Category: Component 1

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:

• @jessiepaigeofficial – Instagram
• @jessiepaigemusic – Youtube
• @jessiepaigeofficial – Twitter
• www.jessiepaige.co.uk

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:

@jessiepaigeofficial – Instagram

@jessiepaigemusic – Youtube

@jessiepaigeofficial – Twitter

www.jessiepaige.co.uk

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.

Please click on the image to see the full production meeting agenda.

These are some images to inspire my photo shoot:

 

 

The article I analysed:

(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.

My Draft Cover Page

Peer Feedback

A friend assessed my work so that I can further understand what is needed to improve.

• What type of shots have been used to create a variety of shot distances and how has the camera been used to communicate meaning? 

She has taken a longshot of her model. The shot shows that the model is extraordinary and is showing off her full outfit.

• What choice of Mise en scene is appropriate for the star image and genre?

The model’s wardrobe, makeup, and hair is a good mix of cool and classy. She’s wearing casual jeans and a jacket, but also has silky styled hair and expensive-looking jewelry.

•   How far is the font used readable and reflects the genre?

The font is both fun and bubbly but also sophisticated and sharp. The colour palette is really well applied to create a vibe of girliness but also power, as purple is a very royal and rich colour. 

• What technical conventions of a Contents page are present and used effectively?  

The title ‘what’s inside’ as well as the page numbers are very conventional of the magazine and create the vibe of a classic contents page. The added in pug, as well as a separate heading for more special people in the magazine, is good as it displays their importance.

• How has Indesign been used to layout the page to convey a brand?

The layout is very clear and she has used InDesign to create a gradient background which adds a little something extra to the page. The writing is laid out neatly and is really well applied.

•   How well have the text and visuals been integrated together?

The colours go really well together making the magazine look neat and tidy but also fun and different.

• Where has photoshop been used to manipulate the photos to enhance the star image or genre? 

She used photoshop to cut out the picture of the model which was really impressive. 

•  How is the language used appropriately for the genre and target audience?

Her use of exclamation marks and commanding words such as ‘grab’ as well as words like ‘one of a kind!’ presents the idea of the magazine being fun and youthful which is perfect for her audience.  

5 targets:

• Try different layouts
• Try a different image of my model
• Experiment with colours/gradients
• Talk about music instead of fashion
• Add another cover line.

Examples of Contents Pages:

These are some examples of contents pages in professional magazines. It is clear that they all share certain technical conventions, which is exactly what makes them a content page. Although, a producer does need to ensure their magazine is unique and stands out from the rest.

These are some sketches of contents page layouts:

A contents page is essentially a menu that informs the reader what the magazine will contain. For example, in all of these contents pages, short coverlines are shown with a page number to tell the reader what will be on that specific page. These are a common convention. Page numbers are also important to help the reader know where to turn to, to read a chosen article. A main cover star is also normally featured, or a selection of images to help create interest as lots of writing will not generate attraction to the magazine. Although, captions are needed in order to provide information and entertainment, depending on the topic. These things all promote AIDA (Attract, Interest, Desire, Action). So the images and main cover stars attract the reader and create interest in the magazine. Then, as they read the captions and index, the desire to read on is made. And finally, they take action by investing in the magazine and reading more.

5 catchy headlines:

• How Frank Ocean rose to fame!
• 7 things you didn’t know about Beyonce’s album!
• SZA’s top-secret song revealed!
• Rihanna was seen doing what in LA?!
• The truth behind the album – Jorja Smith tells all!

1st Draft Front Cover

1ST DRAFT

Doing a draft before my final cover will be really helpful with trial and error, whilst finding out what I like and dislike.  I have tried out a few different layouts, colour schemes, and fonts. I also tried to include colloquial language that will create interest and desire.

Assessing my work

My 5 Targets

• Try different layouts to see what works best visually.
• Try different colour palettes.
• Edit model on Photoshop e.g. colour of lips.
• See what different backgrounds would look like.
• Include more colloquial language.

This is the contact sheet from my front cover photoshoot. I tried to get a wide variety of angles, poses, and I asked Amber to wear the costume in different ways. I tried to consider elements such as her star image, how to present her as both ordinary and extraordinary, as well as the genre I had chosen. I wanted to present her as down to earth and casual, as that is often the vibe you get from R&B stars. I tried to communicate this through her costume (bandana, baggy denim jeans, chunky white trainers, and gold chain). This will help connote the ideas of a friendly and confident star who’s just like us due to the relaxed outfit. Mise en Scene was also considered when doing my photoshoot. I thought about how I could use costume, lighting, and props to communicate her star image. I think it has encapsulated my Unique Selling Point which is based on youth, casualness and, ’90s fashion.

My Contact Sheet

We were given a set of questions to consider and answer regarding our competition with other magazines. This was to help us understand what exactly we are up against and what is necessary to stand out from the rest.

The Questions

Then, I made a Piktochart to display my answers to these questions, whilst showing examples of other professional R&B magazines and what they contain. This has given me a much better understanding of how I can make my magazine unique, whilst conventional. I know what I need to include to give my target audience a preferred reading.

My Piktochart

My plan

This plan will help me to understand what I need to prepare for the photoshoot in advance so I can be ready on the day. I now have a better idea of how I want my model to appear and what I need to make this happen. Looking at different poses has given me some different ideas I would like to try out in the White Room.