The genre of my music magazine i have chosen is record or vinyl related. There is no specific genre to this magazine as it is a fairly limited topic. The two similiar titles i found were "Record collector" and "Uncut".
My target audience consist of
Traditionalists – ‘Keep things the way they are’
My readers wont like change so they will be keeping the vinyl format.
Individualists - Want to be different
The audience who collect vinyl will feel they are individualists because the format is "dead" to so many people.
Special interest groups -
Vinyl is a rare limited format, that only attracts certain enthusiasts of a set generation.
Generally they are B (Intermediate managerial, administrative and professional)
C1 (Supervisory, clerical, junior administrative or professional)
The reason i chose the above, is the fact my audience will be older aged people who enjoy old music and who grew up loving the vinyl format. They will be Aged 35-55 years old. I chose B because they will be older workers who are in a comfortable job and state of disposable income and will be able to waste it on such luxuries. I chose C1 for the same reason in that disposable income for something they enjoy collecting.
Profiling Set :
Further research into my audience is demonstrated below, where i have answered a series of questions such as "what car would they drive?" "What Paper would they read?" etc. This shows i have thought about my audience when designing and filling the content and layout of my magazine.
I believe my readers would read the Guardian/ Independant paper, enjoying the arts sections which show good detail and reviews. They would listen to more serious music genres, i.e Rock & Blues, from previous generations. Drive middle class cars such as Peugeot 206, or a volvo c8, maybe a few readers of the higher class, who own a Bmw or audi family car. They will be highly educated. They will wear casual scruffier clothes, not being too bothered about fashion labels. They will have a disposable income which they can essentially waste on collecting "rare" vinyls.
My audience will affect my magazine heavily. The colour scheme will refer to previously tested schemes from the 60's era. I will use an old fashioned font and also mainly try to keep my magazine simple. I feel this is the key area, whilst wanting to promote vinyls are still cool, i mainly want to reitirate the age and style it has created for many years. The language will be fairly complex, with few abbreviations and i will try to use certain lexis associated with this genre. The content will be heavy, i feel people who buy this magazine buy it for the information and profiles or interviews, and by having a lack of content, much focus would be on the images, therefore making a main sell less obvious and making my magazine less appealing to my audience. The representations of my magazines will contain old famous people, i will have medium close ups, and will try to locate most of my magazine in retro areas where the vinyl industry took off from, the main cities such as London, New York, and Paris. People wil recognize these locations and hopefully refer them back to this era and the triumphs. The fact my audience are interested in this genre means they generally prefer older musicians as not many new artists use this format. The medium close ups i have chosen to use, is to help distinguish the artist,and their: either instrument or fellow band mate.
I will use friends for my photos claiming them to be big artists.
Sunday, 1 November 2009
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
7) Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
In my preliminary task i struggled with the editing software Quark express. I was able to develop my skills in using this programme to create the task successfully.
Planning and preparation was key in such a tightly timed project. Storyboarding saved me time and effort when it came to designing and placing my final product. Performing research into the conventions of magazines front covers was very interesting and helped me prepare for this task. Post production skills were improved after initial practice so doing a preliminary task helped me.
I now have greater awareness of how consideration of the target audience determines the outcome of descisions made during the production process. For example the font choice is very important and is noticeable to people. The language used as well is key something that can attractor deter and audience.
The biggest thing that ive learnt from undertaking this project is that technology is fast improving. With such software already available who knows what the future holds and finally i learnt planning is essential. Without this time management is pointless.
Planning and preparation was key in such a tightly timed project. Storyboarding saved me time and effort when it came to designing and placing my final product. Performing research into the conventions of magazines front covers was very interesting and helped me prepare for this task. Post production skills were improved after initial practice so doing a preliminary task helped me.
I now have greater awareness of how consideration of the target audience determines the outcome of descisions made during the production process. For example the font choice is very important and is noticeable to people. The language used as well is key something that can attractor deter and audience.
The biggest thing that ive learnt from undertaking this project is that technology is fast improving. With such software already available who knows what the future holds and finally i learnt planning is essential. Without this time management is pointless.
6) What have i learnt about technologies from the process of constructing the product?
Since beginning my magazine project i have learnt a variety of techniques and skills. Using a digital camera for me was quite easy, i am used to using a camera of around 9Mp but on this task i managed to use a camera of 12Mp and i really enjoyed viewing the better quality. However the professional editing software that came with it, was more of a challenge. Photoshop is a editing programme i had heard of but not one i had used, so this task enabled me to learn new skills and develop my knowledge of the programme and all its features.
Furthermore the professional programme “Quark express” which was used to help make the layout look more professional was a huge challenge, one in which I struggled. After a couple of days of using the software I had learnt the basics and put together a reasonable magazine. After comparing these programmes to other cheaper more basic versions I began to realise how complex constructing a media magazine could be.
For example on publisher you would use a easy text box and drag it round anywhere you wish, with quark express the text box has more importance and you have to swap between the typing tool and the select objects tool.
I firmly believe despite such high quality software available to everyone, amateurs cannot produce material that is reasonably professional. When digital cameras were released many amateurs believed they could become a professional photographer, personally its not true, to be a photographer, you need creativity and natural talent not just high quality equipment, and the same is said for producing a magazine or creating video. You need to have a huge knowledge of the market and have that natural creative edge over others.
I used blogging through blogger.com to help keep track of what ive learnt. It was a reminder for me and whenever I logged on I was reiterated of my newly formed knowledge. By using my blog I was able to present my research and planning in a clear way which meant keeping to schedule was easier than expected.
