Final pages after feedback

7: Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

6: What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

I used a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ45 camera to take my pictures, I learnt about lighting and camera angles, for example I made sure my front cover image was a mid shot. This enabled my cover star to convey emotion through body language and facial expression. I took these photos by hand.

I also used the following programs on the computer to construct my magazine and create my blog:

Serif PagePlus- I used this to make the front cover, contents page and double page spread. My skills with the program developed in my opinion, I learnt how to modify images to a higher quality as seen in my double page spread.

 Blogger- I used this to post my work, I have never made a blog before so I learnt about how blogging works and I found it interesting. I particularly found the use of labels to be convenient.

 Prezi- I found this very interesting to use, it was fun to present my work in a unique and exciting way.

 Word- I used this to make my questionnaire as I have good knowledge of the programme. I didn't learn anything from this task.











Publisher- I used this to annotate other covers and my own as you can see on my blog, I found this to be easy and convenient.

5: How did you attract/address your audience?

4: Who would be the audience for your media product?

My magazine is targeted predominately at males, with an age range from sixteen to mid-30s. I am confident that my magazine is appealing enough to capture the attention of the younger audience as well as the slightly more mature audience; this is because my magazine will be integrated into the latest technology and social networks. The older audience will like the magazine because the content, for example the interviews, will be relevant and interesting for them and feature artists who they will appreciate. My target audience generally has an interesting taste in music rather than following the usual trends of pop music, this means their interests are slightly outside the norm; hence my magazine doesn't follow typical conventions and customs.  Promotion will reflect on this as advertising will be sharp and sophisticated rather than be bright and colourful (as it would if it was for children).

My magazine attracts this audience in several ways, firstly the front cover shows a male in the specified age range, he is growling at the camera indicating that he is in some ways an outcast in society, which many fans of rock aim to be. This would clearly interest rock fans as they would aim to be like the cover star. The use of colour is also relevant, although it is varied (there is white, yellow, orange, red, blue and black) it is appropriate for the rock theme as red (which is the most prominent colour) connotes the theme of danger, as does yellow (take for example warning and hazard signs). The colour blue is simply used to stand out. This means that overall, the use of colour will attract the target audience who typically don't shy away from danger. Finally the use of language is used, phrases like "man or monster" are very in-your-face and will make the reader become intrigued in the magazine, also referencing groups like "the foo fighters" will attract fans and make them want to read to find out exclusive information. 

Profile
Name: Ben Wakes
Age: 17
Favourite artist/band: AC-DC
Hobbies: Concerts, listening to rock, partying

3: What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?

What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why? There are several conglomerates which could potentially distribute my magazine, for example TimeInc, who own ‘NME’ and Bauer Media, who own ‘Q’ and ‘Kerrang’. These would both be suitable for distributing my magazine as they both have experience in the field, hence they would have a great amount of knowledge on how to promote and globalise the magazine and identity of the magazine. Bauer Media already have two rock magazines in ‘Q’ and ‘Kerrang’, I think a third would be excessive for them; therefore TimeInc would have more of an interest in the magazine. TimeInc is based in New York; it publishes over 90 magazines including Sports Illustrated, Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, Fortune and Entertainment Weekly. It also owns Time Inc. UK, which publishes popular magazines like What's On TV and NME. TimeInc merged with Warner Communications as part of the conglomerate Time Warner in 1990, but they parted last year.

TimeInc is modern and carries its brands through various forms of media, for example their magazines are available on IOS devices and you can follow their brands on social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter. This shows that the company is approaching the new age of technology openly, this was highlighted in a previous post- “Problems facing the magazine industry”. I am confident that TimeInc would be able to evolve with the new age of media instead of being left behind.

