Evaluation

Changes Made

Throughout the process of my coursework, I had made many changes due to the quality of my photos. I had taken new images a couple of times in order to improve the lighting, Mise-en-scene etc. so that my images looked more professional and suitable. As a result, I had made many changes throughout the production of my work which included changes to my mock ups and the Masthead name. This was done so that it related to my genre in a more sophisticated way.

Lesson Planning

Day	Tasks
Monday 16th January	Make a BlogSpot account and start preliminary task – take images
Wednesday 18th January	Continue with preliminary task on Adobe Photoshop – add Masthead etc. so that it looks like a college front cover magazine.
Friday 20th January	Upload preliminary onto BlogSpot. Start researching my own genre magazine front covers.
Monday 23rd January	Continue my research – analyse at least one front cover
Wednesday 25th January	Continue with analysing and research a magazine contents page to analyse
Friday 27th January	Analyse first contents page
Monday 30th January	Continue with analysing and research a double page spread
Wednesday 1st February	Analyse double page spread
Friday 3rd February	Analyse second front cover
Monday 6th February	Analyse second contents page
Wednesday 8th February	Analyse second double page spread
Friday 10th February	Practise using different shots by taking pictures such as the rule of thirds and depth of field.
Monday 12th February	Research into target audience
Wednesday 15th February	Create mock ups on the grid layout
Saturday 18th February	Complete all three mock ups
Wednesday 22nd February	Start taking images for my front page and contents
Monday 27th February	Start work on Photoshop of front cover
Friday 2nd March	Continue working on front cover an edit pictures
Monday 5th March	Edit image for front cover and start contents page
Wednesday 8th March	Continue working on contents page
Monday 12th March	Insert different images that could be used and take any new images if told to do so
Wednesday 14th March	Start on double page spread
Friday 16th March	Continue with front cover e.g. straplines
Monday 19th March	Create an article for double page spread
Wednesday 21st March	Contents page add text and sort out layout
Saturday 24th March	Continue making any changes to all three pages.
Monday 26th March	Submit work onto blog – planning of Photoshop skills etc. All three pages should be uploaded – Front cover, Double page spread and Contents page.
Props/resources needed -	Mock ups so that i can start my final magazine,Photoshop, Digital camera, USB Port, Models – Appropriate clothing, Student booklet etc.

Planning of Photoshop Skills

Work

Progress

I am working on my images for my contents and double page spread

Planning of Contents, Double Page and Contents Pages

Research into Target Audience

The music genre for my magazine is R&B, therefore my target audience will be aged between 16-25, targeted both males and females. After conducting my research and analysing different front covers, contents and double page spreads I have discovered many R&B generic conventions. On most magazines with this genre show images of artists such as females, wearing minimal clothing and posturing in sexual way in order to attract both females and males by looking attractive to show that they care about appearance. Therefore, females will look up to these images as role models. In terms of male artists, men are shown to be wearing ‘chains’, ‘caps’ in order to look cool, they also have their jeans below their waist which informs a sense of fashion for the male audience. Taking into account the generic conventions, I will be taking images which are long shots to show the complete outfit of the artist wearing sexual clothes that are revealing to attract both genders. The posture of my character will also be very sexual as this is also a generic convention in which I should take into consideration. The colours used for this genre are mainly black and white, red and blue. These colours contrast well as they stand out to gain the audience’s attention as well as having a meaning.

