Although this task will not be marked, it is further evidence of my understanding of my target audience and what content they would enjoy. Including these extra pages will make the Flipsnack more effective, whilst improving the presentation of my magazine overall.
I have chosen a Gucci advertisement as I think it is suitable for my target audience of teenagers/young adults. I completed research on who my target audience is by creating a ‘dating profile’ to further understand what their likes/dislikes may be. I came to the conclusion that a large amount of R&B fans are younger people who invest time into fashion, music, and environmental issues. After researching their demographics on ‘YouGov.com’, I have found that fashion, beauty, and lifestyle are a common interest; so Gucci is relevant to the consumers of my magazine. As Gucci keeps up with both current trends and creates new ones for people to adopt as their own, I think this is something younger people would enjoy to see advertised as a large part of youth culture evolves around fashion and new trends.
Advert 2
I have also chosen to include a tour poster of Rihanna’s. This is because she is a popular R&B artist, which is highly relevant to my music magazine as this is my genre. Including an R&B artist creates interest with my readers and shows that I have a good understanding what my audience enjoys. Advertising this world tour will help create more interest in my magazine as readers will associate ‘Motion’ with opportunities for things they enjoy such as concerts/gigs/new music.
I have made several changes in this draft, some of which include changing the background, slanting the masthead/adding lines to keep a consistent theme, added a sparkling effect to the chain on photoshop, and adding a coloured box behind the slogan. These changes have helped my magazine to become more professional than before. Although there are still things that I would like to change, I am happy with this for my draft 3.
Contents Page
What’s new?
In draft 3 of my contents page, I have edited several aspects of my product from my teacher’s feedback. I have made large changes to the layout of the page, as well as adding another coverline to fill space, including a picture of my other model, and adding faded coloured lines for extra detail.
Double Page Spread
What’s new?
In my 3rd draft of my double page spread, I have made a few changes such as changing the layout of the small picture of my two models and added a caption for context, placed a signature and byline to make my magazine more authentic, and added the final draft of my article into the columns. I am very happy with this page and think it is coming together well.
Further feedback:
I have been sent overall feedback of my third drafts on Screen Castfy from my teacher. I have been asked to make changes such as trying different fonts for my captions and masthead, adding drop shadows/opaque lines for graphic detailing, trying different colours to compliment the purple theme etc. I will follow this feedback and apply it to my work when making my fourth drafts. I was also told to ensure all page numbers are at the bottom as this is typically where people turn the page, to anchor captions to images, and to check that columns aligned.
Please click the link below to listen to the Screen Castify:
I have made several changes to my contents page such as trying out and changing the colour scheme, making the text diagonal in the pug, adding another subheading to relate to the rule of thirds, as well as making the main cover star’s image less stretched. Now that I have changed the colours to purple, this makes my colour scheme much more consistent throughout my magazine.
Next targets:
Model looks stretched
Add colour to the text in the pug
Try colouring the numbers
Add some more information into the coverlines
Make the ‘What’s Inside?’ smaller
Align the page numbers with the coverlines…some are at the top, some are in the middle.
Photoshop the photos i.e. make the colours pop more
What’s next?
After reading this feedback, I will work on adding more colours to add interest, adding more information about my magazine to keep it relevant, and I will also change the layout to see what is most effective.
Please click on first half of the image to enlarge.
What’s new?
I have made significant changes in my second draft of my double-page spread. I have flipped the image so that Jess is looking at the text, changed the layout of the columns and added coloured blocks to match my theme behind the text, added my actual article, changed the name of the article to to something more interesting and relevant, along with adding a standfirst and different images from the shoot. I am much happier with this draft after taking feedback into consideration.
Next Targets:
Place the standfirst higher up
Some of the copy is very close to the edge of the column boxes
Add page numbers
A byline is needed
The insets need some thought…is the caption too long?
Either caption the other inset or don’t include top right
Check all 3 columns are the same size
Consider changing the main headlines font
What’s next?
Next, I will work on the layout of the double page spread, whilst considering how fonts, colours and font size affects the look of the page. I will also be adding some conventions that I forgot to add such as the byline and page numbers.
I have made alterations to several parts of my front page in this draft such as changing the background to something more subtle as to avoid distraction from other elements, whilst keeping it relative to my colour scheme. I also had to change my masthead as the old font became unavailable.
Next targets:
Add some more colour on the front.
New headline is preferred.
The cover line that is positioned downwards needs to be in a different colour/font.
Change placement of price.
Some letters are in lower case and bring the line spacing down between coverlines in each story.
Put ‘Win’ in the bottom left and reposition the main coverline over her legs
One or two more coverlines with the extra space you have once you have closed the line spacing.