TimeInc would want to distribute ‘Vexx’ magazine because it is a modern magazine which has a clear target audience and is priced reasonably. I believe the brand would be able to make TimeInc a great amount of money, not only from magazine sales, but also from downloads and merchandise. Although the magazine has a similar target audience to ‘NME’, I think a rival brand would be healthy for the industry and for the consumers it would be refreshing to read a completely new style of magazine. ‘Vexx’ is rich in content and is fully embracing the digital revolution, there are many ways for the customer to become involved with the magazine and the experience is ultimately very personal. The age range is much broader than NME, it targets not only teenagers through social interaction, but middle age males, this is through the content within the magazine (there are interviews which are with artists who older audiences are more likely to recognise). TimeInc would be able to fully embrace this target audience, offering age specific prizes and setting up viral advertising campaigns to draw people in, it would overall be a great opportunity for them to explore and reinvent the genre of rock.

The target audience would likely be in search of a magazine which is widely distributed and is easy to buy, therefore I would like the magazine to be available in high street shops and supermarkets, meaning everyone can have the opportunity to buy it. Furthermore, the new audience is looking for complete convenience, where they don’t even have to leave their house to buy the magazine. I would like to have my magazine available on Itunes, online and on the Google Play Newsstand in order to appeal to the new generation of people who are used to reading on their smartphone or tablet. Newer technology would help spread the interest of the magazine, people, especially younger people are often inclined to explore new forms of media and technology, this would definitely encourage an increase in consumption of the magazine. By offering a subscription service people would be able to automatically buy the magazine and be reminded to read it.

2: How does your media product represent particular social groups?

1: In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

1 – The Masthead
I chose the title Vexx for my magazine because the word "vex" has connotations of anger and frustration, I decided to add an extra x to make the title memorable and unique. The Text is declining in height to reinforce this (I used serif drawplus to do this), the letter V is therefore the largest and is red to connote the idea of warning and danger which will instinctively give the message to the audience. The colour scheme resembles fire to show the magazine is bold and intense. The magazine Q's masthead is also red:

I think my masthead goes against usual conventions of rock magazines as it is colourful and greater is size, however I still think it is effective as it is snappy, iconic and memorable, also the connotations of the word are very relevant. Overall, my masthead is unconventional, however this makes it unique and eye catching to the reader.

2- Mise-en-scene of images
The pictures within my magazine are conventional of a rock magazine, on my title page there is a male with a chain, an angry facial expression and a backdrop of a cage, these all have connotations of the rock genre. Other rock magazines such as "Q" and "Kerrang!" would similarly opt to chose these images as it would immediately show to the audience that the genre is rock. The pictures within the double page spread show a musician who is serious and talented, this impression is created through his body language, facial expression and costume, typically, magazines would want to portray these values to create an interest of the star so readers are inclined to read the article. The images are quite arty, especially the ones on the double page spread, this is to appeal to the reader and to make the star look iconic. This is typical of a magazine as they are likely to show their interviewee in a positive light so they can convince the audience that they should read the article to find out about this celebrity.

3- Costumes and props
For my front cover, my cover model wore a red shirt and jeans, this is fairly standard clothing however the choice of the colour red is significant because red has connotations of danger and anger, which suitably links in to the rock genre. Another aspect of the front cover is the use of props, as you can see the cover star is holding a chain which links to aggression and violence, you can imagine a hostile dog on the end of the lead! The cover star is sporting a beard which creates the idea that he is unique and an outcast in society. This is typical for a rock magazine as it is usual for cover stars to display characteristics subtly through their choice of clothing and looks, which would lead to the audience finding appeal in the magazine.
For my contents page there is 3 images. The first of which has filters which make the choice of clothing irrelevant and there is no props. The second features a guitar which obviously communicates the values of the rock genre and shows that the subject is a guitarist, she also is wearing a hoodie to create an identity and appeal to the audience.
On the double page spread the choice of clothing is low key and unnoticeable, keeping the reader's attention on the activity the star is doing. The use of drums show he is talented and would appeal to other drummers who want to find an idol. This is conventional of magazines as they are likely to try and make people idolise their interviewees to gain interest.

