Music magazine drafts

Music magazine drafts

Mood board (music magazine)

My mood board made up on key images I feel represnt my genre and feel of my magazine I have the feminin symbol as my magazine is a female edition also follows the pink colourscheme of my magazine , also cosiding with the pink theme a new era cap very a hat very popular in the hip hop scene and pink headphone (beats by Dr Dre) an icon in the hip hop industry. Also in my mood board I have technology thats very big amongst the hip hop community boombox , vinal and Dj decks . I have several posters incorperated in my mood board firstly parental advisory which can be commonly found on Hip Hop CD's due to inapropriate content ,secondly a "rhythm and blues" poster besides this this poster and microphone these are the only photos that can express RnB as Hip -Hop is more a culture movement .Along with this movement comes street dance and graffiti the flaunting of money and jewlery .

Ideas and inspiration for Music magazine

Ideas and inspiration for Music magazine

The background of this issue of XXL is what inspired the background for my magazine , the mention of names too be featured in the magazine without any cover lines apart from the exclusive interview ,i think it is a different way to draw in readers and doesn't look to messy or to busy ,it also a nice design feature from your usual cover lines left right and centre .  

This vibe issue another influence for my magazine this is a "sexy issue" and have four of the current individuals in the hip hop industry this then gave me the idea to make an all female issue to appreciate the women in the industry as they can be looked over also support great talent . 

 The page finder on my contents page is inspired by the one found in this NME issue. All artists names are listed on a bar on the left hand side rather than the name of articles it allows the reader to know exactly were it is they want to read as well as influence from the contents list i also used the same positioning for the masthead sitting right above it the list in the top left hand corner .

My double page spread instead of having the image of a model on just one of the pages i incorporated the images on both pages but on the left hand page the image has faded to allow for an article to be visible. on the right hand side i the original photo and created a time line down the right hand side this an  idea i found on a double page spread in Q magazine to show different stages in the artists career .

Audience research & findings

Below link to my music Questionnare:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/F25RWKB

1.Indie ranking first followed by Hip -Hop as prefered genre of music

2. Bands were more popular than solo artists

3.Gigs were seen as more enjoyable than festivals

4. This was to find out if a masterclass in production could be an appropriate prize 

5. Like 4 another question to find an appropriate give away .

6. This question was to get a feel of what content my article should contain 

7. Another question to see what interests readers , in order for the right balance.

8. Another research give away question.

9. My first 100% response for an activity i could involve in my magazine.

10. My final question to see what best way to promote music.

My research will help my pre production phase by giving me ideas of what genre is preferred ,what content readers would be interested in ,weather a band or a solo artist should be on the front cover what would be the ideal competition or benificial giveaways .

Analysis of Music magazine (Front covers, Contents pages and Double page spreads)

1.

Front cover

-  Bold masthead in white which could possibly show a special addition as the masthead is usually in red . A well known figure is featured  on the front (David Bowie close up) so any rock fan would be somewhat interested this is a technique to draw in a target audience.

-  Pull quotes are featured another technique to draw readers in with dramatic words and phrases ie “betrayed” any form of betrayal is interesting and “we want to work with Jedward” with an icon on the front and the words Jedward will stir up a reaction.

-          Subheadings are in the same font as the masthead just in a smaller size and to add some subtlety they have used italics.

-          The front cover photo is ombre, it might have been used as the original may have been black and white and as they have an audience to maintain and to keep it classy they probably preferred not to animate the photo or over edit it, by adding these colours it made the magazine pop out so simple yet effective at the same time.



Contents page

- The contents page as a whole is very bold the contents page stuck to a black and white colour scheme and this allows the content to be clear and concise. In the right bottom hand corner is a big red box which breaks the colour scheme this is to draw the reader’s attention suggesting you could get the magazine cheaper which is most likely to interest everyone.

- Pull quotes have been used allowing the audience a snippet , wanting to read more and the large numerals above the quote this method is to make whatever strikes their attention is easy to find.

- Although the subheadings aren’t as loud as but they are still in bold not to be lost amongst the photos and pullquotes.

- Overall the contents page is big bold and straight to the point.

Double page spread

- This double page spread consists of an a4 photo on the right side and on the lefts side article masthead with intro to the article.

- The article title takes up a huge amount of the page to clearly catch attention then a play on words to keep attention instead of ‘merry men’ its “merry pranksters” , any form of prank is bound to be noticed and gain interest.

- This double spread in particular stuck to the say colour scheme that the contents page used (black and white).

- In this double spread the involved a picture taking up the whole page instead of the whole article to draw the audience in and not huge amounts of text to bore the reader.

- The double page is missing page numbers which means the readers have to be relient on the other pages which can be annoying.

2.

