Friday 21 March 2014

Evaluation Activity Seven-Draft.

LOOKING BACK AT YOUR PRELIMINARY TASK (THE SCHOOL MAGAZINE TASK), WHAT DO YOU FEEL YOU HAVE LEARNT IN THE PROGRESSION FROM IT TO FULL PRODUCT?

My Prelim Magazine and Music Magazine are completely different. It is evident that I have gained more experience in using all of these programmes. My Music Magazine shows more regular conventions all of those belonged to an existing and professional. It is clear that the Music Magazine looks like more of a Magazine than my Prelim does.


This is the Cover for the Prelim Magazine. As you can see, I have had no experience whatsoever. The masthead is located across the top of the Cover, it looks distorted and unprofessional. The colours used for the palette, don't complement each other nor do they match. There is only one person on the Cover and it doesn't look realistic. The whole of the image doesn't fit onto Cover, due to the type of shot that I used for the Prelim Magazine.




The Final Music Magazine has improved as there is a distinctive logo in the top central area of the Cover. There is a more subtle colour palette used, which are specified to the genre that my Music Magazine is. There are two models and the image fits the Cover. As I have gained more knowledge on the conventions of a Magazine, it is clear that I am able to use Photo Shop.




The Contents on the Prelim Magazine, doesn't stick to the conventions of a regular Contents Page. Usually, you need to divide your page into three columns and work along the 'F', 'Z' and 'E' Plan. The image looks stretched and unprofessional. The colour palette used in the Contents, is completely different to the one in the Cover. The image isn't my model used in the Cover and it isn't an image that I had captured myself. It is very restricted as to what is in the Magazine itself.



The Contents on my Music Magazine follows the conventions that fit a Music Magazine. You can clearly see that there are three columns and a various amount of images, which all make a 'Z' Plan. It is evident that there has been more consideration when planning the Contents Page. The house theme has ran consistently through the Magazine, showing professionalism. I used to grids on Photoshop to make sure that everything was in line and the same number of boxes away.


There is no DPS for the Prelim, as we had no experience to make one. My Final DPS followed an existing one from 'Q' Magazine. As you can see the house theme is running consistently throughout the Magazine. We have had the education to produce a DPS on Photoshop, more than we had when producing our Prelimary's.




Evaluation Activity Six-Draft.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT ABOUT TECHNOLOGIES FROM THE PROCESS OF CONSTRUCTING THIS PRODUCT?

Adobe Photoshop: Before the Coursework, I had very little knowledge of how to use Photoshop. Throughout the process of the Coursework I am able to edit photos, changing the brightness, using the Magic Wand to eliminate certain aspects of the image. I have also learnt how to insert text, manipulate the size and change the colour and font. Due to this Coursework, I am able to pursue the basic tasks on Photoshop and completely transform an image.

Nikon D2300 SLR Camera: For the Photo Shoot area of the Coursework, we had the opportunity to use high tec equipment. This enables the images to be of top quality, so that when they are placed onto the Magazine they will look professional. For the Photo Shoot, I used 2 filter lights for both of my shoots. This is due to experimenting with the lights and how they can alter the tone of the overall Magazine. I wanted to be able to produce a positive atmosphere, however, the shadow could bring a darker side to the Magazine; making the audience intrigued  and therefore  leading them to buying a copy of 'I'M'.

Blogger: From the beginning of the Research and Planning, through to the Final Design, the Blogger has been crucial in documenting each and every stage. I learnt how to embed images, videos and other documents onto my Blog. Frequent Blog Posts were vital, so that we could see our progress and gain the higher marks.

The School Computer: Luckily, my Computer didn't crash or restart itself. The fonts that I wanted to use were all on my specific Computer. At first, Page Plus (used to construct the Double Page Spread) was only on two computers, so it was relatively difficult. As the deadline was approaching, Page Plus was inserted onto every single computer; so we were all able to work on our DPS without having to wait for someone to finish theirs.

