Component 1

After peer review and self assessment, I have come to conclude that these 5 aspects are what I should be trying to improve (my targets)

1.  The text should be sorted into blocks, with barriers around. This would add a sense of depth to the page itself. As well as that, it would fill up a lot of the strange, empty spaces between.
2. More entities should be shown e.g. special effects, chains in the background- something to fill in the space and give something to look at; catch the audience’s view.
3. More vibrant colours; the only 3 colours are turquoise for the title, black text for the information, and the white title. There needs to be a more contrasting usage of colours and tones, to add depth and make it more attractive- so people purchase the issue.
4. While the structure itself is adequate, moving and changing the placement of some text will make it slightly better.
5. I need to use more unique fonts; include some variation in colour of text, typeface etc.

CONTENTS PAGE PEER ASSESSMENT

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

The camera has been used to take a low angle shot to make the model look very dominant and assertive, it makes the model stand out to other people.

What choice of Mise En Scene is appropriate for the star image and genre?

The black jacket and chains make him look really rough and edgy which suits the genre, the mic that he is holding shows that he is clearly a rapper or a singer.

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

The fonts used cover a wide range of rap/hip hop, they make the magazine look like a kind of documentary.

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

The contents page uses a masthead which is an appropriate size compared to the other pieces of text, it has an issue date and the name of the magazine. It includes cover lines with the contents of the magazine including a quote from the model.

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

Several shapes with text in them have been used to provide information about the product, the features and the brand itself.

 How well have the text and visuals been integrated together?

The text has a turquoise background which matches the Greek themed font. It suits the overall vibe which the contents page gives.

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

Photoshop has been used to modify the lighting of the model to make him look more in place. It uses a more dim lighting to add a bit more yellow to him.

How is the language used appropriate for the genre and target audience?

The language used is very rough, old school and rude, it uses the stereotype that rappers grew up in a rough environment. 

The Contents page communicates a strong meaning, however it needs to use more of a variety of colors, fonts and conventional features. Low Level 4.

I’ve created a few designs for contents pages. I tried to change shapes and add/remove elements from the designs. I believe the last design I created is the best, in terms of structure and contents page elements, though should be tweaked and have more added to it.

(plug is supposed to be “pug” – in the last design)

For headlines, I tried to go for eye-catching, interest-piquing titles that would get the audience intrigued and read the magazine. For most of the headlines, I tried to widen the audience range e.g. “Reasons to Rap” (introduce more people into the genre, and increase engagement, as well as get the audience to act- AIDA). However, I feel like these aren’t necessarily creative enough; they aren’t that unique. I will need to come up with new ideas, though I believe these are satisfactory and work (for the time being).  I tried to use AIDA. For example, with “Hit Rapper’s new Protégé” I attempted to gain the audience’s interest and attention, have them desire to learn more and then act and read the magazine.

Overall, I need to exaggerate and use hyperbole more often, as well as think outside the box more.

These content pages have given me some inspiration. I learnt that having simplistic designs can be effective, but personally, I think using a combination of a lot of different images, and then empty spaces to connote a sense of depth and importance to subjects can be very effective. I will need to try and experiment with these ideas.

(Copy of document shared)

Other blogs, issues, magazines etc. often contain a USP different to others. This may be a unique brand deal with a company others don’t have exclusive access to, special, exclusive information delivered by someone with a lot of information on topics.

Because of this, the USP of “my” magazine is just that, exclusive contacts that can arrange interviews and obtain information on the latest hit rappers. As well as that, offering more personal anecdotes and view points. Also a unique brand deal.

Working on the draft of my front page, I learned that the edgy clothing pairs well with a darker background. The font and typeface used is generally acceptable, but in some instances  I need to change them for my actual front cover. Lighter colours are good for drawing attention and interest, but for a hip-hop magazine, I feel like it needs to contrast a bit better than what I have at the moment. Overall, I feel that the first draft is functional.

For targets;

• I need to use more interesting, contrasting colours and text
• Change some fonts and typefaces, make the masthead larger
• Try experimenting more with different backgrounds, make it more unique and good looking.
• Make the cover itself more “attractive” for the audience overall. Have some more eccentric themes and details.
• The language used is fairly boring. I need to spice it up with imperatives and more colloquial language (slang, “forceful” language). Overall, more heavy language- conventional magazine/front cover vocabulary.

