Note to moderator

Dear Moderator,

My brief for my AS Media was to create a Front Cover, Contents Page and Double Page Spread for a new music magazine. I chose to do my music magazine in an indie based genre due to recent trends causing a higher demand for this genre of music magazine, therefore, in order to supply to an ever demanding audience, I wanted to give the preferred audience of males ageing between late teens to mid-twenties, a new and up to date magazine in which they can effectively be a pro-sumer and voice their views on what the magazine will contain.

I have used labels on my blog to make it easily navigable in order to find what you are looking for.

Yours Sincerely,

Sarah May Wilkinson, Edgbarrow School.

Candidate Number: 9243

Centre Number: 51111

FINAL PRODUCT

 

 

 

 

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

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

Created with Padlet

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

            

QUESTION 4&5: Who would be the audience for your media product? And how would it attract? / Address your audience?

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

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

In my pictures here, you can clearly see the detail needed when constructing a magazine or any media product in that matter.

During the preliminary task process I learnt a lot of valuable information, for example, I learnt that the layout is one of the most important codes and conventions in a magazine. Although the content is very important, you can easily lose an audience if the features aren’t positioned and styled in an attractive and non-confusing manner. Thus creating a professional media platform. In my preliminary task I used simple layouts which, upon looking back on were very dull and wouldn't attract someones eye if on a shop shelf. In particular I wanted to ensure that the sizing and proportion of my title and pictures were accurate, this meaning I had to make sure it was the biggest font on the page. I also thought my preliminary task followed the codes and conventions of a typical music magazine well, for example, I used three main colours throughout which followed the style of the school logo.

Although in my final product I still used that simplistic style to represent my indie genre, I made sure it was presented in a more attractive manner, for example; on my double page spread, I cut up the main image and pulled parts out, creating that broken effect. That broken effect can then symbolise the common view on tattoos.

Also from my preliminary task I came up with the branding of the red line going through my logo, this of which then went on to be used in my final product. If I had not of done the preliminary task I would not of known how to use the technology needed (mainly Serif Page Plus and Photoshop), and thereforewouldn’t have had an idea of how to convey my ideas coherently and in professional manner. Serif in particular needed some getting used to before creating my coursework product. If I hadn't of learnt before hand, my piece wouldn't look and feel professional, therefore not appealing to my audience.

Although I felt my preliminary was successful, there was still room for improvement when it came to my final product. In order to do this, I did thing such as;

• using more appropriate images which reflected my indie genre
• kept thinking back to mise-en-scene in order to portray specific qualities to my target audience
• adding more tag lines and sub headings onto the front page, making it fuller and 'jam packed' with information for the reader.
• using a range of ICT by varying shapes and sizes throughout my pages.

Evalution Update

I have been updating my evaluation on the existing post, so far I have completed the following;

10/04/2014;

Question 2 - "You've misunderstood this- representation is how people are portrayed- are you showing band members to be hedonistic, attractive and quirky for example and how have you shown this through language, dress etc. You can link to audience but how they are PRESENTED in your mag. "

Question 3 - "Add in where you would place your mag- where on the shelf would it sit alongside others? How would it be distributed? what mags does this institution distribute already? "

18/04/2014;

Question 4/5 - "You have most of the key info here but consider how you DID address/attract audience not future tense as it's already made! I'm not sure this form of presenting the answer is that user-friendly. Refine it or break up the answers for clarity"

23/04/2014;

Question 7 - "This is a good overview but needs to be more specific with what you've learnt and show the prelim to allow us to see that progression clearly."

Question 1 - "Sarah, there is a good basis here but the expression needs a lot of work and you misuse terminology in places- refine the definition of codes and conventions- only focus on print based media as camera etc isn't too relevant. Make sure that you are rooting the answer mostly in your product rather than a general overview of what codes and conventions are. Pics of your RMA alongside others would be good."

28/04/2014;

Question 6 - "Sarah, Popplet works a little better here. This needs serious proofreading! Also, don't forget the hardware you used too- the pictures you used and in fact all the technology used at all 3 stages of the coursework."

Dolby

Sarah, see comments below your evaluation answers.

Evaluation: Question seven - draft

In my pictures here, you can clearly see the detail needed when constructing a magazine or any media product in that matter.

During the preliminary task process I learnt a lot of valuable information, for example, I learnt that the layout is one of the most important codes and conventions in a magazine. Although the content is very important, you can easily lose an audience if the features aren’t positioned and styled in an attractive and non-confusing manner. Thus creating a professional media platform. In my preliminary task I used simple layouts which, upon looking back on were very dull and wouldn't attract someones eye if on a shop shelf. In particular I wanted to ensure that the sizing and proportion of my title and pictures were accurate, this meaning I had to make sure it was the biggest font on the page. I also thought my preliminary task followed the codes and conventions of a typical music magazine well, for example, I used three main colours throughout which followed the style of the school logo.

