SECOND DRAFTS.

Front Cover:

This is another front cover I produced during the process of the main task. I done some experimenting with this cover as I created it on Microsoft Publisher.

I found it very easy to organise the things I wanted and found that it was easier to add and move pictures around once on it than using the macs.

Even though the cover looks relatively busy I don't think I have developed the conventions to the best that I could. I also think the balance and size of pictures/text/text boxes are all out of propotion making it look messy and cluttered.

Besides this I don't think that the image fits the cover well and makes the model look squashed into the middle while all the text is over powering it. Some of the areas I like about it are pastel colours I used as I think they make the page look more girly and aimed towards this target audience. I think they a subtle which makes the magazine seem more laid back and relaxed which could reflect on to the readers attitude and behaviour towards it. When reading a magazine you don't want to seem on edge or feel out of place - discomfort.

Contents Page: 

As you can see again I have maintained the same colours and fonts however I have added an editors note on the bottom of the page to break conventional ideas ( Top of the Pops magazine doesn't normally have an editors note). I have decided to include one of these as I feel that it gives the magazine  a bit of a more subtle and friendly side as the editor is connecting and talking to the readers. This can engage the readers into the content of the magazine.

Also I still haven't completed this as I need to put the final front cover in between the page numbers with arrows. I am waiting till the end product is complete to add it in as I am certain that this conventional feature will be included. 

Other conventional features that I have used is the enlarged page numbers over the pictures so readers are aware what page they can find them on.

Individual text boxes supplying information of each section which is also what my Top of the Pops style model has. A swirly font has been used in the subheading text boxes which also is a conventional feature. I don't really like the 'Chancery' font I have used for this but it is the only font on the Mac with is closed to a swirly font. 

I have also used an ellipsis at the end of the contents masthead which is what my style model used. This  gives the effect that there is more information to know and to entice the readers to carrying on and reading the rest of the magazine.  

I have made all page numbers bigger on the page to make them clear and easy to read and so people don't get confused between the page number and the text. 

Double Page Spread:

This is my second double page spread draft. I decided to completely change the style, colours, picture and layout as it wasn't similar to my style models. I feel that this is more recognizable as a pop magazine double page spread however there's still things I would like to change on this. I think I will have to change the colours to a lighter shade of pink so it looks more symmetrical to the magazine contents page. 
Conventional features which I have included on this is a quote from what the artist has said in their interview as my style models do the same. I have also placed the billboard information in a 'burst' style circle which entices the readers to read that first and to of course... draw attention!
I have also included a burst of 'win' to heightened the chances of readers being interested in what's being said and to give them the chance to get more involved with the magazine. 
Page numbers also play an important feature in magazine as it allows the readers to know what page they are reading from and so they can find the page what they want to read. The only negative about this is that I would rather have WOB so the page number is in white and the background is in black. This would make the double page spread look more conventional and include media terminology. 

FIRST DRAFTS.

Front Cover:

This is my first attempt of creating a music magazine front cover. From looking at it I am very unhappy on the way it looks as it noway looks similar to a pop magazine cover. To help improve my knowledge of what a pop magazine cover should look like I researched Top of the Pops front covers and annotated them so I could pick of the conventional features and apply them to my own covers.

The conventional features on this cover is the main mid shot image centered in the middle, giving the readers direct eye contact making it magazine feel more personal and targeted to the reader.

Contents page: 

As you can see this is contents page is incomplete - I need to add in the copy of the front cover between the page numbers and arrows. I haven't added it in yet as I am going to wait until I have produced my final one. 

Double Page Spread:

This is my first copy of my double page spread. As you can see it is very basic and it doesn't look very conventional. I chose to make the image take up a whole page as from looking at other style models, that what they done. There are a lot of things I want to change about this as I feel that it doesn't have enough substance.

RISK ASSESSMENT.

Obviously for our magazine, we had to take our own photos. It's important that I assess all the dangers that could occur and put them right to prevent them from happening. This process just enhances the health and safety of the model as we don't want any accidents.
As I wanted a white background in my images the stage was the most appropiate place for taking them as there is a white back drop at the back. This is placed in the school hall where assemblies are often held and where students eat at lunch and break seeing as the canteen is also in the same room. Another benefit of taking my picture on the stage is that there are the two options of lighting - artifical and natural. Surrounding the stage are several lighting lamps shinging the light directly on the stage - they also had blue, red, and green lights. There are also windows in the hall which provided the natural light, so I could easily see which kind of lighting worked best for the final product.
There was little chance of anything major happening, however below is some of the things that could have happened if we was not careful. 

