Sunday, 14 December 2014
Task 11 - Planning the Evaluation (Draft)
1)
In what ways does your media product use,
develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
FRONT COVER:
The genre of
my magazine is soul and R & B. The name of my magazine is SOUL and I chose
this because it depicts my genre. It connotes passion as well as the music
genre, and my magazine is mainly about young new artists and their passion.
This directly targets my audience as my audience profile consisted of people
who were passionate about Soul and R & B music. This ranges from those with
an interest to musicians themselves. My
case study was of the magazines Vibe and XXL, and these are two extremely
successful R & B/ Hip Hop magazines. My magazine uses the conventions of
real media products in this particular genre. For example, magazines of this
genre stick to a colour scheme of 2-3 colours to keep it simple. XXL’s colour
scheme is white, black and red, and Vibe’s varies according to the topic. I
decided I wanted to use the colours black and red- as my target audience would
associate these colours with my genre. Red connotes passion and black connotes
mystery, and I thought these two themes link to the presentation of my
fictional artist. However, I did not want to use white as that would be
identical to XXL’s colour scheme. I challenged the conventions of this genre by
using yellow which is quite uncommon. Yellow is quite bright and I felt that it
would add a positive vibe to my magazine.
In terms of
layout, I challenged conventions as my masthead is positioned to the side of
the magazine. This is because it was not aesthetically pleasing when placed in
the usual position. The layout of my masthead is therefore a USP for my
magazine. Vibe’s masthead is in a bubble style format, and I think that this
grabs the reader’s attention. I created a masthead that was also very bold, and
this is an example of using the conventions to my advantage. I used direct mode
of address (the model), as Vibe and XXL also did so. My model is a young, attractive female and I
used her to target my audience. For example, my target audience’s age ranges
from 16 to 24, and they will be able to relate to someone of their age range.
Males may be gratified by her presentation as she is wearing the colours white,
black and red. Red connotes passion, white purity and black mystery. Magazines
of my genre often use anchorage, so I also chose to. For example, the
iconography is presented to the audience as a sexy and fearless young female-
and I have used the pull quote “I’m the definition of sex appeal.” This
supports the ideology behind the main image. Also, the teasers support the
representation of the model. I have
placed my cover lines and teasers in a similar fashion to that of Vibe, as it
looks professional and organised. I used street slang to appeal to my audience
of students and followers of the music industry. For example, “BadAss” and
“Swag”. I used this language to incorporate a personal aspect to my magazine.
In the lower left third, I have placed the controversial pull quote, and a
sentence with an asterisk. The asterisk was placed there to entice my target
audience to read on. My magazine’s code and conventions are as followed: the
consistent colour scheme of red, black and yellow, a sentence containing an
asterisk and new artists featured each week.
CONTENTS
XXL often has a double=page contents whereas Vibe has single. The codes
and conventions of a contents page are as followed: editorial items divided
into regular and features, a main image and/or several images, the masthead of
the magazine and often an editorial note) if double-page). My magazine’s contents page is quite
different to that of Vibe and XXL. Firstly, my main model is not spread across
one page- I have instead decided to put her under the typography “CONTENTS”.
This attracts reader’s attention and is a USP for my magazine, as readers will
associate this layout with SOUL. XXL’s contents page had a main larger image of
what appears to be the main story, and several images representing the
editorial items. I used this convention in my magazine’s contents page, as I
feel that it looked appealing, aesthetically pleasing and creative. Similarly,
I used a white background and instead focused on making the typography and
choice of iconography brighter and enticing. This targets my audience of those
who are passionate about this genre of music, as the colours used connote this.
My colour scheme is also consistent throughout all three aspects of my
magazine. This makes my magazine look professional and ordered. My contents
page states the page numbers in a non-linear fashion, and I have done this
because stating what is on every single page would make the magazine’s contents
too lengthy and disorganized. Also skipping page numbers and therefore creating
gaps, entices the reader to find out more and read on. There are also several
ads in the magazine, so it would not make sense to number those in the contents
page. Instead, I have picked the best editorial items that I think will capture
my target audience’s attention. R & B magazines such as Vibe have pictures
in their contents pages to illustrate the editorial items. I used a range of
iconography relating to the content of the magazine as it gives the impression
that my magazine has an abundance and a range of interesting pieces.
