Adjustments

From my first draft I have begun to make the following adjustments to make my front cover better:

-          Changing the model and photo’s

-          Making the title fill the width of the page.

-          Changing the artist name and font

-     Swapping position of feature stories

-          Adding more colour and added features.




Rough Draft 

Final Draft Adjustments

-         

Diary 8

Diary 8

After handing in my rough draft and receiving audience feedback, I found that I could process the changes I needed to make easier, as I had evidence from my audience to rely on. As I began making changes to my magazine I decided that a series of different photo shoots featuring different subjects would be necessary in making my magazine more interesting. As mentioned in previous posts I decided that I will put a lot more preparation into the mise en scene of photos. I also plan to add a bit more to my article to make it fit on one page but in a smaller font.

Original Photos

In my rough draft my photos were not up to the level that I wanted them to be. Originally I had taken inspiration from a shoot of pop singer Justin Bieber for one of his magazine interviews. I found that the black and white photographs worked effectively in relating to the reader; however my own attempt did not work as well. This was mainly due to lack of preparation of the mise en scene.

Edited                                                                                              

Original

Edited

 

 Original

Inspiration

Rough Draft Feedback

Today I received helpful feedback on my first draft of the music magazine, which will be useful in making my final cut. From the advice given I found that one of the biggest concerns was the photos. In my next draft I will have to prepare the mise-en-scene so that the lighting is not too bright and the overall effect of the images is interesting for the reader. As well as this, I will photograph more models to increase the diversity in my magazine.  

The next area of concern is the columns within my double page spread. As a standard within many magazines the expected three columns were used in my own magazine; however I made my columns too wide and placed them over two pages. In my next draft, I will change this, so that text is on one side and the images are on the other.

However, from the feedback, I also found that the blue stripes I used throughout the magazine worked well in adding a house style. As well as this my article is suitable for my audience and the artist it is about. This will save time when making my final cut, as i will be able to put more time towards my photos.

Overall, the feedback will be very useful as it not only gives me tips to improve upon, but also gives me an insight into what the reader wants.

Rough Draft of Music Magazine - Evaluation

Rough Draft Evaluation

The last two weeks have been dedicated to making the rough cut of my magazine - front cover, contents and double page spread. After researching professional versions of these, (see previous posts) and creating a paper draft of my magazine, I have made my first computerised version. Obviously at this stage there is still flaws that will need to be adjusted at a later date. From my rough draft, I have learnt that is is extremely important that I always plan every detail that goes into the mise en scene of a picture. After having my first attempt at the photo shoot with my model, it was clear that I needed to be more prepared with how I wanted the model to act, dress and look. The first photo shoot was not as organised as I had hoped, however from this I have learnt to think about what I want at the end of taking the photos and plan everything thoroughly.

Diary 7

Diary 7

This week I finished my article and although I am not quite happy with my photos I am leaving them to do again on a later date when finishing my final draft. Presently I do not have enough time to change my photos without missing key codes and conventions that are needed to make my magazine professional. These small features such as bar code, date and photo credits are what will draw the finishing touches to my magazine.

Diary 6

Diary 6

This week I concentrated on photoshopping my photos as well as adding text to my magazine. After finishing the feature stories on my front page and contents I feel I am prepared enough to finish my first draft in time for the deadline. I have began writing my article for my magazine and feel it is looking promising as it fits the style of my magazine. Aftere analysing other magazines and the text they use to promote their image, I have included links to artists within my genre whilst also adding insult to other genres.

Diary 5

Diary 5

After taking my photos I have decided that I need to use photoshop to edit then and change the lighting. During the shoot I realsised that I had not prepared the mise en scene well enough for my magazine. The lighting was too bright and overexposed the model, as well as this I had not thought about the poses and position I wanted my model to do. In my second shoot I have planned the costume better as well as hair and makeup.

Diary 4

Diary 4

In this week I began taking my photos for my front cover, contents page and double page spread. I plan to use one of my friends as the model. I intend to take my pictures in the studio where I can use the lighting equipment to create a soft lighting and also take black and white pictures to give my magazine a seriousness.