Camera Angles

This is a mid-shot of an R&B/Hip-hop band.  The image consists of a multiple focus as the artists are looking different directions in which allows the audience to look at each artist individually. The mid shot allows us to see the facial expressions of each member in which are all sophisticating. The fact that the woman in the band is placed in the middle highlights Importance as she is the only lady in the band which shows uniqueness. The artist on the left, ‘Dappy’  is shown to be the ‘cool’ person throughout the use of his clothes, cap and tattoos whereas the man on the right ‘Fazer’ is emphasises as being more formal and professional as he is wearing a suit and a stylish watch. The women who is called ‘Tulisa’ is wearing sexual clothes as her body is  quite revealing in which she is also wearing make-up and has her hair styled out which enforces the idea that she cares about beauty and appearance. The characters are holding micro phones, highlighting that they are all members in the same band and also are performing live which could be in a concert. This is shown through the lightning as it is very bright and natural, which empathises that they may be outside. The fact that there are equipment in the background which are blurred out implies that they are performing, and also through the use of ear monitors and facial expressions. The look on Tulsa’s face suggests that she is singing as her mouth is open as she looks very serious and into her role. Overall, a mid-shot has been used for this image to show the facial expressions and the main focus is on who the characters are.

This image is a long shot of an R&B/Hip-hop artist called ‘Dappy’. The image allows us to see what the artist is wearing as well as looking at facial expressions. The artist is dressed smart as he is wearing a shirt and tie in which he looks very stylish, sophisticated and sharp in. His posture suggests that he is very confident as he has one of his legs slightly bent, hand in his pocket and of his arms bent over his chest with his hand closed in. This highlights the artist’s personality as shown to be ‘cool’ and happy. The fact that his facial expressions is shown to be serious emphasises that the image may be taken for a photo shoot. Also, depth of field is created as we are able to see what’s behind and to the sides of the artist which is clearly empty. The fact that the character is placed in front of a white background makes the character stand out as the main focus, also suggesting that the image is a photo shoot. The artist is wearing ‘shades’ which implies that they are in fashion grabbing attention from the audience as they look up to celebrities towards the latest fashion.  However, we do not see many people who wear pumps/trainers with a suit; therefore this highlights uniqueness as well as being stylish. 

2nd Double page spread

This double page spread is from a Vibe magazine which is based on R&B and Hip-hop. We know for a fact that this page is from that magazine because it is stated on the bottom of the page in which the page number is indicated.

The image used is of an R&B/Hip-hop artist called ‘Solange Knowles’. The artists name stands out on the page as it is in bright blue which tells the reader straight away that the article is going to be about her in which also shows how important she is.  This draws the reader’s attention into reading and looking at that section of the page. This is because the name which is in blue contrasts against the black writing and white background, therefore the reader will immediately distinguish who the article is about.

The posture of the main image shows innocence that she has as her hands are behind her back, this also emphasises that she has confidence in which the way she has been positioned.  The image grabs the reader’s attention as the model is giving direct eye contact which makes the audience feel personalised. This will draw attention into the article as well as making the reader feel at ease with the artist. The fact that the image is placed on the left side of the pages and is in colour makes it stand out from the rest as they are in black and white. This lets the audience know what to look at first and tells them what and who the article is about.

In terms of the image in colour the clothes worn by the model imply different ideas. In terms of the red dress, the implications of the colour red are: love, romance, passion, fire and sexiness. This may signify her personality which also suggests that what she is wearing is fashionable and d stylish. Therefore, this will interest the audience as young women like to know what’s in fashion and up to date with what celebrities wear. The colour red also contracts with the black and white background which will again gain the audience’s attention towards the artist.

The black and white image at the top of the page gives the reader an idea about the artist’s personality as they discover a better representation of her. Also, the images show a positive side of the artist as she looks active and excited in all of the images through different poses as well as showing her background in which may make the reader feel at comfort. The fact that there are black lines through the page horizontally, divides the page into two between the text and images which allows the reader to focus on the images carefully rather than having difficulty looking at images and reading texts that are dispersed all of the pages.

In terms of text, the page starts off with a small statement which relates to the artist (partly why the name is written in a different colour) which is bold capital letters. This is short, sharp and straight to the point which is used to engage the reader as it gives the article first impressions and a dramatic and secretive effect to it. The texts are written in columns which make the page look well organised and professional as articles are mainly 

written in columns.

The text in bold which is placed next to the image on the right hand side stands out, as the section of this text is in bold black writing which will attract the reader to read the most important part of the text as it may be the main part.

