Evaluation- 7. Progression from my Preliminary Task

I had to plan carefully as I had learned from my previous efforts that just creating a magazine cover straight away gave poor results. By drafting by hand, and then again on QuarkXPress, it allowed me to experiment with the software more. Also, when I was making my preliminary magazine, I knew very little in QuarkXPress, and as such, used barely any of the software's features.

My use of time was more efficient this time around, as I took my time to do enough audience research and research into existing magazines as well. By researching into my audience in further detail, it allowed me to understand what my demographic look for in a magazine.

This time around, I understood more about taking photos, and how they will finally look printed out on the magazine. This allowed me to take pictures that fit more with the current conventions that I had to follow. I also took more photos than necessary as from experience I knew many would not look the same on the computer. This meant I had a good choice of photos to use.

As I had researched more into existing magazines in my chosen genre, I understood that my photos had to fit into a rebellious tone. I also followed current conventions by using lists on the contents page.

My skills at using image manipulation software has improved, especially in using Photoshop. I am now more able to do advanced effects, such as feathering pictures together, using tools such as the smudge tool, and creating a weathered effect. Also, as I had more experience and time to practise in QuarkXPress, I could use the program more efficiently and effectively. This is shown as I had more carefully thought about the layout, and used the cropping tool to remove white borders on my pictures.

In my preliminary task, I did not really consider my target audience, and this shows as the magazine style is unfocused. This time around, I used audience research to check how they would react to various elements. This was on my moodboard. By checking with my audience how they feel about fonts and different pictures. This allowed me to base my magazine style around whichever fonts and style they preferred.

The biggest thing I have I learned from this project would be how vital image manipulation skills are. I had to improve to suit my chosen style, as previously I was unable to produce any effects that would fit with my genre. I also learnt the importance of audience research and checking with my audience for feedback. This allowed me to know vital improvements and to know how my audience as a whole reacted.

Evaluation- 6. The use of technologies in constructing my product

The initial stage of producing my magazine consisted of a very rough and basic set of hand drawn plans. By doing it in hand, I could quickly put down ideas without wasting time using complicated programs.

Then I used QuarkXPress to replicate this draft on the computer. As this software is at a professional level, it allowed me to see the capabilities and limitations of the program. As we were required to use a desktop publishing tool, I would need to have a practise in the program.

Taking the pictures was eased with the use of a digital SLR camera. By taking a laptop to the shoot, it allowed me to transfer any photos over immediately, so I could see them clearly, as well as make more space on the memory card. This would not have been possible without a digital camera. It was also speeded up as I could instantly move the photos into editing software.

Downloading new fonts from the internet allowed me to use more variety, as well as find a more suitable font.

I used Photoshop for basic picture manipulation, such as feathering the two main pictures on the front cover, as well as smudging the border of the large picture on the double page spread.

I also used Photoshop to make backgrounds. Although I was unable to make these originally, by using various tutorials on the internet, I learned. Also, I would be unable to replicate this effect on lower tier editing programs, so Photoshop has been a real asset.

Blogging each individual objective I did helped me both keep track of where I currently was, and also allowed me to quickly re-read over it. By posting regularly, it allowed me to keep tabs on various links for useful information, such as Photoshop tutorials.

By blogging my project, it allowed me to present my research in a convenient and accessible way. Each post could instantly be linked to using the blog archive. Also, as it is automatically dated, it is ordered in a chronological way.

The internet has been invaluable for research. Google was useful for instantly getting images of magazines for ideas, as well as for putting them into my blog without buying and scanning magazines. Posting various drafts on Facebook also allowed me to get instant feedback with my target audience.

The use of technology has allowed me to use image manipulation programs such as Photoshop to select only parts of a picture to discuss them in further detail. By using a video editing program such as Sony Vegas Pro 8.0 has also allowed me to produce a video showing my final audience research in a different way.

Technology both speeded up the production, as well as create a more professional looking end product. However, technical difficulties at my College such as the College network being down for several days led to delays restarted progress after half term. Although it has its failings, and requires some experience, the use of technology is an obvious necessity in this day of age for media production.

Evaluation- 5. How I attracted my audience?

I can see they liked my magazine, but there are no direct comments relating to how real it looks.
The content is appropriate, such as the topics covered related well for my audience.
The mode of address did not seem a problem for my audience, although it could have been more slang, to appeal to the rebellious side of my audience.

The fonts chosen were shown to have a positive effect on my audience. They were shown to have liked the "alien" font for the band name, as well as the more rebellious and grungy fonts for the rest of the magazine. However, as this also ties in with the upside down text, perhaps I should have chosen an easier to read font, to avoid confusion.

