Music Magazine Evaluation

Main Task: Feedback on Double Page Spread

1)
My target audience said that my double page spread had an unconventional layout which is good because they liked how it differed from existing products. They also found that the it is clear as to  what the article is about, and the image related to the article itself.

 Feedback suggested that I could include another quote on left side of page to fill white space. And the layout of some pull quotes could do with some work as it is not as neat as the rest of the article.

2)
However, peers said that the conventional layout of larger font sized pull quote immediately sets the tone of the article and helps to demonstrate how the artist wishes to portray themself. But  too much dead space on left hand side.

3)
The quote  'I'm back and I mean business' is straight to the point therefore readers know what article is about. The use of 'Selina' goin up the side was considered unique and eyecatching, and they liked the clear dominating image supported by her name going up the page.

However, the album description is a little too small at first glance therefore hard to promote the album.

Main Task: Feedback on Contents Page

1) Feedback from my target audience included the idea that my magazine followed a  conventional layout of a magazine, it was well laid out and organised(use of columns) and navigation is made easier. Also, they mentioned that the font sticks to house style used throughout the products.

However, page numbers are a bit small to read at first glance.

2) Another said that there was a balance between images combined to see different sides of her relating to article (image in text synergy).The layout is easy to read and there are professional column headings i.e on the cover etc. Also they found a continued house style from the front cover in terms of colour scheme and font.

However,  the 'Regulars'  column dominates the page a little too much.

3) Lastly, my  target audience said that my images were clear and sophisticated, making them visually appealing.

However, the page number '5' is hard to see as it is on her shoulder, edited to a similar colour becoming hard to read.

Main Task: Feedback on Front Cover

1)

 When I asked my target audience for feedback on my front cover, they said that it followed the conventions of existing magazines, the images were clear and the fonts were sophisticated yet suitable for my target audience.

However, they mentioned that my main images was over exposed. On the other hand, they added that the website banner too big, suggesting that it be made smaller to take up less space. Additionally, tey found that  'Brit award 2014 nominations' is less clear than the rest of the text, due to the choice of colour.

2
 Another peer added that the eyes of my coverstar stand out, emphasising the direct eye contact with the consumer. In addition, they mentioned that there was no dead space yet not too busy the layout was clear. and there was a  good use of visual heirarchy (z-shape).

However, they thought that the word 'Brit' (that is in red) doesnt fit with the rest of the house style,  although relates to the brit awards itself.

3)
Lastly, my audience liked the consistent colour scheme throughout my products, the word 'ICON's' colour is taken from the dress of my coverstar, and the use of the website was useful.

The only negative comment made was that 'Upcoming' is hard to read despite shadow placed behind.

Music Magazine Final Products

 

 

 

 

Main Task: Music Magazine Double Page Spread Draft

For my double page spread I have both used and challenged different conventions. I have used the typical block text approach to a double page spread yet challenged the convention by experimenting with different layouts. Although the quote 'Im back and this time I mean business' stands as the main headline of the article, the name of my artist 'Selina' is placed on the left hand side adding to the visual heirarchy of the page. Pull quotes have been emphasised in colours depicted from the main imaged used.

I have developed my double page spread by adding a 'Zappar' code. With this, my audience is able to use their iPhone or android device in order to scan the code and bring the image to life, a recently developed app.

Main Task: Music Magazine Contents Page Drafts

These are my first attempt of a contents page for my final product. I have taken the layout from my mock up products, adjusting them to fit my images.The layout uses a conventional layout evident from the main image, and numerous columns in order to allow the audience to navigate easily throughout the magazine.

 

I decided to experiment with different parts of each draft, using the colour from the second, and the images from the first. I prefer this layout as it is breaks away from conventions long image, yet adapts to other conventions i.e. columns. I added a banner at the bottom for a subscription box.

This is my final draft of my contents page, I have separated my articles with lines, making it clear for my audience to read and understand, I have also included another original image of another 'star' to avoid copyright. I have also placed page numbers on each image, making it obvious where to find the articles. In addition I have also used a QR code, so that my audience can access different articles digitally, on an android device.

Main Task: Music Magazine Cover Drafts

 

 These are the first stages of creating my music magazine cover. Using Fireworks, I have experimented with different images, from my initial photo shoot, and colours in order to create a cover that is fit for purpose - clear, informative yet interesting and bold.

Both versions of my cover demonstrate the use of complimentary colour mastheads against the backgrounds, although I have experimented with different brightness and contrast settings in order to create two very different appearances. Image one has a high brightness and high contrast emphasising the bright choice of clothing, whilst image two uses 'Auto Contrast' and 'Auto Brightness' in order to create a natural appearance further demonstrated by the colour of the masthead as it is a neutral colour depicted from the image. Additionally, I have used a 'dropped shadow' in order to make the masthead stand out, lifting it from the image, so that it becomes clear and easy to read, against the background of a similar colour

Here I have adapted my covers by adding the main headline and conventional features of a magazine i.e. barcode, issue number and date as featured on the first cover image. Although similar, I have again experimented with colour in order to create headings that are easy to read, using different shapes, sizes, colour and effect enabling the product to be read easily.

