Results of Peer Reviews

Today we paired up and reviewed each others blog on our research and planning, plus front cover and contents page. The feedback I received from Kate as an overall was very positive. The strengths she mentioned was that my choice of colour scheme reflected and complemented my target audience well and that she liked my front cover! 

A target I have to improve on is to try and make my photographs relate more to the music genre. I will try and meet this target by using pictures I have previously taken from a gig or from a concert. I am hoping this will be my final finishing touch so I will have completed my contents page.        

Finished Contents Page So far

This is my finished music magazine contents page so far. I have yet to receive a peer review and I may want to alter certain features in the near future.

At the moment, I am happy with the outcome of my contents page. However, I am considering changing some of my pictures as to make then relate more to a music magazine. 

However, as an overall I am happy with the end result. I believe I stucked to my draft as much as possible and have used the best colours and fonts so they relate to my alternative genre.

Contents Page Progress

As previously mentioned I have altered the size of my font on my contents page. As a result of this I was left with a large white gap. To fill this I added a section of text which displays all the bands in which are featured within the magazine. 

Below, I created a coloured section in which shows a subscription method. I took a screenshot of my front cover which I then shrunk and added to give the idea that there has been previous issues. I chose to create a subscribe section as I have noticed that many contents pages feature this as a way to encourage their readers to pay for a magazine every week for a certain amount of time. 

Contents Page Progress

A change I have recently made to my music magazine contents page is the size and placement of my page features. From lots of research and peer reviews it has come to my attention that the size of my font was too large and as a general, on other well known music magazines, the list of features appears in a small font size, a maximum of size 12. Images tend to take the front attention in order to draw in the readers.

By altering the size of my font gave me a lot of free white space. In order to fill up the gap I have now included a section which features all the bands in which will be appearing in the following pages.

I chose to follow the same colour scheme of purple and black as to keep the professional continuity throughout my magazine. This colour scheme would be one of my brand elements which would be feature in most of my issues.
   

Contact Sheet for Third Photo Shoot for Contents Page

This is my contact sheet fo r my third and final photo shoot for my contents page. I am hoping that this image will give the page even more colour and make a difference from the others.  

I took these photographs of 16yr old Emma. I chose this particular subject as her look is different from the other female artists that I have featured. Her style is dignified and different; but which still stays within my alternative genre.  

Chosen Image

This is my chosen image from my second photo shoot for my contents page. I chose this image because they are both standing strong and proud and look together like a proper boy band. Unfortunately, the background colour was a solid white. As my other images also featured a solid pale colour, the total amount of images gave a washed out look. So in order to add a bit more colour to m y page, I altered the colour of the background just slightly, in order to give it more colour and a more interesting visual. 

Contact Sheet of Second Photo Shoot for Contents Page

This is my contact sheet for my second photo shoot for my contents page. I chose these particular models, Shah 16 and David 16 due to their contrasting looks. 

I chose to have them against a plain white background as the image size on the contents page will not be large. Therefore I do not want a busy backdrop to draw the focus away from the subjects.

To enhance the idea of the music magazine I had the models wearing headphones to help link them to the genre.     

Chosen Image

This is the final edited image I have chosen to use in my contants page. I did not want to edit the picture too much as to ruin the reality side of the picture. I simply adjusted some of the blemishes and drained the colour slightly. The altering of the colour is often used within the alternative genre. They rarely use such vibrant colours so to follow this trend I also did the same.    

I chose this particular image as the subject is using a direct gaze towards the camera. This locks in the reader to that page.  

Contact Sheet For Photo shoot for Contants Page

 This is one of my contact sheets for my contents page. This particular model is 16year old Josie. I used her for various reasons, for example her long hair. To make the photo shoot relate to a music magazine I had the model wear headphones for some of the pictures. This reflects the alternative genre. A contact sheet allows me to look over all the photos taken so that I can pick the best one suited for my contents page.  

Contents Page Progress

Today I begun building up my contents page, and beginning to put in some of its features to gain it some shape and to have an outline of how the design will be. 