I have used websites for my research and to help put my ideas together. I went on to recordcollector and uncut’s official websites, to check and confirm my audience profile and see what would be in their next months issues, and what was in previous issues. I also went on the net to use websites in helping research possible tips or advice / manual of quark express to try and learn the new programmes features and benefits so i wouldn't have to waste much time getting used to a new programme.
Furthermore the professional programme “Quark express” which was used to help make the layout look more professional was a huge challenge, one in which I struggled. After a couple of days of using the software I had learnt the basics and put together a reasonable magazine. After comparing these programmes to other cheaper more basic versions I began to realise how complex constructing a media magazine could be.
For example on publisher you would use a easy text box and drag it round anywhere you wish, with quark express the text box has more importance and you have to swap between the typing tool and the select objects tool.
I firmly believe despite such high quality software available to everyone, amateurs cannot produce material that is reasonably professional. When digital cameras were released many amateurs believed they could become a professional photographer, personally its not true, to be a photographer, you need creativity and natural talent not just high quality equipment, and the same is said for producing a magazine or creating video. You need to have a huge knowledge of the market and have that natural creative edge over others.
I used blogging through blogger.com to help keep track of what ive learnt. It was a reminder for me and whenever I logged on I was reiterated of my newly formed knowledge. By using my blog I was able to present my research and planning in a clear way which meant keeping to schedule was easier than expected.
I have used websites for my research and to help put my ideas together. I went on to recordcollector and uncut’s official websites, to check and confirm my audience profile and see what would be in their next months issues, and what was in previous issues. I also went on the net to use websites in helping research possible tips or advice / manual of quark express to try and learn the new programmes features and benefits so i wouldn't have to waste much time getting used to a new programme.
(4+5) Who would be the audience for your media product? How did you attract/address your audience
The audience for my media product would be 35-55 year old men, who are associated as traditionalists. This psychographic choice is appropriate for this target audience because vinyl is an old traditional format and traditionalists like the keep things the way they are, so this format will still be appealing to them.
There life stage grouping is Special interest groups. People who have passions in life for specific areas of interest (in this case vinyl) will cross over every demographic to hang out with one another, regardless of age. This makes it harder for me to be specific to grouping my audience with life stage demographics. However the main grouping you could associate my readers with would be the loner lifestyle, where they have a nice income to waste on themselves, but every vinyl collector is different.
My audience will accept the values and messages intended in this magazine. For example there will be no women or ladies featured on front cover, a value that older men will agree with in that men dominate the music scene.
In order to attract and address my audience I needed to do some audience research. I felt the most efficient way to do this was to use a free room with surrounding computers during lunchtimes and invited 4 people to review my work that was laid out on the table. I chose 2 people who liked the retro type of old fashioned music on the vinyl format (which wasn't easy) and 2 people who didn't particularly take pleasure in the vinyl format. After reviewing the work these 4 people answered an on screen questionnaire so I could see there reactions.
Attached below I have uploaded the 2 out of the 4 questionnaires.
I felt that i was successful in attracting my target audience. When i showed my publication to a group of 17 year olds in a computer room i left six cmoputers on each with a documented questionaire for them to fill out (very informal mode of address). These six members instantly recognized my target audience and genre of my magazine. Many people approved of the clashing font claiming it matched my audience genre and the only form of critcizm was the quality of my photos.
The audience understood my text and read it in the intended manner.
There life stage grouping is Special interest groups. People who have passions in life for specific areas of interest (in this case vinyl) will cross over every demographic to hang out with one another, regardless of age. This makes it harder for me to be specific to grouping my audience with life stage demographics. However the main grouping you could associate my readers with would be the loner lifestyle, where they have a nice income to waste on themselves, but every vinyl collector is different.
My audience will accept the values and messages intended in this magazine. For example there will be no women or ladies featured on front cover, a value that older men will agree with in that men dominate the music scene.
In order to attract and address my audience I needed to do some audience research. I felt the most efficient way to do this was to use a free room with surrounding computers during lunchtimes and invited 4 people to review my work that was laid out on the table. I chose 2 people who liked the retro type of old fashioned music on the vinyl format (which wasn't easy) and 2 people who didn't particularly take pleasure in the vinyl format. After reviewing the work these 4 people answered an on screen questionnaire so I could see there reactions.
Attached below I have uploaded the 2 out of the 4 questionnaires.
I felt that i was successful in attracting my target audience. When i showed my publication to a group of 17 year olds in a computer room i left six cmoputers on each with a documented questionaire for them to fill out (very informal mode of address). These six members instantly recognized my target audience and genre of my magazine. Many people approved of the clashing font claiming it matched my audience genre and the only form of critcizm was the quality of my photos.
The audience understood my text and read it in the intended manner.
3) What kind of media institution might distribute my product and why?
Institution is essential when producing a successful magazine. My target audience are older and more up market. Therefore my audience would shop for magazines in specialist distributors. A efficient way I could do this is by selling and promoting my product in the towns and villages specialist music instrument stores, generally the people who visit these stores are keen passionate enthusiast about music often men . Possibly Hmv could stock my magazine as they have a wide range of audience visit their store.
The content is important when related to the publishers especially for my generation. Older people are more likely to look for a good music magazine at a traditional place rather than a general store.
The publishers of most magazines are newsagents and supermarkets. Plastered across the shelves it is often hard to distinguish new magazines and hard to get them rolling.
However I see my magazine as a true independent label. It is more difficult to survive when restricted on advertising. On the contrary the benefits are huge. The brand and product becomes more appealing to its audience by being a rare label on its own two feet. You can deter certain audience types and just focus on your own individual one satisfying there needs. By using controversial remarks and interviews and exclusives then the audience will be lesser but more appealing.
