Evaluation Question 7

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

As you can see in my preliminary task i was very limited in what i could create using photoshop. I only had a basic knowledge of photoshop and had never produced a magazine before. I used an appropriate image, as it was of a student, with the college in the background. However there is too much dead space, which makes the magazine look very unprofessional.

I have also used to many different colours, which means my magazine lacks a house style and coordination. There are also too many different fonts used, this makes the magazine look very confusing to the reader. The masthead does not stand out and is one of the last things you notice when you look at the magazine. The date and price are too large and don't look right, an issue number is also missing. On the other hand the Main image does appear 3D  due to the drop shadow effect, though the image should be made larger.

The contents page colour scheme does not match that of the front cover, which will be very confusing for the reader as they do not look like they are connected. There is too much dead space on this page which makes it look unprofessional and unfinished.

The images used dont relate to what is featured which makes them look like they don't belong. the images appear flat and dont draw your attention which may make the audience loose interest.

I think that i have came along way in developing my photoshop skills as i have made a magazine that looks professional and has a house style, which was lacking in my previous task. I have used a very selective colour pallet so that the colours used relate to the rest of the magazine. I have used only one font for the sell lines so that the front cover and contents pages doesnt appear confusing to the reader.

All of the images used on the contents page relate to the featured bands, which helps to anchor the text as it gives it meaning. All of the images used look £d and lifelike rather than flat like they did in the previous task.
Overall i think that i have learnt a lot through doing this magazine as i have learnt how to make a professional looking magazine and how to do various effects, to make the magazine appealing to the audience.

Evaluation Question 6

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

I have learned alot about technology through constructing this product. I have learned the different features of a nikon camera and how to take a professional looking photograph with it. I have also furthered my knowledge on various features on my netbook when uploading the photo's and instaling the image editing software. Most of all i have learned how to do various effects using photoshop and how to create a professional looking magazine, through making photos appear lifelike rather than flat, making text stand out and look appealing to the audience and creating a house style with things such as the background and colour scheme. Finally i have learned all about blogger and the various features of blogger. i now know how to create a blog and upload various things such as video's and photo's to it for my research and planning.

Evaluation Question 5

How did you attract/address your audience?

I have attracted my audience through a number of different things. On the front cover i have addressed my audience by using someone that fits in with the target audience. The cover model fits in with the age group and is a typical teenager. The cover model has a welcoming look as she is smiling and her eyes look caring which will attract the audience and draw them in. I have used vibrant colours to attract the audience as my colour scheme will stand out when my magazine is on a shelf along with other music magazines. The outter glow effect also helps to draw the reader in. I have also addressed my audience through the competition featured on the front cover as this gets them involved with the magazine. The subscribe now section addresses the audience as this also gets the reader involved with the magazine.

The images used attract the audience as the people in them are looking at you which draws you in and makes the image more appealing. All of the people in the images are within the target audience's age group which helps to address the audience as the magazine is portraying people of there age group. The sell lines underneath the featured bands attract the audience as it is giving them a taster of whats to come in the magazine which will intrigue them and make them want to read on.




The image addresses the audience as the featured singer is looking directly at you which draws you in and makes you want to find out more about them. The quotation attracts the audience as it makes them want to find out what the singer is talking about. The colour scheme also attracts the audience as the questions and answers are easily distinguished by the use of two colours which makes it easier for the audience to read.

Evaluation Question 4

Who would be the audience for your media product?


The audience for my media product will concist of a C1, C2 & D social grade, this is because A & B would steriotypically not buy a music magazine as they are more likely to read a novel or a newspaper rather than a magazine. I did not include those classified as  E as this is prodominantly pensioners who again steriotypically would not buy a music magazine. Which is why i chose C1, C2 & D as i think this is the most likely social grade to read a music magazine, so it would be most appealing to them.

This magazine is aimed at 15-30 year olds as this would be a typical age group to read a music magazine. However older people may still buy a music magazine if it featured a band that they liked. For example my dad is into metal music and would buy a magazine if it featured a band he was into and he is over the targeted group. My trailer is amed at both males and females as the groups featured in my magazine arenet gender specefic this is because my magazine is a mix of genre's in order to avoid gender bais. 

You do not need to have a high education level in order to understand what is going on in the Interview, therefore making it more accessible to every social class. Where as some magazines may use an elaborated code which some people may find difficult to understand.

