Evaluation

By Eleanore Ramsey

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

The genre of music for my music magazine is classic rock with a touch of other sub genres such as rock n roll and alternative rock. In order to create my music magazine I looked at four other magazines which were similar to the style of genre of music that I wanted to represent. These magazines being Uncut, Mojo, Q and NME. I picked various parts of each magazine and used it in my own magazine. The reason why I picked out individual pieces from each magazine and styled them in my own was because I felt that certain parts represented my intended audience in a better way, also as I was trying to aim my magazine to a lower age range that usual classic rock magazines were aimed at, enticing a younger audience and inviting them to appreciate an older generation of music created with intense passion and care.

For my masthead, I used the font style “Capitals”. It replicatedthe Uncut magazine masthead and stood out. I used the same kind of colour, however my shade is dimmed down slightly. The reason that I used the same style of font to Uncut magazine was because I was going for a classic rock kind of look. However, I used outer glow around the title in order for it to stand out against the grey brick background a lot more effectively. This makes it a lot more eye catching like other music magazines mastheads are.

And I also thought that the other varieties of magazine shared a similar and bold masthead, using the colour red to stand out and appeal to it’s intended audience.

I decided to use the sell line “your original supply” to represent that the magazine has a variety of different sub genres as well as classic rock, however they share a similar style to classic rock. By using the word “original”, it’s like using a hook to pull readers in, indicating that the magazine is original, and that it isn’t obtainable elsewhere. It could also be used in the way of drug use, insinuating that the magazine is so good and addictive to read, that it’s like a drug, and people will keep coming back for more. I chose to use a font similar to Mojo magazine’s sell line, and place it under the masthead instead of over the masthead. The reason I did this was because for the way I have placed my masthead, the sell line was more eye catching to put it below rather than on top. I have also used opposite colours e.g. a red masthead with a white sell line, this is so that it sticks out more.

As classic rock magazines tend to offer free CDs with their magazines, I also offered one with mine. This may be seen as appealing to an older generation as they went from vinyl’s and cassettes to CDs. And there are a large amount of young adults who download and listen to their music via MP3s, however most young adults own computers/laptops or DVD players, where they can play the CD, or even rip the songs on the CD to their Windows Media Player, or even iTunes. Like Uncut magazine, I have put a circle in the corner of the magazine saying “FREE classic rock CD!” The boldness of the white colour against the teal background contrasts and makes it stand out. Uncut magazine have overlapped their masthead over their “free CD” logo, so I have also done this in order for it to look like a more realistic magazine.

Similar to Uncut magazine, I have placed a few bands/artists next to each other. To break them apart I have used spaces instead of arrows because I thought that this would make them stand out better, and they wouldn’t all be so squished together and cramped. I have followed the codes and conventions for the colour that the band/artist is in, however I have written a sub-heading below, a bit whacky to attract the audience, e.g. “Yorke &his weird obsessions”. I have chosen to use yellowish as the sub-heading so that it stands out against the name and it’s easy to tell what’s the band name and what’s the sub-heading.

Similar to how Uncut have, I have used a banner to hook people in saying “fresh interviews” instead of just exclusive. I felt that the word “fresh” was a more welcoming word to invite people to read about certain bands and artists and how they’ve made their music or other things that they have done. I have used a yellow colour similar to Uncut, but dimmed it down a little, I did this because it fitted well with my colour scheme and made everything come together a lot better. Although I haven't put the banner directly under the masthead, I have put it slightly lower. The reason behind this was that I didn’t want the magazine front cover to look over crowded, as generally majority or classic rock magazines have a more simplistic and clean cut lay out, I didn’t want to go against this as it suited the genre of music very well.

I have used the left-side vertical third because the important information is usually displayed here on a magazine and it attracts potential readers. Also, it is displayed this way just in case the magazine is displayed in a horizontal shelving system. Uncut magazine have displayed the band names and artists featured in their magazine on the right. However I thought for my magazine it would be more efficient to place it on the left-side third in order to attract more potential readers. I have ensured that the artist/band name stick out in a white colour, contrasting with the background, making it stand out, I have used the font “Impact” as it is a very bold font. I have used a sub heading below each band/artist. I did this so that the reader had a better idea of what was featured in this article about the certain artist/band. Uncut have only used a sub-heading for one band. However I thought by using a sub-heading for each heading that it would interest more readers because they would know more about what was going to be featured, especially for young adults that might be unsure of bands/artists they may not have heard before. A whacky phrase such as “jellyfishing cove” may appeal, and it also fits in with a song written by the band “Gorillaz”

