My Evaluation

^ Here is my evaluation of the whole project in the post it note style, enjoy.

Also have added it in a written form which is below:

In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
My media product follows the forms and conventions of real media product to make my product successful. But at the same time it plays around with these must haves to make my product individual. On my front cover the image has the basic needs of a strong image, the models eyes are looking at the reader making the connection to convince the reader to buy and read the magazine. I bend the conventions with the image as there is a lot going on in the mise-en-scene where as real media products have a plainer background so your focus is with the model. I manage to make this work as the mise-en-scene is also drawing you into the magazine with the bridge making lines heading into the magazine and towards the model this all adds up and achieves the goal of grabbing the audience (I’m told from my audience feedback) The text and fonts all conform the codes and conventions using different sizes colours and fonts but all linking in with the mise-en-scene. However I have used a lot of words on the cover lines to draw the reader in, more than your real magazine cover would use. This is because my magazine has a more personal edge as it’s targeted at a niche market.
My contents page is clearly a contents page with all the codes and conventions such as page numbers, more than one image, something from the front cover connecting the two, different fonts or colours, numbers with the images and finally the date and the issue number. This gives my product the same look and success rate of a real media product. I have developed my contents page to follow all of the codes and conventions of any contents page specifically for an acoustic magazine.
My double page spread plays around with a lot of codes and conventions and has a very unique look, not like every double page spread. I have used two photos as bookends on this page, when this layout would be printed on two A4’s this would look like a classy double page spread. With the photo on either side it gives it a finished look and more interesting for the target audience. The writing is in an informal tone reinforcing the personal feel the magazine has with their readers.
How does your media product represent particular social groups?
My magazine appeals to one dominant social group this is students. The people how sit back and take life nice slow, not letting people or things get to them. The age 16 – 24 either at sixth form, college or uni. Living a free lifestyle doing whatever interests them and focusing on that. This is represented in each of my front cover, contents page and double page spread. Firstly the masthead itself ‘escape’ showing they don’t have a lot of responsibilities often needing time to escape. The connotations of the colours natural and neutral not in your face, In the contents page again the use of colours and the photos, not overly staged or fake simple nothing to fancy but looks nice, All appealing to the target audience in their social group.
What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
I feel that my magazine would be best distributed by IPC media as they tend to produce magazines that are there for a smaller target readership. They produce other magazines such as NME which again aimed at a more specific audience and had a large influence on decisions I made for my magazine. They deal with multi platform magazines so I could add an online factor to my magazine and maybe even take it to radio once it has really taken off. Even though NME inspired my magazine I have made it different enough that IPC will want to distribute mine as well, my magazine has different elements and opportunities. It has the chance to expand also with a different audience they are bringing in a whole different type of readers who could then be interested in other magazines IPC has to offer, My magazine also having a fashion side broadens the readers and something IPC haven’t got making my magazine interesting to invest in for the future.
Who would be the audience for your media product?
My target audience are a specialist group as you have to have a real interest in acoustic music. A calm person who likes a break, this is represented in the colours on the front cover. Mostly a female audience, with the exception of guys who don’t fit in to the typical stereo-type. The cover lines explain it has a fashion take inside indicating that its mostly females cup of tea. The readers would age between 16-24 this is shown using a young model also the price.
How did you attract/address your audience?
My front cover grabs the reader’s eye using a few technical features. The way my masthead is large spread across the top of the magazine lets everyone know who the magazine and what its about. The use of different fonts draws the attention of the eye to the cover lines which is enough to make them want to read on, the different fonts is a connotation to show the stories aren’t repetitive all interesting. Using words like ‘top’, ‘featuring’ and ‘exclusive’ makes the reader feel special like they are getting the music first, the interviews with famous musicians and stylists first and only the best.
What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?
Technology.. this has been an issue while building my coursework. My pre-lim task is on the blog and doesn’t look professional or aesthetically pleasing this is very much reflected on my skill level that I knew about photoshop as time went on I improved. You can see in one of my posts how I managed to transform a weak image into a stronger one. I am now confident with photoshop. Uploading all my coursework to a blog was new to me, I didn’t understand fully how to do it and made a few mistakes at the beginning but I managed to get a grip on it and now can manage the basic’s which is all I need.
Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
When I made my pre-lim task I didn’t think into the images or the layout it was all very rushed and you cant produce a strong successful front cover without having strong foundations. I learnt from this so when producing my final product I planned my images I took time editing and thinking into my layout to attempt to make my magazine a best seller. I hadn’t looked into the media groups and other similar magazines which is why it looks so unprofessional but before constructing my final front cover contents page and dps I did all that to make it look professional. The pre-lim task was worthwhile.

