Research and Planning

Research and Planning

My Audience

The audience, something that was key to remember throughout as the context of who my magazine was for, why they want is crucial to remember throughout producing my magazine in every detail. I think my audience as previously mentioned, are intelligent people with a huge interest in music, new and vitally old music to create thegreenroom as an indifferent yet interesting magazine, recognised for the brand of live music, a colourful publication with a great relationship with all of the audiences' favourite stars.For my research and planning I needed to acknowledge why I did things and to start off I thought that looking at inspiration for ideas would be one way of looking how thegreenroom became.. thegreenroom.


 Inspiration 
When I started to think about the task in hand in creating this magazine I knew the first step was to look at NME, MOJO and Q etc. All top professional publications that I could gain knowledge from and first and foremost ideas to go on and incorporate or adjust or even abolish if it was something that didn't apply to my magazine. My music genre was integral to this research, and due to my interest, knowledge and then the research I did into a magazine alike NME, this sort of publication worked perfectly alongside my magazine without my magazine losing originality or becoming a carbon copy of NME. I then needed to look at the magazine, and the bottom line of it was to look at how do they make them sell. What features. What aspects. What people. Who spearheads it. To make it sell? I looked through examples of 3 main pages that I needed to look at and intensively research in order to gain maximum knowledge of what the pages consist of. I have discussed the features previously, right at the start of my blog although looking back, the basic inspiration that came from these magazines, in reality all gave me the backbone and the magazine publication that you can see on this blog. They made it clear what conventions I needed to include, what angles I needed to come from and even down to how I needed to make the photos work. This research gave me the insight of how a top magazine appears, with that in my head as a concrete base if you like. A solid idea along with ideas from these magazines I could begin to draft out, thegreenroom

 The NME covers here have some shared conventions and ones that I admired which all acted as inspiration and ideas for myself including some features for example:
- Clear font
- Evident house style even on the special edition- you know its the NME
- The font on the cover dominates the photo in some respects - you know who the cover star is
- Audience can look at it and know whats inside
- A few boxes and splashes of colour advocate something other than the cover story
- Posters included - link to audience
- Lexical choices such as 'exclusive' - important to magazines
- Even the barcode on the below magazine adds information in an NME style, no empty space
- Use of a quote - relationship between brand and artists?

 The Q covers all have an identity which I wanted my magazine to have therefore I looked at these sorts of covers to see what aspects I liked. I have pinpointed the key elements that I liked:
- Dominant logo
- Strong cover image, bold
- Appears as if they know their stars
- Alike NME, their favourites obvious
- John Lennon edition shows limited editions, special interest in artists
- The font is clear - almost has a priority .  Small - large font
- The + shape graphology appears funky, links to audience
- Images are there apart from cover star in above image.
- varied yet controlled colour scheme

Front Cover

These are some of these examples that I looked at previously within my blog that I found particularly helpful. I noticed that within all of these examples there was a very clear convention of the main title, or logo on the page. I found this effective as it made it clear to the reader what the magazine is and also what the main feature/s are within the magazine, quickly to avoid ambiguity. Other conventions that I noticed within these examples of professional publications are that they have strips in block colour or 'banners' that sit along the bottom of the magazines highlighting the key features that the magazine includes which is just one of things that I have incorporated into my own publication.This little aspect of the magazine is important as a monthly issue, the regular features the magazine may share change every issue. 

Contents Page

 

The main inspiration for my contents page was actually to be different and because of looking at the contents (top right) as it conveyed a sexy style for a fashion magazine, originally that we looked at in class at school although I liked it as it was different, stood out from the usual layout and structure of things and the picture itself dominates the page, primarily down to the fact its a modelled photo, and clearly professional. That contents made me want to create thegreenroom as different and unique as it could be without going away from being a music magazine and making sure I still had all the necessities as seen in the alternate 3 examples here. 

The NME example has a distinct structure which appears in every new edition of NME as I have already looked at previously on my blog, the narrow font and order in the 'plus' section structures the pages whilst I admired the bold numbering with the clear, trendy contrasting colour background to the number. The photos all have connnations of a music magazine as you'd expect and the photos all appear different. Something my magazine needed to have, the aesthetics of a proper magazine, something you could tell just by 

seeing if all the photos were shot in the same place.

