Double-Page Spread Sketch

This is my double page spread initial sketch which i focused mainly on the layout for which I like and will hope to keep similar for my rough cut. However i think that the image will be hard to capture due to the need of two large amps. I asked my target audience their opinion on the effectiveness of this image to find out whether it was worth getting the amps or whether to change the image. My target audience said "I really like the concept of this image but you could use other objects or places to reate a similar effect". This view really helped me on my decision and i think i will now change this image for my rough cut. 

Contents Page Sketch

This is my contents page initial sketch. I like the layout used here and would hope to keep the majority of this the same for my rough cut, however my views may change as i carry out the process. Afer showing my target audience this draft a few comments were: "The layout is very effective and reminds me of Q" and another was "I like it but think it needs more text and something to make it stand out".

Front Cover Sketch

This is my initial front cover sketch which i have used to draft my ideas of what i would like my front cover to look like. However i know that there are faults but these are what i will focus on changing in the process of making my rough cuts. I have shown my target audience this and a few of their responses were: "Add more features around the outside, it's too basic." and "I like the bubble at the side." I agree with both of these comments and would also like to change to banner along the top and the layout for my rough cut.

My Initial Ideas Diagram

I created this diagram to present all of my initial ideas in one place for me to be able to pick and choose which elements would fit well together in preperation for creating my magazine. This has given me a lot of help and guidance in deciding each element, eventually enabling me to decide on my colour scheme, target audience, title and layout for each page.

Diary Entry Four-Friday 24th February

This week i have completed my initial ideas diagram, initial sketches and began my audience research. My initial ideas diagram has helped me to see all of my ideas to pick out the ones that fit the best together to begin to create my magazine. This then assisted me in drawing my initial sketches for my front cover, contents page and double page spread, revealing what exactly my thoughts look like on paper as a template for my rough cuts.

Diary Entry Three-Monday 20th February

This week I decided that the genre I would like my magazine to be is the higher end of popular music, similar to Q magazine. We had a lesson on audience research, identifying my target audience as both sexes, interested in popular music also focussing towards the ages of 16-35. Although this may change as my audience research becomes more thorough, I can adapt my initial ideas to what appeals to my target audience. I am now in the process of constructing a questionnaire for my target audience, enabling me to find out exactly what they like and what they want to see in a music magazine.

Double Page Spread Analysis Five

NME have created a very effective double page spread here featuring artist Lily Allen. A quote from the artist herself takes up a large amount of the page, standing out and instantly grasping the reader’s attention. The font and size of the text has been chosen carefully relating to the quote, stating “people think I’m an attention seeker”, this seeks immediate attention from the reader, whilst making the quote stand out in block capitals and a variety of font sizes in the form of a newspaper headline cut outs. The text for the article is in four equal width columns, opened with a drop capital to stand out. I prefer text like this in magazines as it tells you information that you want to hear about the artist but it doesn’t bombard you with too much text and columns, discouraging you from reading on. I will try and incorporate this into my double page spread, ensuring I don’t use too little or too much text to create the same effect that NME has done here.

            The image of artist Lily Allen is extremely striking and whilst the colours link in with the magazines colour scheme we can instantly tell her personality from the image. Her hands are on her hips suggesting that she can be quite stubborn and bossy, relating to the quote about attention seeking, then her head is tilted with her eyes still focussed on the reader, drawing us in. I like the eye contact between artist and reader and think it works effectively in drawing the reader in and making it feel personal to them, so I will therefore utilise this technique in my double page spread.

Double Page Spread Analysis Four

This issue of Q has a simple design, with half of the page dedicated to a main image of artist Lady Gaga and the other simply for the article. Having the image on the right hand side is a convention of music magazines as it is typically the way the eye reads, meaning we will be automatically drawn into the image of the artist. The mid-shot of Lady Gaga is very revealing and sexual, her appearing to be naked with only her hands and a rustic necklace covering her. This could be seen as targeting a male audience or specific fans of Lady Gaga who are attracted to her unique and quirky personality. The image has been edited to grey scale with eye catching lighting, hitting the left side of her face and hair, accentuating her main features. This creates a vintage edgy feel for the artist, relating to this specific article also.  

