Magazine Ethos

The ethos that I have decided to use for my magazine is to present the magazine love for music, and show how serious they are towards music, whilst showing the fun side as well. To appeal to my target audience and to fit the genre Indie/Rock I will include upcoming concerts, gigs and festivals. I will also include interviews, top charts, gig guides, new upcoming bands, and much more to attract my target audience. I will make sure that not only is my magazine visually attracting by using a variety of images, but I will also include text to suitable for my target audience who prefer to read more about the information, rather than look at lots of images that don't explain the story. I plan to make my magazine suitable for a variety of different ages, and for both genders; I will do this by using articles, interviews, images, and more that will appeal to both genders and all ages.
The language used to fill my magazine will be English in its most known form, as my magazine will be read by a variety of different ages. So it isn't appropriate for me to include 'slang', and words/phrases that are more commonly known to one generation. I will make sure the text is diverse in the fact that it suits all ages, and can be read and understood by both genders and from ages 16+. I won't include swearing in my magazine, as even though swearing isn't seen as such of offense anymore, I wouldn't want to upset any of my readers; so I will keep the language friendly and suitable for all.

Double Page Spread Anaylsis

I decided to analyse different double page spreads of my chosen genre, to understand what to include, to get some ideas of how I can make my double page spread as realistic as possible and to make sure it matched my chosen genre.

NME Double Page Spread

The main image shows the band 'The Teenagers' in a very relaxed, simple pose with a messy background that represents a bedroom; the image takes up most of the page, so the audience know who the article is about. The masthead is the name of the band, this lets the readers know this is the main article, its about that specific band and attracts fans/readers of the band into reading the article. The double page spread includes a 'Need to Know' box including features about the band; this is an effective way to give the reader information about the artist they are reading about. The style of the double page spread is rather crowded compared to other double page spreads; although it is still a simplistic layout, but has been designed to look busy and interesting. By using the blocks of colours it grabs the readers attention to that part of the page; for example the blue background/blocks is used for important parts of the text, to allow it to stand out compared to the rest of the text. 

Q Double Page Spread

The double page spread features a picture of Lady Gaga dominating the whole left page; this stands out letting the audience identify who the article is about. It is an eye catching and effective way to attract the reader into the page, to read more. The colour scheme: red, black and white, gives modern sleek affect. By putting the large 'L' in red and in the center of the page it attracts the audience towards to, so they can read on about the artist. This double page spread breaks the conventions of a typical contentions page, they've done this by not pulling quotes out from the article. Also the only masthead featured on the spread just says, 'lady GAGA', this is effective because it shows that just by the audience reading her name, it will persuade them to read the article. The double page spread appears very modern and professional, because of the neat layout, this will attract the reader and persuade them to read the article. It will also be easier for the reader to read the article, as because it is presented neatly it will be easier to know what to read when, and where to read. 

CLASH Double Page Spread

The main image and only image for this article is dominating the left page, and is what the audience immediately see when they look at this page. By shinning the light above the artist they have created this feeling of sadness on the image or are suggesting a darker side to the artist; this will make the audience more intrigued into reading the article. The overall layout of this page is very conventional with the main image dominating the whole side of one page, with the main article on the other side. The text on the right sided page isn't like a conventional double page spread, as there are blank spaces, the mastheads are in a small font, and the main article text is in a very small font pushed to the bottom of the page. There is also a large variety of different texts used on page; this has been done to allow certain texts and mastheads to stand out more than others, to grab the audiences attention. The style and layout of this double page spread is very sleek and modern, this makes it easier for the audience to read. 

Contents Page Analysis

I have decided to look into different contents pages of my chosen genre, to get an idea of what to include, how to lay it out and design ideas. I also wanted to look into contents pages to see the different conventions they use, and what made each magazines contents page different.

NME Magazine Contents Page

The title of the magazine 'NME' has been included on the contents page to remind the reader of the magazine name. Also next to the 'NME' text it says 'This Week' to show the reader that it is this weeks issue, with underneath the date so you know what month and week issue it is. The magazine has included a 'Band Index' this allows the reader to see all the bands that have been mentioned throughout the magazine and on what page, so if they wish to read about a certain band they can find it easily. The fact the bands names are also printed in red makes the text stand out and also link in with the masthead 'NME' as that text is also red. The main image is of the band the 'Kasabian'; the image appears to be taken whilst they were performing instead of done in a studio. The sell lines have been categorised into different sections, such as news, radar, reviews, live and features; this has been done to allow the reader to find the certain articles they want faster. They have used coloured text for the page numbers, so it is clear to the reader what page each articles are on. Advertising has been placed at the bottom of the page, this appeals to the audience as it allows them to be able to purchase the magazines. 

