Sean

Final Evaluation

2011-05-11T13:02:00.000+01:00

FINAL EVALUATION:

see disk.

Final Drafts

2011-04-26T14:37:00.014+01:00

FINAL FRONT COVER:

FINAL CONTENTS:

FINAL DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD:

Construction Re-Draft- Front Cover/Contents/Double-Page Spread

2011-04-26T13:02:00.005+01:00

Front Cover:

Contents:

Double Page Spread:

Construction Re-Draft- Front Cover/Contents/Double-Page Spread

2011-04-26T12:21:00.006+01:00

Front Cover:

Contents:
I am going to stick to the last draft of the contents as I feel it meets the requirements of a contents page, and is to a high standard.

Double Page Spread:

Construction Re-Draft- Front Cover/Contents/Double-Page Spread

2011-04-26T11:51:00.004+01:00

Front Cover

Contents:

Double Page Spread:

Construction Re-Draft- Front Cover/Contents/Double-Page Spread

2011-04-26T10:08:00.008+01:00

After considering the strengths and weakenesses of the previous draft, I have decided that it is not yet read for the final draft, and have made some drastic changes to try improve the front page, contents, double page spread.

Front Cover:

Contents:

Double Page Spread:

Construction - Possible Final Draft

2010-03-22T22:14:00.006Z

Front Cover:

Contents:

Double Page Spread:

Construction - Double Page Spread

2010-03-22T16:46:00.002Z

Construction - Contents

2010-03-22T15:27:00.002Z

I have added a background colour so it ties in with the house style. Ive narrowed the "letter from the editor" section to fit into the columns and have added a circle with a quote from the editor.

Construction - Contnets

2010-03-18T15:41:00.000Z

Construction - Contents

2010-03-18T13:31:00.003Z

Construction - Final Front Cover

2010-03-17T14:27:00.004Z

I felt the dark background wasn't making the magazine stand out as much as needed so the background has been made lighter. the fonts changed for more impact and easier to read. Font Colours changed to also make them stand out, and a banner included on the top of the magazine.

From Mrs S

2010-03-16T12:07:00.001Z

Agreed. Much clearer now.

Construction - Front Cover

2010-03-16T11:50:00.000Z

After looking at the last design, it was clear that the text was difficult to read an the page didnt stand out. I have changed the text colour and sticker colour to make it stand out more.

From Mrs S

2010-03-16T11:37:00.001Z

Lookin' good

Construcion - Front Cover

2010-03-16T11:15:00.003Z

I have added two more cover lines so the page is more filled up.

From Mrs S

2010-03-15T12:43:00.001Z

I like your cover, I would suggest you put some more cover lines on it though - it's almost too tasteful!

Construction: Front Cover

2010-03-12T15:25:00.001Z

From Miss D

2010-03-10T13:22:00.001Z

this shows dedication but there is such a thing as too much preparation: Just make the thing!

Planning - Double Page Spread Layout Idea 4 Analysis

2010-03-09T12:19:00.001Z

This idea is about 50/50 in terms of article to images. There are 3 images two to the far left and one in the top left hand quarter of the double page spread. The article is split into columns and there are two quotes which will include bold statements or taboo words to entice the reader to read more of the article. There is a title at the top of the article which will stand out so the reader no what the article is about. There are two banners, one at the top and one at the bottom. The one at the top includes the date, issue number, page number and magazine name. The one at the bottom is the contact information. These banners are included on every page of the magazine except the front cover. I think this is a very good design and it will be tough to choose which layout will be the best option for my magazine.

Planning - Double Page Spread Layout Idea 4 Analysis

2010-03-09T12:17:00.003Z

Planning - Double Page Spread Layout Idea 3 Analysis

2010-03-09T12:10:00.001Z

This idea is similar to the first idea in terms of proportion of the page dedicated to images and article. This time however it’s separated horizontally rather than the natural vertical cut made by the fold in the page. At the top of the page there are 3 images which will be of the person being interviewed. There is a title above the article to make it stand out from the rest of the article. There are two quotes form the article which will be big statements or include taboo words so that the reader will want to read the article further. The article is split into columns and there are two banners. One banner at the top of the page including; the date, issue number, page number and the magazine name. The other at the bottom of the page which has all the contact details. I think this idea looks a little weird though and I don’t think it fits into the look I am going for.

Planning - Double Page Spread Layout Idea 3

2010-03-09T12:08:00.001Z

Planning - Double Page Spread Layout Idea 2 Analysis

2010-03-09T12:07:00.000Z

This double page spread focuses mainly on the content with much more text space and less space given to images. The articles are in columns and there are quotes used which will stand out from the article. These will be big bold statements that will entice the reader to read the article. There is a title that is at the top of the page so it stands out. There are two banners one at the top which includes the date, page and issue number and the magazine name. The other is the contact information. Both are included on every page in the magazine. I think this idea is more interesting than the first idea and is another good layout that the reader would like.

