1st Photoshoot Edited Results

Here we go, edited versions from the photoshoot.

Now contains: 4 individual band member shots, likely for use on the double page spread somewhere, the front cover and two images or the contents page.

Front cover (Auto-Tone, Contrast + Colour in Photoshop CS4):



Contents Page Photos: (Saturation up 5%, Auto-Tone, Contrast + Colour in Photoshop CS4)




Individual shots, for double page spread:


(Clone Tool along with healing brush, blur and smudge tool used to cover up tarnished wall with the blue board in Photoshop CS4)

(Auto Tone and Contrast, colour left original in Photoshop CS4)

(Black levels up, clone tool used to eliminate cables, patches on the walls etc, rendered spotlight effect on the subject from top right, Auto-Tone, Contrast and Colour used)

(Crop of original image to focus on Gareth, 75 points of sharpening applied in RAW editor in Photoshop CS4)

Colour Research

I found this chart on the Internet to help me decide which colours to use (i.e. which compliment each other and which clash) as i was having difficulty deciding on what colour scheme to use.

Being an indie based magazine, EP isn't refined to dark colours like a rock magazine would be, or light ones for a Smash Hits! type magazine.

As the red side of the scale is already used for Q magazine, i think i will choose something different to this. Greens and yellows i think are too garish for my magazine and will not stand out well against a colour picture. It is because of this, i think i will go for a blue-themed magazine, perhaps using the occasional clashing colour for emphasis of cover/healines.

Please comment if you have any objections to this, otherwise i will assume everyone happy with my choice :)

1st Photoshoot results:

I have narrowed the photos down to two available for use on the contents page, one available for use somewhere on the double page spread, one for the front cover but currently there are none available for the double page spread yet. I will post again with edited versions which will hopefully look better. :)

Here are my best ones, followed by the alternatives:

Contents page:

Front Cover:

Appearances on Double Page:

And, some others which i don't believe fit the bill as well as the ones i have selected, yet i will post just in case people rock the vote en masse :)

Magazine Names!

Please choose your favourite from these :)

1. MOSH!
2. Underdog
3. Uprising
4. EP (as in new bands single/mini-album they send off to get a record label)
5. Loud!

Circulation Figures

 From the chart, you can see that the rock-based Kerrang! magazine has taken the largest hit in sales recently. It is published more often and so demands a more constant stream of money for the consumer to throw at it, this could be a deciding factor in purchasing or not.

Empire's figures have risen, but that is film-based, so will be discounted for the purposes of my research.

Mojo and Q have taken hits, but not as much as Kerrang, showing that indie and alternatives styles of music magazine are still popular in the public market. This shows that my idea of going toward an indie/alternative audience is a wise one, as the audience is still going strong.

This is from a ABC Press release:

"Q continues to be the UK’s biggest selling music monthly with a circulation of 100,172. Its unrivalled access has allowed it into Bruce Springsteen's inner sanctum, Noel Gallagher's family secrets and U2's make-up box for world-beating exclusives has not only driven newsstand sales of the magazine, but provided complimentary content for Q’s digital offering - qthemusic.com, Q TV and Q Radio. [This further compliments my idea of aiming for this audience, demonstrating a clear strong interest for this type of magazine. This is also monthly and so leaves the market open for a weekly or fortnightly magazine]

MOJO is the second highest selling music monthly after stable-mate Q at 97, 722. From Fleet Foxes to The Who to Nick Drake, MOJO remains dedicated to getting to the heart and soul of music - whether its new, cult or classic.

KERRANG! remains the UK’s best-selling music weekly at 43,253. Changes in market conditions and music consumption have affected sales, but Kerrang! remains committed to serving its passionate rock readership with a weekly dose of news, features and reviews of the weeks hottest, gigs, albums and new music." [This would suggest going for a rock orientated genre music magazine would be a bad idea, as the interest is fading]

The Audience for Q, as stated by the Bauer Media Group, is:

"Open minded experience seekers, the Q audience don’t define themselves by the music they listen to. Music is an important passion, but their love of music will never be to the detriment of their other passions, such as film, sport and comedy."