I laid my headline out similar to that of Mojo and Uncut. However I have used a more bold font, the reason that I did this was because I wanted the name to stick out more to the intended audience and catch their attention more, as it is aimed at young adults rather than people ranging between 30-40. Also the teal like colour that I have used fits in with my colour scheme that is red, yellow, white and teal. The colours stand out against the background more, making them contrasting colours and more appealing to younger people who have quite an eye for colour things e.g. sweets. Although I made my headline bold, I shared a similar sub-heading which is placed below the headline. I have used a quote from the article on the double page spread, which is what Mojo have done. I did this because it shows the intended audience what the article is about, and also an insight into what type of artist that “William Stone” is. I placed the sub-heading below the headline, this is because it fitted better with the title and settled in place there. Which also added to the house style of typical classic rock magazines. I have also placed the headline more towards the bottom of the page . I have done this because I have seen this feature in classic rock magazines, and it also sat with the image that I used on my front cover well, and fitted in with all the other little details dotted around the page such as bands/artist of the left-side third and the mast head.

Like Uncut magazine, I have used a small image of someone and then included “EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:CITRUS CREAM” I have also included a border around the image, the teal colour, fitting in with the rest of my colour scheme. I have used the puff “ALSO!” to catch the attention of readers. The image I used is a playful one, which represents the band “Citrus Cream” as a bit whacky and exciting. This stands out against the background as the image and text are contrasting. By using the band name “Citrus Cream” on the front, it may catch people’s attention more as it’s quite an abnormal band name.

I have followed the codes and conventions for NME magazine with the barcode here. I felt that there design was good as it contained not only the bar code, but the date and price, and price in a different currency too! (US dollars) I have followed this because I felt that it would fit in with my clean cut design, and have less pieces of text flouncing around the page, it would just be better to have it all in one place, neatly. NME have rotated their barcode to a 90 degree angle. I have not done this. This is because I thought it would be easier to see the price and date, maybe enticing people to buy it more if they can easily see how much it is. They have also included a website on their barcode. I have not done this, I have instead included a Facebook page instead on the bottom right hand side of the magazine. The reason for doing this is so that the Facebook logo catches more attention of the younger audience as opposed to an older audience. They would also be able to follow the magazine and the current events of it if they “liked” the Unchained page. This is a more recent idea of marketing and is a clever way in order to open up the audience and keep them informed and entertained as to what is going on with the magazine e.g. updates, what will be featured in the next magazine and what certain bands/artists may have to say about the magazine, maybe fresh interviews.

The image that I have used has followed the codes and conventions of similar magazines such as Mojo and Uncut. I have used a mid-shot photo as have many other classic rock magazines. I have chosen a male model with mid length hair and he is wearing a military style coat which is in black. He is also wearing a beanie type hat, which is typical among classic rock lovers. The image has been shot against a church wall as many classic rock magazines have a more plain look to them rather than having a busy background. Also, by having the image taken against the church wall, it was a good look for the image, especially when I changed it into a black and white photograph. I have then edited the photograph in Photoshop in order to make it black and white, which is the house style of classic rock magazines. I have made sure when placing the

features of the magazine on the front cover not to cover the face of the model and surround the model with the text more than cover the model in text.

However, I have displayed the masthead over the top of the models head, so that it isn’t hidden, making sure that people understand what the music magazine is as it is a new magazine coming out, rather than Mojo which has been out for a while and most people who enjoy the genre of classic rock are familiar with it.

The language that I have used is typical of classic rock magazines, using puffs such as “fresh interviews”, “”free CDs” and “Also!” to catch the attention of the intended audience and entice them to read the magazine.

I have followed the codes and conventions of Uncut magazine with their contents page. I decided to follow this type of contents page as it appealed to me the most and is the same genre of music that my magazine is representing. It also follows the themes of black and white images, and using bold colours in order to attract the reader using composition correctly to guide the eye in to certain areas from first to last. I have also used a plain white background in order to achieve the same clean cut look.

I used a black and white image to fill out about half the page and then added articles and numbers, reviews and interviews in. I also added an article and number to the bottom right corner of the image just like what has been done in Uncut magazine. I have used a similar image, my model has his guitar in the same position but is turned in a different direction. The reason that I have used this image is to show that he is a one man band playing guitar on his own.

