Target Audience Feedback

I interviewed an example of my target audience, so I had a wider range of information that I can use when designing my magazine. She is 17 and interested in urban culture and hip hop music, therefore a perfect fit for my primary audience.

Below I have embedded the video which I edited on iMovie and uploaded to my AS Media Studies Youtube Channel. I used a two shot of both the interviewer and interviewee as I felt this added an easy conversational flow between both people.

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.

Time Management- Week 6

This week I feel as though there was a lot of work to be completed in the lesson. Therefore I have took it upon myself to finish most at home. Myself and a couple of other students tried to film our target audience research, however due to technical issues with the camera, we did not get this finished. Consequently, we have arranged to come to my house and film that blog post on Wednesday. I need to make sure this is done correctly so I do not fall behind. Furthermore, I did not have enough time to start the draft of my double page spread, so I will get this done on Tuesday.

Flat Plans

Front Cover

Colour Usage: On the front cover, I am aiming to use a maximum of four colours: black, grey, white and cranberry (purple/pink). I am only using a small amount of colours due to the genre of the magazine I am wanting to create. From the research I did, I know that most popular rap magazines only have a small running house theme. For example, 'XXL' is mainly black, white and red. I think this is good product to compare mine too as it follows the same conventions I want my magazine to have even though it's aimed towards males, and mine will be for the female gender. I have chosen black and white as I think they are very traditional yet symbolic colours for the rap industry. The black may connote the harshness and deep meaning to the genre, and white juxtaposes with this by symbolizing new beginnings and positivity, which many hip hop artists inherit when starting out in the business. I think by incorporating white and grey, neutralizes the page and adds a sense of 'freshness'. To continue with the conventions of a professional rap magazine, I concluded to using a cranberry colour. This will associate well with the target audience as it is quite a feminine colour. I aim to use this to add a 'pop of colour' to my front cover, and I have yet to decide whether to include it in the masthead.

Flatplan of Front Cover

Image Usage: I will have one main image, on the front cover, which will be a beautiful female in a natural position with a 'chocolate box' facial expression. I feel like this will really make her eyes and natural beauty stand out. The image will be either medium close- up or a close- up shot as this camera angle is commonly seen on front covers. I want the model to be in fashionable clothing. I haven't quite figured out what colour this will be yet, preferably an all black or all white outfit. I want her makeup to be simplistic but also connecting with the house theme colours, so maybe a dark red lipstick to add a pop of colour. Furthermore, I have not decided how I want my models hair, but I will be practicing different styles a couple of days before the actual photoshoot. I want everything to connect with the rap industry but also have a connection with females and be attractive to them. Furthermore, I have not yet decided how I want the background of the image to be. I will be photographing the models on either a plain white canvas or a green screen, therefore I can decide whether the simplistic background is suitable, or whether I should add some graphics, such as fading from grey to white etc. I think this will add complexity and interest to my front cover, although I do not want it to look too cluttered, therefore will decide when designing my page.

Text Usage: On the front cover, I aim to use a bunch of different words to captivate the audience. I have not yet decided what story's will be featured on the front cover, but I will ensure they will use language that will attract my primary audience. Furthermore, I aim to use the word 'Win' in the puff, offering a lucky winner tickets for an artist or a new gadget. I think by using the word 'Win' will interest teenagers as most don't necessarily have a lot of spare money to spend on themselves, therefore anything that they could possibly win is a bonus. This may attract a wider target audience, especially if the prize I offer to giveaway is a good one that people outside my primary target audience would be interested in. Lastly, I aim to use special terminology that rap lovers will understand, this will make them feel connected to my magazine, however I am still yet to decide what slang to use.

Layout and Font: My music magazine will hold all of the normal conventions of a front cover, however I will make it clear as to what genre of magazine it is. I will do this by the use of coverlines and the main image. I will place the masthead at the top of the page as it will be the first word you will come across when seeing the front cover. I will make sure this is in an attractive font, but still convey the feelings of rap and hip hop. I am also yet to decide on whether I want it black, grey and white or the cranberry colour (which would add a pop of colour). There will be a banner at the top suggesting viewers to look on the website for new information etc, this will increase my audience, as looking at new gossip online may be easier for some people, other than going out and buying my magazine. This will add professionalism to my magazine too and make it more realistic. I will then include the web address, date and issue number underneath the masthead, as I think this is a good place to locate important information. This is also seen on other music magazines, therefore, will hopefully make mine look skilled like the others. Moreover, I will feature three to four cover lines down the left hand side of the page, this then applies to the 'Rule of Thirds', and will attract the audience when on a magazine stand. I will make sure they are interesting story's and the font will be a one I use throughout my magazine. I think it needs to be quite simplistic and modern, connoting with how my magazine will be, 'new and trendy'. If I decide to illustrate the background for the main image then the coverlines will be white. I think this will add contrast to my page, and make the font stand out, which is what I want. Additionally, I will place a puff underneath the masthead promoting a competition inside. I'm yet to decide what the shape of the puff will be and what colour it will be, but hopefully it will attract more individuals when they glance at my magazine. The main coverline will be aligned to the right of the page, in the middle of the main image. This will be larger than the other coverlines, as it will connect with the model on the front.  I want it to be obvious that both are intertwined. The font and colour will be the same as the other coverlines however will stand out more by the size of it. On the bottom left of the page will be the magazine institution, this will allow magazine lovers to recognise what organisation is backing my magazine, and again this may increase readers, (I am yet to decide who the magazine institution is). Lastly, the barcode will be situated at the bottom right hand side of the page. I was debating on putting it underneath the masthead, however decided against this because the magazine information looked better there. I am going to generate my own barcode on a internet website so it is specialised for my work. This convention is seen on almost 210,000 magazines throughout the World, therefore, would look highly unprofessional if I did not include one.

