Evaluation

In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products? (i.e. of film openings)

Masthead

Coverlines

Central Image

Main Coverline

In my magazine, I have used my feature which are conventional to magazine. I have placed my masthead at the top f the page, where it is predominantly located. I also have a number of coverlines and a central image. My main coverline is in a different colour and larger font, in comparison to the other text. Most music magazines use either one or both of these techniques, including the two that I have featured.

There are a few features of my magazine that challenge the forms and conventions of music magazines. For example, for my background, I have used a real photograph consisting of the artist use a the central image. This was to make the cover appear more authentic, so I opted not to take a separate picture to be my central image, as I would have to create a separate background. It would have been difficult for me to create the kind of background I would have wanted. Also, I used a strapline, which although common, it is not adopted by all music magazines, such as the two I have featured.

Background

Strapline

The title of the magazine

The title of the magazine can give an indication, as to what type of magazine it is, or indeed the that genre of music it derives from..

The name ‘Vibe’ lets the readers know what sort of magazine it is a the word has musical connotations. I tried to use a similar techniques with my magazine title ‘Amplified’.

The title ‘The Source’ however does not generally have musical connotations, so it employs other methods of presenting the genre of music, it derives from

Mise-en-scene of images

I have tried to incorporate clothing that is typical of hip-hop magazines such as dark jackets, as well as hoods. For the background, I used a real image as appose to a plain coloured background. The image brings a sense of authenticity to the mise-en-scene. Actual images a rarely featured, in music magazines.

Costumes and Props

The choice of costumes and props is crucial on the front cover, when attempting to convey an intended image. However, it is important not to be over elaborate, an draw attention away from the articles. ‘Vibe’ features their main cover artist in simply a black vest ,while the main cover artist on the source is shown in a close-up, so we are unable to see any other clothing. I have adopted the technique portrayed in Vibe, using a medium hot so that so of the costume is on display. I have opted not to use and props, and there are none shown in either of the other magazines. They are more common I other music magazines, especially rock magazines which commonly have instruments such as a drum set, or an electric guitar.

People

The person or people featured on the cover, provides an indication as to the target audience. These two magazines feature worldwide renowned hip-hop artists. This tells us that the magazines is aimed at those who are familiar with their work, and especially those who acquire their work on a regular basis.

As it was not possible for me to feature a famous artist, I tried to reflect my target audience through the aged of the main cover artist.

Title font and style

These two magazines used a thick font style, for the masthead. This makes it instantly legible amongst dozens of other magazines, sitting on a shelf. ‘Vibe’ uses a mixture of upper and lower case letters, while ‘The Source’ is constantly capital. I have chosen to used display my magazine title in a black thick font, all capitals. I have also used the tool which allows you to put an line through the middle of the word, to make it look different.

Written Content

The written content on the front cover are conventionally keep to a minimum, in order to draw more attention to the images, as well as to avoid the page from appearing too clustered. The featured written content, is in the form a cover lines, which relate to other articles within the magazine. There may also be the use of puffs, to appeal to the reader, and a strapline. In this sense, I have adopted many of the convention found in music magazines, as I have used these features.

Music genre and how your magazine suggests it

The manner in which the magazine portrays it musical genre can be achieved through various feature. In Vibe, the use of a title with urban music connotations, as well as an artist like ‘Eminem’ would provide indications as to the genre. This is similar to ‘The Source’, where the artist , and his fame in a specific musical genre would suggest its genre. As I am unable to employ the use of internationally acclaimed artist, I have to use other methods. The choice of clothing in the for a jacket and hoodie for my main cover artist, just like ‘The Source’ suggests the genre I am trying to portray as well as the connotations of the title, ‘Amplified.’

Layout

With relation to my choices in terms of my layout, I think it would be fair to say that my music magazine uses many conventions associated with magazines.

Masthead, at the top of the page

Barcode, in the bottom corner of the page

Coverlines, either side of the page

Strapline, above masthead

Contents

Both of the contents pages use dark backgrounds for their contents page. They feature the conventional list of items within the magazine as well as the number references. They also have one main person as an image, and the title ‘contents’ is clearly displayed.