As his article is about being in a one man band. I have used similar colours. I have used a teal and white to stick with my colour scheme rather than red and white. I have used a larger number to make the page number stick out, and the teal colour to highlight the name and it sticks with the colour scheme on the front of the magazine. I have also placed a sentence below to describe what William Stone has done in order to be in the magazine, following what Uncut magazine has done as it is of a similar genre.

Following the codes and conventions of Uncut magazine for their style of contents page, I have used a similar title, the tile for my contents page is the same font I have used for the masthead on my front cover, keeping a consistency with house style and scheme. I have placed it right at the top of the page so it fits in with the composition and how the eyes follow particular parts of the contents page in a certain order.

I have also followed their date and issue arrangement. Except I have used the word “issue” instead of “take”. I did this because it is then easier to distinguish what issue it is at first glance, rather than thinking about it. This is a good idea for younger people as they tend to want to get things done in a rush, rather than take their time to do things. I have also written the date next to it. The issue and date have been segregated on the contents page by lines. I have chosen to use darker lines because it’s more bold and stands out more. I have also separated the issue and date by a bold red line, like Uncut magazine, however the red I have used is more bold, in order to stand out more and separate the two more successfully.

I have followed the codes and conventions for the list of articles using the same sort of colours and similar fonts. However I have changed the numbers to a bold black colour, instead of using the same colour that they have used. This is because it stands out more and is more appealing. I have used a smaller amount of articles in comparison to Uncut. This is because I am aiming my magazine at a young adult audience, rather than an audience that is between 30-40. A smaller amount of articles is more appealing and doesn’t seem like such a chore to read through. Whereas too many articles may overwhelm the reader and make them not want to buy it nor read it.

I have used a similar style box underneath the list of articles and numbers. However I have changed their “regulars” to “interviews”. I thought that this would be more appealing as a starting off magazine, and then maybe after the magazine is more known, starting to change it slightly and including more things e.g. crosswords like uncut and puzzles. I have used the same colours in order for the page numbers to stand out and the band names.

I have used Uncut’s idea of the “Reviews” box . I have used it for albums just like them, however I have changed “film” to “venues a-z” The reason I changed it is because the magazine is aimed at young adults and young adults tend to go out to gigs more often as they have more free time and the weekends and don’t have kids etc. And it’s good for people to know where is good to go, and what bands are playing. It also lets people explore new bands that they’ve never heard of before and let them pick up new ones.

Like Uncut magazine have done, I have used a line to split the image and article listings, reviews box and interview box up. By segregating everything so clearly, it’s easy to establish what’s what and it’s easier to read. It also follows the house style of Uncut, with its clear cut layout.

I looked at a variety of different magazines and their double page spread e.g. Mojo, Q and NME magazine. I took majority of my ideas from the NME double page spread because I thought that the layout was straight forward, a simple yet interesting layout and good use of imagery. As my magazine is aimed at young adults rather than 30-40 yr olds

I have used the same colours on my double page spread that I have used throughout the magazine to keep it consistent.

I have used a badge in red and yellow which is common amongst classic rock articles, I have used the red and yellow colours to draw the eyes to it, showing that William Stone has won 5 Grammy awards for his talents.

I have used an introduction line below the headline in order to introduce the article to the reader. This has been used in a variety of magazines e.g. NME. I thought that it was a good technique so that the readers are pulled in. I have used an outer glow for the introduction as I had spotted a similar technique used in other magazines, it also makes the text stands out to my intended audience and encourages the reader to read it.

I have used a text box at the top left side of the page, similar to what NME magazine have done. I did this in order to catch the attention of the intended audience and point out that this artist is upcoming. I used a silly image of the artist rotated to represent a silly and funny side to him. Although he’s serious and dedicated to music, he can still be fun to be with and has a great personality.

I have used a film strip and put pictures from the photo shoot of “William Stone” drumming. It’s like a cut out from a film, the negative pictures that still need to be processed. The reason behind doing this was to show that William Stone was playing all of the instruments himself and was enjoying doing it at the same time.

I have used drop capitals throughout my article. This is a common feature in articles and it helps the reader to remember where they were reading, and also helps them to navigate around the article better. I have used the colour red as it is bold and it stands out, it is easy to spot amongst a mass of words.

I have used a caption on top of my image as this is quite popular amongst articles. I have just written what William Stone is doing. I have used a teal background in order for it to stand out against the black and white image, I have used white text in order for it to stand out against the box.

