We were asked to analyse previous students work to see which of the assessment objectives that they had met, e.g. MES and camera angles. I had to choose one piece of work from a selection and give, in detail, an analysed response as to what I thought of it. Looking at previous students work will help me when designing my magazine because it will give me inspiration as to what people my age will like and what makes a good magazine given the tools that we have. It will also tell me what not to do, if they have done any mistakes then I will be able to learn from them.
The use of camera and Photoshop to take & manipulate engaging images.
- The use of camera and photo shop in this music magazine has been manipulated to tell a story and allow the audience to engage with the genre with the use of MES and camera angles. For example, on the front cover the previous student has used a low angle to represent the authority of the model and perhaps, relates to the genre as the indie genre is quite masculine. Another example would be the contents page where the student has used a high and and a close up to represent the vulnerability of the model which tells the story of his journey as a solo artist. Finally, the double page spread uses a mid shot which can convey the seriousness of the information being told.
The selection of mise-en-scene in the photos and the meaning it communicates.
- Throughout the magazine, the colours of blue, purple and black run through as a theme which could be the identity that the magazine was going for. The make-up on the model on the contents page is very fair and pale toned which could have been done on purpose to allow the audience to connect with the emotions of the model more. The lighting on the double page spread is low key and dull which could add to the individualistic theme that runs through the magazine. There is also a theme of acting running through the magazine and that is seriousness and deliberate acting to convey a message. Finally, the setting throughout the magazine is dark and dim which goes with the theme because the body language, make-up, and costumes are all gloomy and mysterious.
The choice of words that talk to and engage a specific audience.
- The language used in the masthead is deliberately there to let people know that the magazine is about indie music without actually saying it. The fact that ‘UK no.1’ is used on the front cover will allow the audience to engage with the magazine and will make them want to buy it as they will be able to get the latest music of their favourite genre. The promotion of the spotify playlist may be seen as interesting to the audience because they will know where to go if they want to hear the music that perhaps the magazine is talking about. The term ‘exclusive interview’ may be of interest to the audience because they will be getting VIP access to information first hand which may persuade them into buying the magazine.
The creative use of DTP (Desk Top Publishing i.e. InDesign) to integrate images and text and use colour / typefaces.
- The use of InDesign is used in the double page spread to add darkness and shadows to the model which will add to the theme of the magazine which may be rebellious behaviour. The typeface is very retro looking throughout the magazine and stays the same, which is good as it won’t confuse the audience. The captions on the front cover may attract the audience because they will be getting a taste of what is inside the magazine. The small images on the contents page will give the audience a little bit of insight on other images that were taken during the photo shoot of the double page spread which may be of interest to them.