Contents Page

Colour Usage: On the contents page, my aim is to incorporate the same colours that I used on the front cover, so I have a running house theme. I have not yet decided on what colours I will use for each convention on the page, however I do know that the masthead featured on the contents will be identical as the one on the front cover. I think the headline will be in either white, to contrast from a colourful background, or black. I also want to add a border around the page in the colour cranberry, personally I think this will add a running theme throughout my pages, as the colours connect. Furthermore, the date and page number will be in either black or white, depending on the background. On the content of the page, I will have the writing in black, and the page number in a house theme colour, just so everything follows a specific scheme.

Flatplan of Contents Page

Image Usage: The images I use on the contents page will connect with the coverlines on the front cover. For example, the main image will be of the cover model, however in a different body position than the cover. This will signify synergy throughout my magazine. I want the model to be more relaxed than the front page, however still relaying a sense of mystery. She will have the same makeup and hair as the front cover too. The secondary images will be of an up and coming artist, which will connect with the cover lines featured on the front cover and contents. I am still not 100% positive that secondary images will definitely be used after I've deeply thought about it, because from my research, many rap magazines only had one striking image on the contents page.

Text Usage: Again, I have not yet decided exactly what content will be featured on this page, however, I know that the language I use has to be aimed towards my target audience. From my research, I understand that most people wanted to read celebrity gossip and interviews, therefore I will try and include as many articles about this on the contents page, for example, 'A Day in the Life of...' and '...'s Top 10 R 'n' B Tunes ATM'.

Layout and Font: The layout from my contents page is inspired from magazines like 'Vibe' and 'XXL'. They are very minimalistic compared to other genre's of magazines like 'Q'. I think by it being simple really emphasises the main image and secondary images. I placed the masthead and contents page at the top so it will be easily recognisable when flicking to this page.

Double Page Spread

Colour Usage: I aim to incorporate the house theme of black, white, grey and cranberry onto this double page spread. I would like the article headline to be in the cranberry colour, as well as the quotes on the main image. I feel as though this will add a pop of colour considering the text will be in either black or white. I may also add a quote between the article text, and this will be in the colour cranberry too. I want the background of the double page spread to be in white, as I feel like the contrast will be too harsh if its any other colour. Furthermore, I aim to follow the same colour scheme when taking images of my model, so it all fits together. The page number and date will be in a basic colour of black, so its easily visible.

Flatplan of Double Page Spread

Image Usage: I am planning on using one main image on the left page as I think this will add more effect to the article. Most rap genre double page spreads only contain one image, therefore I want to follow this trend. I want the model to be dressed in either an all black or all white outfit, as this is a popular style seen within the rap genre industry. Personally, I think it would make the pages look unprofessional if the model was dressed in a bright colour, and sort of childish. I want her outfit to fit with the rest of the page, without standing out in a negative way. The model will also have gold or silver jewerly on, such as hoop earrings. Again, this is to connect with hip hop culture.

Text Usage: The text on this page will be very informative towards my target audience. I aim on producing a story/ interview led article, therefore it will interest people that enjoy reading stories or interviews on celebrities. I also plan on using words that connect with the audience, therefore they will feel more involved with my magazine. I am yet to write the double page spread article, but when I do I plan on it being very detailed, using a lot of teenage/ rap language.

Layout and Font: The layout will be very simplistic as I don't think rap articles are cluttered. They always look modern which is how I want mine to be. The main image will take up all of the left page, and I will also feature the headline on that side too. This is so the right page doesn't look too full with the text on it too. On the right, I will use three columns to include the text in, I think this makes the double page spread look very professional and is used in most music magazines. The font used will be very modern and bold, as the colour will be quite feminine. I wanted to balance out the femininity as I presumed using both a girly font and colour would deter it from being a rap genre, as I still want to convey a sense of 'harshness' and 'gangster'. For the article headline, I want it to be a purple/ cranberry snakeskin colour, as I think instead of it being one solid colour, it will definitely signify the hip hop culture. Furthermore, by using an animal skin as the background for headline, will connote 'Power' and represent dual expression of good and evil. This will again connect with the celebrity the article is based on, as I wish to talk about how she went through good and bad to get where she is today.

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.

Model Poses Video

I have created a short video presenting the different model poses I noted down in class. I thought by putting it together in a video will allow me to remember the different poses, and successfully choose which ones to use for my images. My favourite is the 'Chocolate Box' pose because its main selling point is the beauty the model shows when positioning herself this way. I think for the genre of music I am doing as well, this pose will be highly effective in getting the mysterious, yet beautiful vibe from the model.

Likewise, I  have created a Youtube channel, which is where I will display any videos I make for my blog in the upcoming months.

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.

Time Management- Week 5

This week, we had a lot of detailed tasks to complete, for this reason, I have decided to finish the flat plans and rationales in my Friday media lesson. So far, I feel as though every task has been reasonably easy, and if I haven't managed to complete all tasks set then I have taken the time at home to get them finished at my level of detail.

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.