Overall conclusion:

Overall, I think that I have learnt a lot whilst in my first year of studying Media. I feel that I have learnt new things, which I thought I wouldn't need to learn, as I felt as if I knew everything I needed to already with programs such as photoshop.

I feel as if producing a front cover, contents page and a double page spread article using "real life" programs such as InDesign, it has given me more knowledge as has also challenged me by pushing myself further into creating something which is as realistic as possible. I have learnt along the way that I can be quite indecisive, meaning that I don't know what I want, then when I think it is right, I will change my mind again - due to me sometimes being doubtful.

One other thing which I have learnt about myself throughout this year is that I like simple things - and not things which looked crammed together. I also like everything to look modern because I wanted the text to be "quirky" and I also like the layout to only include a few images (which I realize can knock my grade as it may not be sticking to the original codes and conventions of a magazine).

I have thoroughly enjoyed this task of creating a music magazine in the style of real, on the shelves music magazines such as "Q" and "NME" as I have experienced a little bit of what it can be like to work for a real magazine company as our school has given us many opportunities due to the facilities provided.

Extra content: planning of magazine: front cover mock ups.

Here are my mock ups of my front cover. The one which is at the bottom is the one which I decided to use within my media coursework, as I felt that simpler was best. You may notice that the design which is at the very top was used briefly within my stages of development (which can be seen in an earlier post).

As I mentioned previously to this post, I had trouble in working my scanner, hence why my mock is noted as extra content. For this I apologize.

7) Looking back at your preliminary task (the school magazine task), what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to full product?

When I look back at my preliminary task, I feel that I have learnt a few things which I never thought I could. For example: my school magazine wasn't carefully planned and thought through like what my music magazine was, which I feel made a tremendous impact on "String Set" because I knew what I wanted to achieve and include - which was not what I did on my school magazine, as I just wrote down whatever came in to my head on that day.

In terms of photography, I have learnt that it is best to plan the angles you like and also want to work on, as the angles, lighting and composure of a picture will help when setting a layout of a page, especially the front cover; as you have to match colours to the front page, put text in a specific place which also means it doesn't look too over empowering etc.

I have learnt that the aspect of time is very important. You need to set yourself a time limit of how long you want to spend on creating each page - and then, if you are still not happy with your product when you have told yourself to move on, then you need to spend extra time working on it outside of your lesson.

The type of font is also important: for instance, If I wanted to create a particular mood or look then I would have to look for a particular font, as some fonts can suggest a mood or define a certain look. For my magazine, I wanted to create something quirky but simple - and I did this by using the fonts that I did.

I have also learnt how to address a particular audience when directing your media product towards them. For instance, I used particular words which would be similar to what they would use in an everyday conversation: which would mean that it is easy for them to understand but at the same time meaning that they feel the urge to read on.

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

Whilst usingthe facilities which our school has, I realized that the software is similar to the ones which are used at a real magazine such as "Q" and "NME". This made me realize that the standard of my media coursework could be to the same standard as a magazine which is found in the shops.

Software:

InDesign

Whilst using InDesign I learnt how to resize an image; instead of using the small boxes around the edge (which will delete that specific part of the image) you have to resize it by entering a percentage which can make it bigger or smaller. There is other things which I learnt how to do in InDesign such as rotating an image and using the colour and layer pallets. I realized that programmes such as Microsoft Word and Publisher are so different to InDesign, but the reason why we only just realize is because programs such as InDesign are not available to us at a younger age.

Photoshop

In Photoshop I manipulated some of my images by adding a drop shadow. This was the only thing I learnt whilst using this program, as I didn't use it in order to create my magazine pages.

Hardware:

The Apple Mac's

Being a new user of the Apple Mac systems, it has meant that I have had full priority of their photo uploading and storing program which also gave me experience in the healing brush tool. This has meant that my images look more professional, and my model looks more like the stereotypical model who is more likely to be seen in a magazine.

An other thing I have learnt whilst using the Apple Macs is that I am able to have more programs open, which has allowed me to be able to manipulate images whilst I have got my work open.

5) How did you attract/address your audience?

For some unexplained reason, my image has been interrupted, so I will re-load this picture when I am using the facilities at school.

4) Who would be the audience for your media product?

