Evaluation

1. In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
Through research of products already available on the market such as NME and Q magazine I have been able to see what the forms and conventions of a music magazine in a similar genre of mine are. I learnt a lot about the layout and images that are normally used to get across a view of the musician that the magazine is trying to portray. For the majority of my magazine I have followed the conventions and forms, this is because this is a layout which has been proven to attract audiences and also it makes it easier for the readers to navigate round, when items such as the contents of the magazine are layed out in a similar way. However following all the codes and conventions means that the magazine would be boring and not a new fresh idea. This is why I have used the 'best of both worlds' and went against some of the codes as well.
I followed the convention of using three main 'house' colours, this is because it enables you to alternate between colours to make the magazine interesting, however does not overload the magazine and distract the reader from the content.

On my front cover (visual to the left)  I have kept with the codes and conventions with having one main image in the background. The use of puffs follow the conventions because they surround the main image. However they do now have their own images next door to the puff, this goes against the conventions. I chose to do this because I did not want the reader from the main image however I feel that through the use of colours and grammar they stand out enough from the background. I followed the conventions with the placement of my barcode, however the location of the price and date of issue goes against the conventions because form the magazines I analysed they were located next to the barcode, this is because they are seen as not important and placed in the bottom right hand corner, because this is the last place the reader will look. I decided to put the date of issue and the price in a banner underneath the title of the magazine. This is because I feel that by advertising the price and placing it in a more visible place people will be encouraged to buy the magazine, due to its cheaper price than its competitors, yet that they feel that they are paying enough money for a interesting and enjoyable content.

 For the double page spread (visual to the left) I have followed the majority of the codes and conventions. By placing the title of the magazine and band in the top right hand corner I have used the rule of thirds to make the page balanced and the reader is encouraged to read the whole of the page. I have gone against a code by using more than the normal three house colours on this page, the use of the green quotes, however I decided that the green would stand out against all the other colours and attract the reader to read them and encourage them to read the rest of the article.

 With my content page (visual to left) I have used many codes and conventions, however this is the page where I have gone against conventions the most. I decided to put the advertisement for the subscription service in the bottom left hand corner. This is the last place where the reader looks, however I felt that by using a large font size, the logo and using a variety of the house colours this would still capture the readers attention and encourage them to subscribe. Also by the location of the background it draws attention towards the subscription advertisement.



Overall I used the majority of the conventions, however added a little twist to them to make them my own and to make the magazine stand out.

2. How does your media product represent particular social groups?

My music magazine represents the indie/electronic/rock social group by the colour scheme and content of bands in the magazine. The colour scheme of red, white, black with bits of green are colours that one associates with electronic items, such as the colours in a wired plug.

The font of the band (visual on right) also represents the groups because the font looks like it is associated with a computer, which is how this genre of music is created. 

However for the band on my front cover I used a non-stereotypical band of the genre, this is to show that not all members of this social group are the same. I decided to send a message across that not all of the social group are rebels and 'freaks', that anyone can enjoy to create and listen to this genre of music.

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

I researched into a variety of companies that distribute magazines. One of these was the BBC, however I decided against this company because the majority of their magazines are mainstream with the majority focusing on younger children aged between 0-10. I found two which would be suitable these are Bauer and IPC. IPC is a company which focuses on three major groups these are mainstream women, men and upmarket women. They currently publish a range of magazines including NME, which is a magazine that's genre is very similar to mine. Bauer is the other publishing company. It  is a German company, which focuses on female magazines and puzzles,

however also publishes music magazines such as kerrang and Q magazine, which are similar to the genre of my magazine. It is also a worldwide company and which originated in German, like the genre of music my magazine focuses on (Indietronica) therefore I feel that this would be the most suitable.

4. Who would be the audience for your media product?
The target audience my magazine is aimed at is male and females aged between 16 and 19, who are interested in indie/ electronic/ rock music. I chose this group because through my target research I found that they would be the most in rested in a magazine of the genre of music of indietronica.

5. How did you attract/ address your audience?

I attracted my target audience by using the information I gained about them through my primary research. I used colours which are associated with the genre of music of  the magazine. I also used a language, which is personal and  to which the readers can relate to. An example of this is on the content page (visual to the right), where I used the words 'All this, just for YOU! (that can't be right?!)'. This is less formal than 'Contents page'. I also targeted both genders of my target audience by including a balance of informative and visual content on my double page spread. This is because males prefer bite size chunks of information with lots of visuals, while generally speaking females prefer longer more informative writing. An example of this is by using fact files of the band members, so a lot can be learnt with little reading.