Front cover

- The front cover only has a masthead, barcode and an ear reasons being it’s a collector’s edition this tells us a lot about the magazine it shows the faith they have in their readers as there is no content featured on the cover. There guarantee that an audience will buy is by putting an iconic band on the cover so anyone interested in Oasis is likely to pick it up.

- The ear is quite clever it simply states “collector’s edition” which shows us they have a wide fan base but lets us know what most of the magazine will entail.

Contents Page

- Unlike the previous analysis this contents page is very different it’s much busier involving smaller font and different size page numbers.

- On the left hand side is a “band index” which list numerous names of bands with a red background

-The masthead on the front cover is repeated on the contents page alongside "this week"this being clear and in bold to announce the magazines content also following the black red and white theme .

-Throughout the middle is I snippet of a feature in the magazine presented with a photo and subheading the photo looks as though its been taken at a gig. Below the subheading reads "SCUM preached to the converted" and that's surely a heading that can't be ignored it sparks all kind of interest to what the article may be about , by having "scum" In capitals makes the audience alarmed and draws them in to paragraph that follows describing an extravagant sermon given by a band consisting of climbing pillars and posing next to the cross.

-Below the small article is a black box advertising the magazine and persuading readers to subscribe using different size font the persuasive info "subscribe today for just "this language suggesting your getting a great deal and the price  in the biggest font . The important info in smaller font  big enough to see but as its not used to catch the readers eye there is no need for it to be in a big font. The use of white and yellow writing is to allow the writing to pop and the yellow is in complete contrast to the theme so it stands out  . Beside the writing but still in the black box they've shown a previous magazine just to highlight what your subscribing to .

-Finally along the far right hand side of the contents is column presenting the reader with headings of news ,radar ,reviews, live and features these all being highlighted in a black rectangle so the content in the magazine is easier to find . Underneath each heading is a list of page numbers in red with subheadings next to them in bold black another technique a change in colour to make articles and content easier to find .

-Double page spread

- The structure remains the same with the same font but the colour scheme of black ,white and red has been changed to yellow, black and white.

- The page is clearly titled "ALBUMS" and the most rated artists have the bigger fonts and photos this being as they are more of interest so they are made easiest to find .

-The left side is taken up by on interview and review broken up into four columns  with a pull quote boxed in the vibrant yellow flickered throughout the page.

- On the right hand side of another interview but not as big as the first broken up into two columns and the rest of the page made up of  six reviews .

3.

Front Cover

- Your immediately met with a promotion for a free CD on the left ear in bold white writing on a red background to enable readers to see the give away . Followed by the magazines slogan "FAVOURITE" highlighted to ensure the reader has a good read ahead.

- The masthead is spread across the top of the magazine unlike the first two magazines but this doesn't put the magazine at a disadvantage as the ear is attention grabbing the masthead is made up of two different font and three colours black, white and red .

- This front cover is the busiest of all the content pages promoting there own compelation of classical music in two CD'S , gifts guides and masterclassess and meet and greets all these giveaways must mean they have a loyal and commited fan base as they are happy to offer free goodies.

- The colour scheme is very broad which gives the magazine a messy look overall.

-There is more of a formal format and colour scheme found on the contents page ,white background which makes the contents in red and black font stand out .

- Again the free Cd's promotion is featured along the motom of the page with "Free CDs" in Yellow to catch the readers eye a contrasting colour from the colour scheme .

- The three photos featured are continued from the front page , the first image with a pull quote from the article and the page number in bold so its easy to find where the main article is .

-On this double page spread we are firs met with a photo similar to the one found on the front cover and contenrtts page about a masterclasss .

- They have gone for a purple and white colour scheme steering away from the red and white .

-The articleStard with a huge "Y" in purple capital lette this allows the reader to be aware of the beginning of the article .

- -The use of purple subheadings ,  more photos and pull quotes is to break up the huge amount of writing and keep the reader intrested .

School magazine (final draft &evaluation)

 

Above is my final Front page and contents page using word for my school magazine my process came through using clip art ,word art ,text bok and drawing tools.

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

My magazine represents a particular social group (students aged 12 -16 ) this can be seen by the images ,background and overall animated look (post it notes, pencils and lined paper)  commonly used stationary by students .The animated look definatly restrics an older student as is very childish. On the contents page the refrence to "after school clubs ...and parent info" another indicator of my target audience suggestin there parents are still heavily involved in their schooling and rather than revision sessions afterschool clubs is more for secondary students. 

2. How might you distribute your media product and why? 

My school magazine will only be distributed amongs the students attending the school almost like a termly newsletter keeping all informed .The ide to release the magazine termly is to not bombared students everyweek and for the magazine to lose any sence of interest.

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

Using a program with limited creative options I've learnt to be inventive and manage the use of repetition in images to create somewhat of a theme. Whilst playing around with conventions i learned that less can be more as to much can cause clutter.