Planning - Double Page Spread Layout Idea 2

2010-03-09T11:54:00.000Z

Planning - Double Page Spread Layout Idea 1 Analysis

2010-03-09T11:53:00.000Z

This idea is simple and fairly common. One page is dedicated to just a large image and a quote from the article. The other page is for the actual article, it’s simple and easy on the eye. There is a banner at the top of the page which goes on throughout the magazine including the date, issue number and magazine name. At the bottom of the page is another banner for the contact information. This too is repeated through out the magazine and will make the reader feel like they can influence some changes they would like to see in the magazine and that their opinions are valued. The article is split into columns an above the article is the title of the article. I think this idea is a good, simple, and easy to look at layout which will show the simplicity of my magazine well.

Planning - Double Page Spread Layout Idea 1

2010-03-09T11:45:00.003Z

Planning - Contents Layout Idea 4 Analysis

2010-03-09T11:45:00.001Z

This is an interesting idea that is quartered. The top left hand corner has the cover article image and it is the largest image on the page to show it is the feature article in this issue of the magazine. The top left hand corner is dedicated to the weekly articles that are the charts and new album releases and a list of concerts. In the bottom left hand corner is the list of feature articles like, only-this-week articles such as artist interviews or an article on a particular recent event. There are page numbers and an explanation to every article title so it can direct the reader to the article they are looking for quickly and easily. The bottom right hand corner has 4 more images from other articles in the magazine and the relevant page number. At the top of the page is the title “contents” so it stands out and is the head of the page. Above this is a banner which includes the date, issue number and magazine name. At the bottom of the page is another banner which includes the web-site address, e-mail address and further contact information. I think this layout at first looks jumbled but the more you look at it, it seems to work. I think it works well and the images do not overwhelm the page. The focus is kept were it is needed but I still think it is interesting and not boring.

Planning - Contents Layout Idea 4

2010-03-09T11:44:00.001Z

From Mrs S

2010-03-09T11:38:00.002Z

Some very good, detailed work here, Sean. Might be a good idea to start actual construction now.

Planning - Contents Layout Idea 3 Analysis

2010-03-09T11:35:00.001Z

This layout is definitely different with 4 images down either side of the page with the text down the centre. The title of the page is at the top of the page so it stands out from the rest of the page. Above this at the very top are two banners one including the date, issue number and magazine name the other with the web-site address, e-mail address and other contact information. This will make the reader feel their opinions are greatly appreciated and feel they can help change certain aspects of the magazine to make it perfect for them. The problem is this layout generally looks just like a mess and not even an organised mess it’s just generally a bad layout. There are 8 images which are far too many and overwhelm the page. For me it just doesn’t work and it doesn’t fit into the look I am trying to go for.

Planning - Contents Layout Idea 3

2010-03-09T11:34:00.001Z

Planning - Contents Layout Idea 2 Analysis

2010-03-09T11:25:00.000Z

This is an interesting contents layout that focuses on images and visual effect to direct the reader through the magazine. Despite the image focus it is still well organised, neat and easy to read. The text is split between the every week articles, like charts and new album releases and a list of concerts, and the feature articles like artist interviews and reports on an event. The title of the page “contents” is at the top of the page where it stands out from the page so it’s a clear heading to the page. Down the left hand side of the page there is a banner which includes the date, issue number and the magazine name. On each of the images is a page number which indicates the page number of the article the image is coming from. I think this is an interesting layout and even though it is well laid out and organised it still feels a little jumbled. I also feel that 7 images may be slightly too many.

Planning - Contents Layout Idea 2

2010-03-05T09:58:00.000Z

Planning - Contents Layout Idea 1 Analysis

2010-03-05T09:39:00.002Z

This is the most traditional layout for a contents page. It's well organised, neat, and easy to look at. It is very important that my contents page layout has these properties as it will be what directs the reader through the magazine, and making it messy will only make the reading of the magazine less enjoyable and more difficult for the reader. It has a banner at the top which includes the date, issue number and magazine name so it is clearly from part of the magazine. There is a banner at the bottom of the page too, which has the web-site adress and email adress. This will show the reader that we care about their opinions and want to know what they think making the whole magazine more personall to the reader. The layout is simple with 3 pictures. 3 is enough to not look bland, but not overwhelm the page either. The articles page number the picture refers to is included on the image to enable quick and easy guidance through the magazine. The list of articles are split into two; the every week sections like charts and new album releases and a list of concerts, the other dedicated to the feautre, only-this-week articles such as artist interviews or an article on a particular recent event. The page numbers and an explanation are included with this again to make it easier for the reader to be guided to the pages they want.