Dazed and Confused Magazine Contents Page

This contents page has been designed in a very simple manor, including only one main image, of three blurred out faces, with the text running down the left side and the title of the magazine included at the top in a very small font. The colour scheme has been kept very simple only using black, white and grey; this presents a very dull appearance which attracts the audiences attention equally to the image and the text on the page. The text has been categorised into specific sections so it is easier for the target audience to find the articles they want to read quickly and efficiently.  Because of the simplicity of the layout and the colour scheme of this page it creates a modern, sleek, neat appearance; which will attract their target audience as it will be easier for them to read. 

Q Magazine Contents Page

This contents page has been kept quite simplistic including only two images; this makes the page less crowded and easier for the audience to read. The contents includes the features that are throughout the magazine, the articles have been given titles, and a description of what is included in each article; this will help the reader know and decide what articles to read. At the bottom of the page they've included 'Q Review', this will catch the audiences attention as it's a catchy name for the section. Also as its a review of the magazine the audience will want to read it to see what the newest releases and articles are like/about. The main image has taken up most of the page so this catches the audiences attention; at the bottom of the image it includes the anchorage text telling the reader what the image is about and what page to find that article.

Chosen Genre

The Genre I have chosen for my re-submission is Indie/Rock, this is similar to my first magazine submission, however I have decided to add an Indie influence into my magazine, as this will add an extra twist on the rock theme I did with my last magazine. I decided to keep to the whole rock theme as I have already done work on it before, so I know certain criteria's that need to be added; also as I have already done this theme I know where I originally went wrong, so I can add and change the things that I've already done incorrectly. This will allow me to improve my work to make it fit my genre more, and suit my target audience more.

I want to follow the style of NME magazine, CLASH, DAZED and CONFUSED and a lot of my inspiration for design techniques, articles and colour schemes will be taken from these magazines.

Research into Non Music Magazines

I've looked into different types of magazines to show how a variety of different magazines all have the same conventions of music magazines. I want to look at how the conventions of magazines add to different guidlines and how they change because of different genres. I'm also considering how different images, colour schemes and mastheads change the appearance and genre of magazines.

 

Heat is a British entertainment gossip magazine, published by a German company Bauer Media Group. In 2004 it was the biggest selling magazines in the UK. It includes celebrity news, gossip, movie reviews, music reviews, TV listings, beauty advice and fashion. It's mainly aged at women aged 18 and above; although it is not mainly a women's magazine. Just like a music magazine the magazine has been included in the top left corner in a bold font to stand out and to grab the audiences attention. The slogan of the magazine 'This weeks hottest celebrity news'  has been included on top of the masthead; most music magazines place the slogan underneath the mast head, but sometimes they places them on top of the magazine or in the skyline. This magazine included more pictures than a music magazine, so it appears to be 'messy' unlike music magazines; however they do included the conventional main image in the center of the page with anchorage text to tell the audience what the image is about. Also on each image they have added anchorage text so they audience know what each article inside the magazine will be about.  Unlike a music magazine, which has a specific colour scheme, this magazine doesn't appear to have a set colour scheme, as there is a large variety of different colours. However they have used read as the masthead main colour to attract the audience, and a bright yellow to also attract the audience. Like a music magazine the bar code has been placed at the bottom of the magazine, in a horizontal style; however the bar code has been placed on the left side where music magazines usually place them on the right hand side. 

Nuts is a weekly lad mag, published in the UK, including provocative pictures of females, gadget information, cars and sports. It used to be sold every Thursday but has been moved to every Tuesday instead; their marketing campaign slogan is ''When You Really Need Something Funny''.  The masthead has been placed at the top left corner of the page like a music magazine; as the magazine is called 'Nuts' it suggests that this magazine is designed specifically for the male audience, as 'nuts' refers to the male genitalia. Also as the mast head is in a bold red font this connotes a sense of seductiveness which appeals to the male audience. The main image of Lucy Collett, is a seductive image with the model looking directly at the audience to engage with them; this image represents the theory of the male gaze. Just like a music magazine the main image has taken up most of the page, whilst being centered in the middle, it also has anchorage text on the side to show the readers what the image is about. As the main anchorage text says '140 sexiest Twitter pics!' this will appeal to the male audience, as they will want to see all the revealing images. The price of the magazine has been placed on top of the masthead in a small font, so it's not very visible so the audience want to buy the magazine before they know the price of it; unlike a music magazine that places the price in one of the bottom corners next to the bar code.  The bar code has been placed in the bottom right corner, this follows the conventions of a music magazine as they are also placed in the bottom right corner, on its side. 