Meet Faye:

You are most likely to find Faye vigorously ramming the clothing rails to find the old school ralph lauren jumper or Pixie Lotts unwanted dress in the bargains at Oxfam. This music loving girl will have just returned from the Glastonbury and Reading music festivals, and now most probably broke - but just starting to save for the next best music festival. Their money will be spent in places such as HMV or itunes, and their "recently viewed" internet pages will be pure volume and youtube trying to find the next best artist to share with their friends whilst cruising in their friends VW beetle. Music is the most important thing in their life, as well as the fashion trends in the world of BOHO chic by following people such as Pixie Lott or Alexa Chung for inspiration.

She will either be living at home or sharing a flat with her friends or flat mates if she is at university. University will be on the cards, but not until they have had enough festival experience and life experience.

Her idol will be someone you have never heard of. She is unique. Her style is something you envy and most of all, she know's how to have a good time without spending a lot of cash.

People such as Faye will also be the normal target audience for my magazine. The age range will be between 16-25 because some people are seen to not be as "mature" as others, therefore meaning that the audience can be wider in terms of the age.

The target audience is also boys as well and i tried to use multi-sex colours such as oranges and whites which imply summer, are bright and could also show that the magazine is made for both sexes.

IPC Media will also be a good distribution company because it will allow them to know specific techniques which could appeal to Males and Females, as they have a wide range of media products which are targeted at many. Also, IPC media would be good for targeting my audience because they don't have a product which is targeting at 16-25 year old men and women, meaning that their ideas could be wider, meaning a possible bigger marketing scheme.

The reason why Faye would buy "String Set" is because she would be intrigued with what was on the front cover, as the information which the magazine would include on the front cover would be things which would make everyone take an interest.

With my magazine including various information on various music related stuff, this would also attract Faye to buy it, as she is interested in fashion but also listening to music at the same time - at home or with friends at a concert. She would want music which sticks in her head forever because thats just the way that she is. Unique.

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

Having researched into a few music magazines such as "Q", "NME" and "Word" I have come to the conclusion that my magazine has more in common with NME than any other, therefore meaning that it should be distributed in the same way using IPC media. I had done a bit of research into NME, but when I researched into this magazine a bit more, I realized that our magazines are so similar. I would like to add that this was not done on purpose.

The reason for my conclusion is because:

1) NME reports on festivals - which I also did in my magazine, as I felt that it appealed to the particular audience I was targeting to more.

2) NME have reported on artists who are currently around in the music industry, which is also similar to what I have done and as I have mentioned on my front cover about Kate Nash - and where she has gone - because not many people know what she is doing at the moment, only if they were to know this and also be a fan of her. (An example of NME mentioning "at the moment" bands on their front cover is on: http://www.nme.com/artists/kate-nash which is an example of one of their recent front covers). Again, this is similar to what I have done, as on their website they have an archive of bands and artists which can update you on what they are currently doing. For example, (as I have mentioned her in my magazine) they tell me all about Kate Nash and what she is doing: (http://www.nme.com/artists/kate-nash). Because of this I feel that the way in which NME is distributed should also be how my magazine, "String Set" is, as I want my magazine to not just talk about music, but also music news, which is an other thing that NME does, which I feel would fit in with my magazine.

3) NME give information on concerts near by, which is something which I have also included in my magazine where it says on the contents page "gigs nearest and dearest". I feel (after realizing that both of the magazines do this) that my magazine focuses on music as well as "music news", which I think could generate more of an interest; as music news can relate to more people who could not be seen in my reader profile, meaning, that if my magazine was to be sold in shops - there could be a possibility that i would have a higher circulation and profit.

Now my fourth and final reason as to why I believe my magazine would be better suited to be distributed by IPC media is because they have had a lot of experience distributing for magazines which are well known for many different people, such as: NME, Ideal Home, Look magazine, Now magazine, Marie Claire, Woman And Home and also Horse And Hound (to name but a few). I feel that my media product would be something different for IPC media as their audiences are already varied, but do not have a product which specifically targets the audience that I want to do.

With all of my reasons in mind, I think that IPC Media is the best distributor because it would allow my magazine to have more of a chance at selling well, as the magazines which this company distributes are well known and get an average amount of television adverts and they all also have a website which is of high standard - which allows audiences to gather even more information that what would be in the magazine itself.

2) How does your media product present particular social groups?

To the left: My model sadie

To the right: Alexa Chung (my inspiration)

The target audience for my media product was an indie teenager/young adult (age: 16-25). For my double page spread I wanted to keep in mind the festival style, as the majority of my audience would go to festivals during the summer, or will like the idea of going to one in the near foreseeable future.

My model, Sadie is a brunette who has a "messy hair" look, which I thought fitted in with my festival idea, as nobody has the chance to cleanse themselves properly at a festival due to the fact that there is no real shower facilities. With the fact that my models would also have a natural look; with no hair products, would also fit in within my particular social group. However, I do understand that my particular social group would normally wear hair products.