Planning - Contents Layout Idea 1

2010-03-05T09:36:00.000Z

Planning - Front Cover Layout Idea 4 Analysis

2010-03-04T14:55:00.001Z

This front page is focussed around the background image. All the pugs, subtitles and magazine title are out of the way. This makes it easy to see what it’s about but it can also look jumbled and badly organised, though I know it is well organised to fit around the image I have to take into consideration that a possible buyer will not and could see it as cheap and a bit of a mess so it is important if i were to choose this layout that it is done to the best standard possible to avoid a cheap messy look. It will use the colour scheme that I decided on (Black, Blue and White) with the background of the image being black and the text in white and blue.

Planning- Front Cover Layout Idea 4

2010-03-04T14:54:00.002Z

Planning - Front Cover Layout Idea 3 Analysis

2010-03-04T14:53:00.002Z

This Idea has the title down the side rather than at the top with the subheadings reversed and now at the top. The majority of the page is given to the background image with the main article title down at the bottom of the page with a quote, the price and the barcode. I think this is a unique idea that will stand out from the crowd but I think possible buyers might feel confused buy what the magazine is actually offering them. I think it would be better to keep it simply organised for the front page.

Planning - Front Cover Layout Idea 3

2010-03-04T14:42:00.001Z

Planning- Front Cover Layout Idea 2 Analysis

2010-03-04T14:40:00.001Z

This is the most common front cover layout used with the magazine name at the top of the page, the image as the background and information around the side with barcode and price at the bottom. It’s easy to read at a glance and focuses more on content than the branding of the magazine which is what I am aiming for with the magazine. The image will be the background but the title will be behind the person in the image but ahead of the background of the image. It will use the colour scheme that I decided on (Black, Blue and White) with the background of the image being black and the text in white and blue.

Planning- Front Cover Layout Idea 2

2010-03-04T14:38:00.001Z

Planning - Front Cover Layout Idea 1 Analysis

2010-03-04T14:36:00.001Z

This idea has the subheadings at the bottom of the page, with the barcode and price at the top with the title. The image is again the background and the front cover will follow the colour scheme I decided up on (Black, Blue and White). I don’t think this is that easy to read at a glance. I liked the idea of having it different to the usual layout for a front page but now I can see that it would struggle to make the impact I am looking to get. The three pictures just overwhelm the page and make it hard to look at.

Planning - Front Cover Layout Idea 1

2010-03-04T14:20:00.003Z

Planning - Text Fonts

2010-02-25T15:04:00.004Z

Thes are some of the text font styles I have looked at. My text font needs to be easy to read and simple. I have decided Verdana is the most suitable for this and I will use it for the text in the contents and double page spread. It will also be used for the pugs.

Planning - Title Colours

2010-02-24T12:57:00.004Z

Because I am using the a black background to the image on the front cover, I will use either blue, white or both for my title colour here are some examples of colour ideas for my title. I think the final title should be the 3rd from bottom design and colour as I think it is most suitable for the colour scheme and style I am going for.

My colour scheme for the magazine will be on the front cover black background with blue and white text. For the inside pages white background with blue titles and subtitles with black text. It is important my title reflects this colour scheme.

From Miss D

2010-02-24T12:43:00.000Z

Well done Sean some good work here.

Planning - Title Fonts

2010-02-23T12:09:00.004Z

Look at colour schemes in general for your magazine.

Here are 9 font ideas that would all be appropriate for my magazine title. The font I choose will have to be suitable to use behind the front cover image, but be clear and easy to read. It also needs to relte to my R&B/Hip-Hop theme.

The title font I think will be most suitable for my magazine front cover is "Vineta BT" and I will use this font and play around with the colours (The fill clour, outline colour and possibly the glow colour too).

From Mrs S

2010-02-23T12:03:00.001Z

I'm seriously impressed with the amount of work you're putting into this Sean. Keep it up.

Planning - Magazine Name

2010-02-22T13:20:00.003Z

Magazine Name Ideas:

I went to a media class and gave out a list of the ideas I had for my magazine name. The class had 15 students and these are the results I got back.

The Mag - 2 Vote(s)
The Business (Tagline “is the business) - 1 Vote(s)
Muso - 1 Vote(s)
R&B World - 0 Vote(s)
YOU! - 1 Vote(s)
The R&B People - 3 Vote(s)
Da Beat - 6 Vote(s)
Just In - 0 Vote(s)
Rap Star - 1 Vote(s)
Rhythm - 0 Vote(s)

"Da Beat" got the most votes so I will use Da Beat as the name for my magazine.