4- Font and Style
My magazine carries a colour scheme throughout (red, yellow and orange), this is in order to create a house style which can make the magazine have a running theme associated with certain values. In the case of my magazine, the colours evoke the feelings of danger and violence, these feelings are often linked to the colour red, making it highly suitable for my magazine as they fit in closely with the emotions created by the genre of rock. Other magazines in the genre would typically follow this idea, they would use colour to create an emotional response or in order to portray a star in a certain way, for example someone who is mysterious and an outcast is likely to have dark colours in their images. In rock magazines, the artists are often shown to be quite outlandish and loud, therefore the colours would be bright and garish.

5- Written Content
The choice of language within my magazine is typical of a rock magazine. Since the magazine is for adults, the use of vulgar language it is fairly common as it make appeal to this age range. The content is free of jargon and specialist terms to appeal to the target audience and to not intimidate potential fans. The topics are highly relevant to the rock genre, they talk about music, advice and experience. The cover page has written content which is purely factual to provide information to the reader, the content written under 'vexx bumper' is particularly engaging, in order to focus the attention of the reader to this particular article

6- Layout
The layout of my magazine is fairly conventional, I have a cover page which consists of several cover lines and one major cover line which varies in colour to draw the attention of the reader, the masthead is placed at the top, which is typical as it is what people will see sticking out on the shelf. The contents page is also conventional, the articles are on the left in different sections, with the main article having a special box situated elsewhere to highlight its significance. Other magazines would follow these as there really is no reason to stray away from convention, customers know the purpose and function of a contents page so to change it would just create confusion.

Overall
To conclude, I think my magazine is fairly similar to many other magazines of the rock genre. This is to immediately attract the target audience (16 to middle age males) as they will immediately identify the magazine as a rock magazine. The use of colour, font, imagery and language shows the reader exactly what the magazine is consisted of, at the top the line saying "new rock age begins" immediately shows the reader that it's about rock. The image also connotes values of rock, showing the reader once again the genre immediately, the image isn't impeded by the text. The font is quite loud and dramatic, it is also dynamic so it is uncommon and gives the magazine personality and character. The masthead has text which has been altered using a serif application to look unique.

DPS with first corrections

DPS Justification

DPS before feedback

Photoshoot DPS plan

Location;
The location for my photo-shoot will be in some kind of studio or an area which is linked to music. There will be pictures on the wall linked to music to give the environment a feel of authenticity. This also means the lighting can be easily manipulated to create dramatic shadows and light up the musician's face.

Body Language;
My cover star will be shown as being concentrated, passionate and focused.  He will do this by maintaining a look of focus and determination. He will be playing the drums to connote he is a legitimate musician.

Weather;
The weather is unimportant as the photo-shoot will be shot indoors.

Other;
The photos will be edited to create a grainy effect to give the photos more drama and make them more effective in creating the identity of an authentic artist.

Contents page mock up

Front cover justification

Photoshoot DPS

Large Image 1
This image is suitable for my double page spread, however the shaded corners make the image look out of place in the magazine, I want the picture to be light so it stands out. The image itself is good because it connotes that the subject is hardworking, focused and talented. As you can see he is clearly concentrating on the drums which makes him aspirational to others

Large Image 2
I prefer this image to the first as it is appears to be more iconic and dramatic, the grainy effect shows the subject in a new, exciting way. However it is dark in areas, here I would like it to be bright across the entire picture, meaning I would be able to place text on top of it to make it as dramatic as possible. As said previously, the image itself is good because it fits the purpose of showing an inspirational musician.

Large Image 3
This image is my favourite out of the 3, it is light across the image, meaning the model and scenery stand out on a clear white background. This means that the theme of professionalism is amplified and the star is made to be seen as even more iconic. The image is also quite grainy, giving it a unique and interesting effect, this is good because it would make the reader feel intrigued and want to find out what is so special about the musician. As said above, the image itself is highly suitable as it shows the subject of the magazine looking professional and concentrated. I will be using this image.

