Monday 23 January 2017

Update Post:

This week I am going to begin constructing my draft magazine closely following my flat plans and referencing the conventions and techniques used in a real magazine product to ensure my magazine stands out to my target audience.

Wednesday 18 January 2017

Draft Article

Fireside- Draft Article by Anonymous HINHDPuR on Scribd

Red Lipstick

I chose to have my model wearing red lipstick in my magazine as not only does it stand out and make the magazine look eye catching, Dark Red lipstick was popular in the 1920s and was worn by Flappers to symbolise their independence. Furthermore in the 1930s, lipstick was seen as a symbol of adult sexuality and teenage girls saw it as a symbol of womanhood whereas adults saw it as an adult of rebellion as they did not believe that teenage girls should be wearing lipstick. This is a connotation for my genre of alternative rock as I believe the lipstick is symbolic of free will and independence- clearly shown in the Leading Edge Tribe for the Scenesters group for my target audience. I feel that the symbolism will attract my target audience and encourage them to buy my magazine.

Positioning

For my images, I did a variety of shots to ensure my magazine images will have an impact on the audience. I did a variety of close up shots for my front cover as this is the shot conventionally used  in magazines as it means the artist will have a more significant influence on the audience ensuring they will remember her. I had my contents artist on the floor mainly to have a different shot perspective so she stands out in comparison to my other artist image of my group all standing up. My double page spread group photos feature a selection of shots which I will chose between depending on the layout of my double page spread and seeing which image I feel will stand out the most and work with the article.

Draft double page spread test shots



Tuesday 17 January 2017

Draft contents page test shots


Draft front cover test shots


Photo Preparation:

In the build up for my photos, I have asked the model in my front cover to wear red lipstick and a black top to ensure the text will be seen over it. My contents page model will be wearing dark clothing to work with my magazine styling and my group artist are wearing dark clothes such as grey and black which works with my other images and the styling of my magazine. They will also all be wearing the same lipstick which will be a subtle yet effective way of bringing them all together as a group. All of my outfit inspiration was taken from my fashion research to ensure the images will attract my target audience.

Audience Feedback Response- Flat Plans

Front Cover:

I can see that my three audience feedback responses have told me that the colours will work together and the use of red lipstick is a good idea as it will show the link across the magazine. I have received compliments on my layout which has told me as I have no criticism on this matter I will continue with the layout I have decided on and see the feedback I get in my draft work.  The only criticism I have is to possibly turn the barcode horizontally but I don't think this will work with my layout so I will see the feedback I get on my draft using my currently layout.

Contents Page:

I have been given feedback saying that my simplistic layout and continued colour scheme is good which has assured me that they work as I was questioning whether my magazine lacked originality as each page linked together but a main focus on each feedback response says how it is good how they all work together. My layout has been described as "organised" which is a key feature in a contents page which ensures that my reader will easily be able to understand the format of the magazine.

Double Page Spread:

I have received comments that my layout is good with the columns as it will draw the reader in more which is shown in one of my responses saying that they "will only read the articles that seem like they have little writing as I get bored easily". This has shown me that already my magazine will appeal to my target audience of 16-24 year olds and this feedback response is 16 years old which shows my magazine will stand out. I have been told to ensure my text in the article ins't too small and to use a heading underneath the Fireside title which I also agree with but did not consider in the construction of my flat plans. This means I can use my feedback to develop my magazine in order to attract my target audience.

Flat plan audience feedback

Eva Maddison: (16 year old female)

Front Cover Flat plan:

I really like the colour ideas for this flat plan as I can tell that they are contrasting colours which will make the writing stand out. I think the layout is good as it looks professional and works well as a whole and I can see that it would work well on a shelf with other magazines. I think the title of 'Diverge' is really interesting and unique and I have heard the term before so I understand what the meaning behind the title is and I think it works so well with your genre! I think if you stick to this layout and pick a font that works with your magazine I think it'll look really good overall!

Contents Page Flat plan:

I think it's good how the colour ideas are similar to the front cover so you can tell they are related as well as hopefully working well together to create an attractive product. It is a nice layout as it is very organised which means it is easy to read and understand.

Double Page Spread Flat plan:

I really do like the title Fireside on this double page spread as it is eye catching and suits the genre and will look good on the magazine as a whole. I do like the layout and I like how the writing in the article is split up as to me as a reader I generally will only read the articles that seem like they have little writing as I get bored easily otherwise. I also like how there is information on the bottom of the main image about the magazine as it fills the space and will look good.

