Evaluation

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

                                   

Product detail:

Theme – music POP/R&B

Product- magazine – 3 pages cover/content / double page spread

Target audience- 16-25 – mainly female

I have created 3 different products that are the most important in a magazine. Front cover- is the first page where the audience is going to be the first page they are going to look at so it needs to be interesting.

Content page- if the from cover is not persuading the target audience or they want to look at what they can find inside I will need to make sure that this page is full of information and interesting so that they will find it persuaded to buy this magazine.

Double page spread- this is the exclusive and the most important feature inside the magazine, this will need to be promoted on the content as well as cover it will have to be a bit different and links with the topic, but also linked with the magazine. It has to be persuading and interesting look so the audience will get to read it.

Cover

I have developed my idea basing on the research I have done. I have looked at different magazines I have took different key points about each magazine and described what I like about each magazine and what I can use in my own magazine. It was quite hard then to put it all together and create new magazine cover so I have developed from key points to a design of magazine cover.

I have took research based on those magazines I have chosen this magazines as they have similar target audience where as the “Q” magazine is a music magazine and this is the theme I have created. I’m going to use lots of colours in my magazines I believe that it grabs the target audience attention. Specially with colour pink where it is a sweet colour associated with love, whereas blue represents freedom that I want to use in my magazine, whereas yellow is a colour of energy that I’m trying to use and give to my target audience.

I like those pictures especially in magazine bliss as it grabs the reader’s attention the pictures are very clear in large format. I really like the idea of use stripe on my magazine at the bottom of the page with cloths every magazine has got the plug used which I have also decided to use on my magazine.

 Designing and planning I have decided to plan and create my final design on piece of paper  rather than computer I have found it easier and quicker as front cover will need to be very detail and I was able to visualise it to myself better.

I have planned to have a model on the right hand side of the magazine so it will make my magazine cover look a bit like it is divided in to 2 different sections with features and the main person on the other side of the magazine. I have planned to put picture of guitar on one corner so it links with the music theme and logo on the other side. The picture was meant to be mid shot with stripe of cloths at the bottom of the page. The master head was meant to be big and black also written in text font “Algerian”

The dub heading were meant to be written in different colours based on my research and colourful plugs. I have planned to make the background white so all the features would stand out and colours are easy to spot it would also make the magazine look clear. The main feature colours were meant to be black and red as it goes with white and stands out on this colour.

While I was creating my magazine cover I went back and took some more research as I wasn’t happy with the result I have received. I have also took an interview with my potential target to see what are main thinks that are in their interest and sub heading I can place into my magazine cover.

Final product:

Changes I have made while I was producing my magazine cover:

While I was creating my final product  I was changing lots of stuff I was not happy with the pictures I have took so I couldn’t place the mid shot picture on my cover. I thought that this picture looks more interesting and gives more emotions then just a picture of model standing.  I thought that it will be way out of the target which was music so I have decided to use different CD albums instead.at the beginning I have planned to use Algerian font for my master head, but I didn’t like the way it look it made me felt more like a rock magazine where the theme I have planned was pop/R&B. I have also decided to add more colours that will reflects the black and white photos also grab the audience attention.

Content

I have started to develop my content page through research I have done. I choose to look at different magazines those that have similar target audience to the product I want to create, but also some magazines with the same theme.

I have been very fascinated by those content pages are very different but I like them both at the same time. I really like the content pages on the right it is very organised and unusual with the picture on the middle on the page, I think I could use this on my magazine. I also really like the clear space and different several of colours that suit and work well with each other, but at the other hand I like the content on the left as every bit of space is used whereas the page is divided in to 9 different size boxes that makes the text clear and reflects different features. It is very colourful and highlights the features with yellow and black colour which is the same for the logo; it creates a connection between a magazine and the content.

I have chosen to research the “Kerrang” magazine’s (one on the left hand side) content page relates to my music magazine theme. I like how through the pictures I can see the target audience and main task of this magazine. The structure is quite simple and may not appear to my target audience which is girls in age between 16 and 24.   I like how the “content” is written in the same style as the magazine title and this is what I could use on my content page. The colours are connection links as black and yellow is constantly used.
I like the contents page (on right hand side) as it is very simple. Big picture spread almost on all page with content features on right hand side. I like it as the model represented on picture is a musician which suits the music theme. The background is very clear and the world “features” is written in pink which relates to the cover page. I also like the description at the bottom of the picture as this is very unusual. 

