Magazine Current Progress

This is my first draft for my final magazine.

Draft Magazine.docx

 

Update 3: Contents page text edit

26.11.2014 Double Page Spread Contents Layout

Update 2: Front cover masthead, main coverline edit and model picture edit.

21.11.2014 Front Cover Image Edit Session 2

Update 1: Front cover photo editing

20.11.2014 Front Cover Image Edit Session 1

Photographs

These are the un-edited photographs taken in the college photography studio to be used in my magazine.

Photos that won't be used in my final magazine:



.Front Cover Photo:

 

Contents page photo:

 

Double page spread photo:

 

 

Audience Research

I have created a survey on www.surveymonkey.com to research into my potential audience and what they would like to see from a new music magazine.

Audience Research

Location Recce

1.    Are there any potential hazards that could pose a health and safety risk where your photo shoot will take place (trailing cables/traffic/other objects ) There will be no potential hazards that could pose a health and safety risk because the photo shoot will be taking palace inside a photography studio that has already been risk assessed.

2.    What will you do to ensure these risks are minimised? There will be no risks in need of being minimised within the photography studio. Although health and safety will be taken into full consideration at all times.

3.    Will the time of day/weather affect the outcome of the photos? Have you allowed for this? No with the studio being inside the only consideration I will need to take into the account is the lighting within the studio.

4.    Have you considered the background to your photos, particularly if taken outside? How will you ensure you will get the background you want? Within the studio I am going to use a relatively plain background to ensure that I can edit the image easily and cut out my model using photoshop.

5.    Have you considered lighting? What about the ‘problems’ of natural lighting, either outside, or streaming through a window? Will you need to use a flash? Have you considered reflective objects that might spoil the effect? With my photos being taken within a studio I will have full control of the lighting and natural lighting will not be an issue.

6.    Do you need to book time in a room (eg the photography studio)?  Yes I have booked the college photography studio in advance.           

7.    Are you reliant on lifts/props/friends’ equipment/models? How have you planned that these things will come together at the appointed time? Plan B? I have arranged to photograph a friend and we are both aware of the appointed time and where the studio is. In terms of props I will not be using very many and I am not reliant on them. My plan b would b photographing myself if my model did not turn up.

Double page spread deconstructions

Double page spread 1: XXL





Layout

This double page spread follows the convention of having the main image on the left hand side page and the body of text on the right hand side; although the placement of the image does break convention slightly as it continues over to the right hand side page leaving very little space for the body of text meaning the size of the text is relatively small. The body of text is placed on a white background image of a scrap piece of paper; this gives the article a rough and edgy feel that links with the style of the artist the article is based around. Conventions such as pull quotes and drop caps are used both with an old English font; this again gives an old fashioned, rough look to the article and portrays the style of the artist to the audience, suggesting that he has an old fashioned, classic and rough style of music, specifically rap. This double page spread also breaks conventions numerous times. Firstly the double page spread doesn't include a headline only the name of the artist in a larger font above the body of text; this suggests that the artist is established enough not to need a headline or an introduction. This may also explain why the most of this double page spread is dominated by the image of the artist because he is the main focal point.

Images

The single image used conveys the same tough, urban feel of the text again linking back to the style of the artist and the genre of their music. In terms of mis en scene the choice of location being an old boxing gym with props used in the background such as punching bags and weights has connotations of fighting, tough, hardworking people suggesting that the artist is like a boxer with those traits. It may also suggest that the artist has had a tough background in which fighting played a part or a metaphorical fight to gain musical success.

Language

The font used for the main body of text is relatively small although the drop caps and pull quote used are both in larger old English font. This has been done by the institution to draw the focus and attention of the audience so that the pull quote is read and gives the reader the intention of reading the whole article. The old English font used has connotations again of toughness and grit; the font is very popular within the rap culture and conventions with use in tattoos. These connotations again link back to the urban, tough persona that the artist is portraying. The text is written from a 3rd person perspective with a relatively formal register although there are informal phrases used particularly within the quotes from the artist rather than the article itself.