I chose to place in some coloured boxes so that I know how much space I need to leave for my images. I have yet to take another few photo shoots of different people with different styles and looks to build up a collection for my contents page. 

So far I am happy with the design I have started creating as I believe it is simple and reflects my genre well. I have tried to keep the same colour scheme as my front cover to keep a sense of continuity and to give it a professional style.    

Contents Page Start

Today, we started to create out contents page. For this particular page there are certain conventions that need to be followed. For example, the columns, white background and the even numbering. So far, I have written in my title and made it the exact same colouring of my front cover masthead as to keep a sense of continuity. 

To help keep all my text exactly in line I used a feature on photoshop which allows me to drag down several rulers at once in order for me to keep all my text even spaces apart and on straight lines. 

As a contents page needs to be simple and kept clear and clean cut, it will not take as long to create as my front cover did, and I think that I will try and follow my draft as closely as possible.   

Finished Front Cover!

I finally believe that I have finished my front cover! After many changes, I am happy with my end result. I am glad that I changed certain features, for example the background, font and colour choices many times as to reach the final best design for my genre. Throughout this process I have tried to follow  my drafts and research. For example, keeping it uncluttered and to a simple colour scheme. As an overall, I am happy with the finish results, and I don't think there is any more I could add to it.  

Title Changes

Throughout this process I have continously been changing the style, font, back shodow and colour of my masthead. This is because I aiming to get the perfect design for my masthead as this is the brand title, it has to reflect my magazine and genre well and be striking enough to catch in the readers.

My most recent change to my masthead is that I added a drop back shadow, and adjusted the colour. The drop back shadow makes the masthead stand out against the other pieces of text and creates almost a 3D affect as if it is popping out.

The altered colour choice is that I made it less vibrant and different to my other text colours so it does not look so out of place and out of my genre. The new colour I believe presents a more alternative style and still stands out against the other text but now is not too over powering and vibrant.

Added Features

For my Alternative music magazine I have added various extra features to both fill room and meet all the convetions of a magazine. The first two things I added were the issue number and price. For both of these I struggled of where to place them on the magazine. My initial idea was to place both the issue number and price above the barcode on the bottom left hand side. However, after I moved some of the cover lines around, I noticed that for the best impact and design I should place them directly beneath the 'REVOLUTION' masthead. I chose to make this writting specifically small as to not distract the reader away from the main coverlines and images.

The second feature I added to my magazine front cover is for the reader to have the chance to win tickets to Leeds Festival 2013. I chose this particular fesitval as the artists which often play are relatable to my Alternative genre. Therefore it is the type of competition my readers would like to enter and be a part of. I chose to place this piece of text at the bottom left hand corner of the cover. This is because it fills in a large plain gap which was created due to my image size. Finally, I chose to make the line 'WIN TICKETS' a darker more eye catching colour than the festival name as to catch the eye of the reader to then want to read further on.  

Font Spacing

For my masthead of 'Revolution' the spacing in-between each letter was uneven and not visually appealing. So, in order to change this I had to alter the 'tracking'. This is the space in between each letter. The screenshot to the left shows me altering the space in-between the letter T and the I. I created a larger space between the two so they're not touching anymore so the rest of the lettering looks even and more visually appealing. 

Front Cover Progress

   











The screenshots above feature how my front cover is coming along at the moment. I decided to keep the background the same, although slightly adjusting the colour to appear lighter. I made the decision not to cut out my subject and place her on another background colour as I think this would've looked unprofessional and the edges would've appeared jagged. From the screenshot directly above shows me altering the colours of my image of the artist. I drained the colouring as most alternative music magazines do not use vibrant shades so to follow my genre I also took away the brighter tones.   

Peer Review on Front Cover image ideas

Front Cover Photo Shoot Contact Sheet

This is my contact sheet from all the photos I took from my photo shoot I did with 17 year old model, Nicole, in the college studio. I created this contact sheet in the programme 
Bridge. A contact sheet allows me to overview all my images and make a clear decision on which would work the best.  

Model Permission

In order for me to be able to do my photo shoot i have to ask the model I wish to use. The screenshot to the left shows me doing this  via text message. Throughout the conversation I ask Nicole if she is willing to pose for my magazine, and inform her what style I wish her to be in.  

