Evaluation: Question 1 - In what way does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

Cover Page

Masthead - I have deliberately designed my masthead to reflect most music magazines. As I have been looking at Billboard I have adapted the lower casing method for my masthead design as I feel it creates a bold and interesting statement in contrast to my house style and without going the usual way of initialism or all blocked capitals. The letters are curved and embossed which I created on InDesign itself, I have embossed the letters to create more depth to my masthead as it is a short name and is plain white I felt adding something like an emboss would just help it stand out as a dominant feature for my magazine; it also ensures my masthead will be easily recognized and unique.

Main Image - To make sure I am making the most of the main feature on my blog I made sure I addressed my audience. I have chosen a medium long shot with direct eye contact. As my music magazine is eclectic I have chosen plain clothes that can relate to a number of audiences regardless of music taste. In comparison to one of my style models I used while conducting my music magazine research I've used the same angled image but swapped the positioning around as the pose my model is modelling is more laid back as her back arch goes into the right third of the magazine. In order to keep in the conventional rule of thirds grid I've used this pose to balance the magazine when conducting my layout.

Headline - Both headlines are very similar. I wanted to challenge myself to replicate the beauty of the style model's headline. Both big and bold writing across the main feature image with the anchorage in between the text; I felt the style was very unique and I knew it would be a challenge for me to do which is why I was determined to do it! I have used the artists name as the headline, this way the fans are more likely to purchase the magazine.

Anchorage - Below the main headline is the traditional position for the anchorage. I wanted to challenge this and position it in between the headline. The main focus of the anchorage is to deliver a snippet of what the article will cover for the benefit of the readers. I have also added a flash above the entire headline to interest the audience further making them aware the interview featured in the magazine will not be like any other and is indeed an exclusive. This not only persuades purchasing but also creates loyalty with the readers as the articles feature exclusive information that wouldn't be read anywhere else.

Flash - Throughout the entire cover page I have included flashes as a way of attracting different members of my audience. I have used a wide range of flashes and ones I feel would encourage the audience to pick up the magazine, browse through and purchase. The purpose of the bright yellow flashes are for them to easily stand out on the black and white background; to make a visable contrast and to maintain my house style. As flashes are usually bright and bold I made mine the same as it is obviously a successful way to attract the audience.

Kickers and Cover Lines - For the kickers I have jumped to and from my bold house style colours - excluding the yellow as I have used those for the plugs. I have used bold black writing to announce the kickers and alternated from red and blue for the cover lines. The titles are basic and in most cases the artists name as it is important for all the readers to feel that each artist addresses their musical interest and the cover lines are delivering a summary of the feature above.

Menu Strip - The menu strip is another selling point of my magazine. I am portraying numerous amounts of varied artists much like a festival headline including a mixed genre to attract a wide audience I have done this through my music magazine's menu strip. A menu strip is usually used throughout but I have sectioned it off to keep it more noticeable to my audience by separating it from the house style and the black and white background of the cover.

Contents Page

Contents Logo - Usually, contents pages feature a few images relating to the contents of the magazine. For the logo they are usually featured as a headline covering all three thirds of the page. I have stuck to the more traditional logo layout due to the rest of my design. I have kept it big and bold with an outline to create a sense of dominance on the page and also to keep the contrast and solid fixtures throughout my contents page.

Front Cover Copy/Editorial/Subscription Box - I have combined three features to finalise and finish off my contents page. I have produced the subscription box as a menu strip to attract attention and keep it separate from my contents information. Hopefully this will encourage subscription as I have stated a 30 saving will be made using a flash and the bright yellow keeping to my house style. This is also encouraging as it is a clear discount which delivers persuasive power that is subtly in the audiences hands. Most contents pages encourage a welcoming box for their audience explaining a bit about the magazine and welcoming the readers. This creates a sense of personality to the magazine and making it a familiar read which allows a connection to be made with the readers. This can create a high following and dedication from the readers which is why I wanted to include the editorial with an image of myself and signed wishing everyone a Happy New Year as it is a December issue.

Insert Shots - Down the centre column I have included some shots which highlight some of the main articles of the issue. They range from direct mode of address to action shots and live shots. I believe the variety I have used shows character throughout the magazine and shows the difference between each article which will be obvious in each issue. A different range of shots also attracts the audience and keeps an interest. 