In terms of
linguistics, my contents page uses the conventions of the R & B/ Hip Hop
and Soul genre as it uses terminology associated with the music industry. For
example, “DJ”, “Producer” and “Collaborations.” This targets those who follow
the music industry. Also, I have written in a manner where people across my
target audience’s age range can understand. This enables a diverse audience and
a vast amount of people to read my magazine. My magazine uses double-meanings
to entice the reader: “Ella Cole goes bare.” This could be in a physical aspect
or emotional aspect so this is an enigma for my magazine. The font styles used
in the contents page are bubble/bold writing and simple fonts- with the title
of the editorial items in red and the page numbers and descriptions in black. I
observed that many R & B magazines used bubble/bold writing as it stands out
but also connotes youthfulness and is less formal, which is why I also chose to
do so. I challenged the conventions of
this genre by adding an editorial note because I did not notice one in Vibe or
XXL. This gives my magazine a personal aspect and readers may be gratified by
this.
DPS
My case studies were that of Vibe and XXL, and both their double-page
spreads had the artist on one page and the interview or content on the other. I
used this convention by mirroring this in my double-page spread. This targets
my audience of those familiar with this genre of music because this layout is
recognizable and well-known. I also think that this layout looks aesthetically
pleasing, as readers get to see a full picture of the artist that they are
interested in. I developed the conventions of an R & b double-page spread
by altering the layout of the beginning of the double-page spread. I added an
introductory paragraph in bold capital letters and separated it with a line-
this is USP for my magazine and it was inspired by a layout that I saw in XXL’S
magazine. I incorporated my masthead in the introductory paragraph to
familiarise my audience with my unique brand. The title of my double-page spread
piece also supports the representation of this artist. The fictional artist
Ella Cole is presented as powerful, sexy and confident and the title “I'm a
female Bo$$” supports this ideology. Also, the use of dollars connotes power
and influence.
I used language that is easy to understand and appropriate for those in
tertiary education as well as those who are not studying. Regarding the style
of my writing, I used the conventions of other R & B magazines. For example
I used colloquial language to appeal to all, such as “Women are made to feel
like hoes…” I also talked about issues that affect young people such as sex. I
wrote my artist’s answers in first person, so that the interview is more
personal and appeals directly to readers. I used columns to organise my piece
and make it look professional. Also, I used current affairs and superstars in
the real music industry to support my interview. For example, Ella Cole says
“You mean because I’m Chris Brown’s cousin?” This targets my audience because
they would be already familiar with these superstars, and connecting them to my
artist increases the popularity of my magazine. I also further supported my
artist’s representation and was consistent in how she was perceived. For
example, “Sexiness is a virtue, according to Ella Cole.” I have used wordplay
regarding the popular saying “Patience is a virtue.”
2)
How does
your media product represent particular social groups?
FRONT COVER
As the XXL case study shows, their magazine is for “urban enthusiasts”
and my front cover mirrors this. My magazine’s target audience’s social class
is the working class and students. The case study of Vibe states that their
audience are “aspirational, trendsetting, multicultural...” I wanted to my
target audience to mirror this as it would show that my magazine is diverse and
open to anyone. I have reflected this in my magazine- my model is of mixed
ethnicity which relates to a diverse audience. Her accessories and outfit is
very down-to-earth and reflects a budget that working class students can
afford. In terms of linguistics, my use of special terminology represents
social groups who follow the industry, as well as normal young people who have
a sense of street culture. For example, the words “urban” and “BadAss” target
that particular social group because it arises from street culture. The use of
a female model targets both males and females- females will aspire to be like
her and males will be gratified by her presentation. My magazine also targets
trendsetters and those who enjoy the social scene. For example, the cover line
“she’s...wild & ready” suggests that she enjoys having a good time and
links to partying. I have incorporated popular stars such as Kanye west to
target my audience of those who are regular concert attendees and followers of
the music scene. The lighting used is bright and reflects day light, which
connotes enthusiasm and is associated with positivity. This reflects my
audience’s passion for music and leads to my magazine being associated with
positivity.
