Introduction

Centre Hub - http://centralhubsouthendhigh.blogspot.co.uk 

Click here to view my preliminary task of the sixth form magazine.

Evaluation 1- In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of a real media product?

I have identified a gap in the market. Although there are other festivals magazines such as 'Festivals magazine', its audience is much older than mine. Therefore this an niche, individual magazine. As well as a magazine for which its audience are the majority that go to festivals. Therefore I have developed conventions such as the semantic fields portrayed. My magazine has semantic fields of young, fun-loving, entertainment.      

It is important to use conventions to ensure that my magazine seems convincing, and could actually act as a real product. The audience would be used to seeing these conventions in regular music magazines/others so this is important to use, for them to understand.

Evaluation 2- How does you media product represent particular social groups?

Evaluation by

Evaluation 3- What media institution would distribute your media product and why?

Click on link to view some of IPC Media brands.

Furthermore, view Bauer Media Group webpage by clicking here.

If VOLUME is successful I may consider the future prospects such as an online magazine, and advertising through IPC Media in order to try and gain more readership. If I did in fact produce an online version of VOLUME, I would definitely make it interactive, for example on my contents where there is a photostrip I would make this feature flow through, so more pictures of inside content would be shown. If I wanted to advertise VOLUME, I would have to fulfil http://www.ipcadvertising.com/ an application which will enable me to advertise VOLUME elsewhere.

IPC already advertise for brands such as NOW, Marie Claire well-known magazines, which is hopeful considering how well they are currently doing, and maybe VOLUME can achieve this same status.

IPC Media do actually advertise for the music magazine NME.

If I actually wanted to advertise VOLUME, these are the people I would need to contact.
- Deputy Head - Creative Media Neil McSteen (020 3148 6707)

- Digital Brand Partnerships Director Andrew Sanders (0203 148 6716 )

- Digital Business Director Chris Dicker (020 3148 6709)
- Live Sales Executive Emma Martin (020 3148 6705)
- Classified Sales Manager Nicola Jago (020 3148 2608)
- Group Trading Director Kate Mackenzie (020 3148 3603)

Evaluation 4- Who would be the audience for your media product?

CLICK THIS LINK

Regarding the Values, Attitudes and Lifestyles framework I have categorised my target audience to be strivers/experiencers. This is because strivers are fun-loving, and trendy, whereas  experiencers will spend a large proportion of their money on entertainment and socialising eg. festival. Therefore, using the LifeMatrix Tool the audience would be fun/antics people, as these are aspirational, fun-seeking and active young people.

With reference to the uses + gratifications theory, there are four categories
- information
- personal identity
-social interaction
-entertainment
I feel that VOLUME would be best in the entertainment section as festivals are considered an entertaining social activity. However, it would also offer information however just based around festivals. 

Evaluation 5- How did you attract/address your audience

Evaluation 6- What have you learnt about technologies from the process of construction?

Through researching and analysing music magazines to understand the conventions used. I used the internet, particularly when carrying out research. Whilst producing pieces to display my new understanding I used Snacktools such as Prezi, Microsoft Word and Blogger. Prezi was the most challenging to use, yet I feel its my most creative due to the interaction involved. Furthermore, whilst creating my own magazine, I had to set up my own photoshoot, to do this I had to use photographic equipment such as a Canon Photography camera. To develop the images I took I had to use iPhoto to edit and produce better quality images, to how i felt it would look best and fit in well with my magazine. I very much enjoyed using iPhoto, although I struggled to grasp the concept of it, when I was able to make my images exactly the way I wanted it was rather satisfying.

 

If I had the opportunity to produce a music magazine again, I would definitely use my same idea, as I liked the fact it was different to others. However, next time when shooting, I would make sure to set up perfect setting for a more convincing portrayal of festivals, although I do feel this was portrayed rather well. Furthermore, although Photoshop was challenging I now understand how to use it. However, rather than presenting my work on Snacktools which was very time-consuming, I would use other technologies that would present them in an easier way. I would also ensure that these would be interactive and understandable.

Evaluation 7- Looking back at my preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the final one?

My preliminary task

Not only has my technical aspects of my magazine progressed but also my understanding of how branding and representation is important.

Representation is important as the audience will only purchase the product is the representation of the context is the portrayal of positivity. Therefore the overall image of the magazine is vital considering the effect and influence it will have on the audience. The branding is the symbol that will identify VOLUME from its competitors, however due to the originality and gap in the market for my magazine this will not be of major concern. I feel that the use of the volume speaker in the masthead will allow the audience to identify the underlying service of the product, as a volume speaker is obviously related to music.

