To continue developing my magazine I have created a double page spread. This will include an article that I have written myself and I have used InDesign to aid the design process.

What I like about my double page spread

• I like the images I have chosen to use and I think that the images on the left side of the page are simple yet effective – adding depth to the article.
• I also love the headline and how I have formatted it. I think that the typeface works well and is legible, in particular I like how a shadow effect is created with the yellow and blue of the models clothing and this makes the pages cohesive.
• I like how I have used a star on the stars’ name as I feel this adds a unique touch to the magazine.

What I can improve 

• I think that I could wrap the text around my image to make the spread more coherent and less blocky.
• I can improve my pull quote and make it stand out more to draw the reader in. I can do this by adding a shadow and by formatting my text better.
• I think that I will remove the box for my stand first as I feel it is too blocky and doesn’t look good on the double page spread.
• I need to add my article into my magazine to check that it fits and works well.
• I could add  more graphics onto the page to make it tie in better with my other pages – such as adding a line around my main image.

To further develop my music magazine I did a second location shoot. We took pictures in different settings to add dimension to my magazine. See below the contact sheet.

I enjoyed doing this shoot and it allowed me to be creative. I was happy with the outfit and thought it reflected the genre well – but could’ve been improved if it was more colourful. I took a range of different shots of my model from extreme close up to extreme long shots so that I would have variation amongst the different images.

I have also shortlisted some images that I thought turned out well.

I do like all of these images and in particular, the mirror images – I think that these will feature in my magazine in my contents page. I could’ve improved these images by making sure they were well lit and of a better quality. I do think that I will do another studio shoot so that I have a variety of images to use in my magazine, and so I can ensure that the best quality pictures make it onto my magazine as it is important they are in focus and lit well.

Third Photo Shoot

As I wanted a more colourful look for my magazine, I decided to do another photo shoot. I used the white studio to take these pictures. To begin with we had some technical issues with the flash kit, but these were quickly resolved and some nice images were taken.

See below my favourite images from the shoot.

I have selected quite a few images as I want to include quite a few images on my double page spread. I will edit these pictures so that they are brighter and fit well on my pages.

 

To plan for my second shoot I have created an agenda to create a clear vision for my shoot.

Focus Forward

By creating this agenda I have been able to plan my shoot effectively, I have brainstormed some ideas for pictures I can take on location. This prior preparation is useful so that I can use my limited time effectively and get the crucial shots I require for my music magazine.

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.

To begin planning for my article in my magazine I have decided to analyse an article similar to the one that I may create. I have decided to analyse a Billboard magazine that is interviewing Adam Lambert.

Billboard magazine – June 20th, 2015 Adam Lambert: Don’t look back

This magazine article is about Adam Lambert and a reflection on his career as a whole, he also opens up about the struggles of stardom.

In the magazine, there is evidence of the journalistic techniques 5 W’s and an H. To begin the article, the author begins with ‘Adam Lambert looks like he’s ready to kick ass’. This colloquial casual language portrays Lambert as being aggressive and powerful, yet successful. It also creates quite a relaxed and informal relationship with the reader and gives a sense of empowerment allowing the reader to feel at ease. Furthermore, ‘A sexually ambiguous rocker’ suggests to the reader that he isn’t afraid to challenge gender norms. It highlights that you can be who you want to be without the constraints of society, telling us that Adam is okay with being his true self – and encourages others to explore their identities. This also tells us that the magazine is supportive of a progressive society. 

Moreover, He also explores ‘what’, this can be identified through the quote ‘still trying to find himself and his comfort zone in the music industry’. This informs the reader that even after being relevant in the music industry for many years – he still feels like an outcast and doesn’t know what he’s doing. It also makes him vulnerable and seem ordinary to those who may see him as extraordinary. This allows the reader to relate to his emotions and have a more personal connection with Lambert – this would make the reader want to continue the article as it is a new, interesting perspective on celebrity life. 

