INTRODUCTION:

The aim of this language analysis was to explore how journalists use AIDA and different technical language techniques specific to magazine articles to entice the readers and sell the magazine as effectively as possible. The Uses and Gratification theory by Blumler and Katz is relevant because it investigates how social interaction, personal identity, information and entertainment influence media; in this case magazine articles.

MY Q&A ANALYSIS:

REFLECTION:

The article I analysed was ‘Cash For Questions this month with Alt-J’. I focussed on analysing a Q&A, the social interaction is shown by the journalist meeting the band and asking questions for them to answer whilst the personal identity comes in from the band having a unique music style.  The information is clearly displayed throughout the whole article when the reader gives background knowledge in the introduction and we also learn during the main substance of the article which is the Q&A. Lastly the entertainment comes from the candid speech and incorporated humour throughout the interview style Q&A and this will engage the reader and make the target audience buy the magazine again.

The headline is bold and this ensures the article’s title will be remembered as it is a series done every month with a different band- a clever way to create intrigue that I can take inspiration from. ‘Cash For Questions’ is a hook and this catchy name for a feature of the magazine done every month is a USP. The standfirst in this article was powerfully used and the background knowledge the journalist has included of the band lets the reader know the article is worth reading. The bold questions in presented as subheadings by the editor is important because it grabs your eye and is a quick way of scanning the article to find out what it entails; otherwise known as a call to action.

THE ARTICLE I ANALYSED:

MY NEON CONTENTS PAGE:

MY SEQUIN CONTENTS PAGE:

SEQUIN CONTENTS PAGE PEER ASSESSMENT FROM WILLIAM:

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 mid shot has been used to capture both the models’ facial expressions as well as costume/props to allow us to see meaning and a representation of the chosen genre of music.  For example, in terms of costume/props the use of headphones show a musical and retro style relevant to the chosen genre of music (EDM). Similarly facial expressions also share the same qualities and by successfully capturing both these conventions in a mid shot  it allows an audience to recognise the genre and thoroughly analyse the models with one glance.

What choice of Mise en scene is appropriate for the star image and genre?

The costume used/worn by the model is relevant  and appropriate to the chosen genre of music. The sequin top worn by the model is an example of this. It conveys the style of music as well as ‘making an appearance’. This allows for a more interesting show, enhancing the target audience.  The retro glasses also help to convey this as it links with the clubbing/EDM style.         

How far is the font used readable and reflects the genre

The main font is big and bold. This not only displays the title (CONTENTS) but also creates a statement. It shows us the reputation they are trying to represent, for example exquisit and ‘hard-going’. The smaller fonts also match the style,  as well as being easy to read this makes for a more simple yet effective way of informing the audience reading. 

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

The colour scheme  used (Purple, white etc..) is conventional to the genre of music. This is because EDM is often associated with making the audience feel relaxed and melow.  It is also scientifically proven to trigger the release of high doses of dopamine in the brain which is the ‘feel good’ feeling. Therefore by using purple (A colour represented with creativity, calmness etc…) this helps to dynamically create that mood overall enhancing the target audience.

How has Indesign been used to layout the page to convey a brand

The unique layout of the page allows the use of insects and other technical design elements to surround the title without complicating the page; this allows for an easy read to help with the navigation and advertisement of stories, articles etc… The title has been designed slanted in a way to make the audience feel ‘different’ It shows a unique and retro feel which conveys the genre.

How well have the text and visuals been integrated together?

The use of little or few fonts has allowed the contents page to be read with ease. The over complication of too many fonts can override the aspect of the magazine, therefore by using few fonts this makes the magazine look flush and professional. The colour palette has also been considered. By using one or few colours similarly to the fonts, this helps to make the magazine look less complicated, overall making the magazine look professional. 

