Evaluation

For my Media Coursework, i created a R&B magazine. I worked individually, and all the work was produced by me, in the ten weeks i had to do it. Throughout the process, i have gathered lots of research together, in order to make my magazine as realistic as possible. This includes both information on the genre R&B and its target audience, and how it attracts its audience.

In what ways does you media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
My Front Cover:
- The title of my magazine is in a big, bold font which stands out above all the other text. This grabs the readers attention.
- I have added subheadings onto my magazine cover, which informs the reader on the main stories, which feature within the magazine. These highlight the main attractions.
- A leading caption has been used, which advertises my feature article with 'Emma Nicholson.'
- Strap lines run across the top and bottom of my cover, advertising free posters. This is to attract a bigger audience as freebies can be won.
- The photo as my background, gives a direct address, which leads the audience into buying my product.
- A bar code, price tag, issue date and price, have also been used to finish of the realism of the magazine.

My Contents Page:
- A range of photographs have been used on this page, to give it some attraction. A number of different artists have been featured to interest the reader.
- The exclusive interview has been written in a larger font, as i want this to be the main attraction. This will automatically make the reader turn to the page were it is featured.
- I have used page numbers to ensure the reader finds all they want to inside.
- I have included the web address again, repeating it so it stays with the reader, persuading them to visit the site.
- Again the title 'contents' is in a larger font, but this time runs across and down the page, making it look jazzy and attractive.
- I have stuck witht the same colour scheme as the cover so it follows on throughout.
- And again i have added the issue date making it look more realistic.

My Article:
- My article starts off with an introduction, introducing my featured star.
- It then goes onto asking her questions and her answering.
- The main title is in large letters, introducing her to the reader.
- The slogan advertises her new single, aswell as describing her. Like a pun.
- The colour scheme again, follows on.
- The main image used is a photograph of her, interesting the reader into reading her article.
- The article itself uses personal and funny facts making it interesting to read.
- Within the article, i have introduced her new single, where it can be purchased and where it can be downloaded. This is persuasive and factual.

Who would be the Audience for your media product?
My target audience would be aimed at both men and women. In my oppinion the genre R&B is for both genders, but my magazine would attract more women. The age group it would attract would range from 15-25, and be aimed at people who enjoy the R&B classics, both old and recent. Also they would need to be interested in knowing all about their favourite stars, and where the latest R&B hits can be found. A little bit of gossip must be liked too.

How did you attract your audience?
The main attraction is my front cover. The title 'Harmony' shows the reader that reading this magazine with be peacful and easy to enjoy. The colour scheme Pink/Blue attracts both genders and the image giving a direct address pulls the reader towards purchasing the product. The brief text shows what can be found inside, attracting, advertsing and showing the excitement that is held inside. The strap lines running accross the bottom and top of the page persuade the audience into purchasing this magazine, as they offer FREE posters. Everyone enjoys free gifts.

What have you learnt about technologies from the process of this product?
- When beginning my project i had never used indesign before. This was hard to funtion at first, but as the weeks went on, i picked up things easy and just automatically used them when creating my final product.
- The main thing i have learnt about the most is Blogger.Com. Before starting this project i had never even heard about Blogger. Now i know all about how it works etc...and even have my own personal blog.

Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
When i created my preliminary task, i had no idea how to use indesign. In my oppinion my first task was really hard and i wasnt happy with the outcome. Comparing my final product to my preliminary task, i can really see a difference in what i have learnt. The progression throughout just got better and better. You can see with the editing and the different elements on the magazine, that once i figured out how to use the system properly, it was a very enjoyable piece of work. The excitment is shown in my final product.

Overall i have enjoyed creating my magazine. Ive had my strengths, such as editing my photos, having a play around with the layout and colour scheme and researching different elements. I have also had my weaknesses such as my work not saving and having to catch up, timekeeping, as i spent alot more time on my front cover than on my other pages and the worry of not finishing in time. I think my magazine is up to a high standard and i would personally purchase it if i was to see it in a shop.