 

 Although in my final product I still used that simplistic style to represent my indie genre, I made sure it was presented in a more attractive manner, for example; on my double page spread, I cut up the main image and pulled parts out, creating that broken effect. That broken effect can then symbolise the common view on tattoos.

 

Also from my preliminary task I came up with the branding of the red line going through my logo, this of which then went on to be used in my final product. If I had not of done the preliminary task I would not of known how to use the technology needed (mainly Serif Page Plus and Photoshop), and therefore wouldn’t have had an idea of how to convey my ideas coherently and in professional manner. Serif in particular needed some getting used to before creating my coursework product. If I hadn't of learnt before hand, my piece wouldn't look and feel professional, therefore not appealing to my audience.

 

Although I felt my preliminary was succesfful, there was still room for imporvement when it came to my final product. In order to do this, I did thing such as;

 

• useing more appropriate images which reflected my indie genre
• kept thinking back to mise en scene in order to portray specific qualitites to my target audience
• adding more tag lines and sub headings onto the front page, making it fuller and 'jam packed' with information for the reader.
• useing a range of ict by varying shapes and sizes throughout my pages.

 

Evaluation: Question six - draft

Evaluation: Question four and five - draft

Evaluation: Question three - draft

SCRIPT FOR RECORDING!

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

The Bauer Media Group is Europe’s largest privately owned publishing Group, with a worldwide media empire offering over 300 magazines in 15 countries, as well as online, TV and radio stations, employing some 6,400 people.

Bauer Media is a multi-platform UK-based media Group consisting of many companies collected around two main divisions – Magazines and Radio - widely recognised and rewarded as being industry modernisers, built on influential media brands with millions of personal relationships with engaged readers and listeners.

I believe Bauer would be a good media institution to distribute my magazine as its strategy and aim is similar to that of mine, “to connect audiences with excellent content through our broad multi-touch point brand platforms, wherever and whenever and however they want. Our wide portfolio of influential brands gives us advantages over pure play magazine or radio competitors”

Bauer also has a very good turnover at €2.129 Billion (2010), this meaning my magazine’s circulation would be very impressive for a starting company. Although, the initial cost to get it started will be slightly higher, as mine and Bauer’s motives are very similar, the two companies would coincide and cooperate well; increasing revenue on both behalves.

My magazine would be placed alongside with other music magazines, in order to not confuse audiences with differing layouts. Also, to keep the Bauer magazines together, I would have STACK placed next to or between Q magazine, MOJO and Kerrang! 

Bauer challenges itself to anticipate consumer trends and work with technological developments to ensure content is available whenever, wherever and however. Their advertising teams have a complete 360 degree view across all of their brands, across all platforms, and are passionate about developing customer partnerships through high calibre creative ideas that take advantage of the brands' consumer engagement.

This meaning that I would distribute my magazine through ways such as;

• Creating synergy with iTunes and offer a chance to win a voucher when buying the magazine.
• Use the app version of the magazine to be part of the Starbucks 'Pick of the Week',  where customers simply follow the instructions on the back of the card to get your free download.
• Have the magazine to be on sale at any gigs that we advertise with in the content.
• Bulk sell some issues to stores.

Evaluation: Question two - draft

How does your media product represent particular social groups?

My magazine, STACK, has a main target audience of males ageing from late teens to mid-twenties, with a psychographic of explorer, therefore, placing my audience into the demographic of C1-D.  

For this reason I want the artists and bands included to be portrayed as attractive and quirky. "People can stand in a gallery and be in awe of the art, so why can't they do the same for my sleeve. I wouldn't mind if someone just stood and stared at my arms." Because the language and interview is so laid back, it creates that easy going yet attractive approach that Brad Spectre has, which is then reinforced with comments like, "God I'm a rambler!". 

Added to this, the simplistic costume he is dressed in, plain white t-shirt, denim over coat and black jeans, gives that cool, explorer and 'not caring' feel to his identity. Of which is the type of person the audience would want to be like and look up to. As the ‘gig’ scene is stereotypically aimed at the younger generations, and the photos of Brad Spectre are mainly taken at one of his gigs, it meets their ever demanding need for updated information on the latest and hottest music artists and events. It also represents that easy going persona that Brad has.

In order to widen my circulation and improve my audience readership, my magazine also has aspects that attract other social groups. For example, this is done by the artists changing in each edition, therefore appealing to differing audiences. However, their style and portrayal will be similar, as it follows the 'Indie' persona seen throughout my magazine.

