BTEC EXTENDED DIPLOMA IN CREATIVEMEDIA PRODUCTION UNIT 51 PAGE LAYOUT AND DESIGN

51.4 DESIGN AND PRODUCE PAGE LAYOUT TO A GIVEN BRIEF ASSIGNMENT TWO: VISUAL LANGUAGE AND AUDIENCES

LOOK AT YOUR FINISHED COVER AND DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD AND COMPARE IT WITH MIXMAG MAGAZINE. COMPLETE THE ATTACHED GRID AND ASSESS HOW CLOSE YOU HAVE COME TO IMITATING MIXMAG’S STYLE AND CONVENTIONS(Description only will achieve Pass, Assessment needed for Merit and Assessment plus plenty of examples for Distinction)

You will cover the following criteria:

P4 - design and produce a page layout to meet a brief within appropriate conventions and with some assistance

M4 - design and produce a page layout to meet a brief to a good technical standard showing some imagination and with only occasional assistance

D4 - design and produce a page layout to meet a brief to a technical quality that reflects near-professional standards, showing creativity and flair and working independently to near professional expectations

WRITE AN ASSESSMENT OF HOW CLOSE YOU HAVE COME TO MATCHING MIXMAG CONVENTIONS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

COLUMNS AND MARGINS

When deciding how I wanted the columns and margins be structured for my front cover and my article I had to use an example Mixmag magazine as a reference to be able to incorporate how Mixmag layout there text in order to Mixmag standards.

For my columns I decided to use three columns as when I looked at Mixmag magazine I found that the characteristic for a free flowing article is that they include 3-4 articles to which I wanted to incorporate as you can see my column for my Mixmag article as I was making a free flowing article

Front cover – When creating my front cover I made sure that my structure for this was

NAME …Amy Poole …………………………………………………DATE GIVEN TO STUDENTS MON 27 FEB 2012

If we compare my free flowing article which is the top and the Mixmag article which is underneath you can see that my columns compared to this Mixmag article it is clear and precise which makes my text stand out to a Mixmag standard which was the purpose of the of making my article as it was written within the assignment to produce a article and Mixmag cover to a professional Mixmag standard.

precise and tidy as when you look at any Mixmag magazine everything on there magazine is clear and tidy and precise due to the fact there margins has

If we compare these margins of my front cover to the left and Mixmag to the right you can see clearly that my text and coverlines are spaced out accordingly to look presentable and nice like the Mixmag front cover .The only difference to my magazine margin is that I haven’t spread my special edition like the Mixmag magazine to the right has because I didn’t want to over stretch shape as I didn’t think this would look nice. Apart from this difference everything else looked clear and presentable like the Mixmag magazine is.

MASTHEAD When thinking about the masthead for my front cover I had to acknowledge where I would position my masthead within my front cover .Therefore I had to have a Mixmag magazine in front of me to which it would guide me where to place the masthead. I also had to choose a Mixmag masthead that would accommodate my theme of the front cover.

If we compare my masthead which is the first print screen to the second print screen which was from a Mixmag magazine you can see they are quite similar. This is partly due to the fact I copied the masthead from the internet and manipulated within Photoshop using the drop shadow . The reason why I made my masthead it stand out this way within my front cover which makes my masthead was because I copied from the internet which looked distorted and that is why it is different to the Mixmag magazine. The reason why mine is different towards Mixmag because as they have created their own theme for that particular magazine for which I haven’t copied as I have created my own theme running the magazine.

However for my masthead and selling line I have positioned them in the same place Mixmag as I wanted to incorporate and make my own Mixmag magazine using the same characteristics they used.

PRICE AND BAR CODE

When setting out to create the same characteristics where Mixmag place their price and barcode I firstly had to know what the price Mixmag charge for their magazines.

