Planning Tasks
Analysis of existing brand logos
As already made evident by my research into music magazines there are a whole range available. I have chosen to analyse logos from some of the most famous and most read music magazines; Kerrang!, Top of the Pops and NME. I have chosen to use these specific logos because all three magazines feature different genres of music. So therefore, when it comes to creating my own logo I have a range of genres to take inspiration from.
KERRANG!:
The focus of Kerrang! magazine is obviously focused on rock music, and because of this their target gender is predominantly more male than female. The target age for this music magazine is around 16 to 25 year olds. This logo has used the conventional colours for music magazines; black and white. A white font has been chosen to contrast with the black background, perhaps because white connotes innocence and purity, yet black connotes darkness, and fear of the unknown; two completely contrasting ideologies. The white font has been altered to give the effect that it is cracking, perhaps meaning that the readers innocence in terms of music is been broken, suggesting that Kerrang! magazine will broaden their knowledge on rock music.
NME:
NME magazine’s music focus is the genre of indie rock, which target audience of predominantly male readers aged 18-30 year old. The colour scheme of this logo completely follows normal music magazine conventions, as the colours red white and black have been used, suggesting that the magazine does follow most normal conventions, even if the artists featured in the magazine are less main stream than others. All three letters are featured in red, a colour which is famous for connoting danger, so the reader is instantly attracted to the logo. The letters NME are an acronym for New Musical Express, which is useful as New Musical Express is far too long to be an effective name for a music magazine. The large, bold font of the logo can be reflective of how the magazine is boldly daring to feature new artists each week.
Possible logo and name ideas for my final artifact
From the results I have obtained from my music magazine survey, I have found that the most popular genres are rock and indie music, and so therefore these are the genres I have chosen to focus my final artifact on.
Possible magazine names:
ZEN - I have decided not to use this name for my magazine because I feel that it gives off quite a mellow vibe, and even though most indie music is mellow, indie rock is not. Therefore I do not want to give readers the wrong idea about what type of music my magazine will focus on.
MAX. – I have shortened the word maximum to max. because most music magazine names are short and to the point. Readers will not want to spend a long time recognising the name of the magazine. The word Max is predominantly a male name which may steer female readers away from reading the magazine, however Max can also be a female name, so therefore it appeals to both genders. Therefore because of this I do not think I will use this as the name for my music magazine.
VOL. – This is a definite possibility as my final magazine name because it does not exclude either gender as it is not also a name. Like Max. this name is an abbreviation of the word volume, and I have done so for the same reason as Max. Many famous magazines such as NME, Q and Vibe all have short names and they have been extremely successful. The word volume is also related to music, much more obviously than maximum.
BRIT – This is another definite possibility for my magazine name because the word Brit is commonly associated with indie rock music, and therefore would work extremely well in conjunction with my genre. However a disadvantage to this name is that it may isolate some readers because Brit refers to British and therefore may suggest that all of the music within the magazine is just British, which would not be the case. Like all of the other possible names that I have come up with, Brit is short and to the point, so readers know exactly what they are reading.
After careful deliberation I have decided that BRIT will be the name I use for my final artifact due to the fact that it has more of a lasting effect on the reader.
Possible magazine fonts:
I decided to use the popular font website www.dafont.com to help create a possible masthead for my final artifact. Using the website I have come up with two possible font ideas to use for masthead:
I have decided to use the colour red, as it is a popular, conventional colour used to create an effective music magazine. The colour red is also commonly associated with the British, indie rock scene. The results of my online survey also showed that the colours red, white and black were the most popular, and so I have decided to go along with my results. The final two fonts that I have chosen are Travelling Typewriter and Skinny, both obtained from www.dafont.com. I chose to download the font ‘Skinny’ because it is similar to that used by popular, young indie musician Birdy, and she is partly my influence for the genre of my final artifact. I chose to download the font ‘Travelling Typewriter’ because it is bold and makes a statement. Compared to the Skinny font which seems nervous and apprehensive, Travelling Typewriter appears confident and loud, just like the indie rock genre. Therefore I have chosen to use Travelling Typewriter as the font for my masthead on my final artifact.