Double Page Spread 2:Vibe

Layout
In comparison to the previous double page spread this magazine follows the layout conventions of musical magazines in a more strict fashion with the main image being confined to the left hand side page without any crossover.  The emblem to represent the artist is placed at the top of the page above the body of text; this is similar to the previous XXL cover although the XXL cover uses only the artists name. The strapline used "How High" has connotations of smoking in partnership with the main image in which the artist is smoking. However this double page spread does break convention due to it not including a pull quote from the artist.
Images
The main image used is a headshot of the featured artist in which he is smoking with an indifferent expression. The image carries connotations that link into the conventions of the rap genre and will appeal to the target audience of the magazines; these connotations include subjects such as smoking, drug use and having a laid back attitude. In terms of mis en scene the use of the black background ensures that the main artist stands out against it as well as the choice of costume with the yellow cap complimenting the black coloured background.

Language
Once again like the XXL magazine double page spread the main article is written in 3rd person with quotations from the artist throughout. The body of text uses a relatively small font and comes across a lot larger than the previous XXL double page spread. A colour scheme of black and yellow is kept through the text, this coincides with the colours represented in the main image and also is the name of the featured artist's hit song "black and yellow". Once again the register of the text is relatively formal apart from the quotes from the artist much like the XXL double page spread.
Double page spread 3: The Source

Layout

The layout of this final double page spread breaks convention featuring the main image of the right hand side page rather than the left like the previous two magazines. The main body of text like the previous Vibe magazine also contains a large body of text using small font. Unlike the previous two magazines this article uses a title that is not just the artists name or a representation of it. The strapline is placed under the article title this is the first time the name of the artist is mentioned; this suggests that the previous two magazines included artists in which their names spoke for themselves and carried a reputation therefore no real title was needed as the target audience would have read on regardless. Similar to the XXL magazine double page spread a pull quote is used, this is placed under the main body of text as the XXL pull quote is also.

Images

The main image used by the institution has the artist posing in a seductive manner implying sexual connotations; the reason this has been done by the institution is because the theory that 'sex sells' so this image appeals to a male audience from this view of it and also a female audience because it could be said that the artist has taken an empowering pose. The institution has also took mis en scene into consideration when following this 'sex sells' theory because the featured artist is wearing revealing clothing that highlight features of her body.

Language

Once again this final double page spread uses a 3rd person narrative with some inclusion of quotes from the artist; this is a convention that has been followed throughout each magazine. The formal with touches of informal register has also been followed throughout each magazine.

Summary

I am going to take inspiration from these three deconstructions by using constantly followed conventions such as the use of a 3rd person narrative throughout. I am also going to place my main image on the right hand side like the first two magazines that I have deconstructed because I believe that this convention is necessary because the image will be the first thing that is seen by the audience and then this will ensure that they read on to the article. I am also going to include drop caps and pull quotes as these are essential to making the article look professional and engaging the audience.

Main Task Flat Plans and Written Rationale

Front cover flat plan:

For my front cover I am going to follow the basic conventions of a music magazine cover. I have decided to firstly use a skyline above my masthead to incorporate a catchy line to outline my magazine's unique selling point. My masthead will fill the width of the page and will be placed behind the head of my model in my main image. Also my masthead will be in old English font to provide a rough, urban look and appeal to the conventions of my chosen genre. My main image will be a mid shot of my model in the centre of the page with a minimalistic dark background. I will include essential information such as the issue number and date in the top right below my masthead in also a dark font so that attention is drawn to the masthead first rather than this information. I have chosen to follow convention by including a main coverline in a central position with my subheading placed directly underneath to provide emphasis on the coverline and elude to the main article. I have also followed conventions of music magazines I have analysed; specifically rap magazines such as XXL to include coverlines to the left hand side of the front cover including a list of artists that are included within this issue. Finally I have chosen to place my barcode in the bottom right of the page as this also follows convention of music magazines.

Contents page flat plan

I have chosen to follow conventions for my contents page from a music magazine contents page that I have analysed, XXL. It follows a minimalistic style with an image of the artist from the main article to the right hand side and numbered contents to the left hand side. Each feature including a brief description to prompt the audience to read on further into the full article. The masthead will again be placed the same position as the front cover masthead filling the width of the page. A convention that I have picked up on from magazine contents pages that I have analysed is using another word to replace contents as the masthead, The word that I am planning to use is 'Features' this gives a modern feel to the magazine. Finally I have chosen to include links to social media on the bottom left hand side of the page as this is a convention that has grown recently and increased interaction with the target audience and makes them feel more involved in the magazine.

