Preparation

I have been trying different layouts and different mastheads to get ideas for my final magazine. Seeing different themes, information colours. Experimenting with two people on the front cover. I have discovered that I really relish how it presents to the audience when first looking at it. Having two people gives the front cover a unique look. Also gives me more options such as who to chose for my double and front cover,not having to stick with the one person on the front cover.

Although having one person on the front cover diverts all attention on to the one person on the front. Also the audience is more likely to pay attention to the colours of the Masthead. Also I've gathered that you can add more things when having one person on the front cover.

In the both of the pictures I admire the background of the pictures as it looks gloomy which supports the genre of Hip Hop.

Unminipulated photos

Hip Hop genre

I made them point at the camera, as I thought this was a pose most fitted to Hip Hop. Also as its directed at the audience, the direct point and gaze given by the 'artist' engages the audience by drawing them into the magazine and gives a feel as if their pointing directly to the reader. Although I could not use this image as the pointing of their hand created shadow on their face so I could not use this picture. So I learned that a pose with hand away from the camera are best with the flash on.

This was one of the first picture I took when taking my pictures for my magazine. The lighting of the picture is very dark, you cant see their faces very well. This picture does not adequately show the models costume and therefore I defiantly could not use this photo.

With this picture I cant see their full costume which would have been a problem if i was to use this picture. Also the NVC of one of my subjects does not suit the main genre of the magazine, as he is smiling and this contrasts the 'image' which Hip Hop artist are said to convey. However the background is nice and that is why I chose to take the picture against it

This is one of my most successful pictures. The setting is gloomy which fits the genre of the picture which is Hip Hop. The grey building behind resembles a 'lock down' institutional look. like a prison setting, which supports the genre of 'gangsters' 'crime' etc. I took the picture at a low angle to give them power and status through angle. As the reader looks up to the them. I hope to use this as my front cover picture.

I was unable to use this image as it was dark to fully see there outfit and features. Also although I wanted my picture to be unique by taking it at a higher angle, this was to far to use for a magazine as the pictures was not successful for the audience as they needed to be able to see 'who they are'. I choose to take my pictures of them out side because I felt that hip hop is most represented outside as hip hop is related to 'ghetto living' and therefore the 'streets' is most appropriate. I also insured they wore head phones as headphones is sen as a main prop in music. They are all wearing headphones as a prop as I that is one of the most popular things that represent music. The headphones reinforcing the purpose of the magazine.

This picture was to dark. I wanted to create a gloomy atmosphere although the lighting was to dark to see who they are, what there wearing etc to see who they are and is why i didn't chose to include it into my magazine. I took this picture at a lower angle to show they have higher status 'status'. I also decided to take them on a curved stair case to create uniqueness and adventure. Representing 'climbing to stardom'.

Rock Genre

This picture could not be used as there is unnecessary shadow across her face. I decided to make her pose against a wall as it showed a slight weirdness and uniqueness to it. Her hand is 'scratching' the wall to show anger and tension same as her facial expresses. This was done as the genre of these pictures was rock/heavy metal. Which expresses anger and gloom. And why she is dressed in a leather jacket with dark make up.

With this picture I was unable to use it as the background is slit between different colour walls, which distracts the audiences between the two, giving attention away from the model.

With this picture the brick background worked with the model, I did this because I thought that outside suited the Gene she was portraying as it is dark and cold. I took this picture close up to have a range of shots as well as poses as heights and background. Howe ever her NVC does not suit the Hip Hop genre of music. Also the flash created to much exposure and brightness onto her face.

Pop Genre

This picture represented 'pop'. And why i made her were glowing necklaces and wrist bands. Although they failed to glow in the dark as we had to use light for the picture to come up clearly and able to see her. She is also wearing head phones as headphones is an appropriate prop to use to represent music. her Nvc is happy to convey she is happy when listening to music,and is why she has her hands on he headphones. To show her love for music and partying. I also made her wear a cheater printed to to show fun and liveliness. Bright colours showing fun and expression contrasting the 'hip hop' represented picture with them wearing dark colours with features of red.

I may use this picture as I feel this has perfect amount of lighting and shadow. The medium close up shoot allows the audience to view her features. Highlighting colours and features such as her head phones and illumination bangles and necklaces, although you cant see the glow because of the lighting.

In this picture, I was trying to achieve a spinning effect to convey partying/dancing, as this suits the theme of pop. Pop being a up tempo, excitable genre. However the camera was unable to keep up with her movement and therefore the picture came out a little blurred and distorted. Also I thought the bands and necklace that she was wearing would light up in reaction to the flash against the black background. However because of the light it did not react as they are glow-in-the-dark.