CONTENTS
My magazine
represents social groups who have an awareness of street culture. For example,
I used iconography that related to this, such as the graffiti wall. My magazine
also represents those who are musicians, as I have included iconography related
to this, such as the PA system and the drums. I also target those who follow
the urban scene and fashion; the clothes my main star is wearing represent this
as well as the clothes my other fictional artists are wearing. Also, I included
competitions that my target audience would be interested in: such as winning a
chance to see Cortez Bryant. The linguistic aspect of the contents page is
quite simple and straight to the point, which makes my magazine more inviting
and easy to read. This a key point when targeting students and young people, as
they want to be drawn in straight away. My magazine is represented as a product
for talented musicians as well as those who are simply interested in the music
scene.
DPS
My magazine targets those who are
ambitious – for example I use a symbol for power such as the dollars. Also, the
content of the interview encourages ambition because it is all about a young
girl aiming high, no matter what. For example: “If you don’t believe in
yourself, no one else will.” This targets my age range of 16- 30 year olds because
this is the age where they are mainly in tertiary education or apprenticeships,
and thinking about how to move forward in their lives. The website link also
targets my age range as they use a frequent amount of social media. The model’s
clothing in the double-page spread represents those who follow urban fashion
and trendsetters, as she is dressed with an urban element. For example, her
funky earrings and necklace portray uniqueness. I have used direct mode of
address to directly appeal to my audience. My fictional artist is a
countertype- many associate youths in the music industry with tattoos, drugs
and drinking. However, Ella Cole is associated with confidence and ambition.
3)
What
kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
I have
decided that my magazine will be distributed in two ways: online e-zines and
postal subscription, and possibly in some music stores. I decided to use online
because young people are the largest group who use social media, and it also
enables my audience to interact with my magazine. For example, instead of
having to search for links, readers can click into any link online and be
delivered straight to the page. I have also decided to use the method of postal
subscription because it is a guaranteed general sale, and does not present the
issues that sending it to shops does. For example, if I send it to a lot of
shops I may not make enough sales to cover the printing costs. That is why I
have considered the possibility of sending a small amount to music stores or
WHSmith, in order to reduce the risk – but I would prefer to stick to my other
methods.
I want to
interlink my magazine with XXL, so I have chosen the publisher Town Square.
This is because; XXL’s image is different to my magazines as it is a bit more
explicit. I am aiming to make SOUL another version of XXL. I have also chosen
this publisher because they do not have a magazine similar to SOUL, unlike Spin
Media who have Vibe magazine. I do not want to be in direct competition with a
magazine of similar statue. When I researched distribution methods and
technology I discovered that many magazines are now turning to social media, TV
and even radio. I will include some radio ads for my magazine on popular R
&B/Hip Hop stations such as Capital, Capital Xtra and Kiss FM. I included a
QR code on the front of my magazine because many young people use mobile
phones, and this would enable them to access information about my magazine
straight away.
4)
Who
would be the audience for your media product?
My magazine’s target audience is an age group of
mainly 16-30 year olds, who are diverse in culture. Many of those in this age
bracket are into sports and are very are of their looks, trends and style.
Therefore, in my flat plan I included adverts for JD sports (an infamous
branded footwear and clothes store) and sports adverts. When
studying Vibe’s audience I discovered that their audience used an abundance of
social networking such as Twitter and Facebook. My magazine also targets those
who use social networking, by including website links to find out more. In
terms of demographics, the audience of my magazine live in many different areas
as it is aimed to a multicultural audience. However, the stars presented in my
magazine would mainly target those who are familiar with or live in the western
society. My magazine also targets those
who work in the music industry themselves, as well as aspiring musicians. That
is why my magazine’s main theme consists of nurturing new artists, as well as
incorporating artists’ that my audience would be familiar with.