Clothing

Here, I felt that I should dress her in a baggy top, over a short denim skirt with knee high socks and wellington boots to create a messy and free festival look. For inspiration I used Alexa Chung and also an image I found using weheartit.com. I tried to keep the look of my model simple, yet fashionable, by using minimal clothing, as the festival period is in the summer, and on a normal summers evening, the weather would be warm, therefore meaning that not many people would be wearing that many clothes.

For this particular picture, I asked Sadie to pull the vest strap down to reveal some of her bra, which I felt was appropriate when presenting my particular social group, as they like to go out and become intoxicated: leading to "drunk" people wanting to rid of their clothes, hence why I asked my model to sit like this.

Make-up & Hair

The make-up which I used on my model was made to look natural; with skin colour foundation, some blusher and then some clear lip-gloss for a summer look. Again, thinking of the festival go-ers I decided that it would look less staged if the make up was to look normal with no over the top lipstick or eye shadow, as people wouldn’t actually spend that much time putting on make up at a festival. Similar to the make-up, I wanted to keep the hair natural, and as my models hair is naturally messy and un-straight. I thought it would look good if I left it with no hair products, and just a bit of roughing up. Like Alexa Chung’s hair, Sadie’s hair is brunette, so it meant that I was able to style it more to the look of my inspirational image.

Mis-En Scene.

In all of the pictures I have researched of festivals for inspiration it has included either a field, camping surroundings or other people etc. With this thought in mind I looked around for places with a large area for me to be able to photograph in, also making sure that there was a nice background, which could be included in my own photographs. As I live within the countryside, it was easy for me to be able to find a tranquil looking place. The reason why I wanted the field to be clean and tranquil looking is so the pictures had a different look to normal festival images.

Angle of the shot

Whilst I was taking pictures of my model, Sadie, I tried messing around with various angles through different shots until I found one that I liked and one that my model felt comfortable shooting for, also keeping in mind my magazine layout. When I chose this shot, it meant that:

A) I could add text down the left hand side, and also some on the right.

B) That this angle represents someone who would not be a professional photographer, as the majority of normal photographers will shoot someone (normally) straight on. The reason why I used it is because I had a thought in mind which meant that a professional photographer would not have been at a festival, and as the article it represented if for the audience to write, I thought it would fit in with the magazine better.

I think that this angle also shows the expression of happiness which i feel also represents the particular social group that I am marketing to. This picture shows her having fun, also similar to what my reader profile for "String Set" are like, as it states that “they know how to have a good time.” which shows this.

Posture and Gesture

I wanted this shot to look natural, so we made her laugh, which meant that I was able to capture a normal position (whilst I was holding the camera) which was also inspired by an image which I found whilst looking at festival images. As my article was based on festivals with people having a good time, similar to what my target audience do, I decided that this posture would fit in with my style and also, as I did, think that it could be versatile, which meant that I could use it for my front cover and also my double page spread, as I could easily insert text on the right hand side, which in the end i didn't.

Dis-guarded material:

My other model Sam, whom I didn't include images of in my magazine was similar, however, I decided that her look should be more groomed indie, instead of a messy indie like my model, Sadie. The reason why I decided that Sams look was to be more groomed is because if indie kids aren't attending a festival, then they care a little bit more about their look - and at the time I hadn't contemplated the idea of writing about a festival go-ers experience.

I

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

I set out to match the codes and conventions of a normal magazine, by using my research magazines as inspiration. I liked Elle magazine in terms of the way that they made their contents page simple, with a big image as a background and then a white back-grounded text box. I used the box idea for inspiration in my magazine which you will be able to see throughout my magazine pages, as I used the one coloured box as an idea... however, I didn't use the idea of an image spread out across one page, as I did not like the thought of using valuable space.

(Elle contents page)

The title of the magazine:

"String Set" uses the normal codes and conventions of a normal magazine; as it has a name which is able to reel in the audience because of the alliteration which has been used. Also, the language which has been used also refers to music, as it reminds me - and others of an acoustic set. For inspiration of the name, I went to a small music shop in order for me to make my magazine refer to an instrument, as I feel as if it makes the magazine seem to have a musical element to it.

Font style:

For the front cover, I tried to match the codes and conventions of a magazine, which I feel as if I did well - even though the font is more capitalized. Originally this was going to be the font which was to be used throughout my magazine, however, that didn't follow normal codes and conventions of a magazine as magazine use a more "softer" font case. Whilst my font was all capitalized, I was challenging the codes and conventions of a normal magazine, however, I had no apparent reason why I should develop it, therefore I changed it.