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

Photoshop has been used well to sharpen the model and props. The use of outlining and cropping to be placed over a background has been used exceptionally and is unnoticeable even close up. However, the images are dark making the models difficult to see, this could be corrected by contrast and light levels. Using good photoshop skills overall makes the magazine look good, this is clearly represented and shown in this contents page by successfully sharpening and cropping. 

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

The use of language has been chosen to appropriately match the chosen genre of music. By including other famous/popular EDM stars within the contents page allows an easy spot for a target audience. This also helps to attract other non EDM fans as by using popular stars with catchy headlines entices other readers into taking a copy.  

MY 5 TARGETS

• Make my images lighter so that they are more eye catching
• Improve cutout lines, they are sometimes a little temperamental because of lighting used
• Remove the lines behind CONTENTS title
• Make the rings reflect more
• Have the models eyes looking at the camera

CONTENTS PAGES TO TAKE INSPIRATION FROM:

MY CONTENTS PAGE DESIGNS:

CATCHY HEADLINES:

• CALVIN HARRIS WINS 4TH GRAMMY
• SKRILLEX TO MAKE AN APPEARANCE AT BOOMTOWN 2022
• MARTIN GARRIX ISN’T RELEASING MUSIC ANYMORE?
• CAMELPHAT’S NEW SINGLE OUT ON JANUARY 2022
• FATBOY SLIM RE-ENTERS THE EDM MUSIC WORLD

MY RELFECTION:

When researching my magazines I noticed the AIDA the producers of the magazine had followed, this is communicated through the clear mise en scene, the catchy cover lines/pugs and an established masthead. I looked for different types and designs of index pages and have learnt that page numbers aren’t consecutive, only the most enticing stories are displayed to gain the most publicity and sales. The magazine contents pages I included were bold and bright, with interesting pictures of celebrities that captivate a range of facial expressions. This makes the magazine more fun and brings the entertainment section of the contents page, this is crucial to stop readers from becoming bored and tired of your magazine.

My 5 catchy headlines/cover lines swill appeal to all ages involved in the EDM world and culture, I have referenced new, young and upcoming artists for younger generations as well as older, original artists for the older generation. By doing this I am maximizing my sales and creating more interest from my target audience. I have provided sufficient information, not too much so that the readers don’t feel the need to actually read the article, but enough so that my readers are enticed and not bored. I referenced famous celebrities in my cover lines to make my magazine exclusive and clearly prestigious and well known. These head lines will definitely bring attraction to my magazine when in shops and it will stand out.

I will use this task to help me design my contents pages and my plan will be helpful when creating an original, unique contents page for my magazine. I can also take inspiration from the magazine contents pages I found, especially noting the bright colours and creative layouts of the magazine.

THESE ARE MY FIRST DRAFTS, ONE SEQUIN THEMED MAGAZINE COVER AND ONE NEON THEMED MAGAZINE COVER:

MY REFLECTION OF SEQUIN MAGAZINE COVER:

In my reflection above I have referenced target audience and stated that I have met the design conventions for my genre of EDM music. However, I have a lack of information in my cover lines and this needs to be altered to fully entice and captivate my readers and audience, making my magazine as successful as possible. My magazine looks fun, vibrant and will entertain my audience, I believe this is also made clear through my bright, metallic colour palette used. There is clear social interaction within my magazine and the cover lines do represent this, exclusive interviews are referenced and personal information about the artists featured on my front cover. My magazine has a clear, unique personal identity and this is conveyed through the transparency tools used on the plug, the specific sans serif and glitch fonts used that will then be associated with my magazine and the neon photo contrasting with the neutral, black background. AIDA has definitely been taken into careful consideration when designing my front cover and I think all the criteria (attention, interest, design and action) has been met.

