Product

                                

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

 

When looking back at my preliminary task which was to create a front cover for a college magazine and the development from that to my  finished music magazine, there are many difference's and improvements that I have made.

I have improve greatly by making my magazine look more professional, allowing it to appeal more to my target audience. I have I have also developed my magazine by making it look more conventional with the particular house style I used and the rocky style of the fonts I have used. I have also made my music magazine look more detailed and added a lot more articles   and feature stories unlike my college magazine which looks quite plain.

The skyline used in my college magazine cover doesn't really go and the blank white space makes it look very plain and boring, making it not appeal very well to the target audience.   If I could redo the college magazine i would structure the layout More so that it doesn't look as cluttered around my models face. The second image used would also be placed somewhere more suitable as it is near the girls face making it look cluttered and distracting the audiences eyes away from the main image.   I would also use images that gave more connotations of a college environment as behind my model the background does not relate to anything - does not reflect or give the ideology of a college. I would also make my cover lines stand out more and try to target the male population more as the use of the blue/pink combination would appeal more to the female target audience rather then the male. The preliminary task was useful to complete as it enabled me to learn typical codes and conventions of a music magazine. It was also useful as it helped me to make my college magazine appeal more to my target audience. Making my college magazine also allowed me to use Photoshop and develop my skills whilst making my music magazine.

I also Had to research lots of existing popular music magazines and look at their front covers, contents and double page spread to see their typical conventions that had been used which was useful in developing my music magazine and appealing to my target audience.

From producing my music magazine, I feel as though I have developed my media knowledge and skills as I am now able to understand what makes a successful media product with the use of different terminology.

What Have You Learnt About Technologies From The Process Of Constructing This Product?

Development from Photoshop Drafts To Final Product

 

Who would be the audience for your media product?

Who would be the audience for your media from s0014961

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

by s0014961 on GoAnimate

How Does Your Media Product Represent Particular Social Groups?

 

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

By researching typical conventions of music magazines, I compared and analysed my music magazine to determine what was conventional and what was not. I concluded that my music magazine was very conventional, helping it to appeal to my target audience. I also compared my music magazine to other magazines within the same chosen music genre (modern rock magazines such as Kerrang! and Rock sound) concluding that my music magazine was also very similar to these. 

Front cover analysis from s0014961

Double page spread analysis from s0014961

How did you attract/address your audience?

Though researching the demographics Table and existing music magazine in my chosen genre I was able to find at the majority of the target audience would be categorised in the E demographic category. Baring this in mind, I decided to price myn magazine at £2.50 so that it would attract the teenagers - students in the E categorisation.

I also discovered through my research that the majority of my chosen target audience are interested in music festivals such as Leeds Festival and Reading Festival, this is why on my magazines front cover, i used a competition sell line to interest my readers. To attract my audience, I have used a young aged model which would appeal to the female population as they would be able to relate to her more. The use of the medium length shot of the girl also shows the girls face and arms showing that she is determined to overcome something allowing others to relate also linking with the main coverline. By using a large masthead, it makes it stand out from the rest of the text allowing it to appeal more to my target audience rather then attract them to other magazines. I also attracted my audience by using a conventional layout, as this would appeal more to readers who already read existing modern rock magazine.

After completeing my music magazine, I used audience feedback to see how i could improve my magazine further by asking 10 people out of my target social groups. Below are the completed feedback forms:


From using these audience feedback, I was able to develop my magazine further by changing the layout of the front cover and adding more articles to the contents page. The audience feedback was useful to conduct as by gaining feedback I was able to improve my magazine but also hear what people that would buy my magazine would think of it.

Audience Feedback On Double Page Spread

double page spread by s0014961 on GoAnimate

Animation Software - Powered by GoAnimate.

Here is the feedback for my double page spread, from gaining feedback, I have decided  to change the layout of my double page spread by structuring it more and researching further for double page spread layouts.

Final Double Page Sread

Double Page Spread Draft

I think this double page spread although I have not attached my article yet because it gives connotations of quite a grungy look with the brick wall in the background and as the sole focus is on the girl. The triangle sign she is making reinforces that the article is about her and her facial expression suggests to the audience that she has attitude and would fit into the modern rock scene. By using the red and black combination it fits in with the house style of my magazine.

