Contents Page Peer Feedback

Shaheena Tarafdar ( http://shaheenatarafdarasmedia.blogspot.co.uk/ )
Strengths:

• Good variety of fonts
• Good use of images
• Has a professional feel to it

Weaknesses:

• Sub-headings small, make bigger
• Main image too big in comparison to columns

Final Contents Page

The conventions I have used on my contents page include: an editor's note, highlighted titles, bold contents title, page numbers, a  main image, an extra image to show what else is featured, issue date and bold sub-headings with a small paragraph giving details about the features. I have also made sure to continue the colour scheme from the front cover by putting titles in the same green colour and having the colour of the page numbers match the magazine name. I used red for 'PLUS:' because this will continue the colour scheme from the front cover which shows other small things featured in the magazine but captures the reader's attention. I also made sure to put the text in columns so there wasn't a large block of text- highlighting the titles so separate them. I placed the main image above the list of contents to show that this is the main article in the magazine. The photo is a mid shot which allows the reader to see the costume (a Green Day t-shirt) showing a band that is popular with the genre. To improve I could add other conventions such as an advertisement, placed in the bottom right corner of the page, to influence the reader to subscribe to the magazine. Placing it here would mean it would be the last thing they see as they turn the page and are more likely to read it compared to if it was placed in the opposite corner.

Contents Page Second Draft

In this draft I used a similar layout but used a different image to help decide which would be best to use for my final page. I used the same conventions, but changed the font to match the font on the front cover. However, as I was not using a mac, I could not get the exact same font. When creating my final page I will make to use a mac. A strength of this draft is the layout as I have made sure to column all the contents in the magazine down the left hand side of the page. I have also placed the "PLUS" feature in the bottom right corner of the page to draw the reader's attention to it more.
However, again there is lots of blank space in the middle of the page. If I was to use this layout as a guideline for my final page I would need to make sure to include more conventions that cover the whole page. The size of the sub headings should also be smaller.

Contents Page First Draft

This is my first contents page draft. A strength of this draft is the conventions I have included, such as : the editor's note (showing a mid shot of the editor which reveals the use of clothing in mise-en-scene, representing the genre of the target audience), a plug, to subscribe, in the bottom right corner of the page, an issue date, continuous colour scheme front cover- the page numbers match the masthead and green sub headings follows the main header colour from the front cover. As well as the main image, I have also included a smaller photo to show what a smaller article will be about. Again, this matches the genre of music as she is playing an acoustic guitar.

However weaknesses of this contents page are: blank spaces, the font of the masthead doesn't match the match font on the front cover, more information is needed for the subscription plug and no information is given on the main image and extra photo (page number, artist playing).

Editing Photos in Photoshop

This is the original image I want to use for my double page spread. I opened it in photoshop and made sure to drag it onto a new file as a layer and duplicate it in case something went wrong while editing.

I then selected the spot healing brush tool to edit her skin and make it clearer.

I zoomed into her face so I could get a better idea of what parts of her skin to edit.

Unused Photos

I didn't use this photo as the framing is bad. There isn't space on either side of the model and the top of her head has been cut off. If I was to use this photo I would have to make sure to fill the full page so these errors would not be noticeable.

This was not used as it is blurry. The model is also not looking at the camera and seems to be slouched.

I didn't use this photo because the lighting is too dark and only comes from one side behind the model. There also seems to be smudges and dark areas that look purple. The quality of this photo is not good and it isn't a clear photo of the model. 

I didn't use this photo for the front cover as, unlike the first photo, it is not clear. There is lighting coming from only the right side of the model which makes the photo seem darker. The pose which the model is doing also doesn't fit the genre of my magazine as it seems girly.