            Q follows a convention of typical music magazines by presenting the text in three columns. However having no title or sub-heading the small text takes up the whole right hand side of the page. This to me is too much and would discourage the average reader to tackle so much information if they aren’t as interested in this artist. Drop capitals are used at the beginning of two paragraphs, breaking up the text for the reader with a serif font. However there is a particularly large bright red drop capital faded into the background behind the article. The letter ‘L’ is a drop capital for the opening word ‘Lady’, therefore the initial of her name is one of the first things we see when we look at this page in Q’s renowned for bright red colour.

            Q’s notorious colour scheme of red, white and black has been maintained throughout this double page spread, having the image and text black and white and then the large letter ‘L’ bringing in the bright red. This works well in creating a simplistic yet effective theme for Q, targeting their sophisticated slightly older audience. There is also a bold black line separating the text to the date, page number and logo at the bottom of the page, I like this idea and would like to use it for my double page spread. Lady Gaga’s name is presented at the top right hand corner of the page as a title for the article. The word ‘lady’ is in lower case italic font having connotations of her being elegant and lady like, and then the word ‘GAGA’ is in upper case normal font with connotations her bolder more eccentric side.

            I really like this double page spread for Q and would like to try and incorporate many of its features and conventions into my double page spread. For example the black and white image and the classy colour scheme.

Double Page Spread Analysis Three

MOJO’s double page spread’s layout is fairly basic yet extremely effective. I like the way that the image is on the left hand side, then on the right is a large sub-heading taking up half of the page, leaving the other half for two columns of article. Having the image of artist Marc Almond on the left hand side standing alone in a studio space reveals his personality whilst connecting to the words from his article for example ‘eternally bruised’. The black and white mid-shot of the artist, with his hands behind his back and him looking directly into the camera, exposes a lot of his emotions, letting the audience in and encouraging them to want to read about him. He has a variety of tattoos on show with some also vaguely visible through his shirt, this connects with the genre and audience of MOJO being electro-pop and also targeting their older rocky audience of around age 30 plus as he has been in the industry for a while. Although his arms behind his back could suggest he is vulnerable he is slightly smirking, revealing a sneaky and manipulating side he may be known for.

            The colour scheme is basic, mainly black and white with some grey to highlight certain points for example the artists name and the extra featured box at the bottom. This is effective and related to the artist and image, it has created a unique rocky theme which is slightly peculiar used to shock the reader and draw them in.

Double Page Spread Analysis Two

Vibe’s double page spread uses a mixture of images to capture the personality of their new artist. The main image is bright and bubbly using colours such as red to reveal Solange’s fiery side, and then pink for a more subtle softer side. Vibe has used an image like this to allow their audience to make their own opinion up as it is a new artist; compared to if she was a well-known artist with a particularly known personality or style. The main image is unusually presented on the right-hand side of the page, not like most double page spreads I’ve looked at. This tells the reader that the artist is unique and not afraid to take risks, standing her ground on in different positions. A large banner across the top of the page takes up over one third of the page, with six action shots of the artist moving around in a variety of poses. These pictures are black and white, the contrast of the main bright image and these more subtle ones give the page a sense of variety allowing the main image to stand out the most.  

            A colour scheme is apparent throughout of black, white, grey and blue, with the exception of the red dress. This is a very chic colour scheme with the bubbliness of the bright sky blue, adding a sense of excitement. The blue is used for the word ‘now’ her name ‘Solange Knowles’, standing out to the audience as she isn’t well known therefore it’s important that they notice this instantly. There isn’t a main heading or title for this article therefore the summary at the beginning of the article and the artist’s highlighted name is extremely important in order to catch the reader’s eye and make them want to read on. The majority of the text is in a sans serif font apart from the heading at the top of the page ‘now’. Sans serif font is often used in Vibe magazine as it shows their urban genre and mostly features strong bold artists, represented through the text.