RISK: as the floor of the stage is vanished it makes it very slippery if wearing inappropiate shoes/socks. If you are just wearing socks on the stage, there is chance that you would slip and fall over, which may result in someone hurting themself.

SOLUTION: in order to prevent this from happening the people/model present o n the stage would need to wear shoes with a rubber grip or take shoes and socks off in benefit of their safety.

RISK: as there are several switches and leads in order to turn on/off the artifical lights, there are chances that the leads and extensions being left of the floor which someone could trip over and injure themselves. 

SOLUTION: to prevent this from happening, I need to maake sure that all leads and wires are tucked away before taking the pictures

RISK: as there are no heaters that currently are turned on in the hall, it is very cold. Seeing as my model will be in a skirt/shorts and a crop top, she may get cold.

SOLUTION: to make sure she stays at the right body temperature it is important that I take some warm clothing with me which she could wear in case we are in there for a long time and to stop her getting cold. This could simply be coats, scarfs, hats, tracksuit bottems etc.

RISK: seeing as there is a control pannel for working the artifical lights, it's important that I get taught how to work it correctly to stop any troubles from happening. This may include turning the right lights on and preventing electrocution.

SOLUTION: to stop getting electrocuted, there must be no liquids near the switches and dry hands is a must before working them.

MY DESIGN PHILOSOPHY.

From over viewing several magazines and images of their front covers, contents page and double page spread, I have clear thoughts on what I do and don't like when thinking about the design.

Retro vs Modern
In oder to fit in with the style and genre of my magazine, I would have to choose modern. I think making a retro magazine with pop content would look a bit silly - I would only to this if I was targeting my magazine at the older generation so that it appeals to them more. I think by using the modern style would adds more excitement to the magazine, making it look less dull and a bit more entertaining than other magazines. The modern style would probably feature bright colours - maybe pastel ones as they are more favorable than dull, boring ones. The use of these colours would make the magazine more 'fun'. As well as this I would chose sans serif font over serif as again this is aimed at more of the new, young generation with a more modern appeal. The serif font would be more suitable for the older generation as a majority of them seem to like the old original things and don't necessarily like change.


Timeless vs Now
The idea of this kind of ties in with the same ideas as above. I would chose the 'now' style other the 'timeless' seeing as fashions, trends, and opinions are all changing over time and people are less likely to choose something date than something that is new. Again this is purely based on my target audience as if I wasn't aiming it a young teenage girls then I would more likely base my magazine on a timeless style so it appeals to the correct audience. 


Consistency vs Inconsistency
I think it's important that the magazine remains consistent throughout as it makes it look neat and tidy and so that people know what to expect throughout the magazine. This could include things such as the layout and design, the colours, fonts, size of pictures etc. If it wasn't consistent then people may be less interested in it as it doesn't professional and creates ideas that the designer doesn't understand how to make something look good and all in proportion. 

Minimal vs Cluttered
I like the idea of magazine having a minimal layout however displaying a lot of content. However because I am following conventional ideas from Top of the Pops magazine they are quite cluttered and a lot of information is displayed on the covers, therefore I will have to copy this convention and make sure there are several sell lines, bursts, tag lines etc on the cover. 


Conventional vs Original
In order to make my magazine look similar to real ones I think it is a wise idea to copy conventional features. This allows readers to know what to expect and to make sure that the features I decide to use will fit in with the readers expectations and hopefully leave them wanting to purchase the magazine. 


Balance
Balance kind of fits in with the consistency of the magazine. If the size of fonts, pictures, and text was not equal or similar to other features on the magazine, it would leave the magazine with a poor design. Personally I think this is one of the most important features seeing as it is one of the main determiners on how the layout and design looks. 
When creating my magazine I have tried to make sure that everything is in proportion when comes to the text, pictures etc to make the magazine look nice and neat. 

THE FOUR F's.

When creating a magazine you have to put these four Fs into consideration as they can help you achieve your end product.

FORMAT
This is the way in which the magazine is designed and put across to the target audience. The way it looks is very important and has to follow conventional features in order to fit in with that particular genre and so it still appeals to the people it is aimed at. The kind of things that come under format are the fonts, colours,  pictures, and the general design of the layout. 
I have decided to stick to conventional ideas of choosing bright bold colours so it stands out from other magazines and so people are easily attracted to it. I have chosen a modern font seeing as the majority of pop music is 'funky' and up to date. 