Main task: mood board

I have created a mood board that is suited for all genres of music. I have chosen blue yellow and pink as my background as a mixture of colours represents, all types of music whether hip hop, R&B, dance etc. I have included artist such as Jay-Z, Calvin Harris, the band chemical romance. As they are several of the main artist in that genre of music. Jay-Z is a big icon in the hip hop music industry, Calvin Harris in the pop/dance and chemical romance within the heavy metal music genre. I have added in thing that I feel is seen as important in that genre of music. For example crime is a big influence in 'Hip hop' as this style of music highly promotes crime and violence instead of approaching crime and antisocial behaviour as socially unacceptable. i sectioned my mood board as left manly being pop/dance, right being hip hop and the top left being rock mainly featuring black. And top right being words to decribe and influence the genres e.g 'Party' & MTV base.

Main task: case study of a apublishing audience

I chose to discuss Condé Nast publishing magazine as they specifies in themes such as fashion Rather travelling, housing etc then music
Condé Nast publishes magazine titles such as “Vogue” “glamour” “GQ” “wired”. The audiences that are targeted differ. For a magazine such as vogue or glamour the target audience would be females from the age of about 16 to 25. GQ is targeted to males aged 20 to 42. Condé Nast may target different audiences with each magazine to create a wider audience. Condé Nast having a wider range of magazine types results in them having a wider audience and therefore supplying information for all audiences, and receiving more ratings and importantly money.
Condé Nast publish for famous brands such as Calvin Klein, Dior, Debenhams and feature them in their magazine which influences people to go on to there website and therefore buy their magazines. This famous brand supply things such as perform and clothes. This targets to all types of people and genders.

Main task: profiling your audience

My magazine reader is called Jade she is 17 year old female which loves and breathes music of all types dance, R&B, hip hop etc. She cant go anywhere without the accompany of his music. Jade is a working class girl who enjoys playing basketball and socialising with friends when not at college doing A-level work. A typical outfit she likes to wear is a pair of plain leggings, and a colourful top and complimented with accessories. She loves artists such as Beyonce, Calvin Harris, David Guetta. But her favourite pop artist is Rhianna as she is quite diverse and very influential on young people of today. Her favourite band is the script. In her spare time she lives to meet up with her friends and go clubbing on Saturdays. Music is Jades best friend. Music has help accompanied her through the good and the bad times. Music speaks to her when no one else can.

Main task: Audience research

These are a few examples of my target research answers in progress, through black berry messenger. I used different forms of social networking such as facebook, twitter etc.













Question 1. What colour theme would you prefer my all genre magazine to be?
A.Range of colours
B.Red
C.Black & White







Q1.A.21 B.3 C.4


Question 2. What would you like the main genre of my magazine to be ?
A.Hiphop&R&B
B.Dance
C.Other








Q2.A.22 B.4 C.2


Question 3.How much would you be willing to pay for my magazine ?
A.£1.00-2.00
B.£2.01-2.99
C.£3.00+








Q3.A.20 B.6 C.2


Question4.What would you mostly wont to be featured?
A.Interviews
B.Tips (E.g to become successful)
C.Gigs/tour information








Q4. A.13 B.11 C.4


Question 5.What main feature would influence you to buy a magazine?
A.Information
B.images
C.colours








Q5.A.13 B.15 C.0 D.0


Question 6.What music genre do you mainly listen to?
A.Hiphop/R&B
B.Dance
C.Pop
D.Rock















Q6.A.24 B.3 C.1




Question7. What was the last music genre (type) magazine you read?



A.Hiphop/R&B
B.Dance
C.Pop
D.Rock
E.N/A























Q7.A.14 B.2 C.3 D.2 E.7




Question 8.And what is the most typical feature in this type of magazine
A.Information
B.Gossip
C.interviews

















Q8.A.9 B.8 C.11



Question 9.What on the front cover attracts you the most on the music magazine?
A.Masthead (title)
B.Main image
C.Colours
D.Information
E.Presentation


















Q9.A.5 B.13 C.2 D.1 E.6




Question 10.What colour most in your opinion suits an all genre magazine?
A.Range of colours
B.Red
C.Black&white













Q10.A.22 B.3 C.3




Question 11.Would you rather the masthead (title) to be placed?
A.Top left
B.The top centre



















Q11.A.11 B.17

Question 12.Would artist name’s influence you to buy my magazine?
A.Yes
B.No

Q12. A.26 B.2






Question 13.On my double page, what would interest you to read the information?
A.Biography
B.Interview














Q13.A.10 B.18

In result of askign audiences 13-2o my =I have found that over 3/4 of my audience wished my magazine to be HipHop/R&B, and therefore has made the main genre Hiphop/R&B. Although still being an all genre magazine, appealing to all audiences.

