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| Front Cover |
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| Contents Page |
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| Double Page Spread |
Tuesday, 3 May 2016
Final Product #2
This is my final magazine product. I have edited a few things but overall I am very satisfied of how it has turned out.
Friday, 26 February 2016
Evaluation- Question 7
Before I started working on my final product, I created a preliminary task based on my college life. It had to include a front cover and a contents page, which was also supplied with all of my own photos that I had took around the college campus. From carrying out this task, I got an idea of how high my standard of work should be to achieve the grade I want, and I quickly got familiar with Adobe Photoshop again, as it had been a while since I had designed a magazine. Overall, I received a grade A for this piece of work, which is a level I have aimed to maintain throughout all of my coursework, I have even tried to improve this from my teachers feedback.
Evaluation- Question 4
Q4 from Layla Cairns
Below are some links to previous blog posts, regarding target audience:
Research into the Target Audience
Target Audience Feedback
Target Audience Research Results
Thursday, 25 February 2016
Evaluation- Question 1
Q1) In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
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| Updated Double Page Spread |
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| Updated Front Cover |
Postliminary to this video being filmed, I made several changes to the front cover and double page spread. First of all, I changed the cover lines a little on the cover, as I thought they went too close to the models head, which is not how they are on other competitors magazine covers. As for the double page spread, I removed one of the article's question, which created space in the bottom, right hand corner to add another new image of my model, and feature a picture of her upcoming 'CD'. I realised that lots of other music magazines, that also involved big celebrities, would showcase a picture of their music, so it was recognisable to readers when they were shopping etc.
Facebook and Twitter Page
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| Facebook Page |
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| Twitter Page |
I wanted to increase my audience, and for any that can't access the hard copy, they can always keep up to date with the magazine's social media.
For both accounts, I have added an icon and cover connecting with my magazine. This keeps a firm house theme throughout all of my products, therefore making it really professional.
Wednesday, 24 February 2016
Website and App
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| Website |
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| App |
Tuesday, 23 February 2016
Wednesday, 17 February 2016
Sub- Genre Research
Throughout the research, I have constantly gone on about the genre of my magazine which is rap/ hip hop. However I have decided aa sub- genre I am going to include is called 'Grime'. This is a genre that has been on the scene for years and originated in London raves. Grime is known to be English rapping. Unlike many american rappers such as Kanye West, Jay- Z and Kendrick Lamar, many of their songs include the normal structure of a pop song, versus and chorus'. However, in grime, it is normal to see many rap versus then a catchy chorus at the end.
Some popular grime artists include:
Some popular grime artists include:
Location Scouting
There are several places I am considering on shooting my magazine photos at.
First of all, the easiest place for me to access is Sunderland College's photography studio. I could easily take my images here as it is on campus, and I could get my model ready in college. The only problem that may occur here, is that I would have to find myself a good camera and set up the studio myself. Since I don't study photography, I wouldn't know how to set up the correct lighting and background unless I got a fellow student to help me out.
Another possible place is Sunderland University's photography studio. Whilst on a trip, I met a photography/ media technician, who offered their studio for my photos. The benefits of my photos being took here is that the studio would already be set up and their would be an amazing quality camera available to me. The only downfall is that that campus is rather hard to get too, and would then cost quite a lot for me and my model to get there, as we would need to get two buses and two metro's there and back.
Overall, I have chosen to take my photographs at Sunderland University as I think the quality will be a lot better than just taking them at college, and hopefully we will find a lift there and back, to save taking the models clothes on buses etc.
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| Sunderland College Logo |
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| University of Sunderland Logo |
Overall, I have chosen to take my photographs at Sunderland University as I think the quality will be a lot better than just taking them at college, and hopefully we will find a lift there and back, to save taking the models clothes on buses etc.
Reception Theory
I researched into the work of Stuart Hall, and then expansions by David Morely. Studies showed that a piece of media can be interpreted in different ways by the audience, depending on their social beliefs, upbringing, background and life experiences.
I used this research to review my work, and because a lot of hip hop and rap relates to African American and gang cultures, audiences may perceive my product as controversial and discard it if it appears gang related. In relation to this, I need to create a very thick line between this idea and my work being edgy and different.
I used this research to review my work, and because a lot of hip hop and rap relates to African American and gang cultures, audiences may perceive my product as controversial and discard it if it appears gang related. In relation to this, I need to create a very thick line between this idea and my work being edgy and different.
Reader Profile- Existing Magazine
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| Vibe Reader Profile |
Here I have created a quick reader profile of myself. I usually read 'Vibe' magazine, which is a similar genre to my own. I have shown my likes and dislikes, which correlates with the type of reader who would purchase my magazine. 'Vibe's target audience is again similar to mine, that is why I have based their reader profile on me.