Powerpoint: I used Microsoft Powerpoint, to put on all my Print Screens to show the progression of the Magazine. When Print Screening certain areas of my Blogs , I embedded and cropped them onto Powerpoint (as I found this easier than copying and pasting it onto Paint).

Flickr: Flickr is a website that I transported all of my images taken from the Photo Shoot. This is because it easier to access, as everyone is able to view the images. Also, it is evidence of planning if the examiners are able to see the images themselves.

Without all of these programmes, I have been able to produce a good Magazine. All of these have helped as they are all specified in a particular area. Photoshop was used especially for editing and manipulating images. Blogger used for documenting the progression of the Magazine.

Thursday 20 March 2014

Evaluation Activity Five-Draft.

HOW DID YOU ATTRACT/ADDRESS YOUR AUDIENCE?

The most significant way that I attracted my audience were the models used. This is because they are around the same age group as my target audience. Also their fashion sense, is similar to those of the Indie genre. This would've attracted my audience simply because of the models, they would feel more inclined to purchasing a copy if there was an artist of the same group.

Another way that I attracted my audience were the use of the colour palettes. Black, White and Red. The heavy use of Red, especially in the Cover, which is an eye-catching colour that holds a various amount of connotations. One of which are danger, warning, power and energy. Also, it holds a stimulant of making quick decisions (whether or not to buy the Magazine). From a distance, the overdose of Red would attract the audience as it is a vibrant and demanding colour. Furthermore, the Red is only used when their is vital information (for example the name of the Band); which is what the audience will see. This will make the audience intrigued and almost make them purchase a copy as they feel drawn to the Magazine.

The image itself would've attracted the audience, as it is a close up; showing the audience the artists faces more clearly. The facial expressions show that they want to be taken seriously and therefore shows the audience a sense of maturity about the band. The contrast between the two will attract the audience, as they will want to know more about the boys individually and read about what makes them work as a band. As the boys are photogenic, this will attract females and those of other sexualities to purchase a copy of the Magazine.

The contents page contains a variety of different artists, which would attract those of another audience type (as it may contain something they are interested in). The Magazine itself will be easy on the audiences eye, due to its layout and the balance in writing, images and blank space. The double page spread is simple yet effective. There is an image that fills up the left side of the page, whereas on the right there is a pull quote and the right amount of writing for the Article. If the Magazine is heavily filled with writing, then the audience will instantly be deterred away from it; as it may be too much for them to read.

Evaluation Activity Four-Draft.

WHO WOULD BE THE AUDIENCE FOR YOUR MEDIA PRODUCT?

My target audience are 16-25 Males. The target audience of 'Leaning Edge', which consists 'Indie Scensters', 'Creatives', 'DIYers', 'Hipsters' and 'Tumblr Kids'. Through my research, it is evident that Indie genre attracts younger males. Due to this I have decided upon my target audience. My ideal target audience would be those like Oliver Smith.

Oliver Smith is aged 18 and holds an 'Indie' look, where he has a buttoned up polo shirt and quiffy hair. On a day to day basis, Oliver plays acoustic guitar, hangs out with his friends clubbing and going to movies. He also likes to go to gigs and he enjoys skateboarding.

Retail wise, Oliver usually shops at Top Man, River Island, Phix Clothing, Next, Wellgosh and Fashion Indie.

Oliver has a part time job at Top Man, he has no car (as he is saving up for University) so he takes bus journeys to his advantage and listens to bands/artists such as The Stone Roses, The 1975, Jake Bugg, Mumford and Sons and Kings of Leon. He is in his last year of A Levels, where he is studying Music, Travel&Tourism and Media. Oliver would like to start his own band (with him as the guitarist) touring across the UK.

The typical fashion of my target audience would be baggy jumpers, buttoned up checkered shirts/ polos, black skinny jeans and boots/formal shoes. This is the stereotypical dress code of the Indie Genre, so I had incorporated this into my Cover to appeal to my target audience.

