Social media

I tweeted which font I should use and received some feedback which helped me. I also asked my friends and I have decided from the feedback I got that I am going to use the top font.

Location ideas

These are all of my location ideas. I will be using the majority of these locations while shooting in Central London and not just one of them. I have chosen these locations because they fit my colour scheme and theme the best for my magazine, with my colour scheme being a pastel green, blue and pink and, the theme being Indie.

Mood board

This is a mood board which I made to help me with my Star Image and how I am going to style my model. I want My model to have an Indie look. My hair styles will be space buns and also half up and half down. I will use three different outfits when shooting for the magazine. I want the make-up to be mainly focused on the eyes and lips. So therefore I will use  a light foundation, and light contour but still noticeable under the camera lighting. However I am going to use a smoky eye or the eyeshadow with winged black eyeliner. For the lips I am going to use a dark mac lipstick with a matching lip liner to make them bold.  

Questionnaire and Answers

Questionnaire answers

From my results of my questionnaire number 1 has shown that 3 people would like the magazine to be published every week, 3 others said every 2 weeks and 4 people said every month. So from this data I would publish my magazine every month.

Question number 2 I have found that 6 people’s favourite music genre is Indie, and 5 people’s favourite is pop but, this is good because my magazine sis based around an Indie theme.  

My target audience is going to be based around the ages 15 – 17 because everyone who has answered my questionnaire has ticked that they are 15-17 years old.

I am going to use the colour scheme of a pastel blue, green and pink because my question data shows 6 people prefer that colour scheme and only 4 people have chosen pastel pink, purple and blue.

Question 5 has told me that 5 people are willing to pay £2.00 for the magazine but also 5 people are willing to pay £3.50 for the magazine. I am going to go with the £3.50 option because if I was to pay for it I would pay that much as well and it is a music magazine and they are more expensive than pop ones.

Question 6 ties in with question 1 and has helped me to decided that I would publish my magazine every month because the data from question 6 shows that 9 people buy magazines every month and also 4 people would prefer for me to publish it every month as well.

I have decided not to advertise or use a free poster because 6 people have said no to the idea and 4 people said yes but I want to go with the majority of the votes, therefore I will not be featuring a free posted.

9 people said that their favourite magazine is Rolling Stone and this helps me because my Star Image I am focusing on is Lana Del Rey and she is the main image on one of their magazines which I am focusing on for inspiration.

8 people said that they read Indie magazines, and this is good because it means that they would buy my magazine and be interested in it.

The name which I have decided to go with is Lyla, because 6 people choose that one. 1 person chooses Reflections and 3 people choose Paradise.  

Ideas

This is an ideas page of all my ideas for my Music Magazine. This will help me to choose everything I need for my magazine. The ideas on here will help me develop an understanding of where i want to shoot, and the makeup, clothing and the type of magazine I would like it to be. 

Star Image

Star image is something which comes across as something that is a recognised sign which is used in many different media forms.

Richard Dyer is a British media theorist, who came up with his own Star Image Theory.

He has suggested that a star’s meta-narrative impacts on the consumption by the audience. He has also argued that the star image is manufactured and artificial and that individual stars should have their own unique selling point (brand values) in order to grab and hold our attention.

An example of this is Justin Bieber’s hair and JLS’ colour codes. Dyer’s main idea was that the star image could be discussed using two key paradoxes.  A paradox is a statement that contradicts itself. Dyer suggested that

a star image simultaneously has two conflicting representations. He said...‘a star is both ordinary & extraordinary.’ He had also suggested that a star must be represented simultaneously, just like us (the audience/regular people), however at the same time possess. Which is something we do not have and something that makes it special, different. Confident, passionate, artistic, sensitive, or carefree but also they are allowed to be rebellious, anti-social, or angry maybe.

‘...a star is both present & absent.’

Dyer had an idea that the audience struggles with another paradox. This is an idea that the star is simultaneously present in our lives, be this in our social groups chat and our style. They are also absent, something that we observe as out of reach, on a base, and not actually there.

Dyer had also argued that as an audience we struggle to complete the star image through consuming their products, shows, merchandise etc. We strive to complete

the image by engaging with the star’s story and background. The problem is that the

meta-narrative change and we are constantly determined to complete the image.

My Star image:

For my star image I am going to be focusing on Lana Del Rey. I like the styles of her Indie magazine covers and her vintage side to her in the way she dresses. Also her hair and makeup is simple but bold. Her eyes and lips always stand out because she uses dark lipstick and her eye makeup always stands out. However her hair is always big and curly and is never to simple. If it is she has it down and straight but still fits in with the theme.

Double page spread annotation

This Double page spread isn't to overcrowded and contains information only to do with what the interview was about and throughout titsicks to the colur scheme.

Double page spread annotation

This double page spread has an interview on it and also to the far right has a column about what everyones talking about this week so and this column is displayed in a different colour to show it isn't apart of the interview.

Double Page annotation

This is an example of a double page spread. This example contains and clear Masthead and Main image with the interview place clearly in the left hand corner opposite the main image.