Research into Different Music Magazine Genres

I have looked into different Music Magazines and their different genres. This is so when it comes to  deciding on a genre for my magazine the choice will be easier as I will know, how each genre is presented and looks in real media products. It will also help me know what magazine conventions go where, and how they should be presented.

Q magazine covers different areas of pop and rock genres, they variety between the two as the mainly go for the main artist/band of the month; as the magazine is published monthly. The masthead of the magazine is a bright bold red box, with a white 'Q' on the inside so it stands out from the rest of the magazine and draws the audience in, and allows the magazine to spotted easily on the shelf. Underneath the 'Q' in the red box it includes the slogan of the magazine which is 'Discover Great Music', the slogan has been put in a smaller font, and is less bold than the other writing; this is because its not the main focus of the magazine and other things are the main focus. The anchorage text is above the main image of Florence, it states who it is that she is the 'women on the edge' and that she said ''I feel so alone''. The anchorage text is in a bold white font to stand out and show the reader that it is the main article in the magazine and about the artist on the front cover.   The main image shows the artist Florence from 'Florence and the Machines', her image has taken up the whole of the front page, with no background showing. It shows only her face and hands; her nails have been painted a dark red to match her hair. Florence's face make up has been simple so it doesn't over power her hair, however her eye make up has different shades of blue; the blue match's the puff on the right. The price of the magazine, issue number, date and the bar code are both in the left bottom corner; the price of the magazine is £3.99, which is an average price for a music magazine. The sell lines along the side are all in the same white font, so it matches the rest of the magazine and stands out. The sell lines tell the reader what will be inside the magazine, for example the '16-page gig blow out'. As I stated earlier the puff colour matches the colour of Florence's blue eye shadow; the puff includes the information that Zane Lowe said ''Where've all the guitars gone?'', and on the outer edge it says 'new column'. The puff includes special information about the magazine 'special' articles. The colour scheme is red, white and blue; the only bit of red it the masthead, this is the company's logo which stands out to attract the audience. The white has been used for the font so it can stand out against the main artists hair; so it is visible and easy to read. The blue has been used for minor details, such as bullet points, lines and the outline of the puff; they've done this to make the magazine more bold and attracting to the target audience.

 

Top of the Pops magazine is released monthly, and is published by Immediate Media Company; it was originally used to add to the TV show Top of the Pops, until the show was cancelled in 2006. The features inside the magazine include star gossip, chart information, quizzes, song lyrics, posters, fashion and beauty advice. The masthead of the magazine has been made to look like an old move theatre sign, with the stars going across the top and bottom of the title. The title has been made in a bold white font that stands out from the orange background, the words 'of the' has been put into the circle in between the words 'Top' and 'Pops'; this makes the main words stand out in comparison.  The BBC logo has been placed in the top left corner; this shows that the owners/producers of this magazine is BBC. The skyline tells the reader how there is 'Quiz - Are you too truthful?' inside the magazine, for them to complete and find out if they are too truthful or not. The main image shows a mid shot picture of Justin Bieber; he is facing forward, this allows the audience/readers to engage with him, and feel drawn to the magazine more. The anchorage text shows what the main picture is about; on this magazine its about Justin Bieber's quote ''I can really shock my parents!'' But will Justin's confessions shock you?'. By putting the anchorage text next to the main image it shows the readers what the main article is about in this magazine, and what the main image is about. This also will attract the audience to buy and read the magazine so they know what the full story is. The price of the magazine is shown at the bottom next to the bar code and terms and conditions of the magazine; the price is £2.99 for this magazine. The price of this magazine is not in the bottom left or right corner like any other magazine; this one has been placed in the middle next to the bar code not underneath. The bar code is also not in one of the bottom corners it has also been placed in the centre of the magazine; this is unusual as most magazine use the 'Z' rule to attract their readers more. The sell lines of this magazine include different images and information about the other articles inside the magazine; including 'Buff Boys - 11 lads who dare to bare!' and 'Amelia Lily - Fail proof friendship fixes!'. As the readers can see some of the main articles that are going to be inside of the magazine this attracts them more to buy and read the magazine. The puff has been placed in the middle of the magazine in a bright red circle to attract the attentions of the audience; it says 'Amazing dating secrets boys never reveal!'. By putting the text inside the puff the audience what to read it more, and more interested in that article, as it has been put into the bright red circle, that attracts their attention. The layout of the magazine is very busy, it shows loads of different sell lines to attract the audiences attention. It also shows a variety of different adverts to give attention to competitions and articles inside the magazine. The layout includes loads of different text boxes, a puff and images; this shows the audience that there is a lot to read inside the magazine. The colour scheme is represented mainly for girls as there aren't any dark colours; its a bright vibrant magazine using oranges, reds, yellows, black and white. This make the magazine bright and stand out from all the other magazines; so this will attract their target audience of girls aged around 11-14.