Colours that was found most popular was: 'Range of colours'. Allowing me to choose the colour of of which fits the different genre. Although sticking to a consistent theme. As most again agreed that even thought they wanted the magazine to consist of a range of colours, that a variety of colours was best suit for an all genre magazine. I have learnt that artist have a big influence on whether people buy my magazine or not. All except two choose 'yes' that artists names influence them to buy the magazine. And therefore will include known of each genre.

I also have found out that my audience would prefer my double page to consist of an interview rather then information, and this is proves more interesting.

My audience felt that images was the most influential feature to the magazine and therefore will include more images then i tended to. making sure my pictures are unique.which I figured would be most influential and therefore experimenting with levels, lighting and costume.

Main task:double page spread convention diagram

Main task: Double page spread textual Analysis

Denotation: I see a picture of a woman. It has been taken mid close up, showing some shoulder and head. She is wearing a smart white collar shirt and a black shinny tie. She also is clutching this tie. She is giving direct eye contact to the reader. The background is plain white. The title is viva Eva with an exclamation mark which is sens-serif font. There are three images


NVC:
Her facial expression is sedative and inviting as her eyes are slightly closed showing her eye make up which makes her ,ore attractive to look at for the audience. Her mouth is slightly open giving off a sexual disposition. which influences the audience to read the information, as it may be about her which looks very attractive as she is grabbing her tie giving of a 'bad' sexual persona.

Setting:
There is no setting, just a clear white background. This may be to give attention to the photograph on the first page and the information on the second page. The smart white shirt Eva is wearing blends with the background which is not often done, as the subject wears a contrasting costume although this photograph still stands out as the black tie goes with the theme of the double page. Making he double page more attractive and presentable for the audience which influences them to read the information also.

Costume:
Eva is wearing a white collar shirt with a black shiny tie which gives her a smart, sophisticated sexy look. Relating her to the audience and the idea of work . Her costume goes with the black and white theme of the double page. She is also wearing a four petal silver ring that stands out from the rest of her outfit which is quite plain, other then black and white displayed on the double pages. The presentation of her costume is neat, her shirt is button up to the top her tie is tied tight. This attracts the audience, that her image is other then the feminine style of dress bright colours such as pink. she looks smart and presentable and this makes the audience interested int he article written next to her.

lighting:
The lighting used is high key, free from shadow, both two pages show a natural white lighting. The white lighting makes the reader focus on whats on the pages such as Eva and the writing which is written in black so stands out from the plain background. The high-key lighting

The woman in the main image appears sexy and flirtatious although contrasts this appearance with her costume which is sophisticated. She may have done this to challenge the stereotype that women always have to look sexy, and that although she appears flirtatious is an independent, smart woman influencing young women to read the magazine and to maybe follow in her footsteps, as smart shirt and tie symbolises work and independence.

Main task: contents page conventions Diagram

Main task: conventions diagram

Main task: front cover textual analysis

Denoation:
I see a picture of a woman standing up, it has been taken medium long shot showing her head to just above her knee. She is wearing a purple and pink dress leaning to the left side, holding flowers against her chest, giving directly eye contact to the reader. The background is ‘baby pink’, slightly darker at the bottom. Behind her head is the masthead 'Billboard.' The two lines "Katy Perry" is in bold which covers the majority of the left side of the page. There are four cover-lines two above and below the name "Katy perry"

Masthead:
The billboard masthead is very distinctive: black with colours filled in the 'b' red 'o' yellow 'a' blue and 'd' darker yellow, slightly green. Influencing people to but the magzine as the masthead is well known. The masthead style is simple with a cinical sans-serif font , which is both clearly visible and inviting for the audience. This font is less formal and therefore appeals to a younger niche audience. The shape of the letters appear curved with smooth edges but sharp corners and this makes the magazine appear fun but bold. In addition within the 'a' is a blue filling and the 'd' a yellow filling, this also contributes to the attractive fun look of the magazine as the target audience is young people, preferably young female.

Character:
This cover photograph is of the successful American singer-songwriter and actress 'Katy perry'.