Audience Feedback

What does the title suggest to you?
- that reading this magazine will be enjoyable
- that the magazine is aimed at mainly girls as it sounds peaceful
- that the magazine is full of enjoyable gossip

What genre/type of music do you think the magazine focus's on? What suggests this?
- Indie or r&b because the background image is funky and recent
- i'd say r&b just by looking at the image. most r&b pictures are in black and white
- i think indie. the girl in the picture looks very indie

What makes the magazine look professional? and what doesn't?
- the pictures and the layout look professional
- i think more text should be added ontop on the image to make it look more professional
- the black and white image looks professional

How realistic does the front cover seem?
- the edited picture makes it look realistic
- the barcode gives it realism
- the layout style looks like other magazines

Does the contents page just inform you, or does it also interest you into reading the magazine?
- it informs me in what i can read about, but the pictures interest me
- both by the text and pictures
- both, especially the bit about 'interview'

Does the article sound like a journalism piece? if not which bits dont sound right?
- yes its interesting aswell as funny in some places
- yes the language is informal in some places showing the actual interview answers
- yes i found it to be worth reading

Does the article layout make you want to read it? if not why?
- definately, especially the text in bold
- yes the pictures gains my attention, and the quotations
- yes the picture shows excitement so you expect the article to be fun to read too

Final Project - Featured Article.

Final Project - Contents Page.

Final Project - Front Cover.

My Photographs

Front Cover

Contents Page

 



















Featured Article

Mock up of Featured Article Page.

Mock up of Contents Page.

Mock up of Front Cover.

Article Draft

Planning

Planning my Photoshoot
When taking my pictures for my magazine, I will be using two of my friends, Emma and Jess, as my models. Emma will be on the front cover, as she is the person I intend to use in my featured article. The pictures I take will mainly be in black and white. This will help the text I add to the pages to stand out more, and will also link in with my initial colour scheme.

Planning my Front Cover
When planning my front cover, my main picture will fill the whole page, acting as a background. With the picture being in black and white, the text I add shall be bright and colourful, in order for it to stand out. The title shall be in a larger text than the rest, and run accross the top of the page. Strap lines will be added at the top and bottom of the page, to advertise free posters within the magazine.

Planning my Contents Page
When planning my contents page i will use a range of images, showing what is featuring within my magazine. The colour scheme shall follow the front cover theme and all text shall be bright and bold, in order for it to stand out. The page willcontain a mini version of my front cover, showing where all cover stories can be found. Page references will be used in order for certain pages to be found within the magazine.

Planning my Featured Article
When planning my featured article, I shall create a number of questions in which I can add into my interview story. My article will be about my main cover star. I shall use a large photo of her and a few snappy lines to make the interview fun and exciting.

Magazine Institutions

Creating a successful magazine includes many aspects. It needs to be supported by a media institution, to produce and distribute copies on the magazine. Some institutions such as IPC Media, VMG and EMAP produce hundreds of magazines, radio shows, and other types of media. In my opinion VMG or BMG would be great institutions to support my magazine, because they produce magazines such as, Look and Heat, which are of a similar genre as my magazine. To produce and sell my magazine, I would probably like to work with VMG, as this institution links more towards my RnB theme.

Top 40 'Rnb' Chart

Here is the top 40 R&B download for his month...

