Note to Moderator

Dear Moderator,
In my blog, I have fulfilled the brief by posting my front cover, contents page and double page spread, this is also alongside my drafts and 7 evaluation questions. I hope you enjoy my blog.

I have 64 research and planning posts and the rest are drafts, final pages and my answers to the evaluation questions. In total I have 74 posts.

Thankyou.

Finished pages

Q7) Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

When completing my preliminary task, I had a very limited knowledge about all aspects of technology and what really made a good magazine. I have learnt that my ideas may not be the right ones, and that Target Audience Research is very important as this determines whether people will be attracted to, and will buy the media product that I have created.

The use of Photoshop elements 11 has also challenged me as the final magazine pages required a lot more detailed knowledge and technological influence. I was able to gain knowledge when completing my music magazine with help from my peers and teachers and also through the use of trail and improvement.

The skills that have improved have allowed me to include things such a gradients, puffs, pugs, banners, different shapes with a variation of transparency, text, and also to find shapes that can be modified to the way in which I want them to be used.

My creativity has improved drastically between these two tasks and I have become a lot more open minded about the ideas and layouts that may look best on certain pages. For example, I was going to use a particular image for the background on my Double Page Spread but after completing research I figured that a brighter, more colourful image would be more appropriate as it would create a happier and positive image when just glancing at the page as the other image was dull and contained many greys.

I learnt that when asking my model to pose, it was more successful when they were looking into the camera and this created synthetic personalisation between my media product and the reader, which is also known as a false relationship. This also engages the reader and, in a way, makes the magazine more personal to them.
This supports Mulvey's male gaze effect theory.


Furthermore, I learnt that maybe the brighter colours were not always the most appealing images to use in a front cover, as the green font used on my preliminary task looked "tacky and childish". This then led me to use deeper colours like red and blue as they are still bright colours, but not too bright to look unprofessional.

It doesn't have to be big to stand out. I realised this when researching strap lines and mastheads. The strap line on my preliminary task was too big although I didn't realise this at the time. In addition, it is better looking when a contrasting colour to the masthead, which I also found when making my final music magazine compared to the lack of knowledge I had when making the College magazine in the preliminary task.


In addition, I have learnt that although this has been a challenging task, the outcome can only be positive as if things went wrong, I was always able to correct them through the use of different tools and methods. For example, when the vignette on my front cover deleted all of my layers (because of lack of knowledge), I had to start my front cover from scratch, only to find that a red background looked more appealing and suited the magazine much more. This is when the house style first arose.

Q6) What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

I have created this word cloud to show some of the many things which I have learnt about technologies and certain tools within Adobe Elements 11. Many of the skills and tools included in my word cloud were unknown to me during the Preliminary task.

For example, the removal of the background was a skill that I learnt when using trail and improvement during the creation of my front cover. This allowed me to wrap text around images and I was able to use this on all 3 of my pages (front cover, contents and DPS). This improved my pages drastically as it changed it from looking basic to looking more developed and professional.

To remove my background I learnt that the eraser on Photoshop Element 11 can be changed to a Background eraser. I used this the remove the big parts of my background like the corners. So that all the background was removed I increased the tolerance to 100%. For the other parts of the image, (for example, around the hair), I used a different tool which is the Quick Selection Tool - The Magic Wand.

This tool selects all of the same colour so was used to remove the rest of the background. 

From the preliminary task, I learnt many different skills on Photoshop Elements 11. However, I also learnt a lot about the camera's I used for all of my photoshoots. I was taught that the white square had to within the body of the model so that the image focused properly.

Q4) Who would be the audience for your media product? Q5) How did you attract/ address your audience?

Q3) What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?

I think that the right institution for my Indie Music magazine would be Time Inc UK who own IPC Media.

I researched this institution and found that they only own one music orientated magazine - NME  - which does not focus on one specific genre. I think that my magazine would be perfect for this company as my media product only focused on the indie and indie rock genre.

Also, the success of the NME magazine shows that this company have the ability to make a magazine be consumed digitally too - which the QR Code and sites on my magazine represent. 

Furthermore, I looked at the NME magazine front cover and saw that their simple - yet affective - colour scheme and house style is very apparent
, this is very similar to my magazine which may mean that the institution would like it as it looks professional and very realistic.

NME magazine was the first magazine to ever feature in a singles chart which also shows ambition from the publishing company, which is another reason I wish for my magazine to belong to this company.
Lastly, I think that IPC Media would be the best institution for my magazine because I used features that have been used previously in magazines published over the IPC Media umbrella. Also, this institution does have a gap in the market for an indie rock magazine although they already have indie magazines.