Diary 3

Diary 3 

This week I have almost completed the layout for both my front page, contents and double page spread. I plan to have only one picture on my contents page with a large heading and text to read in a horizontal layout. Inb my front page I plan to have around 2 feature stories and a plus feature as well as my main feature article.

General Questionnaire Template

I will use the questionnaire below to ask my readers a general overview of music magazines. After collecting my results and consolidating them, I will go onto create a more specific questionnaire, asking questions directly linked to my own magazine.

General Questionnaire

Please circle the appropriate answers below.

What age range are you in?

0-15       16-26       27-37       38-47       48+

What gender are you?

Female       Male

What type of music genre are you interested in?

Pop       Rock       Indie-Rock       Jazz      Country & Western      Rap       Hip-Hop     

If other, please state:

..................................................................................................................................................................

What type features attract you to a magazine?

Interviews       Upcoming Artists       Reviews       Real Life Stories       Competitions       Quizzes

If other, please state:

..................................................................................................................................................................

How often do you buy and read music magazines?

Never      Occasionally      A Regular Basis       Every Issue Released of One Magazine

What music artist would you like to see in a main interview?

.................................................................................................................................................................. ..................................................................................................................................................................

What kind of layout features attracts you to a music magazine on the front page?

.................................................................................................................................................................. ..................................................................................................................................................................

Thank you for your time.

First Draft Process

Towards the end of last week, I began the rough draft of my magazine. After analysing a host of music magazines and creating a paper draft of my own, I had the initial ideas to base my first draft upon. I concentrated on sorting out the layout of my magazine first and writing my feature articles for the magazine. I will now go on to take my photographs of my model early next week, so that I have time to Photoshop and tweak them. The process of editing and making final adjustments should happen towards after the photos are in place. During my drafting time I am also going to carry out audience research, in which I will create questionnaires to find out what is best for my consumer. See this in my later posts next week.

Diary 2

Diary 2

This week of drafting my magazine has been interesting as I have developed my skills on photoshop and indesign since making my school magazine. I have in my mind a basics idea of what I want my magazine to look like, particularly focusing on a simplistic, minimalistic layout. I have chosen blue to be in my hosue style and have developed a basic layout for my front age.

Double Page Spread Analysis 4

This issue of Q features Lane Del Rey in their double page spread, and stick to their house style of minimalistic colours – black, white and red. Although the photograph is in colour, it is washed out and quite dark. They have the Q logo in the bottom corner of each page, like NME, keeping their brand image in the readers mind constantly. This is also made more noticeable as the red stands out on the stark white background. Like the issue featuring Lady Gaga, the name of the artist is used as the title in the top right hand corner. The two thin black lines separate the artists name and add a bit of shape to the layout of the piece. I like this feature as it is very simple to achieve, yet is effective in adding something to empty space within the spread. The full page, close up image of Lana creates a lot of emotion and feeling within the piece and adds to the moody image she creates for herself through her music. Often perceived as mysterious and dark, the reader sees this emphasised through the photograph of her. The photograph captures the mood that surrounds the artist music and personality and the image she wants to present. Although we can’t see clothing, time and preparation has obviously went into the appearance of Lana. For example, her nails are decorated with gold adding to her glamorous, old Hollywood-inspired image. This is also seen through her simplistic, yet expensive looking jewellery and her rich coloured makeup. The enlarged letter ‘S’ is taken from the beginning of the first sentence.

