Evaluation

Hayley Pither's Evaluation of Music Magazine

In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

After making my finished product, I feel as though my magazine reached my expectations and standard to fit my target market. In order to achieve this, I included the techniques I found through my format research of real media products; that inspired me and presented the key features of an effective and interesting magazine. An example of this is that my Head Master laid behind my main image on my front cover, as all of the magazine covers I analysed included this. I felt that the title would benefit the magazine as this design has become favoured through out the media. As a result it make my cover look more professional as the lack of visibility of it’s name suggests how popular it is. However, it meant that I had to adjust and reedit my image to get this effect. 

Additionally, all my magazine pages consisted of the colour scheme: white, blue and black. Two of the three magazines I researched presented a colour scheme, however one of these covers used four colours whilst the other only included three. Therefore I included three main colours to present my magazine because I felt as though the three colours would neatly reflect of each other, whereas four colours would clash against one another and would not be remembe able.This acts like a trade mark for my magazine as readers would resemble these colours to my product. 

Moreover, for my contents page I aimed my design to be simple but effective. Originally I wanted the layout to be a double page spread, as through my analysis of music magazine contents pages, the ‘Classic Rock’ contents page was most effective because it had an easy structure to understand. However, once making a draft copy of a double page spread, I believed it looked to busy and not professional. Therefore, I changed the structure to cover one page, like the magazine ‘Uncut’ that I analysed, and then I decided to only include one main image to match the front cover like the ‘Classic Rock’ magazine.   

I wanted it to be clear that the genre of this magazine was Rock and Roll, therefore I originally decided to include a skyline to state this, as I have seen this in my format research. However, once adjusting my cover, I included a  banner that states, ‘The UK’s best Magazine for Rock and Roll!’ So it is obvious that this magazine focuses on Rock and Roll. In addition I put the image if the ‘Admirations’ on the front cover, as I asked them to wear white shirts with a smart suit because this is what was fashionable for Rock and Roll stars to wear, therefore the audience would get this impression.  

How does your media product represent particular social groups? 

Following on, my magazine represents and influences young adults. The target market for my magazine is young adults: aged between 21-30.  

This is presented through my magazine as on my front cover the main image is of a band of young men in modern formal fashion means that younger generations will be drawn to the page because they are drawn to the trendy style that the image presents. 

Following on, my product represents and influences young adults, initially my target market is ranged of the age of 21-30. Therefore, I included factors on my magazine that would relate to the readers. Examples of the relation between the audience and the magazine is the use of a banner over the top of the front cover. It quotes ‘Download this Months Issue of your Smart phone!’ The last decade the advanced technology means that we can download nearly everything on our phones. Considering most of the public nowadays have this technology, I decided to make my product available across technology. This means that the readers can easily access my product. 

What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?

Firstly, Media Institution are businesses that produce media products, such as magazines or TV programmes. Therefore, if I wished to distribute my magazine, I have found a few successful examples of how I could promote my product. 

 -Harris Publications is a magazine publisher, based in New York City, where they have published over 75 different brands (including prints, mobile and live performances)  They are very experienced when inspiring the public as there magazine genre and style has a large range, since publishing for over 35 years.  

 - ‘Bauer Media’ is the UK’s largest publisher based in Germany. It was founded in 1975, and since then it owns 238 magazines in 15 countries.   One of it’s most successful magazines is MOGO. 

-BBC Magazines is the magazine publishing division for BBC Worldwide meaning that their magazines consist of different genres like music, cars, cooking ect… 

-Time inc is a consumer magazine and digital publisher based in London, with a large portfolio selling over 350 million copies each year since founded in 1963.  27 million adults read their magazines everyday and they have the third largest commercial music website in the UK .

I think the most suitable distributor for my product would be 'Time inc' due to it's previous experiences with Rock and Roll magazines.  This would mean that they understand how to market the product to my target market, as traditionally, they aim their products to adults and to 'Rock and Roll' fans. Additionally, due to their wide range of readers, '27 million,' shows that they understand how to advertise the products and make the magazines relatable to the target market.

Below are some examples of their magazines. 

Who would be the audience for your media product?

My music magazine is targeted towards young adults of ages between 21-30.  Therefore, the techniques I used, I included in order to catch the eye of my target market. For an example, the band displayed at the front are young and attractive men, therefore they immediately attract and invite people to look upon this magazine. I arranged the cover lines on the lower half of the page and adjusted the quote to be to the left side making the picture more visible. I did this because the gradient effect I used means that the cover lines stand out more from the background here. But it also means that the reader can see the image more clearly, as the young men are attractive, the public will want to see more of the image so by moving my text, the reader is more attractive to the cover. 