This is effectively the audience i am aiming for.

Source: http://www.bauermedia.co.uk/Press-Office/News/ABC-Circulation-Figures-January-June-2009/

Audience Research Questionnaire

Please fill out my questionnaire here :)

http://olliescoursework.speedsurvey.com

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2nd Q Contents Page Texual Analysis

As i have decided i will be making a magazine similar to Q's style, i am doing a second analysis of a Q contents page.

Features - The sub-headings of this Features section (the actual "Features" part being white, bold font with a red background to separate it from the identically styled "Every month" section) are black with red page numbers to the left of them to be easily found. Having them in one long column suggests value for money as it is like a big list of content. The same goes for the "Every Month" section, arranged in list fashion with page numbers in red and font in black as above. The "Q Review" section has a small "preview" image of Coldplay and small font, again black with red font for the page numbers. I think having lots of small text squished into this small section indicates lots of information/content within this article and makes it "jam-packed" and good value.

Layout - The layout is fairly linear, with one large column next to a picture, with a little Q Review summary beneath that. At the top there is the usual Q Contents banner taking its place along with issue number and date.

There are also small Q logos/icons in the corners of the pages to maintain a uniformity that "this is Q magazine". There are black backgrounds on the page numbers too, to make them stand out.

Images - there is a large image of Jon Bon Jovi on the right hand side, indicating he is the main selling point in terms of a single artist within this magazine. The appearance of this image changes a part of the layout, with a sub-heading coming out into the picture as it relates to him.

Header/Heading - The "Q" simply has a red background adorned with the usual white Q symbol and a black background and white font for "contents". This is so that it doesn't detract from the actual content of the page.

Colours - Fairly plain here, being a white background, again the important article being adorned with a grey background. The red parts do, again, separate up the sections.

Graphics - There are a few simple thick red lines separating up the sections, but otherwise lacks the "grabbing" techniques (for attention) as seen on front covers.

Text/Image Ratio - This is quite a balanced contents page with the appearance of a small image and a large one taking a lot of real space. The rest of the space is filled with average and small sized text, again further bringing home this idea of lots of content.

Q Content Page Textual Analysis

"Artists of the Century" - This is separated from the rest of the page by having a contrasting grey background. There is a long list of sub-headings with the names of each artist on them (page numbers accompanying them for easy finding) highlighted in red. This both represents the significance of these people and the article as well as showing value for money. There is also a capitalized "PLUS:" in red at the end to further emphasize this point.

Layout - The layout loosely resembles three columns with a header/footer section having its own landscape style. The sections are divided by position, background colour and even images (the double page preview separating Q Review and the Regulars section).

There are also small Q logos/icons in the corners of the pages to maintain a uniformity that "this is Q magazine". There are black backgrounds on the page numbers too, to make them stand out.

Images - There is a small version of the front cover on towards the top right, linking the contents page to the front cover (and to the issue number, highlighted in red font beneath it).  It is also here to link to the content within the page (the grey box has all the information relating to this). There is also a preview of a double page spread to give insight into the magazine.

Header/Heading - The "Q Contents" simply has a red background adorned with the usual white Q symbol and a black font for "contents". This is so that it doesn't detract from the actual content of the page.

Colours - This page has a white background adorned with colours where necessary to attract attention and easily direct readers to where they want to be. The artists on the front cover are within the grey table and the regulars are on a white background, highlighted by red underlines on the headings. The text on the "Q Review", a main feature of the magazine, is shown as important by the red text.

Graphics - There are a few simple thick red lines separating up the sub-headings on the regulars section, but otherwise lacks the "grabbing" techniques (for attention) as seen on front covers.

Text/Image Ratio - This is quite a text heavy contents page, with only a few small images appearing. This could give the impression of lots of content for your money.

Double Page Spread: Michael Yarde's "AMP'D"

I saw this double page spread design on an Internet forums which was designed by a student called Michael Yarde, which looks not too dissimilar from the style of layout i was planning on doing.