6. What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?
Through the process of production I have learnt a lot about programmes such as photoshop and indesign. Before we started this project I had limited knowledge of photoshop and had never used indesign. However through lots of practise and  informative tutorials I now feel confident using both programmes. On photoshop I have learnt about how to use many more of the tools available including how to put font and writing on images and how to use 'layers'. With indesign, I learnt how to use the 'smart tools' and other general advantages of using indesign over photoshop. It took a while, however I feel it was time well spent.

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

 After finishing my final task I feel that my preliminary task looks rather shocking! Before I did my preliminary task I learnt how to manipulate the image, however I did not learnt a lot about the font and how to make that look interesting. Therefor for my prelim task the image is good quality, however the lack of exciting fonts  lets it down. However as I spend more time on photoshop and learnt how to use more tools and about more options I was able in my final magazine to make the font glow and make it overlap with other fonts and layers.  I have also learnt a lot about layout. I feel that the layout of my prelim task is too one sided,  and that my final task is more balanced and look more professional. I also feel that my music magazine targets my target audience more, through colour scheme, text and layout than the school magazine.

Overall I am impressed with my music magazine and have thoroughly enjoyed making it. :)

Evaluation of Front Page

This is the front page for my music magazine front cover. I made it using photo shop then put it through in design to conclude the project. I followed the conventions of a music magazine for the majority of my magazine , however there were certain things I decided to go against the conventions with to make it original, especially as there is not much in the market for my target audience.  

The mast head is original as I used a font making website to create the font style and colours. I decided to use red, white and black as the house colours of the magazine and thought it would be appropriate to use them in the logo of the magazine. Underneath the the mast head is a block of colour, which contains the date and the price of the magazine. This is not typically where these are found, as they are often located next to the bar code. I chose to put them here as it is obvious what the price is and the date of the magazine, although these are not very important I feel that making the price of the magazine easily visible will encourage people to buy it as they can see how cheap it is to competitors, yet still enough money that they will get a good content from it. Between these two blocks of colour, I have put the selling line. This quotes 'The best selling indietronica magazine'. This is a quote which will encourage people to buy the magazine as they will see that it is popular. It also tell consumers what the genre of the magazine is, and can give them an idea if they will enjoy it.

I decided to use one image on the front cover. The image fills the whole page with the man focal point being where the drum sticks cross over. I chose to have only one of the band members on the front cover as it shows that they are both independent strong women. This encourages people to look up to them and have them as role models. As the image is taken at a low angle, it shows that the musician has power over the viewer. By having her hands large in portion of her body, shows that her hands are important, which is reflected by her holding the drums sticks. This shows that she plays this instrument and that that playing is her life. The use of a flame appearing out of the  left drum stick shows strength. Which is the image of the musician I am trying to portray.

There are two puffs on the front page, although on the magazine I have researched there is normally more puffs and images with the puffs, I decided to go against the conventions and make the main image more important by not adding more distractions away from it. They are both in the house colours of the magazine, red and whites. One on of the puffs I have used the change of colour to emphasise a word 'nothing'. The other puff stands out as it is the main thing on the left hand side of the magazine and I made the word 'NEW' in bold and capital letters to emphasise this word. To improve the emphasise on this word I could have changed the colour like I did with the other puff.

The advertisement for the competition where readers can 'WIN autographed t-shirt'. I made the word 'WIN!!' biggest font out of all the puffs, this is to draw attention towards it, this is because it is a major selling point as consumers believe that they can get more out of the magazine than just the content. The use of a double explanation mark, shows that its exciting. I decided to place it on top of a block of colour, as again this is attractive and eye catching.

The logo of the band 'Torque' is also original and made on a logo website. I put it into another photo shop folder and then moved it across. At first the logo looked very square as you will see from my development and feathered it out. I think that it looks soft and adds a bit of a feminine touch to the band's name especially as the logo is dark and mysterious. I chose this font because it looks computer generated, which is how the music is generated in a indietronica band. Above the band logo I put 'exclusive interview'. This is something which I found many magazines did as it attracts their audience as they know that they will not be able to get this anywhere else, and makes the magazine stand out form the crowd. I used red as the surrounding writing and background is black and white, so this would stand out the most. I got the idea of writing a quote on the front page fro many magazines, as this follows the conventions of the magazines of the music genre I am targeting. The quote is very significant as it explains to consumers why there is an artists who does not look like the stereotypical musician on the front page, as people may believe that they would not like the interview because its not about the genre of music they favour so may be put of buying it. By having this quote it clarifies to the reader that they will enjoy the interview as in the other issues.

