Evaluation Questions

In what ways does your music magazine use, develop or challenge forms and convections of real music magazine?
• Compare real music magazines
• What inspired your own magazine (images of them)
• Talk about how you developed, followed and challenged codes and convections (all three pages with references how they influenced your own magazine)
• Analysis of a real magazine then your own
• Mise en scene of images to make sure they were convectional and realistic

My music magazine both uses, develops and challenges forms and convention of existing music magazines that are already in the shops and that are available to buy.
Uses
 My music magazine had a logo and a suitable name for my music magazine which is similar to NME and Q magazine.
 My music magazine contains photos on the front, which is similar to other music magazines.
 My contents page has numbers which corresponds to articles, this is similar to other music magazines.
 My Music magazine had headlines and cover lines which is similar to other music magazines.
 My music magazine had a continued brand identity which is similar to NME and Q magazines.
 In my double page spread, I wrote my article in columns which is how the articles look in other music magazines.

2. How does your music magazine represent particular social groups?
• Analysis a readership profile
• Identify your target audience
• The pricing of your magazine
• Identify the genre of the magazine
• Identify different social groups
• Location, mode of address , language, costume, colours, model

My music magazine represents particular social groups by the different conventions and key features of my music magazine.The name that I decided to call my music magazine is LOUD. This is because when this particular genre of music is listening to it is usually played very loud and represents young people in terms of what they are about. Urban music tends to be very bold and upbeat but isn't always necessarily happy. This is the reason why I chose the color scheme for my magazine to be black, white, red and green. I thought not only do the colors look classic, they are also a mix between the emotions that come through all urban songs. I have chosen a model that is 17 years old which hits my target audience age. I haven't dressed her up to look like a celebrity I wanted her to look like an 'everyday person' as I feel young people are more inspired when they see someone who doesn't appear to be above them. The pricing if my magazine is 2.50 I think this is an affordable price seeing as my magazine isn't released that frequently. My audience will also be getting a lot inside it so I think that it is very reasonable. The image on my front cover is just on a black backdrop, I chose this because the story is an insight on anew artists lifestyle. Being new into the music industry you are less likely to be photographed on a big set as you are not very well known yet so I decided to go for the simplistic theme. My magazine is hiphop and RnB music, it is intended to be targeted at both male and females.  


3. What kind of media institution might distribute your music magazine and why?
• Research, reference company’s
• Why the other company’s don’t suit your magazine e
• What magazines they are distrusting at the moment does yours magazine form a      relationship.
• Ask people video log
• Put image on billboard and magazine self

The Media institution that might distribute my music magazine is the music industry, as the music industry will know about the latest music and so will be able to distribute my music magazine. Also the music industry will be able to get the music artists contacts to help create further editions of my music magazine. Also the music industry will be able to distribute my music magazine in music shops such as HMV and would be able to advertise my music magazine in online music shops such as Itunes; advertising my music magazine on online download sites will be able to target my specific audiences.To be able to distribute my music magazine to shops such as supermarkets and newsagents; I may need the newspaper industry to be able to distribute my magazine.

4. Who would be the audience for your music magazine?
• Reference audience research how that resulted on who my target audience
• If they are male of female how did you come to this conclusion
• What social democratic class do they fit into
• Age of target audience
• Bands that are being promoted how they fit with magazine
• Embed music videos into video blog to show the genre of the music magazine

The Target audience for my music magazine would be both males and females aged 16-20. Although I think that people who buy the magazine may be older or younger than my target audience. In terms of social democratic class I think they would be middle and lower class as I think they would be more interested in the genre of music as they can relate more to lyrics of songs.The audience of my music magazine would be big fans of music and will have specific music artists and bands that they like. Therefore they would enjoy to read music magazines so that they can find out about their latest music artist. They type of bands and artists I would include would be the likes of Rihanna, Beyonce, Jay Z, Kanye west. 