Front Cover Peer Feedback

Shaheena Tarafdar ( http://shaheenatarafdarasmedia.blogspot.co.uk/ )
Strengths: 

• Good use of photoshop
• Different variations of blue, represents genre
• Different variety of fonts

Weaknesses:

• More sell lines

Final Front Cover

In this updated version I changed the colour of the band's names to match the colour scheme as this would draw the reader to the band name rather than a large piece of text in the same colour.

Updated Front Cover (Second Draft)

This is an update of my magazine cover. I added a background behind the main headline and reduced the opacity. This made the writing easier to read as the model has text on her shirt. I also changed the colour of the text on the skyline which also made it easier to read. On my previous draft I noticed a spelling mistake so I corrected that error as well. However, as I didn't use a mac to make these changes, the font on the skyline text changed. I will need to change the font in my next updated draft. Another I added was the issue number and price to the bottom of the page. To follow magazine conventions correctly I need to add a date as well.

Front Page (Second Draft)

This is my second draft of the front cover, following similar design from my first draft. I have included conventions such as masthead, left third, skyline, sell lines, main header/sub titles and plug. I used a medium close up of the model as her facial expression can be seen clearly. The model represents the target audience as she has coloured hair, piercings and is wearing pop punk band Green Day's band t-shirt. She is also seen to be screaming which reflects the chaos that can be associated with this genre.  I used green for the main header as this colour matches the model's hair which shows that the articles is about her and makes it personal. The teaser underneath is blue as this matches the colour of the masthead. I also made sure to use the same font as the masthead for the sell lines to create continuity throughout the magazine. This also makes it seem less jumbled and hard to read. I used red for '5' and 'win' to draw attention to the plug and free gift. This is also useful as I have placed the smaller features on this side of the page. 

Front Cover First Drafts

In these drafts I looked at various fonts I could use for the masthead, skyline, plug and main header. Compared to the first draft, I made the masthead much larger and changed the font from Mistral to Chalkduster as would represent the target audience more. I also added an outline to make the text more vibrant and show a better link between the name of the magazine and the photo.

Fonts

Practice Photos 2

Original Images/Practice Photos

These are original images I took as practice photos. I took these to practice framing the model well and allowing me to look at and experiment with the different lighting I would want to use for my final photos. Most of these photos are medium close up/mid shots.

First Hand Drawn Draft of Double Page Spread

This is a first draft of the DPS I am going to create. I have included conventions such as the masthead placed across the top of the left page and the main image dominating one full page. There is also highlighted quotes, extra images/info columns and columned text. I could develop this by looking at different shot type I could use for the main image and extra image. I also need to look at fonts that I could use and maybe have a look at different layouts of the pages.

First Hand Drawn Draft of Contents Page

This is a drawn first draft of the contents page I am going to create. I have shown conventions such as the masthead placed in the top left corner, page numbers, images and advertisements. 

To develop this I am going to look at colours I could use and begin to take photos.

First Hand Drawn Draft of Front Page

This is a drawn first draft of the front page I am going to create. It gives me a layout which I am thinking about using and contains main conventions of a cover. This includes a masthead, main image, skyline, sell lines, plug, left third, barcode, pricing and date and issue number. It also helps me decide on the type of shot I want to use for the main image. Here I have shown a mid shot which could be used to help portray the target audience by the choice of clothing. 

To develop this I am going to look at different shots I could use and add colour. I am also going to look at fonts for the different text on the page and make another draft using these developments.

My Reader Profile

This is the reader profile I have created after looking at existing ones by Kerrang and NME. I have included information which portrays my target audience's lifestyles, helping me create my magazine with an appealing image and content. While this has generalized the audience, and shows a stereotypical image, it covers various areas which most people would reflect and as a fan of the genre, I included personal interests which others would agree on. Creating my reader profile has allowed me to get a general sense of how I should be portraying my magazine and how I can reflect my audience in it.