Planning - Front Page, Contents & Double Page Spread

2010-02-22T12:56:00.003Z

Planning

Front Cover:
I will have one large background image of someone involved with the R&B/Hip-Hop scene. It will be someone new who my target consumer would enjoy reading about. The background of the image will be a dark colour.
My title will be clear and bold but it won’t be the focus of the front cover as I will be looking to sell because of the content of my magazine rather than through the name and reputation. The title colour will be white and it will be a bold font like “Bank Gothic Md BT”.
The text will have to be neat, simple and easy to read like “Arial” “Calibri” and “Verdana” are all suitable text fonts. The text colour will be a light or medium shade of blue.
The bar code and price will be at the bottom of the front cover out of the way and not taking attention from what my magazine is offering. The issue number and date will be included near the title but smaller so the title still grabs the attention.
The language I use will have to be formal but include quotes from articles including taboo words which will create interest in potential buyers.

Contents:
I will have 3 images, one large image taking up most of the page and two smaller images. These images will be used to indicate artists interviewed in the articles. There will be a page number on each picture to direct the reader to that article.
The text will have to be neat, simple and easy to read like “Arial” “Calibri” and “Verdana” are all suitable text fonts. The text will be black to separate it from the titles.
The background colour will be white. So the black and blue writing stands out.
There will be a bar at the top of the page which has the date, issue number and magazine name.
I will have one column which has the title of each page and the page number. Each title will include a little explanation to elaborate on the title. The titles will be in a bold easy to read font in blue so it stands out.
The word “contents” will be the title of the page and will be at the top of page in a bold, simple and easy to read font, in blue so it will stand out from the light background.
There will be a box called “Feature Articles” which will include the names of all the feature articles and there page number. The box will be highlighted black so that it stands out from the rest of the page. All the text in this box will be white.

Double Page Spread:
The double page spread will be split into two. One page will have a medium close up image of the artist being interviewed. The other page will be the article.
At the top of the article page there will be a big bold heading of the article in blue in a font simple and easy to read like “Bank Gothic Md BT”. Underneath it will be a short explanation of the article.
The background of the image and article page will be a white or light colour.
The text will have to be neat, simple and easy to read like “Arial” “Calibri” and “Verdana” are all suitable text fonts. The text will be black to separate it from the titles.
The language will be formal and informative. The quotes will include taboo words and the informal language used so the reader can feel like the artist is talking to them.
Quotes in the article will be written in italics to make them stand out from the other text. I will also use pull quotes from the article.
I will use drop caps to indicate the start of the article.
There will be a bar at the top of the page which has the date, issue number and magazine name.

From Miss D

2010-02-11T14:51:00.000Z

Well done Sean. Get your planning underway and I will look forward to seeing your ideas. I suggest you also summ up very briefly the key things that you will do, almost as a checklist_ i think taht could be a useful way of organising ideas.

What I've Learned

2010-02-10T13:23:00.002Z

The Front Page:
- There should be one large image that is the background of the front-page. It should be large and bold which will grab the attention of a potential purchaser with just a glance. The person should be an R&B artist or someone strongly involved with R&B as that is the genre m magazine will be aiming at. Both magazine front covers I looked at used a mid-shot of the artist so I should use this for my front cover image. It should be a new up-and-coming artist as my questionaire told me people want more about new artists from magazines.
- The colours of the magazine need to be dark colours with a calm accent colour. The font colour needs to stand out and make it easy to read at a glance.
- The magazine name does not have to be big and bold as I will be focussing on content rather than the brand of magazine. I need to make sure the title of the magazine can be read easily however, but there is no need for the title to take up a huge majority of the page as my analysis of the B&S magazine showed me.
- The font of the captions and pugs needs to be simple and bold as that will make it easy to read at a glance for passers by and in that split second entice them to buy the magazine. The language on my magazine front cover also needs to relate to my audience which will be teenage R&B fans.
- I will include some pugs that will relate to possible free gifts, dates and prices to do with the magazine.
- None of the magazines I analysed used a slogan and this was because there was no need as the front cover and magazine title said it all. I will do the same on my magazine and use a title and images that will alone connote what my magazine is about.
- My captions need to be snappy an enticing which will make the buyer feel like there are getting a bargain and something entirely exclusive which they will only find in this one magazine. It needs to say what the buyer will get in this magazine is what they want from the magazine.