Double page spread flat plan

Again for my double page spread I have chosen to follow convention firstly by having the dominant image on the left hand side page including only a pull quote on that page to add emotion and emphasis to the image and to allude to the main article. I am going to include my main body of text on the right-hand page with the article title at the top. I am planning to use a font with the article title that will stand out against the main body of text and the strapline so that it is the first thing other than the main image that comes to the attention of the reader. I have also followed the convention of using drop caps to being the main article as it gives the article a professional look and makes the beginning of the article easily identifiable.

Preliminary Task

Front Cover

My front cover of my preliminary task follows magazine front cover conventions accurately such as including a masthead, main coverline, subheading, coverlines and essential information. Although the text could be improved by using different fonts to ensure that text stands out and is eye catching to the audience. I also feel as if the image I have used is strong and very relevant to the target audience although the quality of the image could be improved by using a better camera and planning the photography beforehand. I could also improve the image by using Photoshop to edit the image and add more effect and impact to it.

 

Contents Page

 



My contents page continues to follow conventions accurately although I could improve my body of text and layout by ensuring that I do not use capital letters when not needed. Again my text could be improved by varying the fonts that I use to become more eye catching and interesting to my target audience. The image I have used follows convention in terms of the layout although improvement is need in the quality of the image and the editing; for example the cutting out of the right hand is distorted and makes the image look unprofessional.

Areas of development for main task

I am going to use what I have learnt from my preliminary task to improve my main task music magazine. In my main magazine I am going to include a variety of fonts and effects within my text so that it appeals to my target audience and stands out against competitors. I am also going to ensure that my main magazine is more visually appealing by including sharp and clear images that will be relevant to my target audience. I will also plan my photographs in advance so that I achieve the best possible result with professional quality images.

Photo shoot planning document

Photo shoot planning

 

What emotional impact do you want your photography do have upon the reader and how will you achieve this?

My photography will have an overall dark theme creating an ambience and portraying an urban, grunge feel.

 

What personnel do you need? Who are you going to photograph?

I am going to photograph one person and focus the main article on them.

 

What props will you need?

I am going to use a minimal amount of props. I will use props such as a microphone and other various music industry related props.

How are you going to emphasise colour?

 

Have you briefed your personnel/models?

Yes; I have briefed my model informing them that I will be taking the photographs within the photography studio in college.

 

What lighting will you need? Any other equipment?

I will need relatively low lighting to create a dark ambience and an atmospheric photo.

Where will you shoot? Will you need a backdrop?

I am going to use the college photography studio and use a plain white background so that the emphasis is on the model and the style of the model.

 

Mise-en-scene - Make-up? Costumes? Props?

I am not going to use any make up as it does not fit into the conventions of my chosen genre. In terms of costume my model will be wearing their own clothes to illustrate their style and also follow the fashion conventions of my chosen genre. I will use minimalistic props such as a microphone and other items such as speakers that relate to the music industry. I am going to use low lighting to create a dark, gritty atmosphere linking this in to the lyrical conventions of the genre.

 

Analysing previous student work

Looking at Previous Student Work

Stage 2 Planning

As Coursework Proposal Table - Stage 2

Institution Research

Institutional Research Worksheet

Magazine Contents Page Deconstructions

Contents page 1: XXL Magazine

 

Masthead
The masthead is positioned at the top of the page filling the width of the page using a black bold font most of the text is in lower case lettering apart from the A within "A-side". The masthead includes musical connotations "the A-side" referring to tapes that have two sides, the contents is continued on the next page using the masthead "the B-side".

Essential Information
The essential information is placed at the top and bottom of the page; the month of the issue is included behind the feature image within the thick underline of the masthead in white font against the black so that the information stands out, although in this instance with it being behind the feature image it suggests that the image of the artist is more important than the month of the issue. The bottom of the page next to the page number also includes the month of the issue as well as the magazine's website address in both so although the font is small, it still stands out.