Music Magazine Questionnaire

This is the questionnaire I conducted as part of my initial research into my target audience. I asked 10 people to answer the questions, however, four people could not proceed with the questionnaire as they did not like my chosen music genre. This meant I then had completed questionnaires from 6 people. Using the results of this questionnaire will help me decide on the different components that will make up my magazine. This will include a colour scheme, the choice of free gifts included and language suited to the audience (after researching this in existing magazines like Kerrang). It will also help create a reader profile which will aid me further in the development of my media product. 

What I Found:

From my questionnaire I have found that my target audience will be aged from around 12 to 20 who mainly purchase Kerrang. Therefore I will look in detail at the contents of Kerrang and examine the ways in which they attract and address their audience. After looking back at these results, I have now decided that my magazine will:

• Be named Voltage.
• Be released monthly.
• Be priced at £3.50
• Have a colour scheme of Black/Dark Blue/Dark Green.
• Advertise free posters.
• Advertise gigs and festivals
• Have  double page spread which will be an interview article.

NME Reader Profile

The reader profile for NME magazine, compared to Kerrang!, is a lot more detailed about the interests of their target audience. As well as using percentages for gender, NME is able to target their audience better by having key stats for the use of interent and purchases of clothing and DVDs. This allows the magazine company to be specific on what they should advertise and how the style of writing will be put across to the reader. Using data from this reader profile allows the production of the magazine to be more specific to the genre as it displays information about opinions of people within the genre and what type of activities they do.

Kerrang! Reader Profile

This is an existing reader profile for Kerrang! magazine. It allows the magazine company to understand how they are going to produce the magazine to target their specific audience. This includes the type of costume they will use, the layout of the magazine and types of bands that will feature. The reader profile shows that there are slightly more male readers than female, this means that the content of the magazine, such as colours, advertisements and articles, will be aimed more towards the male readers. It will also be aimed towards people in their late teens/early 20s as this is the highest percentage.

Target Audience

This is a mood board to show various aspects of the pop punk genre. I have included typical things such a phone and laptop which the target audience will most likely possess. The photo of Avril Lavigne shows the stereotypical style of clothing a pop punk fan (girl) would wear. This is followed by Converse footwear which is popular with these fans. Items such as concert tickets, merch and instruments are all highly associated with this genre and warped tour reflects the type of fans and concerts they like to attend.

Male Outfit Moodboard

Male Outfit Moodboard by bethsager featuring a white dress

This is a mood board I created using polyvore to display a male outfit. I have used conventional items of clothing such as band merchandise, the belt, beanie and drop dead t-shirt, and skinny jeans which are highly popular within this genre. I have added the photos to reflect this type of outfit but also created this mood board through personal taste. This outfit can also be seen as more indie than pop punk, however, my magazine may also attract this type of audience as indie rock is a sub genre of rock.

Female Outfit Moodboard

This is a mood board I created, using polyvore, to display a female outfit within the pop punk genre. I used Tay Jardine as an example as she is the lead singer for a pop punk band, We are The In Crowd. However, this outfit is also from personal taste. I have also displayed conventional items of clothing such as band merchandise, the wristband, and branded clothing- converse, glamour kills. 

L.I.I.A.R Analysis of Double Page Spread 2

Language- This DPS follows conventions as the text is columned and there is a highlighted quote. The image below the quote is an extra image and shows the person making the quote. This extra image of Pete looks like he's using hand gestures to make the audience feel more in conversation and involved in the article. The main image follows magazine conventions as it dominates one full page and shows the band in the same positioning as shown on the front cover. The same low angle shot is also used to keep the dominant look of the band. A house style is created as the grey background colour used on the front cover also continues onto the DPS.

Ideology- The ideology of being different and breaking the stereotypes is shown by the fact Andy says he likes the Les Miserables soundtrack. This shows that although he is in a well known pop punk band, and may listen much heavier music, a diverse outlook on completely different genres of music isn't bad. 