There are major drawbacks to being an independent label, firstly you would be limited in multi platform distribution meaning you are lessening your target audience. Secondly with a major publisher you have a guaranteed space of two three months to prove yourself. Selling a new magazine could be difficult for the opening issue as you need to prove its worth, if you were solely independent you have limited funds to keep the magazine going if the first issue is a disappointment. With major labels you are more likely to get three issues worth and have more time and chance for your product to work.
The content is important when related to the publishers especially for my generation. Older people are more likely to look for a good music magazine at a traditional place rather than a general store.
The publishers of most magazines are newsagents and supermarkets. Plastered across the shelves it is often hard to distinguish new magazines and hard to get them rolling.
However I see my magazine as a true independent label. It is more difficult to survive when restricted on advertising. On the contrary the benefits are huge. The brand and product becomes more appealing to its audience by being a rare label on its own two feet. You can deter certain audience types and just focus on your own individual one satisfying there needs. By using controversial remarks and interviews and exclusives then the audience will be lesser but more appealing.
There are major drawbacks to being an independent label, firstly you would be limited in multi platform distribution meaning you are lessening your target audience. Secondly with a major publisher you have a guaranteed space of two three months to prove yourself. Selling a new magazine could be difficult for the opening issue as you need to prove its worth, if you were solely independent you have limited funds to keep the magazine going if the first issue is a disappointment. With major labels you are more likely to get three issues worth and have more time and chance for your product to work.
2) How does your media product represent particular social groups?
My magazine has a mainly dominant representation, There is a male on my cover holding his guitar. In music magazines it is mainly men who feature on the magazines of my retro indie music genre. However Vinyl's are an alternative representation. In my magazine they are being associated as being cool and still new, something many people should still be collecting. In the United Kingdom there are still many collectors, however the vast majority of people have updated to listening to cds, and mp3 files. When constructing my products i wanted to match the stereotypes given from rival magazines. It was aimed at wealthy men aged 35-55 years old who enjoy music, who have money to waste and to some extent are without a heavy social life.
Generally the readers of my magazine on the jicnar scale will be B (Intermediate managerial, administrative and professional) C1 (Supervisory, clerical, junior administrative or professional) As mentioned before they generally have a state of disposable income and will be able to waste it on such luxuries.
My media product presents residual ideology. Vinyl's are a left over format which by many is still believed / used by some people but not others. Over recent years the sales of Vinyl’s have fluctuated, however in 2007 there was information released suggesting 7inch single sales were up 13%. (http://digital-lifestyles.info/2007/07/17/vinyl-sales-soar-new-turntables-from-ion/) that figure is supposed to have risen in 2008 respectively.
Generally the readers of my magazine on the jicnar scale will be B (Intermediate managerial, administrative and professional) C1 (Supervisory, clerical, junior administrative or professional) As mentioned before they generally have a state of disposable income and will be able to waste it on such luxuries.
My media product presents residual ideology. Vinyl's are a left over format which by many is still believed / used by some people but not others. Over recent years the sales of Vinyl’s have fluctuated, however in 2007 there was information released suggesting 7inch single sales were up 13%. (http://digital-lifestyles.info/2007/07/17/vinyl-sales-soar-new-turntables-from-ion/) that figure is supposed to have risen in 2008 respectively.
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
Feedback from half term.
0) Complete writing of my double page spread interview.
1) Quark express
2) First Photoshoot with my friend.
3) Second photo shoot with my friend with a change of location.
4) Photo of my brother claiming him as a different artist to activity 2+3
0) This was sucessfully completed. I gave myself two hours to complete this task and i finished after an hour and a half.
1) Initially i said this would be completed Monday between 2 & 4 pm. However i had to read just my schedule because my laptop was struggling to download the purchased software. However after changing my dads laptop for own i got back on track at 6pm till 7pm and now feel confident about using quark express.
2) Yet again i faced intial difficulties because my model did not follow to the dress code set. Yet after having taken him home we lost a little of my booking time at my high school but still had two hours. The overall photoshoot was a success. i now have my photo for my front cover.
3) This ran smoothly, my model was on time at my house. The photoshoot was productive and efficient and over within 4.30. (30 minutes before my deadline)
4) This was easier than expected and after 20 minutes i had lots of time left to reflect on the images taken.
1) Quark express
2) First Photoshoot with my friend.
3) Second photo shoot with my friend with a change of location.
4) Photo of my brother claiming him as a different artist to activity 2+3
0) This was sucessfully completed. I gave myself two hours to complete this task and i finished after an hour and a half.
1) Initially i said this would be completed Monday between 2 & 4 pm. However i had to read just my schedule because my laptop was struggling to download the purchased software. However after changing my dads laptop for own i got back on track at 6pm till 7pm and now feel confident about using quark express.
2) Yet again i faced intial difficulties because my model did not follow to the dress code set. Yet after having taken him home we lost a little of my booking time at my high school but still had two hours. The overall photoshoot was a success. i now have my photo for my front cover.
3) This ran smoothly, my model was on time at my house. The photoshoot was productive and efficient and over within 4.30. (30 minutes before my deadline)
4) This was easier than expected and after 20 minutes i had lots of time left to reflect on the images taken.
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
Time Plan
For half term i have planned a scheduled timetable. By doing this i will keep myself organzied and will be able to see if i have met or acheived my realistic goals.
Activity:
0) Complete writing of my double page spread interview.
1) Have a go on Quark express to get used to new software and its basic features.
Being a new programme i would be entering the unknown this product research should be very beneficial.
2) First Photoshoot with my friend.
3) Second photo shoot with my friend with a change of location.