Q2) How does your media product represent particular social groups?

Q1) In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products.

The conventions I followed and why:
Front Cover:
I have followed the stereotypical representation of the masthead taking up 1/6th of the page which is seen in nearly all indie music magazines. I have done this so that the masthead "UNSIGNED" will visibly stand out when placed on a shelf.

I have also added puffs which is also a stereotypical convention of these genre magazines. The puff I have added follows my house style colours so that synergy is created throughout my magazine.

Furthermore, the image of 'SFNH' that is placed on my front cover follows conventions as all models are looking into the camera which represents a relationship between the band members, the magazine company and   the readers/audience. 

On my front cover, I added a QR Code which links in with the Instagram, Twitter and website which I have included on my contents page. This follows conventions as it is seen in nearly all magazines when I completed my research. In addition, I added these so that it appeals to the younger target audience. 

Contents Page:
I created a Double page contents page instead of just one page as this is was what I found appeared most in my planning and research. I also added columns to make the structure and layout formal and professional. The images I added appeal both to boys and girls which also appeared relevant in my research and planning stage of making my media product. 

Also on my contents page, I added a separate box which overlapped the border around my page which added emphasis to that cover story. I put this on a slant alongside the images inside it as this was a convention which I found. 

The page numbers on my contents page were placed in circles which varied in size dependent on the cover story. This was another convention I found - especially in the Q Magazines. 



DPS:
On my DPS, I used very small text which seemed to be on every DPS that I looked at. I also found that when researching other magazines, a colourful and vibrant image was used so I therefore used the image that I took at a park in Barton. This also incorporated the colour red which created synergy throughout my magazine pages as this followed the house style that I created.

I also created a vertical banner on my DPS as I saw many magazines which used these. This added a separate focus to the DPS for the reader. In addition, this allowed the "Free Download" to be noticeable and contrast a lot more against the banner - it would not have contrasted well on the background of the original image.

Pull quotes were also used on my DPS as this was noticeable in every magazine I have ever looked at. It is a feature which appears in every magazine so I thought it would be a big mistake to not follow this convention. I therefore added two pull quotes in boxes which also followed the colour of my housestyle (Red, blue, black and white). This also creates synergy throughout my magazine and allowed the pages to link together.

The conventions I challenged and why:
Front Cover:
Contents Page:
DPS:

The conventions I developed and why:
Front Cover:
On my front cover I included a strap-line just underneath my masthead saying "The Best Indie Rock Bands". This developed conventions because not many magazines I researched contained these. However, I thought that this would be appropriate for my magazine because whilst I was making it, I thought that my pages connoted the "rock" genre slightly, so I developed this into making my magazine an "indie rock" music magazine. Which still fits under the "indie" genre umbrella. 

Contents Page:

DPS:

DPS - Draft 3

I have added a puff onto the corner and I think that it fills the space well. I have also changed the image as it now looks more suitable to the TA.

To finalise this page, I am going to proof read my spelling and adjust the layout slightly.

DPS - Draft 2

As a result of my previous draft looking dull, I have incorporated red which also follows my house style.
However, the page looks unfinished so I will need to either change the layout or add a puff to the right hand side to fill the space.
I will also need to sort out the blue text as it looks random and misplaced.

DPS - Draft 1

This is the finished first draft of my DPS. I think that although I like the image, it makes the page look dull.
Also, I am going to need to add something onto the right hand side as it is bare and looks very basic.

Contents Page - Draft 2

This is the second draft of my contents page, I have added found images which makes it look professional.
I still need to add page numbers and then recreate this with images of my own.
Alongside this, I will change the cover stories on my front cover so that they match.
I have tried to incorporate red into this draft so that synergy is created throughout my magazine.

Contents Page - Draft 1

This is the first draft of my contents page.
I used found images so that I could compare my magazine to ones already made like 'Q' and 'NME'. I will then try to recreate this when I am at the final stages of production.

Front Cover - Draft 3

This is draft 3 of my front cover. It is nearly finished, however, I need to check my spelling and write the details about the cover stories.
I do not think my masthead looks right so I am going to change this so it fits better on the page.
I also need to add the barcode, QR code and price.

Front Cover - Draft 2

This is my second draft for my front cover. I have tried to incorporate another colour - red - so that it would not look too dark on a shelf. However, the cover story about SFNH still looks basic so this will need improving.

Front Cover - draft 1

This was the first draft of my front cover, although one image was missing as that photo shoot took place after this draft was saved.