 I have started to do my design based on the research I have taken.

 

What I wanted to get through my content was connection between the cover an content page so it looks like each page is from the same magazine, therefor I have decided to place the name of the magazine onto my content page, I have built a simple structure based on one of the magazine I have researched, on one side of the magazine I wanted to place a picture of a model holding guitar this will represents the music theme, where on the other half I will place the index with the pages number and descriptions of features represented. The logo content was meant to be the same font as at the cover page, but I have planned it before I have decided to change it on my cover page.

Final product:

I have found it extremely hard, when I have created my first product I have created while I was following my plan  was very plain , I didn’t like it even knowing that I have produced good plan, I had many empty spaces left with basic design, the product looked more like a plan rather than a final project. I had to go and research more magazines, I have found out that those magazines are very colourful and this is what I will need to use. The picture that I have took very nice and I could use them, but I would shrink it too much and create bad quality, so I have decided to put it at the bottom of the page and add description above it. 

This is the address of a website that I have used to look up for more ideas:

http://www.whosdatedwho.com/tpx_2464/zac-efron/magazinecovers_11

Final Product

Changes I have made:

I have changed the font size and style on the master head, so that it looks better and adds more features I have also added my magazines sub heading underneath the content page title. This adds more connection between my cover and content page as well as makes the reader feel like this is the motto of my magazine. I have changed the rotation of the magazine name so it connects with the cover and also represents the magazine. I have added a page number that will be written in the same font and colour on each page. The main colour I have decided to use and change as if wasn’t planned was pink as the main target audience I have on my magazine are girls.

The feedbacks I have received were mainly positive so I’m very pleased with the outcome of my content page as it took me the longest time to create.

Double page spread

As the previous pages I have started my double page spread with looking at research it is the main feature represented in magazine so I needed to be promoted on other pages as well as it is very tricky because I had to come up with interesting idea for my target audience that this feature will be about. Before I have started planning it I knew what this is going to be I have decided to write interview for of a girl joining a boys band – I have chosen it because boys bands are very popular nowadays and females in the same age as my target audience target the main fans, I have also had it easier as I have experience it with my sister.

 Have taken a research that was based on different magazine I have taken key fact that I like about each magazine.

 

This main feature I like about each magazine is that they have similar features linking with the cover and title of the magazine. Soft colours relates to my target audience. I like the links with red and black colour that cerates connection between the title/logo of the magazine with the double page spread. The liked the idea of creating an interview on the magazine. It shows the actual form of the magazine and 2 different people are reflected I could use this and add different colours on different people speaking script and that will add more colours to my page. I have found these pages very inspiring and motivating. I really like the idea of picking up the most interesting feature from text and highlighting it; this shows the importance of this text and brings the audience attention. This will also add more colours and reflects the interview. I like the use of pink colour to the feature which also links to my target audience, the pages even this pages contain lots of writing and information this page still looks very clear and the text is easy to read. The pages contain different pictures which I really like. The one most important feature at the magazine is the website at the bottom of the page which will link to the name of the magazine and add more technological side for my magazine, so that people who are very interested in technology will find this interesting, this also shows that this magazine is interactive. I really like the magazine on the left hand side at the top as the position of the pictures is so different I could use it but pout a stripe of pictures on side of the page. I have decided to use the features that I like most about those and cerate my design.

Design / plan

I have produced this design basing on my research, but I have also changed a position of different features I want to place on to my magazine. I still want to put a heading about this magazine and add little description in slightly bigger font size so it is still different but reflects the sort cut what this double page spread main feature is. I have planned to use 4 different photos as on my research I have seen that on m research. I want to put 2 quotes and 3 different columns of text.  I planned to make this slightly different so it relates more to the person that this feature will be about.