A plug for the genre of the magazine called Motion..R and B?
Enlarge the main cover star.
What’s next?
To improve my front page, I will be altering the colours, positioning of texts, size of images, and trying different fonts. These things will all help my front page become more conventional but interesting.
I am happy with my Double Page Spread draft. It still needs development but I think the layout, colour scheme etc are effective in keeping the audience invested in the magazine. I will continue to research different examples of double-page spreads to see what I like and how I can incorporate it into my own magazine. I also copied and pasted a paragraph a few times as I have not yet finished my article, which will be a Q&A.
These are some targets to improve my work:
Justify columns
Byline and photography by
Page numbers
Try flipping the image – use a different picture as eyes are closed
I filled out a document to help myself plan the article for the double-page spread, this way I will be more prepared when actually writing my article and it will be more time-efficient.
Here is my Draft Article:
New to the R&B scene Jessie Page debuts her new album ‘Violet’. All is revealed as she spills about songs that are special to her and her main inspirations. Jessie has been singing since she was just a little girl, and since then has gone on to conquer the music world. Read on to find out more!…
‘Why did you want to be a singer?’
‘I have always loved music and everything that comes with it. I started singing in the shower and from then it just grew really. I just knew I had to be known by others’.
‘Did anyone in particular inspire you?’
‘I have loved Micheal Jackson from such a young age. He’s how I was introduced to R&B actually, there was not one song I didn’t like. I liked other genres too of course, but that’s when I fell in love with R&B’
‘How are you feeling about your new fame? And how did it come about?’
‘I absolutely adore it! It’s all so new and slightly scary, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. It all started when my youtube videos of me singing my songs got some recognition. Then I made some social media accounts for my music and they grew so fast!’
What’s your favourite song on your album ‘Violet’?’
‘That’s really tough because I am so proud of every single one, but most likely ‘It’s you’. A special person who I won’t name to save them from total embarrassment inspired it entirely.’
‘Do you find it difficult to write songs?’
Well, it depends on the song to be completely honest. Sometimes they just come to me and I can write them within an hour, other times it takes weeks. I don’t mind though, I’d rather take my time and be super happy with the final result because I’m just so passionate about my songs.’
‘Do you plan on writing another album?’
‘Oh 100%, I’m just not too sure when yet. I already have some ideas brewing, but of course, this is a lot to take in so I’d like to get used to everything and find my place in the music industry first.’
‘Are you excited about your first gig?’
I can’t explain how much I am looking forward to it! I just want it to be perfect for everyone that comes to support me. It really does mean a lot to me so I want people to enjoy it as much as I hope to. I know it is a small thing for many other singers, but I think it brings a lot of opportunities for new artists.’
‘Do you have a lot of followers?’
I would like to say so, I have around 200 thousand right now, which is just crazy to me and I’m so grateful!’
‘What do you like to do when you’re not writing?’
I love meeting up with my friends and just hanging out, also spending time with family is so important to me. Shopping is my guilty pleasure, and baking also takes up a lot of my time.’
‘What are your plans for the future Jessie?’
– ‘Well, if all goes well I’d like to gain some more recognition, release some more albums and go on tour eventually, crazy I know! It would also be my absolute dream to collab with Frank Ocean. He’s my favourite modern R&B star, and his music has had an insane impact on my life’.
If you love the sound of Jessie Paige, here’s where you can find her:
Then, I read the article out loud to help myself highlight any mistakes:
These are my targets to improve the article:
Check for spelling mistakes
Add more commas
Make some answers longer
Add some more exclusive information e.g. gossip about friends.
Here is my article after teacher feedback:
New to the R&B scene, Jessie Page debuts her new album ‘Violet’. All is revealed as she spills the tea about songs that are special to her and her main inspirations. Jessie has been singing since she was just a little girl, and since then has gone on to conquer the music world. Motion met up with the star last night after her gig to find out all the gossip about her music, love life, and new friendships! Read on to find out more…
‘Why did you want to be a singer?’
‘I have always loved music and everything that comes with it. I started singing in the shower and from then it just grew really. I just knew I had to be known by others’.
‘Who in particular inspired you?’
‘I have loved Micheal Jackson from such a young age. He’s how I was introduced to R&B actually, there was not one song I didn’t like. I liked other genres too of course, but that’s when I fell in love with R&B’
‘How are you feeling about your new fame? And how did it come about?’
‘I absolutely adore it! It’s all so new and slightly scary, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. It all started when my youtube channel gained some recognition after my song ‘Loving you’ went viral. Then I made some social media accounts for my music and they grew so fast!’
