How has the image been framed/cropped? What type of shot has been used and why?
The shot used is a mid shot of Britney her body
Britney is posing topless but she covers her body with a blanket, the blanket covering her and the way she looks at the camera makes her look like a shy and innocent girl, but at the same time she is seducing the (mostly male) audience.
4) How is lighting used?
The lighting is very bright and white is used a lot. They probably placed a spot on Britney.5) What colours are used and why?
The colours used are mainly red, blue and black for anchorage and white for the background.Maybe it’s just a coincidence but red, blue and white are the colours of the American flag!!
My front cover for the college magazine
Evaluation cover college magazine.
1. How does your school/college magazine relate to existing examples of these media forms?
School magazines often have photos of students on their front cover with students who are ‘looking’ at you because this attracts people. This is why I have a photo of two students who are outside and are smiling. The audience wants to know why the students are smiling and will read the text. The text is short and about events that are going on in the college at the moment.
2. What conventions have you used in terms of the following: Design, mode of address, use of imagery?.
As for design I kept it simple with just one photo of two students and one small picture of the great wall with related text. I kept it simple because the picture talks for itself and I didn’t want to make it too busy. The fonts used are different in style and size however I used just two colours which are blue and white. The anchorage is short and about events that are going on at the college.
3. How did you approach the tasks as an individual and how did you manage using the equipment and resources?
AT first I thought about what kind of picture I wanted to use and what anchorage text. Then I worked at home at my cover as well as in school when I had no lessons. I went to Mr. Peacock and he helped me with xara. To know what I should put on my cover, for example which picture is attractive, I followed the blog of TRC and looked at their example of front covers.
4. Can you provide any examples of creative problem solving decisions you have had to make in relation to the development of ideas/still photography/image/editing/ desk top publishing and trailing work?
At first I wanted to use the photo of my friend with angel wings on but the background was unattractive and I couldn’t change it with xara. So then I used the picture of me and my friend outside and the funny thing is it looks as if REGO is at the background. Because there are two faces on the cover it was difficult to find a place for the anchorage. I put the text between the faces and at the top right corner.
5. How did you manage your human resources; ie the people in your production?
I went to my friend's house and got them dressed up in the REGO uniform, Then made many of different pictures with them and different props
6. How did you manage locations for photograph and any costumes or props?
I used my friend’s house to make photos and my own Rego t-shirts. As for props I used angel wings. But eventually I used the photo of me and my friend in Holland.
7. Reflect on the importance of design and drafting and how the final outcome related to the draft layout in each case.
The design of the picture was quite important; MR Peacock told me people look at the left corner at the top and then the right corner at the bottom. And it was just a coincidence that my friends face is at the right bottom. As for colours I only used three which are blue, white and pink because it looks natural.
8. How did you manage your time?
I managed my time by working with Xara at home and when I had a free I went to the computer room.
9. Can you provide any examples of the DTP technology allowing you to do things that extended your creative control?
Well, it helped me with using the shape of a star with World Math Day in it.
And I made the masthead 3D.
10. Are there any examples of the technology limiting the creative process?
Yes, I couldn’t cut pictures and paste them again.
11. Throughout the two activities you have been making creative decisions based on ideas you were developing about your readers, where did those ideas come from and how did they influence the ‘micro’ detail of shot composition, framing, anchorage, text layout, mode of address and register?
I knew the audience is students and their parents, so the anchorage is related to the students. As well as the photo on the cover with two students smiling because this attracts people. And because they are outside the audience might want to know why they are outside. As said before people look at the cover in a particular way starting at the left top and then the right bottom, and my photo has a student at the right bottom.
12. What sense of reality have you constructed in each case and who is included and excluded as a result?
To give it a sense of reality I used a photo of two students and the anchorage is; REGO students clean the streets of shanghai. I excluded people who are not a part of the Rego school community.
Wednesday
Contents page analysis
A lot of images actually, one bigger image and a few smaller images around it which are relevant to the text.
How have these images been constructed?
One dominant image, i guess there is an interview with this band.
And a few images around it.
How do they support your initial findings about the style of the magazine and its intended audience?
The images show rock bands, so the audience must like rock music and I think the audience age group will be around young adults and older.
What colours and fonts are used?
The background is white, 'contents' is yellow with a black background. The other subjects such as news and live reviews is also in yellow with a black background which makes it easier to read.
Does this support the style of the front cover?
yes.
How is the information organised so that it is accessible to the audience?
The different topics on the right hand are colored yellow with the correct pages beneath the topic. The small pictures of different band also have page numbers so they are easy to find in the magazine.
What are the different sections?
On the top there is something the editor wrote to his readers, there is 'this week' with the topics. And some pictures of different bands.
What does this tell you about the magazine?
That it is organised and mainy about band reviews.
Are there any promotional features?
Yes, they promote to get their readers the magazine delivered at their door for just 6 pounds per month.
Is the magazine logo placed anywhere on the page?
No.
Does the brand have any other franchises?
Are these promoted on the contents page?
Monday
Evolution of Britney Spears part 1.