Evaluation: Question One - draft

Evaluation Beginning Stages

I am answering each question first in full detail, then, depending on the answer I will choose an appropriate digital technology or ICT

final drafts

 

Feedback From Teacher With Check List 3rd Update (with extra notes)

• Think about the size of the page numbers on the contents.
• Alignment of the text across all 3 pages.
• You also need to work on the front cover - cropping of image, and cover lines coming off the side. 

• The text has been brought in on the sides and so is no longer cut offs/ almost falling off the page.
• Colour changes to text in order for it to stand out more and be easily read when on the shelf.
• Logo re-sized to stand out more.
• Puff has been shrunk so it doesn't outstand the logo.

•  Re-aligned the text so it all fits into columns and doesn't look 'wonky' or 'out of place'.
• Re-sized the page numbers so the most important is largest, then size decreases as it gets further away from the main feature.
• Did a little re-sizing on the other platform logos (twitter, Facebook, Instagram...) as they seemed wonky and needed re-doing.

• Added in the "apparently I did" pull quote so there wasn't a gap.
• Double checked alignments to make sure it was all slick and correct.
• Did a little re-sizing on the other platform logos (twitter, Facebook, Instagram...) as they seemed wonky and needed re-doing.

Feedback From Teacher With Check List 2nd Update

Think about the size of the page numbers on the contents.

Alignment of the text across all 3 pages.

You also need to work on the front cover - cropping of image, and cover lines coming off the side. 

Feedback From Teacher With Check List

• Think about the size of the page numbers on the contents.
• Alignment of the text across all 3 pages.
• You also need to work on the front cover - cropping of image, and cover lines coming off the side. 

Mrs D

An excellent draft. there are just a few tweaks. Think about the size of the page numbers on the contents and the alignment of the text across all 3 pages. There are just a few gaps. You also need to work on the front cover - cropping of image, and cover lines coming off the side. 

Audience Feed Back on drafts

Take part on my online survey

 

 

I posted a survey onto my Facebook and Twitter pages, tagging my target audience so I would only get feedback from them. 

However, in order for my magazine to be as successful as possible, I also tagged some varying audiences and demographics. This was just to get a rough idea on who would actually buy my magazine from a wider audience.

 

Here is some of the answers given. Over all, all answers were very positive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECOND TO LAST DRAFTS

Front Cover:

 

 

 

 

Contents:

 

 

 

 

Double Page Spread:

 

 

Double Page Spread - Photo Added

Front Cover - Logo Re Sizing

 

I decided to re-size my logo to make it stand out more on the page.

Final Check List Updates 2

consider font type for the descriptions of articles as it is weak/pale and hard to read, making there look like there's a lot of blank space.

Make sure you have a range of shot types and distances across your 4 images.

I would make sure there is a strapline/heading to your article as this would help explain the image. It could be a pull quote.

 Maybe a caption for the image would also help with how the left hand reads.

 (I need to add in one final image)

Final Check List Updates

consider font type for the descriptions of articles as it is weak/pale and hard to read, making there look like there's a lot of blank space.

Make sure you have a range of shot types and distances across your 4 images.

I would make sure there is a strapline/heading to your article as this would help explain the image. It could be a pull quote.

 Maybe a caption for the image would also help with how the left hand reads.

Final Check List Before Deadline

• consider font type for the descriptions of articles as it is weak/pale and hard to read, making there look like there's a lot of blank space.
• Make sure you have a range of shot types and distances across your 4 images.
• I would make sure there is a strapline/heading to your article as this would help explain the image. It could be a pull quote.
•  Maybe a caption for the image would also help with how the left hand reads.

Dolby

Hi, this is looking really good. The Front cover is effective and there is a clear house style- nice image. Contents is easy to read and on the whole laid out quite well but I would consider font type for the descriptions of articles as it is weak/pale and hard to read, making there look like there's a lot of blank space. Make sure you have a range of shot types and distances across your 4 images. A little work to do on the double page spread. I would make sure there is a strapline/heading to your article as this would help explain the image. It could be a pull quote. Maybe a caption for the image would also help with how the left hand reads.

Double Page Spread Exported Picture

 

Contents Page Exported Picture

 

Front Cover Exported Picture

Check List Update

Experiment with front cover image - "isn't the expected choice as it isn't mid-shot and doesn't have the artist giving eye contact", look through pictures to find a better option.

Look through colouring and fonts again.

Add date and price to front cover - possibly date on all pages.

Try adding more onto front cover - need to look at layout again to make it more affective.

Need to add page numbers.

Check alignments on my pages.

Add text to double page spread

red line branding - add to front page?

Double Page Spread change!

I have decided to remove the right hand side main image, this is my current state of work;

Front Cover 3rd Update

Here is the third update of my front cover, I am still playing about with layouts and fonts trying to find the most successful page.