Again, when decided upon a font style, I used "Elle" for inspiration because i like the neatness of it and also how it looks simple yet effective, which could also reflect my audience, as they use simple things to make their "look" seem better.

The text used has stuck throughout my magazine, keeping a house style, as I have used the more capitalized font for headings and also captions, then using a more softer approach for the text in my double page spread.

Layout of front cover

The layout of my front cover meets the codes and conventions of a normal magazine in the way that I have used emphatic devices such as bold coloured boxes, which would be able to attract somebody if they were to be in a shop, (in an example) therefore allowing them to come over and contemplate the idea of buying my magazine. An other way the layout of my front cover uses the codes and conventions of a real magazine, is because the front cover includes a pretty girl, who is a size 10 with brunette hair. Again, the idea of this is seen throughout many magazines, which helps to bring in more attention to the front cover.

(You can see an example of this below)

Madonna has been placed on the front of "Q" magazine which with emphatic text stating her name. I have used a similar form as Q, except my model is unknown, mostly like a lot of indie bands. I have then used emphatic devices, except they emphasize what the image is related to.

Music genre and how my magazine suggests it:

On the front cover of my magazine i have articles which read "the life and style of our friend florence" and one which also gives readers the chance to meet Seasick Steve, which only a few people know about. This shows that the magazine has things in common with their audience, generating a connection. The artists which are used are only related to a fair few, as not many others will have heard of Seasick Steve, even though a lot of people will have heard of Florence Whelch - from Florence And The Machine.

An other way in which my magazine suggests the genre is by the clothing which I placed on my model, for instance: not alot of people would wear what she wore, except for people who are my target audience.

I believe my double page spread is now done..

Double Page Spread!!

Just now I finished my double page spread. I went through and changed my font, decided that I like the layout and also everything is where I want it, although, my article hasn't been proof read, so the this may change in due course...

This is my final (at the moment) double page spread. I have a font size 12, as this font is fairly small, however, I may have changed it to a smaller size, which, if this is the case, will be documented on my media blog.

As you may be able to see, I have included a big sized font to create something which holds a quote which relates to the article, and could maybe draw a reader in. If you are unable to read it from where you are sat, then it says "I was jumping for excitement and my friends were laughing".

The image that I have included is also in relation to my article, as it is all about a festival story. The images show my friend, Sadie, in a field having fun. Part of the story is all about how she is just chilling and having a good time whilst "raving" to her favorite music.

I like the colour scheme of my article, with a bold colour against a white which makes certain boxes stand out. The colours are the same to the colours I have used on my front cover and also in my contents page. have tried to use colours which would be for a boy and girl crowd.

Text font again.

It has just occurred to me that if I have changed my font on the double page spread, that I will then have to change the font on my front cover and contents page. This has worried me as the house style may not be in one particular style, therefore my grades downgrading because of it.

I have spoken to my teacher about my little problem, and we resolved it simply and quickly by deciding that it would be fine to keep the other font as it is, as it looks good with the style. As the font used on my front cover is for headings, it will be fine, as my contents page style is also headings... and then to keep this, I have stayed with this font for my double page spread only in the orange information boxes.

Change of font...

Today I printed out my double page spread. The font size which i changed last week to a 10 looks good, I think i underestimated what the font size would look like, as it looked about right on the computer, but not on paper. So I am glad I followed my teachers advice to change that.

Now I have to work on changing my font, as the capitalized font that I have isn't a normal convention of a magazine, and as my research was for "Elle" and other magazines who follow a certain convention - I have to change it, even though it may not fit in with the "quirky" style that I wanted.

Tonight I will scan my printed version in of my double page spread, and also my mock ups for the magazine - which I have only just figured out how to scan.

Font issues.

Today, as I was showing my teacher my almost finished double page spread, she noticed that the text I have chosen to use is all capitalized, and she then suggested that I change the text. I somewhat agree with what she says, as it is not a normal convention of a magazine, however, I want to research magazines which go against this convention.

This will probably result in me changing my font choice, as there is not a good enough reason for me to keep my font, but I shall experiment with different fonts and then see which one I prefer.

Another issue she touched upon today, was the font size. My current font size is 12, and she suggested that I change the size to a 9 or 10. Instead of doing this straight away, I am going to print out my double page spread and see what the size looks like in real life. I feel as if size 9 is too small, however, I may be wrong when I see it printed.