2nd Contents Page

This Contents page is from the R&B/Hip-hop magazine ‘Vibe’. This magazine is read by both genders that are in their teens and upwards. The white outline which is the letter ‘V’ is the name of the magazine name which is shortened. This links in with the main image which takes up most of the page as the image itself is a model that has her legs in the shape of a V. Therefore, this might highlight what the magazine will be about in which the model shows that she may be the main article inside. Her sexual pose, high heels and insignificant clothing is a convention used to highlight the R&B music stereotyping. The fact that she is lying on the floor with her legs up brings her body language to look as though she has had many indiscriminate or casual sexual relationships. Also, the fact that she is looking at the reader and giving eye contact makes the reader feel subjective as well as being the main focus. The way she is positioned also implies that she is self-confident.  This affects the audience which is women as she looks as though she is happy with her appearance in which the audience will therefore look up to her as a role model and read the magazine as they will be Inspired and would want to read about her. Ciara’s clothes, layout of the page and the colour scheme contrast well together as they make the page look professional and formal. The image is of a music artist called ‘Ciara’ who is popular and therefore attract more readers. Both males and females are targeted as males can look at the image and admire the model or females can feel negative about the image as they do not appear to look or feel as good as her or even idolise the model.

The model is wearing silver and gold which suggests that she is wealthy, stylish and elegant. It also indicates that the magazine itself is classy as the model is imitating this to the reader. The lightning of the image is been put thoughtfully. This is shown through the way the model looks, as though she is blooming as the colour around the glow is black which is used on the outline of the models legs/clothes and image itself. This fact that a glow has been used represents ‘angels’ and ‘innocence’ in which the magazine is highlighting but also may be stimulating and deceitful.

The colour of the masthead, ‘Contents’ is in white which contrasts with the background as it is dark and uses shades of grey at the top and gradually moves lighters towards the bottom. This is done to get the audience’s attention as it stands out and is the second main focus of the page.  The masthead is also unique and different to other contents magazine pages as it looks very fashionable which Indicates that the magazine it targeted at of a younger audience such as teenagers.

The contents page is split into two sections, ‘Features’ and ‘Fashion’ which are two headings. This also shows that the reader is familiar with this type of magazine as all ‘Vibe’ magazines contain the same headings on the contents page.  By splitting the contents like this, makes it easier for the reader as is less confusing. It also lets reader find what they want to read as they may only be interested in the fashion section or the features section. Both sections include page numbers with sub headings and information about the story which allows the reader to get an insight about the article. The text which includes words that are in bold letters stand out as they are key words that give the reader an impression of what the article will include.  

Double page spread

This double page spread comes from the magazine called rock sound. The double page spread contains one image which is large and the characters come from the rock band called ‘PARAORE’. The fact that the women is placed at the front, compared to the men shows that she is the leader in which her name is ‘Haley Williams’ and also indicates the reason why she is in colour. This also highlights the fact that she is the most important member of the group as she is the only female singer which is why she gets the most attention.  The title of the band is written in colour and is placed on the left hand side across the page. The fact that it is tilted makes the name of the band stand out more as it is unfamiliar and appealing because you don’t often see the title been placed in this way. The title and Image approve stereotypes against rock fans/people as the title doesn’t link in with the image. This is because the image is taken from a low angle and the title looks flustered in which makes the band look higher, in control and unapproachable. There is not much writing used on the page which indicates that the main attention is the image which is placed in the background. As the background is black and white, it contrasts with the colour of the text as it is white and therefore easier to read. Lastly, there is an explanation of the image on the top right hand side corner to and pull the readers and make them tempted into reading the article which is place on the left hand side on top of the background image.