The Contents:
- The contents will need to be neat and well organised to make it easy for the reader to find the page they are looking for.
- I need to use easy to read formal language with some quotes with slang in to connote the R&B theme.
- The contents needs to be split into regular, features and cover page article.
- I need to have the page numbers next to each page title and images that relate to the pages. The images should be long shots as the magazines I analysed used long shot for the contents images. In page order.
- The date, issue number and page number need to be included in the on the contents along with the magazine title.
- I should use quotes with the images from the article.
- The font needs to be simple and easy to read, as well as a colour that stands out but that is easy on the eye and easy to read.
- The colours need to be the same as on the magazine cover which means dark colours with a calm accent colour.

The Double Page Spread:
- The artist interviewed has to be someone who will interest my market of teenagers who like R&B. It should be a new up-and-coming artist as my questionaire told me that people would rather read about them.
- I should keep with the colour scheme used for the contents and front cover. I should also have the magazine logo on the page.
- I should have a large image of the artist being interviewed that should take up half a page or a whole page using. But it must be in the same size or size of two columns because it is one of the codes and conventions I saw used in the magazines I analysed.
- There were pull quotes used in the double page spreads I analysed. I will use pull quotes in my double page spread.
- The font needs to be clear and easy to read to make the customer satisfied. The title of the article needs to stand out and be bold and clear
- The language in the double page spreads I analysed was formal and informative, but some of the quotes from artists were using slang. I will do this in my double page spread too.
- The columns all need to be the same size and be clear and easy to read.

Product Placement

2010-02-08T13:30:00.002Z

Music magazines are sold almost anywhere. They’re sold in newsagents, music stores like HMV, supermarkets or even online. There are hundreds of different music magazines that each offer their own ideas and styles. For me the most common place to find music magazines is in supermarkets or newsagents. As technology increases online sales unceasingly replace physical purchase in newsagents and shops. Recently music magazine sales have dropped, NME dropped 27% on sales for the first half of 2009 compared to first half of 2008, it may be because of the fact that all businesses are feeling the effects of the credit crunch or it might be that the contents of the magazine simply does not interest enough people, either way it is very important to make my magazine stand out from all the other magazines but also important that it is sold in the most popular manners with one of the most popular producers to ensure that my magazine proves to be a success. It is also very important that my magazine has exclusive information for its content because with the internet it is easy for people to find out information via the internet for free. Magazines like Q and NME which used to be very popular have declined because of this and the £3.50 price tag. Because much or music magazine sales is done over the internet now it would be advisable to make my magazine friendly to the internet market with specific offers that will appeal to the internet market.
IPC is a magazine producer producing popular music magazine NME, which have been very successful. It would be a good idea to join this producer as my magazine would be promoted with the likes of NME pushing my sales to the maximum potential.

Real Media Artifact - Double Page Spread (2)

2010-02-08T13:29:00.000Z

The image is large and simple and doesn’t overwhelm the double page spread and not taking all the attention away from the article which the reader has bought the magazine for. The colours in the image white and black work with the font colour and background colour which are black and white respectively. Jay-Z is in the centre of the image and it’s a long shot so we can see what he’s wearing; jeans and t-shirt, which shows the article is going to be a laid back, relaxed article.
The title of the article is in a clear bold font that catches the eye of the reader as they flick through the magazine pages. The subtitles pull quotes, questions and drop caps are all in red so they stand out from the rest of the article. It also makes the page more interesting so the reader isn’t overwhelmed by tonnes of boring black text and making them not want to read the article.
The columns are all the same length which conforms to the codes and conventions of double page spreads in magazines. This also makes it easier to read for the reader instead of it looking like one huge essay, it looks like a few columns of text.

Real Medi Artifact - Double Page Spread

2010-02-08T13:18:00.000Z

The image is a clear picture that spreads across both pages as the background to the page. None of the writing obscures the part of the picture with the interviewee in it to tell the reader who this article is about without reading a word.
The title and sub heading are in a clear bold font in a colour that stands out impressively against the darker image behind it.
The articles itself is split into three columns all of equal size which conforms to the code and convention of the column alignment. The main section of the image would also fit into the column which also conforms with the codes and conventions of a double page spread.
Each column has a plain background which is a similar colour to the image behind so it doesn’t stand out, but the text does making it far easier to read for the reader.
The page number and interviewee’s name are on a white band at the top of the page so the reader can find a specific page just by flicking through the pages.
The questions in the interview are in bold unlike the answers which make it easier for the reader to tell between question and answer, again improving the ease of reading for the reader.

Real Media Artifact - Contents (2)

2010-02-08T13:05:00.003Z

The contents page is set out in a clear, simple and easy to read layout. The fonts are bold and simple so they catch the eye of the reader and are easy to read at a glance. The page numbers are a different colour from the title which makes sure they are easily noticeable and won’t be looked over making it an easier read for the reader. All the titles are simple and easy to read without causing great strain of thought making it easier for the reader.