Those who do
not want to conform to society and instead want to be unique will be attracted
to my magazine. For example, my main artist Ella Cole is a non-conformist who
plans to break the music industry.
5)
How did
you attract/address your audience?
In order to target my audience, I specifically
designed all three elements of my magazine.
I wanted my audience to be able to relate and aspire to be like my
magazine’s main star, and I also wanted the main star to reflect a diverse
culture. I therefore used a model aged 17 and she was also of mixed ethnicity.
Since my magazine targeted those interested in fashion and urban culture, my
model dressed in urban-inspired clothes: such as the graffiti-style black and
white trousers. I attracted my audience by using a similar colour scheme to the
well-known magazine XXL, as I wanted to interlink the two magazines and gain
fans from XXL’s audience. I attracted my audience of musicians by using a
simple masthead name that reflected the genre of my magazine- SOUL. In terms of
the front cover, I chose simple typography such as “She’s uncensored…”, and
font styles so that it would look attractive but not overcrowded. I chose hot
stars such as August Alsina to target fans of these stars, and in turn attract
them to SOUL. I targeted young males by
using an attractive female model, as well as using double meanings. For example
the skyline: “New Artists Edition- will they hit your spot?” I also targeted
the female audience by portraying her as a strong woman- for example the teaser
“to take the music industry.”
Regarding the contents, I attracted my audience by
using appropriate terminology, and including competitions aimed at their age,
demographic areas and more. For example, the competition to see “Nicki Minaj in
concert” attracts my target audience as she is extremely popular in the R &
B sector of music. I also used models in the contents page that are also young,
and to target both males and females- I used male models in the contents page.
To target those who are into music I used the iconography of a PA system. To
attract those who are creative and trendsetters, I included the iconography of
a graffiti wall.
The double-page spread attracted those who are non
conformists as the content of the article featured this subject. Young people
will be encouraged to aim high when they read the article. Overall, the
language and terminology used in all three elements of my magazine is
appropriate for all. Those who read Vibe will also be attracted to the
double-page spread as they will recognise the introductory paragraph style at
the beginning of the article. When deciding a price, I decided my magazine
needed to be below £4.00 so that students could buy it comfortably, as their
incomes are not as high as graduates. I decided that online subscribers would
be charged £2.00 and receive less pages of the magazine, and those who sign up
for postal subscription will have to pay £3.00 plus the standard delivery
charge depending on what area they live in. My magazine has 50 pages which
reflects the price and is value for money.
6)
What
have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this
product?
During this process, I have used a
range of technologies. Firstly, to create my front page for my magazine I used Photoshop.
I enjoyed using this technology because it enabled me to easily construct image
manipulations. It was also enjoyable software to use as it is not limited in
terms of colours and possibilities. However, Photoshop is not a very good
software to use when creating contents pages or double-page spreads as it is
not as easy to align the pages.
In order to create my contents page and
double-page spread I used the software of InDesign. I used this as it was easy
to create a page layout with alignment, add columns and text boxes. However one
drawback of this software is that it is limited in terms of colours and is not
that suitable for a range of image manipulation, even though resizing images
was quite easy.
Before starting this course, we
received an induction where we had to create a music piracy article using
InDesign. I did not however, find this induction helpful as I felt that it took
up a large amount of time that could have been spent on the actual course.
However, this was a great way to learn how to use InDesign.
I used the photography studio because
it is a suitable location where lighting and other factors can be controlled,
to take high quality pictures. I used DSLR cameras, a flash kit with 3 point
lighting and high resolution cameras (17 million mmp). This was all used so
that my pictures would have no saturation, would not be over-exposed or be of
bad quality.