Font Decisions

For my masthead font I am struggling in deciding which font type and style to have my heading in. As this is my brand name it has to be striking and bold. However, as i am creating an alternative music magazine the title needs to be simple so it does not over clutter the page. At first glance, i am considering using the bottom font type as this is plain but would still stand out against the other pieces of text. As this is my brand name, the font has to be individual and have a quirky edge as a brand identity so when people see this type of font they will recognize it and think of my brand. I believe both types of the font have a unique edge but i like the simplicity of just the slight raising of the letter N.   

Font Ideas

 For my main font for the masthead of 'Revolution, I looking at a number of different fonts on the wesbsite 'dafont'. This website gives me a huge range of various fonts to choose from.

 The following on the left are the few ideas I am considering.

For my font choice I am aiming for something that stands out against the other text, is recognizable but is also simple and not too cluttering. For the most part, Alternative music magazines often have plain and simple typography therefore I am going to try and reflect this.

Photo Shoot Ideas

Front Cover Photo Shoot Ideas

Location
For my front cover shoot I am hoping to use the studio here at college. This is because I want to cut out my subject artist and place her onto a plain white background for my front cover. I do not want a busy location as this will make it harder for me to cut around the subject and will clutter the front page. I have chosen to have a plan white background as this looks clean cut and professional. Many current alternative music magazines choose to have a simple layout, with plain pastel background with bright vibrant text over top.   

Models
My model for my front cover photo shoot will be 17year old Nicole. I chose this subject as her style and look fits in with my alternative genre. She is familiar with this type of music and how the genre comes across to its audience. I chose to have a solo artist for my front cover as from my questionnaire 60% of the people I asked said they prefer to have a solo artist rather than a band on any front cover. For my models pose, she will be sitting against a wall, one leg flat out against the floor, and another propped up. One arm rested on the knee, the other either by her head or on the ground. The most important part of my models photo shoot will be the direct gaze. In almost all music magazines the artists hold a direct gaze towards the camera to raw in readers and make a connection.  

Clothing
The clothing in which I hope to have my model in will be edgy but simple. It will hopefully reflect the genre, in that alternative styles often refer back to past trends and fashions. For an example, one outfit I am thinking about having my subject in, is a denim jacket, with 19C gothic creeper shoes. Her make her will either be heavy, bold eyes with simple nude lips or simple eyes and dark red lips.  

Lighting
The lighting for my front cover photo shoot will be bright and focused. I want to be able to see the entire of the subject clearly and to have some shadowing around where she is sitting.

Contents Page Photo Shoot Ideas

Location
For my contents page I will be having a total of 5 images to give the reader an idea of what to expect on each page. One of these five images will be the cover photo which is featured on my front cover as this is this issues main feature. The other 4 images will include 4 different artists and bands in different locations. These locations will vary from at desks, outside having fun, listening to music with headphones on and in the photo studio at college. 

Models    
For my contents page, as I am having a total of 5 images, one being one from my front cover photo shoot means I need 4 other groups of people. For this, I am going to choose various teenagers with simular ages in order to appeal to my target audience. I have not as of yet chosen particular models. However, i do know which types of people I am looking for. These people will have an individual look which stands out against others which will be the face of the band I have created to include. I will need a maximum of 7 models in order to fill each image space with a different artist/band.   

Clothing 
Even though i am not aware of which particular models i will be using as of yet, I do know they will be of a certain style and look which reflects my alternative genre well. This means they will be dressing in a particular fashion, e.g. for boys, buttoned up shirts, and for the girls baggy jumpers and t shirts. As previously mentioned the style of the alternative genre comes are certain era which presents a rock, retro style.

Lighting
As my five images will be located in five different areas and studios, this means that the lighting for each will be different. Most will hold a bright lighting setting in order to be able to see the entire image clearly, and so that it looks clear, sophisticated and professional. However, for maybe at least one of my images it will have a unique lighting, maybe representing a club or festival which has neon lights over powering the dark. Another lighting idea is to have all the lights turn out and just to use flash, or to have one strong lamp pointed at my subject to give them an edge.Until I begin my contents page photo shoots I will not know what works and what looks good with each subject and location. 