My audience will have a great deal of intrest in the music industry hence why they want to purchas a music magazine. I think my magazine fits in with the target audience as it gives them a variety rather than being limited to just one genra.

Below is some feedback that i have gained from my target audience:

Results from google docs questionare:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?hl=en_GB&hl=en_GB&key=0AkAwePQNpC4RdDhCNnl0emVUMTkyTjRWWTN1NXJ0Vmc&output=html

Evaluation Question 3

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

Bauer Media Group may distribute my product, they are a German publishing company, based in Hamburg that operates in 15 countries world wide. They publish magazines such as Kerrang! and Q.

I think that they would distribute my product because my product is similar to Q as it is a mix of genra's and there is not many of those kinds of magazines currently distributed, so distributing my magazine would help them fill a current 'hole' in the market along side Q which they currently distribute.

My magazine appeals to a vast audience, which means the publisher would make a bigger profit as they are appealing to more than one 'social group' which many magazines are limited to since they only feature one genra.

As my magazine has many of the conventions seen in 'Q' it would sense for them to be distributed by the same publisher. Though some aspects of my magazine and Q are the same my magazine, has a unique appearene sue to the colour schemes used on the front cover and throughout the magazine, where as Q tends to use the same colour scheme each issue. Also my magazine features both signed and unsigned bands which not many magazines do. The fact that both magazines use a gradient effect may help the reader know that these are produced by the same company, which may make them more likely to buy my magazine as Bauer Media Group are a successful publishers.

               

Evaluation Question 2

How does your media product represent particular social groups?

My media product represents teenagers/20-30 year olds with a passion for music.My product represents a vast range of people as my product features various genra's of music such as; indie, pop, rock. Therefore my product is suitable for many people. I think that my magazine best represents music lovers aged 15-20. The cover image represents this age group as the cover model fits in with the 15-20 age range. The 20-30 year old audience is represented through the various bands featured in the magazine such as 'lady gaga' or 'lily allen'  The type of language used is informal this represents this paticular group as young people tend to talk in a very informal way. The body language and position of the cover moderl, represent this paticular group as the cover model is showing happiness and confidence, which is a more truthful portrayal of how this group is than the stereotypical media view of them being 'hoodies or layabouts'

Evaluation Question 1

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

My media product uses many conventions that would be featured in a real media product, such as a barcode, price, issue number, page numbers on the double page spread; even on the left, odd on the right. I have listed various genra's, as featured bands to demonstraight that this is a mixed genra magazine. Like 'Q' magazine, i have used images as well as text on my contents page as this is commonly seen in professionally published magazines. I have included a small sell line underneith each of the featured bands as this is commonly done. I have included a 'competition' on the front page to entice the reader, as this is another commonly used convention. I have made the colour scheme on the front page match the contents page by using the colour blue, i have also made it fit in with the double page spread by using the colour orange. Some magazines do this but others dont so it is not a commonly used convention, however relating the pages to the front cover allows the reader to see, that the whole magazine is connected. My magazine layout is similar to that of 'Q' as this is the style of magazine i wanted to do.I have used many conventions from 'Q' such as using a gradient background throughout my magazine to create a house style. I have set out my contents page like Q as all of my features are on the left hand side with various images on the right. I have used simplistic shots as these look the most professional and are the main kind of shots used in real media products. I feel that i have used many conventions from real media products, which efficiently makes my product look professional.  

Target audience

My Magazine is Aimed at a C1, C2 & D social grade, this is because A & B would steriotypically not buy a music magazine as they are more likely to read a novel or a newspaper rather than a magazine. I did not include those classified as  E as this is prodominantly pensioners who again steriotypically would not buy a music magazine. Which is why i chose C1, C2 & D as i think this is the most likely social grade to read a music magazine, so it would be most appealing to them.

This magazine is aimed at 15-30 year olds as this would be a typical age group to read a music magazine. However older people may still buy a music magazine if it featured a band that they liked. For example my dad is into metal music and would buy a magazine if it featured a band he was into and he is over the targeted group. My trailer is amed at both males and females as the groups featured in my magazine arenet gender specefic this is because my magazine is a mix of genre's in order to avoid gender bais.

You do not need to have a high education level in order to understand what is going on in the Interview, therefore making it more accessible to every social class. Where as some magazines may use an elaborated code which some people may find difficult to understand.

My audience will have a great deal of intrest in the music industry hence why they want to purchas a music magazine. I think my magazine fits in with the target audience as it gives them a variety rather than being limited to just one genra.

