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:
Showing posts with label Research. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Research. Show all posts
Wednesday, 17 February 2016
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.
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.
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.
 |
| 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.
 |
| Prices of Hip Hop Connection |
Wednesday, 21 October 2015
Draft of Double Page Spread Article
SHE’S
BACK.
NASTY STREET
LYRICIST AND BUZZING -POP STAR. DON’T ASK EBONY DIAMOND TO CHOOSE BETWEEN THE
TWO. SHE’S BOTH. AND WHATEVER THE HELL ELSE SHE WANTS TO BE.
It’s
3 a.m. and Ebony Diamond is snuggled up on a snakeskin leather chaise long in The
Royal Suite at The Ritz London, exhausted from last night’s Wembley gig and
late night recording session, which ended at 4 p.m., and todays 12- hour POWER
magazine shoot. The 22- year- old rapper and singer is deglammed from her
diamond encrusted stage outfits to a simple black velour tracksuit and pink
fluffy slippers. Her makeup wiped off and her natural hair falling loosely
around her perfectly picturesque face.
Three
years after signing with hip hop legend King Killer’s record label; two years
after selling 3,000,000 copies of her #1 hit ‘Girl’s got em’ back’ and possibly becoming the World’s greatest
female rap star at such a young age, Diamond is dropping her 3rd
studio album, ‘Hot, Cool n Vicious’ this
Winter. She’s calling it the “most personal” collection of music yet. Judging
by her spontaneous trips to Africa to help children, and split up from iconic
basketball player Jett Jenson, ‘Hot, Cool
n Vicious’, will hopefully contain a little bit of how Ebony has been
feeling the past year.
Last
November, Diamond threw a couple of frenzied verses on ‘Jungle for Triumph’, a
viral YouTube hit by London grime girl group CRUNK. While in ‘album mode’, she
spent 2014 and spring of 2015 killing remixes to ‘Lost Choice’ by Panther, ‘Rebel
Riot’ by Gangsta G, and most notably, Lil K’s ‘Money for her Way’. That’s on
top of her own tracks ‘I Got It’ and the cutthroat ‘Streets for A Living’. Her
most recent singles from her new album- the soft and reflective song ‘Altered
Promises’ and the comically sexual ‘Whisper my Dirt’- display a versatility
unlike any other artist at the moment. King Killer knows her new and up and coming
album will be unlike any other “I’m real excited for everyone to hear it, Eb
has gone back to her roots for this album. The last album showed her diversity,
how she can make a straight hood/ club banger and at the same time still be
dominant in the female pop and rap industry. Now that she has tested the water,
and given herself a break, she’s back rapping about important things to her,
and hoping others can relate, a bit like her first single ‘Girl’s got em’ back’”
As
the night goes on, we talk about the misconceptions of ‘Hot, Cool n Vicious’, feminism, and the guilt that comes with
fame.
King Killer states
your going back to your roots on the new album, do you agree?
Yes,
and no. Many people think I went through a stage of being ‘too pop’ and only
producing club bangers, well that’s how [members of the media] felt, but I don’t
think that’s what I did. I’ve never stopped rapping; I’ve never stopped doing
freestyles; I’ve never stopped doing remixes and features; I’ve never stopped
raising the bar lyrically. I understand and respect people’s opinions, however
I think they are just taken aback with how open I am on this new album. I still
have some party songs on there, but lyrically, it’s much more connected to me
and enlightens people on things they maybe never knew about me. I think that’s why
Killer maybe thinks I am going back to my roots, but I’ve always been evolving
[laughs].
You’ve said that
its probably the most personal album you’ve done to date, what are you
addressing about your past and present that you haven’t before Ebony?
My
family, loss, guilt... I’ve struggled with a lot of guilt for being so young.
Guilt over what?