1. OWL CITY - Fire Flies
2. GLEE CAST - Dont Stop Believin
3. IYAZ - Replay
4. 3OH3 FT KATY PERRY - Starstruck
5. SIDNEY SAMSON FT WIZARD SLEEVE - Riverside
6. JLS - One Shot
7. ALICIA KEYS - Empire State Of Mind
8. JOURNEY - Dont Stop Believin
9.  EXAMPLE - Wont Go Quietly
10. JAY-Z FT MR HUDSON - Young Forever
11. ALEXANDRA BURKE - Broken Heels
12. LADY GAGA - Bad Romane
13. SATURDAYS - Ego
14. N-DUBZ FT MR HUDSON - Playing With Fire
15. JAY SEAN / SEAN PAUL / LIL JON - Do You Remember
16. KESHA - Tik Tok
17. TIMBALAND FT KATY PERRY - If We ever Meet Again
18. JAY-Z FT ALICIA KEYS - Empire State Of Mind
19. PLAN B - Stay Too Long
20. JUSTIN BIEBER - One time
21. FLORENCE & THE MACHINE - You've got The Love
22. BLACK EYED PEAS - Meet Me Halfway
23. ALICIA KEYS - Doesnt Mean Anything
24. RIHANNA - Russian Roulette
25. CHIPMUNK FT TALAY RILEY - Look For Me
26. PIXIE LOTT - Cry Me Out
27. RIHANNA - Rudeboy
28. BIFFY CLYRO - Mny Of Horror
29. ONE REPUBLIC - All The Right Moves
30. TIMBALAND / NELLY FURTADO / SOSHY - Morning After Dark
31. BLACK EYED PEAS - I Gotta Feeling
32. GIRLS CAN'T CATCH - Echo
33. PITBULL FT AKON - Shut It Down
34. JASON DERULO - Whatcha Say
35. CHERYL COLE FT WILL I AM - 3 Words
36. FLORENCE & THE MACHINE DOG - Days Are Over
37. CHERYL COLE - Fight For This Love
38. YOUNG MONEY FT LLOYD - Bedrock
39. ALEXANDRA BURKE FT FLO RIDA - Bad Boys
40. JAY-Z / BONO / EDGE / RIHANNA - Stranded 

Questionaire and Results

Analysis of a Featured Article

This article is a nice example of what and R&B featured article should be like. It features a well known band, and is spread over a two page spread in order to look more atractive and exciting. It shows that the magazine is aimed at both males and females, as they have used a mixed sex group. The pages show both pictures and text, and have weighed them both out well. The picture takes the audiences attention and the title makes the reader want to read the article, in order to answer the question and uderstand what it is talking about. The colour scheme works well and all text stands out clearly.

Preliminary Task - Contents Page

Research of Contents Page

This contents page is very appealing and is a good example of and R&B magazine page, appealing to both men and women. This example appeals to men as the image shows flirtatious body language. It also appeals to women, as the image contains fashion and jewelry and a women with an amazing figure. The image also shows a direct address as it is foward facing, creating eye contact with the reader.

The title stands out well, and is preseted in a wicked way. The image of the star, is placed in a position where the title looks as though it is resting on her shoe. This is very attractive. The way it is split up onto different lines is also very effective, as it shows individualism, seperating it from any other, simple contents page.

The colour scheme works very well. Towards the top of the page, the background is very dark, and the text is white, making it stand out. As we work down the page, the colour gradually is toned down, and as we reach the bottom, it is very light,so that the image placed onto the page, is visable, not blending into the coloured background.

My Magazine

Genre: RnB Magazine
Target Audience: The magazine will be aimed at both Girls and Boys, aged 16-25
Aim: My aim isto make my magazine attractive, ordering it to stand out from the rest. I will ensure the main image is eye catching, also linking in with my RnB theme. I want my main image to be in Black and White, then certain aspects of it being a bright colour, making them stand out more.
Names: I havent decided on a name for my magzine at this point, but a couple of ideas come to mind, such as; Sophistication, EyeCandy and Harmony.

The layout of my magzine willbe decided when I have taken my photgraphs. This will also decide on the size and the colour scheme. I aim to use a direct address with all my photographs, to ensure the audience are drawn towards my magazine over any other.

Research for 'RnB' Magazine

I have chosen this magazine cover as it is a good example for my 'RnB' theme. This one took my attention with the chose up shot of Rihanna. The photo being in black and white also took my attention and looks very attractive. The colour scheme is bright, and although the cover doesnt look as packed and busy as other ones, it still shows the main stories within it.

The title/header on this example, stands out really well, being brought foward, infront of the main photo. This is good, as the whole of it can be seen, giving the brand image, making it recognisable to its audience.