Secondary Image 1
This image is interesting as it shows a wider range of colours, however the style doesn't particularly fit in with the main image because the large image is significantly brighter. I would like a filter on this image which compliments the main image. The image itself is suitable, it shows a similar theme to the main image, the subject is shown as being concentrated. However, the image is from a different angle, providing a new dimension on the character, giving the reader more of an insight.

Secondary Image 2
This image is slightly better as it fits in with the colour scheme, however it may be a bit too dark in comparison to the main picture, I would like it to be slightly brighter. As I said previously, the image itself is suitable as it shows the star in a positive light.

Secondary Image 3
This image is most suitable as it highly compliments the main image. It is very bright and predominantly black and white. The image gives an almost angelic presence to the cover, showing the musician as being as iconic and important. I also like how the picture stands out, drawing the attention of the reader, if they are flicking through the magazine, this page is likely to catch their eye. I will be using this image as it is highly suitable.

Photoshoot Plan for DPS

For my double page spread I would like two pictures showing the cover star as a concentrated, professional and industrious musician, the pictures will be edited to suit the style of the magazine. The photos will feature instruments to make them relevant to the magazine. The cover star will not be looking at the camera. The image will have space for text, which will be applied in front over the image. The pictures will show movement as the subject will have blurred hands to indicate he has been playing the instrument.

Contents Page

Double page spread mockup

Revenue Projection

Magazine Front Cover after feedback

Photoshoot for contents page

Problems facing the magazine industry

Magazines typically have a difficult task in adapting to the modern technology of the 21^st century; they face great competition from other forms of modern media such as the internet. Many people feel it is easier and cheaper to receive their ‘fix’ of information about their hobbies with their computers and tablets than to go out and buy a magazine from the shop. This would be a problem because the demand for the magazine will drop, so the revenue from sales will consequently decrease, which could lead to long-term problems, such as failure to pay bills and production costs. Another problem is that there is an issue of oligopoly, it is hard for new magazines to break out and create a fan-base due to major names dominating the market, and these include the likes of The Radio Times and New! There is little room for new names in the magazine stand. Many magazines have been forced to devote to being an ‘online magazine’ which breaks the trend, this would be an issue because the structure of the company would have to be re-designed to incorporate the fact that you cannot advertise in the same way, there’s no printing required (meaning money spent on the required technology would be wasted). Overall, I think the modernisation of media is the biggest problem as many steps must be taken to adapt to the new market for magazines which can be very difficult.

Double Page Spread Inspiration

This double page spread has inspired me because it is very effective in making an immediate impression on the reader, the male covers half the screen to emphasise how his 'cool' persona. He is shown to be a unique and interesting through his haircut, piercings and tattoos, this would make the reader want to read on to find out who this person is. I want to emulate this in my magazine to make it more appealing. I also like the layout of the text, the variation in background colour is effectively used to help the reader identify which text is a question from the producer, and which is the interviewee's answer in the Q&A format

Vexx Cover

Photoshoot 2

Contents Mock Up

Rate Card

Potential advertisers:

• Hugo Boss
• Armani
• Ralph Lauren
• Nivea men
• Lynx

Media Pack Example: Q

The media pack of a magazine shows important information to potential advertisers, this includes information about the readers such as circulation, readership, ABC1 Profile, median age and percentage male/female. The rate card shows the price of different advertisements along with what exactly you get for your money. Advertisements in magazines are often very expensive (especially with the most popular magazines)  therefore it is only fair to provide exact information.

How magazines make money

On the left is the structural triangle, it shows the shows the system of which magazines make their income. It is known as
Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

 The most popular common and popular way magazines make money is through advertising.  Different sizes and types of advertisement cost different amounts.