I’m
constantly busy. I wouldn’t change my life for anything or anyone, and I am so
grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given, but I just wish I could manage
to see my family more often. I’ll be in Tokyo one week, then South America
touring the next. I’ve been in London for a few days before and not even had
time to pop for lunch with my mam, it’s unsettling.
You were raised in
South London right? Did your upcoming have anything to do with your outlook on
women and inspire you for ‘Girl’s got em’ back’ because you rap some pretty
feminist bars?
Yes,
I’m sure my upbringing has played a tremendous part of my outlook on life. I
was brought up in the ‘rough’ end of South London, men were constantly
downgrading women, I saw it everyday of my life. My mam tried her best to
shield us from our abusive father but I was too intelligent to be hid away from
what was really happening. [laughs with saddened look on face] When I first
started writing my raps, and especially on ‘Girl’s
got em’ back’ I had a strong dislike for men! At 17, I’d just come out of a
relationship with someone that didn’t want me to succeed and make my own money,
and I had my dad telling me that women are suppose to be the stereotypical ‘housewife’.
I wanted something bigger than that, and with my first single, I wanted other
women to know there should be no boundaries as to what they can do, as long as
they believed in themselves. No-one believed in me when I was young, I just had
to do it for myself. I wouldn’t think of myself as a feminist, but I definitely
think I inspire young women to empower themselves, and don’t stand for no shit.
Do you think ‘Girl’s got em’ back’ was so successful because
of the empowering message for women behind it then?
I’m
sure that played a huge part. I mean, I know I can spit bars, but I’m positive I
wouldn’t have had that sort of response if my first single was just about boys,
and clubbing.
Do you think your
new album is different to your first single? In terms of lyrical content?
I’d
like to think its better than ever but we will just have to see what the public
think… I’ve gone into more detail about my personal life. When I’m rapping
versus for some of the best hip hop stars in the World, I don’t tend to speak
about problems and occasions that have happened in my own life. It’s more
general. But I hope it still connects with the audience as much as my past
music has.
You’ve released
two singles from it already- ‘Altered Promises’ and ‘Whisper my Dirt’. When I
listened to them, I realized they couldn’t be more different…
Yes,
I know [giggles]. I wanted to show how diverse I could be. ‘Whisper my Dirt’ is
still personal to me if you listen to the lyrics, and I wrote ‘Altered Promises’
when I was going threw a tough time, so they both mean quite a lot to me. I’d
like to think I’ve always been unpredictable, and I love keeping my fans
guessing!
After
we finished chatting, Ebony got up and gave me a hug, she told me she had to
catch up on her beauty sleep and ‘recharge her batteries’, which is undoubtedly
incorrect because she is the most stunning, pleasant young lady I have ever had
the opportunity to meet…
Monday, 12 October 2015
Double Page Spread Research
Before drafting my double page spread, I have decided to research further into what language and text layout is used for rap genre magazines. To the right is a collage I have created of double page spreads that caught my eye, but after reading them all, several caught my eye and stood out from the others.
The first article that I saw that I really liked featured 'Angel Haze'. What really stuck out to me was the list of three sub- heading, 'Young, Gypsy Star Angel Haze'. For my own magazine, I choose to use this convention when describing my own artist, as I feel like it is a good way to describe the rapper in three words.
Secondly, I like the thought- provoking quote that is featured on the 'Kanye West' article, which is 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is one of those rare albums people take seriously enough to be disappointed about'. Instead of just having a straight forward quote, the magazine have used one that takes a while to get your head around. Personally, by reading this quote a couple of times made me really want to read the full article, to know exactly what West was thinking about.
Furthermore, I really like the introduction to 'Lana Del rey's' page, as it informs you about her when she was capturing the images for the article. I think this is a really good way to start the writing, and wish to try and do something like this for my own magazine article.
The first article that I saw that I really liked featured 'Angel Haze'. What really stuck out to me was the list of three sub- heading, 'Young, Gypsy Star Angel Haze'. For my own magazine, I choose to use this convention when describing my own artist, as I feel like it is a good way to describe the rapper in three words.