REFLECTION:

• These are the contact sheets from my second photoshoot, this photoshoot was neon/festival themed and I used the LED lights to make the makeup (neon face paint etc.) I did pop and stand out, this was the Mise En Scene I aimed to create and I think I was successful in doing so.
• The lighting was a mix of LED lights and a normal ring light to match the rave, party culture of my EDM music genre whilst capturing the true expression and effect of the makeup. I made sure to use different colours to make the clothes stand out in different lights- I found the most effective lighting was red LED lights mixed with a ring light.
• I made sure to direct my model to radiant fun and welcoming body language, as well as posing to show of her neon jewellery so I did this by using midshots. However I also used some low angle photo shots to present an arrogant, famous persona to experiment but I don’t think this fits the EDM music genre as well.
• My model’s star image was made clear by her casual yet festival feel costume, her accessories like a large silver statement necklace, colourful rings and bracelets add to her star image. The star image my model and I created is fitting to other EDM stars in the industry.
• This second photoshoot also went very well, my photos match up similarly to the aesthetic I displayed on my star image moodboards and plans. I achieved the look I wanted to and am happy with the outcome. Using a DSLR camera worked well and I used the correct shutter speed, exposure, aperture and ISO to get a clear photo.

CONTACT SHEETS:

POSSIBLE MAGAZINE COVER PHOTOS FROM THE SHOOT:

REFLECTION:

• These are the contact sheets from my first photoshoot, this photoshoot was glitter/sequin/gem themed and I used the LED lights to make the makeup (star rhinestones and glitter lip gloss and eye shadow) I did pop and stand out, this was the Mise En Scene I aimed to create and I think I was successful in doing so.
• The lighting was mostly LED lights to match the rave, party culture of my EDM music genre and I made sure to use different colours to make the clothes stand out in different lights- I found the most effective lighting was the purple.
• I strived to direct my model to radiant fun and welcoming body language, I did this by using midshots. However I also used some low angle photo shots to present an arrogant, famous persona to experiment but I don’t think this fits the EDM music genre as well.
• My model’s star image was made clear by her casual yet festival feel costume, her accessories like a chain, diamond sunglasses and bracelets add to her star image. The star image my model and I created is fitting to other EDM stars in the industry.
• My brand is clearly fun and eccentric so my target audience will be satisfied with this fitting into the EDM category.
• This first photoshoot went very well, my photos match up perfectly to the aesthetic I displayed on my star image moodboards and plans. I achieved the look I wanted to and am happy with the outcome. Using a DSLR camera worked well and I used the correct shutter speed, exposure, aperture and ISO to get a clear photo.

CONTACT SHEETS:

POSSIBLE MAGAZINE COVER PHOTOS FROM THE SHOOT:

I think these photos are perfect for a magazine cover because they are midshots yet still encapsulate the full EDM design conventions. The images are perfectly clear and the headphones, sunglasses and jewellery are all in clear view; meaning the star image persona I created on my model is in full effect.

MY MASTHEAD DRAFTS:

REFLECTION:

I have attached 5 masthead designs I’ve made to connote and be appropriate for the music genre of EDM, I also tried to make them unique to initiate an individualistic brand. I experimented with fonts, colours, text size, shapes and special effects (bevel and emboss, satin, inner glow etc.); I found the most effective special effects to be bevel and emboss and drop shadow. I followed the conventions for EDM music by keeping the fonts quite simple whilst fun, childish and bright/eye catching. My audience of EDM music listeners and fans will know this magazine is aimed at them from the neon pink colour used and they will be refreshed from the use of colour- most EDM magazines I have researched have white or black titles instead of coloured ones- this will make my magazine stand out from the rest. Whilst creating this I made sure to go through all the elements of AIDA to end up with the most successful design.

My favourite masthead is the 1st or 2nd design. In the 1st design the two colours fit the music genre well- the pink represents the fun, party, childish side of EDM culture whilst the black firstly represent the magazine name because part of the word is blacked out, and the black also plays off rave culture and being underground in dark places. Similarly in the 2nd design the same connotations are made from the colours, I also think the font somewhat resembles spray paint or the text used on a poster for a rave, it is urban and distorted and this is commonly found it underground bunkers where EDM raves and parties were initially held. I also like the unique and fairly warped vibe the font has.