The MOJO and Q contents' both displayed colour and a real

freedom that the other contents I researched didn't have. With an

emphasis on the house style and general desire for colour, live 

performances and a trendy appearing magazine in general it was 

crucial to integrate all aspects of the magazine into creating 

my magazine as the greenroom. The contents for it is structured to 

a degree whilst the short sharp and pinpoint details are included just 

like in NME whilst parts of MOJO's and Q's style and colour is also

involved.

Double-Page Spreads

The main inspiration for my double-page article came from researching double page spreads from magazines again like NME and Q which were probably my two main focusses when researching, as big sellers, who inform readers about information similar to mine, the same music faces. The article I created needed to appear professional although in order to do that, I wanted to have lots of photos to choose from which I did when doing a photo shoot as well as linguistically creating an expressive and interesting read as an article. I needed to avoid the tacky , QandA to reach my target audience who are deemed as very literate. The two chosen examples (above) have a great main photo which is something I tried to re-create by having Jaan in the 'widescreen' image as well as several other angles to add a different contrast to the singer. The ratio of writing to photos is about the same considering the photo takes up about half of the 2 pages, which is something that my cover also does. The double pages' also manage to retain the same house style without looking like another cover or contents page by adding detail and small features such as page numbers and the large letter at the beginning of the article to add individuality and an official stamp from the magazine as a brand.

Creating my Shots

When shooting the photos of my magazine I had to ensure that the photos appeared to follow the conventions of the majority of photos that are used within music magazines however bearing in mind the lack of professional equipment along with the simple fact, the despite going to several gigs I couldn't just litter my magazine with live photos despite thegreenroom having that desire in places. 

I also ensured that, when taking my cover-star photos,obviously I used the same one, but more importantly each photo from the cover, contents right through to the double-page spread isn't replicated. Mainly because looking at research, the professional publications never do this, because it doesn't look professional. Even so it doesn't look right, it just looks a bit 'samey' and too false.
 I also wanted to ensure that there was a variety of different subjects such as both males and females, bands, solo singers and all the different types of music singers that there are. In order to do this I needed to consider who I could use firstly to be my cover as well as the structure needing to be evident whilst making sure that there isn't too much of something or in this case somebody. I have an array of shots, close ups, long distance shots, XCU, aswell as more interesting shots, with the model looking down, at an angle or other shots to indicate different contexts. E.g, using Jaan in the cafe to appear as if it was a personal, one-on-one interview.

The photo of my cover star was used and chosen as the mise-en-scene don't scream music although it suggests a relationship, a personal bond between brand and artist which the reader longs for in thegreenroom therefore the choice of this I believe works well as the photo still shows us the personality of Jaan whilst considering the models apparel and context. The hair and shirt appear smart, casual as he appears on the double page spread, therefore its clear that this isn't a photo just from going out with a friend.

The photo above is of a light switch in my house, although I felt it was a good and clever way of succinctly showing and getting across what I wanted ; indicating and asking the question of 'is the reader switched on?'. Ie up to date with thegreenroom and everything the brand offers, this sort of quirky photo replicated everything my magazine offers, in just what may otherwise be labelled as a photo of the switch. It was important using technology to make sure I eradicated the wallpaper in my house to retain just the socket whilst getting rid of the needless shadow.

FINAL DRAFT

Click below images to ENLARGE

FINAL 

Above) Front Cover (Left) Contents (Below) Double Page 

Justification of each page

I was looking personally at my front cover and realised that in order to realise why I did things i needed to talk about them. This is what I am now going to talk about..

Front Cover

I chose to link the title of my magazine with the colour scheme to turn the cover picture into something more creative and certainly original via the use of the paint brush on photoshop which enabled my cover to be striking aesthetically as well as perhaps branding the green rooms clear logo , as well as being recognised and associated with the brand. The idea of having clear snapshot images of what else is in this months magazine I chose to do as instead of perhaps a weekly magazine having more focus on a particular story and therefore a dominant image. Being a monthly magazine there are many stories and images that the reader will want from the magazine. I chose the photos down the side after deciding against the idea of having the polaroid images on the cover and instead carrying that idea which I initially planned for my contents page. The images also contain a border full of colour adding to the 'fun' young feel of the magazine tying in with the main model image which is retrospective whilst including plenty of colour forming a colourful cover but without making it look cheap. The main things I feel avoid this cheapness are the cover star image as well as a 'defiant' and bold masthead which screams formality and professionalism. The main aim I had was to be original and stop the magazine becoming 'boring' with dull colours whilst researching and taking into account the ideas and concepts used by other magazines.
The way I have priced my magazine, such a small detail, a paramount concept for every other brand and magazine although I wanted even the smallest of details to be sophisticated and acknowledge the target audience. I used 'two pounds' instead of the standard pricing in numbers as well, as the words are something the reader is more likely to be associated with. The reader intended to be a keen reader with the interest of both new and old musicians, hence the emphasis on big bands such as kings of Leon popular in todays age as well as the mentions of icons such as bowie and dylan, identifying the readers interests throughout.