Main Feature - I have included section headlines throughout my contents page. The first section headline reads 'On the Cover' which allows a fast source of information for the new readers that have been interested by the cover page. As the initial attraction would of been the kickers I have made sure the first headline has included the main feature. The main feature subtly dominates the page by having two images down the centre column, one at the top and one at the bottom. This is to make sure that everything in that issue of the magazine all ties together and is strategically positioned - one next to the kicker and one next to the subscription and editorial section - to gently bring attention to the subscription offer without being too forceful.

Page Numbers - Page numbers are an obvious feature with the upmost importance. They are usually featured after the cover lines and on insert images. I have used both of these conventions to appeal to different audiences. It makes the reader feel more at ease with the navigation of the magazine which in turn makes the magazine more user friendly. Whether the reader has picked up the magazine as a monthly favourite or recognized a title or artist they can easily find what they are looking for. The numbers stand out against the images as they are a bright and bold against the background.

Section Headers - I have included four section headers within the itemized list and also in aid of directing my readers to their interests in the magazine. Almost all magazines do this and I have maintained my general house style of black and white background with the bright and bold colours. I have also layed out the cover lines and anchorages the way I have layed out the kickers and cover lines on my front cover. This allows me to structure the contents page neatly and accurately while abiding by the traditional rule of thirds grid system.

Double Page Spread 

Feature Article Image - I think this shot is so real and powerful. I love how it is an accurate representation of the article and ties in with the pull quote. As the image is of a recording studio session it is more relatable than a glamourous photoshoot - keeping in mind I'm producing a music magazine I wanted to include vital parts of music production which I feel I have captured. I have again kept with my house style with the black and white images to create a bold contrast between the pull quote to make it look more eye-catching and interesting. As it is conventional for the featured image to take up half of the double page spread I have composed it accordingly allowing space for my article on the right hand page.

Section Header - In the top left hand corner I have used my magazine masthead with the word 'features' underneath. Keeping with my house style to make sure the colours don't clash and my magazine looks professional I have made this subtle but bold indicating the article is the main feature and to help readers find what they are looking for. Most magazines use this and I feel it 'finishes' off the double page spread and looks really professional keeping the pages interesting and realistic.

Headline and Pull Quote - I found the font of www.dafont.co.uk and felt that it is a very relaxed but professional way of using the headline as a pull quote - combining the two features. It stands out from the rest of the text and ties in very well with the context of the article.

Introductory Text - This is a part of the article introducing the artist and leads onto the main feature, I have sectioned this to go across two thirds of the grid system to dominate the right hand side of the double page spread and to slightly section it from the article. This also usually has slightly bigger text but uses similar language to entice the readers persuading them to read further.

Article Columns - Usually on a double page spread, two or three columns are used, so I have kept my layout conventional to tradition. I have also used a drop capital to start my article to give it a professional finish. I really like the layout as I feel it uses white space and image to text ratio effectively.

Page Numbers - At the top of the page I have included a page number to help with navigation. All magazines usually have them at the bottom of the page but I feel as though it works better at the top for my layout. I think it looks really professional and works effectively with the overall production of my double page spread.

 

Evaluation: Question 2 - How does your media represent particular social groups?

I used lots of different techniques and incorporated them into my music magazine; such as photos and cover lines and kickers to create a certain effect for the target audience and their preferred genre of music - in this case it is a eclectic music magazine which includes a most popular music genres and focus' on the up and coming bands and singers to the celebrities that are creating headlines for themselves in general.

 

The messages that the photos deliver to the target audience is of high importance as it infers the aura of the band/character that it includes and how the music they make relates to their image and how it can be personal to them, allowing the audience to feel more connected to their favourite bands/characters/singers. For example the image below demonstrates how Lady Gaga is very theatrical in her music and photoshoots.

 

 She is very well known for this and even her make up is demonstrating her persona how it is very dramatic and over board but she is being herself and she has been very successful in terms of social ladder in music by being herself. This portrays an alternative music genre which is very relevant to my music magazine as it is of an eclectic nature. This image definitely portrays her story and her usual 'self' to the audience as she is the only subject in the image and she is the only artist as she is a solo artist. The focus is entirely on her and with the pitch black background it portrays a more dramatic theme and fits well with her dramatic costumes and stage persona.  As we stereotypically associate artists with what the wear and the way the act in public, the music they produce goes hand in hand with completing their stage presence and their social image, due to this social groups are created and we can also identify these social groups through music videos.