Secondly, I like the thought- provoking quote that is featured on the 'Kanye West' article, which is 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is one of those rare albums people take seriously enough to be disappointed about'. Instead of just having a straight forward quote, the magazine have used one that takes a while to get your head around. Personally, by reading this quote a couple of times made me really want to read the full article, to know exactly what West was thinking about.
Furthermore, I really like the introduction to 'Lana Del rey's' page, as it informs you about her when she was capturing the images for the article. I think this is a really good way to start the writing, and wish to try and do something like this for my own magazine article.
Friday, 9 October 2015
Preliminary Task- Feedback
After posting my preliminary task on my blog, my lecturer graded it and emailed me the good points, areas for improvement, and overall grade I received. By having this I can see what I shall do for my own product. I have added my own personal feedback on the bottom of the table.
Monday, 5 October 2015
Notes on Media PowerPoint
Several weeks ago, we were presented a PowerPoint, where we were asked to take down notes (see below for them). This information will develop my knowledge when evaluating my final product. For example, I now know the difference between a chocolate box and romantic pose. From watching hip hop music videos and researching other magazines, I know the general pose of the main image model is 'Romantic/ Sexual'. This is to invite the reader in to buy the magazine, and many female rap vocalists use their gender as a way to entice the audience, which I will try and do when taking my own images.
Moreover, I know statistics such as "89% of magazines are sold in shops rather than subscriptions", which automatically implies to me that it's not always about loyal fans going back to the same magazine every month/ week. If I have an attractive magazine cover with intriguing cover lines, then audiences (not only music fans) will be interested in my magazine.
Preliminary Task- Images
In order to create a unique preliminary task, (and prepare me for the final product I will be constructing), me and two other classmates took a 'Canon EOS 70D DSL' camera around the college campus for photographs to use for the front cover and contents page. I captured lots of different things, so when I came to choosing the images I had a selection. Below is collage of some of the images I took. As you can see, many are taken in the photography studio, this background allowed me to work with the image well. For example, on the front cover, it was simple to place cover lines around the model, creating an effective professional preliminary task. Additionally, there were many taken down corridors of myself and a fellow student. However, I did not use these images as I thought the background was too dark and cluttered to work with.
Magazine Proposal #1
Describe your idea for the brief:
I am creating a Rap/ Hip hop/ R 'n' B magazine called 'Power'. I chose this because of the target audience I have settled for, which is teenage girls. I feel as though this name is appropriate as the rap industry is very male dominated, and women are looked upon as 'sexual objects', however I feel like we need to empower one another and have a right to voice our opinions, just like many female rap artists are doing through their music nowadays. From my research, I understand that there are no other magazines like the one I want to create on the market at the present moment in time, and I don't think it is fair how the rap genre is mostly targeted towards men. Yes, a lot of the music is written and made by male artists, but that does not mean that females can't enjoy this either. Therefore, I think this name is suitable for the target audience and genre I am creating this magazine for.
Genre/ Sub- Genre: List similar texts which have inspired your thoughts throughout
From my research, I understand that there are not a lot of rap magazines available to purchase at the moment, although some good examples include 'Vibe' and 'XXL'. Both represent well the feeling I want my magazine to give off. From looking at 'Vibe' magazine, I really like how each article follows a different house theme. For example, one may feature the artist 'Drake', and the magazine follows the colour scheme of black (his clothing) and yellow/ gold (his jewelry). I think this is really effective and I will hopefully use this technique on my own magazine. 'XXL' is also very inspirational with the sort of images they use on their front cover. Normally it is a close- up shot of a legendary rapper such as '50 Cent' or 'Dr Dre'. I love how different their front cover looks compared to other music magazines. Other genre's of magazines like 'Rolling Stones' and 'Q' also feature rappers on some issues, and I like how they use hip hop stereotypes such as black clothing, stern faces, and typical hand gestures.