Feedback Questionare

Below is the link to my audience feedback questionare

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dDhCNnl0emVUMTkyTjRWWTN1NXJ0Vmc6MQ

content page

Below is my contents page. I have continued the Gradient effect as it reinforces the house style and makes the text stand out. I have continued to use blue for the text so that it relates to the front cover also the blue text is clear and easy to read. I have used a outer glow and drop shadow effect to make the title 'contents' appear 3D and look as if it is comming out of the page, this draws the readers attention which makes them want to read on to find out who is featured. I have also used an outer glow effect on 'features' and 'plus...' this makes them stand out from the rest of the text which helps to break it up. The featured bands have a catchy sell line underneith that will intregue the reader and will make them want to read on. In the top right corner i have featured a 'subscribe now' section which makes the magazine look like it is a professionally published magazine with many issues. The subscribe now button is designes to look 3D so that it looks as if it is comming out of the page so that it draws the readers attention. I have used 3 images as this draws the readers attention. It also anchors the text and gives the featured bands a deeper meaning as there is a visual image to back up the sell line. I have wrote on what band they are and which band they are on to fit in with the page numbers in the featured section. The images i have used are a mix of genra's which reinforces that this magazine features a bit of everything. I have used an image of an unsigned scottish band called 'Shadow and Dust' along with another unsigned baned called 'Sentinel' I have also used an image taken from a lilly allen concert to demonstraight that the magazine featuers both signed and unsigned bands. On the images i have used an outer glow effect to make the image stand out i have also used an embosed effect to make the image appear as if it is comming out of the page, the drop shadow effect also helps to do this. These effects make the images more appealing the the viewer, which will make them more likely to buy the magazine.

Double Page Spread

Below is my double page spread. The gradient effect has been carried on to reinforce the house style. I have split the pages so  that one page is of the main image and the other consists of the interview. I have done this because i think that this makes it look more appealing to the reader. I have put a quote on the page with the image as this engages the reader and makes them want to find out more. I have used two different colours to make the interview easier on the eye. I have used orange for the questions and black for the answers, so that it is easy for the reader to distinguish between the two. I have wrote a paragraph introducing the interview because this helps to set the scene and engages the reader, which makes them want to read on. At the end of the interview i have included a link to the singers song on itunes as this is often featured at the end of interviews. I have also included another image at the end of the interviews as this helps to anchor the text and makes it easier in the eye. I have included page numbers as this is what should be on the page of a magazine with an even number on the right and a odd number on the left. I have used a drop shadow effect on the title 'Meet Kitty' as this makes the text look 3D and stand out which draws the readers attention. I have also used a drop shadow effect on the main image as this helps the image to appear life like rather than flat which makes the image look more appealing. The body language of the 'singer' is serious which sets the tone of the interview. Overall i think that my double page spread is well presented, looks professional and is set out in the conventional way of a professionally published music magazine.

Front Cover

Below is my front cover i have changed the name of my magazine from 'Kremlin' to 'Modern Waste' as i think this fits in with the theme more. I have used a simple colour scheme as using to many colours looks unprofessional. I have chosen blue as this is an easy colour to read on the gradient background, it also fits in with my contents page as i have used blue text there. The orange text fits in with the main sell line 'who's that Girl?' as the colour scheme for the double page spread is orange  and black. I have used a drop shadow effect on my image to make it look lifelike rather than flat. I have used a different image to my first draft as a clear image, in a simple pose looks more professional. I have used an outer glow effect on my text as this makes it stand out and eye catching, it also makes it easier to read. I have used a gradient effect as the background as i think this is the most effective background, i got the idea to use this background from 'Q' magazine. The gradient effect is carried on through the contents page and the double page spread, this helps to create a house style. The masthed is big enough to stand out on a magazine rack in a shop but does not overtake the main image. Overall i think my magazine is well presented and looks professional.

double page deconstruction

The way the interview is layed out is as if you are there with MCR on stage, which makes the reader feel more involved and makes the image more life like. The various images allow you to see all the band members in MCR. The colour scheme makes the image seem more dramatic and professional due to them being in black and white. Th black and white theme helps the red text to stand out which draws the readers attention.

The continued use of the newspaper cut out style helps to engage the reader as it is the same style used in the front cover. The use of the quotation as the caption draws the reader in as it creates the 'breaking news' effect again and it makes the reader want to find out more. The way Lily is leaning in towards the camera makes her appear as if she is comming out of the magazine, this draws the reader in and makes them feel involved as the image appears life like. The way the columns are set out is in a newspaper style which fits in with the newspaper theme.