Drafts For Double Page Spread

This is my first draft for my double page spread, I like the image used as it is not a typical convention of a double page as the model is often making eye contact with the audience and the shot is usually a mid shot. I also like the formatting of the layout as it is also unconventional to only have one column for a double page spread. It also makes the text clearer and easier to read. The large 'Venus Stone' text creates a house style for the magazine as it is the same red colouring throughout the magazine and as my model is the same throughout the magazine it create continuity.  However, I dislike this double page spread as I have not used page numbers or a pull quote to attract the audience as this si a common convention within a music magazine. I also dislike how this draft appears quite plain and dull and not really portraying to the target audience that it is modern rock magazine.

For this double page spread draft, I like the use of the large main image as it shows to the reader that the article is about this girl. By having the large red 'VENUS STONE' title it links the article back to the front cover as I have used the same font which helps to create a house style. By also having the artist wearing the same clothing it also links the double page spread back to the front cover keeping with the same theme. By using this image, it suggests to the audience that the sole focus of the article is about the artist, Venus Stone as symbolising a triangle with her hand helps to navigate the readers attention to the girls face. However, on this double page spread I dislike how I have not used a headline at the top of the double page spread. I have also decided that I will use a pull quote for my final double page spread as it is a common convention of a double page spread. It will also allow the reader to relate to the article more as pull quotes are often used to catch the audiences attention. I have also decided that I will change the location of the name 'Venus Stone' and switch around where i want to put the pull quote. I may also near the page numbers, put the title of the magazine Hype, so that the reader can relate back to the magazine.

ICT Draft Double Page Spread

Hand Drawn Draft Of Double Page Spread

Feedback - Contents Page Of Music Magazine

Contents Page feedback by s0014961 on GoAnimate

Animation Software - Powered by GoAnimate.

Final Contents Page

Contents Page Draft

I have decided to change my layout of my contents page entirely because i believe the drafts I have already made are very unconventional of a modern rock magazine. I have researched various modern rock magazine contents page and believe the majority are structured like this. As i wanted my music magazine to be conventional I believe this is a better idea then my other drafts.

Draft Of Contents Page

Trying to create a housestyle for my magazine, I redrafted my contents page to match the text and then placed a cover of my final front cover into it to see what it would look like. To expand on this i need to make the text more detailed and more conventional to attract my target audience.

Contents Page Drafts

On my first contents page draft, I like the contrasts of the red/black/white as it makes the page look more eye catching. This colour scheme relates to one of my front cover drafts which helps to keep a consistent house style. These colours also give the connotations of rock. I used the font of the subheadings as it separates them from the rest of the text. Switching between black and white for the text has also made the writing more readable. By having the title "Contents" the largest text on the page it makes it clear that the page is the contents page and that below it, that is where all the article information will be beneath. 

Although this is my favourite out of all my contents page drafts, I still believe it needs a lot of work on. For e.g the image used is poorly cut out and does not relate to any of the articles. The font size of the regulars/features section are the same size, even though the features section is considered to be exclusive. The draft also needs to be more detailed such as potentially writing a introduction paragraph under each of the main titles, so that the reader would be able to know what the article was actually about. The page numbers should also be a different colour to the name of the article so that it clearly stands out and the reader is aware of what page the article is on, as otherwise it will blend in. 

 On my second contents page draft, I like the use of the large image as it draws the attention of the reader and as they would be featuring on the main article it allows the reader to know where the article is straight away with the use of the large page number. By using the red 'editors note' text it contrasts with the rest of the contents page allowing it to stand out which helps to section it from the rest of the contents page. The use of the green box matches the artists t-shirt relating them to the contents page. However, I dislike

On this contents page draft, I like the use of the "Broken" font as it relates to the front cover, it also gives connotations of decayed and destroyed which can also relate to the modern rock genre. The use of the three images make it look more like a contents page but lack article names and stating whether they are posters or not- this may confuse the reader resulting in them not reading the article. The use of the larger image makes it clear to the reader that the model represents the main article but the title only says "Exclusive Interview" which does not state what the interview is about or who the artist actually is. The use of the large regulars/features section distinguishes the titles from the article names. I could improve this contents page by using a short information paragraph under each article which allows the reader to understand the article before reading. I could also improve by sectioning the editors note from the images, so that it is more clear.