Another thing on my cover is the cover lines almost appearing in order and then the contrasting unstructured cover lines on the right hand side overlapping photos and even the main image something done in magazines regularly such as Q and MOJO. Such ideas have come from intensive research and wading through hundreds of past NME editions before stumbling across the december issue, with the main focus on morrissey and then down the side the overlapping text with the photos in boxes although without the colour. I added the colour to show evidence of the young and older target audience.
The cover lines are enhanced by other brief lines on top and bottom of the magazine, the top grabbing the readers attention with the focus on 'competition winning' and the bottom on the regular features, something that could be a common feature of every edition of thegreenroom. A lot of the linguistic features on the cover are attractive and pull the reader in such as 'your' regulars, using the pronoun to engage with the reader and form a relationship. As well as the idea that this brand, thegreenroom knows the reader so well that they know , where our reader will 'want to be this month?'. The other attraction my cover offers are the images (most) are live images reflecting the initial plan I had to have a huge emphasis on an 'experienced knowledgable audience,the bright colours aren't aimed to deflect from a youthful however not young audience with a huge interest in music obviously and regular people who are regularly at gigs. This aim towards regular listeners.
The slogan is aimed to link with the definition of thegreenroom , 'your backstage pass' also indicates and reflects the live performances and images portrayed and discussed within the magazine. The font also differs from the masthead and the cover lines in metro DF to a clearer and bolder font, making sure like in magazines such as MOJO, the magazines slogan gets just as much coverage as the minimally covered masthead itself. The masthead is covered marginally by a picture, I decided to do this as it is a technique used by my primary researched NME week in week out as well as other top music brands. It adds identity and even allows the right side to flow nicely, with titles and pictures whilst allowing the main cover image to still dominate the page.Something when I asked people what they seen first on my cover they all commented either the cover image and title or the masthead suggesting my thoughts and ideas about the layout were a success.
- photos down the side
-two pounds
-names of things, cover lines, overlapping
-slogan
-layout of text

Contents
I changed the idea of having a few brief polaroids as further research showed that I needed one clear image of my cover story to dominate the page, as the most likely thing is that prospective buyers are after the main story therefore instantly want to jump to that page. I included various images whilst introducing a colour scheme appropriate with sophisticated colour at the bottom of the page, and the left third is primarily stories and numbers in a pinky colour all whilst keeping hold of the green background. It could perhaps be perceived as overpowering although the colour only adds to the bright and retrospective page I was trying to create. I varied image shape after looking at other professional publications and magazines to see how images are edited and resized successfully to form a thriving page. I think the contents is a fun and simplistic page to see exactly what is going on. The brief descriptions are used to acknowledge a reader in the know and the use of quotes show realism and make the reader have trust in a brand who know their favourite bands and acts.  The structure is evident although I didnt want it to be appear formal, just professional alike MOJO contents pages, although they have perhaps considerable more structure the contents' are certainly filled with images. I also have added in email addresses and links to brand thegreenroom along with clear technological convergence, online etc.

I have kept the same font masthead to be on my contents, clearly stating what the page is. The month is in bold, 'MARCH' in the same font although with a different colour background green to avoid any possible clashes. I have used yellow on areas where the reader can win, for example the guitar. A purple colour behind a white text for each heading for each page. The page numbers are 'freely' set over images in bold white or black, again portraying this relaxed informal yet professional publication. The numbers set in this way was something I had seen in music publications as well as online websites in non-musical magazines such as GQ, an upmarket magazine . I felt it was important to use all aspects from any publications , especially music orientated magazines to create a classy contents.
The images and names used on the contents show familiarity such as second names or the images are of venues such as the 02 where alot of readers may actually be going to, considering their interest in music etc.
-the use of snapshots
-main story big
-little text
-the brief structure
-'relaxed'