I have used an enlarged quote from the text. This catches the readers eyes as they see a glimpse of what is being said in the article, it makes them want to read more. I have used the colour red again in order for it to stand out against the white background again.

How does your media product represent particular social groups?

The particular social group I have used are people aged between 17-24. I have represented people that stand mainly in the bracket of ABC1 majoring at 72% of overall readers. I have represented my intended audience through the house style of my magazine. This is clean cut, more complex language, but not so much that it isn’t understandable for young adults. I have used colours that are appealing, but they aren’t too bright, so they aren’t in your face, they’re more settled. These colours are white, red, yellow and teal. Which would be colours worn by my intended audience. The layout has a good composition, able to lead the eye around easily and efficiently the best parts first. I used a bold masthead which stood out, using the font “Capitals”, which is similar to Uncut magazine. However my magazine is different as it is aimed at young adults as opposed to between 30-40 year olds. My represented audience wear mostly checked shirts, band t-shirts, big jackets and jeans., this may not sound too appealing, but they sure are handsome. There is also an image of Gorillaz playing

I have represented the social group with this picture, I feel it is a good representative as he has mid-length hair, is wearing a long military style jacket, a band t-shirt (underneath the coat) and a beanie. These are the typical type of clothes for males to wear who are into the genre of classic rock. The image has been taken against a brick wall of a church, so when I edited into

Black and white, it didn’t take anything away from the model or distract, and draw attention more to the background instead, which wouldn’t have been my aim.

Guitar, which represents the intended audience as they’re extremely interested in classic rock .

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

www.bauermedia.co.uk/

Bauer Media is Europe’s largest privately owned publishing group. The group offers over 300 magazines in 15 different countries; they are a worldwide media empire. They also provide for television and radio stations. Bauer Media is a multi-platform UK-based media Group. Their two main offices are based in London and Peterborough in the UK. Bauer distribute three music magazines: Kerrang, Mojo and Q.

www.ipcmedia.com/

IPC Media produces over 60 iconic media brands. Their print alone reaches two thirds of women based in the UK and 42% men in the UK. Overall reaching almost 26 million UK adults. They distribute two music magazines: Uncut and NME. They compete with Bauer with music magazines as well as other magazines such as Look and other chat magazines. Majority of magazines are aimed at women.

I will use IPC media to distribute my magazine. This is because they have similar music magazines to what mine is e.g. Uncut and NME, which means the genre of music is familiar and would be more likely to be bought. I also feel that there’s a gap in the market for my magazine. My magazine is aimed at a younger generation of people who enjoy classic rock and other sub genres and have an overall deep appreciation for music. It would be a good opportunity to unleash my magazine and enlighten young adults and give them more information about the artists they listen to.

Who would be the audience for your media product?My target audience are female and male aged between 17-24. I have created a reader profile based on the things that my intended audience like. They are interested in the genre classic rock and other sub genres e.g. alternative rock and rock n roll. They like to go to festivals such as “Download” and gigs with their friends to enjoy music. They enjoy social networking website such as Tumblr, Facebook and Twitter, where they keep in touch with their friends. They enjoy whacky cartoons like Adventure Time and the Regular Show. They’re quite interested in computing, games and browsing the internet. They’re in to creative things such as painting/drawing and taking photographs of things. They welcome peace amongst their friends, but they do enjoy gore movies such as Kill Bill. They love coke, and they sure do love their food, especially Burgerking and other various restaurants such as beef eaters. They love to watch BBC programmes. They’re equipped with an iPhone, as they can afford this and like to keep on top of things and have fun. They love their clothes and wear footwear such as Converse and shop at places like H&M and Urban Outiftters.

My intended audience have an intense passion for music. Even if they’re not attending a gig, they’re listening to music in some shape or form. It helps to express themselves, or even just to chill out to.

I have attracted my audience by representing them in the model that I have used on the front, by using specially selected colours which are commonly used amongst the chosen social group, the specific bands such as Foo Fighters, Culture Club, Presley (Elvis) and Bob Marley. Because majority of the intended audience are creative, they are pulled in by the magazine because of the creativity used and the imagery. Also as I am addressing a younger audience for classic rock than usual, I have decided to use the intended audiences openness and creativity, which is willing to try new things as they already listen to rock, they can further their CD collection, or MP3 at that, and broaden what they already have.