Information to go into my double page spread...

New Box!!
I have just decided to add a box on my right hand side. It was going to be a long box which said where celebrities were going to be, but as I wanted to make my double page spread seem realistic, and have information which related to festivals, I decided that I would add a box which includes places that you can buy camping equipment and other things which one would need when going to a music festival.

This is what the new box currently looks like:

I think that this is relevant to the subject of my double page spread, and also useful and very helpful information. Where you see blank space, this will also be full. Whilst looking at this box, I feel that the text may be too small, however, it is already a font size 12, and I don't think that I should make the font any bigger.

Double page spread text references

For my double page spread, I am writing about festivals and also including a little box names "tips for fest virgins". I have done my research to be able to make the article more realistic. I thought I should make a note on my blog to tell you some of the websites I have used to gather this information.

CLICK TO GO TO THE WEBSITES I USED.
Click to go to 'The Guardian' article
'Mtv' festival tips video
Youtube video - festival tips
Youtube video 2 - festival tips

More will be added as I use the websites.

As apart of this double page spread, I wanted to include a box on the right hand side which says who you can find at what festivals, however, the information is hard to find as i don't know what to type into the various search engines so instead, I think that I am going to make up information.

Starting my double page spread for "String Set"

Double Page Spread

Today I started on my final page, my double page spread, and decided that I would put boxes and images where I wanted them to go - without actually placing any text in.

Here is my layout design so far:

I really like this layout design as I have stuck to the colour scheme, the text type and layout. Basically, I have kept to the house design. I have been a bit worried that there is more text, and not enough images included, however, I have been reassured after asking for peoples opinions, that it looks okay - so this is the layout I'm going to stick with.

I thought that the images would make the page look more groovy and inviting, as alk of the objects are not straight.

The orange box in the middle reminds me of a normal magazine layout, as they would normally have a box which stands out for tips, or something relating to that particular article, therefore meaning that I have stuck to a code and convention of a normal magazine.

Different stages of developing my front cover.

Some stages of my front cover coming together.

On this front cover I didn't have a barcode or a title. You will also see that there is text on the right hand side aswell as the left. In my final design, this does not include text on both sides.

Here I was experimenting with the idea of having text in colour boxes, however I originally wasn't going to spread them out with a different subject. I wanted them to be cluttered together to create a messy "indie" effect.

Here, I have still kept with the idea of text within colour boxes, however the boxes were not touching each other. They were separated within the different subjects, however they were also separated on different lines. I prefer the effect it gives on my final front cover, even though I do also like this design.

- You have already seen my final version!

FRONT COVER PAGE- FINISHED!

I think that my front cover is finished, FINALLY!

It has taken me a week, maybe two to complete my front cover. Now I have a week or two to complete my double page spread. My contents page is very nearly finished, and all I have to do is add a few images to it.

My front cover now has a title, barcode, issue and price on it. I am pleased with my front cover very much as I think it looks original with the aspects of a normal music magazine.

My final image:

on my blog I still need to add all of the images that I took of my mode Sadie.

Nearly finished my front cover!!

Today I have sat down to do my front cover for hopefully the last time. I have had to tweak it a little bit, by adding the little bits on it such as the barcode, the month it has been released and the price... etc.

I have had a little trouble finding a barcode that works, as I am not sure if it should be transparent, or if it looks okay with a white background and then the barcode.

This is what it looks like on my magazine.

The whole thing:

I think that it looks okay, however I am just a bit worried that it doesn't fit in with the layout.

Music which would be inspired for my magazine.

For the target audience idea, I felt that i should include videos of bands which would appeal to my target audience.

The majority of the music which will be used are ones which no-one, not even myself will have heard of. The reason why I have made it like this is because this is how alot of "indie kids" are. As I described in the description of my target audience, they will have music on their i-pods which you will have never heard of.

Phoenix - "Consolation Prizes"

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - "A Teenager In Love"

Rx Bandits - "Only For The Night"

music like this influences the people working for the magazine. The writers and consumers will live for music. Music like this.

Change of the contents page

I originally started my coursework by doing the contents page and then the front cover, as I had no images to work with in order for me to start my front cover first. I then finished my contents page which took time and effort, and then moved on... However, when designing my front cover I came up with a new idea (the one which is displayed in the previous post) therefore the contents page not fitting into the house style of the front cover, so now i am having the re-do my contents page similarly to the front cover. In order for me to not waste any more time during class lessons, I have devoted my after school free time (which doesn't come up a lot) to change my contents page and get more work done.