Pictures to text ratio: In this spread, there is a near 55/45 split of text to picture.

Font Features: Like in the Q double page spread, there is a quote highlighted by an orange background which is slightly bigger than the rest of the text and stands out as a focus point for readers. This seems to be a prominent feature in many double page spreads and i will likely use this feature too. The first letter of the article is a large font and stands out against a otherwise black background. The headline/title is striking, and white with an orange shadow which stands out against the black background and sets "Michael Yarde" as the clear focus of the article.

Graphics: There is a symbol behind the text, which breaks up the uniform blackness and arguably makes the text more readable . There is also a call out "Artist run down" which is an interesting feature i may consider the use of. The additional pictures look like Polaroids, which in effect helps it stand out, as the white contrasts the black.

Colours: The general colour scheme is very dark, to allow for certain areas to be highlighted by orange - of course, the subject of the image naturally draws attention, being the only lighted thing within the spread. The darkness also adds an air of mystery to the article.

Image: As mentioned above, the image contrasts to the background and intrigues anyone with musical interests. The amplifier also interestingly breaks up the text - it is shaped to fit around it.

Layout: The text here is again split into columns (three this time) positioned next to a full page image. The headline/title also spans most of the page, unlike in Q magazine where it is relatively small in comparison.

Q Magazine Double Page Spread

Pictures to text ratio: In this spread, there is a near 50/50 split of text to picture.

Font Features: The main features of the page are bold (the title "Sugababes" being the obvious example of this) and so are the photographer and author for the article (Nick Wilson and Matt Allen). There are square bullet points to divide up the text into easy-to-digest chunks for the reader, which makes the article more readable. There quote central to the left hand page is also bold and larger than the rest of the text (with the obvious exception of the title, byline and text within the graphic to the top left) which highlights content within the article.

Graphics: There are multiple red "+" symbols under the text to draw attention to it. There are also small Q logos/icons in the corners of the pages to maintain a uniformity that "this is Q magazine". There are black backgrounds on the page numbers too, to make them stand out. In the top left, there is a black square with "A round with" written on it, almost "introducing" the Sugababes.

Colours: A burgundy/red font is used for the bullet points and the band member names within the article, one again, dividing up the text into chunks. It also makes it easy to pinpoint replies from individual members.

Image: The entire right page is taken up by a portrait photo of the sugababes, who are trying to be seductive and look attractive, drawing male attention. They do however draw female attention by being "pretty" role models. The dark, purple/pink colour combinations suggest an air of mystery and has connotations of a sexual nature.

Layout: As afore mentioned, there is a picture taking up the entire right side, with a small caption in the corner. On the other page, however, there are four columns separated by a quote in the middle which nicely breaks up the text and doesn't make it look like a wall of text. Above this, there is a byline/introduction to the article, which is an interesting idea to use that introduces you to the article gently.

Kerrang! Front Cover Textual Analysis'

• Cover Image - There are 4 people appearing on the cover age each from different bands (My Chemical Romance, Bullet for my valentine, Avenged Sevenfold and Blink 182) which overlap the "Kerrang!" masthead at the top as if to imply "There is so much we can barely fit it on the page". This represents value for money along with the rest of the content on the cover, as well as appealing to fans of each band.
• 
  Price Label - Unlike Q magazine's price label, it isn't hidden away in the corner, which could indicate less reason to hide the price of £2.20 as it is much cheaper than Q magazine (it's a weekly magazine, rather than monthly). The cheaper price is less likely to put readers off from buying it.
• 
  Cover lines - The cover lines with band names appearing in the magazine are central to the page, indicating they are one of the main focuses to draw readers in. The names themselves alternate colours (white/yellow-gold) to both separate the bands and contrast in colour to make each one stand out. There are red star graphics that separate bands on the same line as well as provide a source of attraction - stars having connotations with fame and people of interest. The words "Starring:" and "And more..." have red backgrounds to make them stand out, emphasizing "look at what's in our magazine" and for the "And more..." part is self explanatory, it's a boast about the amount of content within the magazine. Further down the page to the right there is larger white font text with a red background - "PLUS!" - which shouts out to the reader that there is lots more to see inside. As before, the band names here are separated by red stars and white/yellow colour. In terms of these cover lines, they consist of lots of band names to attempt to satisfy all possible audiences and draw people in. 