Target Audience: gender/ age/ characteristics/ behaviour
The primary target audience for my magazine is females aged 15-21, and 'C2- E' on the 'Audience Code' (also known as demographics), I think skilled workers, down to students and unemployed people will be the right target audience due to it being the younger generation that enjoy rap music and normally they aren't in full time employment till around 18-21. Furthermore, I will be featuring a lot of the new gossip considering hip hop, which employed, high salary payed individuals may not have time/ want to stay connected with. I feel like this will be the best target age and gender for reading the sort of magazine I am wanting to produce too, due to my prior research. My primary audience will be interested in things such as festivals, hanging with friends, going shopping, listening to music and be attracted to the urban culture. The secondary audience may be anyone over the age of 21 that has a interest of the genre and maybe 'old school rap' who want to keep in with the new trends. also males may be interested in the music I will be showcasing, even though the house colours are feminine. Another secondary audience may be younger people of both gender, they may have a passion for hip hop, however I didn't want to aim it any much lower than 15 anyway because sometimes rap artists use inappropriate language in interviews etc, which I can't guarantee won't be used in my magazine, to make it more realistic.
Major Conventions I will use:
I aim to use bold, feminine, yet fitting in with my genre typography. I want it to attract my primary audience, however fit in with the rap industry. I will also use informal terminology to really connect with my audience so they 'feel connected' to the magazine, and have trust in us that they receive the latest news. My aim is for them to feel like they are in their own little 'clique' from reading my magazine. I will use slang and sarcasm as my primary audience are of a lower class and will understand it, and most rapper use abbreviations and slang words in their music. Another convention I will include is an effective main image for my front cover, and main sell line. This will hopefully be the main selling point for my music magazine. Moreover, I will be using a maximum of four colours, as my house theme, because from research this is popular convention between hip hop magazines.
Conventions I may subvert/ change/ not use:
I think I will be avoiding using more than one image on the front cover, from examples I have looked at including one main image makse the page look more striking compared to others, and definitely fits in better with the hip hop genre. For example, 'Vibe' and 'XXL' only feature one main image, however contemporary and rock magazines like 'Q' and 'Rolling Stone' may have several down the 'Rule of Thirds'. I will also keep away from using bright colours such as yellow, green and blue, as I think this will make my magazine look like it's made for a different purpose (like my preliminary task), and maybe unprofessional for a rap genre magazine.
Original Images: What/ where/ when
I will take medium close- ups and close- ups for my main front cover image, so I have a selection to chose from. I have to dress the female model in fashionable clothes with gold or silver jewelry, this will appeal to my primary audience as they will look up to the artist and wish to be like her. This is an effective point for selling my magazine. I will also need to capture sub- images to accompany the front cover, and so there is a running theme throughout my magazine. I will make sure the model is in a different position so its not the same as the front page image. I also need to arrange where and when the photo shoot will happen. I am hoping I can book the photography studios at Sunderland University.
Potential Difficulties/ Plan b:
A potential difficulty may be if I cannot get the photography studio at Sunderland College booked for the times my models are available. If I cannot, I will have to take the images at Sunderland College studies instead. I will also need to schedule myself for how long I am going to take designing my magazine, as I like everything to be precise, which sometimes enables me to take longer than others. However, I do have 'Photoshop CC 2015' at home, which is where I can finish any work.
I am creating a Rap/ Hip hop/ R 'n' B magazine called 'Power'. I chose this because of the target audience I have settled for, which is teenage girls. I feel as though this name is appropriate as the rap industry is very male dominated, and women are looked upon as 'sexual objects', however I feel like we need to empower one another and have a right to voice our opinions, just like many female rap artists are doing through their music nowadays. From my research, I understand that there are no other magazines like the one I want to create on the market at the present moment in time, and I don't think it is fair how the rap genre is mostly targeted towards men. Yes, a lot of the music is written and made by male artists, but that does not mean that females can't enjoy this either. Therefore, I think this name is suitable for the target audience and genre I am creating this magazine for.