How To Show My Evaluation?

As a class we got given a lot of options of how we could present our evaluation and encouraged to come up with our own original way. I took all these ideas on board and decided the one for me was the post it video voice over. I will write out what I have to say then draw the pictures to go with this text and record myself saying it, then add it all together and end up with my final evaluation video.

The Final Products With Improvements Made.

The Front Cover.

The Double Page Spread.

Behind The Image - Front Cover.

I thought I would do a blog entry on how I got to my magazine front cover. I had to do a lot of work changing from my first draft to my final as the photo needed a lot of work.
The model on the front was looking the wrong way and the only other photo i had was a horizontal image that wouldn't have worked for the size of a front cover. I had to cut the end of the first image and put it on the second. Then even that her face was looking forward her eyes were not so I used my photo shop knowledge to add a layer with different eyes to make this image fitting for the front cover. A lot of work went into this image, here is the final image that I went on to use for my front cover and the image I started with.

Feedback.

Front Cover
Positives
- Strong
- Enough to grab your eye sitting on a shelf with other magazines.
- Colours reflect the target audience
- Good use of different font keeps the reader interested
Negatives
-The modle is very dark compared to the mise en scene
- Missing a / in the date
- Spelling mistake 'stylish
Contents Page
Positives
- Correct code and conventions
- Strong colours all linked in well
- Nice use of layout clear and stylish
Negatives
- Spelling mistake 'subscription'
- Aline photos
- Fill the empty gaps by moving the text around
Double Page Spread
Positives
- Strong images each side
- The colours linking in with the contents page and the images
- The correct form of writting for the target audience not to formal
Negatives
- Move the heading down and bigger
- Move 'Pluto' so it is visible to the reader
- Add the page number along with who wrote the article

Final Draft Double Page Spread

This is my double page spread. I have tried to carry on the colour scheme that i used on my contents page with the title 'pluto' in the same font and colour. The image also follow this colour scheme which is why chose this image. 'Pluto' is also smiling and looking striaght into the camera this makes it harder for the reader to just skip past this page and not read it. The text is using a girly font which represents that this article is written about a girl.

The Front Cover Re Done

I had to make a few changes on my front cover. I had the basis of it but the finalised details needed some improvement.

The main image of my artist wasn't looking at the camera this wouldn't have attracted the reader to pick up this copy, so i changed the image so she is making eye contact with the reader making that first connection.

The masthead was a little small and hidden so i spread it over the top of the magazine so you could really see it and notice what magazine this is.

I needed the test to stand out more and be more readable so i changed a few of the fonts along with colours and positioned. The actual text had a few to many words in it, so i shortened each extract.

The Promotional image 'only£2' needed to be bigger as that is what is going to make the reader want to buy mine more than other magazines on the rack.

I changed the overall colours of the whole thing as it looked a little boring and needed some bright colours to make it stand out.

The Final Draft Of My Contents Page.

Here is the final draft of my contents page. I have added the essentials such as the masthead, the date, the issue number and information about subscription.I have put the masthead at the top of the page as a reminder of the magazine that the reader have so this is inprinted in their brain. But it is smaller as the real focus should be on the heading contents this is helped with the colour red.The date and the issue number is so the reader can keep track of the magazines and to know if they have the latest issue.The information about subscription is so the reader knows that they have potential to subscribe and the money they would save with the page they could find this on. This then completes my contents page.