5. How did you attract/address your audience?
• Mode of address use of language
• Colours how they target gender, age and social class
• Use of main image
• Masthead
• Film people on if they would purchase the magazine
• What they would gain from consuming the magazine
• Magazine shelf and how the magazine would fit into the real world, take images of your cover on a self to show realism

I attracted my target audience by creating a questionnaire and then using the results to create my music magazine. This meant that I could specify the results to my questionnaire to my music magazine. I took tnier adice on board thier advice to ensure that the magazine what what they wanted. As my target audience is 16 - 20 year olds 

6. What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?
• Learnt how to use Photoshop
• In deign
• Wix
• Software
• Tools in which were used to create products
• Print screens
• Blogger
• Importance of communication
• Questionnaires
• Camera work
• Google 

7. Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression  from it to the full product?
• Show mock up magazine to final product
• Show professionalism
• How realistic covers represent codes and convections
• Understanding of convections and audiences needs
• Use of software
• Impact of audience feedback

Final magazine cover, contents page and DPS

After all my research, my planning and my creating of my music magazine, I have completed my front page, contents page and double page spread of my music magazine. When I was creating my pages, I remembered to keep the key features of a music magazine in my pages, this includes suitable photos a suitable masthead for my magazine, suitable headlines and cover lines for my music magazine. These two magazines, Q and Rolling Stone. Both influenced my final front cover. As I have taken various elements from both music magazines to create a realistic and convectional outcome of my own music magazine.

Shooting schedule & Final photo shoot pictures

This is the shooting schedule that I used when I took the photos for my music magazine, I took photos over three separate days, this meant I was able to get the perfect photos. It also gave me enough time to get the location and the photo completely right. It also gave me range of different photos to use and I was able to select the few that stood out. On the schedule I have noted the equipment that I needed and the model that I need. I have also stated the location of the photo shoot, I have kept these elements the same as I want my magazine to be centered around one particular person so I didn't want to have too many props and locations as I wanted it to have continuity and allow the audience to focus on the main story.The shooting schedule helps me to organize the photo shoots and when they are being taken place.

Here are the final pictures I have chosen to use for my shoot, I think these will work with with the theme of my magazine which I wanted to contrast with having bright colors as-well as going for the more classic approach which is why I have used black and white images as I want the magazine to be hiphop and urban but still be portrayed in a classic way.. 

Emails

As part of my planning I emailed my friends to ask if they would would take part in my project. This is an effective way of gathering up rounds of people aswell as explain the task to everyone in which they would be able to ask me questions and get an isntant reply. I sent the following message to all of mthe people I intented to use:

Planning for my music magazine

Model consideration: 
When looking for models for the cover and double page spread of my music magazine, I would need to make sure that they would fir the idea that I wanted to portray. I want to adopt the genre hip hop.  and rap and ideally have a girl for the main image and have a band for the double page spread. I will ask friends and family to ensure they are comfortable and know the look in which I'm looking for. I will then narrow it down and complete a shoot in which highlights the genre of the magazine with an eye catching image. I will also discuss the costume and use of props in which the model will be using so that they will be completely aware of the task. I will also so them examples in which influenced the idea of the style and genre of the shoot which will allow it to meet my expectations. 

Props & costume:
As my cover will mainly be focused on the model itself, I don't intend to use many props but make sure that the clothing is bright which will be eye-catching  I will also make sure that the models are positioned in urban pose. For the group shot I would want each person to be dressed individually yet positioned to look like a band. I want to go for a bright and loud shoot, where the personality of the models come through, which fits the theme of hip-hop and rap music. 

Location of shoot: 
I will do my shoot at school, as it will be easy for my models. I will set up a black back drop which will make my models clothing stand out more and will be easy to edit, I will also have lights shinning onto the set which will ensure that lighting is perfect. Health and safety will also be much easier to control at school as the room I will be shooting in will be big, so I can make sure that my models don't trip over lights and wires. 

Mode of address: 
The mode of address that will be used in my music magazine will be informal so that the context will relate to the reader and a relationship will be formed. When considering images and articles for my magazine I will consider my target audience 16-22 year olds so that they will be able to easily relate to the context and find loyalty which will create good consumers. The cover shoot I will have my model directly looked at the camera. Where as the group shots will be fun and show personality. 