I think that the models were too small on the front cover meaning that they did not have a major impact on the audience, which would not suit the TA at all. Also, the colours on this page were all dark meaning that it looked dull and no bright or vibrant colours would attract the attention of the readers/audience.

Also, the glow around the word "Exclusive" looks unprofessional and very basic, it does not look advanced enough as of yet to be worth the price of £3.45.

Photoshoot Plan 2

I am going to take a few images of another model, Sarah Tear, at a chicken farm. This location was chosen in my survey and although I do not think it will look very appealing to the audience, I have to take in to consideration the things that my TA want to see in my magazine.

Date: Unknown, it shall be taken when both of us are free as the chicken farm is close to out Sixth Form College.
Location: Chicken farm, Brigg.
Props: None
Costume: Casual, black jeans and a coat as the image will be taken outdoors.
Make up: Casual everyday make up.

Selection and Rejection from Photoshoot 1

Selection & Rejection - Photoshoot 1 from kayleysalter

Slidely of Favourite Images from the shoot

Kayley Salter's Slidely by Slidely Slideshow

I created a Slidely of all the images that I liked from the shoot.

Indie magazine research

Slidely of All Images

Kayley Salter's Slidely by Slidely Slideshow

I have created this slidely with all of the images that I took at the photo shoot. It contains 85 images although I took 119. I had to delete the other pictures because they were blurry and not suitable for my magazine.

Plan for the Next TA Survey

I am going to conduct another survey which will also be a paper survey.
I am going to try and ask as many people as I can as the masthead font is a very important part of the magazine as it may be the first thing people notice. I have used a black font on my survey as this is the colour that I am using for my masthead as part of my colour scheme.

These are the fonts that I am going to put on my Paper Survey:

Target Audience Research - Name of magazine

I created a Paper Survey which I gave to 25 people in and out of my Sixth Form College.

The layout of my survey was as follows:

I am creating an Indie Magazine for people aged 16 - 20.
What would you call the magazine?

Hip                     II
D3                      I
Unique               IIIIII
Unsigned           IIIIIIIIII
Dependant         IIIII
IDE
Monotone          I

These results show that "Unsigned" was the most popular masthead so I will definitely use it for my magazine.

Slidely of Images that i like

Kayley Salter's Slidely by Slidely Slideshow

I created this Slidely to show images that I may recreate for my double page spread. I like that way that they are all unique and are taken in a variety of locations.

Target Audience Research Survey

I carried out a questionnaire which I printed out and gave to students around Sixth Form, I also gave this paper survey to people aged 16-20 that I knew out of College. 70 people were asked altogether (both genders, and a range of ages), I think that this was a good sample of people to ask.
The were results were as follows:

I am making a new Indie Rock magazine. I have included a few ideas and for the Target Audience Research I need the opinions of possible readers. Please complete the following questionnaire. (It is all anonymous and any further comments will be appreciated.)

1. For the front cover of my magazine, a distinct colour scheme is needed. What colours do you think should be included?
- Red, Green and White: 0
- Blue, Black and White: 21
- Pink, Blue and Black: 1
- Pink, Blue and White: 2
- Light Blue, Dark Blue and White: 4
- Monochrome: 15
- Red, Blue and White: 27

2. On my front cover, should I include an artist on their own (male or female singer) or a band?
a) A single artist: 28
b) A band: 42

3. Depending on your answer for Question 2; if you put "a" then should I include a male or female artist? And if you chose part B, a female, male or mixed group?
a) - Male: 19
    - Female: 9

b) - Male: 18
    - Female: 10
    - Mixed: 14

4. Should a "Win" article be included?
- Yes: 52
- No: 18

5. On an indie magazine, the masthead normally takes up 1/6th of the front page. What colour do you think this should be?
- Black: 36
- Red: 7
- White: 14
- Blue: 13

6. For the images throughout my magazine, where would be the best location for some images? (Although you may like more than one, only choose one answer as I will use the top three)
- Chicken Farm: 14
- Studio shots: 13
- Cafe: 10
- The Humber Bridge: 17
- Park: 0
- Inside a car: 3
- Music Studio: 9
- Car garage: 0
- Graveyard: 4
- Local Pub (at the bar): 0
- Open field: 0

7. Should be contents page be on one side of A4 (Single page) or 2 sides (Double page)?
- Single: 23
- Double: 47

8. How many pages should my magazine cover (and will be shown through the page numbers on my Contents page).
- 50 to 75: 2
- 75 to 100: 14
- 100 to 125: 20
- 125+: 34


Lastly, how do you consume (read) magazines?
- Buy and read print: 34
or
- Online (tablet/mobile): 36


Thank you.

Evaluation of Photo Shoot & What I Will Do Next.