When producing VOLUME I made sure to apply my magazine to the LIAR concepts, which admittedly was not something I had thought about considering wth my preliminary task. To apply to language I ensured to use terminology appropiate for my audience and genre of music, for example 'crowd-surf' only relating to the audience and genre. For the institutional aspects I made sure to include barcodes, pricing to cover this. For the audience I made sure that it was relatable to them and made ways for them to interact eg. sending in a text, or use of twitter. I also esnured the representation of festivals was positive, therefore something the audience would want to read about.

                VOLUME.                                                                                         Preliminary.

From the above, it is clear my skills have progressed. I had included more conventions such as tag words, bottom + top strip. Although I did still include puffs and masthead before. In my preliminary I did not edit my main image in anyway, perhaps why it is so unfocused in comparison to my one used for VOLUME. Although my audiences would have been different, I feel that the set demographic theories would fit in better well with VOLUME than for ACHIEVE, as it is obvious from the front cover it is unclear, therefore something to ensure I consider.

Production- front cover

The main image i used on my front cover, was the photo I edited. The main colours in this image are pink and orange, which is what I followed through to be my house style, I used these colours to emphasise the orange band around her neck. I also felt the colours, in a way, addressed the target audience as the pink would relate to the young girls, of whom are the main target audience as the written contents of the magazine would mainly interest them. However, I used the orange as well so that the secondary audience of boys could be realised. Although the main person in the image is not using direct mode of address, her extended arm draws the reader to her face, so the readers are drawn to the picture in this way. 

The name of my magazine is called VOLUME to link into the music genre. It is known as  masthead, as is the main logo of the magazine. The 'O' i have changed into a volume speaker as this relates to the name of the magazine, therefore will be understandable for the readers. Although I was originally going to call my magazine 'VIBE' i felt that 'VOLUME' fitted better with the purpose of the magazine. I also chose to do this so I could use the speaker idea as i felt that this would be a feature that would be remembered, and therefore recognisable to the audience.

I then added the website address on the V, as when the reader notices the logo, they will see this and be encouraged to look on the website for more information on festivals. The website would also be the main alternative place to find information on the magazine and a way to contact the magazine. The typography is white so that it stands out on the dark pink typography in the background. It also follows through with the colours used in the masthead.

 

I have used the strap line, in the top strip position on my front cover. I have placed it here as it would be noticeable to readers when looking at it. The soft orange colour also enables this to stand out. The wording of the top strip creates a connection between the audience by using the the personal pronoun YOUR, this establishes that the magazine is right for them and they must get it. By stating that it is a 'NO.1 FESTIVAL MAGAZINE' clearly denotes that it is the best magazine on the subject of 'festivals' which highlights the genre.

These two screenshots show the institutional aspects of the front cover. The issue number is fairly high which suggests its popularity, and a favourable magazine which will encourage readers to purchase. The barcode shows it available for sale in a shop. The two different currencies also emphasises the popularity as is available to purchase in countries within Europe. This would also suggest to the reader that the magazine would involve knowledge on festivals outside of the UK, and includes festivals in Europe eg. TomorrowLand and Sunset Fest. The date also adds to the institutional aspect of the magazine, as it acts as an indicator of how often it is published. It states the month which shows its a monthly magazine.

The puffs are positioned along the right third of the magazine. The puffs are the some of the main points within the magazine. They are put on the front cover to entice readers, as these are the supposed articles that would gain the most interest. The white typography makes them stand out on the darker coloured background. Sections of the words are also bolded to show they are key, they are all capitalised which will also make them stand out more. 







The image below shows the main cover line. This is the main feature within the article, and also what my double page spread is on. 'Exclusive' is a tag word as it makes it seem like the one and only place to receive the highlights.'V FEST' is an abbreviation of Virgin Media Festival, which shows colloquial language has been used to fit in with the target audience, yet will still be understandable to them. The text is the largest across the whole page, which would immediately attract the audience as it will stand out to them. The typography is appropiate as it helps to make it stand out, as the colours used contrast with the background colours. The image on the right third related to the main cover line, which is made clear by the V festival logo superimposed on top of the image, creating a link between them. The image is made more obvious by the bright pink border around it which is the same house colour pink used for the masthead.