Double Page Spread Analysis 3

The double page spread from Blender, featuring pop singer Katy Perry sticks to the same simplistic style and layout used throughout the rest of the magazine. The use of minimal colour, gives the piece a sophisticated look, however small flashes of bright pink add fun to the piece. The colour matches in with the front page and contents of the same issue, the pink highlights keys names – Katy Perry & Rob Sheffield (writer) and also a shape in the photo which adds life to the picture. Mise en scene is a highly important in this picture, and use of costuming is carefully considered. The hot pants that Katy wears use sex appeal to attract a younger audience, however the 60’s inspired outfit with a striped pattern stop the photo from becoming trashy. The outfit has a touch of glamour which is needed to fit in the pop culture genre. We also see this through simplistic jewellery and accessories which allow some glamour without overcomplicating the picture and adding too much to the spread. Perry’s hair and makeup, like her outfit are also glamorous and taken care of, however are not overcomplicated. Her pose and position, give the impression of someone to be taken seriously however this is done in a fun, jokey way. I find this important to take away from the magazine as choosing the right pose and position as well as everything else that goes into mise en scene is important in creating the image you want your artist to give. The blocky sans serif font used for titles draw the reader attention to important text. For example, Katy’s name is done in this way positioned in at wonky angles which emphasise Katy’s crazy lifestyle. Breaking the conventions of a music magazine in this way is a risky choice, however as the magazine is very minimalistic in its layout, the text does not clash with anything. By making the open line in paragraphs a bolder, different font, it keeps the article interesting for the reader and highlights the topic of the paragraph. Again breaking the conventions of a music magazine, the article uses only two columns of text in oppose to three. I think that breaking the conventions, work for this magazine as its whole image is based on being new and fresh. However I don’t think I will unless I think it will enhance my work. The short opening introduction to the piece uses humour in small phrases to keep the reader interested in it. The witty lines are cleverly written, and like I mentioned earlier about the front page, the magazine uses mild sexual terms mixed with humour to attract the younger audience, ‘pornographic origami’. The humour keeps the phrases from becoming crude and all together make more witty text.

Double Page Spread Analysis 2

The NME issue featuring Lily Allen, that I previously studied, follows on in the exact same style as the front cover. The singer is wearing the same outfit, breaking the conventions of many music magazines and keeps the artist at a more down to earth level of the reader. This is something I wanted to do myself, but also keep a sense of glamour ha is seen among pop singers. The bold red of her checked shirt adds that edge that reflects Allen’s personality. Similarly the wonky angled title makes her seem crazy and wild, like her music. The black make up and edgy hairstyle give he the appearance of misunderstood, wild party girl that she is often perceived as, and as mentioned before, her almost normal clothing make her accessible to the reader. The large mid shot photo, cover more than half the page giving her a dominating, however appearance. As well as this her childish pose and eye contact make her seem like she is challenging the reader and she doesn't care what people think of her. I will keep n mind what kind of image. Want my model t present to my reader by making the text and photo match up, like this has. Use of the word 'honest' gives the reader the impression of her being forthright in her opinions relating to her music. The short introductory sentence catches the reader soon after the title, which I find interring as it uses positioning of the text to flow everything not each other. The bold drop capitol uses a plain, blocky font to create and impression and start the article of with interest, as well as keeping to the house style. Keeping the logo NME in each bottom corner of the page is a constant reminder of the brand image and reminds the reader of the source of the article. I like this idea as it reinforces the magazines identity. By changing the font and colour of lilies name in the introduction, it keeps up with the image she is given of bold, young and wild, however we see that the credited writer of the feature is also in the same styled text, making her also stand out. This convention adds a face to the workings of the magazine, making it more professional. I want to include this in my own magazine so that it doesn't just feel like the makings of a student, rather than a professional magazine. The usual three column text is not used, and we see four here, however due to the small length of each paragraph, it is necessary to fit enough text in. I personally do not like that the title is larger than the actual article and will not use that feature in my own work.