            This double page spread has an informal layout, reflecting the artist’s relaxed yet energetic approach on life. This would therefore attract a younger target audience, targeting mostly teenage girls. I don’t want to do this in my magazine, I would like to try and target a wider audience appealing to either a large age group or both sexes, if not both. I also think that this article has too much text for a new artist, looking too chaotic and boring, not encouraging people to read through it all for someone they aren’t interested in. I again will try to limit my text or present it in a more easy reading way to entice my audience encouraging them to want to read my article.

Double Page Spread Analysis One

Q’s double page spread featuring Florence Welch is extremely eye catching, with only one image we are still drawn in. The image dominates the page; with Florence looking down at a low angle directly into the camera she shows her vulnerability. However her stance, resting onto the covered stairs, is powerful and striking, portraying how she has approached America, the heading states ‘with America at her feet’, therefore the photographer has literally put what looks like an American flag at her feet. This is effective as it links the text in with the image, allowing the double page spread to flow throughout.

            Q’s colour scheme of red, white and black is present throughout the double page spread also, along with the occasional grey and blue. The grey is used for the large text ‘USA’ in the background of the main image, effectively standing out in a sans serif font, yet not being prominent enough to take over the main image of Florence. Neither does this overrule the italic scribed black text ‘got the love’; this is a title of one of the artist’s songs, used as a pun placed after USA, stating the USA have got the love for Florence. Within the heading for Florence’s article, her name is written in a royal blue, although this is thought to be used to make her name stand out, it is used by Q to represent America along with the red and white on the sheet used in the main image.

            The text varies in size, colour and font throughout this page yet it works effectively and compliments the theme of the article. A drop capital D is used at the beginning of the article in a fancy serif font, not only drawing the reader to the beginning but also portraying the artist to be elegant and sophisticated. There are three columns used to present the text yet they are all uneven lengths, however this works well, making it more edgy and easier to read for the reader as they aren’t presented with three huge chunks of small text.

            This article targets a large audience, as it is featured in Q, therefore targeting people who are into more serious mature artists; however Florence Welch’s fans contain teenagers also making the target age group wide. This particular article isn’t girly or manly either, it is about her career and move to America targeting both males and females, males especially with the slightly revealing and seductive image.

            I like the way that this double page spread is image dominant, with the main image making the text move also. This creates a flow across the page, linking everything in well. I would try to use a similar technique in my magazine to create the flow and make it more appealing to the reader.

Contents Page Analysis Five

In this issue of Q magazine, the contents page differs from my other example of Q in many ways; however we can still tell that they are both Q. We know this by the colour scheme, instantly present in the bar across the top showing the name of the magazine and title, in red, white and black. The colour scheme is also fluent throughout the pictures, with the image of Cheryl Cole kept simple in black and white, and the other two pictures being mainly black and white also with a few hints of red for example the guitar on the top picture. The main image of Cheryl Cole is the largest giving us an insight to the article on page 46, with an image from her photo shoot. As a music magazine convention it is known that all of the images will be similar with the theme present throughout. Her left arm is reached above her head overlapping the box around the title. This means that the reader will look instantly at her picture but if not, will be lead to the picture from reading the title.

            Under the features heading is a picture from Q’s review, with the heading and summary beneath, larger than the rest of the text. This draws the reader’s attention to this also because the summary text is in bright red compared to the others’ black. This contents page also has an interesting and eye catching layout for the text, having the page numbers, heading and summaries each separated by either a thin black line or a bold red line. The use of straight lines here at right-angles to each other reveals Q’s edgy and unique side to their magazines, keeping the reader interested and excited throughout. The page numbers are, like NME, on top of the image however they are a lot bigger and stand out, I like this technique and would like to use it in my magazine.      The text here is mainly serif font, again showing Q’s precise sophisticated theme, with many pieces of text looking like they have been written out personally for the reader. At the bottom of this page is a bold black line separating the main features and below having the title of the magazine, the page number and the month. This stands out to me unlike other magazines, creating the pristine effect that Q has, having the bright white to draw our attention, and indicates the page numbers clearly yet subtly.