Text
The text begins in the masthead bold underline with "Features" in brackets, this is used as a subheading rather than using the word contents. The features are then numbered using the page number that they begin on. The features begin with the cover story "time is money" in bold black text, a small paragraph in smaller font is then placed underneath this used to briefly explain the feature. The words "cover story" is placed next to the bold page number using white text on a square red background; this replicates the masthead on the cover of "XXL magazine" that follows the same theme, this is creating a brand image. This main feature is underlined, then the theme is continued with the various features following the same convention of the first feature with the title in bold and the brief explanation of the feature in smaller text underneath.

Feature Image

The feature image used is of one singular artist, Lil Wayne, you can derive from the brief description of the cover story feature that this artist was featured on the cover and is included in the main story. There is not too much that can be said regarding mis en scene with this image other than the costume of the artist, there is no specific costume, the artist has dressed as they would normally, this is giving the audience an impression of their style and is potentially used by the artists to promote brands that he is affiliated with by wearing them.

Contents Page 2: The Source

Masthead

The masthead on this contents page in comparison to the previous 'XXL' contents page is extremely low profile. The masthead 'Departments' is white on top of a red background although the intentions by the institution was not for this masthead to stand out against the rest of the text because the font used isn't bold although the coverlines are; this suggests that the masthead is of the least importance and the coverlines of the most importance. This contents page also breaks convention with having a smaller version of the cover page masthead placed in the bottom left of the page above the essential information. Although this 'additional' masthead is still relatively modest in size suggesting still the coverlines are still main focus for the audience.

Essential Information

The essential information much like that of the 'XXL' cover is in small font using white font against a black background so that it is still prominent but not the most important information for the audience on the page; the size of the texts suggests that it is not of much importance in the grand scale of the contents page.

Text

Following the same conventions of the 'XXL' contents page the coverlines are numbered according to their corresponding page number of each feature. Also following the same conventions there are very brief descriptions of each feature or 'Department' under each cover in smaller font giving the audience a brief description of the feature so that they feel inclined to read on. The text is also placed on top of half of the feature image with a red transparent background; this does follow the same conventions of the 'XXL' magazine with the placement of the coverlines.

Feature Image

The feature image from 'The Source' contents page differs greatly from the 'XXL' contents page although both on feature an image of one artist 'The Source' contents page uses a headshot of this artist rather than a full body photo to fill the entire page rather than having a background. Ice Cube's anger filled facial expression along with the use of a red background behind the coverlines in terms of mise en scene portray connotations of anger, rage, passion and attitude; these connotations fit perfectly with the musical genre and with Ice Cube in mind specifically, Gangster Rap.

Contents Page 3: Vibe

Masthead

The masthead follows the same conventions as the 'XXL' contents page in the sense that bold large text is used with an eye-catching colour combination used between text and background. The masthead breaks convention in comparison to the previous two contents pages in a various ways such as using the word "Contents" as the masthead, this suggests a more traditional approach towards the page. Also the layout of the masthead breaks the word "contents" down into three parts; this has been done by the institution because the contents pages are broken down into three, this identified by the '1/3' below the masthead.

Essential Information

This contents page again breaks convention by featuring no essential information such as the issue number or the date. Although it does feature, unlike the previous two contents pages, information such as who is featured in the main image, the photographer and information on what Kanye West is wearing in the feature image.

Text

The coverlines used also break convention in comparison to the previous two contents pages because they are used to arrange the features into various categories such as fashion and main features. Although they do follow convention using bold fonts so that they stand out in comparison to the rest of the page, also brief descriptions are again featured under each coverline.

Feature Image

The feature image of Kanye West follows the conventions of the previous two contents pages with their only being one artist featured. This image also has been edited with a black and white effect that follows the colour scheme of the entire page with only one different colour being a red heart. Red has been used again much like 'The Source' contents page to convey to the audience certain connotations with this picture specifically being connotations such as passion and love.