• 
  Colours - The colours on this magazine naturally reflect that of a rock audience, being very dark; mostly black with splashes of yellow and red colour (and of course in the pictures).  Gold has connotations with money, fame, riches etc and so could indicate the magazine is worth a lot for a cheap price tag.
• 
  Graphics - There are three round graphics which look like stickers on the magazine, indicating further content. The "sticker" with "Everything you need to know!" on it has "need" in red to suggest to the reader that it is imperative they buy this magazine. The "sticker" with "NEW interviews" on it has "NEW" in a larger font than "interviews" to advertise that Kerrang! is up to date has things that you perhaps haven't seen yet. It is also white font that contrasts against a red background to draw attention. The final "sticker" is larger than the rest of them, indicating it's importance in comparison. "HOT" is coloured in a fire-like colouring to emphasize just how important and "cool" the posters are. The number "5" is also  bigger than the rest of the font to emphasize the value for money you are getting. The red edges are also made to look like the content is a so "hot" it's burning.

• Headline/Banner - The headline incorporates a large sticker graphic with very large font for "50" which indicates this is the main draw of the magazine as well as it's importance and value for money. It also is white and stands out on the red background. The other part of the headline has slightly smaller font and is in a gold which is lighter than the other gold/yellow colours appearing on the page and stands out as the main draw to the magazine. 
• 
  Masthead - The mast head is onomatopoeia for the sound a guitar makes when strums, which immediately suits its music orientated audience. It also is bold white with scuffs and cracks effects on the text as if it was broken by the volume of some music. This could indicate that the magazine is for those interested in loud rock music.
• 
  Kerrang! is published by the Bauer Media Group, just like Q (perhaps cornering the market with different audiences and genres).
  

2nd Q Magazine Front Cover Analysis

• Cover Image - the positioning of Angus Young on the front cover (in front of the text) puts emphasis on the significance of him both in general but more specifically to this magazine. The fact he overlaps the text shows that he is the main focus for the magazine and the main draw for custom. However, for a new reader who perhaps doesn't know much about Q magazine or doesn't like Angus Young or AC/DC they might be put off buying the magazine for lack of interest.
• Colours - Again, the background is grey/desaturated and like the other issue of Q, suggesting some brand identity. The only colour present in the cover is the red of the masthead and of Angus' clothes, again proving he is the focus of this issue.
• The Headline/Banner is huge and spans nearly half the magazine, being a large bold black font. It is also related to Angus Young is behind him.
• Graphics - At the bottom, there are many small red crosses, these being the only indication of further content within the magazine, sort of saying "and plus lots more".
• Price Label - like the other Q magazine, the font is small and plain black to cleverly detract away from the £3.90 cost of the magazine, allowing the rest of the cover to sell the magazine with the price hidden to avoid it being a deciding factor.
• Cover line - the bold and white large font informs the reader of the new look, as well as implying that everything about this issue is new and improved as more of an incentive to buy the magazine. It doesn't relate to an story, rather for informational purposes.

Q Magazine Front Cover Analysis

• Cover Image - Appeals more to men, as it features Lily Allen wearing very little which naturally appeals more to the male stereotype that is attracted to magazines and media by scantily clad women.

• Price Label - Font is small and plain black to cleverly detract away from the £3.90 cost of the magazine, allowing the rest of the cover to sell the magazine with the price hidden to avoid it being a deciding factor.

• Cover lines - The names of the bands "U2, OASIS" are bold and of a large font to contrast the smaller font on the cover lines which are "less appealing" and involve information about the actual article inside. These draw fans of the bands/those interested in them into the magazine by appealing directly with the bands instead of littering the front cover with too much information. Above "The Stone Roses", which is also bold and of a large font, there is a bright red "Exclusive!" to further advertise that this magazine has this article, no other ones does and that the potential customer should buy the magazine because of this. The exclamation mark also "shouts" this out to the reader.