What’s your favourite song on your album ‘Violet’?’
‘That’s really tough because I am so proud of every single one, but most likely ‘It’s you’. A special person who I won’t name to save them from total embarrassment inspired it entirely.’
‘How difficult is it to write songs?’
Well, it depends on the song to be completely honest. Sometimes they just come to me and I can write them within an hour, other times it takes weeks. I don’t mind though, I’d rather take my time and be super happy with the final result because I’m just so passionate about my songs. I’ll let you in on a little secret about my writing process, I always have to carry a pack of skittles with me, whenever I get stuck on a line I eat a few and I’m back on track!’
‘When is the next album coming?’
‘Well I’m definitely planning on writing another, I’m just not too sure when yet. I already have some ideas brewing, but of course, this is a lot to take in so I’d like to get used to everything and find my place in the music industry first.’
‘How was your first gig?’
I can’t explain how much I loved it! It was so perfect. It really does mean a lot to me so I hope those who came to support me loved it as much as I did. I know it is a small step for many other singers, but I think it brings a lot of opportunities for new artists like myself.’
‘How did you and Erin meet? Have you always got on?’
Oh great question, well obviously she was in the music industry way before me so I used to be quite intimidated by her actually! The first time we met was in a music store a few months ago. We were both buying CD’s when I told her I knew her songs and thought she was super talented. After that, we exchanged socials and have been besties ever since. We get on so well and I am very lucky to have by my side to help guide me’.
‘How many followers do you have on Instagram?’
Well currently I have around 200 thousand right now, which is just crazy to me and I’m so grateful! Although this is a crazy amount already, I hope my platform will continue to grow as I produce more music’
‘What do you like to do when you’re not writing?’
I love meeting up with my friends and just hanging out, also spending time with family is so important to me. Shopping is my guilty pleasure, and baking also takes up a lot of my time.’
‘What are your plans for the future Jessie?’
– ‘Well, if all goes well I’d like to gain some more recognition, release some more albums and go on tour eventually, crazy I know! It would also be my absolute dream to collab with Frank Ocean. He’s my favourite modern R&B star, and his music has had an insane impact on my life’.
If you love the sound of Jessie Paige, here’s where you can find her:
This is my contact sheet containing photos from my second photo shoot:
We went to Castle Cornet, which was a good location with a variety of places to take pictures. Overall, the shoot went well and I am happy with the outcome. I tried a selection of angles and lighting to communicate different meanings. I wanted to tell a story with my props and costumes, so I brought a variety to see what worked best. I did have to delete a selection of photos that were either over-exposed, badly composed or not in focus. Next time I would check the image is coming out well before taking lots as it did waste some time and storage.
These are my favourite images out of the shoot that I am considering including in my magazine:
I like the one above specifically as there are props, costume and hair used to communicate a star image of a star from the ’90s. This helps represent my chosen genre of 90’s R&B. There is also space for writing so I may use this for my double page spread.
(Q Magazine (September 2017) James Lavelle, Dorian Lynskey)
This article is a biography about James Lavelle. There is evidence of the journalistic technique that talks about ‘Who, What, Where, When, Why, How’.
Who – James Lavelle
What – He is the founder of Mo’ Wax label. He launched DJ shadow and invented trip-hop.
Where – London Met Bar is mentioned.
When – 1995,1998,2003 2013,2014.
Why – How his career developed/the outcomes of it.
How – His career came about from meeting people.
It engages the audience with a number of catchy words and phrases, such as ‘visionary lightning rod’, ‘ impeccably cool’ etc. It also ends with some questions posed to the star of the article, which provokes thought for the audience. The short sentence after this shows that it is the end of the article and ties it off nicely. This is clearly a biography, we can tell as it is written about a person and the recent/not so recent events of their life. The columns make it easy to read, and the bold introduction catches the eye and informs the reader. We are aware of the presence of the journalist whilst reading the article, we can tell it is someone writing about another person due to the facts, quotes being written in 3rd person. The impact of this is that we feel the article is being narrated and we can trust the sources given to us. There is a clear structure apparent, with an introduction, middle, and small conclusion. A few swear words have been included in the article, this suits the tone of the article and shows the target audience of the magazine is adults. Quotes are used to tell us more about James, and the article also feels more personal, as if he is involved in the writing of it. This article gives the audience an insight into his life, as well as making them feel like a part of it too. It attracts, informs, and creates desire to find out more. These are all elements of AIDA. The journalist creates the star image of a fun, reckless, bold and inspiring entertainer throughout the description of the star. This portrayal also helps keep the article interesting and unique, it is not like other magazines in the way that it really goes into depth about his life and discusses the ups and downs.