As you can see, I enjoy going out with friends, and listening to artists like 'Kanye', this will hopefully be similar to my target audience, who like the same as me.
Advanced Proposal #3 (With Problems)
Front Cover Images:
The outfit and jewellery will have to look real and expensive. If I use any gold based rings or bangles, they will have to look real and not cheap, as all hip hop stars like to cover themselves in expensive jewellery. I also need the outfit to look cool and urban, and not as if it was inexpensive and from a jumble sale. Another problem may be that the background may not fit with the type of magazine I am creating, so I will have to edit it so it matches the colour scheme. This will take some time, but I will manage my time time effectively so I get all of the work done, and at an outstanding standard.
Article Inside Images:
The images inside the magazine need to correlate with the front cover image, therefore should be taken in the same photography session, so the hair and makeup are also the same too. Furthermore, problems may arise when editing, because the files may be lost or corrupted. To prevent this I should save the photos elsewhere, so I have multiple copies.
Images to Accompany Article:
Any images I want to accompany my article with should be at the same professional standard as the rest of my images. If not, it would just make the page look unprofessional and not well thought out. Furthermore, anymore illustrations I want to do, (for example a CD cover for the fictional star) will take some time to design, therefore I need to use my time effectively.
The outfit and jewellery will have to look real and expensive. If I use any gold based rings or bangles, they will have to look real and not cheap, as all hip hop stars like to cover themselves in expensive jewellery. I also need the outfit to look cool and urban, and not as if it was inexpensive and from a jumble sale. Another problem may be that the background may not fit with the type of magazine I am creating, so I will have to edit it so it matches the colour scheme. This will take some time, but I will manage my time time effectively so I get all of the work done, and at an outstanding standard.
Article Inside Images:
The images inside the magazine need to correlate with the front cover image, therefore should be taken in the same photography session, so the hair and makeup are also the same too. Furthermore, problems may arise when editing, because the files may be lost or corrupted. To prevent this I should save the photos elsewhere, so I have multiple copies.
Images to Accompany Article:
Any images I want to accompany my article with should be at the same professional standard as the rest of my images. If not, it would just make the page look unprofessional and not well thought out. Furthermore, anymore illustrations I want to do, (for example a CD cover for the fictional star) will take some time to design, therefore I need to use my time effectively.
Advanced Magazine Proposal #2
Type of Magazine: Fashion, Music, etc
The magazine I am creating is about music, but other sub- genre's may be fashion and gossip based on my target audience's interests.
Name of Magazine:
Power
Audience: Male/ Female
My primary audience is females aged 15-21, and are 'C2- E' on the 'Audience Code'. My secondary audience will be males and anyone out of this age range.
Audience: Attitudes and interests
My audience will be outgoing and confident, since this magazine is aimed towards girls looking to empowering themselves in not only the music scene but everyday life. They should like urban culture but can also have a passion for fashion, for this reason I would be looking to sell the most copies near large cities.
Outlet: Where can it be bought?
Conventionally, I aim to sell my magazine in local newsagents and large bookstores like 'WHSmith'. Also in urban fashion stores like 'Urban Outfitters' and 'Topshop', as these outlets appeal to the type of audience I am making this magazine for. I will also feature the magazine on my website and design an app for fast- paced individuals that may not be able to get their hands on a hard copy.
Necessary Information:
On the front cover, I will include a barcode, magazine issue number and price, this will follow along with necessary conventions on a regular music magazine. The price will also reflect my target audience results.
Selling Point:
The unique selling point of my magazine is that it is based on rap and hip hop music yet presented to females in a feminine way. After extensive research, there is not another magazine like it, that showcases music, fashion and gossip in a female way for girls out there. Other rap genre magazines like 'Vibe' are mainly aimed towards men by the use of vulgar language and in certain rapper interviews presenting women as objects.
Theme:
I will base my magazine on one fictional hip hop star, and the colour scheme will follow a regular rap theme of black, grey and white, yet I will add a pop of colour by using a purple/ pink. I will match this with the stars lipstick and nail colour, so there is a running house theme throughout.
Images: Front Cover
The image will be of the fictional character, in a portrait style. I think this is to really accentuate her features and beauty. I will not include any secondary images as I think this makes the cover unprofessional, and after I researched different genres, I found that most magazines that include other images on the cover, are indie/ rock based genre magazines.
Images: Inside
The contents page will be image led, and not include a lot of information, I found with inspirations I liked followed this layout. The double page spread will also be image led, however contain the interview. I may also add a photo of the stars new album.