Double Page Spread Analysis 1

This issue of Q features edgy pop sing Lady Gaga in their double page spread. The reader is automatically confronted with Gaga's edgy style with the mise en scene of the photo. With the only costuming being chains, Gaga is scantily dressed giving the artists sex appeal attracts a young audience. The costume mixes the genres of pop and rock, which is what the artist sings. Not only this, but the costume reflect Gaga’s crazy personality and lifestyle. This is also seen in her messily styled hair; however this also exudes a sense of glamour to match the pop culture lifestyle. The large red 'L' featured behind the article links t the artists name, making her seem important and stands out, much like the singer does. The red not only matches the house style of Q but also adds pop of colour to the otherwise black and white double page spread. The colour also adds a sense of danger to Gaga, rallying to her crazy, bold personality, lifestyle and songs. Gaga's unpredictability is also seen in this. I think it is important to use colour to reflect the genre and style of the featured singer. This way the reader has a sense of what to expect and also what genre the magazine is. Not using any titles or subtitles except the singers name keeps the so read simple uncluttered, not overbearing the reader with text. We also see this from the blocky layout, with all text and the photo spaced and separated. The singers name as the title adds importance to her and uses the usual fonts seen in every issue of Q. The italic then capital text uses a basic sans serif font so that the magazine can keep of a consistency and professionalism in their issues instead of changing the style of font every time to match a different artist on the cover, who will could be of any genre. As Q does not stick t one specific genre of music, it would look unprofessional to use a wide range of completely different fonts. The conventional three columns of text is used here, something which I have chosen to follow. I think this keeps a double page spread from looking too cluttered with text but also keeps it from looking bare. The drop capitols add interred and colour to the piece, matching the house style. I think drop capitols area good way of adding something to stop text being monotonous and will think to include them in my own article. As mentioned before the spread uses a three colour scheme which stops the magazine from becoming trashy. The photograph of Gaga is a medium close up and takes up half the page which gives her some importance. I want to keep in mind that use of different camera shots in my photos, will keep my magazine interesting and mix it up. 

Contents Analysis 5

Another issue of Vibe magazine, although this isn't particularly the genre I want to use in my own work I like simplistic layout the the magazine uses and think I could still uses them as an influence as many of the artists they feature are chart music which I the genre I want to do along with pop. the dark colour and atmosphere represent the music that Eminem sings about. I find this interesting point as colour seems to be a recurring theme in many magazine ins representing their genre. I will take this into consideration when thinking about my magazine. His serious pose and costuming give him an intimidating, challenging presence the Vibe brand is in the ever present position seen in every magazine. Although I wont be making more issues of my magazine I find it useful to know that creating a brand image is important. The yellow and white font highlight the features and articles in the magazine whilst the smaller all white fo0nt at the bottom make it clear that that is the separate bit, featuring credits of those working on the magazine. I want tot include credits such as these in My own work just so that it feels more realistic and follows the codes and conventions of basically every music magazine of every genre.

Contents Analysis 4

This issue of Vibe magazine shows hip-hop/pop singer Keri Hilson in a full page image. The costuming is all red and black, colours associated with danger and boldness. The gold on the costume adds a sense a glamour that is usually seen in this style of music and reflects her fame and glamorous lifestyle. Her pose and clothing both use sex appeal to attract the audience and also give her the image of powerful and dominant. The very minimalistic layout has inspired what I want my magazine to look like, similar to Blender in which it uses  full page image on a studio based location with a white background, it gives the singer a importance and makes her the centre of the readers attention. The barely there text does not contribute much other then the essentials and the features stories which are most important. The small flashes of primary colour link back to the fact that the magazine only uses the basics in its layout. The small symbols which are almost used as bullet points give the reader an idea of what they might be reading, which is something I might consider in my own magazine. I particularly like the use of colour and positioning of the model. The small captions under each subheading describe in only a few words a feature story but also describe more than one story. I find this a bit excessive on the minimalism however and would prefer to describe feature individually.