Most of the money earned from magazines is through advertisements, for this reason they are extremely important. Statistically, 80% of the money made is from advertisements. The remaining 20% of money comes from magazine subscriptions and sales from newsstands.

Magazines often have a loyal following who completely trust what is written, this is created as the readers believe the magazine is particularly useful in helping them enjoy their hobbies, this is done by the use of 'exclusive content', readers know they won't be able to find the information anywhere else.

The structural triangle shows the how people are motivated to do certain things by the rewards which lurk for them to capture, after we, as humans achieve one thing, we move on to the next objective. This can be shown through the triangle starting from the bottom, basic things in life which we search for, such as food and water have basic rewards, but the complexity increases moving up the triangle. This links to magazines as they must attempt to appeal to the emotions of potential readers, they can do this by offering a motive such as exclusive and important information.

Furthermore, magazine publishers must find an even balance when choosing a price for their magazines, this can be shown with a commercial media structural triangle. The fundamental idea is that as a consumer and a potential advertiser, pricing is a marking point of quality, for example a low price magazine may have a perception as being cheap and low quality, where as an upmarket, high quality magazine is priced more highly.

Results of questionnaire

Most of my target audience buy 6-12 magazines per year.
Most of my target audience attend 4-8 rock concerts per year.
Most of my target audience buy 1-4 rock albums per month.
Most of my target audience listens to 2-4 hours of music per day.
Most of my target audience own 1-3 pieces if rock music merchandise.
Most of my target audience have more than 50+ rock songs on their ipod/music player.
My target audience likes a variation of rock bands such as AC-DC, Sex Pistols and The Who.
Most of my target audience would prefer to be a drummer in a band.
Most of my target audience's favourite music genre is rock.
My target audience spending varies depending on the individual
Most of my target audience said a mid-shot would be most effective in portraying the theme of anger.
Most of my target audience liked the choice of colour and said it was effective in portraying the theme of anger.
Most of my target audience said that I should keep the composition of the cover lines the same.
Most of my target audience said my masthead is effective in creating an impact on the reader and creating a house style.

Overall, the answers to the questionnaire are similar to what I expected, they show that as it stands my cover is effective in creating the theme of anger. I will make sure the central image I use is a mid-shot in light of these comments in order to make an effective front cover which will create the values I want to emphasise.

Lifestyle Questionnaire

Lifestyle Questionnaire

1.)  How many music magazines do you buy per year?

None           1-5              6-12            13+

 

 

2.)  How many rock concerts do you attend per year?

None           1-3              4-8              9+

 

 

3.)  How many rock albums do you buy per month?

None           1-4              5-7              8+

 

 

4.)  How much music do you listen to per day? (Hours)

None           0-1              2-4              5+

 

 

5.)  How many pieces of rock music merchandise do you own?

None           1-3              4-8              9+

 

 

6.)  How many rock songs do you have on you iPod/music player?

I don’t own a music player   None           1-20            21-49          50+

 

 

7.)  Who is your favourite rock band of all time?

Led Zeppelin       AC-DC        Sex Pistols        The Who        Other (specify)

         

 

8.)  What would you pick if you could be any member of a rock band?

    Vocalist             Bassist        Guitarist       Drummer        Other (specify)

         

 

9.)  Is Rock your favourite music genre?

Yes                   No               Not Sure

 

 

10.)               How much money do you spend on fuelling your music interest?

No money     0-£10 a month     £11-£19 a month       20+ a month

 

 

11.)               Look at my music front cover, which style of cover photo do you think would be most effective in portraying the theme of anger?

Close up               Mid-shot              Medium Close up         Longshot

 

 

12.)               Do you like the choice of colour in my magazine cover? How effective is it in portraying the theme of anger?

Yes              No               Explain

 

 

13.)               What do you think of the composition of my magazine front cover? Should I reconsider the position of the cover lines?

Yes              No               Explain

 

 

14.)               Do you think my masthead is effective in creating an impact on the reader and creating a house style?

Yes              No               Explain