Colour scheme: 
I want the color scheme of my magazine to be very classic. I think I will aim to stick to the colors black, white and possibly read as I am calling it 'Loud' I think that the read will represent that. I want all of my images to be in black and white which will help me keep to the aim I want to achieve. 

Audience pie chart analysis

Pie chart one shows that the most popular music in the public eye is is RnB as well as drum and base. This has allowed me to see that people do have interest in the genre of music that I have chosen to do for my magazine which is a positive thing.

Pie chart two shows that I have a very large people that would actually buy an urban music magazine which allows to to know that it would be successful. 

Pie chart three  Pie chart five highlights where people would or do pay for a music magazine, the majority went towards £2.50, and £3.00 this gives me the idea of how much I would price my own music magazine.


Pie chart four shows what encourages people to buy a music magazine the main element is entertainment. Majority of the people I asked said interviews which allows me to know what I should pay attention on including in my magazine. 

Pie chart five shows that my audience would like the music magazine to be released monthly. This is very beneficial to me as having it released monthly would allow me to to include a lot more content as I would have a months news to filter in to it. 

Pie chart six highlights the the favorite magazines were Billboard, NME and Rolling Stones. This helps me to know what magazines to get inspiration from when creating my magazine. 

Pie chart seven, again shows what people would mots like to see on a double page spread which allows me to know what to do on that page which will please my audience and interest them in the magazine. 

Audience Pie Chart

Audience research for my magazine

For my particular magazine I will be aiming to target a mainstream audience which should attract a wide range of people. The theme for my magazine is hip hop and RnB which should attract both makes and females. It will involve news about up ans coming gigs and concerts, celebrity gossip, interviews and style tips. As part of my research I aim to create a questionnaire which will enable to find out what my audience want. I asked 40 people the added up what each person said for every question. 

Questionnaire

Would you buy an urban magazine?

Yes – 34

No - 6

What style of music do you listen to?

Hip-hop – 10

Country – 0

Drum and Bass – 3

Dub step – 5

House - 9

How much would you be prepared to pay for an urban magazine?

Free – 5

Less than 1.00 - 0

1.00 – 2.00 - 6

2.50 – 3.00 - 16

3.50+ - 13

How often would you like the magazine to be released?

Weekly - 6

Monthly - 12

Quarterly – 18

Yearly - 1

What would be your favorite thing to see in an urban music magazine?

Interviews – 24

Gossip – 4

Competitions – 2

Reviews – 10

Posters - 0

What would you most like to see on a double page spread?

Interviews – 15

New bands and artists – 12

Exclusive news – 11

Posters – 2

Other - 0

What is your favorite music magazine?

Rolling Stones - 8

Billboard - 11

NME – 12

Q – 4

Other - 5

EMAP

 

EMAP owns industry-leading brands that sit at the heart of business powerful B2B communities like Retail, Health, Construction, Architecture, and Fashion.

Our purpose is to connect professional communities and inspire them to know, to grow, progress and win.  Brands such as HSJ and Retail Week create deep relationships and unparalleled reach, to increase value for our customers. 

We deliver this through senior networking events; industry leading awards; online data products; social media communities; headline conferences and, of course, critical insight, news and analysis.  We hear the market agenda, and create innovative solutions and better ways for our advertisers and sponsors to connect with their audience. We provide highly valued subscription services and are rewarded by a following. 

Always independent, relentlessly inquisitive, EMAP embodies quality, market-leading journalism. We act as the ultimate industry insider, and strive to always be the trusted authority.

For our customers, EMAP provides the best possible way to connect with their world. We are their competitive advantage.

IPC Media

 

With more than 60 iconic media brands, IPC creates content for multiple platforms, across print, online, mobile, tablets and events.  As the UK's leading consumer magazine publisher we engage with 26m UK adults - almost two thirds of UK women and 42% of UK men. Our award winning portfolio of websites reaches over 25 million users globally every month. 

IPC Media is committed to working in partnership with its consumers, advertisers, business partners and employees to deliver exceptional value, service, innovation and creativity. 