I don’t like the other three masthead designs as much. I feel the 4th design has probably been done before and is too basic so doesn’t hold that individualistic image I am looking to create. The 3rd design does resemble spray paint and then has the connotations of raves underground however I feel it is too simple and won’t surprise or draw in my target audience and sales won’t be made. Finally I think the 5th font is once again not unique enough for an EDM music magazine masthead. I think this font could be used for captions/subheadings etc. but I don’t think this meets the conventions or aesthetic of an EDM music magazine masthead.

Below are two screenshots of my agenda for my first two photoshoots, I made sure to include everything I needed when it came to costume and props, as well as a plan for photoshoot angles and poses that will fit the conventions of EDM music and will create an appropriate photo for the front cover. I also referenced the date and model’s name.

It is important to create a plan for a photoshoot because it means when it comes to taking the photos the shoot is smooth and quicker. If you don’t have any plans for costume, makeup, props or costume time will be wasted trying to figure out what clothes fit the genre, which poses connote the right attitude for the genre and having a date and time is crucial otherwise the shoot is too last minute and the model will not be prepared or will possibly already be booked/busy.

MY AGENDAS:

 

 

This slide is filled with magazine front covers I will take inspiration from when creating my own. They all hold the same design conventions of having neon colour palette, an eye catching cover model clearly representing their own star image and some include graphics that follow the colour palette and upbeat mood initially created . I like the LED light effect that has been used on the models faces which contrasts with the usually plain black background. Using a black background will make my model and neon text stand out. I will also take inspiration from the lighting effects, some of the magazines I have displayed mix natural lighting with neon strobe lighting, this creates depth and shadows and I will aim to use this kind of technique when I edit my front cover photo.

I really like the basic yet individual font in the mastheads, this isn’t fancy but it will clearly be associated with this magazine. I think the more basic font especially in the cover lines and captions allows the colours to pop and stand out even more, connoting the EDM vibe. The layout of each magazine is clear, with the model in the centre taking up the majority of the magazine and small blocks of text placed evenly around the page; I like this simplistic layout because I think it contrasts with the chaotic, busy EDM music. Photo manipulation has been cleverly used in all of the magazine covers I have included. It has been used to: add in lighting special effects (strobe, natural, UV etc), blur and distort the main image creating depth and dimension, put text boxes in front of or behind the main star image and to remove the backgrounds of images to be left with a plain (usually black) background for a fresh, clean canvas.

MY STAR IMAGE RESEARCH:

Above I have embedded my analysis of Calvin Harris (a famous EDM music artist) in the public eye, focussing on how his star image is presented to the public and perceived by his fans. I found the most common connotations of Calvin harris were humble, kind and I noticed he is represented as being more ordinary than extraordinary. He is often photographed by the paparazzi in loungewear leading to him holding a relatable and friendly; therefore ordinary image; to his audience. However he has attended the grammys and many other large music award events, this feeds into him being extraordinary and when he is pictured on the red carpet he holds a sense of arrogance, these adjectives are a more accurate representation of the usual conventions of a star/celebrity. When I analysed Calvin Harris I made sure to also talk about all the denotations: clothes, location, facial expression and context, ensuring to create a strong initial understanding for the repertoire of elements I went on to discuss.

 

MY STAR IMAGE PLAN:

Above are are three slides I have created as a plan for my music magazine photoshoot, I have spoken about all aspects including: costume, makeup, lighting, angles, props, setting, accessories and dynamics. I dedicated one slide to costume alone because I felt this part was more important when researching the genres aesthetic. I have also spoken about it throughout the two other slides and put these parts in bold so they can be identified easily, I commented on costume I liked that had been used in the photos I used for other sections of research and what I might take inspiration from for my photoshoot; iridescent clothes, puffer coat, sunglasses etc.