Genre/ Sub- Genre: List similar texts which have inspired your thoughts throughout
From my research, I understand that there are not a lot of rap magazines available to purchase at the moment, although some good examples include 'Vibe' and 'XXL'. Both represent well the feeling I want my magazine to give off. From looking at 'Vibe' magazine, I really like how each article follows a different house theme. For example, one may feature the artist 'Drake', and the magazine follows the colour scheme of black (his clothing) and yellow/ gold (his jewelry). I think this is really effective and I will hopefully use this technique on my own magazine. 'XXL' is also very inspirational with the sort of images they use on their front cover. Normally it is a close- up shot of a legendary rapper such as '50 Cent' or 'Dr Dre'. I love how different their front cover looks compared to other music magazines. Other genre's of magazines like 'Rolling Stones' and 'Q' also feature rappers on some issues, and I like how they use hip hop stereotypes such as black clothing, stern faces, and typical hand gestures.
Target Audience: gender/ age/ characteristics/ behaviour
The primary target audience for my magazine is females aged 15-21, and 'C2- E' on the 'Audience Code' (also known as demographics), I think skilled workers, down to students and unemployed people will be the right target audience due to it being the younger generation that enjoy rap music and normally they aren't in full time employment till around 18-21. Furthermore, I will be featuring a lot of the new gossip considering hip hop, which employed, high salary payed individuals may not have time/ want to stay connected with. I feel like this will be the best target age and gender for reading the sort of magazine I am wanting to produce too, due to my prior research. My primary audience will be interested in things such as festivals, hanging with friends, going shopping, listening to music and be attracted to the urban culture. The secondary audience may be anyone over the age of 21 that has a interest of the genre and maybe 'old school rap' who want to keep in with the new trends. also males may be interested in the music I will be showcasing, even though the house colours are feminine. Another secondary audience may be younger people of both gender, they may have a passion for hip hop, however I didn't want to aim it any much lower than 15 anyway because sometimes rap artists use inappropriate language in interviews etc, which I can't guarantee won't be used in my magazine, to make it more realistic.
Major Conventions I will use:
I aim to use bold, feminine, yet fitting in with my genre typography. I want it to attract my primary audience, however fit in with the rap industry. I will also use informal terminology to really connect with my audience so they 'feel connected' to the magazine, and have trust in us that they receive the latest news. My aim is for them to feel like they are in their own little 'clique' from reading my magazine. I will use slang and sarcasm as my primary audience are of a lower class and will understand it, and most rapper use abbreviations and slang words in their music. Another convention I will include is an effective main image for my front cover, and main sell line. This will hopefully be the main selling point for my music magazine. Moreover, I will be using a maximum of four colours, as my house theme, because from research this is popular convention between hip hop magazines.
Conventions I may subvert/ change/ not use:
I think I will be avoiding using more than one image on the front cover, from examples I have looked at including one main image makse the page look more striking compared to others, and definitely fits in better with the hip hop genre. For example, 'Vibe' and 'XXL' only feature one main image, however contemporary and rock magazines like 'Q' and 'Rolling Stone' may have several down the 'Rule of Thirds'. I will also keep away from using bright colours such as yellow, green and blue, as I think this will make my magazine look like it's made for a different purpose (like my preliminary task), and maybe unprofessional for a rap genre magazine.
Original Images: What/ where/ when
I will take medium close- ups and close- ups for my main front cover image, so I have a selection to chose from. I have to dress the female model in fashionable clothes with gold or silver jewelry, this will appeal to my primary audience as they will look up to the artist and wish to be like her. This is an effective point for selling my magazine. I will also need to capture sub- images to accompany the front cover, and so there is a running theme throughout my magazine. I will make sure the model is in a different position so its not the same as the front page image. I also need to arrange where and when the photo shoot will happen. I am hoping I can book the photography studios at Sunderland University.