• Byline - The words "Wicked, Wicked" are bigger than the rest of the byline to and red make it more dangerous and sexual, relating to the picture (panthers = danger and a scantily clad women = sexual) and again appealing to men. The "..." at the end of the byline could also suggest to the reader to use their imagination.

• Colours - The cover image is fairly grey and desaturated, allowing the few colours there are to dominate the attention of the reader, directing them around the cover to the areas of interest the ">" symbols are blue, drawing you to the cover lines which on the other side.

• Graphics - There is a blue rectangular shape to the right of the colour lines, reminiscent of a web pages' scroll bar, which implies there is lots more within the magazine. Instead of "scrolling down" to see the rest you would have to buy the magazine, so this could be a ploy to get people to buy. In the lower section of the magazine cover, there is a "+" symbol in blue, to stand out and advertise the extra articles included in the strap-line. There is a circular graphic with a cover line within it that looks like a stick put onto the cover, to suggest "You're getting this extra with all this other content you will already have". 

• Headline/Banner  - The headline/banner is large and bold, and uses black font for "Lily" and white font "Allen", perhaps letting her name speak for itself, as her appearing on the front cover like she is could be considered a large enough draw to the magazine without need for bright colours to capture attention. As well as this, it contrasts to the red colours used for the danger/sex element and could show there is a serious side to Lily as well. The words "Wicked, Wicked" are bigger than the rest of the smaller text appearing in the headline and red to make it more dangerous and sexual, relating to the picture (panthers = danger and a scantily clad woman = sexual) and again appealing to men. The "..." at the end of the byline could also suggest to the reader to use their imagination.

• Strap line - The strap line has a black background surrounding it so that the white stands out on the background. The black and white fits in with the general theme of the magazine and the two forward slashes ("//) separating the articles do the same as the colours used elsewhere and indicate importance/interesting things within them. 

• Masthead - As with all Q magazines, the Q masthead is a bright red and bold background with a single white Q in the middle with the tag line "a different take on music". This contrasts with the desaturated/grey photo with little colour on it, advertising the magazine's name itself.

• Q is published by The Bauer Media Group

Action Plan

Week 1

1. Project Brief
2. Write up my action plan on blog (this!)
3. Textual Analysis of front cover 1 of 3
4. Textual Analysis of front cover 2 of 3

Week 2

1. Textual Analysis of front cover 3 of 3
   
2. Textual Analysis of contents page 1 of 2
3. Textual Analysis of contents page 2 of 2
4. Textual Analysis of double page spread 1 of 2

Week 3

1. Textual Analysis of double page spread 2 of 2
   
2. Circulation Figures
3. Audience Research (Multiple themed Questionnaires)
4. Internet Research

Week 4

1. Colour and font research
   
2. Finish up Contents page analysis'
3. Finish up Front Cover analysis'
4. Finish up Double Page Spread analysis'

Week 5

1. Start drafting front cover designs
   
2. Finish any incomplete research

Week 6

1. Decide what double page spread will be on
   
2. Organise and carry out photoshoot
3. Continue to improve front cover

Week 7 

1. Write front page article
   
2. Draft designs for double page spread

Week 8

1. Upload final draft of front cover for audience feedback
   
2. Upload improved double page spread for audience feedback.
3. Attempt to finish Double page spread

Week 9

1. Finalise everything and submit for audience feedback
2. Make adjustments accordingly and re-upload

Week 10

1. Evaluation questions
   

Music Magazine/Main Task Brief

For my main task i must:

• Create a front page, contents and double page spread of a new music magazine
• Use all my own images/photos
• All text must be original and produced by me
• Use a minimum of four images within the magazine
• Carry out appropriate research and planning
• Produce a thorough evaluation of my work

Pre-Lim Finished! On to the Main task.

This is just an update saying that now I've finished my student magazine i will now move on to my music magazine/main task.

:)