Double Page Spread
I took several quality images for my double page spread, with a golden background which even though it doesn't scream green room and the brand we have seen so far,the text and heading is very much associated with the same house style as well as including the technological convergence on contents. The    cover model appears everything I wanted from the double page spread as the image looks classy and the personality himself looks like a Bob Dylan or Pete Doherty influenced person, the image portrayed by a fag in mouth, arrogant whilst nervy and perhaps frail figure creates a powerful double page spread. I wanted to make sure I had one dominant image making sure the divide wouldn't ruin the photo whilst the other photos needed to show other emotions and the face of the. The image from behind the cover star shows freedom and a relaxing space, this links in with the brand of thegreenroom being professional yet with several informalities. Only furtherly enhanced by a carefully written article taking into account the reader and the person we are interviewing. Linguistically its very different and even the type of article is based on writers such as Jeremy Clarkson or Bill Bryson with evident sarcasm and confidence in the language.
Another thing I added into my article was the use of highlighting the brand 'thegreenroom' something I had recognised notably in newspapers and other publications to keep reminding the reader of the brand and the white font also attracts attention and adds the idea of exclusivity which is talked about on the cover.
-image layout
-tgr room highlighting
-style of article

Peer Analysis

I asked 3 fellow students to analyse my magazine, following a sturdy criteria of things such as framing a shot , the mise-en-scene, the language or register as well as awareness and understanding evident from other research. All of the feedback I received was very positive and no responses were met with anything other than the level 3 or plus, reflecting a good publication and success , so far.

The main positives I received from the first assessment included..
-good 'frames' and use of colour around the picture
-good range and variety of shots, close ups as well as more distanced photos
-many pictures of live acts or musicians
-keeps colour scheme well - translating to a positive and evident house style
-good use of language and register
-good structure
-consistently aesthetically pleasing throughout , with clear evidence of research and awareness

Second assessment
-different range of photos/shots
-good location for pictures/ mise en scene / clever backgrounds
-no mistakes in the text, good article

Third assessment
- nice variety of shots
-good resizing and cropping
-also a few level 4 boxes highlighted, suggesting excellence in awareness and varieties in photos as well as a carefully constructed article.

to improve?

- the main feedback I received in order to improve was to look at maybe making certain aspects look a bit more music 'like', something I will look at now throughout my magazine to see where can be tweaked/changed.

MY MAGAZINE

Ongoing Draft

With the deadline for my draft of my front cover,contents and double page spread in for next week I felt it was time to update my blog with my movements in terms of advancing and editing my publication recently.

I have created a front cover which I believe appears trendy due to the use of software such as InDesign and Photoshop even if its testing and frustrating at times. The cover has all original photos of mine from things such as past gigs I have been to and even a holiday picture adapted to look like any photo could be on a music magazine. The right hand side is dominated by photos of live performances exaggerating the emphasis from 'thegreenroom' on live and retro living with a chic spin.

The cover model I chose, was a good friend of mine where we went on an expedition in my home town in Portishead where we took photos in gardens, at battery point , an idealistic location aswell as gathering photos of everyday tools from the house which could be used at a later point in my magazine, for example the light switch photo on the contents page.

The cover picture is 'Jaan' looking rather classy and dapper whilst I edited him with the brush tool from photoshop to increase the 'cool factor' and link the green brush in with the name of the green room, to aesthetically create a link between name and images as well as just the meaning of 'thegreenroom'.

The masthead is created via using 1001 free fonts and 'metroDF' the font I managed to download onto the MACS has formed my house style throughout the magazine, used on contents and on the double page spread. The masthead is purposely posed as a retro font where the words 'green' and 'room' are moved closer together via a tool on the design feature of , InDesign software.
I also have added in persuasive techniques such as the use of pronouns and modal verbs on the cover to advertise and entice the reader linguistically, something learnt via looking at fellow music magazines and studying English Language.

My contents is a trendy page full of images cropped in different shapes and sizes to indicate a fresh young look whilst being simplistic, so far my page if anything looks a bit 'too young' and colourful so therefore its something I may alter. I plan on keeping all the original photos in different shapes cropped via photoshop and the lasso tool or simply just put into for example a circle shape. I have also added a shadow to offer a 3D effect to all of my contents images. The house style is again evident and relevant and the website also appears on the page underneath the basic 'contents' title, I also state the month for the monthly magazine clearly to give it identity and make it easy to see.

