5 Line Paragraph Summing Up My Music Magazine

My new music magazine is an R&B based magazine, appealing to its target audience of 16-22 year olds due to little mainstream magazines in this category. It will offer the latest, exclusive interviews in media; looking into the future and being the first to show off new acts. Presenting its style through the use of red and black, with a hint of gold to highlight and bring together the look. Keeping the tone and register mainstream and fresh it will encapsulate my audience.

Flat Plans - Contents page and Double Page spread ideas

Photoshop Practice

1. History Brush tool

2. Getting masthead onto image

3. Gaussian Blur tool

I feel the history brush tool was the most effective technique, bringing attention to particular areas.

Flat Plan design for Music Magazine

Mood Board R&B

Photoshoot Ideas

Slogo's

Colour ideas and Final Masthead

Font styles.

After researching into various styles of font, I have chosen the first one called "Justice". Mainly because it has the right style and boldness for my R&B type magazine. The flicks make the title more showy.

Reader Profile

Representing my Survey in a visually, stimulating way.

Analysis of Survey

1.      Females appear to be my main reader, with 62.5% my aim is to please these readers and suit their needs. This is unusual as the majority of music magazines reader audience is males, this may make it harder for me to achieve.
2. My age range looking at 16-22 year olds, this however does not come as a surprise, an adolescent/ teen approach on my magazine will make it more hip and stylish.
3. From this question I can see Pop and R&B is the majority of music listened to amongst my audience, this is not surprising, R&B is a popular range of music among young peers. My magazine needs to appeal to this music range to keep the young adult audience interested.
4. Music is a popular form of media and is accessed everyday by the majority of my audience. This proves that music is a key area to focus on; a music magazine is a good way to keep audience up to date with the latest. 
5.   My audience access music most commonly through the internet, this is seen as a convenient and simple way for young people to access music whilst interacting with social networking sites. This form is followed by radio and then iPod, c-d’s is last as it as an outdated product.
6. The majority of my audience do not spend money on magazines, nor do they read music magazines, this can be due to the fact that most my readers are interested in R&B music, a popular music genre but however is not commercially represented through magazines as much as Rock or Metal music.
7. Above.
8. It appears that Artists interviews is what interests my audience the most, this could be because it allows you to get up, close and personal with an artist(s) that you wouldn’t otherwise get to hear about. Connecting the audience with the magazine.
9.  Television is most commonly used through media products with my audience; this is a popular choice with 87.5% of my audience using it most. This could be because it covers most basis, music, actual TV programming, news, radio etc. It makes sense that this product is used the most.
10. The final question I used focused on what other interests my reader could have, surprisingly cooking is most popular, and this coincides with my majority female audience. Followed by sports with relates to the smaller male section of my audience.

Survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/MySurvey_Responses.aspx?sm=q1NLwMIAnA9E%2bNw%2fPLBDxgNLKfBaV4aWVvmIhV44IMM%3d

Mood Board and Target Audience for Music Magazine Prep

Target Audience :

Age : 16 - 22 year olds
Gender: Majority Male with some female aspects
Class: Middle class
Interested in or associated with:

• Rock Music
• Uses a variety of media products such as: internet, television, newspapers etc.
• Into creative extra-curricular activities
• Prefers the more colder colours
• Rebellion
• Electric Guitars, Drum kits etc.
• Rock chic Fashion
• Kings of Leon, AC/DC, Coldplay, Greenday, Evanescence, Led Zeppelin
• Mess in general
• Facial expressions tend to be: sullen, hard, uncaring, with an attitude, about power and control.

Survey

Survey Monkey - Media AS Magazine Survey

NME Double-Page Spread

    First of all the title “Sleazy Lovers” opens to its audience of males in their mid-twenties, due to its explicit terms of sleazy. This title is in a bold, black lettering to show this is the articles theme. With the stand first underneath to show what is following in the article, with “perverted minds” and “freak shows” this could be seen as a male dominated article.

     Through the double page spread there are two pull quotes indented into the article, they show the opinions of Nick Cave; the lead in this band. With his rebellious attitude towards life, “cunt” and “cruise the streets” it follows the generic readership of young men.     

      The lead image portrays a laid-back lifestyle with their calm and relaxed posture. On the white couch to blend into the general background of the magazine, also making the men in general stand out.

     The tone of the article is obviously aimed at the young minds of men with the use of words such as “randy” and “crotch-grabbing horn dog”, a vocabulary related to men. This again shows the rebellious attitudes of the band.

      The drop cap with the ‘F’ shows the beginning of the article; it is also in the same font as the title, showing connection. There are 4 columns on each page with alignment towards the left; this is a popular layout as it allows space between each column to show the separation.

   

NME Contents Page

    First of all the title resembles that of The Guardian’s masthead, a bold, plain font in black to get straight to the point, no messing around. Following this idea the whole feel and look of this contents page is of a newspaper look. A complete opposite idea to the front cover, this could be seen as a retro style cover page, making NME stand out and be bold in a unique way.