The main photo captured is very eye catching. It gives a direct adress, looking into the camara, attracting it audience. The black and white effect makes it look very attractive.

The leading caption dominates the main story within the magaine, 'whats love got to do with it, Rihanna and Chris.' This anchors the cover story and makes the audience want to r4ad about the captured star.

There are also a few subheadings, showing what else can be found within the magazine. These too mention stars, making the audience want to find out about their favourite celebrities.

No straplines are used on this example.

Research for 'RnB' magazine

I have chosen this magzine cover as it links in with my 'RnB' theme. This one first took my attention with the colour scheme. The pale pastel colours stand back, and let the photograph take the main focus. This cover is very busy and exciting, full of photos, facts, stories and anything else that can be found inside.

The title/header on this example, is large but is being hidden by the main photo. It can still be recognised but isnt as obvious. The brand image is still created, making it recognisable to its audience.

The main photo captured,  is of a popular star/celebrity. She is giving a direct adress, looking straight into the camara, interacting with the audience. This gives of a very persuasive attitude.

the leading caption on this cover, dominates the main story within the magazine.'Janet Jackson likes to watch.' This anchors the cover story, and makes the audience want to read about the captured star.

There are a variety of subheadings used, showing what else can be found within the magazine. These too contain more facts on celebrities, making the audience interested in certain aspects of their lives.

The strapline used runs accross the top of the cover. This is a persuasive line, attracting people to buy the magazine. This too is about a famous star.

Research for 'Childrens' Magazine

I chosen this Nicktoon magazine as it relates to my childrens theme. This one first took my attention with the Simpsons picture. All children like The simpsons, and this would be a very good attraction. The magazine is bright, colourful and very busy with pictures. This again is a strong attraction for a childrens magazine.

The title/header on this magazine stands out really well, with it being bright white, big and bold, creating the brand image. It also makes the magazine recognisable to its audience.

A variety of different cartoon stars have been pictured, all giving a direct address, looking into the camara, to interact with the audience.

The leading caption on this cover, dominates the main story within the magzine. 'Are Naruto and Lisa more than friends?' This anchors the cover story, and makes the audience want to know if they are or not.

No subheadings are used that refer to the leading caption, as that says enough, to attract its audience. No extra information is needed about the article inside, as the question keeps the audience open, and wanting to find out. The only subheadings used are to intorduce other stories within the magzine. 'Wanda V's Marge - the feud continues.' and 'Ed, Edd or Eddy - whos the hottest hunk?'

No straplines are used.

Research for 'Childrens' Magazine

I have chosen this Disney magazine as an example because it relates to my Childrens theme. This one took my attention as it is bright, colourful, busy and attractive. Lots of pictures are used which is a great attraction for a childrens magazine.

The title/header on this childrens magazine stands out with its white outline. It is colourful to make it stand out and create the brand image. The Disney logo is also used above the header, making the magazine recognisable to the audience.

A range of Disney stars are photgraphed, all giving a direct address, as they are all looking straight into the camara.

This magazines leading caption, doesnt actually dominate an article that is inside, as it is a childrens magazine. Instead, the caption used is 'come inside and play, learn and laugh.' This focuses on what the magzine is about as a whole.

No subheadings are used as the magazine doesnt contain any main stories, and the only strapline used is to highlight that there are free posters inside.

Feedback 2.2.10

Laura,

You seem to be working hard to catch up here. You need to keep working on your research and planning in your own time to ensure you have caught up fully but also do not fall behind. You need to now analyse a front cover, contents and feature article to llok at how it fulfils the expected genre convention but also tells the audience of the music genre and appeals to the target audience. Put a jpeg of a cover in In Design and annotate with text boxes then export as jpeg and upoad as image on here.
You also need to work on your audience research and outline clearly who they are using the theories we covered in induction. (See demogrohic and psychographic profiling in induction book).
You need to have all your research and planning complete before half term so that you can take all your photos over half term then start production of your pages fully from when we come back.