The reason why I have positioned this within this space is in order for it not to take too much room of my magazine as I had to allocate other space to other important sections such as cover lines

HEADLINES/ CROSSHEADS AND DATELINES

When trying to incorporate how to Mixmag structure their headlines I had to make sure I positioned these in the same place i.e centre and clear to read :

If we compare my main coverlines and the main coverlines of the Mixmag magazine which is the photo underneath you can that both of these are placed in centre going across the image of the artist. My coverlines of Adam who? is slightly smaller to Mixmag DJ Chuckie

which points out that maybe I could of enlarged this little a bit more to cover across the page rather having a small title in order to meet Mixmag standard. The reason why I used a statement underneath the Adam Who? Banner was to make the audience aware he is one of the next major artists to break through the dance scene. Another reason why I chose to include this because I’m making a feature about an upcoming artist therefore I wanted to make the audience to be aware of him. If look at this

closely the text looks squashed which is very hard to read, but I could argue that if I made it any bigger it would left me with a large amount of space which isn’t needed within the magazine.

However another similarity among the main coverlines for my front cover and Mixmag is that I’m continuing a theme which Mixmag create when relating what the artist is wearing they use those colours within their main titles.

If we compare firstly where I have positioned my barcode and price they are exactly in the same place right next to the barcode at the corner of the magazine the same as Mixmag place theirs. You can see also that my price is the same as the Mixmag magazines which adds to the realism of my magazine as I’m incorporating Mixmag actual price.

My headline for my article t required me to bold yet effective as I was trying introducing the Mixmag audience to upcoming artist called Adam Who? while also I had to content with meeting Mixmag audience:

If compare my headline to Mixmag article mine continues Mixmag convention of coming up with effective title as the title continues to across the page like the Mixmag magazine does. This shows I have continued at meet the Mixmag convention, whilst also implementing within my title a brief biography detailing a brief description of the artist troubles that they have had to overcome which again is another characteristic Mixmag use within their free flowing article that I have incorporated. The only difference I have noticed is that my brief bio seems to big whereas how Mixmag present this as small text looks better compared to mine. However I had chosen this size for the brief bio stand out this way as I wanted this to be seen in great detail rather than a small a piece of text that might be overlooked.

Datelines For my datelines it was important for include the important information when the magazine is issued as I’m trying to create a professional yet realistic Mixmag therefore I needed to know what type of issue is it whether it was monthly or weekly.

Once after establishing it was a monthly issue it was time to include the year and the month as this an important characteristic Mixmag use as part of the subscription service so it was important that I included this within my front cover to make it look real along with displaying the website. However once displaying it next to the barcode which is where Mixmag place there selling this is where you can notice a big difference between Mixmag dateline and mine . This is because Mixmag dateline is split into two the first part of the dateline is bold whereas the second half is italic. Whereas all of my selling line is bold which I could argue that it is bold because I wanted to make sure it could be readable yet effective as it is important information I’m giving.

PAGE NUMBERING

When looking at how Mixmag number there double spread I found out that I had to do this a specific way by including the month and the year .

In comparison I have included a Mixmag code and convention as only on one side of the page number have highlighted the month year and page number for subscription service at the bottom corner. I do however have noticed a big important difference between mine page number and Mixmag such as the way Mixmag have displayed this is quite small whereas mine is on a enlarger scale .However I could argue that by having it too small they might overlook what page there on if for any reason they lose the page they are on now.

STRAPLINES/ COVER LINES

The important of coverlines was to specifically highlight important content within the magazine as what type of artist and topics would be featured such as competitions and upcoming featured artist.

If we analyse my coverlines / straplines to a Mixmag magazine coverlines you can see that both featured with these front covers they are clear and precise and aligned with another which is important when presenting information in any publication. As featured within the Mixmag magazine and my magazine is a theme running across the coverlines using what the colour of the clothing artist is wearing which is effective and important because as provides continuity within the magazine. I have also incorporated one big major Mixmag convention the plus coverline which is important as introduces the featured artist within the magazine which makes my magazine look realistic however when comparing the two name my text for the plus looks bigger the Mixmag Magazine.