 The image shows a section which is known as the bottom strip. The bottom strip contains some of the vitally important information. The strip is outlined by a white, making this stand out and noticeable. The typography is capitalised suggesting their importance. The dashes also show the separate articles. It is made clear that this stories are also within the magazine by the 'PLUS' text. The same font is used as the masthead, the font used is 'rainy days'. It is the font used throughout the magazine, so over time this would be recognisable to regular consumers, creating a significant font for VOLUME.

Also at the bottom of the front cover, a freebie is offered. This acts as yet another indicator for someone to buy the magazine, as there is a chance they will win something. This is put into a superimposed spikey shape, which immediately stands out. The colours also stand out adding to its enhancement on the page.

Production - contents page

The images I used on my contents page were originally going to be all of festivals, the image shown on the right. However, through guidance of peers, i was advised to create a variation; this way I was able to show the posed photoshoots I had set up. The images was placed in a photo-strip, shown in the image on the left. I situated them in this, as a photo-strip connotes the journey/experience of something, and originally this would have been the experience of many festivals but now it denotes the different articles within my music magazine VOLUME. It was positioned on the left third of the page, as the text was written on the right/middle third, so overall gave a neat and sophisticated layout and appearance.

The top strip banner consists of the institutional information. It shows the masthead of the magazine, the date issue and states the 'contents' clearly showing the page. These are all aspects which are signifiers to the audience of the magazine. The date will show that they have the up to date edition, the masthead shows they have the magazine they want. I have positioned it at the top as this connotes the superiority of this information. The colours of the typography fit in with the house style. The orange again has been used as the background base colour, and the pink used in contrast. The same font of 'rainy days' has been used. This will denote to the audience the magazine, as it will eventually gave significance from this.

The information of the magazine articles, have been split into sections. The front cover proposes information originally through the puffs used, and the bottom strip. This has been labelled on the contents page as 'on the cover' and 'plus' this states the articles spoken about on the front cover. There is also further articles written about, yet not categorised. The images also show different page numbers, although there is not any writing which denotes that there are articles within the magazine that are not necessarily states on the contents. The page numbers go up to 78, which is a rather high number, although existing magazines are likely to include more, this is a reasonable amount considering the type of magazine. The typography remains in the 'rainy days' font for the title of the articles, the summary underneath is in black 'times new roman' which tells the reader more about the articles, giving out this extra information to intrigue the audience to read the article.

I then created a small bottom strip at the very edge of the page, about the contact information. This strip has been coloured in orange, much like the top of the page. However, the difference here is that the colour of the typography is different. As this information is highly important to the audience it has been coloured in black. The typography remains in the 'rainy days' font. They have been categorised into two section; 'contact us' and 'enquiries.' These have been coloured in pink which continues the house style colour. The 'contact us' has included the web address and the telephone number. The enquiries is an email address for the readers to get in touch. It has been situated below the editorial note. This is because from reading the editorial note, I would like to think, that the audience would get in touch.

The editorial note is a rare code and convention of existing magazines. But I have included it to create a way of speaking to the reader directly and establish a relationship, so that they will be more inclined to read my magazine VOLUME, and subscribe, which is done via the website, which is why the contact information shown above, is placed below it. The editorial note is placed in a pink rectangular box which will contrast with the white typography. It has been positioned below the articles and is to the right of the freebie offered.


The freebie offered is the same as the one on the front, this is so that the reader will be more encouraged to purchase the magazine as it has been repeated which will be a reminder of what they can gain. It has been superimposed in a spiky cloud shape, as the grasps the attention of the reader. The outline is in pink, which contrast with the white background, making it noticeable. The same typography has been used, and the pink house style colour remains.

Production- double page spread

In existing magazines I have seen a tag in the top left/right-hand corners giving an indicator of what the topic of the page is. On my double page spread I took this feature on board, and used it within my own, with the tag saying 'highlights'. This will denote to the reader that it will show the 'highlights' of the topic. I have used a small, orange, rectangular box with 'highlights' in pink, 'rainy days' typography over the top; this fits in with the house style. It has been positioned at the top left-hand side of the left page. I have used another tag on the right-hand side of the right page, which states the masthead of the magazine; VOLUME. The same colours have been used for this also. The reason for the colours, are due to the masthead. To gain significance the masthead must remain the same throughout, so placing it onto a white background would not work, as the thick, white outline would not show. Therefore I had to make a rectangular box that would fit the size of the word, and situate it behind the text. To create a house style, I did this for the 'highlights' tag.