Final Product

Changes I have made:

After I have created my double page spread I have decided that it does not look like it is page in one of my magazine such as cover or content. I have decided to add my magazines logo to link it with my cover and I have also added the website for my magazine. I have added 3 pictures instead of 4 as it was too full. I have used pink to reflect the girl side. I added shade behind the heeding so it stands out more and the page doesn’t look empty. I have changed the style of the font of the heeding as the one I have planned look more like rock style rather than pop and R&B. I have added a tag exclusive underneath the title of the magazine so the audience can have the expression that this interview is only available in my magazine.  I have underlined questions that I as reported have asked in red and the people that the reported have the interview is in black so the difference is reflects.

2. In what ways your media product represents particular social groups?

While I was creating my product I was doing it so I can att5rract my specific target audience which is mainly female between the ages of 15 to 25. I have managed to control it through the research and interview I have done with my potential target audience (people who are in the age of my target audience and like the same theme of my magazine (music POP and R&B)). To keep this on a good truck I have placed a questionnaire after creating each product to see whether by them look of this my target audience will be interested in buying this product and whether it is persuading them and looks professional.

I have tried to interest the pop and R&B fans by adding the albums of the cd on my front cover. I have also done it though the black and white pictures which adds a bit of mystery and character which relates to this music style. On my double page spread I have added a report about boys’ band which is a POP/R&B music type. I have also tried to attract particular social group with low income that are still at education therefor I have used low price. I have also tried to get to this group as I have added a website of my magazine as usually teenagers nowadays use internet in their everyday life. I have tried to get to the POP/R&B fans through the cloths that the models are representing on each picture I have took, at this relates to their style. 

3. What kind of media institution

I have chosen the Beauer company to publish my magazine as this company is multi-national that conglomerate owns lots of magazines. I have choose this company not just because it is so big but also because this company is publish on of the magazines I have choose as my research “Kerrang” which is a music magazine I have also chosen this company as this company published magazine as 4music which is a music magazine so it will have the same theme as mine whereas Heat and kiss magazine have the same target audience like my magazine. The sales are very good and I would be very successful if my magazine become in such a global sale. This company also owns radio stations which link with my music theme and I could get more interviews and information about music available.

What companies would be interested in advertising in my magazine:

I have chosen 3 different companies because of their price and popularity with their buyers, their buyers are mainly teenagers between the age of 12 and 35 years old which counts with my target audience.

Rate card

I have also chosen these companies as my target audience are interested in beauty and fashion. I will also promote I-tunes by giving vouchers as this covers my target audience interest and the theme of my magazine.

Here is a list of companies I would like to advertise in my magazine, I also believe that those magazine will be interested in advertising in my magazine to.

4. Who would be audience for your media product?

The target audience I have set are mainly females between the age 16 and 25 years old. As I believe that those people have similar interest and I have created my product based on their interest.

5. How did you attract/addressed your audience?

As I have answered above on question 2 I have used varies of ways to grab my target audience attention I have especially targeted it to them through the interview and the information I have received and placed on my product. 

The questionnaire idea I have found brilliant as I had the chance to see what my target audience like about my magazine and whether there are any possible correction I could make to improve my product. Through this I have shared more ideas with my target audience and I have had the chance to see my targets audience opinion about the work I have done. I have received very positive feedback, which have made me confident about the work I have done.

·         Colours- through the research I have realised that this sort of target audience magazines are very colourful and I have also spot that during my questionnaire. It attracts my target audience also grab attention on to my product. The main target audience are female and younger women like to look at colourful pictures and text that attracts them.

·         Limited text- my target audience doesn’t like to have too much text, and I have found that through the research. They find it “boring” said one of the target audiences I have asked.

·         Interesting picture- I had to find interesting picture that will attract them, so when they look at the product the first thing they will look at is the picture, it have to show emotions which I have took to lead my target audience. 

·         Exclusive subtitles- the target audience like to see shocking news and exclusive information to be found inside the magazine. They find it very interesting and persuading to buy.

·         The representatives were fashion cloths that relates to my target audience.

·         The models represented are between the ages of my target audience.

·         The models represented on my main feature are boys band in which my target audience teenager female are every interested in.