The article is laid out in columns telling Adam Lambert’s story in chronological order, it reflects on his career as a whole and allows the reader to understand the struggles of being a celebrity in a pressure fuelled environment. There are several names in bold that are of high relevance such as Taylor Swift and Caitlyn Jenner – this allows the reader to understand the social network you would have as a celebrity and draws attention to the article making the audience more curious. Not only this, there is a central image that encapsulates Adam Lambert as a whole and gives an insight into what it is like to perform on stage. We are also unaware of the journalist’s presence due to the article solely being about Adam’s journey. This interview is also written in the third person. 

Descriptive language is used throughout the piece of writing to present Adam, with most of these being mellow and downhearted with only the ending being particularly positive. These words include; gloomier, loneliness, darker, and disconnect. A rhetorical question is used at the end of the article to reflect on how far Lambert has come and what he is going to do next. By reading this article the reader is able to experience Adam Lambert’s story and how it has affected him. It allows him to open up and seem to us ordinary instead of an untouchable star – this read would have a lasting impact on the individual.

Focus Forward

This task has allowed me to begin understanding the key conventions of a magazine article and how they can be used and manipulated in a piece of text. I have learnt about headlines, standfirsts and how quoting can be used to evoke interest. I have also understood how different language techniques and choices can be used to make an article more exciting and interesting. I will be using these techniques when I come to create my own article.

The contents page in a magazine is arguably one of the most important pages in a magazine. It informs the reader what the magazine contains and what to expect on each page. It helps the reader navigate the magazine and allows them to find articles easily. Your contents page must be easy to understand and read so that your audience can locate certain pages quickly. A contents page needs to draw attention and provide the correct information. Not only this, it should include – page numbers, catchy cover lines, images, and graphic illustrations.

See below 8 contents page designs that I like the look of and take inspiration from. What I like about a few of these magazines is how the image is incorporated into the information. I think that it adds a new dimension and would suit the genre of my magazine – I hope to recreate something similar in my magazine. I would like to make my contents page more simple than my front cover so that it is not overwhelming – I will, however, make sure they fit together well.

I have also hand drawn some ideas of layouts I could possibly use in my magazine. All of these designs incorporate an image that will be apart of the overall design. I would like to make my contents page upbeat and fun which is cohesive with my magazines ethos.

I have also come up with 5 headlines that I could use in my magazine to attract attention and engage my audience. Successful headlines usually use imperatives, hyperbole and alliteration.

Focus Forward

This task has allowed me to understand the key conventions of a music magazine. I have been able to identify key features that I need to include in my magazine and have generated some ideas. When designing my contents page, I will ensure that the information is easy to read so that the magazine is easy to navigate. This research is crucial when starting any task as it allows you to understand the key conventions and what the competition has done. I have gathered some inspiration and now feel ready to begin the design process. I am going to play around with the font design around my chosen images, and use different graphics to make my contents page more interesting.

See below my first draft of my indie pop magazine ‘elation’.

Self Assessment 

Focus Forward

By self assessing my first draft, I have been able to understand what I have done right and wrong. It has allowed me to reflect on my work and make a note of what I need to change. These things include…

• Adding a price
• Making the image bigger
• Adding more cover lines
• Changing the colour strip under the ‘Lana’ text
• Making my masthead bigger
• Adding a punching headline to go with my main cover star image
• Work on the typefaces to make them stronger and cohesive with with the magazine

By doing all of these things I will be able to improve my magazine and make it appeal to my target audience more, and in turn sell more copies. This task has also let me further understand the key conventions of a magazine and how they can work together seamlessly.

To begin the design process, I had a photoshoot with my main cover star. We booked out the white studio and took some photos.

Overall, the first studio shoot was successful. We took some time before to get changed, and ensured that the makeup look was refined and stood out. We took a range of shots from high to low angle and from a long shot to a closeup – this allowed me to have a wide range of different pictures I could choose for my magazine. However, since finishing the shoot, I have found that the pictures did turn out darker than expected even though they were lit well on the camera and in the studio. This is not an issue, as I will use my photoshop skills to improve the brightness and ensure they are the best quality.