Double Page Spread Photo Shoot Ideas 
   
Location
For my double page spread I am interviewing the artist featured on my front cover; Ruby. This means that I will use some of the pictures I took for my front cover on my double page spread. The location I am planning to use to take these photos is the studio within college. This means I am able to either keep the plain white background, or by using photoshop, cut the subject out and place her onto a backdrop of my choice. I will also try and take some other photos from during the interview to capture the artists reaction. 

Models
As previously mentioned, I will be using the same model as used on my front cover so the cover article and double page spread will link and work together. The model I am planning on using for my front cover is 17 year old Nicole. Her style and presentation of her self is unique and reflects my alternative genre perfectly. She understands this type of music and is aware of how alternative artists are positioned within a magazine.

Clothing
The clothing again will be similar to the front cover photo shoot. Simple clothing which reflects the genre well and resembles the 19C styles many alternative artists follow; denim jackets, creepers, baggy T-Shirts and skinny jeans for an example. The clothing use repeatedly throughout my magazine will follow the same styles within the Alternative genre. Within this genre boys and girls tend to wear very similar types and styles of clothing. Therefore when photographing the two sexes their fashion will appear indistinguishable. 

Lighting  
As previously mentioned, as I will be taking the photographs within the studio at college, the lighting will appear very clear, bright and focused. I am aiming for the subject to be completely in the light as to present a clean cut and professional look. However, if I then decide to have less lighting I am then able to adjust this on the programme photoshop. 


For all my photo shoot ideas mentioned, they are my current ideals about how I wish for them to go. However, at the time, it is possible for me to adjust these ideas and change them as the process goes on.  


 

Double Page Spread Draft

For my double page spread draft I tried to reflect the research I did when analysing 5 double page spreads for alternative music magazines. The main thing I noticed is that usually one side of the spread is covered with an image with only a headline and a brief summary of what to expect within this article. So, for my magazine draft I have also done this as this appears to work well for other brands.

For this double page spread I will be writing an interview with an artist who will be featured on my front cover, 'ruby'. The questions I will ask will be about her career and life, what most readers would want to know. However, I have also included the feature 'Quirky Question Corner'. This section of the page will include a series of quick fired questions about the most random of things; for example, their favourite body part etc.

The large image on the left hand side of the double page spread will be an eye catching, strong, statement picture. As this will be its only image it has to be vibrant with colours and striking to catch the eye of the readers so they will want to read the spread. 

Throughout this double page spread I have tried to keep it basic and to not clutter it too much. I want to get straight to the point of the article/interview so the readers get exactly what they are looking for. 

  

Contents Page Draft

For my contents page I tried to keep the same style and  simplicity that I designed on my front cover. This is because I believe that a continuous colour scheme and style of layout makes the magazine look more professional and well put together. As previously mentioned, I chose the colour scheme of purple, white and black as 80% of the people I asked to fill out my questionnaire said this was their preferred combination. 

I chose to use the column method as this is a popular choice on any contents page. This is because it lays out the information clearly and readers are then able to direct themselves around.

The 5 images on the page are there to give the readers a sneak peak of what to expect on certain pages. They also make the layout more colourful and visual so readers are then drawn into particular articles.

As an overall the layout is not very cluttered and shows a lot of white space. This look appears very modern which suggests that this magazine is up to date  and only includes the most talked about artists right now.        

Front Cover Draft

When I created my draft for my front cover I tried to include all the results I received from my questionnaire. For example, 80% of people preferred the colour scheme of purple, white and black so I reflected that onto my front cover. I also used other factors to help create my front cover, like the pricing, spacing of the text and image and what kind of artist to have on the front.

The brand name of 'Revolution' I believe is strong and creates a statement. It stands out against any other competitors and suggests that this magazine is creating a new era for music.

The choice in having the artist 'Ruby' on the front cover is that the name is simple, catchy and rememberable. The pose that the artist will be showing is leaning against a wall/edge of the paper with one knee up. This position shows confidence and attitude.