Using the expression; “Exclusive” makes the reader feel they are getting information that they will only get here.

Most of the pictures include a drum which relates with the name of the magazine “drummer”. The other two pictures the people are in the centre of the image showing that page is about them so the reader does not even have to read but can find the page they want through the images.

From Mrs S

2010-02-08T12:44:00.001Z

Your analysis is good, just do the double page spreads then move on. I'm impressed with the amount of effort you're making

Miss D

2010-02-04T17:30:00.001Z

Well done- good analysis, now move on to product placement and then how the research will inform your planning

Real Media Artifact - Contents

2010-02-04T14:54:00.001Z

The content is a simple lay-out and it’s well organised so it’s easy to read and does not overwhelm the page and whoever is reading it. Because the contents is meant to direct the buyer to certain pages it needs to be clear and easy to understand which this magazine does very well.
Splitting the contents into; features, reviews and every month sections means it is easy for the reader to understand and find specific sections they are interested in.
All the sub-titles are short and snappy so the reader can glance through them to find a specific page.
The name of the magazine is shown and the titles or each section are highlighted so there easy to read and clear. The page numbers are all in a different font colour so it stands out clearly and is easier to read.
There are pull quotes and captions used to explain the images. This helps direct the reader to the main features in the issue of the magazine.
Each sub-title has a description underneath to explain them. This makes it clear and easy for the reader to find a topic they would be interested in.
There are very few pictures and because each subtitle is explained it shows that the magazine again is based more up on the content and is probably a higher quality magazine.
The images on the contents page are long shots of the people being interviewed this is so the reader can see who is being interviewed. The people are in the centre of the image which shows they are the main feature of this issue of the magazine.

Real Media Artifact - Front Cover (2)

2010-02-03T12:52:00.000Z

The main image of the front cover is of Janet Jackson who is a popular singer. She takes up most of the front cover and is in the centre. At first glance they eyes are drawn to her. The use of this artist immediately shows the genre the magazine is and will attract fans of the artist to buy the magazine to find out more information about the artist they like. It is a medium shot so that you can see the artist clearly.
The title is bold a clear at the top and centre of the page.
The colour (an orangey red) stands out against the soft tone of the background. This will catch the target markets attention. The pugs are in a bold blue or in the same orange colour as the title this makes it stand out. Using the same orange colour as the title makes the whole page tie together without it looking too busy and putting off a possible buyer. Using different colours for the pugs clearly separates them making them easier to read at a glance making it more likely to attract a possible purchaser who passes by. Some of the pugs have words in a different colour; this highlights them and makes them stand out.
The fonts are clear, simple and easy to read. This means the consumer can read it quickly and easily at a glance which could be the split second difference between the customer buying the magazine and not. The language is really saying the customer is getting a bargain. “Exposed” “First Ever” “Limited” “The Untold Story” these really persuade the customer they’re getting a bargain for there money which will make them more likely to buy it.
The artists mentioned are fairly popular; Janet Jackson, Busta Rhymes, Rihanna, Mario etc. This shows the magazine is aiming at a fairly mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop audience. Again it also shows it’s trying to sell the magazine on content rather than brand but the name of the magazine is far more obvious than the B&S magazine which shows this is a more popular and well known magazine with a fair sized fan base.

MISS D

2010-02-03T12:50:00.003Z

Sean, you have the idea of analysis- now look at how the features of the front cover feed through to the contents and double page spread to create the house style and use the findings to influence the planning. Also, look at institution and product placement.

From Mrs S

2010-02-02T12:08:00.000Z

Good analysis of front cover Sean.

Real Media Artefact - Front Cover

2010-02-02T11:59:00.005Z

The main image is clear and unblocked so the customer can easily see the artist(s) on the cover and influence their decision of buying it or not. The image is of Usher who is a very popular R&B artist. It’s a medium shot which shows his shirt and necklace, which are both cool which connotes the R&B theme. It has been cropped so that the image takes up more of the cover which will give it a bolder impact and will be noticed more so possible buyers will think see it’s usher and want to buy it because they like him and his music and would like to read more about him.
The language on the front cover connotes the R&B theme again and will attract the younger market who will be more interested in R&B. Using "speakin’" is something that is younger generation and will be relating to the R&B style as it’s a R&B way of saying "speaking"
The colours are cool and modern which relates to the modern R&B theme. The pugs are bright red which makes them stand out and make the target market notice the big star names that are in the magazine and make them want to buy it. The black writing is not as bold and is less noticable than the red which suggests what is written in red is more important..
The fonts are all modern and simple making them easy to read at a glance. This can be the split second that makes the consumer notice and then buys the magazine. The font for Usher is different to the other fonts this makes it stand out and be noticed as Usher is the main feature of this particular issue. Across the top is says R&B, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Soul and Jazz. This shows the main genres this magazine will be looking at so consumers can decide if it’s a magazine that they would enjoy reading and find informative to their tastes and preferences. The title is more in the background, this means that it is not the driving feature of the magazine, and that it is aiming to attract buyers through its content not through it’s brand.