My double page spread, is arguably so far my best page as it oozes class and is enhanced by all of my original images and the photoshoot that I did with my friend 'Jaan' who is a cover star and part of an article for my double page spread. I have produced classic and rather witty poses to create a mesmerising page full of creative spark from a singer songwriter who fictionally also has that same creative instinct. The article itself is based on many papers and writers and I have tried to create a laidback and very much personal interview without the use of the original idea of a QandA session with my cover star, as this could be portrayed as tacky.

Creating my magazine

After setting up all of the basics or having the plan on my blog and mentally of what I wanted to do, the next stage obviously was to make it real, and as much as possible keeping the same ideas I had, and transforming them into a front cover, contents and a double page spread.
Using 1001 free fonts.com I managed to download particular appealing fonts of which I managed to find around 10 and then narrowed it down to 1 which I have chosen to be on my front cover and as part of my house style.
I  had to make sure the font was relevant to my magazine, the retro look magazine with the modern information.

As other parts of my front cover I went ahead to name my magazine the green room, with METRODF, the font I downloaded, I managed to create a 'green' colouring in some parts of my magazine, creating a band of block colour on the right hand side. I also using the compatibility of the USB stick, I managed to move 'live' photos of particular acts and bands I have seen, tying in with the demand for original photos in my work.

For my contents, I made sure I had the same font for the 'contents' heading, clearly stating the name of the month. I also set the outline using InDesign on the Macs to produce the contents too as well as the front cover before developing both. The contents will be mainly image based as well as already constructed editors message.

For my double page spread. The main heading of the page continues in the same house style, unfinished although I may alter the original question and answer format that you can see below and change it more towards an article, a higher level and perhaps a better magazine.

Yesterday I took several more photos of one of my cover models, my friend I chose as I believe his photogenic appearance will mean that he will be perfect for a iconic front cover. I took several photos after school just as the sun was going down in a garden area. I made him carry a guitar as well as a note book suggesting a singer/songwriter personality. I also went to Battery Point. Portishead, an idyllic spot in my town, it looks very succinct as he carries a vibrant pose and the sunlight creates a fascinating range of images. I also took a few of the guitar itself and him in a cafe, so they could be used in an interview format.


I will update my progress in the upcoming days where I look to secure and finalise more photo shoots.

Planning my double page spread

I am going to interview someone with a predominant image on one page, with minimal text on the other side explaining information about the artist. I will use a main original image in a portrait format with the use of editing. My artist and model for my artist I will photo with the correct mise en scene.

I plan on asking questions such as..
So here it is, the interview with the man himself
Whats it like featuring in 'the green room'?
Its a pleasure, delighted to be here, i remember growing up idolising all of these people and now that im appearing in the green room itself, its great. Isnt it? I think it isa real feat.
Any gigs that your fans can see you at?
Yeah well im on my UKtour, Im going to Soho this week as well as the more local Thekla Bristol, a great venue, played by many. I would have loved to play the Cavern in Liverpool but now obviously that ones a no go. A few dates abroad.. twitter me for more listings!!
Many youngsters are now idling yourself, what advice can you give them?
Just keep going, be unique, like me and you.. na on a serious note,love doing what your doing.
Have you got any budding romances you can inform 'the green room'?
aha I knew this was gonna come up, when I was the MTV awards recently I know a few tabloids claimed I was flirting with this person and that. Thats me, fun, banter.
I heard that Katy Perry has huge interest in a potential  collaboration with yourself, I mean what do you say to that? I wish I had that kind of interest in me..
Course, that would be of interest, our styles are different.. would they work? we'll have to see
My favourite tracks have gotta be 4 and 7? But what are they?
Distrubution is 7.. 4 is that The View Above.. I hope it is.. How bad will that look if its not?!
Do you plan on going on a tour abroad? Is that something that interests you? World Tour?
We've covered this question have we not. Come on mateee!
Aha, obviously keen to stay at home for a while yet then?
Yeah definitly for now, see my local fans, they have given me a springboard, I need to set myself the challenge of going abroad and wowing fans. Im only 19 so a World Tour with me and the band would be a big step. Yeah so for now. Its down South.
Whose your favourite fellow musician? Who do you tip to be the next..you?
I love Bob Dylan and Springsteen, true greats, regular features in your mag arent they? Aswell as them probably other newcomers such as Naive New Beaters, Deez is always a laugh and has some great tracks on his new EP. Were good friends too. The next me? Who am I yet, I dont know, Im sure one of the readers reading this is young ambitious and loves music. Thats me. In a nutshell.
I hear your a big city fan, do you get to many games?
Yess. A hot topic in my flat, my mates often get dragged along too when I go. Im a big fan, that and music, keeps me going and up to date too!
Maybe a half-time pitch 'mini gig'?
Just imagine that, maybe one day,  I dont think Id be too motivating for the players.. Maybe post match.
Thanks for your time, best of luck for the future big man
Aha no worries mate, always a pleasure.

front cover

fonts

Skills Audit

Using IT appropriately I feel so far that I have used IT appropriately to do research , including gaining images which then mean that I can create my online blog filled with images and text about my magazine research. I have confidently used blogger so far, to the extent that I have managed to upload my own photos to my blog and then expand on them in writing.