Contents page annotation

This contents page is very packed and has a lot of information in the features about what each page has to offer. Also they have a main image which isn't to big and doesn't over crowd the page therefore it doesn't look intimidating.

Contents page annotation

This is a good example of a contents page as it is clearly laid out and the Masthead shows its the contents page. As well the magazine have stuck to a clear colour theme of red, white and black and also they have used different fonts.

Contents page annotation

This example of a contents is good and bad. The positivities is that in the bottom left hand corner it shows what this issue of the magazine offers and what is on each page, therefore if the reader wants to find something they can just find the page it;s on. Although the contents doesn't actually say that it is the contents which could confuse some readers.

Front cover annotation

This is a Billboard magazine and the main image is the well known singer Katy Perry. The Masthead on this issue is covered by the image. This isn't good because the reader may not be able to identify which magazine it is. However the editor has used many colours and has used more than 3 fonts on the cover page which is good.

Front cover annotation

This magazine is a basic front cover. The cover isn't too over crowded but they could add a puff so it doesn't look as empty. The Main image however shouldn't cover the Masthead, because the Masthead is now harder for the reader to see and identify because part of it has been covered. Also the magazine uses 2 different fonts when it should use 3-5 different ones. A negative towards this magazine is that it doesn't have any barcode on it or price or issue date. These are key things when it comes to a reader buying the magazine. The reason being is they wont to know how much they are going to pay for this magazine, the date so they they know that they're going to by an out of date issue. Also a barcode so that they are able to purchase it. 

Front cover annotation

This is example of a music magazine cover has it positives and negatives. The negatives i that part of the title is covered by art of the bands head. However the front cover includes 3 different colours and fonts, which is a positive because a magazine should have include 3-5 different colours and fonts on there front cover. 

Codes and Conventions of a Magazine Double Page Spread

The image used is usually direct address, which then entices the reader to buy the magazine because the celebrity in the magazine is looking directly at the audience so it encourages them to buy the magazine.

A quote from the interview is normally presented as the headline or by the picture and even used in the text, to break it up. The quotes used are usually rather controversial or shocking to grip the reader and keep them interested.

Another code and convention that music magazines follow is the celebrities name in bold somewhere on the double page spread. This is to make them stand out more as celebrities and catch the eye of their fans. For example they could put ‘’Justin Bieber’’ in big bold writing and this would catch the eye of his fan base  

Also you include a stand first, which is like an introduction to the celebrity that is included. Some readers may not know who the celebrity is just from the image that has been used, therefore introducing them would save some readers not knowing who they were reading about.

All text on a double page spread has to be size 11 pt. and is usually aerial font, however some magazines make the font connote the genre. All double page spreads have a drop cap which shows the reader when to start reading. The text is set into columns, usually 2-4 columns. This is to make the text appear tidy and not all over the page. The page number, magazine name and text throughout usually use the same font.

The main image on the double page spread is usually on the left however some magazines go against the codes and conventions and will put it on the right side. The picture on the double page spread always relates to the article and the artist

The double page spread also includes by-lines, which are put under the images to give credit to whomever the photographer and writer is.

The headline that is used for the double page spread is normally very short, so it makes the reader intrigued. The article is written in informal mode of address therefore it relaxes the reader.

The colour scheme on a double page spreads follow the same colour scheme that is ran throughout the magazine, which is usually simple so it doesn’t overpower the article. The name of the celebrity is highlighted by the colour scheme. The colour schemes used connote which genre the magazine is, e.g. black is used a lot in rock magazines or pins and yellows for a pop magazine. 

The Codes and Conventions of a music magazine contents page

First is the Issue number, The majority of the time it’s positioned in the top left or right corner of the contents page, often by the magazine title.  The issue date is positioned with the issue number, which is shown together on the front cover and the contents.

Word is prominent because it allows people to know it is actually the contents page where they can find out more details. It must be written in in bold, capitals, also the colour (white) as it contrasts against the black background, which makes it stand out to the audience.

The main image on the contents page will suggest to the audience that it is the most important image. Usually it’s positioned in the middle or towards the side of the page and is framed by the rest of the text.

The magazine’s logo or name will be displayed in the top left hand corner of the contents page. The category headings would be, ‘in every issue’, ‘regulars’, and ‘every month’! This is usually on the left of the page, also the last of the headings, near the bottom of the page. For example subscriptions, puzzles, competitions.

Any specials within the magazine are normally interviews or features. It is separate from the other headings so it stands out. This is because it is an important part of ‘this issues’ magazine.

The website is positioned by the issue number and issue date at the top of the contents page. By it being displayed here it allows the audience to get more information from there website if needed. The page numbers start at the left, they are before the heading. The numbers are a different colour and font from the heading also, this makes them stand out. The headings are only either one word or few words, which is followed by a short sub line explaining more about article.

Quotes are normally included within contents pages. They have quotes from interviews they had done in the magazine. Majority of the time they are on the main image. However they are never over the faces of the bands or artists.