Research front cover and contents page

This front cover has an extreme close up photograph sugggesting an article inside could be up close an personal .The masthead spread along the top of the cover following a centered headline .The front cover only feaures three headlines which are very suttle with lighter shade of grey than the background.The barcode which is commonly found in the bottom corners is 3/4 of the way up the right side this probably avoiding any interference with the photo .

The first contents page I’ve chosen is my favourite due to its simplicity everything is clear and easy to find this is  key as you don’t want the audience to lose interest if too busy .

The contents page only has one image on it I think this allows the clean look to remain consistent and not cluttered the image is also used as a reminder as the same imaged featured on the front page .

The ‘features’ are centred as they are seen as the most important articles as well as they only come around once and most likely to be of most interest

There is colour scheme grey white and black very uniform colours and gives a sense of simplicity rather than the loud colours used in gossip magazines. It can be said there is a lot of dead space on the contents page but I feel it’s very effective as it doesn’t expose all which could lead a reader to want to flick through the rest of the magazine

The same font runs through the front and contents page the contents page to involves to feature stories and a selection of reviews.

2.   The second front cover very different to the first , the masthead is situated in the left had corner which allows it to be seen on a shop shelf also the choice of the colour red allows the whit "Q" to pop  . The male model is in a full length photo standing in the rain this could suggest reference to the current season  .The main coverline is a rhetorical question bound to grasp attention the other coverlines in two opposing colours another technique used to draw attention .

The contents page compliments the front page still following a simple yet effective black and white theme . On the left the coverstories and page numbers are in bold for readers to easily find articles to the right are featured photo shoots the headlining shoot is the biggest image the follow up from the front cover and the other two overlapping one another which i feel adds creativity to the contents page as it could have been very formal.

3. From the get go you can tell No3 is a fashion magazine the bold yellow ,models and fashion images splashed all over which is key as it can be easy for a magazine to get lost amongst many other magazines it shares shelves with . The masthead plastered along the top just beneath the magazine motto . The front cover is a fold over magazine to enable readers to see the full photo of the models but also see what they have to offer in their "big fashion issue".

The contents page a lot less busy but still evident that its a fashion magazine by having a model to right in the latest trends yellow is also incorporated in the contents not as loud as on the front cover but enough to keep an ongoing colour scheme .

Evaluating flat plan

Evaluating flat plan Costume & props

- Use of lined paper to create a school/college feel
- Use of "post it notes" to give the sense of a learning environment
- Use of dramatic symbols to draw an audience/readers attention Written content
- Involves competitions
- The masthead , giving the read some knowledge of the magazines content- Shock factor , to engage the audience
- Interests and statistics , to widen the market Layout/composition
- Rule of three- Central photo (immediate attraction) Font style and size
- Masthead ,large and basic (clear and concise )
- Subheadings ,applying the same font but smaller to keep a consistent theme

School magazine flat plans

Questionnare and analysis

Show detailsQuestionnaire (for front cover design)

1. On a magazine front cover what usually grabs your attention If its/has...- Very Organized (4) - Attractive person (2) - Bold writing (3) - Pictures (3) - Exciting /creative (3)

2. Do you appreciate statistics and student success rates- Yes (6) - No (0)

3. Out of the following content which would you prefer- Music (3) - Uniform (2) - New technology (2) - Fashion (3) - Exam stress (1) - Healthy eating (1) - After school clubs (0)

4. Would you prefer younger students on the front cover or older?- Young (0) - Older (5)

Questionnaire analysis

With the results from my questionnaire I came up with a conclusion as to what the ideal magazine cover would resemble. From my research the ideal cover would be very creative but to avoid distraction and being cluttered stick with a basic colour scheme to make the cover appear organized and not to cluttered. The cover would feature bold writing from the masthead and cover lines to enable to draw attention and pictures to keep attention. The content to get them reading further is a combination f topics being music, school uniform, new technology, fashion, statistics and success rates. This content provides popular topics but also serious ones to get the best of both worlds which is important at a college.

Research a college magazine

Mise-en-scene
Is very minimal it has a centred photograph, the masthead is spread along the top of the magazine which allows the magazine to be identified and clearly read the sub headings are placed around the man in the middle making the magazine look symmetrical giving it a clean look


Colour
The main colour featured is blue from the door in the photo  to the models eyes and some of the subheadings this is very complimentary it also could suggest a boys magazine by the use of blue but the use of an attractive man could catch female interest ,and to avoid it getting lost among all the other magazines they used yellow for some of the subheadings another eye catching colour.


Font and Text size
Throughout the front cover the same font is used there is only the difference of text size for the subheadings in bold capitals and the description of content still in bold but not in capitals as they are not less important but less likely to catch the reader’s attention.