Understanding of conventions of layout/page design I have researched, using my IT skills to find what types of features are regularly and commonly in various magazines, I have looked at mainly NME, Q, and MOJO magazines where I have found out that the masthead and contents and double page spreads vary, and withhold the same house style throughout the magazine. I have realised that the front cover, a close up, and brief cover lines are integral to magazines such as NME, the minimalist design.  The double page layout also normally has one main dominant image which I have noticed and then hope to use in my own double page spread.

Awareness of need for variety in fonts and text size I have noticed by studying various magazines, not even solely the above music magazines that the font they carry holds a crucial brand identity such as the house style of red and white Q logo spans across all multi platforms that the Q company are part of such as the technological convergence online, music channel, and the Q magazine itself.  The font can be bold, and simple creating almost a retro look such as in MOJO or the more eccentric and extravagant the magazine hints at a higher class brand. The text size even has such a varying importance, a larger font could even be perceived differently than a smaller more detailed font. All these things are of high importance to my magazine of which I plan on using a basic yet highly effective font and style that will flow through my magazine.

Accurate use Lang/register Studying english language has helped enormously in order to understand the type of language that is persuasive or what can and would be included in articles and this case a magazine publication. For example the use of informal language and slang would be more appropriate as well as perhaps even taboo language in places.  Language features such as modal verbs and pronouns are vital as a persuasive technique and feature in several magazines as well ideas of fantasy and dreams such as lexical choices such as 'win' and 'prizes'. Certain modals such as 'must' and 'will' add a persuasive technique and personal pronouns will make the magazine feel personal such as 'you' and 'your' could really engage the reader into feeling wanted by the brand.

Appropriate integration illustration/text By researching various magazines, especially front covers, arguably the most important part of the magazine, I have recognised that the writing needs to crucially be readable and that is useless if its not readable, and it doesnt need to be just about readable, it needs to stand out. The main cover line, masthead needs to be clear and evident, from a distance as well as when zooming in. The images need to be clear and well edited to make sure the outline of images and text such as various fonts are easy to see and blend well. For example that there are no obvious clashes, for me my aim is to make every heading appear professional, and every cover line, even down to the price needs to be clear and simplistic. I already believe my idea for having a block colour background behind my cover star will be a bonus to forming appropriate integration illustration over text.

Framing shots For taking my photos, all original, they will all be taken by myself fortunately, I can include several that I have already taken at music gigs as well as other trips in stadia such as live images from stadia such as the NIA , Birmingham and The Emirates Stadium Arsenal. I also can use regular shots from Bristol City stadium as a season ticket holder, which also plays as a music venue meaning that all of these photos will look professional due to the sheer size of the picture/place or the location. This in comparison to something like a front room of a house posing as an arena. In my photos so far and in my future I will need to make sure the lighting is good and that the photos' faces are easy to see the detail if any, such as facial expression. As well as the background being clear, or deliberately busy if need be, for example I don't want to take an image of somebody (XCU) if there is just a window pane or kitchen appliance in the background. Everything is about realism.

Variety of shot distances as appropriate I have acknowledged the importance of varied shots as well as various distances such as it would be likely that the front cover contains a close up of my cover model , and several alternate shots in other images. My contents will contain what are polaroid images therefore I want some variety with probably some XCU , zoomed right in on a particular object with some zoomed out with an overview over a larger place. My double page spread, I plan on doing a portrait shot of somebody, for my interview page as I hope to be doing a 'artist portrait' appearance as my main image. By studying different magazines I have recognised the diverse shot distances and that a 'live' shot is rarely on the front cover of a magazine.

Shooting appropriate material I must acknowledge and constantly remember the purpose of my publication and that its solely a music magazine therefore all images ideally need to relate to music and music connotations. I also know that this means taking several music images which I either already have or that I can take locally or in Bristol or by setting the right mise en scene to relate to a music. I can also shoot the right material via editing and editing images to contain a musical appearance or something that will relate to my magazine, this could be by using special effects.