4) Photo of my brother claiming him as a different artist to activity 2+3
Location Date Time:
0) Monday at home in my office, 9-11pm.It should take an hour to write up intially then after reading through and editing it should bring me up to two hours.
1) Monday again at home in the office 2-4pm. I believe a solid two hours should let me get used to the basic features that are essential for designing my articles.
2) Thursday at My previous High school, 3-6 pm. I have booked my schools stage for 3 hours. The set up is already perfect regarding props and back layout so its just the photography i need. 3 hours is enough time to get shots from a vareity of angles.
3) Friday at my house 3-5 pm. This will be with the same model, but at a different location. I am changing the location to make my magazine look more professional
4) Saturday 9-10
This is for my contents page where i show a different artist. I have only chosen to use an hour because i need a basic close up shot of my brother. He is generally not very organized so a photo which i could take and perfect in 10 minutes has a a 60 minute set just to cover myself.
Activity:
0) Complete writing of my double page spread interview.
1) Have a go on Quark express to get used to new software and its basic features.
Being a new programme i would be entering the unknown this product research should be very beneficial.
2) First Photoshoot with my friend.
3) Second photo shoot with my friend with a change of location.
4) Photo of my brother claiming him as a different artist to activity 2+3
Location Date Time:
0) Monday at home in my office, 9-11pm.It should take an hour to write up intially then after reading through and editing it should bring me up to two hours.
1) Monday again at home in the office 2-4pm. I believe a solid two hours should let me get used to the basic features that are essential for designing my articles.
2) Thursday at My previous High school, 3-6 pm. I have booked my schools stage for 3 hours. The set up is already perfect regarding props and back layout so its just the photography i need. 3 hours is enough time to get shots from a vareity of angles.
3) Friday at my house 3-5 pm. This will be with the same model, but at a different location. I am changing the location to make my magazine look more professional
4) Saturday 9-10
This is for my contents page where i show a different artist. I have only chosen to use an hour because i need a basic close up shot of my brother. He is generally not very organized so a photo which i could take and perfect in 10 minutes has a a 60 minute set just to cover myself.
Monday, 9 February 2009
Title and shotlist confirmation
Today i finally got a preview of the layout and name of my magazine. The confirmed choice is "last session". Below is an example of how it will look.
.
I chose the title "last session" because it shares a double meaning. It could be taken as a last session of a famous old music star who has hit retirement connoting that we review the famous last songs of previously loved older artists or it could connote a last/latest recorded session in a studio. The title is fairly open to each meaning and sounds old fashioned yet casual which my audience can relate to. It is not a abbreviation which my audience will also appreciate.
Shot types
Content
My cover will be of a New upcoming artist which will be my main sell.
Shot
~ A Medium close up in dark surroundings with light focused on him from above.
Content 2
My contents page will contain images of the main sell, and its producers.
Shot
I will use a close up for the producers photo, and a close up of my main sell. This will let my audience see them up close.
Content 3
My double page spread will be an interview with my new upcoming artist who featured on front cover.
Shot
I plan to have a landscape long shot of my artist with the article mirroring the photo.
.I chose the title "last session" because it shares a double meaning. It could be taken as a last session of a famous old music star who has hit retirement connoting that we review the famous last songs of previously loved older artists or it could connote a last/latest recorded session in a studio. The title is fairly open to each meaning and sounds old fashioned yet casual which my audience can relate to. It is not a abbreviation which my audience will also appreciate.
Shot types
Content
My cover will be of a New upcoming artist which will be my main sell.
Shot
~ A Medium close up in dark surroundings with light focused on him from above.
Content 2
My contents page will contain images of the main sell, and its producers.
Shot
I will use a close up for the producers photo, and a close up of my main sell. This will let my audience see them up close.
Content 3
My double page spread will be an interview with my new upcoming artist who featured on front cover.
Shot
I plan to have a landscape long shot of my artist with the article mirroring the photo.
Tuesday, 3 February 2009
A update on my ongoing music magazine
In the past couple of lessons, my magazine has began to take form. I have chosen my locations for my photographs. These are my previous high school, as they have superb facilities and a available free studio, meaning i can edit the environment as to how i like and my garage. The house is contstantly available.
My model is a close friend who lives nearby. Not only does he play the guitar he is old fashioned and organiszing costumes or props should not be a problem as he is what my audience relate to. Also living nearby means i can contact him easily and meet up easily. I own a high quality camera and have appropriate editing software therefore i do not need to book equipment.
Ive chosen my layout designing a mock front cover, contents page, and doublespread. I researched into several fonts and have drawn up a shortlist of styles, and have found 1942 report, Noiret blanc, beauty school dropout and all hooked up. These will be demonstarted below along with scanned in versions of my mock design pages.
I have began writing my double page spread interview about my friend. This hasnt been completed yet as the other issues i felt were of higher importance. I plan to have a large image which will cover the double spread with white writing in the bottom left hand corner. There will be an adequate amount of writing to match my audience who will enjoy reading rather than just looking at a picture.
Looking into the colour schemes that will help construct my brand image, I have found various schemes that could work, My front cover will have a black and white font relating to the main sell image, and the contents will be a little more brighter. The audience for this genre will appreciate the colour scheme as the my font choices will connote the retro age my audience currently like.
In the next few days i will post a updated blog showing a time table / schedule for my half term preperations.
Attached below are the font style shortlist:
All Hooked up
Beauty school dropout
Noir et blanc.
.
Attached below are my mock designs of the front cover, contents page and double spread.
Front cover
Contents
Double page spread.
My model is a close friend who lives nearby. Not only does he play the guitar he is old fashioned and organiszing costumes or props should not be a problem as he is what my audience relate to. Also living nearby means i can contact him easily and meet up easily. I own a high quality camera and have appropriate editing software therefore i do not need to book equipment.