Institution-

Audience- The target audience is represented by the list of bands in the 'extras' column that are recommended by the members of Fall Out Boy as fans of FOB's genre are most likely to like the same bands. The image of these bands represent the audience as they may have similar looks such long hair and black clothing. An older target audience is shown as one band 'Nick Cave' has produced music since 1973. Again, the audience is also represented by extra image of Pete who has tattoos as this is common within the genre.

Representation- The music genre of FOB is represented as the article mentions they will be playing at Reading and Leeds Festival- large festivals which fans of the genre generally attend. Other music genres, such as metal, are represented in the 'extras' column of the list of bands. 

L.I.I.A.R. Analysis of Contents Page 2

Language- This contents page has a conventional title as it is placed at top corner of the page. A house style has been created by the use of red of the list of features and masthead and the colour of the sub-headings and page numbers which also match.As Patrick is wearing a red shirt, this could also show that their article is going to be the main one in the magazine as it fits with the house style. The three images show the three main articles and also gives page numbers which is another convention of a contents page. The fonts on this page  are also the same as the masthead on front cover. This is showing continuity throughout the magazine which makes it seemed more relaxed and easy to read rather than busy and confusing to follow. Fall Out Boy's image is the only one involving eye contact to camera, this suggests it is the main article as more attention is been put on them.

Institution- Using three images will promote the photographer(s).

Ideology- The ideology behind the three images could be to show the audience that it's okay to be different and not go along with the expectations of image in society. This is shown by Hayley's brightly coloured hair and Andy and Pete's tattoos. The third image shows the difference in style of their genre compared to the pop charts as we can clearly see he is screaming/shouting.

Audience- The target audience is represented by the style of the band members. Hayley has dyed hair which is popular with the audience within the genre. The bright colour suggests that she is lively, which may influence the band's music therefore creating a lively fan base as well. The graphic tees they are wearing reflect the audience's style of clothing as band merchandise (such as band t-shirts) will be highly popular with this audience.

Representation- The genre of music is represented by the photo taken from a gig which gives a slight impression on what they are like within the genre. The low lighting and simple layout of the stage suggests the genre highly focuses more on the music rather image and how the band/artist is perceived. It also displays a drum kit, a convention within the genre. Tattoos can also be representation of the genre as is it a very stereotypical view and quite common within the conventional style of  bands.

L.I.I.A.R. Analysis of Front Cover 2

Language- The skyline shows the type of genre the magazine displays and focuses on. The main image is taken at a low angle and dominates the full page. This reflects the sub-heading across the page, 'Save Rock 'n' Roll?!', as it makes the band seem of higher power. As Fall Out Boy is a very well known band in the rock/pop punk genre, they appear to be like heroes. 'This is the real deal' is put in quotation marks to show that the main article will be an interview and shows that they are a band serious about their music. Using an album title reinforces the type of article as it shows the audience they are talking about their latest album which will tempt them to want to read the contents. All the band members, except Patrick, are wearing black clothing. This shows that although he isn't positioned at the front, he is the front-man of the band as he is wearing a different coloured shirt. The positioning of them shows equality within the band and shows that they all respect each other's roles in the band.

Left third is a convention which is also used on the cover. With Hayley Williams been on the other side of the page it shows that this article will be larger than that of other sell lines featured. Paramore is another well known band within the pop punk/rock genre, therefore tempting the audience even more to buy the magazine.

A house style is created by the use of green on the skyline and sub headings. Sell lines match masthead.

The font used for the sell lines and subheading is laid back which gives a friendly vibe. This attracts the audience as they won't pressured into buying the magazine but will also feel more welcomed into reading it. The font of the masthead reflects the name of the magazine.'Big' is in relation to the large dominant font used.

Ideology- The positioning of the band members gives the message of equality. The skyline which reads 'Rock, Punk,Metal, Since 1996' shows that the magazine has pride in these genres and the fact the magazine has been published for so long.