The headline is one of the most important aspects towards my double page spread. I knew I had to do something creative that would catch the eye of the reader. For this reason, I wanted to include the V Festival logo within it. Therefore after consideration, I came up with the word 'marvellous', this way I could use the logo in replacement for the V. I wanted to make the headline personal to the audience, so made the headline to do with them by using the word 'your'. The typography I have used is the same as before, so the consistency would be seen, creating the significance. 'Rainy days' has been used again. However, the problem I had with the headline was the placing. The first thing I did on the double page spread was the column to the far right of the article, about the tweets/texts sent to the magazine. Therefore without disrupting this work, I had to make the headline on two lines, rather than one. Although, I first saw this as a problem, I now feel that this was good as it means the headline is bigger making it more noticeable, than it would be if it was just on one.

My double page spread is based on the highlights of V Festival and the interview of David Guetta. For this reason, I had placed 'exclusive interview' near the top of the page, by the headline to show the importance and this would be one the first places to be seen, so before the reader can flick over the page they will be intrigued. The reason for this would be as 'exclusive' is a tag word, meaning it seems to be the one and only place available for the audience to view this. I wanted to tilt the text, so it looked like it belonged as part of the bi-line. Although I did actually manage to tilt this, I wanted it to seem more prominent, therefore I placed a orange box behind it. However, the on photoshop I was not able to tilt the box without the sides becoming jagged. I felt that this made the double page spread look unprofessional, so I kept the box aligned with straight edges, yet still tilted the text. Although I had this problem, I do feel that it does not look too bad.

As I said before about the far right column containing information of tweets/texts. It is a feature that probably took me the longest to create. Firstly, I made the box, I selected the shape I wanted, and filled it in with the same pink, which has been used throughout. To begin with my idea was to do texts, which would encourage readers to text in, in hope for their name to be printed on the next edition of the magazine. This took a very long time to do, as I had to find a phone suitable, that would relate to the audience; therefore used the iPhone. I then put information around it. However, I then came up with the idea on twitter, which I personally feel is great, as this will also relate to the reader and another way to entice them, but would also provide extra promotion of the product. I did this, as well as, a supposed sent in picture text.

The images I included on my double page, consisted of some I had taken at the photoshoot I had set up. I used this as images of the reporter. The photoshoot involved taking pictures of my friend, that was dressed conventionally of how someone as a festival would dress. As she was holding a microphone I felt that it would be appropriate to use as the reporter. At the beginning of the article, a medium close up shot was used, of her talking/smiling at the same time, so would encourage the reader to read on. At the end of the article, the image shows the back of her. This image does not only show how she is dress, but denotes the end of the article. The image was bordered with a thick, pink outline. On photoshoot, I was unable to just select a border, so I had to make a box, and place the image over the top.

After I had put on my pictures, headline, bi-line in place, I then began writing the actual article. This took me a very long time. To start I created a drop-cap letter. I made this by writing a singular letter 'A' and enlarged to the point, to which I felt it was big enough to class as a drop-cap letter. From then on, I just kept writing and writing about the supposed highlights of V Festival. I used the same font of 'times new roman' throughout, in black, yet when it came to writing the interview I changed the colour of the typography. The questions I wrote in pink, to continue with the house style, and the answers written in black to continue with the same writing as before. The writing was difficult, as to include highlights and an interview would take up a lot of room. When using the typing tool on photoshop, the gaps between the lines were rather big, so individually I had to create new lines for each time I wanted to end the text.  The reason I had to do this was to create the columns, a common convention of any magazine article. At the end of the article, I placed a little paragraph relating to another page, within the magazine. I did this so that the reader would actually read the page, after reading the review on V Festival. I incorporated the headline into the text to remind the reader of how 'marvellous' it was.

Contrast between flat plans and final pieces

The image to the left, shows my original flat plan of my front cover. It is clear that some parts have been changed and some have stayed the same. Firstly, the top strip; this has remained the same as it was something I always wanted to include. The masthead; has changed. Originally, I was going to call it 'Festivals' with a world icon infront of it so it would read 'World Festivals'. However I decided against this idea and wanted to do something music related. I then thought I was going to change it to vibe, however after much consideration I came up with VOLUME. I chose this over the others as I could include a creative aspect of a volume speaker in replacement of the 'O'. The date I have positioned on the right-hand side rather than the left. The left contains the barcode, price, and issue number all aspects that I was going to put at the bottom above the bottom strip. The puffs and main cover line have also remained in the same position. Yet on the main cover line, I have added in a tag word 'exclusive' I have still used a bottom strip, but the difference compared to my flat plan would be that the freebie is on the left instead of the right. The changes I made, I feel have improved the cover.