FRONT COVER DESICIONS

Today, as I was adding more to my front cover, re-arranging and everything, I had an idea that I shouldn't space out the coloured text boxes, and try it with the boxes together for each header. The problem I seem to have is the fact that I am not able to decide on what cover i prefer.

The image below is of the text grouped together.

This one with the text together looks more grouped and more organized, however an indie audience would not be organized as they are rather messy... However, even though this problem has somehow erupted, I feel as if I could use either front cover as it could still attract a consumer either way.

For some reason the computer is not letting me insert the image of the other front cover design, however i have decided that I am going to use the grouped text as it gives the reader a sense of place, instead of it being totally messy and un-organized.

required double page spread ideas.

For the double page spread which we are required to do for this years coursework, I have chosen to focus on festival fashion. For my model to be able to have the "look" I have researched festival pictures, which have given me a few ideas on what my photo(s) ideally need to look like.

The images were taken from "Weheartit" image website

when I typed in festival, and then for the last image I typed in fashion. It has given me the idea to edit my photographs using Adobe Photoshop, where I would add a layer and then make it an exclusion

layer, which gives it the vintage effect that I want, which is similar to these ones.

The idea which I have recently come up with for the festival fashion double page spread is the vintage look, with my friend Sadie being photographed in a field, wearing something summery, which would be seen at a festival - such as wellies, knee high socks, a flowy dress/playsuit or something along those lines, then with her holding a film camera in a field, on preferably

a sunny day, but that’s not decided, it will be fate.

These photos are going to be taken on Friday the 5th of February 2010.

Contents page.

Instead of doing my front cover first, I have decided that I will start with the contents page. It has taken me the space of a week to not even have a full contents page. The amount of different saved items I have.. just with me changing font and layout slightly.

I originally wanted to base my contents page on the style that Marks and Spencer works in, as I like the bold colours, the layout and also how it isn't simple. I like it when things are all put together.

In a minute you will see all of the different

experiments i have been doing using Inde

-sign. I have been trying to stick to this same

layout as much as possible, but I decided that

it didn't really fit in with my indie magazine, and

when I was looking at the page I felt as if it wasn't

working on a whole for me.

(experiments will be uploaded shortly)

practice magazine final look.

So, its taken me a while to actually post my final look for my magazine as I have been so pre-occupied doing other stuff, so I thought whilst I have the chance I should really upload the work and show you what it looked like.

My front cover;

For a first timer using the programs such as Indesign, I felt that the front cover and contents page went pretty well.

The photo which has been used for my front cover was edited using I-photo which is automatically installed on the schools software, on the Macs. I changed the exposure, shadows and saturation, also using the blemish tool to remove spots which were visible on her shoulder.

The contents page wasn't cluttered, and didn't take as much time to do as the front page did. Even though this was the case, I still felt like it was okay. I wish i was able to show you what the contents page looked like, however, I seem to have misplaced it.

The reader profile.

Reader profile for String Set.

You are most likely to find this old teenager vigorously ramming the clothing rails to find the old school ralph lauren jumper or Pixie Lotts unwanted dress in the bargains at Oxfam. This music loving girl or guy will have just returned from the Glastonbury and Reading music festivals, and now most probably broke - but just starting to save for the next best music festival. Their money will be spent in places such as HMV or itunes, and their "recently viewed" internet pages will be pure volume and youtube trying to find the next best artist to share with their friends whilst cruising in their friends VW beetle. Music is the most important thing in their life, as well as the fashion trends in the world of BOHO chic.

They will either be living at home or sharing a flat with their friends. University will be on the cards, but not until they have had enough festival experience.

Their idols will be people you have never heard of. They are unique. Their style will be something you envy and most of all, they know how to have a good time without spending a lot of cash.

Examples of Reader Profiles:

Elle:

The reader profile for 'Elle Magazine' is very detailed with things that you should know. It includes relationship status', employment and other things, however, these are stats of their real consumers.

Elle Magazine statistics

photoshoot day.

(sorry the song keeps repeating)

Today I went round my friends house who offered to be my model for the day, as I want to find some pictures to choose from, as I don't know what will work best. So, today was Sam. She has amazing fashion sense, and the "look" for an indie magazine, hence why I used her. All in all I took 134 pictures (I think)... I really don't know what ones to use. I have a few favorites, but some I don't think would work for the front cover. I don't know why though. I guess it is the actual photos. Anyway... heres my favorite ones :)

SAM:

From the whole day, I feel as if I only found a few images that I like from the amount that I have taken.

Below is a mood board of the few that I like.