The colour scheme I chose to follow is a grungy, moody one. That said, my audience research suggests that it could have done with more colour throughout. This shows that while my magazine was aiming for a rebellious or rough look, more colour would have caught the attention of my audience more so.
From my audience research I can see that they both liked my layout, but also found the upside text confusing. This shows that while it could establish its own convention, it does not follow standard conventions. As the genre I chose was rebellious, I followed this through by not using standard conventions, especially on my front cover. The overall layout was praised and easy to read, except for the upside down text, partially due to the font used for it.

The pictures were used as I believed them to be appropriate, mainly due to the fact they feature older teens, the key demographic. While they covered the right people, it was said how one of the models was hidden partially. This shows that the main models, especially on the cover, need to be presented well.

My audience research shows that it was read in a preferred reading, which shows that despite its flaws, it suited the genre for most of the part. The style of using two pictures for my front cover was also highlighted as being a bit more unique.

While I think my magazine could of been better, I think the use of grungy backgrounds, rough looking fonts, and the spacing of the text.

Evaluation- 4. My Audience

My audience for my magazine fit into the teen and male demographic, with the age range of 15-23. From a social point of view, they would be classified as Hedonists. They would be under the radicals or underachiever categories in the psychographic scale. My audience enjoy less mainstream music, but they enjoy mainstream films, usually big American blockbusters. They are also into normal mainstream websites usually used by teenagers, such as social networking sites, like Facebook or Myspace, aswell as sites like Youtube.

The genre is mostly preferred by males, although there is a small female market. The would usually fit into a B or C1 in the Jignar scale.
They can show a rebellious side to certain aspects of less, such as fitting in to "the norm".

My audience feel strongly about their choice of music, while many also play instruments and in bands also. By using a bands like I the ones I choose, which were basically just teenagers starting off, this could help connect to my audience better.

While there music choice is less than mainstream, magazines covering the genre are not some niche product.

Evaluation- 3. Media Institutions and Distributing my Media Product

While my audience is a smaller, slightly niche market, the two largest metal magazines (Kerrang and Metal Hammer) are both published by large media companies. So to compete with similar magazines, going the route of using a large conglomerate such as Future publishing would give enough distribution. However, as Future already publishes Metal Hammer, it would be unlikely to publish a second metal magazine.

I don't believe the audience is niche enough to warrant using a smaller independent distribution company as this would limit the scale on which it could be accessed.

I can justify using a conglomeration as the majority of magazines owned through these have a wide multi-platform position. It comes almost as standard these days that every magazine has some sort of website. Many brands owned by Bauer Media use multi-platform consumption to appeal to as wide as audience as possible. By using outlets such as TV, radio, and the web to open up the brand to a larger audience. As my audience is a teen audience, they will already be exposed to these mediums, especially the web.

It is also worth mentioning that by using a company such as Bauer to distribute would give widespread exposure for the magazine. This would allow the magazine to be sold in newsagents, larger stores such as WHSmith, to even supermarkets. This leads to a much higher audience, but also would increase quality control on the magazine. As the copies printed would increase, so would the pressure for higher sales to make profit increase. However, the magazine may have to compromise to meet certain standards, which my target audience would see as "selling out", or changing for more profit. So it is a double sided sword that would affect for the audience views the way the magazine is produced.

Evaluation- 2. Representation of Social groups

The magazine is male dominated. This is a dominant representation within this genre of music. Even though a female band is shown on the cover also, the main feature is really about the male band. However, this could be an alternative representation, as with only a few exceptions, most female led bands in this genre are rarely in the mainstream. The depiction as females looking rough but having a good time is an alternative representation.

The magazine features bands in their teens. The audience within the photos are also shown to be teenagers. While it holds true that many bands start with teenagers, they are rarely shown as a main feature within metal magazines. It is also worth pointing out that only teenagers are featured in the photos. This leaves other demographics with an absent representation. As this magazine is aimed at teenagers, this could show how teenagers are just as important to the genre, and gives a sense of accomplishment.

The way teenagers are shown almost stereotypically. They are shown in energetic, and frenetic with large movements and hand gestures. The clothes are very typical of fans of this genre. They majority are wearing black t-shirts, or branded t-shirts. They appear casual as they are also wearing jeans. They do not appear to be highly pampered, or "fake", instead just looking like regular teenagers playing music. This is both a dominant representation for teenagers, as well being realistic. The way both the interviewer, and the band being interviewed both write in an informal and casual way. Which shows teenagers as people who are not conformed to strict professional use of language.

The absence of any particular minorities shows both how the genre is white dominated, as well as the realism that some areas of Britain are still mainly white. This could suggest how people of other races lack much influence in the genre of metal. Although this is just a stereotype, it holds some true. My magazine fails to challenge this though, and as such, uses dominant representation.