The Second Draft Of My Contents Page

This is my second draft of my contents page.

As i did allot on the first draft i didn't have a lot to do on this one, I changed a few spelling mistakes that i had made at the beginning.

I then added the strip across the bottom with an extra heading. This is for the review, in the magazine each month who ever is main feature (on the front cover) we would get a more personal profile the artist/band and there views on other music. With the pale red back ground linking in with the colour scheme.

The First Draft Of My Contents Page

This is my first draft of my contents magazine. I have kept a colour theme throughout this page., with the reds blacks and creams. This makes it look professional and appealing to the readers eye. The colours are also in keeping with the neutral look of the front cover.

The numbers being in red and the letters in black draw the readers attention to the numbers which is the part of information they need to know to skip to the right page. The little extract to tempt the reader are short and sweet. i have also put into bold certain words so they can immediately see what each section is about. i chose the words that would be most like to persuade the reader to go to that page. I decided to put the pages under separate headings as after i did some research on contents pages a few had this and i thought it look sophisticated.

The images are similar to link in with the scheme of the page to show i have planned this page when taking the images. I have simply just edited the colours on both images to match.

Here is the final draft of my magazine front cover.

The image.
I took this image at the river in Cobham. With the trees showing a natural environment like the type of music acoustic is. I then changed the colours of this image to create a neutral look of this image, again linking in with the overall feel of the music and the magazine its a relaxed look and feel that will continue the whole way through.

I styled her with the guitar in its case on her back to show the type of reader that will be interested in this magazine. Linking back into the mood board and the day in the life of a reader, as the reader would always be on the go what ever the weather rain or shine.

With the bridge leading into the centre of the magazine, where she is this is drawing the reader to open and reads more into the magazine. It allows the text to be around the edge with covering the important parts of the image.

The text.
The chose to change the font with each puff as it adds a more textured look. Each font represents the text that is there. With different sizes it allows each bit to attract the reader separately.

The important extras.
I finally had to add on the barcode as its a technical must have and the date just under the strap line. I put the date in grey as its separate to the rest of the magazine and a fact. This will be the same on every magazine.

The Second Draft Of My Magazine Front Cover.

Here is my second draft for my final magazine cover.

I have added some more puffs on the front down the sides, the first one is on the right top. This is to give the reader a little taster of the top story inside. With the 'featuring' in a different font and bigger it really stands put to the reader so if they wanted to know straight away from the front cover who was featured in this magazine they know immediately where to look.

The other one i added blending into the shape of the bridge. This i thought was a good technique as its drawing you into the image and then further into the magazine. I change the colour of the font to mix it up a bit but kept a simple colour to follow up with the feel of the magazine. The actual words are about the fashion part of my magazine but the type of fashion the reader would be interested in not the advice to make the reader look overly girly or fake, this fashion advice is links music and fashion together.

The First Draft Of My Magazine Front Cover.

This is my first draft for my music magazine cover, i have got the mast head strap line and the first puff ready to draw the reader in to the magazine, i focused this puff on to the style side of the magazine.

The masthead is bold at the top, with a bit of a shadow behind it. This font is a subtle font linking in with the style of the magaizne and the music. This magazine is not an in your face, grab your attention unless this is what you are looking for. The colours are plain to look proffesional.

The strap line, the small words written under the masthead to confirm what this magazine is about and to get the reader interested. Acoustic jmusic is usually used as a get away. Using the word escape reenforces the mast head. With the 'sound of acoustic' following so the reader knows exactly what will be in this magazine.

I had put on the little price tag, its in a yellow to stand out from the magazine as this is the only thing that the reader will need to see straight away to show of the fact its a bargin to make the reader interested.

Original Photography For My Music Magazine.