Ive chosen my layout designing a mock front cover, contents page, and doublespread. I researched into several fonts and have drawn up a shortlist of styles, and have found 1942 report, Noiret blanc, beauty school dropout and all hooked up. These will be demonstarted below along with scanned in versions of my mock design pages.
I have began writing my double page spread interview about my friend. This hasnt been completed yet as the other issues i felt were of higher importance. I plan to have a large image which will cover the double spread with white writing in the bottom left hand corner. There will be an adequate amount of writing to match my audience who will enjoy reading rather than just looking at a picture.
Looking into the colour schemes that will help construct my brand image, I have found various schemes that could work, My front cover will have a black and white font relating to the main sell image, and the contents will be a little more brighter. The audience for this genre will appreciate the colour scheme as the my font choices will connote the retro age my audience currently like.
In the next few days i will post a updated blog showing a time table / schedule for my half term preperations.
Attached below are the font style shortlist:
All Hooked up
Beauty school dropout
Noir et blanc.
.Attached below are my mock designs of the front cover, contents page and double spread.
Front cover
Contents
Double page spread.
Monday, 26 January 2009
Summary of research
The sub-genre of magazine i have chosen is record or vinyl related. There is no specific genre to this magazine as it is a fairly limited topic. The two similiar titles i found were "Record collector" and "Uncut".
My target audience consist of
Traditionalists – ‘Keep things the way they are’
My readers wont like change so they will be keeping the vinyl format.
Individualists - Want to be different
The audience who collect vinyl will feel they are individualists because the format is "dead" to so many people.
Special interest groups -
Vinyl is a rare limited format, that only attracts certain enthusiasts of a set generation.
Generally they are B (Intermediate managerial, administrative and professional)
C1 (Supervisory, clerical, junior administrative or professional)
The reason i chose the above, is the fact my audience will be older aged people who enjoy old music and who grew up loving the vinyl format. They will be Aged 35-55 years old. I chose B because they will be older workers who are in a comfortable job and state of disposable income and will be able to waste it on such luxuries. I chose C1 for the same reason in that disposable income for something they enjoy collecting.
Profiling Set :
Further research into my audience is demonstrated below, where i have answered a series of questions such as "what car would they drive?" "What Paper would they read?" etc. This shows i have thought about my audience when designing and filling the content and layout of my magazine.
I believe my readers would read the Guardian/ Independant paper, enjoying the arts sections which show good detail and reviews. They would listen to more serious music genres, i.e Rock & Blues, from previous generations. Drive middle class cars such as Peugeot 206, or a volvo c8, maybe a few readers of the higher class, who own a Bmw or audi family car. They will be highly educated. They will wear casual scruffier clothes, not being too bothered about fashion labels. They will have a disposable income which they can essentially waste on collecting "rare" vinyls.
My audience will affect my magazine heavily. The colour scheme will refer to previously tested schemes from the 60's era. I will use an old fashioned font and also mainly try to keep my magazine simple. I feel this is the key area, whilst wanting to promote vinyls are still cool, i mainly want to reitirate the age and style it has created for many years. The language will be fairly complex, with few abbreviations and i will try to use certain lexis associated with this genre. The content will be heavy, i feel people who buy this magazine buy it for the information and profiles or interviews, and by having a lack of content, much focus would be on the images, therefore making a main sell less obvious and making my magazine less appealing to my audience. The representations of my magazines will contain old famous people, i will have medium close ups, and will try to locate most of my magazine in retro areas where the vinyl industry took off from, the main cities such as London, New York, and Paris. People wil recognize these locations and hopefully refer them back to this era and the triumphs. The fact my audience are interested in this genre means they generally prefer older musicians as not many new artists use this format. The medium close ups i have chosen to use, is to help distinguish the artist,and their: either instrument or fellow band mate.
I will use friends for my photos claiming them to be big artists.
My target audience consist of
Traditionalists – ‘Keep things the way they are’
My readers wont like change so they will be keeping the vinyl format.
Individualists - Want to be different
The audience who collect vinyl will feel they are individualists because the format is "dead" to so many people.
Special interest groups -
Vinyl is a rare limited format, that only attracts certain enthusiasts of a set generation.
Generally they are B (Intermediate managerial, administrative and professional)
C1 (Supervisory, clerical, junior administrative or professional)
The reason i chose the above, is the fact my audience will be older aged people who enjoy old music and who grew up loving the vinyl format. They will be Aged 35-55 years old. I chose B because they will be older workers who are in a comfortable job and state of disposable income and will be able to waste it on such luxuries. I chose C1 for the same reason in that disposable income for something they enjoy collecting.
Profiling Set :
Further research into my audience is demonstrated below, where i have answered a series of questions such as "what car would they drive?" "What Paper would they read?" etc. This shows i have thought about my audience when designing and filling the content and layout of my magazine.
I believe my readers would read the Guardian/ Independant paper, enjoying the arts sections which show good detail and reviews. They would listen to more serious music genres, i.e Rock & Blues, from previous generations. Drive middle class cars such as Peugeot 206, or a volvo c8, maybe a few readers of the higher class, who own a Bmw or audi family car. They will be highly educated. They will wear casual scruffier clothes, not being too bothered about fashion labels. They will have a disposable income which they can essentially waste on collecting "rare" vinyls.