 

These following music videos are ones that relate to the genre of my music magazine...

 

 

This music video by Lady Gaga represents her quirky and unusual style is definitely highlighted through her videos. It also reflects her individual style and alternative genre. Her settings and actions are always very expressive and her body language is always given off through a theatrical sense. I chose to include her in my magazine as she appeals to a wide fan base and as my magazine is an eclectic music magazine - following in the footsteps of Billboard and other established music magazines - I decided she would be an excellent base to go from when it came to deciding who to include as she represents a wide range of social groups. She has a broad gay fan base, girls and boys can really enjoy her music and her music style has definitely evolved; she produces music from pop, to indie pop, to alternative, to almost rock style with pop involved. The social group associated with this genre of music would most likely be into drama and theatre and probably be quite daring with their dress sense. They would more than likely be seen in fishnet and darker clothing, females are more likely to experiment with darker make up, maybe wearing darker lipstick and thick eyeliner to portray their personality and their link in the social group.



This music video is what really brought Bastille to the 'front lines' of music and music videos. Bastille is an English Rock band however they can come under other genres such as alternative rock and Synthpop. Sythnpop is also known as Electropop or Technopop which basically describes a piece of music that uses a synthesizer as a dominant musical instrument. The reason I chose to mention Bastille on my music magazine is because of their ability to fit under many different genres. This allows a mixed fan base again to be attracted to buy my music magazine as a wide range of people can enjoy his music and it can appeal to many ages and many different personalities.



The Vamps are a newly recognised band who come under the genre of British Pop Rock. I decided to choose the Vamps because they appear regularly on music stations and they also supported the band McFly on one of their tours. McFly is a very well established band, brand and company and they are included in the genre of  Pop Punk. I decided that by including them in my music magazine I would be attracting again a wide audience range to fit in with my eclectic music magazine. The Vamps represent their social group also by their fashion sense. Generally, people who will listen to rock bands and indie music generate a more 'basics' range of attire; basic t-shirts, checked items, denim, boots, leather jackets, jumpers etc are more commonly seen on those who enjoy a more rock band genre.

I've decided to include artists like these to work together and interest a wide audience range into purchasing my magazine.

Evaluation: Question 3 - What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?

Evaluation: Question 4 - Who would be the audience for your media product?

In order to appeal to my chosen audience I conducted some research into common interests with eclectic music styles. I have put together a Readership Profile for my magazine and I have also included a link to my first hand feedback from some of my audience members. There they discuss what they liked and what they didn't like so much in order for me to continue improving the standards and ranges included in my music magazine. 

http://cheryl90210.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/my-music-magazine-final-drafts.html#comment-form

Evaluation: Question 5 - How did you attract/address the audience?

Evaluation: Question 6 & 7

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

In terms of programme use, when I first started the project I had no experience at all with InDesign. However, being a photography student I was very familiar with Photoshop and the tools that I could use in that process; I was also used to researching in detail before conducting a Photoshoot and knowing what I wanted out of it. Photography requires me to do extensive research before doing a Photoshoot to gain some knowledge of what I want from the shoot, about the background and settings of the shoot and the models I'm using right down to their wardrobe and make up. Being used to all of this was quite a comfort in comparison to my non-existent knowledge of InDesign. Looking back at the preliminary task and how basic my knowledge was of InDesign was and now I can see a vast improvement with the programme and it reflects in the quality of my Music Magazine.