I started to take the images that i might want to use when creating my magazine. These images could be used on the front cover or contents page. I then finalised all the images down to my favourites and the strongest ones. (These are shown on the right.) I thought about the background, the angles, the costuming and the subjects pose when taking these photos. I Incorporated an acoustic guitar in all of my images as this links into the theme and the target audience of my magazine. The people in my photos represent the target audience that would be interested in reading my magazine.

Analysis Of My Own Contents Page.

I made my own contents page on photo-shop for my pre-lim task.

I have used the colours of the text to link in that this magazine is for boys and girls. This follows the theme on from the front cover. I like this idea so when making my final contents page having a theme on the front cover and bringing that into the contents page. Having the writing positioned in front of the images shows that this is the important part of the page, they are the bits that you need to know. As for the text, this relates to target audience. This magazine is for year sevens, therefor the text needs to be cheesy and catchy otherwise they aren't going to bother. I need to remember to aim my text to the target audience as a contents page is there to entice the reader to read on. The page numbers are a different size to the text and a different colour to make it nice, clear and simple to read and to navigate. I have put my logo in the top left corner just so the name sticks in the readers mind, so when telling their friends they can increase the popularity of my magazine.

I took these images with the theme of my magazine in mind that inside im giving tips to be cheeky but stay sensible. The first image on the left shows a lad with a cheeky look about him, he has a smirk that shows he could be hiding something but also has the adorable and innocent look. He is wearing his uniform well with the tips that are in the magazine content. This would prove to the reader that it is possible to look cool in your uniform, making them want to pick up the magazine. Both lads in the photos have their eyes looking straight out of the page at the reader which gives an instant connection again persuading the students to read on. The image on the right this boy is of a younger age linking in with targeted audience. The costuming of him, with the coat shows he is sensible but also cares about how he is presented at school. This represents the readers that would be interested in this magazine.

All together this was good practise to let me think about what i would like to invole when making my contents to my music magazine.

Analysis Of A Mens Lifestyle Magazine Content Page

The magazine FHM is all about things that typical men have in their life. For example fashion, sport, cars, and women. And is very succesfull as the biggest mens monthly lifestyle magazine in the counrty. With the target audience renging between 18 - 40.

On this contents page it has a main image and then the text round the edge. It is pretty straight forward getting straight to the point like the rest of the magazine. It just has the facts, the bits you need to know. With a little teaser to inctice the audience to read on.

The text - This is a clear simply font ans if its possible a manly one while being informative. With the bigger headings above each little sumarry of each article. It gives it a strong layout and look. 'CONTENTS' writen across the top of the page in a powerfull black with the O in whitty red. This gives the title a classy little extra, giving it a flash of colour. Showing that the people reading this magazine would have interesting side to them not just the usual man.

The main image takes up alot of this contents page, and is used as the main thing to draw the readers in after turning over the front cover. The magazine has to keep the readers interested without giving to much away. The image is of Nicole Scherzinger who is the cover star in this issue. The way the image has been taken puts all the focus on her as the background is edited to be out of focus and small than her. This effect gives us the idea that this magazine doesn't focus on the boring background things, just the main attractive one.

With this clear layout nothing can go wrong, they dont have anything risky that could have the potential to disapoint readers. But none the less a strong contents page that has the audience to carrying on reading and coming back for more.

Analysis Of A Womens Lifestyle Magazine Content Page

Elle is a magazine focused around fashion beauty of style. And one of most popular woman's lifestyle magazine. With the target audience 18 - 40. This is reflected throughout the magazine. It has a clear layout which lets the reader easily find the information they are looking for which serves the purpose of the content page.

The instant vibe you can feel from this contents page is class, sophistication and style. With the simple layout and the contrasting red against the pale background also grabs our attention. 'ELLE' written at the top in the same font as the front really sets into our mind that this is Elle magazine. Having little red headings lets the reader find exactly what part you want to skip. Linking with the theme of page keeping it looking new and fashionable.