 However, regarding sex, I attended my magazine to attract both men and women. In different perspectives, I can see how it may mainly attracts men because I displayed an image of young trendy men on the cover. This means that a male audience would be attracted to the cover because they want to see their style and be inspired by them. Also, the colour blue is stereotypically considered to be attractive for men so they may be attracted to the colours and tone of the cover.  On the other hand, it also attracts women in the same way but they may feel a more sexual approach to the image, as most magazines covers want this reaction. But, as no female models are displayed so women may not be attracted as their is no ‘female style’ that would inspire them, like what is seen in a pop magazine, as an example.

How did you attract/address your audience?

Traditionally the Head master is at the top of the page because it gets lots of attention here and it also gives plenty of room on the rest of the page to grab attention. Through conducting a survey, I discovered what font Rock and Roll fans found appealing and also what title they preferred. I choose a variety of fonts that would match the atmosphere of the magazine that I wanted to give and the this font was the most popular to the Rock and Roll fans that I questioned.

Through format research, I found that the use of colour schemes were successful when attracting attention and making a flow in the magazine pages.  Therefore, I used the colours; blue, white and black. I used these because, firstly, black and white are neutral colours so any other colour will match them. Also, as white is obviously very light in compared to black, they can be easily seen as they are very contrasting. Then I added the blue because it stands out against the black and white, so it would be effective when highlighting important information but it also gives a calming emotions the reader. Furthermore, through my research, I discovered that Rock and Roll, Jazz and Blues music link, this means that by incorporating the blue colour would suggest the tone and genre of the magazine.

When including cover lines; quotes , subtitles and the article, I experimented using italics, making the text bold and using outlines. I did  this so the text would not all be the same but would bounce of each other and would get the readers attention.  For an example, within my quote “We want to take reality back to the 50’s.” I transformed the word ‘reality’ to be bolder, larger and  gave it an outline so it would stand out from the rest of the quote. Also, I made ’50’s’ larger and outlined it to match the boldness of ‘reality.’ I did this because these words were the main part of the quote that would get the most attention. However,the number  ’50’s’ I also made italic. On Indesign I increased the angle of the number so it wouldn’t be similar to any other text on the page and would stand out more.  

Traditionally, magazines are stacked on shelves in shops in order to be sold. This means that the right hand side of the magazine is hidden, and only the left side is  visible. Therefore my main advertising techniques need to be to the left of the page in order to get attention when being sold. As a result I pushed the quote towards the left page, I then preferred this because  it showed of the main image of the young men that also attracted the reader to the cover.

Across the top of the front cover and contents page I used banners to give extra information that would grab attention. Originally, I was going to use a skyline across my front cover as I liked the effect of this in my research. However, I experimented by using a banner that I had seen in my research. I believed this gave more depth to my magazine cover. 

In Addition, in my format research, I found that some of the models made eye-contact to the reader. Therefore, such as on my contents page, I used this technique as it draws 

in the reader because it forces the reader to acknowledge their facial expression. As a result the reader them notices the rest of the image and begins to be intrigued in the whole page and the rest of the magazine.

What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product? 

During the production of my magazine pages, I had to use many programs to get it to it’s standard. However, the three main soft wares I used was Blogger, Indesign and  Photoshop.

Firstly,it was unfortunate as I was not experienced with either Indesign or Photoshop so the making of my magazine was difficult for me. Therefore, I joined a course that provided me with lessons each week that taught me how to use each software confidently. 

Through photoshop, I managed to edit my photographs professionally and add any effects to the photo, such as a gradient on my front cover. I could cut my photographs in to layers and put different effects on to each layer. What I found very effective was adjusting the ‘colour balance,’ ‘contrast’ and ‘brightness’ of my layers to get the colour and correct tone that I wanted on my product. 

Also, I learnt many of the techniques in the tool bar that allowed me to  put different effects on my work. Such as the Blending tool and

Stamp tool that allowed me to erase any imperfections on my photographs. Another technique I learnt was being able to switch the colour on my magazine. For an example when editing my title, it was originally Black when I download it from a ‘fonts’ website. However, I wanted this to be white in order for it to stand out.  So this helps me as I did not have to find another  title to download and it did not waste any of my time.