The magazine I am creating is about music, but other sub- genre's may be fashion and gossip based on my target audience's interests.
Name of Magazine:
Power
Audience: Male/ Female
My primary audience is females aged 15-21, and are 'C2- E' on the 'Audience Code'. My secondary audience will be males and anyone out of this age range.
Audience: Attitudes and interests
My audience will be outgoing and confident, since this magazine is aimed towards girls looking to empowering themselves in not only the music scene but everyday life. They should like urban culture but can also have a passion for fashion, for this reason I would be looking to sell the most copies near large cities.
Outlet: Where can it be bought?
Conventionally, I aim to sell my magazine in local newsagents and large bookstores like 'WHSmith'. Also in urban fashion stores like 'Urban Outfitters' and 'Topshop', as these outlets appeal to the type of audience I am making this magazine for. I will also feature the magazine on my website and design an app for fast- paced individuals that may not be able to get their hands on a hard copy.
Necessary Information:
On the front cover, I will include a barcode, magazine issue number and price, this will follow along with necessary conventions on a regular music magazine. The price will also reflect my target audience results.
Selling Point:
The unique selling point of my magazine is that it is based on rap and hip hop music yet presented to females in a feminine way. After extensive research, there is not another magazine like it, that showcases music, fashion and gossip in a female way for girls out there. Other rap genre magazines like 'Vibe' are mainly aimed towards men by the use of vulgar language and in certain rapper interviews presenting women as objects.
Theme:
I will base my magazine on one fictional hip hop star, and the colour scheme will follow a regular rap theme of black, grey and white, yet I will add a pop of colour by using a purple/ pink. I will match this with the stars lipstick and nail colour, so there is a running house theme throughout.
Images: Front Cover
The image will be of the fictional character, in a portrait style. I think this is to really accentuate her features and beauty. I will not include any secondary images as I think this makes the cover unprofessional, and after I researched different genres, I found that most magazines that include other images on the cover, are indie/ rock based genre magazines.
Images: Inside
The contents page will be image led, and not include a lot of information, I found with inspirations I liked followed this layout. The double page spread will also be image led, however contain the interview. I may also add a photo of the stars new album.
Friday, 29 January 2016
Product Production- First Draft
Tuesday, 19 January 2016
ABC Circulation Results
I continued my magazine research by visiting the ABC Circulation website, this entitled me to seeing how popular certain magazines are. I wanted to focus on specific magazines that included my genre of music.
First of all, the consumer magazine Hip Hop Connection was on sale during the 1st of January 2000- 30th of June 2000. The media owner was Ministry Magazine Ltd- Ministry of Sound Holdings Ltd, therefore was initially ran by the famous music company Ministry of Sound. I discovered that over 6 months 12,358 copies were sold, this includes the UK and other countries. The biggest number of sales came from the UK, which suggests to me that this genre is a good genre to sell in this country.
Furthermore, I can see that the basic price was £2.99 which is similar to the price I want for my magazine.
All of this information backs up my initial plan of doing a rap/ hip hop genre magazine.
First of all, the consumer magazine Hip Hop Connection was on sale during the 1st of January 2000- 30th of June 2000. The media owner was Ministry Magazine Ltd- Ministry of Sound Holdings Ltd, therefore was initially ran by the famous music company Ministry of Sound. I discovered that over 6 months 12,358 copies were sold, this includes the UK and other countries. The biggest number of sales came from the UK, which suggests to me that this genre is a good genre to sell in this country.
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| Average Net Circulation for the 5 Issues of Hip Hop Connection |
All of this information backs up my initial plan of doing a rap/ hip hop genre magazine.
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| Prices of Hip Hop Connection |
Time Management- Week 12
In this lesson, I am going to continue editing my front cover, I have set a deadline that I will finish it by the 20th, then I will have time to design the contents page and double page spread by the 29th of January. I plan on also researching how to create neon letters because I want to use that type of typography for my contents page.
During the lesson, I managed to add more cover lines to my front page, and also watch a Youtube video on how to create neon lettering. It didn't work out as quite as how I had planned. Therefore I may not end up using this technique.
During the lesson, I managed to add more cover lines to my front page, and also watch a Youtube video on how to create neon lettering. It didn't work out as quite as how I had planned. Therefore I may not end up using this technique.
Friday, 8 January 2016
Time Management- Week 11
In this media lesson, my aim is to continue editing my photoshoot pictures, as the lighting was a little harsh.
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| Before Editing |
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| After Editing |
After my lesson, I can say I have completed an awful lot. I edited my model, by using the Spot Healing Tool, and added a layer mask to smooth the skin. I also decided on the font I will use throughout my magazine, which is Bebas Neue from dafont.com.
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