As I want to experiment with models and different looks and people, next I will be photographing two people, my friends Sam & Sadie. I have the idea to make my required double page spread an article on festival fashion.

I will keep you updated :)

ideas for my music magazine!!

Name ideas!! :)

Lp Stax.
This idea came from me looking in a music store in Banbury, desperately trying to seek some inspiration for the magazine. The "Lp" came from me looking in the old style music. The "Stax" came from something which was in the shop window. I decided to put these two names together.

Sticks.
This name is simple, so I'm not sure if I like it but it represents drums, and the type of music I would ideally like to focus on is the indie genre, so the name could work.

The name "String Set" is an other name that I really like. It is so original, and would fit in with the genre I want to do as acoustic comes under the Indie Genre. Also with the fact that string set is alliterative would really bring in more customers, as it would reel them in.

The name Amp lead again relates to music, however, I do not think it fits with the genre I am doing.

Hallucination writing was a name that I thought up whilst in the music shop, however I do not like it whatsoever.

Check score was a name that relates to the score of a music piece. Whilst I was in the music store I saw a guitar which was checked - which gave me the inspiration for this name.

These are the only names that I thought up. I have decided, between the names "Sticks", "Lp stax" and "String Set" that my music magazine is going to be called string set.

Genre ideas!! :)

As you can most probably tell, I want to focus on the Indie genre.
I was also thinking of doing a magazine just for acoustic but then I decided that acoustic could come under the indie genre.
The reason why I think Indie is the best idea is because it is the type of music I listen to, so I have alot of knowledge of what to write.

I was also contemplating on doing a charts magazine which could be based on all audiences, which, if this was a real magazine, would bring in more customers. However, the charts magazine would take more time to make as it would have to focus on more than one genre(s)

my practice magazine evaluation.

Evaluation of school magazine

Overall evaluation
I feel as if I captured the codes and conventions of a real magazine to a good certain extent. I used all of the conventions which would be found on a magazine front cover and followed other rules for creating magazines.

The layout on my front cover included a header, medium close up for the main image. I also added other various text boxes onto the front cover to show various articles within the magazine and included bright colours which could grab audiences eye but not too bright that it would blind them.

In saying all of this, I have not included a barcode or a price in a corner as it is based on a school magazine (for sixth form), and would most likely not be sold in shops, but given out for free in the school(s) it was published for.

There is no black and white all over the magazine. The image is colour, the writing is colour. There is colour everywhere – which is the normal look for a magazine.

I think, that because of the way my magazine has been set out – the audience would be sixth formers, or year 10s and 11s who would maybe be looking into what sixth form is really like.

Photography
There is only one photography included on my front cover as I like the cover to look simple and clear, yet modern. I photographed Sadie for the approximate time of 30 minutes, as I was experimenting with different compositions. Some ideas I came up with are:

A side close up of her face: I didn’t think that this was a good enough picture for a magazine as it is not a straight on image, which I would expect to not see on a normal magazine front cover.

I like this image however I felt that it was too modelized to be for a school magazine, even though it is based on a sixth form magazine. I do like the composition of this image, but it is too show-y for the target that I was trying to reach for this front cover.

My chosen image I think is not too show-y nor too in-appropriate for the type of magazine I am doing. At first, because of this image, I wasn’t sure if it fitted the brief of a school magazine, but then when I thought it over I felt that it was appropriate for a sixth form edition.

Even though I like these photographs that I came up with, and also my final image – I feel as if It is telling students who are not yet studying in sixth form – that it is all about beauty. If I was to tell the truth, it is to some extent. It is like their own little fashion show… but it will also show that there is other social groups portrayed as it talks about the debate club and also acting.

Use of DTP.
As it was the first time I had ever used InDesign, I felt that I used it to the best of my ability. I had never heard of in design before, so all of the aspects of this programme were new to me. So what I did do I felt was very good for a first timer. I learnt the basics, so I could improve more on my magazine If I ever went back to it. Even though I have only used basic software from in design – it has made it look professional with the fonts, colours and image position.

Looking back:
I have learnt in order to make the best product you are able to – you need to plan in advance everything that you want to do so you have a time limit in which you should do this. Make sure you have all of the research together with you when creating your magazine. As for the construction of the magazine I have learnt that It would be easier if you had a design of how you want your magazine to look as you will be saving time because you would be getting straight to the point.

Magazine Research - Q

Intro
“Q” magazine, who refer to themselves as being “The UK’s biggest music magazine” is published in the UK by the publishers called Bauer Media.