FRAMES
Even though this doesn't seem the most important feature in magazines however margins and gutters are something that needs a lot of attention being paid to. This is because if they differ from page to page they can make the text an layout look untidy and messy. To remain the professional look, it would be wise to make them all the same size throughout the magazine and to keep them clear.

FUNCTION
This is based on the purpose of the magazine and what it is for. This is something that needs to be clear to the audience to prevent confusion and to maintain the target audiences' attention.
I have produced and based my magazine based on pop music - therefore making it easier to design the layout and think about what content to involve. As I'm doing my magazine on pop music, it wouldn't be necessary to talk about any other genre in it as then it would probably attract a different audience; this is not what I want.
A prime example of this can be the music magazine of 'Kerrang!'. This magazine is all about heavy rock and metal music. As it is focused on this genre, it helps gives the magazine an overall purpose and helps to base the magazine of an overall topic; this will also make it easier to target a specific audience - which also supplies more ideas of a suitable layout, design and content ideas.

FORMULA
This is the way in which the magazine is designed when it comes to the articles and features. It's a crucial feature that has to be maintained the same each month considering people normally favour one part of the magazine most compared to the others. If you were to change any section of the magazine after a period of time, you could lose interest and regular costumers so it is not worth the risk. The overall idea of this is that it the magazine maintains the same look throughout its time with little change of the design occurring. 

USES AND GRATIFICATIONS.

Media Theories

• hypodermic needle- the media supplies the passive audience with a message in which they are powerless to resist (discredited)
• drip, drip, drip effect, cultivation effect- the repetition of messages does have some affect on the audience. for example, reporting of a crime heightens our fear of crime (the cultivation differential)
• two-step flow- the media introduces us two ideas (step one), we discuss these ideas with others and reach an opinion (step two)
• limited effect- the media doesn't affect us much as we are media literate, and sophisticated readers of text
• media dependency- the belief that we come to need the media (is this an addiction or choice?)

Uses and Gratifications - this theory is about "what people do with media" rather than "what media does to people" (Katz, 1959). It assumes that members of the audience are not passive but take an active role in interpretting and integrating media into their own lives. The theory also holds that audiences are responsible for choosing media to meet their needs. The approach suggests that people use the media to fulfil specific gratifcations.

Blumler and Brown (1972) Four Primary Factors for which one amy use the media for:

• diversion-something to do, escape from reality/problems
• personal relationships-using media to discuss with friends afterwards, media as a subsitute for 'real contact'. Does it fit in with "two step flow"?
• personal identity or individual psychology-defining yourself by your media texts. Building your sense of self
• surveillance-finding out about the world, finding out information.

A man who has the name of 'McQuail' classified several reasons for media use in 1983. Some of these are listed below.

Information

• finding out about relevant events and conditions in immediate surroundings, society and the world
• seeking advice on practical matter or opinion and decision choices
• satisfying curiosity and general interest
• learning; self education
• gaining a sense of secruity through knowledge

Personal Identity

• finding reinforcement for personal values
• finding models of behaviour
• identifying with valued others (in the media)
• gaining insight into oneself

Integration and Social Interaction

• gaining insight into the circumstances of others; social empathy
• identifying with others and gaining a sense of belonging
• finding a basis for conversation and social interaction
• having a subsituate for real life companionship
• helping to carry out social roles
• enabling one to connect with family, friends and society

Entertainment

• escaping, or being diverted from problems
• relaxing
• getting intrinsic cultural or aesthetic enjoyment
• filling time
• emotional release
• erotic/sexual arousal

                                                                                                                        

This is relevant as music magazines follow similar rules.

Following Blumler and Browns ideas about the 4 primary factors you can see how they are applied to music magazines. 

-Diversion is definitely present as reading magazines allows people to have their own private, relaxing time while also providing them with information about what they take interest in. if someone is a fan of pop music, then buying a pop magazine would be ideal for them as they are finding out the latest gossip to do with pop music. 

-Personal relationships also plays a factor when it comes to magazines as people feel as if they can connect to what is being said and makes them feel part of the context as they are getting an insight of what is happening in the featured artists life. This idea is supported as it also allows them to then carry out a conversation about it to their friends or family about the news they have read in the magazine. This could be considered as word of mouth as the person receiving the information may then go out to buy it to find out more information - making the magazine gain a bigger audience while enhancing their reputation. 

-Personal identity can be considered in this process as the news and gossip supplied in the magazines can help a person develop themselves in areas such as fashion, beauty or makeup. The text may influence the readers to try out different things and to experiment with new things.