RULES AND BORDERS

When creating my coverlines I used a ruler to make sure all my text where aligned together and nothing else of place because when I looked a Mixmag front cover and article everything looked professional and tidy in specific positions within the magazine. I did not however choose a border as Mixmag magazine don’t use borders that often therefore I didn’t in corporate this. However I must acknowledge that did create shapes for my coverlines to give them the extra edge as do Mixmag use this which makes certain sections look out and be attractive than others while keeping in touch with a theme being created.

WHITE SPACE When considering the white space i.e where the cd would be placed in the left third I had to consider my options while trying to follow Mixmag codes of convention when to act upon this.

If you look right photo you can see the white space where the cd is supposed to be positioned within my front cover you can see that I left empty apart from the model credit, whereas, within Mixmag magazine they have put coverlines to break up the space.This has me regret the decisions I made to keep it the space empty when really I should of added more coverlines to make it even more realistic Mixmag magazine. However one thing did remain It was the right area to position the cd as that is where Mixmag place the cd.

FONTS AND FONT SIZE AND UPPER/ LOWER CASE/ DROP CAPITALS

The reason why I chose a big font for my article “ Guess Who? Adam Who?” was because I wanted something that was bright and bold for my audience to read which was important as the purpose of this was to be as eye catching as the Mixmag article I had previously mention the “Genius of miss Jones” was effective. The reason why I had an upper class “A”within the first letter of my article as that I had noticed not in only Mixmag magazines and in other publications that they use this to signify the start of the article which is shortly followed by the rest of the are

article in lower class to signify that the article is full swing . I made sure that when transferring my text they were in paragraphs and that I didn’t choose a confusing font for my text as I wanted it to be clear and presentable a how Mixmag present i.e through the article featuring the title the “Genius of Miss Jones”to which I think I have achieved Mixmags standards as I didn’t have any spelling mistakes or fonts out of place

Again it was important when creating continuity within my front cover that all the coverlines were all the same font in order to make sure that there weren’t any un even texts as they would have ruined the layout of the magazine and wouldn’t be as effective as a Mixmag magazine front cover.

BOLD AND ITALIC

The reason why I decided to have bold title within my coverlines was to make sure the top title stood out as I was talking about a specific stories that would be included within the magazine. When looking at a cover line that is featured within a official Mixmag magazine I can see that all the coverlines are still in bold and are continuity with another ,whereas within my coverlines the white coverlines seem more bolder than the red coverlines which suggests that I could of made them bolder if I wanted to. However ,I could argue that I didn’t want to take too much attention from the white coverlines as the red would overpowered the cover line. Whilst previously highlighting within this assignment I did also mention some other parts of my text i.e the dateline should have had an italic feel due that Mixmag used this I should of incorporated this instead for whatever reason I didn’t include this.

JUSTIFIED TEXT/ CENTRED TEXT

The reason why in my article my main text goes across page in a white font because I wanted it to stand out placed across a my image and two pages as I had seen previously in a Mixmag article called the “Genius of Miss Jones” which was effective and I wanted to incorporate this within my article. I also chose to create a title detailing what troubles Adam Who? has overcome over the years going across the main image because I wanted to fill the empty space whilst also acknowledging that I made sure my text stood out. However when comparing this particular text to how Mixmag structured this I did it different because they done it straight underneath the title within a small font detailing a brief summary, whereas I did positioned this text within the centre of the picture which was effective as it was still bold and easy to read/

Another reason why I had a positioned my text within a certain for my front cover because I wanted a bold text for both my front cover and promotional banner in order for my text to out because when looking at Mixmag magazine they were clear and presentable which I think I have incorporated this. By mimicking the Mixmag code and convention in making the text bold through using the colour scheme of red /white /black of which I created ,I was able to make the white text stand out within my coverlines which was the purpose implementing how Mixmag magazine structure the coverlines as it looked effective and important to which I wanted to make my front cover.