Costume:
Katy Perry is wearing a dark purple no sleeved, above knee high purple dress. With a small baby pink coloured flowered pattern. At the bottom of her dress is a unique ruffled design. The dress also has the same dark purple coloured belt as the dress in the middle of her waist. Her dress is quite tight fitted until the design at the bottom. This dress shows off her figure which influences males to but the magazine through her attractive 'girly' appearance. And girls to buy the magazine as they may like her girly bright attractive style of clothing. look up to her, 'wanting to look like her' E.g have her body shape or the dress she is wearing

Non-verbal-communication:
Her body language is reserved, having her hand close towards her chest conveying innocence. that reaches out to young women and males proves attractive as the audience may want to read the information in the magazine because of this pose. She also appeals quite sexy as well as 'cute'. which may influence males to buy the magazine as well as females. Her body language is quite feminine. Her leaning to the side gives off a suggestive, vulnerable persona. Also shows off all of her figure and curves which again appeals to the male population, attracting young females, and also males too. Her head is leaned onto her right shoulder, with her mouth slightly open giving off a requesting, lascivious pose. Also appealing to males as well as the dress and background being targeted to females.

Prop:
Shes holding flowers which is attached around her dress. This reinforces the feminine idea she is trying to present through a visual object such as a flower. Which is normally linked to innocence, girls and prettiness. Flowers linked with beauty and brightness influencing the audience to but the magazine as it proves attractive and bright.

Coverlines:
There is four main cover lines. which are black with yellow sub headings.All of these coverlines have four lines including the sub heading. "making money from facebook social games" this cover line is successful for appealing to the young people as they are the age group which most uses social networking sites. Such as titter and facebook.

Setting:
The setting is a clear baby pink background. This was probably done, to direct full attention on to the image more then the background as the background is plain. The pink background reflects the main target audience, which is young females. As it is quite a bright, 'girly' pink. Often related to 'Barbie' which is yet again the attraction of her audience target. The fact that there is a clear background and no set setting gives attention onto her costume which is flowery but dark contrating with the light backgound.

Audience:
Considering all these points, the likely audience would be targeted at young females (although males may also buy this magazine).The age range varying from 16-25. as women of that age most likely are interested in fashion and have a big influence from pop music.The young females who would buy this magazine would most likely to be really feminine female who enjoys pop music. As shes covered in bright coloured flowers such as light pink, and yellow instead of colours like blue and red, which aren't very feminine attractive colours from young women. Also a person which enjoys reading brightly coloured magazines.

Lighting:
The lighting used is high-key,to give of a happy bright mood to the magazine. Also maybe to express fun and happiness. There is also a little shadow behind her arm and back to emphasise the positing of her body. High-key light is used as the pink background is light and vibrant and is most appropriate as pink is considered a colour represented for and to girls. Also seeing that the background is pink, may influence males to also buy the magazine as using high-key lighting and a bright coloured backdrop shows that the magazine will feature females (also supported as as there is a women also on the front cover will flowers over her)

The women on the front cover appears ‘innocent’ and passive although a little seductive as her mouth is slightly open. This could represent femininity and vulnerability which appeals to young girl hence the pink background and flower s attached around her. The background is plain and pink which draws attention on to Katy Perry and her outfit which is flower patterned, which effectively contrasts with the simple background.

Main task: Introduction

My name is Shakell Rattray-Samms and I am currently an AS media studies student. I am working toward creating a front page, content page and double spread for a new music magazine. My target audience will be young people aging ranging roughly from 16 to 21. My music magazine genre may be all genre. The colours included will prove bright or suiting the style of music and would therefore appeal to my target audience as youths respond to colours that refelct to the genre the magazine is presenting. which is all genre. In addition to understand what my audience request and prefer I will complete my planning research which will include:

-Introduction of brief

-Textual Analysis of existing text

-Magazine mock ups/designs/layouts
Creating sketches of ideas of what my front cover, contents and double page will look like, including themes, colours, different masthead etc. I will draw different photographs to see whether they go with the writing and colour and main genre I will trying to portray

-Case study of a publishing house
Identifying a website and stating features such as: Examples of target audience and extra features on the website and why they have added this feature.

-Mood board
I will make a collage including main influences on all the different genres I’m going to feature. Adding colours and images reflecting the genres. For example black for rock bright colours for pop. Also presenting things that symbolise music in that specific type of music e.g. Instruments,

-Unmanipulated photos
Pictures taken that will not use and also will us in my magazine. I will express why my picture went wrong and how I rectified my mistakes in future photos taken. Also explaining why I have included specific within my pictures. E.g. Costume, lighting.