Potential Difficulties/ Plan b:
A potential difficulty may be if I cannot get the photography studio at Sunderland College booked for the times my models are available. If I cannot, I will have to take the images at Sunderland College studies instead. I will also need to schedule myself for how long I am going to take designing my magazine, as I like everything to be precise, which sometimes enables me to take longer than others. However, I do have 'Photoshop CC 2015' at home, which is where I can finish any work.
Monday, 28 September 2015
Preliminary Task
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| Front Cover |
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| Contents Page |
I really liked creating the front cover as it allowed me to get back into using photoshop after my long Summer off (I studied Media Studies at GCSE and got an A* in my coursework, hence why my skills on photoshop are advanced). I thought using this programme was easy due to my past experience, and find helping others with it rather enjoyable. The only thing I disliked about designing the preliminary front cover was choosing a main image, as I had quite a few to pick from. Although I think I ended up with the right decision on the picture I used. I didn't really think anything was too hard about designing the front cover. Conclusively, I think the conventions I have made such as the puff and adding effects like 'Stroke' will help me when creating my final product, if I decide to add them onto my front cover page. (However, I think using the 'Stroke' effect really developed a school vibe, so maybe for a rap genre this really wouldn't fit.)
On the contents page, I added a new font for the headline 'Contents', as I thought it looked fun, which is how many teenagers are nowadays. I added a lime green banner around the page to make it professional, which is where the headline overlapped over. I created a graphic at the bottom of the page using the 'Rectangle' tool on Photoshop, and altered the transparency so they blended well together and was able to see through each shape. I again used the eyedropper tool to use the precise colours. For my own music magazine, I will try and make a illustrated graphic as I think it really identifies what organisation/ magazine the page belongs too and makes it stand out from others. The main image is of the model posing towards the camera, with her own camera in her hand. I think this promotes photography at the college, and could interest many people reading the magazine. I thought this would attract the target audience due to the women looking fashionable in her 'Dr Martins' and holding a camera (thus many teenagers are taking photos of everything and anything nowadays).
Likewise, I enjoyed making this contents page, due to the fact it was fun to design and experimenting with the different college colours. One thing I would add would be the masthead on the contents page. On all experienced magazines, the name of the magazine is placed on the contents page again, which is what I forgot to do. Additionally, when making my actual product I will make sure all of the sub- headings and page numbers are placed in the same layout and are the same size. If this is not done, I feel like it would make my magazine less effective in looking realistic and well made.
Overall, I really enjoyed creating this preliminary task. I feel as though it will help me when creating my own music magazine. I know where I can improve and what I would do differently for a different genre of magazine.
Sunday, 27 September 2015
Work Progress and Feedback
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| Magazine Analysis for Audience |
The first part of the work was to research three music magazines, and analyse who the target audience was, and how I worked this out. To the right is an image of the work I did:
The next task was to create an essay and magazine front cover, for a company called 'Natmags'. See below for this.
The grade I received was an A, however, I know where I can improve now, therefore next time I can maybe get a better grade. By completing this task, helped me gather information for creating my own magazine, and that I am on the right course.
Monday, 7 September 2015
Outline of the Project
For my AS Media Studies, I will regularly post the
progress I make throughout this year and it will include my research, planning
and evaluation in regards to my coursework. My main goal is to create a music
magazine with a front cover, contents page and double page spread. I will use
desktop publishing software’s such as Adobe Photoshop, Publisher and Lightroom.
I am also aware I must incorporate original photography and take pictures using
my own model. Furthermore, prior to making my magazine, I will create a mock
cover and contents page to demonstrate my understand of the project.
This unit will assess, and what I hope to achieve;
- An ability to plan and construct media products using appropriate technical and creative skills.
- Become independent in research skills and their application.
- Understand how my work creates meaning for audience/users, applying my knowledge and understanding.
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