NME stands for New Musical Express, created by Theodore Ingham. NME is a UK weekly pop/rock music journalism magazine; it first started being published in March 1952. It originally started as a music newspaper, and eventually moved towards a magazine format in the 1980's/1990's. It was the first British paper to include a singles chart, in November 1952. It was also named the best selling British paper in the 1970's.  The mast head of this magazine is 'NME' in bright bold red letters with a white outline, so it stands out from the black background. Although half of the mast head has been cut out by the main image, however this doesn't matter as this magazine is very well known, and the audience will know that it is 'NME's' magazine with out having to see the full mast head. The skyline on this magazine states how there are 15 new bands to get excited about; this shows the readers that inside the magazine it will state the new bands. Underneath the main skyline '15 New Bands To Get Excited About' it lists five out of the fifteen bands that are new and exciting. The main image shows the Arctic Monkeys; they are all facing directly towards the camera, this allows the audience to engage with them. Also the background is black, this makes the band stand out against it, they've used a mid shot to show all the artists; they have also used studio lighting to show the expressions on each of the artists faces. The anchorage text states what the main image is about; 'Life after 'HumBug' Arctic Monkeys ''We can't worry about what other people think'', this lets the audience know what the main article in the magazine is about. The bar code and price is in the bottom right corner, sideways; this allows more information and sell lines to be put on the front cover. The price has been written in a small font, above the bar code, this means that the magazine is expensive, and they want to attract their readers to the magazine before they see the price. This magazine has two puff's, one is a white circle with the information of a exclusive Christmas single, the others a peach circle with the information about the band that changed Noel Gallagher's life. Both puff's have been put in bright bold colours to stand out against the dark black background, so it attracts the readers attentions. The sell lines in this magazine have been kept minimal, and are only included at the bottom of the magazine, so the main image and anchorage text are the main part of this magazine. The layout of this magazine is very simple and organised; by using this simple method the magazine, seems less crowded and easier to read. By keeping the magazine layout simple it's easier to see all the sell lines, puffs and different parts of information; this will attract to the audience because they'll be able to find out whats inside the magazine easier. The colour scheme of this magazine is black, white, peach and red; the red was used for the mast head to stand out against the rest of the magazine. The white and peach has been used for the text, puffs and adverts to stand out against the black background. This allows the information to be read easily and faster; this will attract the audience as this is helpful for the readers to get the information they need. 

Re-Submission

I have considered to re-submit my AS coursework, as I am not happy with the grade I achieved.

I have looked at my blog from my music magazine, and these are my current thoughts of how I could've improved.

Front Page Analysis
After looking at my front cover I have realised there is too much white space, that I could've filled in with more images and writing. Also I have not included enough images, as I have only used the same artist on the front cover and I shouldve included more artists. Another thought is that the main image is slightly distorted as her face seems too long for an actual head. The main image is also edited badly around her hair as it looks pixelated around the edges. Apart from the title of the magazine and the name of the artist I haven't used a variety of different fonts. Also the bar code is too big for the page, as it is taking up too much space and is distracting the main focus of the page.

Contents Page Analysis
Once looking at the contents page I created I noticed how badly it was made, I feel I rushed this page and didnt spend enough time on it as there are many things I could've done to improve it. I feel that there is far too much space and that I could've added a lot more images, writing, and information. Also the bottom two images look faily similar with the pose they were both doing, even though they are edited differently; also one was a poster and a album cover. I also feel the two left images are bad quality and wasn't taken in a professional studio with a background and studio lighting. Once again I stuck to mainly the same font, and I should've experimented with different styles.

                                                       

Double Page Spread Analysis
With the double page spread the main image was edited badly as it is extremely pixelated and not very clear; her hair also has the background still on it, which isn't white so it shows up on the white background. I also feel I could have added more of the interview, because I used large font. Once again I mainly stuck to the same style font so I need to try more of a variation of fonts, to make the page more appealing towards my target audience. I also feel I could have added more colour into the double page spread as there is a lot of white, with plain black text and it seems very plain and unexciting.