Contents Page

The contents page comes from a magazine which is called ‘Vibe’ and is an ‘RnB’/hip-hop magazine. The name of the magazine is placed on the right hand top corner of the page. This tells the readers where the magazine comes from and to also remind them the genre so that they do not have to flip back to the front cover but instead carry on reading. The colours used are red and black which are dark colours and also white. However, white is not a dark colour which is used for the name of the page which is ‘Contents’ so that it is clear to the reader. I like the way the image used is unusual and it is not seen often but also attractive because it takes up most of the page and is fascinating, this makes it the main focus for the reader when they first look at the page as it grabs attention. The image is of a character called, ‘Algernod Washington’, also known as ‘Piles’ and is a well-known rapper. The character sings hip hop music which is therefore similar to the magazine because it is an RnB/Hip Hop genre type of magazine. The text on the left hand side tells the reader what is in magazine which is in small writing and therefore could be hard to read. However, the list is put into two categories which clearly states ‘features’ and ‘fashion’ as sub titles. This helps the reader find what they are interested in and may be looking for as a way to make it easier for them, so that they do not need to read through a list to classify what each one is about. Also, the text is written in an alignment which makes the page look neat and professional. 

Magazine 2 Research 2

Rock Music Magazine:

Masthead: The title of this magazine is 'Kerrang!' as it is clearly stated at the top, in which some of the letters are covered by the main image. This shows that the Masthead is popular as it doesn't need to be seen, this is because the same type of magazine is common as the title is shown on every single magazine. The image is the main focus as it stands out and is placed in the middle of the page. The fact that the image taken is a medium shot allows the audience to see the types of clothes the models are wearing. The image is aimed at their fans which are in black, red and white as they are stereotypical colours targeted at young middle aged people who have an interest in rock music. The fact that the image is taken of men who are placed in a certain position; two men are in front and a couple are behind suggests they are in some sort of rock band and work together. It also shows that the men were position in a certain form in terms of body language therefore they are posing. The facial expressions indicate that their music is very serious in which is therefore dedicated to people that are serious about what they listen to.

The Straplines which are on the top and bottom of the page tell the audience what the magazine it include suggesting that that names stated are common and known as part of the rock genre. The fact that it states 'Plus' in red capital letters tell us that the straplines consists of people which is are extra part of the magazine. The magazine has used extra promotions in order to gain more buyers. The straplines are in white who are placed at the top and bottom of the page in capital letters stand out as they have used white which stands out from the background as the magazine cover mainly uses black and red.

The tagline which is ‘THE BEST IN TOWN GO GLOBAL’ suggests that the men in the image which is a band are now known to be even popular as their band is going worldwide. The fact that the tagline uses words such as ‘Best’ and ‘Town’ suggests that the band did not travel many places in which not of their fans were therefore able to see them real. However, the word ‘best’ shows that they are being stereotypical as they think that the rock genre is better than the rest such as ‘pop’ and ‘grime’. The tagline uses red in which stand out as they on top of a black background which is just used for the tagline the fact that line ends with an exclamation mark gives emphasise as it indicates that the audience should be surprised about it.

The words, ‘The Blackout’ are placed on the main image and top of the tagline in a way to show what the magazine includes. It is eye catching as it stands out against the image in which fans should recognise the name which is why it has been placed in that way.

The cover also uses a kicker which is placed on top of the straplines .The kicker stands out as the number ‘5’ is larger in terms of font size compared to the rest of the words.  However, the fact that the colour of the font is yellow stands out and also fits in with the generic conventions of rock as it is one of the colours used often for the genre. The fact that the colour symbolises happiness and the main image used does not show this through the facial expressions shows that even though rock may use the colours red and black which are quite depressing and dull suggest that the personality of the men does not clash as they may be living normal happy lives. The fact that two images are used indicates other known rock bands which are named above the images. One image uses a close up/mid shot as it also shows similar ways in which the image on the cover is related as the men also positioned the fact that one man is wearing glasses, and one is wearing a hat and they are not looking all directed all us suggests that the picture artistic . All members in the bad are wearing black and white which tells us that they all one group as they have something in common in which we see all members as being equal. The second image is taken in terms of rules and thirds and in depth. This is because the man in the left hand corner is shown to be looking somewhere in which we cannot tell as he is wearing black shaded glasses. However, the fact that he is not standing completely straight but is tilting to the side suggests that he looking at something. In the background there are men which also are members of the bans. The image uses a long shot as we can see a full image from head to toe in which they used to show their clothes as well as their body language. The men are posing with their arms crossed which highlights that they are standing in a way to show that they are cool.  The kicker has been used so that a larger audience can buy the magazine as it includes free gifts which are the five posters. A kicker has been used to promote so that they are gain more buyers. As a result, it might catch eye attention in which people who do not like or know about rock may therefore buy the magazine to find out about them. Also, it also attracts fans as they would want to have the gifts if they are to do with certain rock bands in which they may like. Therefore, fans may buy the magazine to gain the free gift instead of actually read what the article says.

The contrast of the cover is from red, black, and white to yellow.  All the colours stand out as they being used for different purposes as well as being used as one of the generic conventions. The fact that the kicker used yellow suggests that it will attract customers as the colour is quite bright and represents cheerful and is a positive colour therefore it sets the mood of the cover. The four colours used are simple and used in the right ways in which have been thoughtful as the cover does not look like the colours have blended in with each other but looks quite professional. Also, the layout has been used thoughtfully to make the look like the rock genre as well as attract as much customers as they can by using free gifts. The bar code is place on the right hand size horizontally



Masthead: This is’RnB’ as it is clearly in blue and stands out as the logo. It suggest that the logo is common in which people are familiar with and therefore popular. It also indicates that the logo is used on all magazines. However, the use of blue makes it fit in with the rest of the cover as it usually the same colour. This highlights the fact that different magazine covers using the same genre and masthead ‘RNB’ change the colour of it to a similar colour which fits in which their magazine. For example: if a magazine cover had their main colours of their cover as red and white, they may change the Masthead to red so that it doesn’t look unusual.

The straplines are the second main focus of the magazine. This is shown through the use of the font. The font is in bold, capital letters which suggests that it is important as it gives the audience clues on what else might be in the magazine.The main image is the picture of Melanie Fiona as her name is indicated below the picture. The image is a mid-shot as it addressing the audience. The image takes a large amount of the cover which indicates that  it is the main focus. The fact that the lady is posing in a masculine way through the use of her leg and arm gesture as she is sitting down suggests that the target audience is teenage girls and boys aged between 15-20. However, the fact that the image of a lady suggest that it is mainly targeted at boys as it attracts the opposite gender.Contrast: The colours used as a whole on this magazine front cover is blue, black and white. These are masculine colours as blue is associated with the male gender. The fact that the background is plain white allows the main image which is placed on the right hand side to stand out from the text.

Masthead: This is’RnB’ as it is clearly in blue and stands out as the logo. It suggest that the logo is common in which people are familiar with and therefore popular. It also indicates that the logo is used on all magazines. The Masthead font isn’t very formal or casual. This sets the genre as it shows that the audience are of a younger generation in which may still be at school and also use slang. This is shown as young teenagers use technology such as phones via text messaging and social networking sites. These are common in which teenagers do not use Standard English to communicate with others as they tend to use words that are shortened and easier to understand.  The font of the Masthead may also be seen on graffiti walls in which teenagers make by writing with permanent markers and using font that to them looks ‘cool’.

Tagline: Music,Lifestyle,Fashion suggests what the magazine is going to be about. The word ‘fashion’ is very feminine and therefore targeted at girls. However, the words ‘Music’ and ‘Lifestyle’ is a word used which targets a large audience as many young people listen to music. For example: technology has improved in terms of the society we are living In now therefore, technology has improved to an extent where it allows many people gain access to music such as through ipods, MP3 players also the fact that radio is fitted in many phones. This means that many young people are able to buy updated new phone which consist of a radio, when they are on the go they can listen to music instead of having a wired radio that needs to be plugged in. The tagline uses the rule of three as each word links in with each other but isn't worded in a way that make the audience recognise how they link as they are not been put in a sentence.

The text place on the image which states ‘Melanie Fiona’ attracts attention towards the audience.  This is done through the use of the image and the way they have placed the text/title on top of it, making sure that the image is not covered.  The title is in capital letters which is the name of the character or the main image which is an ‘rnb’ singer. This shows that the name of the person put in that position is so that the audience know who she is. This shows that name must be familiar to most teenagers who listen and have interest in r’n’b music.  The use of having someone common on your magazine attracts more buyers as they may be a fan of the person and therefore will buy the magazine for the sake of reading more about that person.

The straplines are the second main focus of the magazine. This is shown through the use of the font. The font is in bold, capital letters which suggests that it is important as it gives the audience clues on what else might be in the magazine. The straplines have been place in an alignment which is in a certain order which makes the magazine look professional as the layout which includes the tagline, image etc  are placed so that the whole magazine looks formal as well as making the cover fit in with the generic conventions and the ‘rnb’ genre. The straplines use a good use of contrast through the use of blue and black as the blue is in capitals and use a bigger front agaist the black writing. The also shows that the blue words are much important as they stand out in which names have been used and the writing below gives the audience a sense of how the names are important by telling us what the artistic names will be about in which the magazine will conclude of. Also, it gives the audience the first impressions as they know what to expect of the magazine to be about, therefore a flavour of the magazine in which will Interest them and make them buy the magazine.

The main image is the picture of Melanie Fiona as her name is indicated below the picture. The image is a mid-shot as it addressing the audience. The image takes a large amount of the cover which indicates that  it is the main focus. The fact that the lady is posing in a masculine way through the use of her leg and arm gesture as she is sitting down suggests that the target audience is teenage girls and boys aged between 15-20. However, the fact that the image of a lady suggest that it is mainly targeted at boys as it attracts the opposite gender.

Contrast: The main colours on this magazine cover are blue, black and a little tone of white. This is shown through the use of the tagline, image and the Masthead. These are masculine colours as blue is asscociated with the male gender. By using just two main colours makes the cover look professional and sophisticated. This is because the colours allow the audience to understand each part of the cover and where is what, such as the straplines which give the audience a picture of what’s inside. The colours of the layout shown at a glance are bright which makes it eye catching but also grabs the right target audience.

The fact that the background is plain white allows the main image which is placed on the right hand side to stand out from the text. The costume of the lady which is a blue dress also emphasises that the Image is trying to attract the opposite sex as well as the same as the image is of a lady and not a man. This is stereotypical as it is suggesting that the use of having a particular gender will attract the opposite sex.  The use of her hair is also blue which shows that the image taken is artistic and also may have been Photoshop. Therefore, the fact that image is been put in that certain way shows there is a purpose behind the image.
Also, the image itself uses different lightings. The tone of colour and texture of the singers arm is darker compared to her hands, left leg and face. This shows that the image may have been taken in an area which determines light in different angles or may have been edited though the use of Photoshop. The character is wearing makeup such as blue eyeliner which fits in with the colour scheme. The headband on her head is used as a prop which shows that it is an urban magazine. Jewellery such as the big ring, bracelet and necklace emphasis that it is aimed at men as women tend to prefer charms and small things instead of bling that is big in which is associated with men who dress up wearing an a lot of bling which stand out and is stereotypical. The women’s hair is placed in a way in which shows that she doesn’t really care about her looks as it isn’t very professional or neat and just been put to the side. Therefore, this is a generic convention which shows that it is aimed at teenage girls who are not fussy about their looks and more into their music.

The barcode is placed on the right hand bottom corner which is clearly shown to the audience as it is easily recognisable.

College front page

This is the task we did at the start of the project in which we started off with. The magazine front cover shows that the Masthead is placed on the top of the page. The image used is a medium shot showing pupils that go to that 6th form. Also, the tagline at the bottom of the page asks a question so that the people who would want to go to that college will know what courses that college offers. The front cover has'nt got a main colour scheme as I have used the colours red and blue. I have included the college logo so that the audience will know what college they will be going to. 'Apply now' is written in bold capital letters so that it is eye catching. It is one of the main attentions of the front cover as the target audience which are pupils at the age of 16-19 will look at straight away.