Contents Page Analysis Four

This contents page from Vibe magazine has been created to be simplistic yet effective by using certain conventions of music magazines. The layout is sharp and blocky instantly perceiving the magazine to have an urban style and to be edgy. Although the page consists of only two main colours, black and grey, this is extremely effective as it keeps the urban vibe whilst drawing our attention to the bright red heart on artist Kanye’s chest. The heart is held onto his chest by another hand, most likely a woman’s, showing his heart to be strong and a main part of him but also personifying that he is the life and heart of this issue of Vibe.

            The title ‘contents’ stands out, being broken into three lines in the top right-hand corner of the page allows the reader to grasp the urban genre of the magazine. With the majority of the text in sans serif font, again showing the bold and strong theme of this issue of Vibe, the headings ‘features’ and ‘fashion’ stand out in serif fonts. The layout of this page is image dominant having featured artist Kanye West as the main focus. As he is known to be a strong, focussed, and looked up to man the photographer has captured this to consist in the image. A mid shot is used to show his strong stance, with the woman’s arm not having an effect at all on his attention or stance. He is also looking head on into the camera, instantly connecting to the reader creating a sense of knowledge and warmth. The image has been positioned to take up the majority of the bottom of the page, with his head covering part of the larger letter V, representing Vibe. Although this contents page is simple I like the use of simplistic colours, and how the colours are used to represent the genre of the issue and would like to use this in my magazine, manipulating it to my chosen genre.

Contents Page Analysis Three

Q’s content’s page has continued the basic colour scheme of red, white and black from the front cover in order to create the simplistic, classy style that they are renowned for. The logo of, Q is placed in the top right hand corner, constantly reminding the audience what they are reading whilst also adding to the colour scheme. The font changes from the serif font of the Q to the sans serif font of the word ‘contents’, this creates a sense of diversity that the magazine has, being able to have a variety of fonts yet still remain simple and effective. Along with the usual ‘features’ and ‘every month’ headings is an ‘Oasis Special’, in a serif font, in a highlighted box. The colour scheme and font is manipulated here with the numbers and heading being in gold, this instantly gains the reader’s attention with the text looking superior to the rest making the reader feel like they are gaining more.

            There are two images featured on this contents page of Q, with the main image dominating a large amount of the page, making it clear to the reader that ‘The Courteeners’ will be the main feature of this issue. The image presents the band from a low angle, again making them seem superior encouraging the reader to want to know more about them and flick straight to their article, easily found as the page number is larger than the rest. Q have a heading for ‘every month’, this allows regular readers to have common ground with the magazine and something to guarantee them stability with the magazine. I like this idea and would like to use this in my magazine as I would like my readers to have the same stability and loyalty to my magazine.

            The text is placed along the left hand side of the page, this stands out and allows the main image to dominate the page however we read from the left so we instantly look there after the dominant image, making the text easier to focus on. The page numbers are in the bright red that Q is renowned for, allowing them to stand out whilst incorporating Q’s sophisticated colour scheme. I would like to utilise this within my magazines contents page as I think that having the page numbers stand out creates a higher end more glossy magazine look classy and refined.

