This is my infographic that answers question 4. I talk through the process of making my magazine through the different stages and different technologies (hardware, software, and online) that I used.
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Hey, I am Katie Fellows, and I am taking Media Studies as one of my A levels. This letter is for you to get a better understanding of the course- what you will learn in it. You will be expected to learn the basic properties of a camera, and how to use a range of software programs (like Adobe Indesign, Adobe Photoshop, and Edublogs). Production skills are made up of 3 main skills, which are called technical, creative, and transferable skills. These skills are used to portray specific genres, conventions, star images, fonts, and brandings.
Within this subject, you will develop many technical production skills. You will have to keep a record of your work via your own media blog- which will involve making posts, embedding items, and linking documents. Then you will learn how to create filters, edit photos, add backgrounds/ effects, and use a range of fonts through Adobe Indesign and Photoshop. Technical production skills also cover how the camera and lighting work (the shutter speeds and apertures). These particular skills will impact the target audience based on how the star image is represented (how it fits the genre).
For example, I decided to change my main cover stars image in photoshop, so that it was in greyscale (black and white), instead of colour. I think that by doing this, my model stands out from the text more. It also helped me control the number of colours on the front cover so that there are no clashes. I feel that the colours being more grungy creates a stronger link to the punk genre. Although I liked this effect, I did have to be careful (and make it weaker) because otherwise, it would look over the top and cringe.
The creative production skills help you learn about your magazine’s branding, graphic design, composition, and MES choices. Basically, it covers masthead designs, font choices, colour schemes, page layouts, depth of fields, and rules of thirds. All of these are important for me to produce an effective and well-thought-out product that suits my target audience. In particular, the make-up, hair, props, setting, face/ body expressions, and lighting are what impact my models’ looks the most. They have the biggest impression on my genre of punk. Furthermore, making my cover stars’ representation of punk stronger for the audience to see.
When I did my own photoshoot, I gave my model accessories to use as a prop. For example, I added sunglasses, a guitar, and some lollipops, so that they would feel more relaxed. It also helped my models feel (and look) less awkward. We managed to achieve different poses, like turning to the side, or facing and looking straight into the camera. By doing this, they became confident and portrayed the confidence of punk artists display. For the outside photoshoot, the wind and background textures helped give the photos an edgy vibe.
The transferable production skills are things that I have used, learned or improved during this course, that I can now use elsewhere in life. A few examples of these key skills are; organization, time management, research, listening, software skills, and self/ peer feedback. For my research, I used different platforms for different things (like Pinterest for mood boards, and social media for communication, advert choices, and finding the right target audience). Using a range of software and apps helps to get a wider spread of information and research- which will ultimately only improve my designs.
I created a production meeting agenda to organize my main photo shoot before I had to do it. This ensured that I knew the correct timings, settings, lighting, camera set-up, props, and costumes beforehand. This also helped my models prepare what they needed to bring, ahead of time- therefore making the preparation stage a lot easier and more efficient. Having all the conventions that my magazine needs will improve my main cover star’s image and the final outcome of the product.
Overall, I think that Media Studies is a great subject for anyone who’s creative, or wants to work in the design industry. This course would not only develop your skills, but it would also give you an insight into how/ what software the professions use. So, if any of the topics above intrigue you, I would recommend taking Media Studies A level.
Introduce your magazine, name, genre…
My magazine is called punkzilla. It’s a bright, quirky, exciting magazine that fits the aspects of the punk genre.
Describe your brand values/ quote your mission statement?
My brand values quality over quantity. Its aim is to raise awareness to punk- and fit the stereotypes the genre has. It will help individuals embrace their individuality and personality without feeling ashamed. This is different from many other magazines that only reference punk as its stereotypical traits, such as being; “bratty”, “rebellious”, and “aggressive”. My magazine’s cover stars will look and talk like other punk magazine cover stars. This will help to show what theme the pages have.
Who are your target audience?
My target audience is primarily men or women in their 20s. This is based on my research, which showed me that it’s the younger generations who prefer punk music/ style. Particularly, men have the highest listening views to popular punk bands (like 5SOS, Kiss, and My Chemical Reaction).
Why would that audience buy your magazine?
This audience will buy my magazine because they will be interested to read about my cover stars, hidden secrets and stories. They will want to relate to them, and will have felt similar things. It will also encourage them to embrace punk. My magazine will be good for any newbies that want to find the best artists and concerts going on at the moment. The overall aesthetic of my magazine eis very fitting and eye-catching. For example, my big masthead typeface clearly draws the viewer’s attention to the word “PunkZilla”. Then the clothing and props that my main cover stars wearing/ holding will convey the theme of rebellion and quirkiness.
Who would you want to work with to distribute your magazine?
I would like to work with KERRANG or NME magazines. These companies are well known and regularly publish punk themed magazines. So they would be a great way to increase sales and popularity for a new magazine/ brand. My magazine is similar to their older publication so it would fit into their image. The radio station links are also probably the same as its the same genre of music.
What sort of advertiser would you hope to attract?
I would either like to attract a makeup brand that sells bold eyeliners, bright eyeshadows and striking lipstick shades. This would be a good advertiser to use because it fits my magazine’s make-up tips/ styles page. Or I would like to advertise with a jewelry brand that sells unique accessories, such as; necklaces, earrings and bracelets. These advertisers specifically link to my audience because they help everyone accessorize differently. It also helps create the unique image that punk individuals have.
What strategies do you have for distribution? How will you link your print content with online content? Have specific ideas, examples, stats and facts to back up your proposals.
My strategies for distribution are to include many interesting celebrity gossip facts/ secrets, have a reasonable price it’s sold at, and include advertisements that are very popular. I will also have a website for my magazine which will include online content. That way I’m reaching two different audiences. The digital print will have similar contents and layouts that link to my magazine. They will be able to access the online content via a code.
This is my answer to question 1. I made this presentation on Emaze. It describes the process of what I needed to think about before and during making my magazine. It also shows what conventions I used, that other magazines include too.
Here are our class posters on different aspects of media ecology.
The study of media ecology aims to suggest how media changes society and our everyday lives. It also makes us aware of what we’re doing/using.
The media that I used for information is mainly; Pinterest, Tiktok, and any social apps that my friends update me on. These are fit for providing information because the apps are constantly updated with new information. This means that they keep the target audience coming back and using the app. The media that I use for entertainment is; Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+. These are entertaining because they have films/shows I can watch in my free time. They’re similar to the people that contribute to my personal identity; Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Actors (in my favorite films), and certain Youtubers. The influencers and celebrities are part of my personal identity because they are my role models. So is Spotify and any online shops I use because they make up parts of my personality/looks. The media I use for social activities are; Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and messages. These keep me in contact with other people- without being with the person in real life. The sizes of all the medias depend on how much I use it (the bigger the picture, the more time I spend on it).