Interview:

I have took an interview with my target audience to see what in their interest so that I can take this information and place it on to my magazine as well as content so when my target audience looks at this they will find this information persuading in order to buy it.  I have found out that my target audience like and interested in:

-          Special offers 

-          Beauty

-          School

So in order to grab the attention I will have to represent those features inside my magazine and promote them on my cover and content page so that when they look at that page they will want to buy this magazine.

Through this interview I have also found out that my target audience has not got any income and if they have a job it is part time and at low rise and they are mainly still at education. There for I have decided to put my magazine at price of £1.00, I believe that this price will attract them and this reasonable price that I have been given by the target audience.

                                             

At first I have created a rate card for my magazine; it tells information about my target audience and the cost of advertised depending on the size of the advert. I have created my rate card basing on research I have taken. I have created my prices cheaper so companies with lower income and cheaper products can advertise there.  I will only choose a companies like “New Look” and “Boots” to advertise in my magazine as their prices are not too high and affordable by my target audience.  I have also choose to put I-tunes vouchers inside my magazine as they are offers and relates to the theme of my magazine which is music. As my target audience are interested in music, but still at low income.

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

I have learnt that technology allows us nowadays to create anything we would like at very low cost, professional product for example magazine as I have created it can be done very quickly and easy using a programs that are sometimes available for free.

Technology is easy to use and it is not just creating a specific product, but also re-doing and correcting it using additional programs. The process is very easy as every technology explains what each thing is doing and what to use it for. Through technology I was able to correct and develop my work such as pictures.

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

I have found a massive change in the way I work more work I have done I found myself better in especially with my double page spread , I have become more familiar with using the program and making my pages looks better. As I have created piece after piece of work I have improved it I have found that something looks better than others.

At the beginning when I have created the school magazine I didn’t use photos shop and the quality of some of the picture was poor where at the final product I have used different range of photos at good quality. I have also used different text fonts and sizes for my final product and not at the preliminary task. I have improved the way I have worked I have definitely learnt to work quicker and I knew where to find additional th9ings at the program. I have linked each page I have created for me final product whereas the preliminary products I have created are not linked. I have learnt to use empty space in various ways and how to grab the potential target audience attraction.

I have used more colours that grabs the attention and reflects more important features on my magazine.

Companies advertising in my magazine

I have created a list of possible companies that may want to advertise in my magazine.

 

Rate Cards

In magazine advertising is very important I have picked some rate cards I have used in order to research and get more ideas to create my own rate card for my magazine.

Here is a rate card for Vogue magazine

This rate card contains information about the cost of advertisements and different criteria, I like the use of the cover which is used for promoting their own magazine as well as producing their own rate card.  

I have also choose to look at the seventeen magazine rate card as this is the same target audience I have chosen so I will find it very useful and get more ideas of what should I use in my rate card related to my magazine

Here is a rate card I have produced my self

Questionnaire for Double Page Spread

I have produced a questionnaire simmilar to the one I have created for content and cover page in order to see what my potential target audience think about the double page spread I have created this will also show me the most important creatures I have done and in what ways I could improve it in order to get more sales.

I value  the answers I have received and I will use it to also highlight the importance of this magazine, I will also get a brief idea of what my target audience like and are interested in.

I have asked 5 female in age between 16 and 25 years old.

Here is a picutre of questionnaire I have produced

Here are some feedback I have recieved:

Double page spread

 

 

 

 

Changes...

I have created my double page spread; I have made some changes than I have planned on my design. Starting right from the top of the page I have changed than the position of the title instead of having it across the page I have decided to place it at the right hand side on the top of the page so that the tile is not divided in to 2 parts as the pages fall. I have also changed the size of the font from 14 to 16 so it looks bigger and is easier to read. In the main title ward girl I have filled in with pink colour at the ages and black fill so that creates combination and the readers can reflect it as a part of the main feature. I have used two quotes like I habe planned and have made it a bit smaller as the text it small and it needs to be reflected and standing out but not taking too much space. The font size for the text ids new times’ roman but size 12 as 10 was too small for the program I have used to create my double page spread. I have also added a plug loud exclusive so that it shows to the readers that this news is very new and has never been published in other magazines, it is available in this magazine only. I have also used the magazine names as it refers to this magazine only. I have placed 3 instead of 4 pictures so that these pictures can be in good format and clear. I have placed the magazines official website at the bottom and page number same as described at the contents page. I have aslo added shadows above the feature titles and the name of the magazine as well as the plug Exclusive as it filled the empty space on the page and fits with the content page creating simmilarity.