Evaluation Activity Three-Draft.

WHAT KIND OF MEDIA INSTITUTION MIGHT DISTRIBUTE YOUR MEDIA PRODUCT AND WHY?


The institution that I would like to publish my Magazine would be the ‘IPC Media’. I would like ‘IPC Media’ to publish my Magazine, due to their exclusive popularity worldwide. If ‘I’M’ was to be published by this particular company, then they will receive a lot of income per annum. As my Magazine, is an Indie genre (which is getting more popular by the day) the company itself will receive a lot of money as well; as it will appeal to a lot of people. Furthermore, it will have a higher chance of reaching out to my target audience which consists of 16-25 Males.   


This company is a Time Warner Company. ‘IPC Media’ is a large incorporation with more than 60 iconic media brands. IPC creates content for multiple platforms, across print, online, mobiles, tablets and events. They engage with more than 26 million UK adults. ‘’Our award winning portfolio of websites reaches over 25 million users globally every month’’ – Official IPC Media Website. This quotation IPC Media is committed to working in partnership with its consumers, advertisers, business partners and employees to deliver exceptional value, service, innovation and creativity. 

With the amount of commitment that IPC Media puts with their globally popular partners, they would immediately ensure that 'I'M' receives the recognition worldwide. As this company is globally famous, 'I'M' will attract 16-25 Males from all across the globe. One of the institutions that the company is split into, works with NME; which is an extremely famous Indie genre music magazine. However, NME is the only Indie Music Magazine that they publish; if they publish 'I'M' then they will be able to receive even more income (as the Indie genre is a growing market). 'IPC Media' has a men's market within the 'IPC Inspire' division, which would attract my target audience. However, due to the mass market, IPC Media will attract women and those of different sexualities. This is a part of the 'IPC Advertising' division. 

Wednesday 19 March 2014

Evaluation Activity Two-Draft.

HOW DOES YOUR MEDIA PRODUCT REPRESENT PARTICULAR SOCIAL GROUPS



My Magazine represents my particular social group due to the overall genre. It is noticeable that the Indie genre appeals to 16-21 year olds, teenagers tend to listen to this kind of music; so therefore it is mainly aimed at this particular social group. The three main social groups that I am representing are Age, Gender and Sexuality. The group is called ‘Leaning Edge’, consisting of ‘Indie Scenesters’, ‘Creatives’, ‘DIYers’, ‘Hispters’ and ‘Tumblr Kids’. It is evident that their style reflects the type of music that they listen to. I am representing Age, purely due to the models that I have chosen for the Cover. It will be evident that the models used, will attract my target audience of 16-25 Males. This is because of the fashion, facial expression and body language that the models are positioned in. By looking at existing Indie Magazine, aimed at a similar audience, uses a serious facial expression for the Cover (which is what I've re-created for 'I'M').  I wanted the same recognition for my Magazine, also due to the double connotations of the title and the clever use of the speech bubble. The image that I have selected is the one that I have used for the Cover of my Magazine. I have attempted to replicate the positioning and style of Disclosure. Although, they are of a different music genre, the fact that one was casual and one more smarter appealed to me; so I’ve attempted to re-create this but making them more Indie rather than electronic. Through my research, it was evident that teenagers nowadays are wearing checkered shirts, black skinny jeans, converses/boots and quiffy hair. By applying this for my Cover, it would attract my target audiences’ attention due to the initial appearance. As they are photogenic boys it would also attract females, which is coinciding with the Gender social group, and possibly those of different sexualities (for example heterosexuals, homosexuals and bisexuals) attention (due to the way they are dressed), and encourage those from other audiences to purchase a copy of I’M.