My photo shoot went well. I thought that it would be hard to get all 4 models to all look good at the same time.
My models were all nervous to begin with but as the shoot went on they relaxed a lot more and followed my instructions well.

During the photo shoot I also took some pictures of Sarah holding an acoustic guitar which I will use for my contents page.
I am planning to meet Sarah at my house so that I can take pictures of her in front of my Log Cabin which will add obscurity to the locations I use for my models.

I am also planning to meet the 4 boys in Barton and on the Humber Bridge so I can take some more pictures at different locations. I am going to find out when they are free so that I can plan when this next photo shoot will be.

Photo Collage

I made a collage of images that I think would look good on my DPS and Contents Page. I like the way that they have all been edited to Black and White or Sepia.

This has influenced my creative ideas because I now want to use different edits for the images I use as it looks professional and will suit the Indie Music Genre.

Photo Shoot Plan 1

Planning the Photoshoot
Front Cover, contents page of DPS?
Front Cover and DPS.

Date and Time of Shoot?
14th November, 9am - 10am.

Does the picture need to be portrait or landscape?
Portrait for the Front Cover. A range will be taken for the DPS as I am not certain on the layout yet.

Location & Background?
Drama studio - white background

Models?
Liam Noonan, Joe Stothard, Phil Hewitt & Connor Frank.

Costume? (What is your model(s) wearing? Includes footwear/jewellery) Including change.
Black or dark blue/navy t-shirt or shirt.
Dark denim or black jeans.
Any casual trainers (e.g. Nike Air Force 1)

Make up and hair style?
No make up will be used.
Connor: hat
Phil: ponytail
Liam & Joe: normal hair style

Props needed?
Guitar, Microphone, Drumsticks.

Type of shot?
I will take a range of long shots and medium long shots with a few mid close ups of guitars that I could potentially use for smaller images on the DPS.

Lighting?
Artificial lighting.

Name of photographer?
Kayley Salter

Assistant?
Sarah Tear

Equipment Checklist.
Charged battery.
Empty memory card in camera.
Lights.
Reflectors.
Tripod.
Camera.
Backdrop.

Organisation of Models

Photo Shoot 1 will take place at The Vale Academy Drama Studio at 9am. I have organised 4 models to come from 20 minutes away to do the shoot. I have also asked Sarah Tear to be my photo shoot assistant. (I may ask her to hold reflectors or change props).

TA Research - Choosing a Colour Scheme

I created a paper survey to ask people what the best colour scheme should be for my indie magazine, I also asked 2 boys and 2 girls - at random - what they thought about the colour schemes which gives my qualitative reasons that I can use in my pitch. (I did not know what they had picked before I asked them so it was not biased towards a certain colour scheme).

My survey was as follows:

1. Red, Blue and Black: 7 Votes

2. Blue, Black and White: 12 Votes

3. Red, Blue and Yellow: 1 Vote

4. Blue, Pink and Black: 6 Votes

5. Yellow, Pink and Black: 1 Vote

6. White, Red and Blue: 3 Votes

Person 1 - Female:
"I think that the Yellow and Pink and Black colour scheme would look a bit too girly on the magazine so won't appeal to boys. The Red, White and Blue would look good but this could limit your audience to just British people as they are patriotic colours when together. I was stuck between the other colour schemes because I think that they will all look good but in the end I chose Blue, Pink and Black because it appeals to both genders and will pop out of the shelf in a shop if you like."

Person 2 - Male:
"I love the idea of having a White, Red and Blue magazine but I don't think it would look like an indie magazine which is a shame! I chose Red, Blue and Yellow because the colours are eye catching and bright."

Person 3 - Female:
"I don't think colour schemes 3, 5 or 6 will look good for an indie magazine and I read them regularly! A more simple colour scheme is needed which is why I picked colour scheme 2, Blue, Black and White because that colour scheme appeals to the genre and would likely make me want to pick the magazine up. Who says girls can't like blue?"

Person 4 - Male:
"I chose Blue, Black and White because it would look fab on a magazine, especially for people of our age (18). It would look good as well if you used different shades of blue because it would add depth and using shadows would be good too. The other colour schemes when I imagined them just didn't seem to look that good."


This does adhere with the stereotypical representations and conventions used within the existing Indie Music Magazines. (Masthead often in red, blue or green. Colours used are pink and blue - appeals to both genders. Font colours are usually white, blue, black or pink).

This has influenced my creative ideas because I now know that I am using a Blue, Black and White colour scheme. I think that the blue will be used for some of my text and I will use black for the masthead although if I am unsure later on I will conduct another survey.