USE OF COLOUR

When looking at Mixmag front covers I established important codes of conventions such as they created specific themes through the colour scheme relating what the artist is wearing and the chosen background they had created. So when I made my magazine I created a magazine in which featured a theme running through the use of my colours to which made my front cover effective which was important in regards how Mixmag structure there front cover. It was important when creating my coverlines that they looked effective so I made sure I took advantage of my chosen colours to be able to make my text readable and to a high Mixmag standard. I had chosen effectively to change the colour for my plus sections as I wanted to make my text standout and look effective as the colours really complemented on another which again is another Mixmag convention I have incorporated this.

The reason why I decided to use the white text and a black background for my free flowing because when I looked at the Mixmag article the “Genius of Miss Jones” it looked effective the only difference between my article colours and Mixmag article was that I used a slightly lighter white in order to make my text stand out within my article whereas the Mixmag article was slightly dark. This was because I wanted to create a theme that was bright and important as I was showing a clubbing atmosphere whereas the Mixmag sample article was creating a different theme.

APPROPRIATE IMAGES AND PLACEMENT OF IMAGES

When looking at my example of a Mixmag article and front cover previously I had to incorporate Mixmags codes and conventions through the pictures I used by using a Mixmag article as guide to help me structure my article and front cover. In comparison to my Mixmag front cover image which is the first print screen to your left to the Mixmag magazine to the right you can see my main image is positioned with the centre of the magazine the same place Mixmag have position there’s. When choosing the appropriate image for the front cover I had to understand what type in particular the Mixmag magazine use as their main image i.e props and clothing the artist would wear in order to able to target Mixmag audience and meet Mixmag standards.

I also had to consider the type of shot I would use within my front cover which was a medium close up which Mixmag use to show the main image, which I have incorporated within my front cover to focus on the artist facial expression which is code and convention Mixmag magazine. What is important to understand to and incorporate when choosing a image for my front cover is that it needed to display a theme because within each Mixmag magazine they create a specific theme around this in which my front cover theme was red, black and white which continued to display

throughout my front cover.

Double page process When trying to decide how I wanted my images for my free flowing article I had to consider Mixmag codes of conventions which suited the style of my article as I making a free flowing article. When comparing a Mixmag free flowing article pictures to mine I discovered they have more than one picture focusing on the crowd’s reaction from different angles which were

vibrant and effective in which I tried to recreate with my article by having two. I did then create original shots of the artist using equipment which Mixmag showcased within their article because in order to illustrate to the audience the artist performance and popularity. This was effective as by incorporating this within article I was highlighting the presence Adam Who? was having within dance music genre and the events that unfolded within the article, as this is another characteristic Mixmag use to include the audience with the latest clubbing news.

The only difference between the pictures Mixmag used and I used was that some of the image of mine where not original such as the crowds reactions whereas Mixmag were. Also within Mixmag free flowing article images they structured there images in specific way showcasing the artist using professional equipment through various angles

which I don’t think covered enough as I should have . This is because I only had used head shots that were still effective ,but I could have been more effective if I had my Adam Who? next to real DJ equipment which would have look realistic.

When deciding where to place my images I had to make sure that they were clear and visible to see as when looking at images featured within the Mixmag magazine free flowing article they were not distorted. I also had to think about how I would layout my pictures because within the Mixmag article they used a clear structure which allowed all the pictures to be together with at short caption but effective caption to sum up the article which I incorporated and help my article look realistic.

APPROPRIATEAUDIENCE

When designing my front cover and article I had to think about the appropriate audience so I used a Mixmag magazine as guide. I was able to identify important characteristics regarding the target audience to which could incorporate when creating my images such as I had to made sure my artist would be wearing expensive clothing and sunglasses to signify luxury and wealth which is identified as the Mixmag target audience. Identifying this information would of happened with the research stage, when I analysing who the Mixmag audience where and what type of magazine Mixmag produce.