Title
Is direct it’s called ‘COLLEGE’ which lets the audience know it will be about college and it also targets an age group so those maybe applying to college or maybe even parents enquiring for their children this is effective so there is no complication as to what you’re going to fin inside the magazine .


Mode of address
This technique can be seen throughout the colour scheme the blue to attract boys yet the attractive male to address females and college to attract all college students or those applying. Its very basic clean look to ad some class not to prestige which you can see by there use of non italic font but good enough for your average student.

Researching mastheads

Researching mastheads


 1.

1.      Vouge ,Have a very distinctive Masthead so much so that at times the model in the photo covers the masthead yet you still know its Vouge due to its font and width ,it's spread along the top of each issue it's letters change colour almost every issue but remain the same style font .Themes are usually set in the photograph so no need for the masthead to be altered.

2.      GQ , unlike Vouge the masthead is placed in the left hand corner rather than spread across the top although this may seem like a bad idea it's quite smart because if placed on a shelf alongside other magazines you would be able to see Immediately rather than if it was centred also the help of the different coloured letter 'GQ' makes it stand out.

3.

Out of all my research this masthead has to be the most creative 'V' magazine the v takes up the whole cover overlapping or at times weaving through the model in the photo although some may hate the Idea it very clever as it differs from most magazines and still be identified with 'Vmagazine'written in small across the edge of the V this technique also makes one wonder what is that magazine so it gains interest .Most of their issues change the colour of the V according to the colour scheme or the models attire

Plumline 2012

Plumline 2012

1. The key features that can be found on these pages are masthead , photographs, headlines , quotes and logos

2. In comparison to Plumline 2011 ,2012 has used more photographs this gives more of an insight into the school and allows the reader to see the development of the school and seeing the students involved .

-Wide shot, to show the final of the schools makeover
-Ariel shot, to show the work in process
-Extreme close up, to show children's concentration in the classroom
-Establishing shot, to show the new uniform and diversity of culture

3.

4. The typface and masthead are totally different in both magazines 2011 is very standardised yet 2012 is a lot more friendly and inviting due to its consistent colour scheme and diverse layout including a range of images and pull quotes although they both involve key info 2012 is more likely to catch an audiences attention as it fresh modern as well as simple.

5. In the 2011 plum line issue the logos were placed right under the masthead whereas in 2012  they are along the bottom I think the reason for this is because in 2011 they felt the need to provoke themselves with the logos to make up for the poor and basic layout.
Whereas in 2012 the school has its own logo which is placed next to the masthead which is a sense of confidence independence and establishment although the other logos are still featured (along the bottom) they no longer need to be at the top (centre of attention) because the layout colour scheme and image placement pull the magazine together well enough the other logos no longer essential to be seen.

6. The impact of the main cover lines have are great ones because not only do they spark interest they are positive and make the audience want to read on further by using a play on words "building the future " this could mean literally as building work is in process and also academically .The use of colour for "grand designs at Plumstead manor school " ,bold red a definite eye catcher ,the use of "..." leaving the audience in suspense wanting to read on and finally the same large bold font used throughout the cover lines.
All this shows that their going the extra mile to make the students environment better enabling them to achieve better.

7. The pull quote in 2012 can be identified a lot more than those found in 2011

Plum line analysis 2011

Plum line analysis 2011

1.The key features on the page are cover lines , masthead an ear ,photographs ,logos and statistics.

2.The photograph in the top right hand corner it's been taking from a distance (wide shot ) this is so the audience is able to see the school the magazine is raving about ,rather than a photograph of a classroom which can be boring and found in any other magazine in this case they wanted to show of their new glass design .

The second photo feature in the magazine is a long shot this is to capture the jump that the students are taking in the air as it quite a significant motif for success but still close enough to capture the smiles on their faces .

3. The purpose and effectiveness of the photos used are to break up the article and gives a visual of the environment their providing and the emotions of individuals that meet the statistics.

4.The masthead is very simple but due to the colour scheme very effective due to its colour scheme it's been written in capitals an the white writing against the read background catches the readers eye .

5. The logos signify and give the school the final touch ,stamp of approval ,quality almost like a badge of honour proving an establishing school.

6. The impact the main cover lines have are firstly they are bold,at tracks the readers eye also the use of statistics will be of major interest .It suggest the teaching is top notch and diverse by the mention of heritage classes .

7.The byline by sue Flanagan is a technique used to make it a tad personal shows her appreciation and involvement.

8. The footer includes all relevant contact info this is to get in touch with any enquiries .its positioned along the bottom to allow you to contact the school as soon as your done reading so almost like a process in chronological order.

9. An abstract colour scheme is being used different blocks of colour the purpose ,to separate the different bodies of text .this can allow readers to keep focused so it does not seem too long winded and if they are interested in one particular section it's easy to find.