The similarities with the image above, was those that I had anticipated. I wanted their to be distinctive aspects of the image, that were clearly replicated. It didn’t happen deliberately, however, it was what I was going for.  Disclosure are another artist that 16-25 year olds are drawn too, purely for their music. Even though they aren’t associated with the Indie genre, their style appealed to me and I tried to alter the look in order for it to fit the specified genre. The obvious alter was the white back drop. By doing this, it gave the overall tone of the image a positive effect.

The most common aspect that was noticeable, with this specific genre, was the way the artist maintained eye contact with the audience to create synthetic personalisation. If the audience perceives the artists looking directly at them, they will feel more inclined to buying it. Furthermore, my particular target group likes attention given to them. By having this is in the back of my mind, I made sure that the models maintained the eye contact and connection not only with the target audience but audiences’ from different genres.

Tuesday 18 March 2014

Evaluation Activity One- Draft.

IN WHAT WAYS DOES YOUR MEDIA PRODUCE USE, DEVELOP OR CHALLENGE FORMS AND CONVENTIONS OF REAL MEDIA PRODUCTS? (I.E OF MUSIC MAGAZINES)






With detailed reference to research and planning for my Indie genre Magazine, we looked at a various range of Magazines as well as those that belonged to previous media students. It was evident that those who received the highest marks were the ones that followed the conventions of a Magazine. The reason for this is that the producers know the needs of the target audience; therefore attracting attention and receiving more purchases. The Golden Spiral has been put into use (bearing in mind that the human eye naturally browses from top left to bottom right); so the producers know that the eye catching aspects will need to be placed cleverly; in order to attract the most attention. Furthermore, these Magazines have committed to the Rule of Thirds so that the overall appearance of the Magazine will look professional and easy on the audiences’ eye. More so, there is a consistent house theme that runs throughout the Magazine which again gives a sense of professionalism. It is clear what the three main colour palettes are in the Magazine and all of the colours are used effectively, with the audiences’ needs in mind. The most common colour used to attract the audiences’ attention is red or yellow, which are vibrant and dynamic colours that are aesthetically pleasing.

 The images above are the style models that my Magazine is based upon. ‘Q’ Magazine was the one that really matched the genre that my Magazine was based on; also it gave me inspiration for my Magazine. ‘Q’ follows the regular conventions that make a Magazine. I attempted to re-invent the red and white of the 'Q' Logo, in the top left hand corner (rather than a circle, I decided upon a speech bubble). This is because these particular colours are eye-catching and attractive towards my target audience. The reason for the speech bubble was the attempt in trying to get the Magazine to interact with the audience and feel a sense of belonging. Also, the images of the two models are the main focal point of the Magazine; for my Cover I have placed the models centrally and matched it according to the Rule of Thirds. By including two males, it would attract my target audience of 16-25 year olds due to their image. Simultaneously, it will attract females due to their style in fashion and possibly their overall look (as it replicates those of The Smiths, Disclosure, Kasabian etc.) Although the Cover of the ‘Q’ Magazine is the use of deep pink, I have replaced that with red as it is a more striking colour and has deep connotations alongside with it. This is maintaining the use of colours in order to attract attention to the areas that the producers want the most attention to.

The title of my Magazine is ‘IM’ which is an acronym for ‘Indie Magazine’. It seems simple and straight forward. However, the masthead itself is ‘I’M’ with the apostrophe located in the middle. This is so that the Magazine will interact with the audience. Therefore, the masthead with holds two connotations to the Magazine. The first connotation would be the ‘Indie Magazine’ and the second is the interaction with the audience; so that every page on the Magazine it’d speak to the audience (for example I’M CONTENTS’), almost making a statement that the Magazine is what is makes out to be.