Institution- Big Cheese is an independent alternative music magazine published in the UK. The first issue was released in 1996 and is released once every month. Big Cheese is also one of the very first magazines to offer a free downloadable CD to its readers as well as giving away custom made merchandise to the niche target market.

Audience- Andy (placed on the far right) is seen to have tattoos. This represents the audience as they typically have a more open view on tattoos. The list bands featured on the cover also show that the target audience are late teens to early twenties as they are popular amongst the age group of people within the genre. As Fall Out Boy and Paramore are popular bands, fans would want to follow the trends set by the members- this includes black clothing, dyed hair and make-up.

Representation- The star symbol between each piece of text also shows the genre as it can be in relation to the Converse logo which is a style of footwear many people within the genre typically wear. The sub-headings, 'This is the real deal' and 'We knew we weren't done' represents the passion and determination, bands of the pop punk//rock genre, have on doing well in the music industry.

L.I.I.A.R. Analysis of Double Page Spread

Language- This DPS follows conventions such as columned text and highlighted quotes which are bold and placed in the centre of the main text. Using a topic of interest taken from the text means the audience will read through all the text to find a specific part. The main image follows conventions of a double page spread as it dominates one full page. This mirrors his role in the band as lead singer. Extra images are also used to show the style and type of band All Time Low are by the way they are performing. They are columned down the right hand side of the second page as it will give a final impression on the band as the reader turns the page. We can also see that Jack (top photo) is wearing his own clothing brand, JAGK, which helps promote this brand to the reader. The images in the 'extra information column' reflects the title of each section. Alex is seen to be ripping the heart out which reinforces the 'hate' for valentine's day while Jack has the heart on his chest.
The house style is continued by the use of a blood spatter effect on the page which also reflects the main theme. It also mirrors the main image in which Alex's action of holding the heart as if he has just ripped it out. This is reinforced by the placement of his hand over his chest. Red borders around the images and the 'extra information column' coloured red also creates the house style. A white background is used to make the red stand out more to reinforce the ideology behind the theme.

Ideology- The ideology of this DPS is different to that in a more mainstream magazine as the Valentine's theme is associated with blood and actual hearts rather than drawn pink hearts and love. This tells the audience that the band is not in the mainstream view.

Institution- A name can be displayed underneath the extra images to give credit and promote the photographer and his/her work. The article is produced by a journalist, whose name is also given at the end of the piece of writing.

Audience- The extra images show that the magazine is targeted towards late teens and those in their early twenties as the photos were taken at gigs and attending gigs is a common activity for this age of people within the genre. The ideology represents the target audience as it shows they, as well, are not into the mainstream way of living because of the type of gigs they attend. The advertisement of Jack wear JAGK clothing also represents the target audience as this is the general clothing style which the target audience are typically seen wearing.

Representation- The extra images used represent the attitude of the members of the band which may influence and represent their fans. These photos also show the members playing electric guitars which represents the genre of music they play as this instrument follows the main elements of a pop punk/rock band.

L.I.I.A.R. Analysis of Contents Page

Language- The title is placed conventionally at the top right hand corner of the page, using the same font as the masthead on the cover. The list of contents is place down the right hand side of the page as this will be the first bit the reader will see when they turn the page. The subscription advertisement is placed in the bottom right hand corner of the page because this will be the last thing the readers sees before they turn the page. 

The contents page follows conventions of a magazine such as the date and issue number shown at the top of the page, subscription advertisements featured and a plug to advertise competition. This ensures that the reader will be more interested in buying the magazine. Page numbers of the contents also follow conventions and makes it easier for the reader to go straight to certain page they are interested in. The language used on the contents page is very informal which gives a more friendly vibe. A personal letter from the editor also makes the magazine seem more friend like rather than commercialised. This is reinforced by a handwritten signature to make it seem more personal.