To record my progress, I used the
Google software Blogger. This was used as it is interactive, so other people in
my class can easily give me feedback on my work, as well as my teacher. Also it
is easy to access and a brilliant way to organise all my work into dates and
times. Another great thing about Blogger is that it is easy to interlink with
other technologies.
One technology that I interlinked my
blogger with was Time Toast. I used this software as I could create a timeline
of my coursework with a short summary. I found this a great way to keep a quick
overview of my work.
Adobe Bridge was used to see a
snapshot of all the photos I took in the photography studio and on location sites.
I like this technology because it was the easiest one to use and enabled me to
take a quick picture of all of the photos I had taken.
I used the location of a concert hall
because this location relates to music, and I was able to accumulate all my iconography
for the contents page. My friend also sent me a picture of a graffiti wall.
I used Prezi to present my proposal to
my media class. I used this because it is an interactive PowerPoint technology
and is more aesthetically pleasing that word PowerPoint. It is also easier to
us in my opinion and enables you to have different shaped presentation boxes.
It is also more enticing.
To upload my proposal I used YouTube.
This software is useful as I could connect it with my blogger and many could
view my video. Others can also learn from my proposal and I can receive
external feedback.
Overall, technology can be creative
and useful- however it can also be problematic if anything goes wrong with the
internet and can be limiting.
7)
Looking
back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the
progression from it to the full product?
I have improved technically, aesthetically and in a
theoretical sense. When I first created my preliminary media products, I was
not as confident at using InDesign- for example I struggled with remembering
where the colours where and how to colour the page. I found that this
technology was limited and not interactive. Now I have completed my full product, I know
all the appropriate labels in InDesign and I am now confident in creating
products using this software. I was
quite confident using Photoshop as I did media for GCSE and have been volunteering
for a media organisation for over 3 years. Photoshop enabled me to use my creative skills
and to learn more about image manipulation. I picked up Blogger quite well from
the beginning but I did struggle with linking other technologies to Blogger,
such as Prezi. I now know to press “link” and copy and paste the link of
whatever site I am using.
My preliminary products were poorly designed in terms
of proxemics, colour and layout. For example, I did not have enough cover lines
or teasers, which made my magazine look uninteresting and dull. The colours used for the cover lines and
teasers clashed with the background made it hard to read. Overall, my magazine
was an unattractive and hard to perceive magazine. The masthead was also quite
small and could not be distinguished. I did
not want to repeat these mistakes.
In my preliminary task I used the locations of the
main college entrance, canteen and library. I feel that my locations were appropriate,
as the magazine was for college students. However I used the location of the
library on the front cover. Looking back, I realise that may not have appealed
to all as those interested in other aspects of college life would not see this
demonstrated. I learnt the importance of creating enigmas and different
representations. I did so throughout all three aspects of my music magazine- I
created a fictional artist with different sides to her and showed this
aesthetically (her graffiti style clothes, makeup e.t.c).
In terms of shots, I used a medium close up for the
college magazine, and did so again for my music magazine. I like this type of
shot as it reveals enough for the reader to be enticed and interested. I used a
range of different shots in my college magazine (close-ups, long-distance e.t.c),
and I also did so for my music magazine (see contents page). My college magazine’s
college page was unorganized in terms of the editorial items, and I have learnt
to organise linguistic features.
I did not add institutional features such as a bar
code, or date on my college magazine’s front cover. This was a poor decision as
it made it unrealistic. I have learnt to always add institutional features in
all my media products, so that I can complete the brief successfully. I have
maintained my skill of using the right iconography as I feel that I have used
appropriate iconography in both the preliminary task and the full product. Now
I have created my full product I am more mindful of the iconography used,
colour schemes and layout. For example, my music magazine’s contents page is
well structured and bright compared to my college’s magazine’s contents page. Additionally,
I have used a plain background so that my magazine can be read clearly. Since
the preliminary task I have learnt to use techniques such as anchorage: e.g. my
cover line “She’s the definition of sex appeal” supports the image and
presentation of the model in my music magazine.