Contents Analysis 3

This issue of The Source sticks to it's usual house style and keeps a simplistic style - something I want to also achieve. The horizontal layout gives the magazine a blocky style which I like as it breaks the usual conventions of text being in on long list. The integration between the text and the photo is subtle and takes advantage of the empty space on the corners of the picture. The giant page number keeps it clear to the audience where this feature is and also uses a sophisticated font to contrast with the urban grime-style picture. The photo fits in with the genre of hip-hop by using the costume. The untraditional choice of photo including a large amount of people gets the point of the feature across and draws in  the readers attention. despite this, the magazine does follow some codes and conventions of some music magazines, giving the issue number and release date. Unlike many magazines the features are in chronological order. This means that it is simpler for the reader to follow. The headings and sub headings of each section break up the text, this is also helped along by the picture of a radio at the bottom of the page. This is also linked to a relevant feature with a page number to stop it from being a randomly place, drifting picture. The thin black divides between the page number and the headings and break up the text and add structure to the layout. The flashes of red stop the mainly white layout from being monotonous and also represent a edgy, bold style of music.  

Contents Analysis 2

This contents page from MOJO has a blocky layout which features a variety of pictures on the left hand side. the pictures show a range of subjects such as album artwork and artist interviewed. The text and images are kept quite separate, each having their own side of the page. The small shadow on wonkily placed album artwork allow just a bit of movement within the layout which stops it from being boring. However small captions and tags stop the text and images from becoming completely separate. This integration of text and photo stop the reader from becoming confused on what text matches with which picture.. In my own magazine I would like to use this feature. As well as this the simplistic sans serif title 'MOJO' captures the magazines house style and makes it prominent within the readers mind. The thin black lines throughout the layout add clarity and stop it from becoming cluttered and unreadable. This divides the text in a subtle way and adds professionalism to the magazine. I particularly like this feature and will hope full use it myself, however instead of black perhaps choose a brighter colour to match my target audience. The black and white colour scheme keep the magazine sophisticated and serious however the colour among the pictures stop it form becoming boring. The list of features is also attractive as it doesn't cram too munch text in and uses sub-titles to stop it from becoming boring.

Contents Analysis 1

This contents page by Blender follows the cover featuring Katy Perry uses the same minimalistic style as the front cover. The large, full-sized image of pop icon Katy Perry is used to give the singer dominance and power over the readers. Her outfit conveys the image she presents of 60's glamour as well as giving her sex appeal to draw in the reader. The prop she is holding adds to her quirky style and also adds interest the the otherwise empty space in the picture. The photo is around half empty space and the rest is filled by the singer and the prop she is holding. However rather than making the magazine look too empty, small captions of text are added. Although the layout is largely image dominated, there is enough text to satisfy the reader. The large title 'contents' is in a sans serif bubble style font to add fun and full up the empty space the within the picture. From this contents, I aim to bring the minimalistic style they have by using a studio based picture as well as the limited flashes of bright colour. They have a minimum amount of feature stories all in a block in the corner, this stops the layout from being cluttered and confusing.

Front Cover Analysis 5

‘Q’ magazine – 'Adele'

The front cover of this magazine uses highly successful, chart singer ‘Adele’, to instantly grab the reader’s attention. The full page close up draws the reader in as the singer stares at the reader from the side, revealing Adele’s confident and   forthright personality. The expression of her face and position of hand also add a sense of challenge. This relates back to the singers personality, as she is often seen as not caring of   people’s views on her appearance. The light in the picture is quite bright and uses a lot of white in the picture, representing Adele’s clean image to the reader, this is also seen through Adele’s immaculate appearance, (nail varnish, make up, skin and hair). I hope to use this kind of technique in my on magazine, as the appearance and position of my model will attract a certain type of audience. The red is seen as a continual colour throughout the spread, and is the branded colour for Q. this adds an edgy feel to the magazine and represents the bold artists the magazine includes. The tagline 'Adele blows us away' matches the photo with Adele's windswept hair. This use of props give the magazine professionalism and add to Adele's powerful persona. The feature articles are all aligned to the left in a blocky format keeping them from overlapping important parts of the photo. By using the same font and the black and red colour scheme, it keeps the front cover uncluttered but still allows enough text to interest the reader. Separating the features are thin black lines, which add a professional touch and keep the features clear and easy to read. We again see this level of professionalism in the goldy/brown, sticker-style circle. It not only fills excess empty space, but the standout text 'THE 300TH ISSUE' in a large clear font give the audience reassurance of the magazines on-going success and reliability.