        Another point which goes towards NME being different is the fact it has no main image, the images are evenly spread about the page to show what could be seen as the important parts rather than a singular image to represent the magazine. Therefore the numbers following the pictures are clearly presented and indented into the actual picture.

       Also to accompany each photograph is a pull quote, brought from the articles relating to the picture itself. This is to give the reader an insight into the article choosing to read what stands out and first glance.

     The theme of the contents page is black and white; clearly. This makes the images the main focus, with the colour to stand out against the plain white background.

NME Front Cover

Again the Masthead is the conventional piece of the magazine, following the editions throughout. In the Bold red, this also connects with Noel Gallagher featured in the main image wearing red.

   There is a slight skyline however it aligns with the masthead so therefore could be seen as just information rather than the specifics of being the skyline. In comparison, there is no cover line, although you could possibly state that the cover line is there just in a different format. “Also starring… & more…” showing the same information the cover line should give. It could be argued that this is therefore the cover line. But due to NME’s rebellious, middle twenties male appeal it is altered to show it is different.

     The lead image is portraying the lead article between Noel and Liam Gallagher, the choice of colours both brothers are wearing is to show the opposition and dispute between them. Also the gap in the middle highlights the hostility from the “bust-up”, the facial expressions also express the tension and atmosphere between them.

     The lead article contrasts the black against the white, with “Oasis” in bold black against the white background. The ‘reversed-out’ colours with “Rock’s Messiest Bust-Up”, the black highlights against the white font. This also adds to the tension of atmosphere between the brothers.

     However, there is no left third; this is to simply highlight the importance of the lead image, centring the magazine on this article.

Uncut Double Page Spread

First of all the title is not only connected to the picture inset but sums up the article clearly. “The Making of… Sit Down by James”, with the Sit Down in bold blue font making this a key area of the article, again standing out against the white background which flows throughout.

     Then with the stand first under the title, giving the reporters words with pull quotes dragged in, before the reader is allowed to read the article they know instantly that it is based on the make and break of ‘James’.

     The lead image; taking up a whole page with no interference with writing or photographer’s image.

All focused around the front foremost person, suggesting he is the lead singer or in charge, someone most people will recall. Making a link to audience. Also the image has an antique colouring to show this could be a flashback to their younger days, an old image brought up from the past.

     Along the left hand side we have ‘passport’ pictures of the whole band, an introduction to new comers to the band or to show the change of appearance, giving a connection between the reader and the article. Being able to imagine the story as it is told.

     The tone and register of the article is to receive immediate responses, with the first paragraph instantly referring to their almost “bankruptcy” situation, brought on from real experience. The article also looks on to the opinions of the song “sit down” how it came about and developed to be an anthem.  

     The pull quote is aligned in the middle of the page to stand out the lead singer’s opinion, his own views. The drop cap to begin with, centring on the “I”, immediately knowing we are getting the story as it comes from the first person perspective. Also, there are two columns, again flush left to separate each column, a familiar set out for many magazines.

Uncut Contents Page

The “Contents” title is in the same font as the masthead on the front cover, keeping a theme throughout, linking the contents and the front cover together.

     The main image is in black and white to show the era of the artist; 1950’s, the black and white gives a sense of flashback in time.  It also shows the main article in the magazine.

       The numbers are clearly presented indented in each written section, with the artists name beginning each piece off. This also appears in red to make it bold and stand out against the background and the text. A quick go to, to know where the information is, not having to red every section to know what’s where.

    We then have the information split into three sections; actual pages, “regulars” and “reviews”. “Reviews” being in a red section, this stands out against the rest of the page making it an important area to read. A specific section for the readers needs, reviews was seen as in important part of Uncut according to scrib’d reader’s profile, being in touch with the latest indie album or rock single.

     With a plain, white background to make the image, in particular but also the text and bold headlines stand out; this makes the page a bold statement of information for the magazine.

Uncut Front Cover

The Masthead is again the conventional piece of the magazine; it features throughout each edition, with the occasional colour change. The use of red against the grey background allows it to stand out bold with a shadow effect; being highlighted in a darker red. Also the skyline is there to show what is in the issue, each caption separated with a line, to show different information.

   The use of red throughout the front cover is there to highlight the rock elements of the magazine; “Revolution Rock!” in particular is in red to show the theme of the issue, with 'The Clash' as its lead article.  Appealing to a mid adult male looking for classic yet cult music information.

   The Main Image suggests attitude and rebellion, with the cigarette behind the ear to show a tough guy appeal; as well as the facial expressions to show a rough attitude with slight boredom; this is also shown through the arms folded. This can appeal to a middle aged male as it is something that most men are not and something that most men wish they could do. Rebel.

    On the other hand there is no left third, the main information is shown on the right of the front cover, alternating in colours to make each set of information stand out and be different.