The background on the front page was from an image I had changed the colour of. I decided to make the background out of two of these images, this is because there would be two focal points on the background. I chose to place the top one so it was surrounding her head, this gives the impression of a halo and draws attention towards to focal pint of the drum sticks. The other I decided to place much lower around the logo of the band. This again is an important part of the magazine. By doing this is also leaves some blank space for the puffs to go, so that they are easy to read.  

I put a copy of this image onto a social networking site called Facebook. I got people of my Target audience to discuss the image and to say what they liked and disliked. The general response was very positive with many comments saying that the thought it was 'new and exciting' and they thought that the magazine 'would sell well'. The feedback was promising and leads me to believe that it suits its target audience.   

Evaluation of Double Page Spread

For all of my products I mainly created them on indesign then finished them off on photoshop.

I used two images on this double page spread as I wanted to create a balance between informative and visual content. This is because my target audience is both males and females, as females prefer lenghty articles with lots of interesting information, while males prefer lots of images and short snappy information. I think that I have reached both genders with this double page spread due to the quotes of information and the fact file containing short bursts of information and the main article with the lenghty informative section.

I placed both the logo for the magazine and for the band in the top right hand corner. This is because this is the first place where the reader will look. I used the statement 'Birmingham's best kept secret' as this implies that they are a not very well known band and by using the word secret it makes the reader feel as if they are being let into something that not many people know about. It also included information about the band, which people may be able to relate to.

The introduction to the interview includes 'answer the questions YOU sent in'. This is to make the magazine more personal and gives the reader the impression that the magazine cares about the views of the reader and like to keep them involved. The 'YOU' stands out and because it is in capital letter and in a contrasting colour.

The interview is made up from two colours, this is so that the reader will be easy able to distinguish the difference between the answer and the reply by the band members. Some people like to only read the answer to the questions and this will make it easier for them to read as they can skip past the questions. The font is plain and simple to read, this looks professional and reliable.

To the images I decided to add a glow to the outside of them, this makes the band members look friendly and inviting. The poses in the images show the band to be fun and easy going. This encourages the reader to feel that the band is easy to approach and people prefer to listen to band with members who are genuine.

I added two quotes form the interview to the other side of the page. I got this idea from my research as it was very popular with magazine because it gives short snippets of the interview which incises people to read the rest of the interview. I chose to put them in green, as this goes against the house colours and makes them stand out the most on the page.

For the background I chose to keep it mainly plain as it would be easier to read the interview and it would draw attention towards to images. I used the same background images as on the content page and front page, this again is to keep continuity. I decided to put it next door to the name of the band, as it makes the band name stand out.

I put this image onto facebook to see what the target audience thought of my product. The feedback was interesting and very helpful. They said that they liked the 'continued colours and fact file near the image looked very realistic'. They also liked the '...use of FX on main photo and cut out well'. They also mentioned about the spelling mistake on on of the quotes, which I noticed after. This is the only negative thing I have heard.

Evaluation of Content Page

I also made my contents page in photoshop then moved it to indesign to finish it off. I followed the conventions of a music magazine contents page when designing and making it. 

I divided the page into three, using the rule of thirds. I put the writing and main content in one third of the page, an image in the top third and the subscription advert in the lower third. By using the rule of thirds it makes the page look balanced and well thought out. I went against the conventions with the placing of my subscription because this is the last place that the reader looks. I got the idea of having the content of the magazine all down the right side of the page from some of the magazine content pages that I analysed as it follows the convention and if often where people look to find the pages. By keeping it similar to other magazines it will be easy to navigate round.

The main content of the magazine is written on a block colour of red, this draws attention towards it and is often seen in similar magazines, which I gained through my research.

I included the logo on the page, I chose the top right hand corner as this is the first place the reader will look

. This emphasises what magazine it is and as the logo is seen more often they become more associated with it and become to trust it more.

Instead of the use 'content page' I decided to use 'All this for YOU! (that can't be right?!). This is because I believe this targets my audience better and makes it more personal as it is like the magazine is talking to you in a relaxed tone. The use of the word 'YOU' in capital reinforces that the magazine is personal. To emphasise this I could have changed the colour of the word to red to make it stand out even more. I used grammar in the sentence to make it still seem reliable and professional.