Evaluation- 1. Using, Developing, or challenging forms and conventions

As my genre was rock/metal, I used rough looking fonts to connote a rebellious edgy look. It helps the magazine look more non-conformist. The use of this font "28 Days Later", is used throughout my magazine which is a common convention of magazines. Although rough and rebellious, it is still easily readable, which is a obviously a necessity for magazines. The way the models head covers part of the title is also a common magazine convention, and suggests a higher quality product. The font is also large and bold, which gives it an imposing nature. This aggression is a convention mainly for current metal magazines

The use of different fonts for the band names in a common convention of magazines, and also to give the illusion that these bands have their own logos as such. It also creates some variety font wise, so as to not re-use the same font over and over again.

The way these cover lines are slanted also suggested a more rebellious, less conformist side. Despite seeming rebellious, it is a magazine convention and does not challenge anything new.

The mise-en-scene seems low rent, with the background appearing as plain, and poorly kept. This connotes the rough nature of my target audience, who may not care so much about glossy or glamorous backgrounds. This is one way the target audience are shown to be represented.

Another convention used is the layout of the features on the cover. It is shown in an almost default way for simplicity, as opposed to being designed for a more outrageous audience. The simple use of a black bar to separate each word is another convention to allow readers to easily read it.

Final Double Page Spread

This is my final double page spread.

Final Contents Page

This is my final contents page.

Final Front Cover

I have finished my front cover. I have made some cahnges to fit more with current magazine conventions.

Nearing the Deadline

As I near the deadline, my three pages are almost complete. The basis is pretty much static from here on, though I will make improvements where possible. Also, the text is unreadable on the double page spread as the scale is small, and is only readable closer up.

Front Cover Changes

The only changes are to be made to the smaller images along the right. Also, some people wanted a better photo of themselves used, but the majority of photos are not perfect for everyone, so I may not change them.

Front Cover Update

I have uploaded my front cover and will add a list of changes to the blog before actually editing the cover.

Torn Paper Effect

This picture was made on photoshop by me. I used this tutorial online to help me create the right effect.

http://www.myjanee.com/tuts/torn/torn.htm

I will need to make several versions as I use the same one over, it looks too unatural.

Grunge Effect

I created a grunge effect for the background, which makes it look rough and more gritty.

As I did not know how to achieve a professional look for it in Photoshop, I use this guide on the internet.

http://www.spoono.com/photoshop/tutorials/tutorial.php?id=23

Front Cover Update

I have finished adding the pictures and text to the front cover. I will upload it on Facebook and upload the results, which may lead to me changing the front cover.

Main Photo Shoot

Over the weekend, I finally organised my photo shoot.

This is a sample of the many photos I took.

My Front Cover So Far

While I hav yet to take my photos, this is the design so far on my front cover.

Comments for Contents Page

I explained further about my contents page, as I felt it needed more explanation.

Information for Double Page List

I will need to include information about the band and the interview. As they are not a real band, I will need to fabricate this information. Information such as the way the band formed, their genre, and inspirations.
The interview will be between me, and the whole band, which could take place anywhere. I will try to have this information before the main shoot. If I cannot get everyone together, I could interview over the phone individually, or through the internet such as on MSN.

Photo Shoot: Update

I have rescheduled the photo shoot to the next weekend, 16-17 of January. I still plan to shoot it in a local village hall, on a stage. As my friends are also doing a similar magazine for media, we will be using the same band (albeit with afew changes to avoid that person appearing in their own magazine) and audience. As they have instruments already, aswell as equipment such as amps, I do not need to organsize much.

I do however need to either book a digital camera, or borrow one from somewhere else.

First Draft: Double Page Spread

While plain, this is the the very first draft of me double page spread.

First Draft: Contents

Again, this is very basic and generic, but it follows my original plan, which while may change, is a good starting point.

First Draft: Front Cover

This is my first draft of my front cover. While generic, it has the basic layout seen in my first hand drawn draft. it has been made so that once the pictures are taken, they can be edited in Photoshop, before being placed in the template.

I used the font "Abaddon" as it was the most liked in my target research.

Update on Photo Shoot

Due to poor weather conditions aswell as some people having plans, the shoot was not taken. I plan to take the photos during the next week, most likely at the weekend.

Planning: Shot List

I am making a shot list so I know the shots that will need to be taken during my photo shoot. By planning before hand, this will lead to a more organised shoot.

I will need a shot of the featured band in a Medium shot, preferably with a plain background. As other magazines have a very plain photo, props will be kept to a minimium, so possibly only instruments. The actors will be the people who will portray my band during the whole photo shoot. I will need a digital camera, and will arrange to shoot it prior to the shots of them playing on stage. The photo shoot is set for the 9/01/09, but weather issues may delay this to the next weekend.

Then, I will need a similar shot of the band playing on the stage. A hall with a small stage has been booked, so we will shoot there. I will take several shots of the whole band on stage. These will vary from MCU to LS. Then I can use these for a variety of places, such as contents, or smaller pictures. The props will be instruments and music equipment such as amps. The actors will be the same as the people who portray them on the front cover. Again, I will need a digital camera.