Questionnaires for Content Page

I have created questionnaires for my content page in order to see what others will think about my magazine by looking at the content page. I want people to like the design and the features. I want my potential target audience to find it interesting.

Here are answers I have received.



I have received positive feedback 100% female asked whether they would buy this magazine by look at the content page. Which is very important to me as if the audience doesn’t like the look of the cover page the second thing they will look at is the content page and if the does not persuade them they won’t be interested in buying my magazine. From the feedback I can see that my potential target audience like the language and sort of colours I have used on this page I have also spot that they find this magazine interesting as I have placed the picture of women holding guitar as it is very different and unusual to different magazines.

I have also asked my potential audiences to give me more ideas in what I could change in my magazine and they have answered:

-          By adding more picture - I believe that it could make my page looks more interesting and more thing could be placed in there, I fell like this could interest my potential target audience would be more focus on main stories.

-          More features - this could make my magazine look full and reflects all the important staff in this magazine. This will show my target audience when they look inside this magazine they will find lots of exclusive information

 

Taking photos for double page spread

During the half-term i have decided to take photos for my double page spread. I'm aiming to take different sort of photos that will represent the people like they are on the spot- what I mean is that the theme is going to  be interview so i want those photos to be close up on their  faces. I have to try to take 3 different photos with the same people that will relate. I need to choose 3 different photos that will reflects to the audience.

I like this picture as it reflects the models face with the background that is slightly darker. I’m afraid it may not suit it as the background of the page is white. The model also created shade which may not go with the page.

I like this picture as the background is white and it cause lighting at this page. It may be the main attraction to the page and make the audiences look at this picture. It is same colour as background, but may be different than other pictures. It shows that she is the main feature of the magazine.

This picture will show the feature of the boy’s band. This picture shows connection between those boys and happiness. This is really good picture and I would like to use it on my double page, I believe it will reflects the article.

This could be  one of the pictures on my double page as it shows all the creatures that will be represented on my text, I like this as they all look serious as well as fun and played full I can see connection  between  those people represented on picture which is the sort of look I wanted to create.  

This is picture I’m definitely going to use on my double page spread it shows connection between two models and happiness as well as fun which is reflection I would like to use as my magazine is directed to mainly teenagers that will like their artist to be funny and love story which may lead through this picture as models are looking into each other eyes.

Double page spread- Photo-shoot planing

Photo-shoot planning sheet

Title:

Double page spread photos

Photo-shoot concept:

Photos will need to be taken so it will represent people that are R&B and POP artist who are really entitled with music; close ups on their face with happiness and emotions showed. These pictures should represent more than people.

Aims:

From this shoot I want to persuade readers to buy this magazine. I want people to look at the artists represented on these photos and wanting to be the same. I will try to get people attraction and clear message about this magazine and what this magazine represents. I want this representing people to look alike my target audience and also show that they are normal people not much different to their fans. As my target audience (mainly teenagers) like to compare their selves to people that is not much of a start but normal people.

Date and timing:

These pictures will be taken during day time and that light will make the pictures look natural, I’m planning to take those photos between 28^th March and 30^th March. The pictures will be represented on white background with slightly darker lighting.

Location:

The picture for front cover will be taken in doors; to give a natural look to the pictures and make them look clear, as this page is going to be in white/creamy and black colours pictures on white background with suit with the page.

Props:

The costume that will be required will have to suitable and similar to the fashion that the target audience ware. The boys will be wearing hoodies that are very comfortable, whereas the female will look smart she will be wearing white shirt with scarf that will reflect what the boys are wearing. 

Model:

The model will have to be female in the age between 16years old and 24 years old, so it is representing the target audience age and will bring their attention. The model will have to glamour make up and represent music. The male will be between the age of 16 years old and 24 years old they will have to look slightly older than a female as the stereotypical band is where he man are older and they are taking care of the girls.

