Looking at my research, which I conducted using the Internet and sample copies, I was able to distinguish what made a music magazine attract its intended audience. Once choosing my Audience (Teenagers) I then conducted further research to see what appealed to this age group. Once this was completed I had an exceptionally good idea of what my audience wanted.
The layout and design represents that of a common music related magazine. The large image illustrates the main story whilst the text orbiting the image aims to attract and inform the audience of what’s in this week’s issue.
The genre of my publication is ‘Indie’, I believe this ties in with the social groups illustrated within the magazine. People buy magazines as they gain an interest in the specific music or themes the magazine portrays – so it could be said that ‘Indie enthusiasts’ would buy my magazine, so in that sense mine represents the Indie/punk social group. Moreover, the publication represents this specific group as they would wish to be presented. The value and attitudes show through the article on the double page spread and the colours and images used also help to interest and represent the individuality of my audience. This is how I attracted my audience.The media institution which could distribute my product would be either ‘IPC’ or ‘Bauer Media Group’. These two groups distribute the popular ‘NME’ and ‘Kerrang!’ I believe these two magazines mostly represent my publication (Indy and metal).
Here you can see my contents page I believe it also conveys that of a real media product. This is achieved through bright colours, the layout of the page, including relevant signposting, and the design work accomplished using Photoshop.My contents took the least amount of time to complete, (mainly because brushes and an Idea for design was already completed) however an equal amount of effort was put in.
One problem I faced with my contents page was making the text look realistic as it sat around the image. This was hard to achieve as the image didn’t move the text out of the way and people I asked were unsure how to do this. I overcame this problem by moving each line of text manually around the mage until the text sat nicely in place.
My favourite part of the contents page is the title reading ‘CONTENTS PAGE’. This is because the effect created on Photoshop using the brush gives the wording a realistic graffiti look. Overall I am very pleased with my contents page. I feel it suits the other pages incredibly well. If I could change one thing about my contents page, it would be the writing above the image in the middle. I struggled to find a font which reflected an Indie scene, however looking back the font illustrating what’s inside the magazine more than makes up for it.
Feedback
Lian Nuttall
“I love the design work of the whole magazine, it looks like it’s been drawn from a shop shelf. The professional finish only furthers my positive opinion on the overall quality of this product”
Sarah Fox
“My favourite bit is the double paged spread. I like the fact box and the advertisement on the other page looks really good. The colour scheme is attractive and striking, overall, I think it’s excellent.”
Charlie Johnstone
“The magazine looks eye-catching and colourful. I love the use of the brushes and humour created through the syringe in the neck. However I would maybe consider altering the effect on the main model – colours could create more of an impact”.
Overall I am very happy with the feedback on my product. I am pleased with the overall design of my finished product. However, if I were to change one thing, it would be to possibly add a few more pictures to my front page – this could increase the overall interest.
The final stage in the completion of my project was to create a double paged spread. I understood this should take near enough the time it took to complete my front cover. However my time management wasn’t efficient, looking back I would’ve spent a little less time on my cover to compensate for time spent on the double page spread.The final stage in the completion of my project was to create a double paged spread. I understood this should take near enough the time it took to complete my front cover. However my time management wasn’t efficient, looking back I would’ve spent a little less time on my cover to compensate for time spent on the double page spread.
On the left page of my double page spread I designed an interview with a Solo artist (Sam Brooks). I used images taken at a recent concert and chose the most effective image. The story article consisted of a short story illustrating how this young guitar/singer enthusiast went from club to concert in a couple of months.
The design behind the text uses arrows and American themed brushes to create an authentic classic blues theme.(This fits in with the overall theme of the artist.) The page on the right shows a party that is taking place in the next couple of weeks. I gained an idea for an advertisement after I viewed one published in an issue of the NME. I then designed the ‘PARTY EXTREME WEEK’ logo and chose a colour which I believed fitted appropriately.
If, however if I were to change one thing it would be adding more images on the left page. I am happy with my current image, nevertheless a couple more would defiantly give the article greater impact.
Over the process of constructing my product (from preliminary to final product) I have learnt a vast amount with respect to technology and how media products attract their audiences in order to sell their magazines. Photoshop CS3 Extended was difficult to use at first and my preliminary magazine cover exemplified this. However, once I came to grips with the software and had gained an idea of how my magazine would look – I managed to create some striking pieces. One lesson I have learnt when creating magazines/double paged spreads/ contents is the time limit large companies, such as ‘Total Guitar’, have. Although I am not a full time designer I can gain some understanding of how efficient these companies have to be to deliver the magazine on time. The design work, different stories and pictures shown in the publications aren’t fully appreciated unless you’ve sat down and created something, from nothing.