Now, my contents page. The flat plan above shows my origin ideas on my contents page. The main feature within this I would say was the photostrip, as it completely separates the page. This has changed as I have now positioned it on the left third vertically. I feel this looks better and gives a nicer layout/appearance. I had also originally set out that these images would only be of festivals, but that has changed to the images in relation to the articles. As it is now vertical the text is also vertical, and no longer squished. The 'contents', date and masthead are siutated in a banner at the very top of the page. The editorial note and freebie remain in the same place. But then contact information is in a very very small bottom strip at the edge of the page, rather than in blocks.



The flat plan to the left, is completely different to the one I produce. The whole idea is different so nothing about the flat plan and the original piece is the same. Although, I have not followed through with my initial idea, I do very much like my double page spread and feel that it has worked very well. In fact, I would say that my double page spread is my favourite page out of them all. 


CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

Audience Feedback

From my questionnaire, i received much feedback on how people felt about my magazine.

The first question I asked was 'what genre do you think my magazine is?'. A majority of the people I asked understood the topic and just stated 'festivals' which was the answer I was looking for. However, some were unsure, which I completely understand as there is not actually a set genre. Festivals involve a range of genres. I probably should of worded the question differently to clarify this misunderstanding, although most of the people questioned did response which the answer I was looking for.

'Who do you think the target audience is?'. A majority of the people said teenagers, but specifically teenage girls. Therefore, I guess they kind of understood as the primary audience is teenage girls, and the secondary is teenage boys. This suggests that there is a possible improvement to make; to make it more available for teenage boys to read.

The next interrogative was about the colours. There were two questions in this. Firstly, did they like the colours, everyone that answered did in fact like the colours I used and thought they suited the audience. Some also said that because they were bright it capture the attention to the eye. This kind of answers the second question asked, and as I asked do you think they fit in with the audience. However, some suggested to make the colour more suitable for the secondary audience.

The fourth question asked 'do you think the price is reasonable?'. They all said that it was definitely reasonable price, which is good as this would mean that if it actually existed then it would be purchased. It was even said that I could raise the price because of the standard, this is something I will take into consideration as this will mean higher profits, which would benefit me in the long run.

Next I asked if they main image on the front cover was suitable. They thought it was suited as it is actually from a festival. Some said that perhaps using an image would direct mode of address would be better to engage with the audience. However, I disagree as I still feel that a focus is made, which does in fact engage with the reader.

The sixth question I asked was if they agreed that the articles linked in well with the genre. Personally I feel that they do as each one is in relation to festivals. Others said that I could maybe just base it on actual festival events, but a majority agreed with my thought.

The following question asked for suggestions of what to include. Majority of the people said there is not anything else that they can think of, for me to include. Furthermore there was suggestions of a audience review page, and audience contributions. This is something I could definitely include as this would build a greater relationship with the reader.

Next was 'do you like the layout of the contents page?'. Everyone that was asked said they did, as the positioning of the images, allowed the text to be formatted nicely. They said that it was clear, direct and easy to find where things are. They liked the little preview, as it gave them an insight of the full article.

The ninth question asked what they thought of the double page spread. They said that it contains a lot of information, some said it was too much which is something I should take into consideration. It was stated that it was good as it gives clear guidance to the reader of V festival. They particularly liked the creativity of the headline, as it included the V logo. The colours fitted in well with the house style ad liked the layout.

The final question was suggestions of improvements. The people asked said that I could cut down on the word limit of the double page spread, which I agree with. I could possibly separate the things into two. However, I do not feel that there would be enough information for each topic to fulfil this. Not many gave me advice of what to improve which I suppose shows that my product was rather successful.

Audience Questionnaire

CLICK HERE TO ANSWER MY QUESTIONNAIRE

Planning - masthead

After thinking more about my front cover, I have decided to change the name yet again.

Originally on my flat plans I was going to call my music magazine World Festivals, but then I changed my mind and came up with 'VIBE' as this would be a connotation of a festival. Furthermore, I have reconsidered and have now thought of 'VOLUME'. This term has a link in relation to music, and I can be create and use a volume speaker for the O.

I much prefer the name of this, as I feel it will be more memorable.

Possible photos

'Reporting on a festival'