Overall, I have learnt to efficiently address my
target audience. I have also learnt that target audience consists of more than
age, which is what I first thought regarding the preliminary task – and I have
learnt that it also consists of demographic and other elements. I have
developed many media skills such as using softwares and this has resulted in a highly
creative and interactive music magazine.
Friday, 5 December 2014
Task 10 - Audience Feedback regarding finished products
QUESTIONS:
1. Regarding all three products, do you think the colour scheme and layout is appropriate to my target audience (16-24 year olds, mixed gender and ethnicity, those who are interested in sport, music and follow the music industry intently)
2. Does my magazine appeal to you as an individual? (state your age and why), if not please state why.
3. Do you think all three products use, challenge or develop the conventions of R & B? If so then where?
4. What do you like about the products?
5. Any improvements?
Friday, 21 November 2014
Thursday, 20 November 2014
Task 9 - Construction (DPS) Final Product
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| This the finished product of my double-page spread. I've added the institutional feature of a website as well. |
Task 9 - Construction (DPS) - My artist's interview
I finished my article with my fictional artist Ella Cole stating "I am the definition of sex appeal." However, I recieved artist feedback stating that I should include a final question regarding the future plans for my artist. I have done so below:
What’s next for you? Do you plan to spread your sex appeal?
Definitely! I’m going on a worldwide tour soon: but I'm afraid I can't give you any more info – it would ruin it. Looking forward to getting my fans to truly embrace themselves, and to entertaining the masses!
Task 9 - Construction (DPS)- My artist's interview
Sexiness is a virtue, according to Ella Cole.
She’s Drake’s hottest star, and she’s not afraid to show it. Ella Cole talks to
Soul about embracing her curves, sexuality and more
So, Miss Sex Appeal – you’ve
certainly entered the music industry with a bang! Do you worry about people
perceiving you as over-confident?
If you don’t believe in
yourself, no one else will. I don’t worry about being too confident, because
confidence is what enables you to make it in this world. I feel as if when
you’re too quiet, you’re walked over- but when you’re vocal: people can’t
handle it. Confidence needs to be embraced!
Fair point. But don’t you think
that there’s a limit?
The sky’s the limit.
Is it Drake that taught you to aim
high?
(Ella Cole smiles) I had high ambitions before
he signed me. But yes, Drake’s a great mentor and friend. He helps me reach my
full potential every time I drop a new track.
I suppose, what SOUL really wants
to know is, are you and Drake more than friends?
Business and pleasure
should remain separate.
It seems that you’re avoiding the
question, but we’ll move on. Who’s your inspiration?
My inspiration is Aaliyah.
She had so much confidence, self-esteem and embraced her sexuality. She was
never afraid to strut her stuff.
Does Aaliyah influence any of your
music?
Definitely! My new single
“Iconic” is all about being an independent woman, and I received inspiration
from some of her lyrics.
What is it like being new on the
music industry?
I must say that it is very
hard. Yes, I’m confident but I also have emotions. It’s hard making it to the
top. But I know I’ll make it.
Some say that your success is only
because of your celebrity connections. What do you think?
You mean because I’m Chris
Brown’s cousin? That has nothing to do with it. I have worked VERY hard to get
where I am. Late nights in the studio, sometimes all work and no play. Those
who say that are just jealous.
You’re a girl who embraces her
body and sexuality. Tell SOUL why.
My mum always taught me to
embrace my body and to never be ashamed. Nudity is art- everyone should love
their body in its true form. Women are made to feel like hoes if they show a
little bit of their body off- but men can reveal their whole chest and its okay:
that’s wrong. Everyone defines their own sexuality.
How would you define yours?
I’m the definition of sex
appeal.