On this contents page draft, the colours are quite dark and grungey keeping in with the conventions of a modern rock magazine. The use of the yellow title contrasts with the grey gradient background, making the title stand out further. I have used a typical convention of a music magazine by using images of artists to represent different articles. The use of the white text stands out against the grey boxes but are not very detailed as to what the article contrains. The images used have not been given a page number and do not relate to an article, making it difficult for the reader to connect to them as much as they are not relateable.

Overall, for my final contents page, I need to take more photos that are of higher quality and represent the modern rock genre more effectively. I also need to make changes to the layout and make the contents page appear more detailed so that the reader can navigate to the article they want to read without confusion.

Contents Page Mock Up Using Found Images

 This is my contents page mock up using found images off the internet.

Initial Idea Mock Up: Contents Page

ICT Mock Up Contents Page

Contents Page Hand Drawn Draft

Hand Drawn Draft - Contents Page

LLIAR Analysis Of A Contents Page 3

  At the very top of the page the use of the "ROCK SOUND" title guides the audience as to where the contents page starts, the date and issue number is a typical convention of a contents page.

As the title is the largest white text on the pages, it also makes it clear to the audience as to where the features begin. The contents page is sectioned into two columns, one being of the page numbers and description of  the various different articles and the the other being of the main image with a pull quote, allowing the reader to skip straight to that article if they want to (this artist will probably be featured on the front cover as well so audiences who have specifically decided to buy this magazine for this band will still be interested in the magazine) A typical convention of a music magazine contents page, is that it normally features a editorial note somewhere on the page, this contents page breaks the convention of a music magazine as no editorial note is featured. The pull quote also relates to the image as it gives connotations of the artist being confused- linking it with the main image.

The ideology of the contents page will be the same as the front cover of the music magazine, trying to keep consistency throughout the whole of the magazine as the magazine will need to appeal to all of its targeted audience. This is achieved through the use of house styles and colour schemes such as the blue/black and white combination which also relates with the artists clothing.

The target audience of the contents page will be of those who first where attracted to the front cover of the magazine as the magazine needs to appeal to the target audience. This is because the magazine will want to appeal to the same audience market in which where first attracted to the front cover of the magazine - this allows the magazine to create a house style and get regular readers and subscribers.

LIIR Analysis Of A Contents Page 2

The use of the 'Q' logo next to the 'Contents' title creates familiarity for the reader and allows the target audience to relate to the contents page keeping the house style consistent. By having the Contents title within a black strip across the top of the contents page, it structures the page, allowing the reader to navigate easier to where they would like to read first. As the title is the largest white text on the page it draws the audiences attention straight to the title and the date and issue number. By having the features box against the red box it contrasts well allowing it to stand out more from the other text. The contents page is sectioned into two sections by the use of a black line, allowing the audience to decided which section to view first. A typical convention of a music magazines contents page, is that that it normally features a editorial note on the page. However this magazine contents page does not have one - breaking the stereotypical conventions of a contents page. A main image have been used to relate to the contents pages features, allowing the audience to relate back to the front cover articles (this may be what attracted the reader to read the magazine and they may want to read this article first)

By having the Oasis Special! boxed, seperated from the rest of the features,  it shows the importance of these articles and that they are exclusive to the magazine. The use of the gold text, reinforces this idea as the colour gold has connotations of fame, power and exclusiveness. As this is also not a typical house style for Q magazine,  it shows how exclusive and important these articles are.

The contents page has to stay consistent and match the rest of the magazine with the use of typical conventions and colours schemes, allowing the whole of the magazine to relate throughout the different pages. The target audience of the contents page would stay consistent with the audiences who where first attracted to the magazine on the front cover- as it is expected that the contents page would still appeal to the same target audience. The magazine should appeal to the same audience market so that it can attract regular readers or encourage others to subscribe to the magazine. This ensures that no dramatic changes to the magazine are changed and that is stays familiar and that the target audience can still relate to all of the magazine consistently.

 The target audience of the contents page would be the same that where interested with the articles on the front cover. This is because the magazine will want to appeal to the same audience market throughout and attract the regular readers/ subscribers of the magazine to ensure that the magazine stays familiar and that the target audiences can still relate consistently throughout the magazine.