My audience will affect my magazine heavily. The colour scheme will refer to previously tested schemes from the 60's era. I will use an old fashioned font and also mainly try to keep my magazine simple. I feel this is the key area, whilst wanting to promote vinyls are still cool, i mainly want to reitirate the age and style it has created for many years. The language will be fairly complex, with few abbreviations and i will try to use certain lexis associated with this genre. The content will be heavy, i feel people who buy this magazine buy it for the information and profiles or interviews, and by having a lack of content, much focus would be on the images, therefore making a main sell less obvious and making my magazine less appealing to my audience. The representations of my magazines will contain old famous people, i will have medium close ups, and will try to locate most of my magazine in retro areas where the vinyl industry took off from, the main cities such as London, New York, and Paris. People wil recognize these locations and hopefully refer them back to this era and the triumphs. The fact my audience are interested in this genre means they generally prefer older musicians as not many new artists use this format. The medium close ups i have chosen to use, is to help distinguish the artist,and their: either instrument or fellow band mate.
I will use friends for my photos claiming them to be big artists.
Tuesday, 20 January 2009
Initial specific reserach into shared features.
Currently i am at the stage in my research where i am choosing the magazine genre i would look to pick. I am currently ahead in my research, because my time management is excellent. This task is to compare two magazines of the genre i wish to study.
After my intial research into different types of magazine i have chosen to focus on magazines selling vinyls.
There is no specfic genre for these magazines,but for my audience it is aimed at vinyl collectors who enjoy the serious music genre types such as Rock and Blues. They will be Male readers with a disposable income ages around 40-55 years old.
They are generally older fashioned and adult orientated, Each issue varies from genre post 2000. Being a Limited genre i have few magazines to analyse however the two i could find are "record collector" and "Uncut"
The magazines covers i have viewed share many aspects in common. Each have a big masthead which are white and bold in a serif font. The white font connotes age where maybe readers are used to black and white print. Each magazine looks fairly basic to certain teenagers however the simplicity will appeal to its audience. The model shot which generally dominates the covers of the magazines "main sell" have a tendancy to be of a famous artist. In these examples for instance there is Queen, and Johnny Cash. Record collector, every other month uses a tint layer over the magazine. This gives it a retro feel which again relates to vinyl collectors who genrally are an older audience.
Each of the magazines publishers know how important the main sell model of the issue is and the coverlines are generally spread around the image. The reversed out coverline is excluding image, the most important aspect of the magazine and generally is the main sell.
The following magazines also share the concept of having a coverline above the title of the magazine. This is not the main sell but a key feature to the magazine which the publsihers feel will persuade the audience to buy it.
The audience will appreciate the fact it remains in the retro colour font rather than having it in standard colours. This still gives the impression it is more of a retro thing. Each magazine uses medium close up of the artist. This generally is because they are holding an instrument or with band members and therefore they cannot fit just the artist in. The instrument may be what they are known for or their success, for instance Eric Clapton holding a electric Guitar.
Despite the age of audience this genre is aimed at, the magazines share details of their website. This shows multi platform consumption, which shows although in the past genre wise the magazine is still with the current world, and maybe it suggests vinyls are coming back.
After this brief research into shared features i have learnt that these magazines share a specific layout where the main sell is normally edited to relate back to their era. So when producing my magazine i will need a retro feel. Furthermore i think i will keep the coverlines to a bare minimum scattered around the edges, yet again helping the main sell dominate.
I would place a website address on the cover, i feel this is a small aspect of the magazine which could help reitirate how vinyl is still cool in todays world and not forgotten.
After my intial research into different types of magazine i have chosen to focus on magazines selling vinyls.
There is no specfic genre for these magazines,but for my audience it is aimed at vinyl collectors who enjoy the serious music genre types such as Rock and Blues. They will be Male readers with a disposable income ages around 40-55 years old.
They are generally older fashioned and adult orientated, Each issue varies from genre post 2000. Being a Limited genre i have few magazines to analyse however the two i could find are "record collector" and "Uncut"
The magazines covers i have viewed share many aspects in common. Each have a big masthead which are white and bold in a serif font. The white font connotes age where maybe readers are used to black and white print. Each magazine looks fairly basic to certain teenagers however the simplicity will appeal to its audience. The model shot which generally dominates the covers of the magazines "main sell" have a tendancy to be of a famous artist. In these examples for instance there is Queen, and Johnny Cash. Record collector, every other month uses a tint layer over the magazine. This gives it a retro feel which again relates to vinyl collectors who genrally are an older audience.
Each of the magazines publishers know how important the main sell model of the issue is and the coverlines are generally spread around the image. The reversed out coverline is excluding image, the most important aspect of the magazine and generally is the main sell.
The following magazines also share the concept of having a coverline above the title of the magazine. This is not the main sell but a key feature to the magazine which the publsihers feel will persuade the audience to buy it.
The audience will appreciate the fact it remains in the retro colour font rather than having it in standard colours. This still gives the impression it is more of a retro thing. Each magazine uses medium close up of the artist. This generally is because they are holding an instrument or with band members and therefore they cannot fit just the artist in. The instrument may be what they are known for or their success, for instance Eric Clapton holding a electric Guitar.
Despite the age of audience this genre is aimed at, the magazines share details of their website. This shows multi platform consumption, which shows although in the past genre wise the magazine is still with the current world, and maybe it suggests vinyls are coming back.
After this brief research into shared features i have learnt that these magazines share a specific layout where the main sell is normally edited to relate back to their era. So when producing my magazine i will need a retro feel. Furthermore i think i will keep the coverlines to a bare minimum scattered around the edges, yet again helping the main sell dominate.
I would place a website address on the cover, i feel this is a small aspect of the magazine which could help reitirate how vinyl is still cool in todays world and not forgotten.
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
Institution
Acceptation and negotiation
The main jobs of a magazine publisher are producing and distribution the magazine.