 

This is the cover i have chosen to continue to develop. I found that this image and colour scheme looks more effective then the other as the other image can be used elsewhere in my final products i.e Double page spread. I also think the colours for this cover are more eyecatching and support the genre of my magazine (pop) as they are more fun, supported by the model used,  rather than neutral colour scheme which is less striking.

 

 

 

 

 

This is my final draft for my cover. I changed the main image to an image with a lower contrast, which overall looks more natural and less exposed. The lighter toned colours makes the text on my product easier to read, and does not hurt ones eyes. I have also rearranged my main headline and added a banner on the bottom of my page so that my target audience can access the magazine online. I have also added an outline around my masthead text making it more distinct and so that it doesnt blend into my main image, making it dominant and more noticable/recognisable.

Main Task: Research Into Existing Products

Front Cover:

 

In order to create my final cover, I have looked at the different conventions of a magazine i.e. the layout of both 'Rolling Stone' and 'Q' in order to make my magazine look professional and visually appealing.

For my cover, I looked at the placement of different cover lines, where it became evident  were usually placed on the right-hand side of the magazine. In addition they are usually similar colours or colours taken from the main image in order to compliment its appearance. Similarly, the chosen fonts reflect the personality and genre of each artist featured, i.e. Adele is more formal and acoustic shown by the use of serifs, whereas Robbie is more informal and fun as shown by the sans serif font, similar to that in a comic.

Contents Page:

 

By looking at contents pages, I was able to look at the different features of a magazine, looking at regular articles and the placement of different images.
For my contents page, I have used a conventional layout, similar to the contents pages above, using my main image to dominate the page. I have also considered the use of a 'Subscribe' box, conventional to encourage sales at a discounted price.



Double Page Spread:

 

 

 

 

 For my double page spread, I have used a 'drop-capital', conventional for a double page spread, to draw the readers attention to the start of the article. The drop capitals used can be seen at the start of each paragraph in order to break up large amounts of text. On the other hand, the Lady Gaga, and Lana Del Rey double page spreads have enlarged letters in the background of the text in order to reduce white/empty space. Conversely, it can be perceived that the bold letters reflect the bold personalities.

The Florence Welsh article breaks away from conventions as the double page spread uses an image that covers the whole of the two pages, yet filling the empty space with the start of the article.

Mock-Up and Development - Double Page Spread 3

Mock-Up and Development - Double Page Spread 2

Mock-Up and Development - Double Page Spread 1

Mock-Up and Development - Contents Page 3

 

 

 

Mock-Up and Development - Contents Page 2

 

 

 

Mock-Up and Development - Contents Page 1

Main Task: Mock-Up and Development - Front Cover 3

 

 

 

 

Main Task: Mock-Up and Development - Front Cover 2

 

For this cover, I chose a bold red colour for my masthead, a clear contrast from the black and white image shown. I have also used convential features of a cover.

 

 

 

 

I have adapted my cover by altering the colour balance, changing it to a more vintage, sepia tone, supporting Miley's take on Marylin Monroes hair style.

However I found that text was hard to read over the pattern of the skirt.

 

Main Task: Mock-Up and Development - Front Cover 1

This is my first attempt of placing my masthead onto my magazine. As you can see, I have selected colours from the image i.e. purple from Beyonce's dress, for the colour of my masthead as it compliments the overall aesthetics of the cover. The use of purple represents wealth and expense (as purple cloth used to be the most expensive) linked to Beyonce herself, but also suggesting the status of the magazine, being aimed at an older, yet modern, target audience, at the high-end of the industry.

 On the other hand, the cover uses the typical convention of a magazine i.e. the use of a medium close up, placement of the masthead and the bar code and date. The direct eye-contact of my cover star suggests that she is confident, in control and powerful, drawing the audiences focus upon her.

The placement of my masthead over my image shows the 'O' over Beyonce's head, almost like a halo linking to one of Beyonce's biggest hits 'Halo', yet also represents innocence, yet contrasting to her seductive facial expressions that promotes sex appeal.

Main Task: Photoshoot and Editing

 

Here are a selection of some of my initial photos from my magazine photoshoot. For my photos I researched conventional cover photos and existing photoshoot collections. I found inspiration from magazines such as Q, Billboard and Vogue, although it is not a music magazine. I explored and experimented with different camera angles, and close up, medium close up and long shot images whilst also experimenting with different poses, emphasising different features in the image i.e. facial features in the close up images and different poses and body language in the medium close up & longshot images.  Some of the photos emphasise confidence and dominance evident in the image, typical for a cover image. My coverstar can be seen in many different outfits, adding variation and personality to my product.

 

Editing