LLIAR Analysis Of A Contents Page 1

 At the very top of the page the use of the "Contents" title is a typical convention of a contents page and makes it clear to the audience that this is where they will find the most information on different articles. As it is the largest yellow text on the page, it draws the audience straight to the title and has the issue number and date of the issue underneath the text. As the title is in a black box it stands out the most on the page. The use of this title helps to guide the audience as to where the contents page begins. The contents page is sectioned off into two main columns by a black line which allows the audience to choose which section to read first. The first column features the editorial note which features a small image fo the front cover linking the contents page back with the front cover. A editorial note is often used to allow the audience to fimilarize with the editors and understand the concepts and visions of that particular magazine for that week/month. Underneath the editors note, a main image has been used which will relate to a coverline on the front of the magazine, reinforcing articles on the front cover helps to keep the audience interested within the magazine. The use of the smaller images of artists on the contents page allows the articles to them and helps the audience to pick out an article they want to read. It also helps audiences to recognise a artist/band by their image if they are unfamilar with their names. Pull quotes underneath the images have been used to appeal to the audience. The ideology of the contents page will be consistent throughout the whole of the magazine with the use of house styles and colour schemes which will give the audience the idea that the magazine will have fresh new music updates every week. The target audience of the contents page would be the same that where interested with the articles on the front cover. This is because the magazine will want to appeal to the same audience market throughout and attract the regular readers/ subscribers of the magazine to ensure that the magazine stays familiar and that the target audiences can still relate consistently throughout the magazine.

 

 

 

Contents Page Music Magazine LIIAR Analysis

At the very top of the page the use of the "INSIDE THIS WEEK" title helps to show the audience what will be present within the magazine linking it with the front cover. As it is the largest black text on the page, it draws the audience straight to the title and has the date of the issue underneath this text, this guides the audience as to where the contents page begins. A contents page often has two or more columns to section off different categories within so this is a typical convention of a music magazine. The second column shows where one of the main features are which is not presented on the front cover. You can tell this as it has been put under the large “INSIDE THIS WEEK ” text clearly distinguishing it from the rest of the pictures. You can also tell that the second column is an important feature as the over columns pictures are rectangular whereas these images are square. Pull quotes have been used under the images to appeal to the reader. These main images chosen in the second column are also direct eye contact close ups which help to draw the audiences attention to them. At the bottom  of the page is a regular section which seems to be displayed in every NME magazine. As this is used in the same format every time it gives the regular reader or subscribers a sense of familiarity which may ensure that the reader will carry on reading the magazine each issue.

The use of the main title "INSIDE THIS WEEK" also reinforces the idea of the magazine delivering music updates quickly as it shows that this weeks issue will be different to the week before. The ideology of the magazine will be consistent throughout the whole of the magazine giving the audience the idea that the magazine is updated with new fresh music/ideas every week.

The target audience for the contents page would be the same as the front cover as they would want to still appeal to them throughout the whole of the magazine. The magazine would also like to attract the regular readers/subscribers of the magazine to ensure that the magazine stays familiar and relatable

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Contents Page Research Of The Modern Rock Genre

Although all three of these magazines have a different layout format for the contents page they do still have a couple of typical conventions. Such as, at the top of the page they do all have a page title with the date of the issue for e.g NME says “Inside This Week” whereas Kerrang! Says “Contents”. All of the magazines have images from various articles which are in fact smaller then a main image on the page. A features section is presented on all of these magazines which tells the audience where all the exclusive content displayed on the front of the magazine will be. Another convention of a contents page is that there will be page numbers either next to the text or images giving reference to the location of specific articles. Typically on a contents page, pull quotes from various articles will be displayed so that the reader can decided themselves whether or not they would like to read that particular article.

Common Conventions Of A Contents Page

 

 
                       

 

Re- Done Final Front Cover

 

After reading my audience feedback, I have structured my final front cover more by moving the sell lines away from the models face and I have also lowered the main coverline. I have also lightened the masthead as I believe the colouring was too dark.

Feedback - Front Cover Of Music Magazine

by s0014961 on GoAnimate

- After completeing my final front cover, I asked two different people what they thought of my front cover. I presented my information via a video and a GoAnimate short video.


From gaining this audience feedback, I have concluded that I will develop my final front cover further by changing

• the colouring of the masthead
• lowering the main coverline story
• moving the sell lines so that they are more structured in the left third.

Final Front Cover

Original Images : Photoshoot 2

Although I will have to edit all the backgrounds out of my images, I have chosen to use these images as part of my final