Summary

There are various conventions and techniques that I have identified whilst deconstructing these three magazine contents pages that I will use to influence how I will design and layout my contents page. The most prominent convention that was followed by all three magazines was the use of only one artist in the feature image; usually the artist that is also feature in the main story and on the front cover. Also the use of brief descriptions under each coverline is a feature that I will use in my contents page as this was also used by each magazine as it serves an important purpose to ensure that the audience are engaged and inclined to read the various stories and features. Finally the placement of the coverlines, 2 out of 3 of the deconstructed contents pages placed these around or next to the feature image, I am also going to do this rather than having them on top of my feature image I’d rather have the more defined separation so that the audience can read all of the text easily and at a quick glance.



Stage 1 Planning

I have planned the initial contents and theme of my magazine using this table below.

As Coursework Proposal Table - Stage 1 Done

Inspirational texts & Mood Board

I have done research into the genre of music that I will be basing my magazine around; these are some typical artists you may find from this genre.

Preliminary task flat plans

 

I have created these flat plans before I create my magazine so that I know how my magazine will be laid out and so that I can ensure order throughout the pages.

 

Front Cover

 

I have placed the masthead at the top of the page, filling the entire width of the page; this is so that it catches the eye of the audience as soon as they look at the cover. My essential information such as issue number, date and price will be placed at the bottom left under the masthead as this information is of lesser importance than the masthead, if the audience don't initially notice the essential information this does not affect the sales of the magazine. My main imagine is going to fill my cover page so that it is noticed by the intended audience as the main image is going to be the main selling point of the magazine; this is going to be accompanied by another image under the coverlines that relates to these coverlines, giving the audience an idea of what else is going to be included in the magazine. The main coverline is going to run across the main image so that the audience know what the imagine is relating to and what the main article within the magazine will be. My subheading is placed under the main coverline to give the audience further understanding of the main article and what will be included within it.



Contents Page

I have placed the masthead again at the top of the page in the same fashion as the front cover so that it is the first thing that the audience sees. I have then placed the cover lines of the left hand side of the page where I will have numerically listed features for the contents page with a brief description of the feature under each coverline. I have included images to the right hand side of the coverlines to compliment them and give the audience a picture to interest them more in the various features. The essential information placed in the bottom right hand side of the page will include things such as the magazine's website and social media sites, I have put these on this page beside the coverlines so that when the audience are reading the coverlines they will see the social media sites and actively access them.

Magazine Cover Deconstructions

I have deconstructed 3 music magazine covers relating to the genre of music my magazine will be based on and I have identified what I can take from these magazine covers to inspire the design of mine. I have used powerpoint to create this.

Photoshop Skills Development

 

 

 

I have made a mock music magazine cover on photoshop to develop my skills using photoshop. I used the quick selection tool to highlight the areas which I wanted to keep, these areas being the entire artist leaving out the background, I then used the refine edge tool to ensure that my image was smooth and did not look rigid. I then used the text tool to create my masthead and cover lines, I then used layers to put the masthead to the back, behind the image and left the cover lines above the image. Finally I created a background and used a gradient from black to white.

Key Features of a Magazine Cover

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have used an image of XXL magazine from Google Images and annotated it using Adobe Photoshop.

 

 

Masthead:

The masthead is the title or logo of the magazine usually found in the top left hand side of the magazine but can also be found along the top of the magazine filling the width of the page.

 

Essential Information:

The essential information generally consists of the price of the magazine, the issue number and the date of the issue.

 

Main Coverline:

The main coverline is normally related to the cover page image and eludes to the main story.

 

Subheading:

The subheading is used to explain the main coverline in more detail and give the reader an idea of what the main story or article is going to be about.

 

Coverlines:

Coverlines are used to convey the other stories that will be included in the issue or which artists/actors are included in the issue.

 

Barcode:

The barcode is used so that the magazine can be bought from a retailer.

 

 

 



AS Media Print Brief

Preliminary exercise: using DTP and an image manipulation program, produce the front page of a new school/college magazine, featuring a photograph of a student in medium close-up plus some appropriately laid-out text and a masthead. Additionally you must produce a mock-up of the layout of the contents page to demonstrate your grasp of DTP.

 

Main task: the front page, contents and double page spread of a new music magazine (if done as a group task, each member of the group must produce an individual edition of the magazine, following the same house style).