Selecting mise-en-scene (inc colour, figure, lighting, objects and setting) I have analysed the way that particular shots are used by the setting of various places to give for example a rustic and rough look for a rock band, or perhaps a dark and deep setting with splashes of light for maybe a more R'nB theme. For my magazine apart from the above I plan on setting the right mise en scene whilst varying night and day shots to have a real variety however not a complete constant contrasting ideas. My figures need to be appropriately dressed with any props needed, something I will look and analyse further when taking my cover photos.

Manipulating photographs (including within text, within IT programmes, cropping, resizing Using photoshop I can manipulate photos via resizing and doing different effects to perhaps pixelate or brighten darker images. I can do this as I am confident with cropping and changing any images. I also can set settings in my camera in order to gain special features or modes of my photos.

Contribution (so far)

Moving on with MY magazine

I took these photos myself from my camera looking at just two NME magazines as further research to see what else I can include or do similarly to gain further information about what I could do for my magazine. The two front covers include a feature on David Bowie an icon within music which is what I would like to feature on, by making one of my original photos appear as a global star. The colours are vibrant and extremely expressive whereas the also vibrant NME cover including Mumfords is more 'live' and shows a completely different side to the magazine which I would argue is more appropriate to the target audience.

The two magazine covers are filled with cover lines that share the same names or features with mumfords on the second cover where they figured as the main cover image in the previous issue reflecting a flow which I will need to carry from cover through to the contents.

NME have an idolised brand which admire both classic and upcoming artists, something that I want to replicate in my magazine. Globalised bands such as Kings Of Leon which I will feature in my next post, where I managed to take several photos which I can include in my magazine.

Features of things such as Bob Dylan posters again show that wide age group in audience signalling the same audience interested in David Bowie, although someone like myself has a major interest in both artists, a clear niche audience.

The house style is evident in both covers even though one shows a more darker background and style they are both clear and vibrant and share the same fonts expected from the NME audience.

The contents page , I admire the simplicity that is shown continuously by NME every week, every issue of the magazine, in this particular one (above) , I like the powerful main image from the lead singer along with the organisation created from the 'squared' images with a bold clear number stating the page number. This is something I tried to include in my initial preliminary magazine. The photography is something that I need to use and take into account the way NME has used photography as a vital key in the cog for their image and therefore building to the success of their iconic image.

The images appear to reflect the young , stylish target audience, with the common use of block colour we see on double page spreads moved into the background with the image of a singer/band in the foreground. The photos also appear very 'live' and several show live action from bands or musicians, showing the NME in a positive light and as if they're at the centre of everything music.

I took a photo of the type of advert found in NME, CONVERSE, a global brand, so popular with the age group and target audiences of NME and similar youthful magazines, the images appear sleek and the brand type of 'CONVERSE' is certainly associated with the younger age group. Advertising is a crucial aspect for any magazine forming the revenue that will then be extracted and put into increasing brand identity. Although I wont be creating large double page adverts such as the above, I will need to include things perhaps such as potential competitions that people can win vouchers towards popular brands that would be seen in my magazine or associated with the type of magazine Im creating. 

The next stage which again I took photos from my own NME magazines I studied the presentation of double page spreads, looking at whether they are text or image heavy and how that is used to entice the reader cleverly whether its by the choice of image of just how big the image is or how effective it is. 'Up Front' is a regular feature that the readership of NME look for in every issue therefore I need to find a suitable regularity inside my magazine and discover why that is so integral to any magazine. .

Why? Because its what the reader comes back for time and time again,creating further interest and perhaps a more regular readership. Aesthetically the double page spread has a huge impact as the photos are stylishly cut and spread around the two pages, outlined by a thick white outline, a sleek colour choice again associated with the house style of NME.

The images once again appear vibrant and of sincere excitement rather than more laid back or perhaps of less interest. The vibrant images portray a fun factor amongst the double page spread which entices the reader into reading what appears a sparkling article.

The second double page spread that I took was of Mumford and Sons as a large scale image, 'rocking' away live again linking back to that same target audience we have acknowledged as having seen and took part in several 'live' atmospheres among great musicians. The bold font is so expressive and the colour scheme inside the image perhaps exaggerated by the use of photoshop which I will be using myself bringing out the sheer passion that our reader longs for within one image, just for a double page spread.