Magazine Masthead
The first masthead that I designed for my final front cover was created on Serif DrawPlus X4, however I decided not to go with this masthead. The reason for this decision was that having the black inside the red outline seemed to amateur, I am aiming for a more professional looking magazine and so instead I created a second masthead. This is the first masthead that I created:
Using Serif DrawPlus X4 and the font that I downloaded from www.dafont.com: Travelling Typewriter, I have successfully created a final masthead that I will use for my front cover. I used the colours red and black as they are common colours used on music magazines, and I have chosen to follow conventions. I chose to use red text on a black background it is bolder than white and makes more of a statement. The red text also blends well with the reds in the background image. This is the final design of my magazine masthead:
Portrayal of Cover Stars
The most important feature on the front cover of a magazine is the cover star, and the different camera shots and angles that have been used to portray them, play a vital role in the selling of the magazine. Many things persuade readers to buy a magazine, and the cover star is the most influential. If a celebrity has been used whom a reader particularly likes and aspires to be, then there is a higher chance that they will buy the magazine.
The most important feature on the front cover of a magazine is the cover star, and the different camera shots and angles that have been used to portray them, play a vital role in the selling of the magazine. Many things persuade readers to buy a magazine, and the cover star is the most influential. If a celebrity has been used whom a reader particularly likes and aspires to be, then there is a higher chance that they will buy the magazine.
Gender: The gender of the cover star used on a magazine is vitally important because it will persuade readers whether or not to buy the magazine. If a successful woman has been portrayed on a cover, and is shown to be wearing an outfit that promotes her success, then women are more likely to buy the magazine, as they aspire to be just as successful. However if a women in scantily clad clothing has been used on a cover and placed in ungraceful pose, then women are less likely to buy the magazine as they do not wish to be viewed as that type of women. Compared to this, if a successful and powerful male has been used as a cover star, then the chances of men buying the magazine are considerably higher, because similarly to women, they aspire to be just as powerful. This relates to the personal identity section in the Four Needs Theory proposed by Blumler and Katz. Also in relation to gender, if an attractive women has been used as the cover star for a conventional ‘lads mag’ then males are more likely to purchase it.
Youth: The age of the cover star used can raise issues with target audiences because if, for example, an older musician is featured on the front cover of a music magazine targeted at teenagers/ young adults, it may sway them not to buy the magazine. Therefore editors must be careful about whom they choose to associate with their magazine, else they may lose readers. For example, if Keith Richards was used on the front cover of an issue of NME, younger readers may not know of him, and therefore decide not to purchase the magazine, as they may not feel the need to read about music created years before their generation. In comparison, older readers may not wish to have Tinie Tempah on the front of their regular music magazine because the new generation’s music is not to their taste.
Camera Shots and Angles
There are various different camera shots and angles that can be used to portray cover stars on the front of a magazine and the 3 different covers that I have analysed in my research section of this blog; Q, Rolling Stone and Billboard show this. Q magazine features a close up, head and shoulders shot of Adele’s left side. A direct mode of address shot has been used to draw the reader in, and to persuade them to buy this particular magazine, a technique employed by many magazines. As previously stated in my research, this particular shot has been used to promote Adele’s facial features and give the reader the full effect of her hair being blown out in the wind.
Quite dissimilar to Q, Rolling Stone magazine has used a two shot to suggest Johnny Depp and Keith Richards have a close, almost father and son relationship. Like Q and Billboard, Rolling Stone has also chosen to use a direct mode of address shot. This type of shot allows the reader to feel like they are almost forming some type of relationship with the cover star. The angle of the camera shot is equal on the cover, and therefore makes the reader feel that they are equal to the cover star, they can achieve what the cover stars have achieved.
In comparison to the camera shot and angle used to portray the Katy Perry, the cover star on the front cover of Billboard magazine, the shots used on Q and Rolling Stone appear far more welcoming to the reader. Even though a direct mode of address has still been used, so has a long shot, and therefore Katy Perry appears further away, suggesting that she is detached from readers. The use of props in this shot helps with anchorage of the image and also with Katy Perry’s personality.
There are various different camera shots and angles that can be used to portray cover stars on the front of a magazine and the 3 different covers that I have analysed in my research section of this blog; Q, Rolling Stone and Billboard show this. Q magazine features a close up, head and shoulders shot of Adele’s left side. A direct mode of address shot has been used to draw the reader in, and to persuade them to buy this particular magazine, a technique employed by many magazines. As previously stated in my research, this particular shot has been used to promote Adele’s facial features and give the reader the full effect of her hair being blown out in the wind.
Quite dissimilar to Q, Rolling Stone magazine has used a two shot to suggest Johnny Depp and Keith Richards have a close, almost father and son relationship. Like Q and Billboard, Rolling Stone has also chosen to use a direct mode of address shot. This type of shot allows the reader to feel like they are almost forming some type of relationship with the cover star. The angle of the camera shot is equal on the cover, and therefore makes the reader feel that they are equal to the cover star, they can achieve what the cover stars have achieved.