The image used is a powerful image, her body language suggest that she is confident and the way she is posed invites you in which engages the reader, which helps the image appear life like rather than flat. The clothing helps to reinforce the caption 'Wild Child' as the bleach blonde hair, thick eyeliner, wearing a choker and a biker jacket all help to reinforce the idea of her being 'wild' as this would be a typical way for a teenager to rebel, against the norm. The way the paragraphs are set out makes it easy to read and is clear to distinguish between the questions and answers due to using diffrent colours. The colour scheme of the page helps to reinforce the idea of a 'wild child'. The font wild is a playful font which sets the scene for the style of interview. The paragraph underneith the caption helps to introduce the interview and is commonly used on double page spreads. This is something i will use on my double page spread along with the different colours for questions and answersto make it easier for the reader to distinguish. 

content page deconstruction

The colour scheme of Q has been continued, which shows the house style and makes the magazine look professional. The features are clear to read and there isnt any dead space. The image helps to break up the text and draws your attention to it, which makes the page easier in the eye, which will make the reader more likely to want to buy the magazine. In Q the column is kept the same in every issue which helps reinforce the house style. The layout of the column is easy to read and is not to cramped which makes it more appealing to the reader. Q review offers the reader an insentive to read on as it gives them a taster of what is in the magazine.

The message from the editor in the top left makes the magazine seem more personal as the editor is personally addressing their fans, which makes the reader feel more involved. The use of the quotation in the top right corner gives the reader a taster of one of the featured interviews, which makes them want to read on. The use of the images helps to break up the page without making the page appear crowded. The colour scheme of Kerrang! has continued into the contents page, which creates a house style and makes the image seem more professional.

The main image of the drummer overtakes the rest of the page as it demands the readers attention, which draws away from the different bands featured in the magazine. The list of features should stand out more and be easier to read. The images used in the top right corner are difficult to see clearly due to the dot effect used over the top of the image. The images in the top should be enlarged, with the main image slightly reduces to make the features stand out more.

front cover deconstruction

The image on this special edition of 'Q' is very controversial, as it is a heavily pregnant woman doing a 'sexy' pose sucking on a lolly pop in a bikini. Which for many women may cause outrage, as many people would find this image inapropriate. On the other hand some women may find this image liberating as it is saying you can still be sexy when your pregnant. This image also suggests that Britney is proud of her baby bump and wants to show it off regardless of the controversy it may cause. The masthed 'Q' stands out and is easily recognizable as it is always the same colour and in the same position. The use of the white background compliments the image as it makes the skin seem as if its 'glowing'. The use of black text on a white background, makes the text stand out. However listing the 20 interviews makes the magazine appear cramped and makes it difficult to read. The use of the gold border helps to reinstate the idea that this is a '20th anniversary special' as the colour gold is commonly used for anniversaries.  

The masthed is always in the same place and in the same colour scheme which makes this magazine easily recognizable. The image used is a powerful image as Lily's eyes are drawing you into the magazine. The body language suggests that she has an 'i don't care what you think' king of attitude. The way the image over takes the masthed slightly makes the image appear 3D and realistic rather than flat, this also helps to draw the reader in as it makes the magazine stand out. The way the sell line 'Lilly Allen Takes on The World' is presented makes it stand out as it looks like it has been cut out of a newspaper which makes it appear as if it is 'breaking news', which it draws you in as it is not commonly seen on a music magazine. The use of the quotation 'I cant keep on living like this, it's doing my head in' makes you want to read the interview to find out what Lily is talking about. The colour used fits in with the image as Lily is wearing a red tartain top, which fits in with the colour scheme which is prodominantly red. Rd and yellow are contrasting colours so, it draws your attention to the sell lines. The small images help to anchor the text and help to seperate the different sell lines.

The colour scheme of this issue of NME stands out as the colours are vibrant and draw you in. The colour pallet that they have used works well and complements each other. It also fits in well with the 'America' theme as the colours on the american flag are blue, red and white, which is the colour scheme. The main image is a simple but strong image, the image fits in with sell line 'Bands making America cool again' as the body language shows confidence and the fact that they are wearing glasses reinforces the idea of 'cool'. The pose of pulling down his sunglasses slightly so you can see his eyes, makes it look as if he is drawing you into the magazine and makes the image appear 3D rather than flat. The other sell lines stand out but not enough to draw your attention away from the main image, the smaller images used help to anchor the text, because if there was only text it would make the magazine appear cramped and draw your attention away from the magazine all together. The masthed is always in the same place and in the same colour scheme whic makes this magazine easily recognisable.

