To continue the production of my music magazine, I compiled all of my contents page research and created a contents page from scratch. I then got some peer feedback to have another perspective of my magazine and further understand how I could improve this 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?
A medium close-up has been used to portray the model as strong. This is successful because her upper body is in the frame, whilst she looks down at the audience (showing dominance). The cover star is positioned so that her foot is in frame, but out of focus. This makes it look like she’s going to step on the camera/ us. The well-lit lighting, and appropriate posing/ positioning demonstrates a clear link between conventional indie magazines. I think that this content page could use another photo to fill the top half of the page, as it is mainly just text placements currently.
What choice of mise-en-scene is appropriate for the star image and genre?
The outfit worn by the star is a pair of plain black trousers and boots, with a bright pink and orange top. This top (being different and eye-catching) does not clash with the other parts of her costume. Instead, the tops colour palette matches the magazine’s colour theme perfectly. The worm’s-eye view angle gives us a good vision of the model’s necklace. This is important since she doesn’t have any other accessories on display.
How far is the font used readable and reflects the genre?
I like the chunky, bold, and bubble-like typeface used. It’s very clear and legible. The colour is also easy to read against the light background. Since it has the shadows of different colours it also isn’t boring. I really like how the title wraps around the models’ side too. The only thing I’d say is that I’m not sure if the magazine’s genre is indie or pop?
What technical conventions of a Contents page are present and used effectively?
She has included her main title, page numbers, and she has used superlatives/ alliteration in her plug. Specifically, I like the use of language techniques in the plug, “greatest gig guide” because it really convinces the audience that they should read this magazine. The coverlines, features, and upcoming articles haven’t been added in yet, but there are place holders.
How has Indesign been used to layout the page to convey a brand?
The layout of the page leaves a generous amount of space for the cover lines and page titles in the top right-hand corner. Then the bottom left-hand corner has the main cover star’s photo. This Indesign layout is good because it means that the page is evenly spread out. Having the writing at the top of the page is also a clear way to present the page’s information- so that it’s easy to read.
How well have the text and visuals been integrated together?
The colour palette between the images, text, and decorative shapes match perfectly. The only colour that’s missing in the main cover stars top, from the title, is a lighter pink. However, I don’t think this page needs any other colours. Since the background is a pale cream colour, it’s a safe choice. It isn’t contrasting from the grey text, but it does let the colourful plug circles pop out.
Where has photoshop been used to manipulate the photos to enhance the star image or genre?
Photoshop has been used to cut out the model from the photos white background. The cut out is quite clean, the only part where I can see the white background/ outline is at the ends of her ponytail (which is the hardest part to ease). It also looks like the necklace may have been sharpened or filtered to make it glimmer and stand out even more.
How is the language used appropriate for the genre and target audience?
The language used so far is appropriate for either genres and the target audiences. They will most likely be able to guess who will feature in “the greatest gig guide 2022”. Therefore, making your coverlines fit for the target audience will increase their chance of buying/ reading the magazine further.
Conventional, strong, aesthetically pleasing, trendy, understandable, A grade (when finished)?
My Reflection and Focus Forward
This peer assessment has allowed me to understand what is good and bad about my contents page. I can observe what I need to improve and change, and when I have the next opportunity to redraft I can focus on my targets.
- Add coverlines that suit my genre
- Add some more grungy aspects to make it easier to identify the indie pop genre
- Include some more appropriate images
- Refine the hair of my model in photoshop
These targets will allow me to further improve my magazine and make it the best it could possibly be. In my next opportunity to redraft I will definitely add all of these features to complete the contents page.