As an overall I tried to make my front cover, simple, spacious and professional looking. I did not want to clutter the page with too much text, images and shapes as this can look messy and draw readers away.

Prelim Evaluation

Prelim Evaluation 

For my prelim task I decided to create a college magazine front cover and contents page. Going into this project I had only done various research tasks on these pages on their layouts, and conventional features that are expected. Throughout my own front cover and contents page I have tried to incorporate all the information I gathered to create a front cover and contents page which follows the typical codes and conventions. 

As a summary I believe my college magazine prelim went well. I began with my front cover. Fortunately, this was not my first time on photoshop; therefore I had a brief understanding of the programme and some of its features and tools. From looking at other front covers I understood roughly the typical layout and what features are to be shown e.g. cover lines and offers. Therefore when creating my own front cover I also included these; by taking a portrait photo it allowed me to place my various cover lines surrounding the subjects evenly. I tried to pick a colour scheme which would appeal to both boys and girls at the college and which went with the colours on the image. I decided on red and white as they are unisex colours and came up against the background image. When it comes to my real shoot for my music magazine, I will insure that I leave enough room around the subject of a certain, block colour so that my cover lines will show up against it in a different, bold colour to draw in the readers.

I decided to give my magazine the brand name of 'College Life'; I chose this name because I believe that all the students can relate and appeal to it. I gave the title a drop back shadow to make it stand out against the other pieces of text and the background and also to draw the readers focus onto the brand. As an overall, I left the front cover uncluttered and spacious as to make it look more professional and clean cut. 

For my contents page I also incorporated the research I had done previous on typical contents pages. From my research, the main feature I noticed is that they frequently include is the column method. So, for this prelim task I also used a column to layout all my magazine pages in an orderly way in which the reader is then able to direct themselves around. The image I chose to have as the background is fairly busy as to fill the space and to not make the image too plain and boring. However, to insure that the text is the main feature I have placed it in a solid block text box to separate it from the image. The colour scheme throughout the contents page is the same as the front cover. I decided to do this to give the pages a more professional look and to keep a continuous design.

For both my front cover and contents page I used a clear, simple typography. I kept the same font throughout as to keep it looking professional and not too busy. This allows the reader to not be taken back by masses of text in complex fonts and colours but to be drawn in by the smart, simplicity of the pages. 

Throughout this prelim task it has helped me understand the process of creating a magazine front cover and contents page and I now have a better understanding of the features that need to be included. As a 'test run' I now know how to photograph my subjects in a way which allows enough room for the text to be written overtop but so it is still clear and follows the same colour scheme. Throughout this task I now understand how important a colour scheme is as this is the first thing in which draws in the readers, then the image, then the text. 

By doing this task I feel more confident about creating my Alternative music magazine front cover, contents page and double page spread. I believe I have learnt a lot more about their typical codes and conventions and can use that information to make my music magazine pages the best it can be.                       

Textual Analysis, Double Page Spread 5

Textual Analysis, Double Page Spread 4

Textual Analysis, Double Page Spread 3

Textual Analysis, Double Page Spread 2

Textual Analysis, Double Page Spread 1

Questionnaire Graphs and Analysis

Finished Prelim College Magazine Contents Page

Prelim Contents Page

Today i began placing together my images and text to create my Prelim contents page. I chose to use a photograph which has a lot to focus on but i can still place text boxes over top. Whilst on photoshop i changed the design of the textbox, as i changed the colour and gave it a slight back shadow to separate it from the background image and to make it stand out more to the reader. 

I chose the colour scheme of white and red as this is Farnham College's identity colours. I plan to continue this colour scheme throughout the magazine to give it order and continuity.

Finally, i brightened up my background image so that the subjects face would be clearer and more visible to the reader. You are then able to see her facial expression as she is out of the dark.  

I believe that during this prelim task of creating a contents page i have learnt a lot more about photoshop and i can make my way round all the tools with confidence. This will help me in the near future when it comes to creating my music magazine contents page as i will have a better idea of how to lay it out and which tools i need to do so.          

Music Magazine Questionnaire