Task 9 - Construction (DPS)
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| I have added columns to make the interview more organised. I am going to incorporate the rest of the interview and add additional photography. |
Task 9 - Construction (DPS)
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| (Research) |
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| I have started constructing my double-page spread. I have gained inspiration from Vibe's latest edition (see figure above), and have come up with a different layout. I started with a quick intro to grab my audience's attention. The title font is quirky and represent my artist's personality. |
Wednesday, 19 November 2014
Task 9 - Construction of (DPS)
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| I have started to collaborate and include my interview. I think that this layout is aesthetically pleasing and will be a USP for my magazine SOUL. |
Task 9 - Construction (Contents) - Final Product
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Tuesday, 18 November 2014
Task 9 - Construction (Contents)
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| I have moved the editors note to the left hand side because, I would like it to be one of the first things my audience reads. It also looks more organised, and moving it has enabled me to add more features and additional photography |
Task 9- Construction (Contents)
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| I have added in an additional photo of the editor "Chelcia Heeley". I think that this makes my magazine more realistic, as mnay magazines include this. I am thinking of removing the picture of the drum as the left hand side looks crowded. |
Task 9 - Construction (Contents)
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| I have assembled the right hand side of my contents page. I have included an editors note and features. I like this layout because it is organised and looks presentable. However, I am thinking about changing the layout slightly so I can fit in an additional photo of the editor and quote. |
Monday, 17 November 2014
Task 9 - Construction (Contents)
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| I wanted my contents page to have a structure and for each editorial item to have a subtext, so I incorporated lines in order to do so. I have made the following judgement: this layout looks more aesthetically pleasing than my last one. Readers can easily read the regular features and can gain a quick insight regarding what the regular features are about. |
Task 9 - Construction (Contents)
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| This is the beginning of my construction of the contents page of my magazine. I started off placing a large image of my "artist" on the left hand side and putting the regular items next to her. I think this looks aesthetically pleasing , however I plan to add subtext to all my regular features, so I am going to have to edit the layout. |
Sunday, 16 November 2014
Task 9- Construction (Front Cover)- Final Product
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| This is the finished product of my magazine cover. |
Task 9 - Construction (Front Cover)
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| I have re-positioned my barcode and QR code because , I now have more room on the right side of my magazine for my teasers. I have added coverlines "She's uncensored, wild and ready*" This portrays her as a unique and carpe diem artist, which will entice readers to read the interview. I have also added an asterisk as it is an enigma, and encourages readers to look more deeply into the magazine. I am currently in the middle of positioning my teasers. |
Saturday, 15 November 2014
Task 9 - Construction (Front Cover)
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| Today I was experimenting with colours. In my opinion the use of blue made my magazine look a bit odd. It did not really fit in with the R & B genre. I decided to try the colour gold/yellow as it also stands out (bright, eye-catching). This colour seemed to fit in with the colour scheme and it looks more aesthetically pleasing. |
Task 9 - Construction (front cover)
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| I have changed the size of my skyline so that it attracts more attention. I have also added her name. It was difficult to place her name as it clashed with the colour of her hair , so I decided to place it further below. It was still aesthetically pleasing, and I also added a pull quote which states : "I'm the definition of sex appeal." I have chosen this as a pull quote as it presents my artist as cocky and confident, which will entice the audience to open the magazine. |
Friday, 14 November 2014
TASK 9 - Construction- (Front Cover)
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| I decided not to use the original concept of getting my logo from CoolText, as I think that the logo looked like a cartoon, and therefore childish. This would automatically reduce the age range of the readers that my magazine receives. I have started experimenting with the proximic aspect and design of my masthead and I have decided to place it in the left hand corner. This is because it is unique and would be a USP for my magazine. Also, I have started image manipulation and my models hair is quite long- so placing the masthead behind her would not aesthetically pleasing. |
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TASK 9- Construction- (Front Cover)
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| I added my skyline which says: "New artist's edition - will they hit your spot?" I chose this statement because I think this appeals to those that want to be ahead of the music industry, in terms of finding out who's hot and has potential for success. Those who read my magazine will be ahead of the game as "SOUL." will have information regarding potential stars before any other R & B magazine. I chose the colour scheme of blue, white and red because no mainstream R & B magazines use this colour scheme. This therefore, would be a USP for my magazine. |
Thursday, 13 November 2014
Task 9 - Construction (masthead)
Wednesday, 12 November 2014
Task 9 - Construction (Front cover)
This is the beginning stage of my construction. I was experimenting with cutting away the background and seeing what option works best. I found that erasing the background was extremely difficult because of her body position, so I am going to try and put the whole picture on the cover as it is.