At the moment it’s bland and pretty boring- which I definitely need to change and look forward to. I also need to utilize AIDA more often- I have some attention “grabbing” text- like the pug- but need to gain interest, and have the audience feel the desire to act and purchase the magazine based off the cover.

Click on for PDF

Cover Draft1

For the cover shoot, I aimed to make my star look gritty, with a cocky smile and laidback persona. From the black leather jacket and chains, you can denote that the star is from a rough area, or at least wants the audience to think that.

These 3 images are the best at conveying what I wanted for the shoot, having the best positioning and framing. I believe I will go for one of the first two, as I believe they are the most unique. However, the second image feels too happy, with more of a genuine smile than a cocky one like intended.

I want the magazine to entice the audience, catch their attention, and interest them.  I also want to encode things, the cover image/star look to have connotations, and have the audience denote things, generating  more engagement and interest.

By using the camera and different positioning, I tried to take several unique photos in an attempt to create the best image to use for my cover, and the best to represent a genre but with a fun, eye-catching twist.

Using Mise En Scene, I wanted to convey a rough, but light-hearted character for my cover star. Through using a rough leather jacket, combined with a vinyl disc on the nose, I wanted to create a contrast, of edgy, gritty, but jokey and stupid.

With this “meeting agenda”, I have decided on several ways I want my star to look, and be represented. Since my magazine is hip-hop related, I wanted them to look ordinary, but extraordinary at the same time- to do this I can use more ordinary clothes that hip-hop artists may be seen wearing, but with a twist. I don’t  want my star to appear boring or plain, so I’ll  add several accessories and use expressions, lighting, and positioning to try and help me with this.

I want the magazine to entice the audience, catch their attention, and interest them.  I also want to encode things, the cover image/star look to have connotations, and have the audience denote things, generating  more engagement and interest.

Mastheads are vital for brand recognition and marketing. Having an easily recognizable brand name with a great font to be attributed to your magazine will mean more people will purchase an issue just because of the name- since it sticks out, and the expectations from it based on the genre the magazine covers being well known.

I have decided to use this design/font as my final design, as I believe “Archives” connotes libraries- and with this Greek/Hellenic design, it gives an old, even ancient feeling, which works and fits quite well. It also works with the library idea, as a collection of music. I think it will interest my audience, enticing them to act and purchase the magazine or at least view it, having their attention on it.

(more…)

Moving onto Hip-Hop from LoFi

Researching these artists and their audiences has helped me understand the audience and age range. Most of Hip-hop fans are males in their 20’s, with some of these artists having some of their fans in their late 20’s, 30’s, who listen to similar artists and keep up with hip-hop culture.

With this information, I will create a dating profile around a hip-hop fan.

The audience will clearly be able to decode the fact he enjoys hip-hop, even just from how he represents himself and his interests- and how they are encoded/or reflected onto him. The preferred reading-  He likes hip-hop, the style and representation is displayed openly, which is matching the reader/audiences’ likes, hobbies, and overall things in relation to them that they enjoy. This gives a better view on the profile/person, drawing more people in/generating more positive traction.

I have chosen LoFi as my music genre for my magazine. I intend to make it have a “chill”, calm vibe and atmosphere. I’m aiming the magazine to younger audiences, in their teens or early 20’s, in an educational occupation.

I want the brand name of the magazine to be smooth, not dragged out or too short, so I went with “Archives“, since the word has connotations to libraries- relaxing and has a lot of “books”; or music.

It is modern, but also uses the styles and rhythms of old, retro music, from the 1970’s-1990’s. LoFi uses Low-Frequency to enhance the relaxation effect, and helps with attention and concentration.

“The aim of this magazine is to encourage more people to study and aid in relaxation, when needed. It’s aimed towards the youth, those who are studying or need to relax more easily, who would benefit more from this magazine. We wish to archive and detail all the best, new songs and albums within the LoFi genre, and upcoming artists and their music.” – Mission Statement.

The USP (Unique Selling Point) – detailing and archiving all of the music that appeals to fans in one magazine, picking the best ones and showing them. It’s a niche genre, so there aren’t many magazines like this.

Uses and gratifications;  as the mission statement says, the magazine is aimed towards the youth/young adults, who seek entertainment while they study. It could also fit in with information, as the listener learns what former rhythms and music from a more retro era was like.