When looking at a Mixmag front cover I was able to judge and compare my front cover such as within the DJ Chuckie cover they were covering an international audience through advertising important clubbing festivals around the world which I have incorporated in order to me my appropriate audience who are club goers around the world using the same tactics Mixmag used by highlighting the latest clubbing guides about the latest festival and upcoming artists.

Again I had to think about the appropriate audience when writing the article as I had to think carefully the tones of language I would be using as I was making a Mixmag article for dance fans. So when comparing my article to Mixmag the “Genius of Miss Jones” I very clearly described the atmosphere through descriptive language and events happening at that specific time during the article which is another characteristic of a Mixmag free flowing article as they disclose this information within their article. It was important to understand the content I would be using within both my article and front cover as Mixmag have a specific audience that have certain qualities needed to be displayed within the magazine through the images and text being displayed.

OVERALL ASSESSMENT OF COVER

Since beginning this project I have learnt a huge amount detail of how a magazine is put together through the early stages of planning to when I am designing the magazine using Photoshop and InDesign. When creating the front cover I learnt important skills by using certain effects tools within Photoshop, which I became more confident as I progressed over course of this project in using them. When assessing my final front cover I think I have successfully met Mixmag codes and convention as I made sure that there is a current theme running across my cover lines and text which I have created it, as this is main characteristic Mixmag use when creating their magazine. This was important to include because in each of Mixmag magazine theme is different from the last. Overall do think I have met the continuity of a Mixmag front cover as all the cover lines are aligned together so that nothing is out of place, which would look unprofessional. I think my main image has captured the Mixmag style of the magazine as it is glossy and effective as it produces an effective theme which was needed to make the magazine attractive. I do regret when not including more cover lines where my cd would be placed because I thought it wouldn’t matter .However since comparing my magazine cover to Mixmag they have included cover lines there within that space to fill the magazine even if the cd is position and if I was to redo the cover I would have included them.

Apart from that I think I have done very well as it was the first time I had ever made a Mixmag magazine using Photoshop with a little help from my tutors in using the software to get the best out of my magazine. I have created an Adam Who? that had class and style through making him wear specific clothing that made him standout which was needed for magazine ,as I was trying introduce him into a Mixmag audience. Finally I think I have achieve my objective to position my barcode, dateline, selling within the same space of Mixmag to produce a realistic Mixmag article within my front cover.

OVERALL ASSESSMENT OF DOUBLEPAGE SPREAD

When initially looking my Mixmag double page spread I didn’t think I would be able to achieve to Mixmag standards because I had to carefully plan and structure not only my free flowing but my double spread which took a long time and patience to get right . This process required me to understand how Mixmag structure there double spread in order to make my double page spread effective which required me to look at a Mixmag magazine.

When looking at how I think I’ve done I think I have done well considering this was the first time I have made double page spread InDesign . Again I did need some assistance from my tutor in order to know how to use this software as I hadn’t used this before and I wanted to maximise my article to meet Mixmag standards. What I would say I have achieved by my creating this article is that I now have a better understanding why Mixmag place there columns within their article to structure there article accordingly, as they do this help keep the text all aligned and presentable. By using this information I was able to make my article look effective, as it important when making this article that it was clear and presentable to meet Mixmag codes and conventions. However there were some elements within my double page spread that I could of improved on for instance some of the images I used weren’t original. Therefore I could of if I really wanted to took these original images of the crowd instead using these pictures online , but didn’t and I chose the ones from the internet .However if had took these images myself would they still have achieved the same results like I have for the article?

Finally I think have learnt more about myself when creating this double page spread for instance by using the pictures I had taken they looked professional and creative for the article ,which created an important theme and continuity within article which was important as I was trying to showcase a free flowing article. I would say I did meet Mixmag standards , but I would make further changes in order to further make my article even more realistic .However I am happy with my results of my Mixmag

magazine as it did take time to perfect it the way I wanted, which produced effective results.

Deadline FINAL: FRIDAY MARCH 2 2012

I V VERIFICATION………………………………………………………………………………..