I used one image on the page, as this makes it stand out the most. I chose to use an image of a band member getting ready, because it shows a behind the scenes view of a popular band. I chose to put a block of colour behind the story at an angle to make it look fun and to make it look similar to the other side of the page with the contents on so they can be associated together. I put the page number at the top, so that it is clear and people will be encouraged to turn to this page. 

I stayed with he same background as the front cover, this is to keep continuity throughout the magazine. I put the focal point of the background image on the bottom left hand side of the page, this is so that people are drawn toward the subscription advertisement.  

I have put this image on a social network site to gain feedback from my target audience, the feedback was positive with many comments such as 'I like this housestyle', 'very nice use of text/font', 'all text readable, few empty spaces, nice one' and ' looks very professional'. This is all positive and tells me that it suits the target audience.

Development of Double Page Spread

This is the mock-up of my double page spread. It will give me guide lines to follow when creating my page. The page will contain both images and text, with extras such as infomation about tour tickets.The page will be in the house colours of the magazine (red, black and white).

I decided to keep the continuity and use the same background as the front page. I moved the image into the corner so that it created a gradient effect as the colour gradually becomes less. I used the logo when using the band name and also the name of the magazine, this is so then people associate the band and magazine with their logos. I used a handwritten font for the word 'presents' as it gives the impression of an interview. 'Birmingham's best kept secret...' was used an introduction to the band, as it tells you a some information about the band. The colours alternate between the house colours of black, white and red. 

I decided to start the interview with an introduction of the band, and their rise to fame. This part of the magazine will make it easy for consumers to relate to the band. 

In the right bottom hand corner there is information about them being a supporting act. This gets publicity for the tour and gives the reader more information about where to get tickets from.

I decided to move the location of the background to the top left hand corner. This is because the writing was difficult so read over the background. I thought a plainer background would distract the reader from the information in the interview and would replace it with images to still keep it looking inviting.

I added two images, one each of the band member. I placed them inside of boxes to create a block of colour, to draw attention toward them. However I thought that they didn't look like much of a band when their images where separate. Therefore I decided to take more images of them together.

I also changed the colour of the word 'NOW' and also put it into capitals. This is so that it is more eye catching and shows importance that they are available now and so the consumer feels like you are giving them information on tickets they would otherwise miss out on.

In the new photographs I took, I decided to make it so that the two members show a strong relationship. I made the image really large and on photo shop I put a 'glow' around the image to make it stand out. The image shows the band members as easy going and very friendly.

I put a fact file of both band members next door to them, this was so consumers would know which band member was which. I got the idea from one of the magazines I had analysed.

I moved the tour information up to the top right hand corner, as this is viewed before the bottom right hand corner, and is more likely to be seen in the new location.

I changed the introduction to the interview to make it more exclusive sounding and more personal to the readers of the magazine. I did this by saying 'answer the questions YOU sent in'.  You is in capitals and red, a contrasting colour.

I started the interview with the questions that were asked by the interviewee in one colour and the reply in another colour, this makes it clear to the reader what they are talking about and who is answering the question.

One of the quotes from the interview I repeated on the other side of the page. This is often done in magazines, as when flicking through a magazine, these are often seen and make the reader want to continue to read the whole article. I chose the quote 'we always get funny looks when we preform', as this continues the message of stereotypes that was discussed on the front page.

I decided to add another image to the double page spread as I am targeting my magazine at both males and females, I did not want there to be an over load of writing to put of potential male readers. It also adds colour to the pages and makes the have a more intresting layout. The image is a very relaxed image again, and shows the band members messing around. This again shows them to be fun and friendly.

I increased the number of quotes used to two. The second quote is advertising their new album, it says that you'll get 'fed up' of it, this encourages people to listen to it, to find out why they would get fed up of it!I chose green for the quotes as they match with the background and stand out against everything else on the page. This colour will not be used very much in the magazine, so when it is used, it will be one of the first things the reader will notice. 

On the logo of 'Torque' I also used photo shop to 'feather' the image. This means that the logo is not so block in shape and is easier for the eye.

Development of Content Page

This is the mock up for my contents page. I will include infomation about what is on each page, by numbering the titles and giving a short explanation about what the page contains.  

This is the first draft of my content page. I decided to use the background as it caused continuity between all the pages. I chose to use the words ' this all for you (that can't be right?!)' instead of the word 'contence page'. This is because as my target audience is young and this use of modern language is popular with this age group.  I have put a red block of colour down the left hand side of the page. This is because this is a colour which I would like to be associated with my magazine. The title of the magazine is in the top left hand corner of the page. I choose to do this so that the name is 'advertised' and people are aware what magazine it is at all time.