In comparison to the camera shot and angle used to portray the Katy Perry, the cover star on the front cover of Billboard magazine, the shots used on Q and Rolling Stone appear far more welcoming to the reader. Even though a direct mode of address has still been used, so has a long shot, and therefore Katy Perry appears further away, suggesting that she is detached from readers. The use of props in this shot helps with anchorage of the image and also with Katy Perry’s personality.
Original Photo Planning
After doing extensive research into different front covers, contents pages and double page spreads for magazine and the types of images used within theses, I have decided on the images I will use for my final artifact. The results of my survey showed that the genre for my final artifact will be indie rock, and therefore I must make sure that the character positioning, Mise en Scene, and setting of my photos work well in conjunction with the genre. Once I obtained the results of my survey and decided on my final genre, I was able to plan and begin to acquire some original photos. I planned a day during the February half term, at the home of one my friends to take my photos. I allowed myself an entire day to take all of photos that I would need for my final artifact. I chose this location because the house is old and traditional, with lots of vintage wallpaper. I wanted to use this location because it worked well with my colour scheme and the idea I had for my front cover. The character positioning of the two models was vital, as they are being portrayed in my magazine as a sister duo. However, whilst constructing my final contents page I realised I needed an image of a male model, so I made time in school, using the media facilities and took my image.
After doing extensive research into different front covers, contents pages and double page spreads for magazine and the types of images used within theses, I have decided on the images I will use for my final artifact. The results of my survey showed that the genre for my final artifact will be indie rock, and therefore I must make sure that the character positioning, Mise en Scene, and setting of my photos work well in conjunction with the genre. Once I obtained the results of my survey and decided on my final genre, I was able to plan and begin to acquire some original photos. I planned a day during the February half term, at the home of one my friends to take my photos. I allowed myself an entire day to take all of photos that I would need for my final artifact. I chose this location because the house is old and traditional, with lots of vintage wallpaper. I wanted to use this location because it worked well with my colour scheme and the idea I had for my front cover. The character positioning of the two models was vital, as they are being portrayed in my magazine as a sister duo. However, whilst constructing my final contents page I realised I needed an image of a male model, so I made time in school, using the media facilities and took my image.
Double Page Spread: The image that I will use for my final artifact double page spread will again feature the same girls from my front cover. Even though it will be a mid-two shot like the image on the front cover, this image will show the girls in a closer position. This specific shot also allows the reader to form more of a ‘relationship’ with the stars as they feel closer to them because more of their faces and facial expressions can be seen. I have chosen to edit the picture to black and white because therefore the colours of the text will have more of an effect on the reader and they will be persuaded to read the article. The black and white effect of the photo also fits in with the colour scheme (black, red and white) that I have chosen. As aforementioned, I will use a similar setting for my double page spread image. The photo that I have decided to use for my double page spread has been edited so that it is in black and white. I have also cropped the photo to focus more of the faces and torsos of the two models body’s. Again, I used www.picnik.com to edit this photo. The tool that I used in picnik to edit this photo was the black and white tool, to give the photo more of an edgy vibe. I also used the shine remover to remove any shine created from the camera.
Contents Page: The image that I have chosen to use for my contents page will feature a male instead of the same two girls, as I want my magazine to apply to both genders. The male will have styled, dark hair to contrast with the blonde hair of the two girls on my front cover and double page spread. The male will wear a denim shirt buttoned up to the top to fit in with my genre of indie rock and the fashion that accompanies it. A mid shot of the male model will be used and I will cut the image out using the Image Cutout Studio tool in Serif DrawPlus X4 and place it on a grey background. The tool that I used in the Image Cutout Studio was the image cutout tool, to remove the background.
I have chosen to use three models for my original photos, one male and two female (the cover stars). I have decided to feature both genders in my magazine so that I do not isolate any target readers, and so that both genders can relate to the magazine. I am aware that my final artifact will be catered more for females as the cover stars are female, and so that is why I have chosen a male model to feature on my contents page. As my magazine is aimed at 15-17 year olds I have chosen to use models of that age as they look their age and therefore readers will be able to relate to them in terms of personal relationships and identity. However I have not used a range of ethnic groups, I have only used white Caucasian models. I am aware that by doing so I am isolating some readers, however stereotypically it is generally Caucasian and American people who listen to indie rock music. Whilst creating my final artifacts I have tried to incorporate a variety of different camera shots. I have used, a close up, two shot, long shot, mid two shot, and a long two shot.