Firstly a magazine company will have to agree or accept themed work. After deciding on the work a fee will be negotiated for the royalties for the licensor. The author is normally paid in advance. This is difficult for publishers considering they have to estimate potential sales against production costs.
After acquiring the rights, the magazine begins to be put together.
Editorial stage
Once the commercial decisions are made, the author is sometimes asked to improve work. Publishers may have a house style which they need to maintain and the staff will copy edit ensuring the work matches the style and grammatical requirements for the specific target audience. Editing may also involve structural changes and requests for more information. Some publishers employ fact checkers.
Prepress
Once a text is decided on, a design is needed. This will include the layout of the magazine, possible font colour to match the set theme and artwork. The activities of page layout, is now all computerized. This evolved in the 20th century.
Publishing.
The publishers of the magazine usually control advertising and marketing. Writers in a specialized field or with a smaller appeal have found smaller alternatives to the mass market in the form of self publishing . More recently, these options include ebook format.
Today, publishing academic journals and textbooks is a large part of an international industry. Critics claim that profit-oriented policies have displaced the publishing ideal of providing access to all. However In contrast to the commercial model, there is non profit publishing, where the publishing organization is either organised specifically for the purpose of publishing, such as a university which is founded just to achieve specific goals.
Tie-in publications: Technically published information or form of advertisement aimed at a specific target audience. For example in cinemas, on certain television channels at set times, and on the radio. For music the marketing of a new album often includes a novelisation , Posters, Clothing, Different music formats (vinyl, cd mp3.) and endless promotional publications The 21st century has bought a number of new technilogical changes to the publishing industry, such as online versions of kerrang. In todays media one main publishing organsiation could be the head of many magazines varing form music to home, cars and even boats.
This is evidenced through the publication of the New Musical Express being part of the IPC media group which is owned by Time Inc, the publishing division of Time warner. Basically publishers are owned by a series of parent groups.
Its clear that most magazine publications are produced in order to make money. In this day and age, money is the main reason behind most things. Nme gives the impression to its readers the magazine is individual and cool, but behind that it is a money making orgnaizaiton on which people idle their lives wanting to pay for a identity, therefore i am not surprise NME is part of the IPC media group..
Theodore Adorno was a keen inventor of a certain theory that he products of the culture industries are, Formulaic, Simplistic and Emotive
The culture industries stop people from thinking, questioning and making political judgments. Therefore, the goal of the culture industries is to depoliticise the masses. Furthermore, they give the impression of providing variety, but this is ‘Psuedo-individualism. This is the case in nme.
The main jobs of a magazine publisher are producing and distribution the magazine.
Firstly a magazine company will have to agree or accept themed work. After deciding on the work a fee will be negotiated for the royalties for the licensor. The author is normally paid in advance. This is difficult for publishers considering they have to estimate potential sales against production costs.
After acquiring the rights, the magazine begins to be put together.
Editorial stage
Once the commercial decisions are made, the author is sometimes asked to improve work. Publishers may have a house style which they need to maintain and the staff will copy edit ensuring the work matches the style and grammatical requirements for the specific target audience. Editing may also involve structural changes and requests for more information. Some publishers employ fact checkers.
Prepress
Once a text is decided on, a design is needed. This will include the layout of the magazine, possible font colour to match the set theme and artwork. The activities of page layout, is now all computerized. This evolved in the 20th century.
Publishing.
The publishers of the magazine usually control advertising and marketing. Writers in a specialized field or with a smaller appeal have found smaller alternatives to the mass market in the form of self publishing . More recently, these options include ebook format.
Today, publishing academic journals and textbooks is a large part of an international industry. Critics claim that profit-oriented policies have displaced the publishing ideal of providing access to all. However In contrast to the commercial model, there is non profit publishing, where the publishing organization is either organised specifically for the purpose of publishing, such as a university which is founded just to achieve specific goals.
Tie-in publications: Technically published information or form of advertisement aimed at a specific target audience. For example in cinemas, on certain television channels at set times, and on the radio. For music the marketing of a new album often includes a novelisation , Posters, Clothing, Different music formats (vinyl, cd mp3.) and endless promotional publications The 21st century has bought a number of new technilogical changes to the publishing industry, such as online versions of kerrang. In todays media one main publishing organsiation could be the head of many magazines varing form music to home, cars and even boats.
This is evidenced through the publication of the New Musical Express being part of the IPC media group which is owned by Time Inc, the publishing division of Time warner. Basically publishers are owned by a series of parent groups.
Its clear that most magazine publications are produced in order to make money. In this day and age, money is the main reason behind most things. Nme gives the impression to its readers the magazine is individual and cool, but behind that it is a money making orgnaizaiton on which people idle their lives wanting to pay for a identity, therefore i am not surprise NME is part of the IPC media group..
Theodore Adorno was a keen inventor of a certain theory that he products of the culture industries are, Formulaic, Simplistic and Emotive
The culture industries stop people from thinking, questioning and making political judgments. Therefore, the goal of the culture industries is to depoliticise the masses. Furthermore, they give the impression of providing variety, but this is ‘Psuedo-individualism. This is the case in nme.
Tuesday, 6 January 2009
Magazine Comparison Lesson 1
We began our project by comparing the difference between set magazines. We Chose "mixmag" magazine and "NME". These two magazines are fairly different however if i had chosen "record collector" or "Gramophone" i would have found more differences, in layout and information more easily. I am aware now as a student different magazines have different forms and convetions because each magazine varies in target audience.
Title Mixmag
Genre of music Dance, techno, trance, house
Audience (demographic and lifestyle) Young adults who enjoy partying / clubbing in various destinations across the globe such as Ibiza, Includes brief update of tech.
