Looking Back At The Preliminary Task, What Do You Feel You Have Learnt In The Progression From It To The Full Product?

Looking Back At The Preliminary Task, What Do You Feel You Have Learnt In The Progression From It To The Full Product?

I think my skills have improved since the preliminary task. With more research and planning, I was able to produce a better layout for my magazine. I now understand the importance of researching target audience and looking into other magazines for inspiration. Looking back on my final outcome for my preliminary task, I think the cover is quite boring and does not appeal to the target audience because it is quite plain, also the photo is of a bad quality, and I do not like the layout. However, I have learnt from this and in my final piece, I have made sure I used good quality photos and I have adapted the writing and layout styles of NME magazine, who I used for inspiration.

                           

I think there are big differences between the two magazines. I also think it is evident that I have been able to develop my skills in programs such as 'Photoshop' and 'InDesign' For example, I have learnt how to do techniques such as 'drop shadow' which I have used on my masthead for my final design. Also I have experimented with different texts and effects.

Q6 What Have You Learnt About Technologies From The Process Of Constructing This Product?

http://prezi.com/fxsilslqigbc/untitled-prezi/

Link To Prezi On Using Technology

Q4&5

Who Would Be The Audience For Your Media Product?

This is an example of a target audience member for my product. 

• Ages range from 15-21
• Interests are fashion, alternative music, going to gigs and festivals, retro/vintage clothing.
• Social Media such as 'Facebook' 'Twitter' 'Tumblr' Apps such as 'Instagram' 'iTunes' 
• Books and Magazines, Such as 'Q' Magazine, NME magazine. 
• TV and Film Alternative programs and films, aimed at younger generations, eg, Misfits, Skins.

My product is aimed at a younger audience. Also the language used in the magazine is aimed at younger generations. This is because the interview is quite informal and chatty.

Feedback Interview With A Member of The Target Audience - Male, aged 17.

'What did you like about the front cover of the Magazine?'

'It's easily recognizable as a music magazine. I think the age of the person you put on the cover made it obvious that it is a magazine for people of a younger age. It means younger people are more likely to pick it up in a shop and see what it's about'

'Is There Anything On The Cover That Attracts You To The Magazine?'

'I like the colour scheme because it's quite moody which fits the theme of the artist. I like the free poster bit, because that's what a lot of people my age go for in magazines to put them up, and it doesn't really matter what gender either. The cover lines draw me in as well because they fit the target audience as they're all about alternative/indie artists.'

'Does The Magazine Seem A Similar Style To Any Others?'

'It reminds me of NME magazine or Q'

What Kind Of Media Institution Might Distribute Your Media Product And Why?

Referring to the IPC Case study, the publishing company already publish two music magazines, both being alternative genres. I have reasearched 'Bauer' publishing. This company publish magazines such as:

• Bella
• Take A Break 
• That's Life
• TV Choice
• Eat In

http://www.bauer.co.uk/brands

This means that there is a gap for music magazines in their publishing portfolio. Because the magazines that they have been publishing are aimed at a target audience of middle aged women, publishing an alternative music magazine would give the company a chance to reach other target audiences of ages 18-21. 

How Does Your Media Product Represent Particular Social Groups?

 

Question 1: In What Ways Does Your Product Use, Develop Or Challenge Forms And Conventions Of Real Media Products?

I think my magazie front cover has similar conventions to an 'NME' magazine front cover. My First similarity is that the mastheads both have big and bold writing. I also have the feature artist on the cover in big writing, just like in the NME with the words 'Johnny Be God'. There is also a barcode in the bottom right corner like in the NME cover. For my magazine, I have similar target audiences so I have used a similar photo idea, with the guitar in the picture so it is easily recognizable as an 'Indie Rock' magazine. The sub headings and the features included in the magazine is written in a similar style to NME magazine, so it is recognizable from the cover what is going to be included.

Double Page Spread Final

Double Page Spread

I have added audience reviews to the double page spread.

Double Page spread

Double Page Spread Screenshots

Contents Page Final Design

This is my final design of my contents page. I have made it so the colour scheme matches the front cover and fits the 'house style' of the magazine.

Contents Page Design

Magazine Final Front Cover

Music Magazine Cover

Music Magazine - Research And Planning

What Genre of Music Are You Going To Use? - I am going to base my magazine on the indie rock genre. This type of music is considered a little less known, as opposed to chart music, such as 'top 40', etc.

What Media Exists For This Genre Currently? - NME Magazine, NME.com

Who Produces These? - IPC, they also produce 'UNCUT' magazine which is from a similar genre to NME of alternative music.

What Is Typically Included In These Publications? Articles, interviews, Reviews, Gig Information.

How Much Does It Cost? £2.40 Released weekly. Approximately 60 pages.

Who Is It Aimed For?

This example of an NME magazine cover is an example that the magazine is aimed at younger generations and teens from 15 to early 20's. This is because the magazine cover in this example has a futuristic theme and her face has a chrome effect. The look is edgy and modern which would appeal to younger audiences.

This magazine cover shows the audience of NME. This is because 'The Libertines' are considered a rebellious band which appeals to the target audience. They are shown on the cover as looking quite rough by the way they are standing and the way that their clothes are, also they are holding cigarettes in the cover to give a rebellious image. 

This example of a cover supports the audience preferences because it is portraying the rebellious teenage look. For example, swearing at the camera and having a cigarette, whist wearing a hoodie is a stereotypical teen image, therefore the artist will appeal to the target audience.

The magazine is called 'NME' which stands for New Musical Express. This is a name the magazine has had since 1952. This appeals to audiences because it identifies what the magazine is about and that it will bring all the latest news.

My magazine will be an alternative/indie rock music themed, just like NME. It will be aimed at young people.

Magazine Title Ideas

• Cut Off 
• Dakota
• Dare
• Dive In
• Instinct
• Jet

I like the magazine name 'Cut Off' because it suits the genre and would appeal to a younger generation.

These are some samples of fonts that I could use for my magazine cover. 

For my magazine cover, the photos I want to take should have an urban and grunge theme to it. This could be achieved my having photos by a brick wall or graffiti. This is because it would appeal to younger generations. I will have a person holding a guitar to it fits with the indie alternative theme and it is easily recognised as a music magazine. The photo for the front cover needs to allow room for the masthead along the top and cover lines along the side.

I will have the masthead in a bold colour such as red or white. I will have a quote from the interview on the front page to draw people into the article. I will also have cover lines along the left side of the page. 

Photos For Magazine