Front Cover Analysis 4

3. ‘Q’ magazine – ‘Florence and the Machine'

This issue of ‘Q’ features singer ‘Florence and the machine’   and gives the reader an insight into the article with inserted quotations and the title ‘Woman on the edge’. The quotations give a snapshot of what the reader should expect, which is a good idea to appeal to a type of audience. For example, quotes including drugs and drinking are stereotypically associated with Rock music; therefore advertising rock magazine if those quotes are used. Feature articles around the edge of the front cover are used which have the title: ‘heroin, hookers and heavy metal’. This advertises to a genre of music completely different to Florence and the Machine. This is something I would use in magazine so that I reach a large spectrum of music lovers all with different music tastes. The red and blue colour scheme contrasts each other and relate to Florence's photo. The flash of blue we see throughout the front cover is depicted from her blue eye shadow, making the colour pop. Like in previous issues of Q, we see the thin lines to separate the features around the photo. Again it makes the layout clear and easy to read keeping the cover to be completely text dominated. Different sized text keeps the text interesting; however the use of the same font used continuously keeps the magazine from looking too unconventional and messy. With my own magazine I will keep to using 2-3 fonts so that I mix the text up a bit and make it more interesting, but I will make sure the fonts do not clash.

Front Cover Analysis 3

2      ‘Q’ magazine – ‘Exciting People’

 

This issue of ‘Q’ features the story ‘Exciting People’ and is dominated by three different music artists from three different music genres. All the artists shown are highly influential within their music genre and have been chosen as they each have a massive fan base, giving the magazine large audience coverage. This gives the impression a diverse magazine that doesn’t always specialize on a genre of music. I hope to incorporate this into my own magazine by using various musicians on the front cover to appeal to a wide audience. This is also seen with the variety of artists in the plus section of the magazine. This covers up the empty space and adds a small snippet of what can be expected in the magazine. The pink background of the bottom banner is seen as part of the colour scheme, drawing attention to the names of the singers and the background of the exciting people star. This links all of the artists together as 'Exciting People' from the way that they are all in the same colour.

Front Cover Analysis 2

5 'Blender' magazine – 'Katy Perry’

The music magazine ‘Blender’, much like ‘Q’, uses a range of artists on the front cover of the magazine to advertise to a large audience. However the techno themed fonts in black and bright pink advertise to a younger audience than ‘Q’. The audience get a feel for the magazine by the simple, clear layout and the use of young pop artist, Katy Perry’ . Like Blender, I want to use a simple layout with a three tone colour scheme of bright, popping colours so that I can aim for a younger audience of around 15-25. With the clear layout we see many artists featured and get the feeling of a general, chart covering music magazine. The top banner fills up empty space and adds a bonus for the reader – freebies. This makes the reader attracted to the magazine and gives them a curiousness to see what new tracks thy will be receiving. The title and small intro for the Katy Perry adds courageousness and again appeals to the target audience – ‘Kiss’n’ Tell With Pop’s Bi-Curious Babe’. The slang words ‘Babe’ is relevant to a younger generation and the phrase ‘Kiss ‘n’ Tell’ adds fun and a bit of excitement to the piece. The phrase ‘Pop’s Bi-Curious’ creates a pun on the singers debut song ‘I Kissed A Girl’ and ‘Pop’ refers to Perry’s music genre and brands the magazine outright as a pop magazine. We see this openness of sexuality again with the feature story on T-Pain, claiming that ‘My wife and I download porn together.’ This perhaps might not be appropriate for an older generation however, this openness and casual tendency to come outright with phrases others might find offensive, could attract a certain type of audience. This magazine makes it particularly clear what type of readers it aims to attract, and I hope to achieve the same thing, primarily focusing of on bright colour and light, serif fonts. However the feature stories are also important and I will take on board that features should have relevance to my reader’s lives.