The last double page I photographed was of Darwin Deez, a popular band amongst the NME editors and a double page spread is used to explain visually as well as literally in terms of writing who exactly or what exactly you can expect from one of the highly talked about acts in NME regularly, who featured on the radar tour.

'Lets Dance' is an iconic headline for the double page spread as the song , sung by the one and only David Bowie, main feature on the cover, cover image of the same magazine, it links into his song and the style of darwin deez creating a smooth link between the two.

I sketched out my ideas for my front cover, contents and double page spreads. I started, importantly with the design of my front cover, the iconic, crucial appearance that sets the tone for the quality and information which flows through into the rest of the magazine and publication. My intentions are to have a block colour background if possible to a photoshop my main image over the top, to replicate the same crisp and fresh appearance that is shown in the NME and Q publications. I have realised that its important not to overload my cover therefore its important the images that are on the page are dominant, eye catching and are of extremely good quality. I will use an extra close up of my model to appear either 'harsh' or at the other side of the spectrum 'very happy' maybe perhaps with a wry smile, as an enticing photo. I may use a male as the magazine audience is more likely to be predominantly males, however this could mean a female character could attract due to sex appeal or its just a more attractive cover.

My contents page I have drafted as keeping the same masthead and title of my magazine in the top left of the page whilst the month,  being a monthly magazine, is clearly stated in writing and in numbers, I want the numbers to appear alike an alarm clock so it looks live, and exciting, not a contrasting dull page. I once again plan on having a mainly block colour background, using a white or even a pink, I will explore what colours will form this house style. 

I hope to use all my own images and transform them into as if they appear as polaroids, on a noticeboard to appear retrospective, I only want a few 'snaps' of whats in the magazine, the regular features and a special which I could outline or number slightly differently. I want a black and white hatching towards the bottom of the page to make it appear rough and rigid, I want the image of a lively festival such as glastonbury, put onto my page. So perhaps even a few stains and perhaps tea stain effects or common objects to give it a slightly humurous feel such as a few guitar plectrums or unstrung strings lying around. I want a brief 'message' from the editor which i plan on giving a name as if it were a common and a regular feature. I also plan on having 'win' or whats coming up snapshots on this page. This page for me is only just behind the cover in importance and also needs to look professional. To ensure this all pages will be created on InDesign.

My double page spread (below) is perhaps the page Im most excited about creating first and foremost because its a real 'free page' which can be taken anyway I plan, with as much and as little of anything to create a classy and interesting page. I plan on having a dominant name , of what the headline is, likely to be an interview with an icon. I want a retrospective appearance on this page such as the common look that is seen in MOJO and somewhat bizarrely in Ted Baker products aswell as a restaurant in Bath which I visited, where the walls appeared ripped with a minimalist effect overshadowed with excellent art pieces dotted around the room. A real interesting place.

I want my main image on this double page spread to more or less take up one whole page whilst it sits quietly and again happily inside a oldy worldy style frame. It will look old fashioned but swirls and splashes of colour and editing will create an enticing page. I want the name of the star to either appear huge as it does (left) or in contrast, very small and perhaps in a bolder clearer style. The large font would be almost inprinted as a 'washout' type of effect on the page. The interview itself will be minimal on this double page and is likely to either overlap and run on onto the next few pages therefore it wont be crammed. It will be image heavy and very colourful and bright. Im keen to avoid the magazine from being dull and uninteresting wherever possible.

This double page spread comes from MOJO magazine, the other magazine which I'm analysing in detail in order to gain as much information and recognise what works well within a professional music publication.
In this double page spread its easily recognisable that its MOJO magazine, but why?

The magazine uses several images just like we have seen on the front cover and on the heavy contents page filled with all sorts of older images. The pages are covered with black and white and contrasting modern pictures as well as the use of a polaroid picture to signify that retrospective look and acknowledge the target audience that might just have a collection of polaroids themselves.
However the double page spread has a larger text to image ration than the other magazines we have seen by a vast amount suggesting a hugely different target audience, which is correct and more importantly obvious in this publication.

I do like the quote mark in the middle of the spread highlighting and pinpointing a certain section of the magazine to the reader however this isn't done so that reader doesn't read the rest of the article as their reader is likely to be solely interested in the article itself.
'A life in pictures' is also a nice feature which we can see is effective and portrays almost a timeline like feel to the spread again identifying the audience and giving them something that they can relate to as well as follow easily in terms of visually and via date order.