Colours used on the front cover continue onto the contents page, for example, the yellow band across the top of the page is in a similar position to the skyline on the cover. house style is created by the use of the colour as the sub-headings, skyline and part of the main header are coloured yellow. The page numbers are coloured red which contrasts the yellow subheadings and white background. It also reflects the Valentine's special features, which is coloured red as it is associated with Valentine's day and love.

'Komics' is spelt with a K not C which reflects the name of the magazine as it uses the same first letter.

Ideology- Carelessness is shown by the un-neat stack of cd's. The gives the ideology of the audience within the rock/pop punk genre as this is the stereotypical attitude of the audience. It also reflects modern trends as cd's are advertised rather than cassette tapes or vinyls.

Institution- Advertisements used on the contents page promotes the magazine with the use of phone numbers. Credit to the photographers can also be shown to promote their photography.

Audience- This page shows the target audience because the model is quite young and around the age of the people the magazine wants to attract. The advertisement of winning cd's also shows the magazine is targeted at a young adult audience as this age group are more likely to buy and use this way of listening to music rather than an older generation.

Representation- The model in the main image represents the genre/target audience as the dress style is usually associated with the rock genre because of the black clothing and his long hair.

L.I.I.A.R. Analysis of Front Cover

Language: The masthead follows magazine conventions as it is placed across the top of the page. Although the main image is slightly covering it, the audience are still able to read it as it is large, bold, and contrasts against the blue and white background. The main image is a mid shot of all the band members of All Time Low. The way they are positioned shows their place in the band. For example- lead singer, Alex Gaskarth, is placed at the front while the drummer, Rian Dawson, is placed further towards the back- much like how they would be positioned on stage. As the main theme of the magazine is valentine's, the red, blood like substance, covering them relates to this theme- as red is usually associated with valentine's day. This creates a house style as the masthead, some text and background of the header are also red. Blue and white are also used to create a colour scheme. Most of the text is white which is mounted on these colours to make them easy to read and to emphasise the theme. Alex has his hand over his heart which is also in relation to valentine's day been associated with  hearts and love. This hand placement can also be in relation to the teller as they 'open their hearts'. The plug, placed across the posters and main image, is used to tell the audience about a specific feature in the magazine which may interest them. As Fall out Boy are a well known pop punk band, the audience will be more willing to buy the magazine as they would want to read their interview. A page number is displayed which follows the conventions of a magazine. The plug is also made visible to the audience by using a bright coloured background which will make the audience look at it first. The bar code is conventional as it is placed at the bottom right hand of the page and includes the issue number, price and date underneath.

Ideology: Kerrang's ideology encourages people to be more unique as they oppose the mainstream look on music. This is shown through the choice of colour scheme and how they represent the theme. In a more mainstream magazine, a Valentine's day themed cover would be more associated with love rather than blood and guts.

Institution: Kerrang is a rock music magazine published in the UK by Bauer Media Group. As well as Kerrang, Bauer also publish Q which is another alternative music magazine.

Audience: The magazine appeals to the target audience because All Time Low are a well known pop punk band which many of the readers will listen to. There is also a plug which advertises a Fall Out Boy interview, another very popular band, therefore catering for the target audience's needs as Kerrang advertises bands that fit in with the rock music genre. 'Dating Tips' is used in the cover line which shows that the magazine is aimed at young teenagers.

Representation: The masthead looks cracked which portrays violence. This stereotypically represents the target audience as violence can be associated with the general look, attitude and lyrical aspects of a rock band/artist. However, it could also represent that it has been smashed with a guitar or has cracked because of music been played too loud, this ties in with the genre of music Kerrang focuses on. Alex is seen to be holding his fist in a ball as if he were punching something, this could also represent the fact that the masthead is cracked. All Time Low represent Kerrang as they a band which are often associated with the magazine and genre of music. This shows that they are passionate about their type of music which is reinforced by Alex covering his heart.

Double Page Spread Conventions

This compares the conventions of the main articles in the two magazines I looked at. I chose not to do the first double page spread of the articles as not as many similar conventions were shown.