Which Breif? Update

As you can see i have  changed the genra of my magazine as after creating a metal magazine i dont think it has the appeal of a professionally published magazine as the images used aren't agressive enough.
Therefire i have gone for a magazine which is a mix of genra's like magazines such as Q or NME as this will give me a wider range of audience, which means my magazine can have a mix of different bands to appeal to many people. This is shown through the feature bands shown within my magazine.

First draft contents page

This is my first draft of my contents page. I have kept the gradient colour scheme in order to keep the magazine Consistent, which makes it look more professional. Again i have kept the design simple and made it so the page isn't overcrowded as this makes the audience loose interest where as a simple non crowded look makes it more appealing and look more professional.

first draft of front cover

This is my first draft of my front cover i have put a lot of time and effort into it. I have manipulated the photograph of the singer in order to make my magazine original and to create an aura of mystery around the featured singer. This results in the audience wanting to know 'who's that girl?' and makes them want to read on. I have kept the colour scheme of my magazine simple as i think this gives it a more professional look. I have kept some 'white space' as i dont want my front cover to appear over crowded as this will make the audience loose interest and not want to read on.

Original images

Here are 3 original images that i could use in my music magazine the first image is of a band called shadow and dust which was takein in a wood in scotland, the other two images are of the band sentinel and those were taken at sunniside in sunderland. I think these images would look good on my content page with a different band or artist as the feature on the front cover and double page spread.



Flat Plans

Below are my flat plans for the front cover and content page of my music magazine that will feature many genres like NME and Q magazine does. The image on the front cover will take up the majority of the page as this helps make the image look powerful and draws the audience in. The mast head will stand out and be bold as if this magazine was on display in the shop it is the first thing you notice and is always consistant throughout each issue and will be recognised much like a 'brand'. The colour scheme of my magazine will be bright and colourful to help the magazine look attractive and stand out from other magazines. the other featured bands will be shown on the left hand side as many magazines do this and it gives the magazine a professional look. 

The content page is pretty much the same as the metal magazine content page but this one will have more images, such as the bands that are feature or other images related to music. There will also be a section on subscribing next to the title 'content'.

Metal Magazine

Below is my first attempt at making a music magazine on photo shop. There is the front cover and the content page. I think this magazine is a good starting point as i can build upon, the good parts of the magazine and improve the parts that arent so good. I am going to change the genre of the magazine to a something like NME or Q where it covers a wide range of music. I will have a different singer or band on the front cover as the one i currently have isnt a strong powerfull image that draws you in. I will feature the band 'sentinel' on the content page i will also feature 'shadow and dust' on the content page as shown below. My content page will be set out pretty much the same as it is below but it will have more images to make it more appealing.

Brief magazine analysis

The NME has quite a large target audience as it covers many genres of music such as; indie, rock, alternative therefore ppretty much anyone could find NME appealing, i'd say NME is targetted at 16+. This NME stands out as it is very contraversial, due to the striking image of Beth Ditto being naked. As Beth Ditto is  is a larger lady it stands out as it goes against the social norm because you normally would only see an image of a naked skinny celebrity as that is normally what is viewed as the acceptible way to look. The fact that Beth is happy to appear naked makes her a positive role model for anyone who may be larger as she is happy with the way her body looks and doesnt care what other people think the sell line 'kiss my ass' reinforces this view. A lot of the language in NME is informal which makes it appealing to a young audience as it makes it more intreasting to read because reading an interview that is all formal can get boring and make the audience loose intreast. The layout and colour scheme of NME draws the readers attention as the colours compliment each other and if the magazine was on display in a shop you could easily tell that it was NME as the scheme is consistant through out the different issues.

Which breif?

I am going to create a music magazine. I will be looking at the Metal genre for my magazine.
I will be looking at a number of different images with varying camera angles. I want my magazine
to stand out as you dont see many Metal magazines on sale in shops. I want my final product to look
professional and to be done to a high standard.
Below are some actual metal magazines available on the market tha i'd like my magazine to look like:

I like how the image's stands out and take over the magazine which draws you in & makes you want to read more.