The two images set on the top left corner and the bottom right corner are simple but effective. They give the reader a little taste of whats inside. The effects used on the top image are a neutral and natural. However the bottom image is bright and more of an abstract image. As they are so different they show the difference of content this magazine contains. This engages the reader, as to much of the same thing is boring. Having just two images doesn't give to much away, gives the impression that they don't have to tempt you to much to read on just simply the magazine does that already.

The layout is simple. The columns keep the text in line and clear with little headings, with snippets of each article so you know what to expect and to tempt you to read each one. Next to each caption there is a a big number. This is to tell the reader what page each one is on. This is use full as you can jump straight to where you were before you had to put it down, or just which ever one you want to read first. The numbers are big to help the reader as some contents pages they keep everything small and barely readable which may look nice but isn't practical. This contents page has the look and the sensibility.

Double Page Spread Analysis - The Fly

This double page spread is very different to the other, with two big pictures and a lot more text. Its layout is very bold and simple with some bursts of colour. With some sub headings as the writing is on several new bands coming up in 2011.

The title -This page has a small title at the top 'New Bands 2011' which gets the reader interested as everyone wants to be the first to find out information. The reason that it is so small is its just a little teaser to get you interested then they then have a sub heading which is bigger and bolder that is to make sure they have hooked you into the page, 'coming up'. There is then the title of the article, which is longer to inform you about what you will be reading, they use informal language for example the word 'y'know' this would be the type of way the reader would speak so connects with the audience.

The colours - For the writing its all very simple and easy to navigate, with the help of little yellow highlights over the top of the sub headings. Giving the page a little flash of colour. In the big picture the the left of the page, the colours are all based around the brown and yellow tones in a sense keeping him a little hidden he hasn't come into full colours but soon we will see more him, linking in with the point of the text that he will be coming up in 2011.

The images - There are two images on these pages, one single head shot of a man, the other of a more abstract shot of a whole band. These are contrasting as one has bright vibrant colours and the other mono-tone, showing this magazine can have a wide range of readers. The man in the top corner the photo is a close shot showing that people don't have to hide, then the photo in the bottom corner shows that its good to be individual this gives the reader a boost.

The layout - Its a very bold layout, its making a statement. Its very strong this leads us to believe that the text is also strong truthful. Everything has an outline, in a box, keeping it tidy and looks easy to read. With the use of subheadings it separates the separate bands so you can go straight to the one your interested in and looks like there is less to read. Its written in columns to make it appeal to the more mature generation or the reader that wants to be more mature as it resembles a newspaper.

I will take the idea of having a border around the whole page from this double spread as i think it gives the page a nice finish, shows that you have payed attention to detail. Also the idea of keeping everything simple. The strength of this page completes it, i would hope to incorporate that into my pages.

Double Page Spread Analysis - The Company

This page has been split into two halves, top and bottom. On the top there are eight images of all the same model. On the first page they have focused on a pair of brown leather trousers, then the same model has worn them in four different ways. Then the same on the following page but with a brocade jacket.

The title 'I cant wear that!' - This is an interesting title as its giving off a negative vibe however that would easily get the readers attention. The font that's its written in reminds me of one from a gossip mag. I like the way they are linking in a gossip magazine with fashion keeps the reader on their toes.

The colours - These pages definitely are based around an Autumn the colours of the clothes and the colour of the background. All based one browns, this always gives off a warm feeling. The black font linking in with some of the black clothes and accessories give it that edge, the edge that keeps from turning over.

The images - Casual, the way they are taken the poses the model is in, the backgrounds its all to give off that casual vibe. Witch runs through the whole magazine, to prove the point that you don't need to be hugely rich to look good or going to anywhere fancy to look good. Looking closer you can see that in all eight photos she isn't smiling, Keeping up the intense look not being to soft to contrast the colours.

The layout - The split across the middle dividing the page in half is a layout i like. It keeps the text and images separate letting the reader clearly read the information. Its also set out like a time line, with lines coming from the images to the text this is implying that you can keep that garment for a long time, learning to wear it different ways as this article shows you. Not only do the pages look similar so we can see they match, the have a strip of text running from one the other. Quickly letting the reader know what is the aim of the page.