-Surveillance is clearly present when it comes to magazines as the reader is constantly finding out new gossip and news about celebrities and the kind of life style they lead. Information can be found out about which the readers may not even knew about and could gain a different insight of things from this. 

                                                                                                                                      

McQuails reasons for media use seem to be very different but in a way true. The main categories are information, personal identity, integration and social attraction and entertainment.
Within the information category it focuses on things that you can acknowledge and learn and how you see yourself - self actualisation. Magazines  supply the readers with news and information that they never knew and create responses to it which is appropiate. The information can be took in many different ways and it depends on the kind of person you are on how to react to it. For example an artist may be pregnant and some readers will be pleased and delighted whereas others may find it silly and career ruining.
Personal Identity kind of links into the information criteria as it pays a lot of attention to youself and other people. It could be considered that the way some artists come across in magazines may interest the readers who may then take inspiration and start acting in a similar way.
Integration and social interaction is based around the society. How things influence one another and how people behaviour and respond to interactions. This could be similar 'information' as a particular article could gain a different reaction to someone else. 
Entertainment provides suggestions on relaxation and emotional release which could suggest that people get a sense of pleasure and enjoyment out of reading magazines. It could be seen that magazines portray erotic and sexual arousal through the use of pictures and content. If someone is attractive on the frint cover it could be seen as a greater purpose of purchasing the magazine.

QUESTIONNAIRE.

As part of our task we have to devise a questionnaire in which we need to give to our target audience to complete - this would be known as primary research. I asked 10 of my target audiences to answer this questionnaire as honestly as they could to help me decide on what features to include. This will then help me to get ideas on the design and style of my final magazine.

What do you tend to look at first when you pick up a magazine?
a) the colours l

b) the artist llllll

c) the price l

d) the free gift ll

Are you more interested in the artist on the front cover or the bits of gossip that the magazine  supplies?

a) main artist on the front cover lllllll
b) bits of gossip lll

How much would you pay for a magazine? 

a) £1.00-£1.50 llll

b) £1.50-£2.00 llllll

c) £2.00-£2.50

d) £2.50-£3.00

Are you interested in the fashion pages advertised?

a) yes llll

b) no l

c) I read them because they're there lllll

Are you more interested in celeb cringes or love & relationships or day to day life?
a) cringes lll

b) love and relationships llllll

c) day to day life l

Do you like to see bright colours on the front page? 

a) yes lllllllll 

b) no

c) I don't think about them l

What kind of artists would you like to see on the front cover?
a) One Direction and Justin Bieber lllll

b) Olly Murrs and Rizzle Kicks l

c) Katy Perry and Rihanna llll

d) Lady Gaga and Jessie J 

What colours do you like to see on the design?
a) bright colours - pink, blue, purple, yellow, orange llllllllll

b) dull colours - black, grey, brown, red, white

Do you like seeing bursts/teasers of information on what's in the magazine on the front page?

a) yes llllllll

b) no ll

c) other

Do you like a lot of information being on the front page?

a) yes llllll

b) no llll

c) other 

                                                                                                                                        

From the results that I have collected from doing this questionnaire it is clear to see that a certain answer powers the other options. For example, "what colours do you like to see on the design?" every person I asked went with option A meaning that I will use these kind of colours on my design rather than the colours in option B. This is because people are more likely to purchase something in which they prefer and like when compared to others. 
As long side this "do you like to see bright colours on the front page?" the majority of the people replied with 'yes' meaning that I will most likely include bright colours on my design.
With each answer I will take the option which received more responses and apply them into my magazine as it is what interests my target audience most - possibly leaving it with more sales! 

OUTCOME OF THE PHOTOS.

As we are taking the photographs on the stage, the photos need to be taken in the school premises. I had to check with my model when she has free lessons and to match them with mine so we can get the photos done. Along with this I also needed to check whether or not the stage was free in order or us to use it without any distractions (which was previously said in the shooting schedule).
I photographed four different models in order to experiment and see whose style / 'look' suited my magazine genre best. Below are the four models I used to see who gave the best looking photo.
As my chosen model was creating a magazine as well, we both used the pictures of the male models to see whether or not they 'worked' with the style of our magazines. We took the pictures together to see the outcome and to save time - rather that taking them individually.
I don't think I will be using the images of the males as they don't 'fit in' with my genre. As well as this we found it difficult to work with them as they got distracted easily and probably felt uncomfortable posing the way we wanted them to. I chose use the model with brown hair as she is attractive and the long brown locks represented connotations of a pop artist. As well as this she has a very direct eye focus on the readers which could allow them to feel connected with her. I chose not to use the model with blonde hair as she is more quirky and has more of an 'indie' feel to her presence.