They have three publishing divisions; IPC Connect, IPC Inspire and IPC Southbank. IPC Connect, our mass market women's division comprises famous women's weeklies including Now, Chat and Woman; TV entertainment brands including What's on TV, TVTimes and TV & Satellite Week and the goodtoknow network. Our men's portfolio, IPC Inspire, has a wealth of leisure brands including Country Life, Horse & Hound, Rugby World and Decanter, as well as lifestyle brands including Nuts, Mousebreaker and NME. IPC Southbank is our upmarket women's division and comprises luxury fashion brands including Marie Claire and InStyle, lifestyle brands including woman&home and Essentials and home interest brands including Ideal Home, Livingetc and housetohome.

Sitting alongside the publishing divisions is IPC Advertising, which allows clients and agencies to purchase bespoke advertising solutions across all of our brands and across a variety of platforms, and Marketforce, the UK's leading newstrade sales and distribution company.

Beaur Music Magazine

Bauer Media is a division of the Bauer Media Group, Europe’s largest privately owned publishing Group. The Group is a worldwide media empire offering over 230 magazines in 15 countries, as well as online, TV and radio stations.

Our business is built on influential media brands with millions of personal relationships with engaged readers and listeners. Our strategy is to connect audiences with excellent content through our broad multi-touch point brand platforms, wherever and whenever and however they want. Our wide portfolio of influential brands gives us advantages over pure play magazine or radio competitors.

Our magazine heritage stretches back to 1953 with the launch of Angling Times and the acquisition in 1956 of Motor Cycle News, both still iconic brands within our portfolio.
The seeds of the company’s radio business were planted in 1990 with the acquisition of London dance station Kiss FM (now called Kiss 100), followed by the acquisition of Liverpool's Radio City and later by TWC and the Metro Group. Then came the acquisition of Melody FM which was transformed into the market-leading Magic 105.4.

In 1994, the company bought a small magazine called For Him Magazine which is now the core of the best-selling international multi-platform brand FHM.In 1996, we acquired digital music TV channel The Box, as a route into the small screen business, which has grown into Box Television, a seven channel joint venture TV business with Channel 4.
Continuing its history of magazine launches, Closer was launched in 2002 and Britain’s first weekly glossy, GRAZIA, was launched in 2005.Today, Bauer Media spans over 80 influential brand names covering a diverse range of interests including heat – the must have weekly celebrity title, Parker's, MATCH, CAR and Yours. For a full list our powerful brands, click here.

Contents page analysis

Nme masterhead same colour as front: 

By having the masthead of the front cover and contents page having the same colour code, exposes the magazine to be consistent and looks professional. 

Main Image: 

The image is a photo of a women standing next to a tour bus. This is appropriate due to the picture linking onto the text underneath. 

Bands are listed in red with page number in black: 
The way the bans have been listed keeps to the colour house scheme of the magazine, making it look more attractive, yet lets the important information stand out.

Image: 

Image is edited so it looks like a photograph. This is appropriate because
by placing the image with the appearance as a photograph, links effectively towards the idea of tour, suggesting this appropriate layout and makes the content page look more attracting towards to reader.

 Editors introduction to contents of magazine:
The use of this introduction allows a interesting approach towards the magazine, by the editor introducing the magazine it allows the reader to be informed and attracted due to how the editor wants to engage them.

Banner at top:
By placing the masthead within a banner, still shows the importance but doesn't make it the dominant aspect of the page, also it makes the page look more neatly in layout and looks more attractive as a whole. 

Sub heading blocked out into black sub sections:
The use this allows the headings to stand out and attract the readers eye, allowing the reader to quickly find what they are interested in.

Date: 

By inserting the date, it provides the aspect of when the news was from and gives the magazine information of the issue. 

Brief heading + summary of content with page number in red:
The use of this quick informative text being page numbered allows the reader to quick turn to a certain page instead of going through each individual page. 

Previous/Future editions of NME are shown with details of website/phone number ect:

This advertises the magazine, allowing the reader the opportunity to read on to the next issue if they wish to do so. This publishes and emphasises the magazine institute and increases the chance of the reader buying the next issue. 

Editors introduction to contents of magazine
The use of this introduction allows a interesting approach towards the magazine, by the editor introducing the magazine it allows the reader to be informed and attracted due to how the editor wants to engage them. 