From Mrs S

2010-02-01T13:05:00.001Z

I like your analysis Sean, it's detailed and relevant. Watch your timings though, don't fall behind.

Focus Group Questionairre Results Analysis

2010-01-28T14:34:00.005Z

What type(s) of R&B do you like?
80% of the people I asked said that they preferred R&B/Hip-Hop to any other type of R&B. 10% said they preferred R&B/Soul and 10% said they preferred Modern R&B. This tells me the contents of my magazine should focus on R&B/Hip-Hop with small sections on R&B/Soul and Modern R&B.

Who is your favourite R&B artist?
Akon and Ne-Yo came up with 30% each. The other 40% was split between Lil’ Wayne, Brandy, Taio Cruz and Rihanna. All these artists are more mainstream R&B which shows I should aim my magazine to the mainstream side of R&B.

Do you buy R&B magazines? If so which is your favourite R&B magazine? Why/Why not?
Everybody in my focus group questionnaire said they did not buy R&B magazines. One person said it was because they were not interested in reading but everyone else said because they never see them. This shows there is a big gap in the market for an R&B magazine for people to find easily and buy.

What would you prefer to read about in an R&B magazine? (Choose 2)
40% of the people I asked said they would prefer to read about new, up-and-coming artists. 20% said gossip and 20% said interviews. 10% for well known established artists and reviews each. This shows that my magazine should be mainly about new, up-and-coming artists, with sections of gossip and interviews. I should include small sections for reviews and established, well known artists.

Which colours do you prefer for an R&B magazine?
Nobody voted for neutral colours for an R&B magazine, but 50% voted for a dark colour scheme and 40% said a calm colour scheme would be good for an R&B magazine. Only 10% voted for a bright colour scheme. This clearly shows I should have a dark colour scheme with some calm coloured accent colours.

Which of these title fonts do you prefer for an R&B magazine?
Half of the people i asked said they would prefer to have a simple font for the title and 30% said a bold. There was 10% for cartoon and modern. There were no votes for handwriting and normal. This shows a simple bold title font would be by far most popular.

Focus Questionnaire

2010-01-27T13:25:00.003Z

Please fill out this questionnaire with the appropriate answers.

1) What type(s) of R&B do you like?
[] R&B/Soul
[] R&B/Hip-hop
[] Traditional R&B
[] Modern R&B

2) Who is your favourite R&B artist?
..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

3) Do you buy R&B magazines? Yes/No

4) If so which is your favourite R&B magazine?
..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

5) Why/Why not?
..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

6) What would you prefer to read about in an R&B magazine?(Choose 2)
[] New “up-and-coming” artists
[] Established well known artists
[] Gossip
[] Interviews
[] Reviews

7) Which colours do you prefer for an R&B magazine?
[] Dark Colours
[] Bright Colours
[] Calm Colours
[] Neutral Colours

8) Which of these title fonts do you prefer for an R&B magazine?
[] Simple
[] Modern
[] Cartoon
[] Normal
[] Handwriting
[] Bold

Questionnaire Results Analysis

2010-01-27T12:37:00.007Z

Q1) Are you Male or Female?

7/20 of the people I asked were male. Because there were fewer males than females asked this may influence the results of the questionnaire.

Q2) How old are you?

The majority of the people I asked, 14/20, were 21 years of age or under. This could influence my results in regards to the music taste and most of the questionnaire.

Q3) What Genre of music do you prefer?

11/20 people I asked preferred R&B to any other genre of music. 5/20 people said they prefer rock with 4/20 saying Hip-Hop/Rap. This tells me that it will be a good idea to aim my magazine at an R&B market.

4) Do you keep up to date with the music world? And why?

Only 12/20 people said they keep up to date with the music world. The main reason for 40% of the people I asked for not keeping up to date with the music world was not by choice but because they could not find magazines for there favourite genre. This shows there is an interest in the market for music magazines and the majority of people cannot find there favourite genre, which earlier I found to be R&B. This tells me that there is a niche in the market for an R&B magazine.

Q5, 6, 7) Do you buy music magazines?, How often do you buy music magazines?, Why do you buy music magazines?