The silky background creates sex appeal which is in contract of the image, because back then she was famous for her ‘American sweetheart’ image.
Saturday
A few ideas for REGO college magazine.
For the cover I could take photo's of the secondary students that are busy with the school play or I can take a picture of some friends running a marathon in nike/adidas clothes and promote the REGO MARATHON SPONSERED BY NIKE/ADIDAS or something!
since everybody is into charity nowadays.
The sixth form students are running a marathon at school to raise money for disabled people in China.
text on the cover would be; Nike/Adidas is all over REGO, or Nike/Adidas sponsoring REGO for charity, Nike/Adidas marathon @ REGO.
Or the title could be without a brand and about the sixth formers run for charity. But I think it is better with Nike or Adidas.
Glossary of key terms for magazine analysis
Glossary of Key Terms for Magazine Analysis (from the internet)
Masthead – The name and logo of the magazine.
The Lead – the introductory paragraph of an article. Usually written in bold or capitals.
Body copy refers to the text of your written articles, which should be produced as a printed presentation to accepted industry standards, e.g. correct use of language, font size, word limits etc. Usually written in columns.
Serif font – fonts like Times New Roman, or Baskerville Old Face, which have little bars (serifs) on the end of the letters.
Sans serif font – fonts like Impact, or Agency FB, which do not have little bars (serifs) on the end of the letters.
Drop Capitals – Really big letter, which start off an article.
Cross Head – Small sub-heading used to split up a large block of text.
White Space – white parts of a page other than text or pictures.
Mode Of Address – How the magazine talks to the audience.
Sell Lines – Text on the cover that helps to sell the magazine to the audience. Kerrang!’s sell line is “life is loud”.
Banners – text, which stands out because its on a coloured background.
House Style – a magazines distinctive design that distinguishes it from its competitors.
Borders – the gaps at the edges of the page.
Gutters – the gaps between the columns of text.
Leading - the space between lines of text.
Kerning - the space between letters.
Strap Lines – a smaller headline, printed above the main headline.
By-lines - name of the person who wrote the article. Picture Credits - where did the photos come from, or who took them.
Anchorage – The way in which text helps to pin down the meaning of a picture and visa versa.
Thursday
music magazine front cover analysis (Madonna)
buzz words explanation and dictionairy.
What type of magazine is it?
Q is a music magazine which concentrates on new British pop music as well as old rock bands. I think it is for people who like all kinds of music.
In the magazine there are going to articles about 50 best British albums, interviews with Madonna, Michael stripe, girls aloud. And there is a woman in music special.
Who is the target audience for the magazine? What particular age group? What are their interests? The target audience might be people from 20 up to 30 who like all kinds of music and are interested in the musicians their life. I think particular British people because of the button with 50 best British albums.
Madonna is at the cover because she is loved by all age groups and all over the world.
The magazine represents women in music, and women are represented strong.
Girlpower, the reader may think that girls are taking over the music industry?
What do the ‘puffs’ suggest will be inside the magazine? What does this tell you about the type of audience the magazine expects to get?
Stupid question and interview Madonna suggest that it is about Madonna’s personal life. Women in music industry suggests that it is all about women and how they survive the though music industry. Also Rolling stones and Artic monkeys suggest suggest articles about them and what they are doing at the moment. It defenitely suggests that the reader has to be interested in the musician.
The colors used are white, red, black and a little bit blue.
I actually like the colors, the cover looks interesting.
Wednesday
MUSIC magazine brainstorming
Since we got this coursework I've been busy with it, but most of the time I had creative ideas for the music magazine and not for the college magazine yet.
For the music magazine I was thinking about a new cabaret group which also plays music instruments such as saxophone, cello and violen. Overall it was more a combination of a cabaret show, think of; liza minelli, mouling rouge, masquerade ball, the movie chicago, the circus and showgirls feeling. This new group is gonna be 'it'.
Since we can't use photo's from the internet I was thinking to use my friends when I am in holland, which is during chinese new year. I could use two boys and four girls with blond hair, brown hair, red hair and one with long black curls. To make that photo I need to buy here some masks with feathers and a had. It is quite difficult to give the photo a cabaret show feeling, but maybe when I take it in the old train station and let them dress up over the top it could work.
On the other hand I could do my cousin and her boyfriend who just got a baby. I was thinking about this because nowadays at all the covers you see close-ups of hollywood stars with their new born 'wonderbaby'. I could pretend them to be Heidi klum and Seal or something since my cousin is white and her boyfriend is black. and then do a interview with them at the dubble page.
If I do this I could use the new cabaret group for the college magazine, using this idea as students from the most prestigious theather-drama school, who just created a whole new entertainment show.
But then again, I am just then days in holland. And they all have to go to school. Also it is hard to get the music instruments although I know people with a violin and saxophone, but are they gonna lend it to me?
At least I can ask their help and if it doesn't work I have to come up with another idea.
As for the masthead, i have no idea about that yet, depends on whether the cabaret photo in Holland is gonna work.
Well, i haven't decided anything yet, maybe I'll have better ideas.