Stephanie Colderick: (17 year old female)

Front Cover Flat plan: 
The name Diverge is a really cool and quirky name and by having this is as black text against a white background will really help the text to stand out and be eye catching on the cover. I really like the idea of using a close up shot as this will create a direct link to the audience and make the magazine look engaging on the shelf. The red lipstick will also be a key feature point and link in very well with the red text. You have also covered the key conventions of magazine via your cover page by having the barcode which will make your magazine look realistic.
Contents Page Flat plan: 
The layout of different boxes for the contents page is a great idea as this will easily sort the text for audiences and help the contents page look reader friendly and interesting. By featuring your double page artist this will create a link through your magazine which will make the magazine look like a realistic magazine. I like how you have linked your ideas and inspiration to real magazines on your flat plan as this clearly shows how your magazine will look realistic.

Double Page Spread Flat plan:

I really like how the title is across the top of the page as this tells me clearly who the article is going to be about and lays out the rest of the page clearly; however, a different title would also work well to be more creative and to draw people into the article more. I think the idea of using a pull quote is a good idea and would definitely attract me to read the rest of the article. By having the text in columns the text looks more appealing to read and a lot more reader friendly. I like the idea of having an image within the article however I would suggest that you don’t make this image too small as this will lose the effect and impact. I really like the idea of a having an image take up the right hand side page as this will place empathise on the band and pull the double page together.

Amy Bradley: (16 year old female)


Front Cover Flat plan:

Your front covers title is very enticing and I can imagine that the title with black font would really stand out amongst the white background which is perfect for catching your audiences attention. Your ideas about the make up of your model is very well thought through and would definitely attract your specific target audience. I also believe that the audience you are trying to attract here is easily known through your use of colours of black, red and white. Yet again, your front covers use of colours and simplistic layout goes exceptionally nicely with the rest of your ideas for your magazine. The only slight bit of criticism is that I believe the barcode could be positioned horizontally. 

Contents Page Flat plan:

I love the way you have decided to portray your contents page- despite the fact that you have used a simple layout design it's really effective and I can see some really good potential for this as your contents page. I also like how you have differenciated the differences in the colours of the headings and numbers as this gives a very sophisticated and smart feel to your magazine. The originality of your magazine follows the rest of your ideas which is what I really adore, the way in which your magazine flows. The white border around your page really compliments the rest of this page and you can see that you have really thought out your ideas.

Double Page Spread Flat plan:

I like the way in which you have positioned your band name 'Fireside' in large and bold text as it's very eye catching for an audience member. Although, maybe having a catchy subtitle in large font then having the bands name underneath it would look nice. I personally enjoy the way you have structured there layout of your article as I believe it would be very easy to read. It is clear to see where you have got your inspiration from other magazines from yet your magazine is still very individual due it its unique band name and other elements. I also love how you have displayed one image as the main focus on this page as it will allow the audience to concentrate on the information about the band members rather than lots of photos. You have clearly done lots of research into other magazines as this shows in your structured layout of your double page spread. The way you have decided to put a website address at the bottom of the photo is also a good idea as it appears as a good form of advertsing.

Sunday 15 January 2017

Update Post:

I am now going to use my knowledge and techniques gained from my research and planning to begin to construct my flat plans for my final magazine.

AFL Task

I completed this AFL Task in order to grasp an understanding of the OCR Mark scheme refencing to two example magazines.

Monday 9 January 2017

Music Genre

I have decided to do Alternative Rock as my music genre for my magazine as this is an area of music I listen to and examples of this music is shown in my playlist. Upon my research, I can see that alternative rock magazines are generally more bold and dynamic and I feel the colour scheme of red, black and white will suit the style I am aiming for but I will need to do my research into colour palettes and see what colour scheme my audience feel would suit the magazine best through a survey before I make a final decision. I am next going to research names that would be appropriate for my magazine and I am going to decide on one that is closely related to my magazine genre.

Language register-read magazine articles


Font ideas


Friday 6 January 2017

Preliminary Task- Reflection

Overall, I am happy with the result of my preliminary task as I have now got an insight in using the camera and Photoshop and I will be able to develop my skills to create a more effective product for my final magazine.

Wednesday 4 January 2017

Preliminary flat plan












Preliminary Task

Over the next few days, I'm going to create a front cover and a contents page using DTP and an image manipulation program and it will include my own images, a masthead and appropriately laid out text. My own images will be taken of a student in medium close up. The titles I thought of for this task for my magazine cover was:
-Focus
-Scattered
-Future
I have decided I am going to call my school magazine Scattered as I feel it will work well with the overall style I want for the magazine. My magazine is aimed at High School and college students. 

Media Coursework Schedule

Note to Examiner

Dear Examiner, In the progress of constructing my magazine I have developed skills and knowledge that I will be able to develop and use in...