All together this is a very good double page spread as the are so similar like a mirror has just been put in the middle, but in fact you are getting a whole page worth of new information. I thins would be very appropriate for the target audience as the are looking for a relaxed version of a high class magazine. I may include the idea of splitting the page in two in my own magazine as i find it very effective and looks professional.

My First Masthead

I have chosen the word 'escape' as acoustic music is like an escape from the real world, its a calm and an easy listen. It can be of any songs of any artist and there will be an acoustic image. I have used the colours black and grey as its simple like the music, and clear. The writing is a curly font demenstrating the music note curls. This is just a first draft as im sure i will be editing it.

Pre - Lim Task - School Magazine

This was my first time using photo shop and attempting to design a magazine cover. We were given the task of designing a magazine for a school and here is what i came up with. I chose to do the more rebelious slant, for new year sevens that are trying to fit in. So just advising them how to get through school happyily without people picking on there aperance but without getting in trouble for it. It gives tips to both boys and girls, for example how to get away with make up and for boys wearing your shirt out. I used the word 'secret' in the masthead as it would interest the reader as everyone wants to know secrets.

Analysis Of NME Contents Page

This is a contents page for NME magazine, It is a very busy page compared to my other magazine. It has all the basic information on it for example the page numbers, images and a brief summery of what you would find on that page. But then it has an added extra what they call a 'band index' this is where it shows all the bands that are featured inside and the pages that you can find them on.

The main image in the middle is of Kasabian who have a main featuring article in this issue. The image shows them in a relaxed environment with there instruments. This gives the reader an instant feel that this is an easy read magazine and that you don't have to worry about reading it in to much detail. The colours in the image have all been set up to sound the same colour scheme to show a calming effect.

They have made it easier for the reader by putting sub headings down the side so you can find exactly what part you want to read. Again giving the reader the sense that this magazine is easy and uncomplicated. There is also a red arrow down the bottom to indicate something that the reader would be interested in to then let the reader skip straight to page that they would be most interested.

There is a big bold advertisement down the bottom with the use of yellow writing so it is clearly seen by the reader. They would want people to subscribe to the magazine so they have a guaranteed circulation figure each week.

They have a bold title on the contents page that uses the words 'this week' this encourages us that its new information each week unlike some magazines that just repeat some of the stories as they don't have enough stories. Although some would say that this layout is a messy, it shows the reader that it is jam packed with information.

Contents page for The Company.

On this particular contents page and usually in the company high street magazine the content page is simple, the layout isn’t busy and full of information and pictures like other magazines. On this page there are four images and then the page numbers and a brief description about the page underneath.

The images are all taken from the inside of the magazine with the page number written on the picture as well so if you see the items of clothing in the photos then you can skip straight to the page and find out where and how much these particular clothes. They have chosen these images out of all the ones in the magazine as three of them out of four are in are from a photo shoot and are in a seductive pose, to entice the reader in as it gives the reader the idea that with these clothes you could look as good as the models. Then you have the odd one out, the photo that hasn’t been staged. Its of a regular girl to show that in this magazine on page number 74 there is a section where they find people that look good when they are shopping and asked to take there picture, showing that this magazine is down to earth and that you don’t need to be a top model or have lots of money to have these clothes.

The writing under the images where they give you the information, the font is a simple smart font, so its not complicated to read and the size is a small font as it looks classy. It makes you not just skip over the page, actually look carefully. The text the tile of the page is written in bold and italics this shows you clearly so you can find the article you want to read. Then next to that there is a brief very brief summary of what you can expect to read on that page. Often using language techniques like alliteration and repetition that would get you interested and sway you into reading it more.

The actual layout is smart and fashionable, its classy there is no mess it’s all there in black and white. It would appeal to its target reader as its stylish and gives you little hints about what’s inside without giving to much away.