Preliminary task: contents page FINAL

Preliminary task: front cover FINAL

Preliminary task: front cover & content page mock up

Preliminary task: front cover convention diagram

Preliminary task: front cover textual analysis

Denotation: I see a picture of a happy boy holding books looking directly at the camera. It is medium long shot, the background is a black backdrop with a slight grey-ish circular light in the centre, behind his head and shoulders. The photograph covers the whole of the magazine; behind him is a ‘college’ masthead with seven cover lines in yellow and white. There is also a barcode in the bottom left hand of the magazine, underneath showing pricing of US 4.99 & CAN 5.9

Conotation: This boy is happy which represents that school can be a fun place to be, also that you can be ‘cool’ as well a hard working student, hence the law, business& Society. The masterhead is bold and bright yellow which captures the eye of the reader. Furthermore the simplicity of the masterhead is more effective because although the masterhead is bold and captures the reader it doesn’t draught attention away from the image or coverlines.

Prop: The young man is carrying books which support the image and representation of education & learning, this compliments the magazine as it gives a clear idea of what the magazine is about. Also without words presents education to us through visual imagery and therefore is one of the first thing that draughts the readers attention other then the bright bold font .
Costume: The young man is wearing, which looks like a black leather jacket with all buttons open, a white v neck t-shirt with dark coloured jeans accessorised with a long chain with a cross and a brown a silver watch on his left wrist. The watch may represent organization and time keeping which is linked to school and education to show that the young man on the cover is a responsible organised model student. Additionally the chain could also represent religion that a model student can stay true to there religion and also work hard. The young mans costume on a hole is smart but casual, which appeals to all different types of audiences, to again illustrate that you can be hard working but cool, which challenges the idea of a ‘model student’ being smartly dressed for example suit an tie. Hence the student is wearing jeans, but still appropriate for learning environment.
Setting: On the front cover of this school magazine there is no setting it is just a dark backdrop which maybe because the setting is not important, the designer desired for the reader to focus more on the image and cover lines on the magazine.
Lighting :The lighting on the front cover is a low key lighting, there’s very little lighting, and only a slight spot light at the top of the cover near the young mans head and shoulders. The lack of lighting is effective in not distracting the attention of the front cover all to the lighting behind, we mainly concentrate on the image and cover lines, as the writing is brighter then the lighting in the background.

NVC: He using direct eye contact which makes the reader feel he is addressing to them personally. His stance is slanted slightly with his hand in his pocket which gives of a calm, relaxed feel, that invites the reader to read the full magazine as having your hands in your pocket is quite informal which contrasts the idea of school and education which is formal. Also he is smiling showing happiness and enjoyment about education this also encourages students to read the magazine as he shows that educational magazines can be fun as well as other magazines.

induction: Movie poster textual analysis

Denotation:A picture of a man appeared to be standing on some stairs giving direct eye contact to the audience. Holding a whip.

Conotation: Action adventure, set inside (some where dark e.g cave)/ night time, the orange/red glow may represents danger, adventure.

Costume: Dirty, unbuttoned t-shirt, creased, looks old fasion, adventure wear (khaki). which represences not really worried about appearance, know he may get dirty e.g fight/get in trouble. Clothes look quite damp- shows work, hot climate (maybe explaining the fiery glow)

Props: Gun & whip- Protection, knows his going to have to use it and therefore is prepared to get into trouble, so we know that its a action packed film because his tooled with a gun so most probaly the films going to involve shooting/fighting.

Setting: Underground cave- Adventurous place, dark, rocky, shadowed, because of the stairs we can tell its underneath ground (cave, pyramid), probaly somewhere his not suppose to be. skull represence danger/death

Lighting: Dark- Mysterious, suspense/tension because we want to know why its dark?, also we know that darkness represence danger so his brave and want to know why?, shadow on his face and body (LOW KEY). Spiral design shows ancient/old=forbidden, safe gaurded.

NVC: Strong posture, serious/direct stare, feels as if his looking towards us personally hands are gripped conveying strength, determination, confidence (description of a hero) so we know he will probably 'save the day'. slightly turned, maybe mysterious , legs apart=balanced, broad, steady, ready for 'war'.

Achorage
Sams serif, serious image although because of the font (wich is quite comical) shows it may be funny aswell. Font used for comic books which may back up the idea that his a hero, furthermore the text is modern so has a contemparary style.

Induction: re-creation of a movie magazine front cover

My first piece of work of my AS media ...

I have used photo shop before although I hadn't used the 'text' tool prior the lesson so I took a little time to get used to the tool and to change colours and size etc, but I soon was confident in using the tools and completed all the text with out much difficulty. If I was to redo this piece of work again I would try and master the 'mast head' tool as I feel it looks more presentable and attractive behind the person rather then infront. Furthermore I managed to use the 'slice tool' which I had never used before which im happy about as I now know how to use a new tool in photoshop.