Tuesday, 11 November 2014
Task 8 - Chosen image for Soul's front cover
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| This is the image that I have chosen to place on the front cover of my magazine. This is because her position is unique and unusual for R and B magazines. This is also because the type of shot is the same used on the cover of Vibe and generally on XXL (my case studies). I like the fact that direct mode of address is used as it can lead to interaction with the reader and possibly increase participation (regarding social media e.t.c). I do however, need to brighten the image but I think that she is depicted as a powerful girl - plus it links to my theme which is "Sex Appeal." |
Task 8 - Photography Call Sheet
Courtney Dionne Carr
Photographer
Timeline:
8:30 am- Model and photographer meet outside studio
8:30 – 9 am- Model gets ready for shoot (make-up/hair/clothes)
9am-10:30 am – Shoot time
Concept:
The model plays the part of an artist who is extremely fond of sex appeal and embraces her sexuality. She is a new artist on the scene, full of confidence and ready to take on the music industry. She loves fashion and her passion is shown through her style (i.e. red lipstick connotes passion, brightly coloured top e.t.c). She ignores critics who say she is cocky and over-confident, and instead uses publicity to her advantage.
Date:
Friday 7th November, 2014
Assignment:
R & B music magazine
Location:
Photography studio
Client:
SOUL.
Media:
JPEG fine
Primary Shoot Contact:
Courtney D. Carr
Photographer:
Courtney D.Carr
CourtneyCarrASMedia.blogspot.com
MUA:
Ashaana Bheir
Hairstylist:
Ashaana Bheir
Wardrobe Stylist(s):
Courtney D.Carr & Ashaana Bheir
Model:
Ashaana Bheir
Special Instructions:
1.Model must wear red lipstick and keep any other make-up light
2. Model must wear white and black for some of the photos
3. Model must bring another option/change of clothes
Thursday, 30 October 2014
Photoshop Notes
Photoshop Notes:
- CRTL + Zooms in, CTRL – Zooms out.
- Layers: Can be unlocked and locked. Click the layer you want to control it.
- CTRL T = transform/re-size, you have to keep your finger on the shift key to keep the proportions. Then click the square tool and then you can apply the transformation.
- You must have your text layer above your image layers
- Colour overlay = Colour text
- Do cover lines on different layers to avoid spacing issue
Monday, 27 October 2014
Task 7- Audience Feedback regarding Magazine Proposal
I created a proposal for my magazine "SOUL", and presented it to my AS classmates. I received audience feedback on the following questions that I proposed:
- Were all the main points covered? If not, what is missing?
- What did you like about my presentation?
- Do you have any concerns?
- Did my presentation convince you to buy "SOUL?"
Findings:
Following these questions, I received 100% positive feedback. 100% of my participants (4/4) said that all the main points were covered and that they enjoyed my presentation. 0% had concerns all stated that my presentation convinced them to buy "SOUL."
Conclusion:
To conclude, I have learnt from this feedback that the ideology and creativity behind my concept of "SOUL" is solid and successful. I am secure in knowing that I have created a product that will appeal to the correct audience as well.
- Were all the main points covered? If not, what is missing?
- What did you like about my presentation?
- Do you have any concerns?
- Did my presentation convince you to buy "SOUL?"
Findings:
Following these questions, I received 100% positive feedback. 100% of my participants (4/4) said that all the main points were covered and that they enjoyed my presentation. 0% had concerns all stated that my presentation convinced them to buy "SOUL."
Conclusion:
To conclude, I have learnt from this feedback that the ideology and creativity behind my concept of "SOUL" is solid and successful. I am secure in knowing that I have created a product that will appeal to the correct audience as well.
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