Masthead:
At the back of the main image there is a large “v” this refers to vibe magazine as the logo is “v” this is very effective as it is catchy therefore helps the audience remember the magazine and as a result buy it in the future.

  
The title of the page “content” is not written in a straight line it starts a new line twice throughout the word this stands out as it is written in big bold black font and is very effective as it makes this magazine very original and unique which might attract potential customers as it is going against the normality which young people are often drawn to.

Main Image
For this content page, Kanye West is featured who is very famous recognised rapper; this suggesting the genre of magazine towards the reader. One of the main features that stand out in this main image is the hand across him with the red heart; this is significant as it can relate to the readers as she is trying to win over Kanye West's heart this content page is also trying to win over the reader’s heart and interest the reader and encourage them to buy it. 

Brief heading and summary of features of the magazine:

This is a list of where to find pages of articles it is in big black font therefore making it clear and easy for the audience to read. The instructions provided are fairly simple as it tells you the article involved and the numbers needed to find the page you would like. This makes it easier for the reader to navigate to the page they wish.

Sub headings:
One of the main headings is entitled “fashion” this implies that fashion is apart of music and has increased popularity therefore vibe have successful identified a trend and incorporated it in their music magazine to attract young people. 

Extra information – Date and information on main image:

In the bottom right hand corner of the page, there are a couple of bullet points explaining the pictures on the front cover and also the contents page. It tells you the artist’s name and where the picture was taken for example, this extra information might be useful to people who like extra knowledge and are fans of Kanye West. Also by featuring the date on this page, allows the reader and institute to be aware of the issue and date it was published.

Double page spread analysis

The text ‘got the love’ is written in black is very bold against the light grey background. This catches the eye of the reader and reminds them of ‘Florence and the machine’ as this is the title to one of there most well known songs.

The main focus of this double page spread is the image which causes it to be the centre of attention. The image is taking up the whole of the left page and slightly going over onto the right side. Because the image is only of one person it is clear to the reader the article is about this artist. In this case the artist is ‘Florence Welch’

The colour throughout this whole page has stuck to a simple red white, grey and black. These colours match very well together which makes the page look easy for the eyes yet sophisticated at the same time. Also not many props have been used apart from the American flag on top of a box that the artist is sitting on. This gives the whole page an American touch to it which really clears up the American theme. All of this together is very classy and gives a contemporary look. 

The outfit Florence is dressed in is very catching and bold in contrast to the background, the flag and also her hair. This emphasises that the article is about her because she stands out very much and she is the main attraction. Her posture and facial expression is very angry and edgy which could relate to why she is wearing an edgy costume. This could relate to something within the article which readers would want to read on about.

The shot of Florence has been taken slightly below eye level to make her look powerful and important. 

There is a small description of Florence as an artist and how she made it big in 2009 and the support America gave to her throughout her success.

The text has been neatly and clearly split into three columns to make it easy for the read to read. Also, this layout looks a lot better and more interesting that just one full paragraph. It wont get boring whereas looking at a paragraph may get a bit long to read.

The colour scheme of this double page spread is a simple red blue black and grey. Because of the bright colours the key elements on this page stand out and attention is instantly drawn to them. 

Although there is a lot of text on this double spread it is very clear and readable. Also there is a quote from the artist next to the image of her to make it clear that she has said it. This would be just a short snappy bit of text which the reader would be attracted too.

The brief description written in a larger font that the rest of the text is appealing to the audience because it will explain what and who the whole page is about and what she has done. The artists name ‘Solange Knowles’ has been written in a completely different colour to the rest to make it stand out and for readers to see straight away.

 The main focus on the page is the image of the artist. This is due to the bright colour of the dress she is wearing and the small images of her posing behind her. All these images show different poses which means she is diverse throughout her music as well. Also, she is known very well between a wide ranged audience. The way she is posing with her feet turned in shows innocence yet with her hands behind her back shows confidence at the same time.

Research into conventions of magazines

Colour:

The colours used on this magazine are quite dull, however the colour used on the masthead is bright and vibrant, the colours yellow, red and blue are primary colours and are shown on the Jamaican flag. In Jamaica reggae is popular. The headlines and text is written in white, this colour stands out from the background, catching the audiences attention.