I have chosen to use three models for my original photos, one male and two female (the cover stars). I have decided to feature both genders in my magazine so that I do not isolate any target readers, and so that both genders can relate to the magazine. I am aware that my final artifact will be catered more for females as the cover stars are female, and so that is why I have chosen a male model to feature on my contents page. As my magazine is aimed at 15-17 year olds I have chosen to use models of that age as they look their age and therefore readers will be able to relate to them in terms of personal relationships and identity. However I have not used a range of ethnic groups, I have only used white Caucasian models. I am aware that by doing so I am isolating some readers, however stereotypically it is generally Caucasian and American people who listen to indie rock music. Whilst creating my final artifacts I have tried to incorporate a variety of different camera shots. I have used, a close up, two shot, long shot, mid two shot, and a long two shot. Original Plan
Before I created my final artifact I put together a plan for my front cover, contents page and double page spread. I created a plan because it is an important method for creating my final artifact as it will bring order and organisation to my work. However, I probably will not stick to my plan constantly, so if I make any changes I will explain why.
Before I created my final artifact I put together a plan for my front cover, contents page and double page spread. I created a plan because it is an important method for creating my final artifact as it will bring order and organisation to my work. However, I probably will not stick to my plan constantly, so if I make any changes I will explain why.
Front cover:
Original plan for front cover:
Original plan for front cover:
In the first draft I made for my front cover, I mostly stuck to my plan, as I only altered a planned few fonts and colours as they looked to amateur. However, after a lot of careful throught and deliberation I decided that my front cover did not look real, and I feel that this way mainly because of the image I had chosen to use. The colours and the style of the image worked really well with my colour scheme however, the two models were too far away from each other. The image below is the first draft for my final artifact front cover.
To correct the problem with my front cover I decided to crop one of the models (the model on the right hand side) out of my image, to make it a head and shoulders shot. I decided to crop the model on the left hand side out of the image because I felt that the green of her jumper clashed with the background. The image that is now on my final artifact is quite unconventional, is it is not an extreme close up, like some music magazines. I have used an unconventional image to reflect how my final artifact is quite unconventional; in terms of masthead font etc. I also edited the fonts some more and re-positioned the title and coverline so that they are now positioned in the left hand corner. By doing so I feel that my front cover looks far more convincing and professional. I also placed a puff on the left hand side of the front cover, which was not stated in my plan. I added a puff to again give a more realistic feel to my final artifact.
Contents Page:
Original plan for contents page:
Whilst creating the first draft of my contents page I made a lot of decisions that were not in my original plan. I originally decided to have a grey gradient background, with the edited image of a male model covering most of the background on the right hand side of the page. When it came to actually creating the contents page and cutting out the image, I decided that it was better to have the image smaller and not to use a grey gradient as my background. Instead I decided to follow on with the theme of my masthead and use the colours red, white and black. I also decided not to include text telling the reader how to subscribe to the magazine, as the contents page would have looked to crowded and subsequently unprofessional. I also decided to use drop capitals to emphasise the contents, instead of cross heads. However I felt that I had too much text in the table of contents and that the font just was not working. Therefore I decided to create a second draft and reduce the amount of text in my table of contents and reposition the images. The image below is the first draft of my contents page.
Again, to correct myself I reduced the amount of text in table of contents to the most important features. I also added a comment from the editor, to give a more personal and direct feel to the magazine. I also place the cut out image of the model on the left hand side, against the black background as it emphasised him significantly more. By repositioning the model I also had to reposition the print screen of the double page article to the bottom right hand side of the image. After I had re-positioned the images, I found that there was too much free space on the black background. So using 3 more of my original photos, I decreased them in size, and added a white border, to give them definition against the black background. Even though I have still made corrections to my final contents page, I did not make as many corrections as I did to my final front cover.
Double Page Spread:
Original plan for double page spread:
The main change I made to my double page spread whilst creating it was the image used, and the positioning of it. Originally for my double page spread I decided to place an image on the left hand side of the spread, and on the right hand side have the title, the lead and the article. However the image that I originally decided to use did not fit well with the colour scheme and theme of my final artifact. I also felt that the white background was far too stark. The image below is the original image I was going to use for my double page spread:
The image that I finally decided on is in black and white, so therefore in my plan I had to change the colour of the text from black, to red and white. I also decided to continue the photo on so that it covers two thirds of the spread. I colour matched the rest of the space so that the rest of the background is the same black as the image. I also made some adjustments to the font type: I decided to go against using ‘Skinny’ for my title, instead I used the same font that I used for the name of my cover stars on my front cover.This is the image that I decided to use on my final double page spread:
