Evaluation of my music magazine task

2. In order to create my product I had to do a lot of
research and planning, now that I have finished
constructing my product I feel it appropriate to
analyse the process in which I went through to get to
this stage.

4. In what ways does your media product
use, develop or challenge forms and
conventions of real media products?
(Front Cover)
My music magazine’s front cover follows several codes and conventions
of typical music magazine front covers, ways in which it does this is the fact there
is one main image that dominates the front cover, the model within the image is
addressing the reader directly as she is looking at the camera and the image used
is a mid shot; these are all common features presented in music magazines. Also,
my masthead has a trademark unique font and consists of only one word which
relates to the genre it represents, it fills the width of the front cover and is situated
at the top of the page. The date and price are placed at the top right underneath
the masthead which again follows conventions. My main sell line relates to and
features the name of the artist appearing on the front cover which is another
common convention used in music magazines.
I have included a puff which contains a buzz word; ‘FREE’, this is a code
and convention commonly used in music magazines and will draw the attention of
my audience. My main cover line is the largest cover line on my front cover which
is a very important convention I felt I needed to follow.
My front cover also consists of colloquial language in which will attract
my target audience, for example, in one of my sell lines I have used the word
“swag” which relates to having a good appearance/representation of yourself

5. The word “swag” is commonly used by the target audience of my magazine so
will appeal to them, this is a feature used by most magazines promoting this
urban genre, for example, VIBE’s Eminem issue where they use “swaggajack” in
one of their sell lines.
At the top of my magazine I have included a strip in which will show the
audience what content is available within my product. Colour schemes used are
usually very basic and consist of one bright colour and two primary colours; I
have followed this convention by using black and white as my primary colours
and red as my vibrant colour. I gained my inspiration for my product from ‘VIBE’
magazine as they are very successful and good at what they do, also all their
issues have a unique and different feel compared to the others and my magazine
should also bring something new and different each issue.
In terms of costume I have followed the style and conventions of typical
R&B products. The artist/model featured on my front cover is wearing red
lipstick which is a common make-up choice within this urban genre mainly
because the colour red connotes passion and power which also relates to my
magazine’s slogan, placed on the right-hand side underneath the masthead. Also,
the army print bralet the model is wearing is similar to a crop top which is a
common feature in R&B products, especially music videos, also, the high-waisted
skirt is also a common feature as it shows a good sense of fashion and the
model’s beauty.

6. Click the picture to watch the music video by Rihanna performing 'Only Girl In The
World'

8. In what ways does your media product
use, develop or challenge forms and
(Contents
conventions of real media products? Page)
My music magazine’s contents page follows the codes and conventions of typical
music magazine contents pages as it contains common features such as the layout;
it is set into columns and the page is divided in two, one half contains the content
featured within the magazine and the other half contains an image which relates to
the main feature article; this makes the page easy on the readership’s eye allowing
them to divert their attention to each column easily and quickly to find what
they’re looking for. This is featured in the majority of music magazines promoting
this urban genre especially VIBE magazine who has used this convention to
maintain their brand identity.
The word ‘contents’ is usually located at the top of the page; it is also
common to see the name of the magazine and the issue date at the top of the page
however as this is already placed on my front cover I felt it unnecessary to repeat
this convention, yet I have maintained my magazine’s brand identity by using my
masthead font on the word ‘contents’ and the other subheadings to create a
symbiotic link. I have also followed through with my colour scheme to maintain my
magazine’s brand identity and create another symbiotic link, this is also a
convention used in all magazine’s so it was necessary for my magazine to develop
this convention.

10. In what ways does your media product
use, develop or challenge forms and
(Double page
conventions of real media products? spread)
Most conventions of typical double page spreads can be found on my own design;
these consist of a large image where the model/artist is making direct eye contact
with the camera, creating a direct address; this creates a connection between the
audience and the magazine which entices the readership to buy the magazine. My
double page spread also contains two pull quotes, one by the image and one by the
headline; the reason I have used this feature is because they are of extreme
importance and usually determine whether the readership reads the article or not
as it refers to the most interesting part of the article which is why I felt it necessary
to use more than one. Another convention I have followed is having the celebrities
name highlighted and in a bold font, this is to show their status as a celebrity and
also grab the readership’s attention. I have also included a stand first to introduce
the artist as the images presented of the artist may not be recognisable to some
readers.
My double page spread contains a drop cap to inform the readership
where to start reading, also, my text has been set into 3 columns so that it looks
tidy and gives my product a professional look and feel.

11. I inverted conventions by putting my main image on the right side rather than the
typical left as I would like the readership to make their way over to the main image
so they still have more to uncover.
Instead of putting a by line under the image which is a common
convention I decided to put it at the very end of the article so that the readership
actually pay attention to it as most by lines are not taken notice of. My article uses
a lot of colloquial language to appeal to the readership and my double page spread
follows the same colour scheme as the rest of my product therefore creating a
symbiotic link. Having the image on the right means that it will be the first thing
the readership will see as they flick through the magazine, grabbing their
attention; visuals always appeal to a male audience first and will grab their
attention more easily than text. The content within my double page spread is
conventional as I have used one main image, 3 smaller images relating to the
nature of the article and the interview relates to the artist’s success and upcoming
products/shows she wants to reveal to her fans.
The mode of address used on my double page spread is extremely
colloquial, for example, “trillest” and “trapstar”. This appeals to my magazine’s
target audience making them feel they can relate to the magazine which will attract
the readership.

13. How does your media product represent particular social
groups?
In the music industry, women are represented mostly as sex objects; they are
usually naked however covering their assets, the reason for this is that sex sells
however it is very degrading so I have decided to break this convention and
represent women in a more beautiful, strong and independent way; the
representation of females as sex objects is particularly prevalent in Hip-hop and
R&B magazines. It is also common for magazines to portray youths in a negative
light, you commonly see pictures of youngsters in front of graffiti or with
criminal activity going on in the background for example 50 Cent’s ‘VIBE’ issue
where there are explosions going on in the background and he has a briefcase in
his hand creating a ‘gangster’ feel to the magazine, I am also inverting this
stereotype by using a plain brick wall as a background, not the typical
graphitised wall you’d usually see on an RnB related text. When creating my
front cover I wanted to highlight the beauty of women and their power which is
why my model is doing the pose she’s doing. In my contents page I wanted to
show the strength of women in this current era which is why my model has two
clenched fists as this connotes strength and power.

14. Also, when creating my double page spread I wanted to show that women can be
sexy with their clothes on, it doesn’t take a naked photo-shoot to grab someone’s
attention or to be called beautiful. This breaks the codes and conventions of a
typical RnB music magazine however I find it more appropriate as society is
revolutionising.
The model featured in my magazine is doing poses in which reflect her
flirty, bubbly nature instead of poses in which highlight her assets and create
sexual innuendos; this creates a positive representation of women as she still
looks beautiful and feminine however isn’t degrading herself by showing lots of
skin or posing sexually like females represented in this urban genre often do. The
language used within the article on my double page spread supports this
representation, for example, one of the pull quotes says “I’m a strong
independent woman” showing her self-respect, also she uses assertive language
throughout the interview using phrases such as “I believe” which gives her a
voice; proposing her opinion counts.

17. http://www.mailpublishersolutions.co.uk/
http://www.ipcmedia.com/
http://www.futureplc.com/ http://www.timeinc.com/

18. What kind of media institution might distribute your media product
and why?
A media institution is a company or organisation in which is accountable for a media
text. This could be through distribution, production or marketing. Four examples of
media institutions that I have looked into for the production and distribution of my
product are Mail publisher solutions, IPC media, future plc and TimeInc. I have come to
the conclusion that the media institution I would like to produce and distribute my
media product is Future plc.
I chose this company because they are a successful, well known, mass marketing
company in which sell around 50million copies of magazines monthly; they’ve also
been around since 1985 and have been getting stronger ever since. It is evident that
music magazine sales have majorly decreased so it is important for my product to be
distributed by the best institution that I can possibly find and I believe Future plc is that
institution. Also, Future plc are an international media group therefore there are no
limitations to where my magazine can be distributed which gives my product a greater
opportunity to be highly successful. Future plc are a multi-media company therefore
can provide my product with more services than just production and distribution; they
could provide my product with services such as its own website, adverts, radio station,
TV channel and much more. Teaming up with Future plc can mean teaming up with
bigger more popular artists, having a greater variety of links within the music industry
and many more possibilities which will benefit my product greatly.

20. Who would be the target audience for your media
product?
I have aimed my music magazine at a predominantly male audience
although there will be a small section of female readers, however, a solid
80% of the readership will be males within the age bracket of 16 to 25.
The core reader of my magazine will be a confident, easy going, success
driven, bubbly, sporty, fun individual. He knows exactly what he wants
in life and where he’s going and will do almost anything to get there,
he’s very focused and allows nothing to get in his way. He would like to
be a part of the music industry and uses ‘FIERCE’ magazine to get
knowledge and find the road to success within the industry. He may be
in full or part time education or in a full or part time job(if still in
education). He likes to have fun so he stays single and commitment free
however he stays loyal and devotes himself to one magazine. My
magazine is suitable for this type of person as it’s quirky, fun,
entertaining, informative and talks about things that would appeal to
someone trying to get into the music industry such as audition
opportunities, record label signings and much more.

22. How did you attract/address your audience?
In order to get feedback from my target audience I created a miniature post
production questionnaire to find out how successfully I satisfied my audience;
the questionnaire was distributed to 15 people. The results were extremely
positive however when asked what improvements they would make the
majority said a better location or no location could have been used, a more
glamorous costume could have been used and more powerful poses would be
more appealing and more appropriate. My positive feedback consisted of a
good choice of colour scheme, a clever use of black and white focusing, it
appeals to men more than females as intended, the main sell line is attention
grabbing, the price is perfect(not too low and not too high), some said that they
would definitely buy this magazine and would not be able to walk past it and
ignore it. The mix of black, white and colour within my product seems to work
well and attracts attention well; through feedback I have discovered that the
readership see the black and white backgrounds as setting a more professional
tone to the magazine and provides a contrast, making the product stand out.
Throughout my product I have used direct address which seems to help in
catching the readership’s attention as well. The lettering used is placed
correctly and creatively and through feedback I have discovered that these little
things make a big difference as the font of my main sell line is what had drawn
the attention of my readers.

23. The idea behind my model’s costume was to connote that she is a strong leader
so her costume represents that of an army Lieutenant, this gives her power and
leadership qualities; my audience clearly stated that this choice of costume was
appropriate to the genre and they almost felt like she was superior to them so
this was a good use of iconography, also this choice of costume made them want
to find out more about her; they also made it clear that the lack of strong sexual
imagery did not disorientate their attraction to the magazine or artist in fact
majority found it more effective as it did not draw attention away from the artist.
Also, the red lipstick she’s wearing is another form of iconography as most
females in this urban genre sport red lipstick to show their passion and fiery
attitudes. The images featured on my double page spread will appeal to the
readership as they are eye-catchy and highlight the model’s beauty; also, the
pictures lead the reader’s eyes to the pull quotes in which will draw their
attention and attract them to the article. My target audience are mainly men who
strive for success, they indulge in sports and other activities relating to
fitness, their body image is extremely important to them; this includes
fashion, fitness and beauty. The content on my double page spread will appeal to
them as it talks about fashion and other areas which may interest them and
allow them to reach success. Also, the mode of address used is colloquial and will
appeal to my target audience as they will be able to relate to and understand the
language used, for example, “trapstar” is a commonly used word amongst the
readership meaning someone who hustles and has good street credibility.

27. What have you learnt about technologies from the process of
constructing this product?
Before I began the process of constructing this product I had absolutely no idea how to
use the majority of the technology I have now used so I feel like I have made a big
accomplishment and have learnt so many useful technological skills. Since beginning
this project I have learnt how to set up, use and maintain a blog, I have learnt how to use
a professional camera and I’ve learnt how to use ‘slideshare’ and embed slides on to my
blog which I had difficulties with at first. In relation to blogger I found many advantages
of having a blog; firstly it gave me the opportunity to keep track of my work and allowed
my target audience to comment on it, now that the process has finished I can look back
on my work through my blog, see how my work has progressed and see what I could
improve on. In addition to this, skills that I had already gained are now improved due to
this project; I have a better knowledge and understanding of how to use Adobe
Photoshop; for example how to use the ‘liquidify’ tool to enlarge or shrink something in
the image, also how to use the ‘burn’ tool to remove blemishes and even out skin tones
etc. I have used Photoshop before at GCSE however my use of it was very basic, for
example, I mainly used the text tool and the clone tool which did not give me a variety of
skills to work from at AS level but now through the completion of this project I know
how to use almost every tool on Photoshop which will help me in the future. I have
learnt new ways to carry out research such as focus groups and I have better and more
efficient computing skills such as the use of Microsoft word, Microsoft PowerPoint and
Microsoft Excel.

29. Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have
learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
Since creating my sixth form magazine front cover for my preliminary task I feel
my skills have developed greatly and I have made great progress, some of the skills
I believe I have developed on are my Adobe Photoshop skills as I feel more
comfortable using the programme now compared to when I did the preliminary
task.
I have learnt that layout is extremely important as a terrible layout creates
an unprofessional, messy looking magazine; alongside this I have also learnt that
colour schemes are very important as in my preliminary task I used very bright
contrasting colours in which made my front cover look messy, unprofessional and
almost child-like. Through comparison you can blatantly see that my music
magazine front cover is of a higher quality. My masthead font for my preliminary
task is inappropriate, it’s too small and doesn’t work as well as my masthead font
on my music magazine front cover which is appropriate, the right size and it
relates to the urban genre it’s promoting. In my preliminary task I did not follow
through with the typical codes and conventions of a magazine front cover and I did
not do as much extensive research as I did in my music magazine front cover which
I used as a learning curve which led me to create a much better product. I have
found the use of codes and conventions extremely important as they determine the
success of the magazine and the appeal to the target audience.

30. After the preliminary task I found the construction of my front cover, contents
page and double page spread much easier and everything I did I would
question myself asking if it would appeal to my target audience and how I could
make it appeal to them more which led me to produce a more appropriate
magazine. I did not use any mise-en-scene elements as I did not want attention
to be diverted as my target audience is predominantly male and males are more
easily distracted than women. In my preliminary I didn’t take into
consideration all the codes and conventions necessary, for example, mode of
address; the mode of address used wasn’t altered to appeal to my target
audience and wasn’t thought through as much as the mode of address in my
music magazine task, for example, I did extensive research to find out more
about my target audience, what would appeal to them and what language they
used making my work in the music magazine task more relatable to the target
audience. With regards to effort and work ethic, I believe I worked much more
efficiently for the music magazine task as more pre production planning took
place, more research took place and I took more time to consider different
designs, layouts and conventions I could use to produce a better product.