 

Image:

The image used on this magazine front cover is not a clear crisp image, it has a rusty look towards it, This clever technique mirrors the heading ‘is this the ghost of Marley’ It also represents the genre of music which is reggae. Reggae was introduced a while ago when cameras weren't as up to date as they are now.

Masthead:

 The masthead on this magazine uses a clear text that’s easy to read. By the masthead covering the image it shows the magazine isnt as confident to hide the masthead by people knowing the magazine well. The holes in the letters are filled with colour this makes the masthead stand out and strike the audience.

 

Audience:

The audience for this magazine would be male and females who are interested in reggae music. These people would be middle aged upwards.

 

Colour:  

This magazine only uses just four main colours on the front page. This gives the front page a simple look yet it does stand out. The use of red and black is effective on the magazine by the two colours contrasting, therefore information will stand out to the audience. the colour red is also associated with danger, this connotation works with the image to create a stern looking front cover. The background of the magazine is also white which is simple but makes the other bold colours stand out.

Image:

This image used in this magazine shows the people who are involved in the headline. The audience see the magazine and know who the main headline is about instantly. The impression we get from this image is that ’50 cent’ and ‘eminem’ are stern looking characters and the way they are positioned also support this.

Masthead:

The masthead used on this magazine is very bold and large this effective technique ensures the audience will see the magazine easily. The masthead is also partially covered. This shows that the magazine is well established by them being confident that their house style will stand out to the audience.

Audience:

The audience for this magazine would be young adults or teenagers, both male and female but in particular more males would buy this magazine by the people used on this front page. They would also have a interest in music especially R&B (which is the genre of this magazine )

 

Colour: 

The lack of colour on this magazine is effective. The information and mast head stand out. The colour pink in the image attracts girls, the colour pink has connotations of a girl colour. The colours around her chest attracts the audience to look at her breast which may attract the male audience to look at the magazine.

Image: 

This medium shot on this magazine shows a flirty but confident young pop star. The audience will be inspired by the picture and therefore may buy the magazine. The costume that ‘nicki’ wears stands out and fits within the colour scheme on the rest of the magazine. The make-up used on ‘nicki’ attracts the audience to look at certain areas of the picture, for example the make up on her eyes or the nail varnish to emphasise her peace signs on the image.

Mast head:

The font used on this masthead looks chromed, this effect shows a more expensive look to the magazine as well as a up to date feeling. The mast head stands out by the colour black and it being underlined.

Audience: 

This magazine audience would be males and females aged 13+ and have an interest in the music genre

 

What are the specific codes and conventions of a music magazine?

A magazine usually consists of different elements such as ingredients that all join together to make a successful production. These elements consist of:

• Masthead: The title used by known typography to make the readers become familiar with what magazine they are reading.

• Main Image: Typically consisting of leading artists or bands within the music genre of the magazine, to attract readers.

• Strapline: Seen as an introductory headline below the main title to give an insight into the magazine.

• Top and Bottom Strip: These are the strips below and above the magazine that give further information to what may be included in the magazine. Most probably the most interesting parts of the magazine.

• Pug: The ears of the magazine, can either be at the top left or the right hand corner of the front cover. The prices of the paper, the logo or a promotion are positioned there or even a freebie is placed there to catch the reader’s eye. When the reader is to open the magazine it is likely that they are to see the pug this of which can aware them of the positive aspects inside the magazine.

• Tag: This doesnt havent to be on the front cover but I believe that it makes the magazine more efficient as the word of phrase is used to engage the reader’s interest in a story by categorising it eg ‘Exclusive’, ‘Sensational.’

• Coverlines: The essential articles inside the magazines are started through sell lines, these are regularly seen at the right hand corner of the cover
• Left third: Contains the main feature article as this is the core part of what may be inside the magazine . It also includes the main artist or band situated within.
• Barcode/Dateline/Price: A dateline line is the published date of the magazine and the bar code is just the importance of the retailer.
• Keylight: Usually highlighting the main artist or featured lines (Coming from the left hand side onto the right.)