Mrs A

Conventions of the Magazine Genre

All magazines follow the same rules, whether they are:
-Lifestyle magazines
-Fashion magazines
-Computer magazines
-Music magazines.


They must all contain a main cover. the front cover of a magazine is its main advertisiement. It should be bright, interesting and eye catching. This cover must contain an Image. The image must fit to the size of the full page, and appeal to its audience. Magazines usually include images of stars or celebrities. This increases the sales, as they are seen as an inspiration to their audiences and are also admired by certain people. Famous people are conventionally included on front covers, to increase the amount of sales. Its all to do with attracting people to purchase their item. The cover must follow a certain colour scheme, which should appeal to its audience. It should be visually interesting, reflecting the target audience.


Magazines must also include a Logo/Header, and it must be positioned at the top of the page. This will create the 'brand image' making the magazine instantly recognisable to its target audience. Sometimes a slogan is used underneath the header, explaining the magazine content, or to make it stand out from its rivals. This leading caption usually dominates the page which is focused on your main cover story. Subheadings must also be used. These are the titles of the stories you wish to advertise in your magzine. finally, straplines are usually used. These are positioned at the top or bottom of the page, higlighting the stars in the magazine or the stories within the magazine.

Finally, magazines covers must show the date in which it is published. This is to let the audience know they are buying the most recent magazine and a barcode must be pictured to, enabeling the magzine to be scanned and purchased.

Research

To help me decide on my final idea, I am going to research into magazines, of the same genres, as my initial ideas. I will concentrate on looking at the different layouts, colour schemes, and how the magazine cover attracts its audience. My aim is to get my magazine cover, to the highest standard it can be.

Preliminary Task

This is my Preliminary task which I created in Design. This was the first time I had used the programme, so everything was new to me. When creating this magazine cover, I cut out the student, clearing the background. This was very time consuming but was worth it in the end, as my magazine cover was now colour co-ordinated and looked more attractive.

Practicing was very helpful. Looking at my finished image now, I can comment on what could be improved. Although my image is very clear, it was a very quick shot and lacks a connection to what the magazine is about. The colour scheme I chose, was to link with the College colours. I think the alternating colour scrips work well, alothough they do cover up quite alot of the image. The colour of the text works well, but the text font could be a little more exciting.

When creating my final piece, I shall relate back to this practice task, and make sure I dont make the same mistakes again. I shall research into other fonts of text, picking out the most attractive ones, that will work together with my magazine cover, to appeal to the audience more.

Initial Ideas

-For my first initial idea, I thought of doing a 'childrens' magazine. The magazine would be aimed and at young girls aged 5-10. The magazine cover would include a large image of a certain popstar which appeals to the target audience. It would give details of what can be found inside, such as free posters, and how to become a popstar. This would appeal to the audience, and attract them to the magazine, also helping to persuade them to purchase the magazine.

Inside it would also contain a contentcs page. This would also contain lots of images, which would make the magaine very attractive. There would be a mini version of the front cover, showing where these certain aspects can be found within the magazine, giving their page references. It would also contain another list of what else can be found in the magazine.

The colour scheme of this magazine would be bright and girly. Pink would take over, as all little girls like pink. It would be glittery and shiny, grabbing the attention from the first glance.



-For my second initial idea, I thought of doing a 'R n B' magazine. The magazine would be aimed and both Females and Males, aged between 15-21. The magazine would include a large image of a certain R n B star, that is seen as an inspiration to the target audience. The cover would include details on what can be found inside, such as interviews with certain stars, and free posters. This would help with attracting the audience towards the magazine.

Inside, the contents page would also contain images of inspirational stars. It would include a mini version of the front cover, showing where cover strories can be found, with page references. It would also contain a seperate list of what else can be found in the magazine.

The colour scheme of this magazine would be black and white, with certain bright colours on the exciting aspects in which, I wish to stand out. The image would also be in black and white, and I would edit the contrast to exagerate the highlights.