Contents Page Analysis Two

NME’s content’s pages are often very eye catching and stand out compared to others, shown in this issue. The title ‘inside this week’ is positioned in the center of the page at the top, standing out in the edgy newspaper-like serif font. The layout is image dominant, packed with lots of artists cramming as much in to entice the reader showing them how much they have to offer. Although the images appeared to be scattered and chaotic they have obviously been placed with thought, placing certain images where the reader will be drawn too. For example the center image of the new issue’s of NME is instantly what the reader will look at encouraging them to buy other NME magazines. However as we typically read from the left therefore the image of Shaun Rider also stands out, intelligently placed to grasp the reader’s attention making them want to find out about that certain artist. The summary for the artist is in the form of a direct quote from their article, enticing the reader making them want to discover what they are talking about. For example Anna Calvis quotes “there were 32 of me”, the majority of readers wouldn’t understand this quote therefore they want to turn directly to that article to find out what it means. This tactic used by NME is a very good idea and I would therefore think about incorporating this into my magazine as I think that the quote excites the reader, making them eager to read on.

            Like many magazines NME has the page number of each article on the image of the artist or article topic. This sticks in the readers mind allowing them to see the artist they want to read about and see the page number instantly without having to look at the information. I like this idea and would like to use this in my magazine however I don’t think I would have the white box around the number like NME has and would work to make the page number stand out in a different unique way.

Contents Page Analysis One

This contents page of MOJO is uses an image dominant style, focussing the reader’s attention to the featured artist. The image is taken from a high-angle, perceiving the artist to be slightly vulnerable to his audience relating to the text, ‘despite tears, rows and despair’. There is a mixed colour scheme of gold, black and red, creating a simplistic yet effective theme highlighting certain parts of the page such as headings and page numbers. The text is predominantly black, being basic and straight to the point, targeting MOJO’s alternative genre and audience. A serif font is used mainly for headings such as ‘features’, page numbers and artist names, allowing them to stand out and make a bold impact on the reader. More subtle text such as the information on the artist is in a sans serif font, revealing the diversity that this magazine has knowing how to interest the reader’s eye.

Front Cover Analysis Five

  

Vibe’s usual red and black colour scheme has been manipulated for this issue, featuring Usher, adding more vibrant, edgy colours such as blue, yellow and pink. A yellow outer glow/drop shadow has been used, on the more important things, against black text and a white against blue text, vice versa. This created a more immature feel, compared to vibe’s well known sophisticated/urban theme. Using colours like this would usually target a younger audience; however it is named ‘The Sexy Issue’, targeting an older audience.
            The close up image of artist Usher is taken at a low angle, representing the power he has over both the audience and industry. The accessories used such as sunglasses, suggesting a sense of mystery about his article, a gold watch and wedding ring reinforces his urban genre and wealth. His fourth finger is sticking up, revealing a bling, silver ring, creating a dual representation. His feature article is about him being married, therefore the ring represents his marriage, however, at first glance it looks like he is swearing, emphasizing the edgy, urban theme that Vibe has.

            The text on this cover suggests that it is targeting a younger audience of around 18-30 as it is a lot more sexual, being called ‘the sexy issue’, informing us about the content of this special issue but also maybe suggesting that Usher is a part of this. The word ‘Swagger’ is printed diagonally across the corner of the page, in graffiti like text, again highlighting Vibe’s urban and R&B genre.

            Although the image is presented directly in the middle of the over, text is overlapping the image but never touching the artist’s face, as that is the main feature and what the reader is instantly drawn too. Like Rolling Stone magazine the artist’s head is covering part of the magazine’s title, highlighting the fact that it is a well-known recognised magazine within the industry. This issue’s layout is exceptionally chaotic, suggesting the lively vibe it may have inside for this certain artist, and chosen ‘sexy’ special issue.

            This front cover is extremely chaotic and vibrant, I don’t want my cover to look like this as they are focussed on different genres and I want a more sophisticated higher class styled cover. However I like the use of the simple, bold text as I think it stands out against the dominant pictures and I will hopefully create the same effect in my magazine.