Graphologically, I abandoned the use of ‘Z’, ‘E’, or ‘F’ Plan as it didn’t suit my idea for the layout of the Cover.  I wanted to maintain the conventions of the masthead’s positioning on the Cover, as it looked professional and was placed in a convenient place. However if there was a plan that the Cover was centred around,  it would be the ‘F’ Plan due to the text alongside the left hand side and the name of the Band in the middle of the Cover (beneath the image of the boys). Personally, I think that the layout of the Cover drifted away from it holding the conventions of the ‘F’ Plan. Coinciding with the ‘Q’ Magazine, the Mise en Scene helped attract my target audience (and helped my Magazine look like a Magazine) due to the Costumes of the models. Stereotypically speaking, the Indie genre has been famous for checkered shirts, black skinny jeans and boots. By having my models wear this, it is evident what genre this Magazine belongs to.  Alongside the costumes, the quiff is also another stereotype to the Indie genre (as you can see in the ‘Q’ Magazine with The Smiths). There are no props used for this particular Magazine as there aren’t any used in ‘Q’ Magazine, just the models themselves are enough to sell the Magazine. The style is consistent throughout the Contents and DPS to maintain the Indie Genre. One model is wearing a stereotypical outfit whereas the other is wearing a more casual yet indified outfit, to portray the difference within the two.

For the Camerawork there was a range of shots captured, in order to convey the versatility of the Magazine (pragmatically showing the versatility of the actual content and how they are able to attract audiences of different genre). I got the models to be the CVI of the Magazine, by making eye contact with the audience (looking directly at them). For the Cover they have a serious expression on, to get the audience intrigued and also it was common throughout most ‘Q’ Magazine Covers (whereas in the DPS they are smiling more and relaxed). If the audience is intrigued, then they feel more inclined in buying the Magazine. A close up was used to introduce the artists, as they are upcoming and new. A mid shot was used for the Contents and a long/ whole body shot was used for the DPS. By using these various shots, it shows the flexibility of the Magazine and holds the conventions of a real Magazine (as they have different number of shots). As my models are photogenic, it will appeal to the audience as they fit the particular genre of my Magazine; increasing the amount of purchases. The images were placed accordingly to the Rule of Thirds, maintaining the professional look. For the Contents page, I have reconstructed the ‘Z’ Plan, to make it easy on the eye and it will flow better.

Simple yet effective were the two main things that I was looking for when choosing a style for my Magazine. For the masthead, I used the font ‘Arial Rounded MT Bold’ as it had an eye-catching aura to it, which would definitely attract attention. Also, it had an Indie edge to it, coinciding with the overall genre. For the font for the Band, I used ‘Bebas’ as it matched the genre of the Band. Furthermore, it was simple yet screamed out attention. It holds the Indie genre and looked striking as it was bold and in red, making it hard to ignore. Finally, for the Issue No, Date, Price and list of artists featuring in the Magazine I used ‘Artone Elongated’ as it  had a unique feel about it and matched the genre to my Magazine. All of the fonts complemented each other well yet simultaneously standing out. By only having three fonts, it has stuck to the conventions of a Magazine by only having a maximum of three fonts otherwise the Cover (and effectively the whole Magazine) will look messy, chaotic and unprofessional. When constructing my Magazine, I used guides in order to help me make the Magazine in a well-mannered and professional way; consistently keeping a certain number of boxes the same. I did this so overall it would hold the conventions of a well and carefully planned Magazine.

The genre that my Magazine is conveying is Indie. The costumes and hairstyle give it away, as it fits the stereotypical view of how the Indie genre is portrayed throughout media. The layout of the Magazine suggests the genre, due to the similarity with the ‘Q’ Magazine. The fonts used coincide with the Indie theme. So does the colour palette, as red, white and black are commonly used in Indie Magazines (take ‘Q’, NME for example). Indie artists have been portrayed as rebellious due to their stance, facial expression and even the lighting of the image; I attempted in doing that, only succeeding with the serious facial expressions of the artists.

Overall, I think that ‘IM’ has matched the regular conventions that make a Magazine. Partly due to the  re-construction and replication of existing Magazine mingled with fresh new ideas and keeping the house theme consistent throughout the Magazine.