Photography:
To begin my Music Magazine photoshoots I very fortunately had an opportunity model who is my very good friend, she has been my model in photography on numerous occasions and was very kindly willing to be my model for Media Studies. I used the Media Classroom's photoshoot set up that consisted of a blue screen and professional lighting and camera equipment. I had to effectively direct my model into various positions according to the settings and props that were used. Once my photoshoot was over I went onto Photoshop and began the editing process. On each image the editing process is different but the main edits that were for every image was balancing out the brightness and contrast due to the flash from the photoshoots. Sometimes the flashes can make the images too blue toned and washed out which is what I wanted to avoid - using the Photoshop facilities I was able to cancel out the blue tones and make the images balanced. Vibrancy and saturation is always considered as well, as a photographer those components can be what makes or breaks an image which is why I always tweak them until the images are just right. I would also convert the image into black and white to see what effect  works best with the lighting and edits and how professional the images looked as I was shooting for the cover of my magazine at the first stage. Filters and different colour balancing scales would also be checked before saving the image to make sure I would get the most I could from the photo's and produce a professional looking image throughout the contents of my magazine.All of the photoshoot images were edited in the same process but the background would vary. For instance, the double page spread images were shot in a real music studio with all the equipment, in order to create the best possible lighting we went in early morning to do the photoshoot, I then went about editing the images in Photoshop as normal. The newest tool in photoshop that I had learned how to use during this task was the interlaced tool, this was for the benefit of my text I had found from www.dafont.co.uk and had saved as an AdobeFireworks document, I had to convert it in order for it to effectively work for my magazine - for this I opened up the text document into Photoshop and used Magic Eraser tool to erase the white background from the text, upon saving the document I had to click on the option 'interlaced' which enabled the text to be moved about and positioned with ease in InDesign and also allowing all white background contents to vanish leaving with just the text itself. This proved very effective on my double page spread with the headline/pull quote as the text goes over the two pages and interlaced allowed it to do so effectively and professionally without any complications or restrictions.

Time Management:
Before conducting my photoshoots I had to check with my model that she was available when it would be the best time to capture the images and how long each photoshoot would take. For this I went around with my model to choose what outfits she would wear, how to wear her hair and bring her make up so that I could finish off her look once she had arrived onset. I made sure that I provided everything my model required and made sure that there was enough time for frequent breaks in order for my model to not feel too pushed and maintain the interest and enthusiasm I wanted to capture for my magazine.

InDesign:
My InDesign portion of the project was the most time consuming part. This was mainly due to the fact that I'd never used the programme before and was unfamiliar with the vocabulary and even the most basic things like inserting an image to the document. It took some time of me practicing on the programme at home in order for me to gain a basic understanding of how to use the programme effectively. I had understood basic tools when going through my college magazine but the more professional take to the programme took me quite some time. The most commonly used tool for this programme was 'File' and 'Place' when placing in an image, the text tool for typing out my masthead and kickers and cover lines and customising the thickness of the text, the boarders and the colours all accustomed to fit in with my house style. The next most used tool for me was using the quick command buttons 'Ctrl+O' this is a trick that my Dad showed me how to use as he is a Graphic Designer and was familiar with the programme; this is the only tool he showed me how to use and this was for my benefit of changing the kickers and cover lines from text into an object for easier navigation around my layout.

Target Audience:
When researching the target audience I learned a lot about the representations of music magazines and how conventions were formed using influence from other music magazines. This can be entirely dependant of the genre but can also be influenced by other factors such as audiences age, gender and style of music with social representations. My music magazine is targeted at both genders around the ages of 17-21 which has been represented in numerous ways, these include the contents of the article with the informal conversation throughout the interview which represents the artists that would most likely have fans around the ages of my target audience and the music artists I have included on my contents pages along with the festivals I have listed which are usually targeted towards my chosen age range.

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

When I first started the Media Course I had a confident understanding of Photoshop from being a Photography student however my experience with InDesign was none. As my Dad is a Graphic Designer he spent time with me going along with the programme and teaching me different tools as he conducted his own work in order for me to observe and gain some understanding of basic tools when I was doing the preliminary task of the music magazine in order for me to have some background knowledge before going onto the Music Magazine.



I also found a really helpful resource on YouTube which helped reinforce the knowledge I'd picked up and confirmed slowly the tools my Dad had outlined for me. In the above question I have explained what tools I know how to use and what tools I'd gained through the process of this music magazine task by going with the basics and experimenting with different tools in the taskbar; also by referring back to the basics it was easier than I thought to understand and follow the more adventurous tools in InDesign and I was more confident with experimenting to see what tools gave which effects. I'm very proud of my progression from the college magazine to the Music Magazine as the progress I have made is very evident in my final pieces of both.

My Music Magazine: Final Draft