 

Furthermore, I put my work in to Indesign to make my magazine. Here I also learnt new techniques that I would not have been able to succeed if I made my product in other softwares. I firstly learnt how to make and adjust my own colour that I could use across all of my pages. This was also an  advantage to me when choosing my colour scheme as I was able to make the correct colour I wanted, and it would also be original in comparison to the colours Indesign already supplied.This also helped me when deciding what colour to use as a background of my middle page as I could edit one that would suit my page the most. 

In addition, I was also able to edit my text to make them stand out. Firstly, I had the option to change the colour of my text and I was able to include an outline. What I really appreciated was being able to control the colour and ‘weight’ of the outline so my cover lines and subtitles could contrast each other, this means that it was a clear difference for the reader in what they were reading.  

To present my work, I was introduced to Blogger where I was able to create my own blog online; using this software I was able to post questionnaires, photographs and was able to see my progress in my work. Despite the programme is simple to use, I stumbled among challenges that meant that I could not upload certain sources or some of my work for instance; photographs would loose quality when putting them on my blog and when including ‘Prezi’s’ in my work, I had to find away to successfully put the link on my blog. Therefore, I had to experiment with the file types my work was saved as in order to put it on my blog. Also,I really enjoyed this software because I am able to make my blog personal to myself as I could choose the layout of my work. 

Furthermore, I used the software called Prezi, this is a presentation programme, where I was able to display my work as mind maps. This enabled me to learn different ways to present my research and photographs, so I could see my progress clearly.  However, I had to experiment linking this software on to my blog, as often it would not be visible.

 When creating my presentation and showing my research, I wanted my work to show the correct and chronological order of the stages of my work. As a result, I often found myself changing the order of my work as a mind map so the order of my editing is clear and obvious to the reader.  This was a disadvantage because it was very time consuming to do when I had so many slides. 

Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

Lastly, now looking back at my preliminary task, I can see a clear progress in my work as the quality is better and it is clear that there is a wider range of techniques included. It is easy to see that originally, I lacked experience when researching and creating my school magazine. However, through my classes and extra help I have been able to produce a professional product. When beginning this course, I was unaware of the effects of the layout of my magazine as I lacked format research, it is clear now that the layouts that I designed makes a huge difference for the reader. Such as making eye-contact and using lighting effects. (I have used these in my music magazine, amongst other techniques). Also, the placing of the cover lines and skylines to get the most attention possible.  

The lack of quality shown in my school magazine made me realise of the high importance a camera lens makes. Since using only a camera phone in my preliminary task, to then using a studio with professional lighting and a good digital camera to make a huge difference in my music magazine,  in comparison to the my school product. 

In addition, there is a large contrast in the use of my fonts. In my preliminary task, the same font was used through out and I did not include a change in colour,size, italics or outlines. Whereas I use a variety of these in my new music product to get attention from the reader and to invent a positive effect through out my product.

my magazine and peer assessment

The final product of my magazine consists of many factors that I have seen to be effective for the audience as I have acknowledged these in professional magazines such as 'Classic Rock,' and 'MOJO.'

Firstly, on the front cover, I included a skyline at the top of the page to give additional information and to also aims at my target market, of a young audience, as it highlights the use of modern technology. This is a good effect for the audience because it is automatically relates to them as technology is popular within younger generations.
The quote immediately highlights the theme of the magazine, as Stereotypically fit due to other sources of media, the '50's' is known for it's Rock and Roll nature and music, this means that the audience can recognise the genre of the magazine. I was inspired from the use of quotes in my format research from the magazine 'UNCUT.' The result of using a quote is that it makes the message more personal for the reader, as it is direct information from the music artist, as a result this will give a positive emotion to the reader as the magazine is in a welcoming atmosphere, so they are more likely to give attention to the product as a whole.  In addition, I decided to include a variety of subtitles and cover lines to display information; however,  I presented them with different shades of blue(so it still compliments the colour scheme), different fonts and outlines. As a result, the written contrast each other and reach out to the reader making them read the information, making them interested in the magazine.  To give the original impression of the magazine, I incorperated a colour scheme: black, white and blue, through out my product to both, make the pages flow, but to also show the reader that the genre is Rock and Roll themed. This will hint at the theme because, traditionally, 'blues' music is related to classic Rock and Roll songs, so it will suggest the theme. Consequently this will give a positive emotion to the reader as it allows the audience to image the atmosphere of a classic rock show. A colour scheme can be seen in the 'Classic Rock' front cover that inspired me through my format research.