The magazine has been published since its first one which was in 1986. The magazine, still going strong has a circulation of 130,179 and charges £3.90 per issue.

You can subscribe to “Q” magazine for just £20 a year, and the music magazine claims that you would be saving 57% and you would also receive subscriber only magazine front covers.

As well as the magazine being a famous music magazine it now also has its own radio, website which is known as www.qthemusic.com, televised channel on Sky – 364 and on Virgin media 338. Q magazine also have a thing called “Q awards”.

On “Q’s” website you are also able to book and find tickets to various concerts. If you click on ticket shop, it will then re-direct you to www.aloud.com
Where you can find various artists from various music genres.

The content
the content of Q magazine is said to cover a various angle of things that they think their typical reader would like.

They go into a lot of detail when it comes to reviews of new albums, new releases, music compilations, new films and live concert reviews. Their extensive reviews also cover television and radio reviews. As any normal magazine, especially music – the magazine also does a “top 8” album list.

The magazine has a different sentence on the “spine line”. The readers then have to master the puzzle, if you will to see how it relates to the issue for that month.

The Reader Profile
The typical reader profile for Q magazine is stated on the Bauer Media website to be:

“Open minded experience seekers, the Q audience don’t define themselves by the music they listen to. Music is an important passion, but their love of music will never be to the detriment of their other passions, such as film, sport and comedy.”

The publishing institution
The publishing institution for “Q” magazine is Bauer Media - Music.

They specialize in media such as magazine, radio, tv and websites.

Other music magazines which Bauer Media publish are empire, kerrang and Mojo.

The sister magazine for Q, Mojo, as you can see is also published by Bauer Media.

The layout trademarks

The front cover normally has a strand along the top which reads “the UK’s biggest music magazine” with the word “biggest” being more emphasized with it being in italics.

The “Q” in a red box in the left hand corner of the magazine. Also, normally a main person in the middle of the page.


The front cover normally has a “plus” section which here you can see is at the bottom in the left hand corner. The boxes which you can see here are also the normal boxes you would see.


There is also, normally a little red slip in a corner – example, like the one which says “oasis” on it.

magazine research - elle.

Introduction to magazine
Elle magazine UK is a “high fashion” fashion magazine with a circulation of 195,114, and they refer to themselves as being the world’s best selling fashion magazine. This magazine is written for girls – and the title “Elle” would say that, as translated into English, it means “she”. Elle was first published in 1945 and it was credited to be the first magazine who supported people going with their own unique and individual style. This is an other reason why so many people buy it. Elle often uses the phrase “wear it your way”. so, instead of the people at the magazine telling you what to wear and how to wear it, they tell you what you could wear and how you could wear it.



The content of ELLE
The content of Elle covers every aspect of beauty where they cover make up, hair and fashion. The make up section shows you how to work the new “in” looks with make up you may have, or as an alternative they can tell you what would be the best for you to buy. They also show the readers how the different designers are working the looks at the various fashion shows which have been going on within that fashion season. This is similar to what they do when showing the new hair looks. Again they tell you the best products you can use to help achieve that particular hair style. They also include images within these types of articles. I personally think that, from my research – there is images included in nearly every article that Elle UK puts in. The fashion pages have more coverage as it is, after all a fashion magazine. The fashion pages include things such as the season’s trends, high street trends and also tries to help people of the working class find things similar to the clothes that they are showing, which are too expensive. Other features the magazine covers include interviews with a celebrity, star signs, a piece on travel – eg, the places to stay and mainly the different various adverts that are included. The magazine also has a piece which gives people help, just like the travel articles, they also focus on lifestyle.

The publishing institution of ELLE
The publishing institution of ELLE is Hachette Filipacchi. This media brand is a massive rival, as a lot of other brands own fashion magazines.

The reader profile for ELLE
The reader of Elle is young, smart and fashion obsessed. She is the style leader and always first with the trends. She is constantly seeking new fashion inspiration and shopping is her favourite past time. She has fun with fashion and has her own sense of style. No purchase is too high, too low. The ELLE reader doesn’t follow fashion, she lives it. They have also calculated that the median age reader for Elle is expected to be of 27 years old. Which implies to me that the people have money to spend on the various pieces that they are showing in whatever issue it is if they like it. I think that is why the magazine has so many adverts for things such as makeup and designer brands because the people are at that age like to make themselves look presentable. There is evidence of this on the media pack for Elle magazine on the H-F website.

84% agree it is important to them to look well dressed
• 81% spend a huge amount on clothes, cosmetics & toiletries (642,000)
• 72% would say they have a very good sense