I then decided to add an extra story to the content page as it looked bare. I chose this image and catch line as I thought it was something different and the image works well as it is an image that is associated with 'behind the scenes'. I also added black boxes around the titles 'features' and 'weekly'. This is because it makes them stand out. I chose blocks of colour as from my research i found that they looked effective and attract attention.  

I then changed the size of the background image, this is because where the image ended the black line was very visible. The image now fills in blank areas and make the page look full and exciting. I also added a block of red colour around the Yam tour image. I put it on the slant to make it look funky and adventurous.

I then decided to add an advertisement and intensive for the subscription to the magazine. This is something I found in my pre-questionnaire that I thought some magazines currently lack, as only one of the two I analysed contained them. I believe this is important as it is a way to create repeat business.  

Devolpment of Front Page

This is the mock up for my Front Page. I did this so that I would have an idea of where I should place items. The title will be in the style of a logo, this is so that people will establish the magazine name with the logo. I will put one puff on eiother side of the main image, this is so that the page is balanced out. The barcode will follow the conventions of a magazine and will go in the bottom right hand corner of the magazine. This is because this is the last place for the comsumer to look and aas the barcode is not important and a selling point this often goes in this space.

These are juts a few of the many photogrpahs I took for my magazine. I tried lots of diffrent angles and models to try and get the right effect for my magazine. I decided a couple of photogrpahs form the many I have taken to work with and use as my main image on the front cover and also on my content page and double page spread.

This is the original image. I took this photograph in a room with a backdrop. I chose the grey backdrop so it would be easy to cut around and put my model on a unique background. I chose this pose as it shows power and how important her instrument is to her. I wanted my magazine to be an electronic/ indie mix of music, however I didn't want the artists to be stereotypical, therefore I asked my model to wear her normal clothing on the day of the photo shoot. She is wearing casual clothing and looks smart. Her hair on the other hand is very choppy and is in the style of indie.

After using an image manipulation software (photo shop CS5) I  darkened the image and decided to get rid of the jewelry that my model was wearing. This is because I felt that it wasn't portraying the image I was trying to create. I then started to make my magazine, I made a head mast using a font website. I chose the name Jukeboxx because it relates to retro music, which I feel Indietroncia is slightly similar too. I put a 'freebie' on the front cover of the magazine to entice people to buy it. I kept with the conventions when placing my bar code, as they are normally put in the bottom right hand corner. This is because this is where the consumer looks last. However I did not follow conventions when placing the date and price of my magazine, as these are often found next to the bar code, however after analysis some magazine front cover. I liked the idea of a a block of colour underneath the title and decided to fill it with the information. I liked the idea of using a quote on the front page of my magazine, this was on some of the magazines I looked into for my

I changed the background image of my magazine to an image I had taken of a dirty puddle with the sun reflecting in it. I then photoshopped the image giving it an green tint, as this adds to the 'electronic' look of the magazine.   

I changed the colour of the model's dress from blue and white to black and white. Although this is a small change i thought that it worked better for the magazine as these are two of the house colours. I changed too 'Just 'cause we're NOT STEREOTYPICAL doesn't mean we're not AMAZING'. I used capital letters to emphasise the importance of the words 'not sterotypical' and 'amazing'. This is because the target audience would not associate this band member as a musician who plays in the style of music that it aimed at my target audience, therefore I had to show that although the band was not stereotypical they still play the genre of music and that they are good at it. 

I added two puffs to the front page, one on each side to balance the layout. One is telling the consumer about the new tour dates out. This would entice people to buy the magazine because they will be able to find out when their favorite bands are touring, so they will know in advance when to buy the tickets and other important information. The other side is about another interview that is included in the magazine. I used a quote on this interview too, as it will give the consumer an idea about what the interview is about and want to read more about them!

Above the logo of 'Torque', I added 'Exclusive interview'. This makes the magazine stand out from the other magazines available as they would be the only magazine that the interview was in. This is a major selling point.

I decided to change the freebie from a badge to an autographed t-shirt. I did this because this has higher worth and is something that is not widely available on the market and therefore in order to get this rare item they would have to buy the magazine.      

This is my final design. I decided to change the position of the catch line of the magazine, as now it is easier to read and includes the words 'best-selling', which will encourage people to read and buy the magazine.