Front Cover Analysis Four

This issue of Rolling Stone magazine uses a colour scheme of grey, black, white and red. Not only do these colours work well together but the theme is also present on the image of Jay-Z, his suit being grey, black and white also. These colours represent an urban yet sophisticated feel; however the red adds a vibrant fiery mix, instantly signifying what the main feature with Jay-Z is going to be like.
            A mid shot is used of Jay-Z looking directly into the camera at the reader, with a strong serious look on his face. This creates a sense of bold masculinity, showing his power that he has and higher status over the reader. He is wearing a suit with certain accessories to represent his wealth and personality, such as his ring, diamond cufflinks, tie pin and chain. Each of these accessories come together personifying his respected status in the music industry and also his power within it too.
            Rolling Stone magazine typically has a mixed target audience of both men and women with a large target age group. However, although some covers display women artists in revealing poses, targeting mainly males, this cover is targeted at both sexes. We can tell this by the plain, sophisticated colour scheme as well as the image of the artist, targeting people who are simply interested in the music.

            The text used on this front cover is almost constant throughout apart from a few smaller headings, but most importantly the larger text used for ‘Jay-Z’, instantly drawing the reader’s attention to both his name and the title. Although the text obstructs the image of the artist it never touches his skin, signifying that he is still the main focus and the text can’t draw attention away from him. The title, ‘Rolling Stone’, has been slightly covered by Jay-Z’s head, suggesting that we should know exactly what the title is already as is it a well-known, respected magazine and it doesn’t matter if it is partially covered.

            I like the style of this cover, yet I think that I will use more predominant colours, such as a larger use of red. However I am inspired by the way that they have covered the title slightly with the artist’s head, and I may use a similar technique to this within my front cover. I also like the differentiation of the headings being a different colour to the sub-headings, as although the sub-heading text is larger, we are still drawn to the brighter colour, red, first.

Front Cover Analysis Three

In this issue of Q magazine the use of a mid/over the shoulder shot is extremely effective for this image of Madonna. Although she has simplistic makeup, both the black and gold hood and the edgy biker glove create the stylish yet rocky feel, targeting a younger audience for a slightly older artist. However, she isn’t showing too much flesh and looks more reserved, meaning that she also appeals to the older readers of Q. She is looking directly into the camera with a relaxed mysterious expression on her face, making the reader think she is looking directly at them, instantly gaining their attention. However, because she is looking over her shoulder it isn’t like she is only looking into the camera at the reader, it has a sense of mystery along with her slightly sexual pout, giving the reader an insight into what she will be discussing in her interview. The image also overlaps the corner of the title, Q, implying not only that she is a more respected and well known artist but also that all of the Q doesn’t need to be seen as the magazine is also respected and well known.

The text stating the name of the artist, Madonna, is a lot bigger than the rest of the text, instantly drawing us to that specific statement, as she is the main featuring article and on the cover. Both ‘Madonna’, ‘Q’ and three other artists names are the only texts in bright red, a colour that Q magazine is renowned for, instantly grasping the reader’s attention as the most important features on the cover. Q’s usual slogan, ‘Britain’s Biggest Music Magazine’, is featured however it only states ‘Britain’s Biggest Music M’ telling us that they don’t need to say magazine as we should already know that they are the biggest music magazine in the industry.

The bold band across the bottom of the page, highlights the free things that are included in this issue, encouraging the reader to buy the magazine, as they feel that they are gaining more for free. This is again highlighted with the tag placed over the Q saying ‘196 page bumper issue’, as we automatically look straight at this, again deceiving the reader as to what extra they are getting. A circle is used, like a sticker, to inform us about the ‘50 Best British Albums’, with the background of a union jack, relating both text and image together whilst mainly sticking to Q’s colour scheme of red, white and black.

I have gained inspiration from Q’s use of the circle appearing like a sticker and would like to use this for my magazine front cover also. However I will manipulate it to relate to my issue, for instance changing it to about the BRIT awards. I also like how Madonna’s name is in a different colour and a lot bigger than the rest of the text, I think this has a great effect, drawing the reader in and taking a risk by allowing text to dominate the page. I will therefore utilise this on my music magazine front cover.