I will then take several Full body shots of individual members aswell as the crowd. The props will be the same, with maybe the audience holding signs with the band name. The actors for the crowd will be friends who turn up to the hall on the day of the photoshoot.

Some factors may vary as the poor weather may delay the shoot til another weekend.

Aside from the main shoot which will allow for the majority of photos in the magazine, I will need pictures of other people, or related items. As I cannot use pictures from the internet, taking photos of other people not in the featured "band" will allow me to use for on the contents or as smaller images on the front cover. If I run into trouble with finding enough variety in my photos, I could take photos of related items such as food and drink preferred by the readership, or related activities. An article debating the current trend with music games such as Guitar Hero and Rock Band could be a good last resort. As could new technology related to music, such as speakers, mp3s/ipods, or actual instruments.
These photos will be in MCU as the pictures will be small when placed in the magazine. One photo could be taken outside Vue in Worcester, possibly for the contents page, showing how the magazine also covers other media. The actors for this shot will just be friends. Another shot will be of piles of CDs. As I don't have enough for a large pile, this will be taken at a friends house, where they will also pose in the shot. This shot will be a medium shot to show how large the pile is.
Another easy shot will be of a computer. I dont need any actors for this, and I can just take a photo of either a computer at home, or at college. This would just be a small photo for on the cover or contents page.
Some other photos I could take will be of friends wearing various music related t-shirts. These shots will be in MCU to show the t-shirt more than the person. The only props I will need are clothing I already own, and also organising friends to bring theres. These shots should be taken with a plain background, so I can either chroma key or mask around the photos easily. I will do this with editing software such as Photoshop. These photos will be taken gradually rather than all at once, and will taken over the next week.
These photos should be enough to fill the contents page. Some of the shots can also double up for the front page, though I would take another slightly different photo so as I dont use the same photo twice.

Planning: First Drafts

These are my first drafts for my magazine covers. While basic, they give a vague idea of the layout of my magazine. These drafts may be improved upon in a later blog post.

The details are sparse on what I will cover, I know I will atleast cover a band, and use the contents to show others.

The layout of the contents is similar to the layout used in other magazines, such as Kerrang. However, I added a preview such sampling a few articles from the magazine.

The basis of the front cover also takes alot from current magazines, with the typical taglines above the title.

The large photo on the double page spread is similar to the example in my research. The page is then scattered with smaller pictures.

Audience Research: Results

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/photo.php?pid=31022779&id=1215186285
Link to my Facebook with the mood board and comments.
I chose to post it on Facebook as this would allow more people to comment than if I asked individually. By tagging the photo with peoples names who I thought were in the target audience, they could quickly comment about the various aspects of my mood board.


The responses seem to suggest a more gothic font such as the one used for Duality is preferred.
Another opinion was to use the "Rock Band" font, as this could connect to the specific audience. Also, fonts used by guitar manufacturers may also connect to the audience well.
As the comments lack opinion towards the music presented, I will assume that it is suitable, even if not the exact bands I will use. However, as I did not provide any real questions, the people I asked did not provide enough usable information.

I may use Duality as the title, as it was mentioned alot, aswell as sounding like a unique name. It was first chosen as it is a reference to the Slipknot song of the same title.

Also, the mention of Iron Man shows the audience have interests in other media areas, such as film. While not a main component, several music magazines dedicated small sections to reviewing movies and videogames. This would not be a main feature, but it may be worth adding it to the contents to show some variety.

The feedback was barely negative, which I could interpret as the images used were suitable, aswell as the various logos too.

Audience Research

Genre: Rock/Metal
Age: 15-23
Sex: Male
Jicnar Scale: B/C1
Psychographics: Radicals and Underachievers
Social Values: Hedonists
Looks: Long messy hair, either tight dark jeans, or baggy jeans with holes, t-shirts with band names on, skater shoes.
Job/Income: Students, but would later become employed in a small job eg office or shop, while possibly performing music in local bars.
Time Management: Hanging with friends, going to gigs or festivals, playing videogames.
Money Management: CD’s/music downloads, DVD’s of live music, branded clothing.
Favourite Music: Metal and Rock, the less mainstream, the better.
Favourite Movies: Mainstream Hollywood films.
Favourite TV: Music channels such as Scuzz and Kerrang, and comedy channels such as Comedy Central.
Favourite Websites: Websites of related rock magazines/brands to keep up to date. Itunes or there preferred site to download music. Sites such as IGN as another media news source. While my audience prefers less mainstream music, many may use mainstream sites typical to a teenager, eg Facebook, Youtube. The more alternative of these people may use SliceThePie to discover new bands.

My Mood board attempts to show various related items towards metal music.
By creating and showing my audience a mood board, I can see how they react to my choice of music, aswell as related items.