Additionally, the contents page consists of several elements that create an effective page. This includes the main attraction of the page (the image). The image makes direct eye-contact to the reader, making the atmosphere more personal and drawing the reader in to the page. I discovered this effect by looking at the contents page of 'News' that includes an image creating eye-contact. Additionally, I also included another skyline, like the front cover, to give more information. Although this make the page flow, it also means that the colour of the skyline matches the quote added at the bottom of the page, which acts as a border around the page.  I also made the title of the page go behind the models. Although I used this on my front page as well, it is effective because it makes the models and the magazine look popular, as the title is not visible, suggesting how known it is. This is a positive effect for the reader as it manipulates the reader to believe that they are reading a high quality and popular magazine, so they would be happy to read it. An example of this can be seen in my research on the front cover of 'UNCUT.'

The use of the image draws the readers attention to the middle page because the photograph of the drum kit is taken at an usual angle, which will , initially, interest the viewer because the prop is not traditionally displayed in this way.   This adds to the overall effect of my magazine because this instrument related to Rock and Roll, and it also matches the colour scheme, further emphasising the genre. Which will further bring the reader in to this page because they would be already interested in the previous pages.  In addition, I included a shadow on the title to emphasis the importance of the band, as a result, this will create excitement for the reader as they will want to know about this band due to the suggestion of the fame. Additionally, the photograph, not only shows the band, but it also presents the personality of the artists, forcing the page to be personal an creating a friendly atmosphere for the reader. The blue border around the image also makes people look towards the photograph, but it also compliments the rest of the page and colour scheme. Another example of this can be seen in a photograph featured in my research, with in the article that regards 'Billy Gibson.'  Also, the same article effectively uses quotes to structure it's article. Similarly, I included a quote to give information, but it also  matches the rest of the page. The image of the drum kit also nicely frames the quote, the effect of this is that is directs the readers eye towards the quote. This will make the reader happy due the quotes tone and script.

making my pages, drafts and public analysis

This is the draft of my final product. So far it has had successful feedback regarding the information, the image and contents.
However, to improve the product further I will include more factors to make it appeal to my target market. Firstly, I will adjust the subtitles at the top of the page and find a more suitable place to put them because they distract the reader from the main subject. Therefore, I will put a border across the top of the page to give additional information and to compliment the page. Additionally, I will change the names included to non existing music artists, because it makes the magazine look more original. Finally, regarding the quote and subtitles, I will experiment where they look best on the page to be most effective.

For the contents page, I will change the layout to be across one page instead of a double-page spread in order to remove the left page due to it's poor quality. The photograph on this page fails to match the magazine's atmosphere because of the contrasting way I have edited it. This means that I will work with only the right page and improve it buy including a heading and a quote to grab the readers attention. Also, I will re edit the photograph's background to make it look cleaner, therefore the patches won't distract the reader and it will make the page look more professional.

This middle page flows with the atmosphere of the previous pages due to the colour scheme and text included. However, to improve this page I will experiment with effects on the title, using InDesign, to make it stand out more, and grab the readers attention.  Furthermore, I will readjust the columns of the article, so the page has a higher quality, as it will match the articles, such as Classic Rock's middle page, that inspired me.

editing middle page photogaraphs

 Firstly I used the quick select tool to make new layer, so I can edit the drum kit without the background.












Through the clear plastic in the drum kit, the       music room classroom was still visible. Meaning  that the illusion of the band being in a studio or  performance would be effected. So by quick      selecting this area and making a new layer, I      could adjust the brightness and contrast to           make the school posters look less visible but to resemble similar to reflections of the drum kit.

To make the image easier to edit, I used the cropping tool to make the image smaller so I could focus more on the drum kit.

I clicked on to the layer of the drum kit and adjusted the warmth, saturation, brightness and highlights in the  image. I did this because it will make the image stand out more, also the vibrancy of the image will be more welcoming to the reader and this page of the magazine will be read by more people.

Finally, I wanted to cut out the background, so by hiding that layer, I was able to see the background that was visible when I quick selected the image. Therefore by using the rubber tool, I erased the parts of the image that I didn't want to be seen. This gave the image a more finished and professional look.

Firstly, I turned the models and the guitar in to separate layers, So I could edit the tone of the picture separately.

For the guitar, I wanted the guitar to be eye catching by adjusting the colour.
I wanted there to be less of a contrast in the guitar so the reflection of the light would be less obvious. This would make the picture look more professional. Also, I wanted to make the instrument brighter so it would stand out more against the models black clothing.