Front Cover Analysis Two

This cover of Q stands out instantly, with the sharp and edgy feel that has been created. Q’s usual simplistic colour scheme of red, white and black has been incorporated into the image of artist Cheryl Cole. This highlights certain prominent features on her face such as her heavy make-up eyes and seductive red lips, with the bright eye catching red having connotations of romance and seduction. The close-up of her face shows her staring directly into the camera and at the reader, immediately changing the target audience from women and fans of Cheryl only, to males also being attracted to this feature.
          A lot of text is surrounding the main image, yet with none obstructing her face, and rare for Q magazine, many different fonts are used creating a sense of differentiation within this issue. A sub-title of Cheryl’s feature uses a play on words, stating ‘3 words…’, the name of her current album and then ‘Cheryl Cole Rocks’. This would only be known to fans of Cheryl therefore making the target audience of this issue of Q more mainstream than usual. I like the idea of the close-up image of the artist looking directly at the camera and will therefore use this for the front cover of my magazine. I will also utilise the theme of many different fonts in my magazine as I think it has a more modern and eye catching appearance.    

Front Cover Analysis One

Q magazine’s sophisticated colour scheme of red, white and black is undoubtedly what we associate most with Q, instantly highlighting that it is in the band of more up-market music magazines. The bright red background around the Q automatically catches the reader’s eye and they have adapted the colour scheme and added peach for this issue, creating a more exciting vibe, relating to a younger audience.
           The exciting vibe and younger target audience is also highlighted by the artists featured on the cover, Jay-Z, Lady Gaga and Dave Grohl. Q magazine is usually targeted towards a slightly older audience but has adapted this issue to target a younger audience by featuring these artists. Jay-Z is standing in a relaxed confident stance at the front, with the image taken from a low angle, making him appear to have the power over us. Being at the front suggests that he is the main feature in the article and in some sense is the most important artist on the page. With all three artists also looking down directly into the camera it almost creates a menacing feeling, which causes the reader to be in awe of them.
          There is less text than usual on this issue of Q, drawing the reader’s attention to the various sizes of text that is featured on the page, consisting of 10 well known artists instantly making the reader want to buy this magazine. The use of quotes from the three main artists also entices the reader, making them want to read on inside. Circles are also used grasp the reader’s attention, highlighting the main statements, ‘exciting people’ and ’42 pages of reviews’. Giving the reader extra bursts of information, exciting the reader into buying the magazine.
           I will take inspiration from the colour scheme of Q magazine and use it for my magazine as I like the simplistic sophisticated feel it creates. However I may change the red to a different colour to suit my magazine more. I will also similarly use quotations from my artist/artists as I think it entices the reader, encouraging them to want to find out more and read on.

Diary Entry Two-Friday 10th February

This week I had three lessons on researching and learning how to analyse front covers, contents pages and double page spreads of existing magazines as these are the three pieces I will be creating for my coursework. During this I researched the codes and conventions of each page in order to ensure that my final product will be as realistic as possible.

Diary Entry One-Tuesday 7th February

After completing my preliminary task I have enabled myself to understand exactly how to analyse the codes and conventions of magazines and then apply them to my own work. In the previous weeks I have learnt how to use technology for the construction process of my magazine, for example Photoshop, InDesign and the digital cameras. This worked well for me allowing me to create a school magazine and practice my skills in preparation for my music magazine. I have also had a lesson on evaluating my front cover, contents page and double page spreads of my school magazine. Within this I considered how I used my style models to focus on their main conventions and the technologies I used during construction process.