6/20 people said they do buy music magazines and 5/6 that did said they bought them weekly which shows a weekly magazine would be popular. The reasons for why people bought magazines were because they wanted to keep up to date with the music world and for interviews with artists they liked or were interested in. The people who didn’t buy music magazines mostly said the reason they didn’t was because their favourite genre(s) of music magazine were not available. The most popular genre I found was R&B which tells me that people are looking for R&B magazines but not finding them which tells me it would me advisable to aim at an R&B market.

Q8) where do you buy music magazines?

Of the 6 people who bought music magazines, half bought them from newsagents, a third from music shops (HMV etc.) and 1/6 bought them from supermarkets. This shows that the magazine front cover needs to be very “in-your-face” and bold to stand out from the many other magazines that will be in newsagents and supermarkets.

Q9) what do you think is an appropriate price for a music magazine?

Half of the people I asked said they would think it an acceptable price for a music magazine to be between £2-£3. This shows me it will be a good idea to aim for that price range.

Q10) what do you think of free gifts in the magazine such as free CDs and Online gift vouchers?

Most people said they were a good incentive to buy the magazine but they were more interested in what articles, reviews, artist interviews there would be in the magazine. This shows I should pay more attention content rather than freebies.

Q11) What type of articles do you like to read and why?

The majority of those I asked said they would like to read new album reviews, but everyone said a mixture of interviews with artists, album reviews and gossip. This shows me that I should have a wide variety of articles on different subjects within my chosen genre.

Q12) What type of artists do you like to read about and why?

17/20 people said they would prefer to read about up-and-coming artists to big stars. This shows me the majority of my contents on artists should be about new artists, but for the 3/20 that prefers big stars, I should too include some gossip/interviews with big stars of my chosen genre.

Q13) Do you prefer articles that are long with few pictures, short with lots of pictures or a mixture of both?

17/20 of those people who did my questionnaire said they would prefer a mixture of long and short articles and some middle. 10% of those I asked said they would prefer few pictures and longer articles and just one person said they would prefer short articles with lots of pictures. This shows that most people are looking for a balanced magazine. So it will be a good idea not to go extreme in either way for the articles.

Q14) which colours do you prefer?

9/20 of the people I asked said they would prefer a calm coloured colour scheme, 7/20 said a dark colour scheme would be preferable. It would be a good idea to do a mixed colour scheme of calm and dark colours.

Q15) who is your favourite Artist and why?

I got varied results for favourite artist; the R&B results mainly consisted of Akon, Ne-Yo and Lil’ Wayne. Some of the rock results included 30 Seconds to Mars and Nickelback, the rap results consisted of Kanye West and Kid Cudi.

Q16) would you buy a magazine just because of who is interviewed and why?

16/20 People said yes if it was their favourite or an artist they were interested in. This shows me that who I choose to interview in my magazine is very important because it can influence people to buy the magazine.

Q17) which font do you prefer?

Most people said they prefer the normal fonts to any of the others and would find it the best choice for a music magazine.13/20 people said they would prefer a simple font. This shows me that I should use simplistic fonts in the magazine as the overwhelming majority of people prefer simple fonts.

Questionnaire

2010-01-21T14:32:00.005Z

My General Questionnaire

Please fill out this questionnaire with the appropriate answers.

Are you …
Male
Female

How old are you?
……………………………………………………………………………….....

What genre of music to you prefer?
Hip-Hop/Rap
Pop
R&B
Rock
Classical
Reggae

Do you keep up to date with the music world? And why?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Do you buy music magazines? Yes/No?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

How often do you buy music magazines?
Weekly
Monthly
Every 6 months
Yearly

Why do you buy music magazines?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Where do you buy music magazines?
Music shops (HMV etc.)
Supermarket
Newsagents
Online
Subscription

What do you think is an appropriate price for a music magazine?
Less than £1
£1 - £2
£2 - £3
£4 - £5
More than £5

What do you think of free gifts in the magazine such as free CDs and Online gift vouchers?
…………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………..

What type of articles do you like to read and why? (Interviews with artists, albums, gossip etc.)
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

What type of artists do you like to read about and why? (New up-and-coming artists, big stars etc.)
..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Do you prefer articles that have …
Long articles, few pictures
Short articles, lots of pictures
A mixture of both

Which colours do you prefer?
Dark colours
Bright colours
Calm colours
Neutral colours

Who is your favourite Artist and why?
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………

Would you buy a magazine just because of who is interviewed and why?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Which of the following fonts do you prefer?
Simple Fonts
Fancy Fonts
Handwriting Fonts
Modern Fonts
Normal Fonts

Thank You for Completing This Questionnaire!