My Shortlist

For my magazine front cover, I would like to use image manipulation to create a unique feature that my target audience would like. I have chosen some images on slide 2 that would be perfect to use. I want to create a ‘bending back’ effect to create interest and the eccentric look I am looking for (These images are all also mid shots so that my main cover star can be seen close up, whilst also allowing me to manipulate the images). I also have some other options on slide 1, that I could use on the contents page and other front cover images.

I think that the costume I put together really worked, it would also appeal to my target audience due to it being bright, fun, and unique. The addition of the ring on the bodysuit tied the costume together, and the inclusion of the leather cargo trousers incorporates the grungy side of my genre.

Focus Forward 

This first photoshoot enabled me to learn about lighting and how flashlights and constant lights can be used to create the optimum lighting and the best quality pictures. Not only this I learned how to operate a Canon camera and how to sync it with the flashlights. Another thing I learned was how to make a contact sheet using Adobe Bridge, this was key so that I could display all of my images. All of these skill will come in handy when I get further into the design process.

 

To begin the process of creating my magazine, I began to draft some masthead ideas.

Mastheads are important due to the impact they have on a magazine, they can make or break it. A masthead is the title of a magazine, they are usually presented in a fun or unique way that is appropriate with the magazines’ key conventions. They also tie in the brands’ overall image and identity. The masthead must be impactful, effective, and compelling to draw the audience in and pull the magazine together. For my magazine, I would ensure that the masthead is playful yet has an eccentric touch that would engage my target audience – this could be achieved through manipulation of the typeface and by using clashing colours.

Evaluation

My least favourite design would be design number 1, I used Gill Sans Ultra Bold in size 58. This is due to the typeface being too round and curvy, I feel that this doesn’t suit my magazine and reminds me of the pop genre – rather than indie-pop. However, I do like how the text is shadowed below – I feel it creates a quirky effect. To improve this masthead I would change the angle that the typeface is positioned at, this is because it would be extremely difficult to incorporate into my magazine. 

Another design I am not too keen on would be design number 2, I used Arial Bold Italic in size 72 . I do like the colour scheme and how they go together. I also like the typeface due to it having a curvy touch yet still having some definition. However, I do not like the positioning of the text. I feel that is too spread out and this then looses the impact that it could have on the magazine. 

I like design number 3, I used Gill Sans Ultra Bold in capital letters, it was size 50. I feel the typeface is cohesive with my magazine – it is impactful and draws attention. I also like how it has been manipulated to have multiple layers, thus adding another level of interest. Currently, it is on a black background but this will be changed if I choose to use it in my magazine. 

Another design I like is number 4, I used Century Gothic in size 72. I love the colour scheme and how it subtly adds an effect – I also feel that the text is particularly poignant and has the perfect mix of curves and straight edges. Moreover, I like how the text is layered with the orange being in the center. It adds effect and would fit my genre of magazine. 

Finally design number 5, I used Flowers Kingdom from the website ‘DaFont’ in size 59. I do really like this masthead. However, I feel that it is too bright and I think that the way the text is positioned would be difficult to work with. Other than this, I like the font and the impact it would have on my magazine cover. I will still keep this masthead in mind, even though it is not one of my favourites. 

Final Choice? 

Currently, I am torn between designs three and four, with design five still being an option. I will work on my music magazine and then decide on which of the mastheads fit best with my star image and the overall look of my magazine.

Focus Forward

This task has allowed me to be thinking and generating ideas for my magazine by getting stuck into the design process. I now have a vision of what I want to create, and this task has also let me refine my InDesign skills.

 

 

To allow me to be fully prepared and organised for my first front cover photo shoot, I created a Production Meeting Agenda to ensure that the shoot would be successful.

This above is my Production Meeting Agenda, by laying out all my ideas and visions on a document it enables me to be organised and have a clear set of items I need to bring. This prior preparation is useful so that I can use my limited time in the studio effectively and get the crucial shots I require for my music magazine.