Then I adjusted the warmth and brightness of the models so they stand out more. Using the          stamp tool and the blur tool, I cleared their skin   of any spots or uneven skin tone to make the photograph look professional.

I decided to use the stamp tool to edit the white background because the backdrop was dirty fro past photo shoots. So by clearing the dirt it made the background look cleaner and more professional.

In addition, the backdrop was still dirty, so using the blur tool, I could use a variety of blurring textures to blend the background so it looks cleaner.

editing contents page photographs

Firstly I imported the picture and used the cropping toll to cut out the unwanted background, so there would be more focus on the models. Then I used the quick select tool to make the models into a new layer.

Then to make the edges tidy, I used the erase tool to rub out any remaining visible back ground. This means that the Picture will look more neat and professional once adjusted and edited, because if I decide to include the background, any parts that were included in this layer will be different from the rest of the background and this will make the photograph look poorly edited.

After I turned it into a new layer, I adjusted the tone of the models. I made them look warmer, had a larger contrast and gave the image more saturation. The effect of these adjustments is that the image will introduce to the reader a friendly atmosphere because warmer tones traditionally remind people of summer with a positive influence.

Additionally, I wasn't happy with the models clothes as they did not stand out. Therefore, I made the clothes into a new layer and adjusted their tone.

I made the contrast greater and made them more saturated so the clothes would compliment their skin complexion more. Also, the clothes adjustments meant that they stood out against the models faces so it directed the attention on the reader towards their facial expressions. The effect of this is that the reader will be more intrigued in the bands image and are then more likely to read the article in the magazine.

In addition, I wanted to make the models eyes stand out in order to make eye contact to the reader.  Therefore I wanted to enhance the models eyes by modifying the colour balance. With this I could make their eye colour warmer or colder. However, I made their eye colour brighter so they would standout and I made the colour of them warmer so they would match the tone of the rest of their bodies.

Furthermore, since I had changed the clothes of the models to appear darker in comparison to their skin, I adjusted the models hair to match the darkness with the clothes. The effect of this is that the dark tone acts as a border to direct the attention of the reader around the models faces; as the faces of the models will immediately get most attention.

I was not happy with the background because dirt and mud, from previous photo shoots, was visible. So, in order to make a cleaner and neater background, I used the stamp tool to erase large marks. This meant that the dirt is less obvious- making the picture look more professional.

Finally, adding to the background, I wanted to make it warmer to match the same tone as the models. This means that it is less obvious that the models have been photoshopped and makes the picture, as a whole, look more natural.

                                                                                For the next photograph, I wanted the model to    look like a female soul singer to add to older atmosphere of the magazine. I made the model  wear a red blouse, to have painted her nails red and to also wear a red lipstick. This is because the prop had a red lead so the colours would reflect of each other to make a border and direct the readers attention. Additionally, the colour red is traditionally a provocative colour so will get more attention.

I had already made the model in to a new layer and edited the tone of her to make her warmer.
So I decided to adjust her hair by making is more saturated, the effect of this is that it will match the tone of the rest of her body.

As the model was wearing a variety of red, I decided to make the colours match so the effect would be greater. I did this by adjusting each red layer with the image adjustment format, and made them warmer, more highlighted and have greater saturation. I did this so it will also match the tone of the rest of her body.

editing front cover picture

 Firstly when editing my front cover image on photoshop I needed to use the crop tool to cut out some of the background, in order to focus more on the models.






                                                     
                                                                                     Once I'd cropped my photograph, I used the

 quick selection tool to torn the models in to a new layer.  After this, to get a finer edge around the models, I used the rubber and changed its size to rub out any background that was visible in the picture.





As soon as I was happy with the edges around      the models. I wanted to edit the warmth,     brightness and saturation of the image.
 Therefore I selected the layer of the
 models and hovered
 the mouse over 'Image' and scrolled down
 to 'Adjustments,'
 where a list of things to change were available.





Once editing the tone, I decided to remove any marks on the models skin and on the white          background. I did this by using the stamp tool to make the picture look more professional.

Also, I added a gradient to enhance the light direction included in the high angle I used for this picture. This means that the picture will stand out more and the white title that will be included will contrast more against the picture.
Additionally, it will give more of a mysterious effect that adds to the serious facial expressions the models are showing. This means that the reader will be interested in the band as they will want to know why the magazine has portrayed                                                                                          the band in this way.