Q Double Page Spread

First of all, the big, bold lettering; in the same font as the front cover and contents page showing a theme throughout. With “Lad” in orange it stands out against the white background and the black lettering, suggesting this is an important word that describes 'The Streets' well. Under the headline we have the copy, words used from the journalist’s opinion to describe the article. He describes how Mike Skinner from the streets deserves to be greatest songwriter of all time, in 3 phrases: “poet, chav, spokesman for a generation” summing up his personality and appearance to others. Communicating to the teen audience through the use of a young, popular artist, the words used sums up why teens would appeal to him.

    The use of the stand first introduces the article; the first line is in bolder, upper case lettering to show the beginning of the article, “TURNS OUT DAVID Beckham” already showing the journalist has made a connection between Mike Skinner and David Beckham, however bizarre that may be.

     The lead image takes up the whole second page as it is there to entice the audience, to show clearly what the article is about before they venture into reading it. The picture is normally heavily stylised however, this image is kept simple, a close up shot of his face to focus on his expression and look in his eyes. This expression goes with the pull quote above, “I’m getting scary levels of fame...bodyguards and stuff”  the frightened look in his eyes is aimed to back up the pull quote. Appealing to the audience, which says I am a down to earth guy with realistic experiences. I’m not all about money. A genuine expression for a genuine guy.

     Also, for the two-page spread the use of a 3 column, with flush left to keep distance between each column. As well as this there is a photo description which goes along with the main image and the photographers name is mentioned to get recognition.

Q Contents Page

First of all the Masthead also plays a part in the contents page, as it does in every issue. Keeping the front cover and contents page connected.

The image of “The Streets” connects the front cover as he was the main image, this shows he is still an important factor of the magazine.

   Also, the bold lettering is resembled in the contents page, with a clear headline to outline the page. The red highlight around the specific sections “Features” and “Up Front” allows the white writing to stand out. Ultimately to indicate to the reader the magazine is split into two sections, the main articles in “Features” and the other information/articles in “Up Front”.

    As well as the artist(s) name in each article headline is in blue to stand out against the white, highlighting what each article is about and who is included in the magazine.

     The page numbering is clearly represented through either red or bold white writing; this makes it easier to navigate the magazine. All being on one page makes it clearer for the reader to understand and scan.

      Along the cover line of the contents page there is a pull quote, which brings out one of the articles involved in the magazine, also the word “Shit” brings in a more teen/young adult audience, with a nonchalant attitude, it is suggested the magazine could be rebellious. However, the main image aims at an older generation with Elton John being the subject of discussion; he is also in the features section and is therefore an important element of the magazine.

Q Front Cover

     Q’s front cover is jam packed with information about the magazine itself. The Skyline simplifies the magazine up in one line “The Essential Music Guide”, suggesting the magazine is a mainstream magazine, aiming to please everyone. In contrast the Cover line tells you what is going to appear in this specific issue.

     The Masthead is the conventional part of the front cover; this masthead is provided on every issue to keep the magazines similarity for readers to recognise.

     The main image is clear yet simple, the wide eyed expression of Mike Skinner from ‘The Streets’ holds the readers attention well. The black clothing helps the lettering to stand out against him. Holding his hands behind him shows a carefree look, which could in turn represent the carefree approach the magazine has as a whole. Also, the use of the backing images suggests the importance Mike Skinner has in the magazine as he is the main focus.

       The Lead Article is clearly presented in bold, upper case lettering; this shows the loudness of the article and the magazine. The use of the orange highlights the importance of the word and stands out against the white, as well the smaller lettering giving detail behind the leading article. Appealing to a wide audience.

Evaluation of College Magazine project

Evaluation

The college magazine project was a useful way to get acquainted with Photoshop. As I have not used Photoshop before I felt my work was more trail and error than actual expertise, this was probably my biggest disadvantage. However, I felt my end product was successful and had plenty of strong areas. For one, the colour scheming of my Front cover was bold and enabled the mast head to stand out, as well as this the colouring of the Front cover linked in with the Contents page; using the same effect of blurring the colour (for the background).  

       Also the outlining of the photos on the Contents Page connected to the outlining of the text on the Front Cover. I connected this as I wanted to ensure my magazine flowed fluently from one page to the next. Inferring this is how the rest of the magazine would go.

       However, I fell in some areas, for one the Main Image was a little to dark, not being clear and precise made it hard to cut the image out from the background. Also I could’ve experimented with fonts for the Contents page to make it more funky and bold.

       Overall I was happy with the end product, it exceeded my expectations marginally and the positives outweighed the negatives by far.

Research; Fonts and College Magazines

 

Research into various college magazines went well it enabled me to understand there is not strict guidelines to a college magazine it is whatever you want it to be. Colour scheming came through as important to keep the items linked together and help the magazine flow fluently. I took this on board in my notes when ready to start my own college magazine front cover.

Flat Plan; Front Cover and Contents Page

College Magazine; Front Cover and Contents Page