Images.
Even though I like the pose my model is standing in, I don't think this image with be used on my cover because the model isn't properly smiling. Also I think the pinky lighting in the background makes it seem a bit like it's in a studio setting (even though it kind of is) but I wanted a natural white background.  like what the model is wearing but I don't think it's appropriate for my magazine as it would be hard to edit text over.







I like this picture a lot as I feel the outfit represents pop music as it is very girly and the colours work well together. I like the pose that the model is standing in as her smile is welcoming. The direct eye contact she's giving makes the reader connect with her. The only thing I don't like is the lighting but I can edit it out so it's white/clear. A problem with this image is that is has got the flooring in so it would have to be cropped or edited out if I wanted to use it.






I like this picture because the model is smiling and it could easily entice the readers into reading the magazine. The only problem with this image is that it has 'pinky' lighting in the background. I also like what the model is wearing, it's plain and basic and doesn't cause too much fuss an attention to one area.

RECCE PHOTOS.

These are the backgrounds which I am going to experiment with when it comes to taking the magazine photos.

Photo 1-
I think this background would be suitable for the double page spread of a pop magazine as in some examples the model is standing in front of a wall. However I do not like how worn the wall looks, yet again this could make it seem more natural and less staged.





Photo 2-
When taking this photo, I had in mind a plain white background however as you can see it is worn similar to the image above. This may make it harder to incorporate onto the cover seeing as you will notice when the 'wall' (background) stops.

Photo 3-
This is the back drop on the stage. I think this is the best place to take the image seeing as it is plain with no marks or stains, therefore looking very natural. As well as this, there is several lighting colours which I could shine onto the model to create a certain mood or feeling for the readers.










The background in this photo is from photo 3. As you can see it works very well with the model and the lighting is bright and radiant creating the positive atmosphere. Seeing as quite a few males appear on the covers and double page spread of Top of the Pops magazine, I thought it would be a wise idea to experiment images with a male model.







Again I have used the back drop of the stage as the background for this picture as I think it works best. As well as featuring a lot of males in Top of the Pops, they also feature a lot of females therefore I took several images experimenting to see what the best outcome was. I feel that working with a female is better for this task as they are more focused and are willing to pose for the pictures more. Also I feel that you can dress a female more easily to fit in with a pop magazine than what you can with a male.  

I have also used the back drop in this image however I have used the 'pinky' lighting to help create a girly feeling and mood for the magazine. I'm not 100% sure yet whether I like this or not! I think it will be harder to work with when it comes to editting it onto the magazine cover.









From the three images I have took of the models, I have made sure that they all have direct eye contact with the camera in order to make the readers feel more targeted when it comes for them to purchase it. This will be an important factor within my magazine, therefore I will be paying a lot of attention to this to make sure it is featured in my final magazine!
I have tried to stick to conventional ideas from pop magazines, by making the background look like a studio, so the model looks like they have been photographed professionally for the magazine...

SHOOTING SCHEDULE.

I feel that it is important to make a shooting schedule before taking the pictures for my final product as I want to make sure that the model and myself are free at the same time and have plenty of extra time to take the shots. As we are now in sixth form we have free periods which allow us to catch up on work. These last for an hour however sometimes we can have two/three frees next to each other meaning that the time is extended to two/three hours.

On Tuesday week A my model, Sophie, and myself have 3 frees - two in the morning and one after break. I think that this would be the most appropiate time to take the photos as we have plenty of time to take them and we wouldn't have to be rushing around. The only problem which would occur by taking the pictures at the time is that the model would then have to go around school with her curly hair and 'full on' makeup (unless she decides to take it all off). If this date is not suitbale we both also have a free every Thursday last period. This time slot would be quite benefical as we could run after school if we didn't get all the photos completed.

However before setting the date on when we can take the pictures, I have to make sure that the stage is free so that we don't get all prepared and dressed up to find out that it has being used due to lesson activities. Similarly to this I need to make sure that the camera is free during the same periods, mainly for the same reason as above - yet I also have to make sure that it is fully charged and has enough memory on it to store all of my images.
I have chosen a model who is attractive and who look similar to a 'pop' artist. I think this will reinforce the  genre of my magazine while still making it look conventional. I'm going to dress my model in subtle yet girly clothes in order for her to look appropriate for the magazine. If I dressed her in clothes which were exposing then this would be going against conventional ideas.