School Magazine Evaluation

In my preparation lesson I analysed a style model from an existing school magazine, ‘Fusion’. Like Fusion, I used my title to reflect my schools ethos through both the font and the colours of the title; I used two different shades of blue with a white background, highlighting our schools colour scheme immediately through the title. I kept this colour scheme throughout my front page in order too again remind the readers of the school’s colours making our magazine stand out from the norm. I took direct inspiration from my style models contents page by changing the colours of the page numbers, having aesthetically pleasing colours reflecting our schools vibe of different individuals within the school. I was also inspired by the layout of Fusion magazine as I liked the way that the title was placed further down the page leaving space for images above and grasping the reader’s attention by subverting stereotypes of ordinary school magazines.

            I have widened my knowledge on technologies used in constructing magazines. I have learnt how to take a medium close-up of a student with a tripod in order to make the final image more professional. I also learnt how to use light to my advantage, for my front cover image I used artificial light from the flash of the camera and lighting in the room. I think that this helped me with my final image as I could control the light easier to my advantage where as if I’d used natural light it would have been more of a challenge. I manipulated my main image for my magazine with Photoshop, using the patch tool, to smoothen the skin, and the spot healing tool. I chose not to manipulate the image too much as it was a school magazine and you want to show your students how they are, not making them too false or un-natural.

My Front Cover and Contents Page

Research into the conventions of school magazines

Fusion Magazine

Front Cover Conventions

1. Title
2. Issue number
3. 3-colour scheme- Simple red, black and white- edgy
4. Heavily photoshopped close up picture suggesting that they have high technology in their school
5. Slogan
6. Sub headings
7. Main heading-‘festival funk 2007’
8. Topic ‘words of wisdom’

Point-Title

Fusion magazine’s designer used a strong bold title, having a sharp corner cut out of the bottom of the text. This created an instant opinion of the school for the reader, being sharp and edgy, standing out from other schools. I will utilise this convention within my magazine, reflecting the schools ethos through the font of the title in order to allow the reader to instantly understand the schools vibe and atmosphere.

Point-Colour Scheme

A 3-colour scheme of red white and black was used, again enhancing the diverse appearance of the school. The colours also highlight the fact that they are a bold confident school with many different pupil characteristics. I will also use colours to reflect my school in my magazine, highlighting the schools colour scheme of blue and white.

Point-Image

A heavily photoshopped close up image of a student is the focal point of the front cover. This instantly draws in the reader with a rock/individual feel allowing us to relate to the school’s students by first glance of the image. The fact that the image is heavily photoshopped also tells us they have high technology in their school, whilst reinforcing their modern, cutting edge ethos. This again enhances their individuality and subverts the stereotypes of the traditional medium close up of a student smiling. Although I will be using a medium close-up of a student, I will use the convention of the photoshopping in my magazine in order to reflect the unique feel of my school through the main image.

Contents Page

1. Title-contents
2. Page numbers for articles and for that page (bottom right)
3. Recycle logo
4. Aesthetically pleasing colours
5. Headings of articles
6. Image
7. Bright border
8. Layout

Point-Images

The contents page instantly stands out with an image of a cassette tape with a variety of shades of pink lines bursting out of it with droplets at the end. A small pattern of lime green flowers are also placed to the left of the image creating a bright vibrant feel. These images automatically tell the reader that the school is both confident and musical with many different genres and personalities. I would like to create the same effect on my contents page as I think having an image collaborating both hobbies of the pupils and the schools atmosphere is very effective and eye catching.

Point-Layout

Having a layout of a contents page like Fusion’s is unusual but I think that it stands out from the crowd, reflecting that schools ethos. Having the title ‘contents’ just above half way down the page makes it more or less centred, again leading us as a reader to automatically be drawn to that point. I would like to utilise this within my contents page as I think it creates an image of a unique atmosphere, reflecting my schools ethos.

Point-Colour Scheme

The aesthetically pleasing colours are out of the ordinary but really grasp the reader’s attention. This subverts the stereotype of a usual school magazine, having vibrant colours but also focusing on more girly colours.  Within my contents page I will use a colour scheme similar to this as I feel that it can reflect the schools vibe whilst making it more exciting for the audience to read. However, I will manipulate this in order to make it appeal to both genders.