Form and Conventions: Cover Masthead at the top of the page in sans serif font, emphasis on youth. Main sell is Ibiza in different font to the headline. Freebie includes a free CD. Series of cover lines promoting what is in the magazine helping attract audience.
Screamer of music madness, Money sums up what the magazine contains.
The model used is in a Medium shot, wearing same outfit as readers of this magazine would. Colour scheme is lemon yellow and blue. This helps connote a sunny environment which is associated with such locations as Ibiza.
Form and Conventions: Contents Page Main sell is pictured as a medium close up, This is the largest image on page helping emphasize its importance to this issue.
Many cover lines with strap lines which helps the reader establish what else is in the issue giving them further reason to purchase the magazine. The colour scheme has turned to a darker tone, with black clashing heavily to the bright yellow. This helps connote the more evening party life that this magazine features.
Types of cover spread in magazine Series of interviews, reviews, double spreads Many advertisements
Form and Conventions: Double Spread Rogues gallery – Series of competing outfits.
Label mountain – series of different music labels.
The big 3, Big parties.
Publisher Development Hell Ltd
Title NME
Genre of music Indie
Audience (demographic and lifestyle) Aspirers, radicals, the audience could be of any age, interested in a mix of genres of music.
Form and Conventions: Cover Layered photo revealing several distinctive artists from many well known bands. Colour scheme of red, white and black and gold. Pyramid build up of all the artists with Oasis the most famous in the largest font. This offers wider artists choice for readers. Individual screamer is used. By having only one screamer the magazine emphasizes this feature. Quite a informal, basic layout which people who buy this magazine can relate with.
Form and Conventions: Contents Page Colour scheme of black red and white linking with the cover and NME’s logo. These choices of colours also reflect on the genre. Red is an upbeat vibrant colour and the black and white clashes with this in a sinister manner. There is a advert for the subscription to this magazine on the bottom left corner of the page. Band index which is neatly tucked into the left side of the page. This is away from the main story but also is short cut for people who bought the magazine for a specific purpose/band.
In contrast, the introduction to the magazine is placed on the right side of the page. (serif font)
This leaves the main sells to be placed in the middle with images of the articles which shows their importance and the fact they are the main selling point to this magazine.
Types of double spread in magazine Top gear available of stuff “they love”
Series of interviews and images with the hot bands of 2008
The photo yearbook of 2008
Form and Conventions: Double Spread Double page I have chosen is the interview from The Last Shadow Puppets. The font is Large helping signify this chapter’s importance. The red white black clash of fonts is re-used. Serif font is used under the title, helps relate to the audience. Cooler font which is less informal, than other fonts.
Publisher NME
I think we did this task to help our understanding of the different genres of music magazines and for research into their content. This also helps our selection process of what genre we can focus on for our magazine.
Title Mixmag
Genre of music Dance, techno, trance, house
Audience (demographic and lifestyle) Young adults who enjoy partying / clubbing in various destinations across the globe such as Ibiza, Includes brief update of tech.
Form and Conventions: Cover Masthead at the top of the page in sans serif font, emphasis on youth. Main sell is Ibiza in different font to the headline. Freebie includes a free CD. Series of cover lines promoting what is in the magazine helping attract audience.
Screamer of music madness, Money sums up what the magazine contains.
The model used is in a Medium shot, wearing same outfit as readers of this magazine would. Colour scheme is lemon yellow and blue. This helps connote a sunny environment which is associated with such locations as Ibiza.
Form and Conventions: Contents Page Main sell is pictured as a medium close up, This is the largest image on page helping emphasize its importance to this issue.
Many cover lines with strap lines which helps the reader establish what else is in the issue giving them further reason to purchase the magazine. The colour scheme has turned to a darker tone, with black clashing heavily to the bright yellow. This helps connote the more evening party life that this magazine features.
Types of cover spread in magazine Series of interviews, reviews, double spreads Many advertisements
Form and Conventions: Double Spread Rogues gallery – Series of competing outfits.
Label mountain – series of different music labels.
The big 3, Big parties.
Publisher Development Hell Ltd
Title NME
Genre of music Indie
Audience (demographic and lifestyle) Aspirers, radicals, the audience could be of any age, interested in a mix of genres of music.
Form and Conventions: Cover Layered photo revealing several distinctive artists from many well known bands. Colour scheme of red, white and black and gold. Pyramid build up of all the artists with Oasis the most famous in the largest font. This offers wider artists choice for readers. Individual screamer is used. By having only one screamer the magazine emphasizes this feature. Quite a informal, basic layout which people who buy this magazine can relate with.
Form and Conventions: Contents Page Colour scheme of black red and white linking with the cover and NME’s logo. These choices of colours also reflect on the genre. Red is an upbeat vibrant colour and the black and white clashes with this in a sinister manner. There is a advert for the subscription to this magazine on the bottom left corner of the page. Band index which is neatly tucked into the left side of the page. This is away from the main story but also is short cut for people who bought the magazine for a specific purpose/band.
In contrast, the introduction to the magazine is placed on the right side of the page. (serif font)
This leaves the main sells to be placed in the middle with images of the articles which shows their importance and the fact they are the main selling point to this magazine.
Types of double spread in magazine Top gear available of stuff “they love”
Series of interviews and images with the hot bands of 2008
The photo yearbook of 2008
Form and Conventions: Double Spread Double page I have chosen is the interview from The Last Shadow Puppets. The font is Large helping signify this chapter’s importance. The red white black clash of fonts is re-used. Serif font is used under the title, helps relate to the audience. Cooler font which is less informal, than other fonts.
Publisher NME
I think we did this task to help our understanding of the different genres of music magazines and for research into their content. This also helps our selection process of what genre we can focus on for our magazine.
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