Team:

Photographer, artist make-up, hair stylist and fashion adviser. Those people will work with the model to make sure this will look professional. 

Equipment & Preparation:

I will need to have camera and spare batteries as well as memory card. Make –up and hair equipment’s as well as prepare cloths with the fashion stylist. I will have to book an appointment with those specialists and as what also I will need to prepare. Ave meeting with my models and tell them what I’m planning to do.

Desired Shots (Draw sketches):

I could have extra lights so the background will be much lighter as the model will be represented in dark as well as light cloths so I will have play round with the lighting.  The shoots will be taken as mid shots or close-ups. I will prepare the model in different positions to see what I would like the shoot to look like, and then I will take different photos.  I will also produce storyboard representing different shoots and ideas to visual my ideas.

Reference images:

I will print images and sit with the model and all advisers and we will discuss each picture we will decide which one we all agree to use. I will also produce mood board to see which picture will suit the target audience.

Picture that inspire me:

I like this picture as it reflects the models feminism. Even though the background is quite dark and the models in a brunet she is also reflecting on this picture, the background is very nice and suits the image. Image is clear and shows really good quality I think it is very persuading.

This picture is very similar to the one above, but his model is concentrating on the audience which will make them feel like his article appears to them. The model stands out on this picture. This picture look fresh and the models shows happiness which is a sort of message I want to give to me target audience.

Double page spread research.

Here is a research I have done for Vogue magazine.

Research for Heat magazine:

Research for Q magazine :

Research for Vibre magazine:

What I should include into my double page spread?

From the research I have done , I will use those facilities that  I like and use on my double page spread, even though I have planed my double page spread in the way I want it to look like I will still get an idea from my research .

• Caption- it will be a description underneath a picture, so this will anchor the image and help the reader to get more idea about it. 
• Brand identity- this will make the reader feel like this double page spread is related and important for the magazine brand. Audience will find this really easy to recognise. 
• Byline- name of the journalist at the end of interview. So that the reader can see who have written this article as well as this prof that it is actual interview. 
• Excursive tag- I will include this on my double page spread, so that the readers will have the feeling that it is available only in my magazine and it will promote my magazine. the reader will also feel the importance of this article. It will be persuading.
• Gutter- space between the writing in centre, so that this will create the look of columns  Audience will find it easier to read from this will also make the article look clean and neat.  
• Headline- heading that is going to relate to the story in order to promote it. 

Planning my double page spread.

Content Page

Here is a Content page I have created.

Changes I have made:

I have changed the title of the content page possition instead of placing it in the left hand side and adding headding underneath it as well as the name of th emagazine on the left hand side of the maagzine. The half of the page with the picutre of the model I have discribed by adding sub feature title which adds discription about this picutre and what deos it representes. Where I havent change the other half of the page as much but only by placing picutre in the right conner of the magazine.

I like this magazie as it hsows many different features and links with the cover page by the name and logo of the magazine I have placed. I have used different fonts colours and sizes to attract my target audience .

I hav aslso changed the background oclour so it adds more reflection and suit the main picture.

Questionnaires about my Cover page.

I have produced these questionnaires in order to see what my potential target audience think about my front cover.  I will use this answers to make improvements and have more idea and others opinions about future.

Here is a copy of the questionnaires I have produced.

Here are copies of answers I have recieved :

 I have asked 5 different female in different age groups. He feedbacks I have received quite positive feedbacks. I can see that the price is very important, because it is cheap and my target audience are mainly student cheaper magazine is persuading them “it is cheap” answer one of the people I have asked.

From the feedbacks I have also found out that others like my subtitles and find them interesting which is the result I have tried to achieve. The picture also shows emotions, but based on others opinion I could add more colours to make it stand out more and eye catchy. One of the persons told me that this cover looks like the target audience are teenagers which is very important as it is very colourful.

From the feedbacks I could add more improvements like

·         Making titles bigger.

·         Add more pictures

·         Add more colours to the pictures

The people I have asked questionnaire were between the age of 16- 23.

That are my potential target audience.