The layout of the contents page is important. The contents is laid out into 3 or 4 columns, they are to the side of the main image. As if they are framing the image. They are never allowed to overlap or cover the image. The font is normally in size 11pt, numbers may be bigger and obviously the ‘contents’ title. The editor’s letters on some magazines have messages from the editors who produced the month’s magazine. Usually the message is displayed in either of the bottom corners of the contents page. The front cover in some contents pages they have a small copy of the magazine front cover, they put page numbers in circles to show which story is on which page.

The conventions of making a good front cover for a music magazine

 The Masthead must be in the top left aligned completely across or top left if short. Also you should use an eye catching unique font. The main image is allowed to cover the title only if their magazine is well known. An example of this is here is a picture of a Rock magazine called “Rock Sound” and on the front is a band called 5 Seconds of Summer and part of their heads are covering the title but it doesn’t matter to much because this is a well-known magazine.

3. You should use one main image and this image should be of a well-known band or celebrity. When taking the image you should make sure you have direct eye address used at audience to engage them because this is what sells a magazine. However when taking the image you should make sure it’s a mid-shot or a close up is used, or longer shots if the image is a band. The images are mainly posed with a clear background, you will never find text over the facial aspect of the image.

4. Colour Scheme• 3 or 4 colours maximum to make it simple.• Primary colours are more popular within music magazines as they do not contrast/clash with one another.

5. Cover lines are also important, quite vague on purpose to draw the audience in. They should always be written in capitals to grab the attention of the audience. They should also be in the same font, bold and simple. This then frames the main image on the magazine. There should be 5 or 6 cover lines maximum. The main cover line should anchor the main image and is larger font than other cover lines.  The sublines generally give more information to the cover lines, although do not always give the story away.

6. The text should be smaller and minor images are used to link to other stories inside magazine or other cover lines. The fonts that should be used are, Sans Serif (plain font), Times New Roman or Arial.

what is a music magazine?

Music Magazines are aimed at people who are interested in music. They have the latest interviews, news and gossip about different celebrities. However there are many different music magazines aimed at different music groups such as Pop, Rock and Indie. Depending on the genre of the magazine it will be constructed differently, using different star images and layouts.

Pop Magazine - This is an example of a pop magazine. Pop magazines are normally the most popular genre because they include mainstream musicians and artists. This magazine's main target audience is the younger generation of teenagers such as 11-15. The magazine shows it's a pop magazine because it uses yellows, pinks and vibrant colours which stand out and make the magazine eye catching when it's sitting on the shelf. The magazine also connotes light hearted atmosphere, then this will appeal to a lot of audiences because it's a mainstream magazine. Also the majority of magazines will have a simple yet catchy heading which is recognisable and for the audience.

Rock Magazine - This is an example of a popular

rock magazine which are the older generation such as people in their 30's and 40's. They usually consist of a dark colour theme which then connotes a serious sort of atmosphere, because it is a dark and serious type of magazine. These magazines normally appear very busy and include a lot of information. A rock magazine's target audience would be between the ages of 16 - 24. The text it would use is laid out in a messy structure just so it would add that edge to the Rock magazine. In the majority of Rock magazines they normally have included a lot of information and images on one page or even a double page spread. 

There are three basic categories of the colour theory which are useful. The colour wheel, colour harmony, and the context of how colours are being used.

Colour theories create a consistent structure for colour. For example, if we have an assortment of fruits and vegetables, we can organize them all by colour and place them on a circle which would show the colours in relative to each other.

A colour circle, being based on red, yellow and blue, is traditional in the field of art. Sir Isaac Newton developed the first circular diagram of colours in 1666. Since then, scientists and artists have studied and designed many variations of this idea.

Primary Colours: Red, yellow and blue

In traditional colour theory that are used within paint and pigments, primary colours are the 3 pigment colours that can’t be mixed or formed by any combination of other colours.

Secondary Colours: Green, orange and purple

These are the colours that are formed by mixing the primary colours together.

Tertiary Colours: Yellow-orange, red-orange, red-purple, blue-purple, blue-green

 & yellow-green.

Typograhphy

Typography is an art and technique of arranging text to make language easier to read and more appealing when displayed. The arrangement of the text involves selecting typefaces, point size, line length, line-spacing, letter-spacing , and adjusting the space within the letters.

 Type design is a related craft, which is sometimes considered a part of typography. A lot of  typographers don't design typefaces, and some type designers don't consider themselves as being a  typographer. In now days, typography has been put in film, television, and online broadcasts, so it can create emotion to communication.

Typography is the work of typesetters, compositors, typographers, graphic designers, art directors, comic book artists, graffiti artists, and also anybody else who arranges graphics for a product. Digitization allowed typography to open up to the new generations of visual designers and lay users. 

Introduction

My name is Georgia Martin and I am a student at Chislehurst School for Girls studying A Level Media Studies, and I have made this blog to put all of my Music Magazine coursework onto.