Date and Price Added To Front Cover

 

 

 

 

The date is now on all pages.

Experiment with front cover image - "isn't the expected choice as it isn't mid-shot and doesn't have the artist giving eye contact", look through pictures to find a better option.

Look through colouring and fonts again.

Add date and price to front cover - possibly date on all pages.

Try adding more onto front cover - need to look at layout again to make it more affective.

Need to add page numbers.

Check alignments on my pages.

Add text to double page spread

red line branding - add to front page?

Puff Update

I have created a new puff, of which I believe is more effective then my last; the golden colour creates a more important feeling about it making it stand out from the page, yet at the same time it doesn't draw attention away from my main focus.

OLD:

NEW:

Front Cover Update 2

 

Here is the second update of my front cover, I am currently playing about with layouts and fonts to find the most effective way to convey my magazine and its motives.

Look through colouring and fonts again.

Add date and price to front cover - possibly date on all pages.

Try adding more onto front cover - need to look at layout again to make it more affective.

Check alignments on my pages.

red line branding - add to front page?

Front Cover Update With New Image

Here is the beginning stages of my front cover re-draft. I can now focus on finishing the check list my teacher gave me:

Look through colouring and fonts again.

Add date and price to front cover - possibly date on all pages.

Try adding more onto front cover - need to look at layout again to make it more affective.

Check alignments on my pages.

red line branding - add to front page?

2nd Contents Update

 

As you can see I have re-aligned my page to make it visually more affective.

I have also added an extra "regular" feature in order to reduce white black areas.

Contents Update

• I need to replace some of my images
• re- align the page.

Teacher Feedback on Double Page Spread

• I need to replace my main image on the right.
• re-think the red line cutting through the page.
• re-think the boxing of my photos.

My teacher said all my ideas are good but don't quite work together, therefore I need to re-think some sections, as the page is too confusing as such.

Teacher Feedback on Contents

I need to replace some of my images and then re- align the page.

 

as you can see the page looks as though it is split into thirds, the bottom half doesn't match up to the top half. I need to rethink the layout more before my deadline.

 

Double Page Spread Updated Rough Cut

Here is my latest and most up to date rough cut of my Double Page Spread with my check list for this page almost complete. After feed back and an update of my front cover I will then continue to complete my check list, looking particularly at these points:

Look through colouring and fonts again.

Add date and price to front cover - possibly date on all pages.

Try adding more onto front cover - need to look at layout again to make it more affective.

Check alignments on my pages.

red line branding - add to front page?

Contents Page and Check List Update

"Contents is most successful- interesting use of layout  array of images. You must follow codes and conventions and add page numbers- go back to real media artifacts. Look at alignment of text and captions for images."

 

Experiment with front cover image - "isn't the expected choice as it isn't mid-shot and doesn't have the artist giving eye contact", look through pictures to find a better option.

Look through colouring and fonts again.

Add date and price to front cover - possibly date on all pages.

Try adding more onto front cover - need to look at layout again to make it more affective.

Need to add page numbers.

Check alignments on my pages.

Add text to double page spread

red line branding - add to front page?

 

 

Check List Update

Experiment with front cover image - "isn't the expected choice as it isn't mid-shot and doesn't have the artist giving eye contact", look through pictures to find a better option.

Look through colouring and fonts again.

Add date and price to front cover - possibly date on all pages.

Try adding more onto front cover - need to look at layout again to make it more affective.

Need to add page numbers.

Check alignments on my pages.

Add text to double page spread

red line branding - add to front page?

I have added the date and little banner from my contents page onto my double page spread, therefor continuity will be found and my audience will not be confused by a missing items.

Front Cover - Puff Inspiration

After looking at many different real media artifacts, I wanted my puff to be more interesting. This is my initial idea, how ever it doesn't quite jump out as much as the other magazines I have seen, for that reason I will change the colour, but still keep to my house style! And hopefully that will make my front cover look and feel more like a magazine whilst following the codes and conventions.

 

 

Here is my inspiration:

 

Front Cover Update - Possible Photo Change

Experiment with front cover image - "isn't the expected choice as it isn't mid-shot and doesn't have the artist giving eye contact", look through pictures to find a better option.

Look through colouring and fonts again.

Add date and price to front cover - possibly date on all pages.

Try adding more onto front cover - need to look at layout again to make it more affective.

Need to add page numbers.

Check alignments on my pages.

Add text to double page spread

red line branding - add to front page?

Here is a section of the possible photo update. Here, although the photo doesnt have the artist looking directly into the audiences eye to make that connection, it still is a mid shot and shows continuity through the rest of my piece.

Double Page Spread 4th Update