I began the deconstruction of a magazine.

Main Heading.

The main heading is simply 'Madonna'. This is clearly noticeable by its thick corresponding red colour and also by its size. Before readers notice the main heading, they probably notice the main image first which is what the heading relates to. There are a couple of smaller headings either side which say 'All Interview' and 'Stupid Question! Next', these titles and quotes belong to the main heading but are not as visible as the point of the main heading is to gain the immediate attention of viewers and then therefore, the readers will then read the small white headings around it when they become interested.

Sub Headings.

The use of subheadings has doubled then the amount on the first magazine that I deconstructed. There are many sub headings which reference various bands/artists that will probably featured in the magazine, although the headings are small, they are still noticeable due to their bold 'second look' effect which will probably be the next thing people see after the main heading.

The use of colour on the magazine is similar to the main heading and various sub headings; there is a match of colours to effectively allow the writing to stand out and to make the layout visually appealing. Again, the sub-headings are not to create an element of interest. The magazine is a mix of black, white and red which is useful as the magazine is very simple with colours therefore not too colourful which could cause the cover to be confusing or complicated as some readers may want something simple.

Main Image.

The main image of the cover is ‘Madonna’, this is clear to viewers due to the main heading and also by recognition (if audiences do recognise her face). The size of the image also determines the main articles’ topic as it is probably the main visible aspect of the magazine that takes the attention of the public in a shop for example. The effect of the image is also a unique selling point as it is an A-listed singer and this will therefore attract fans. The presentation of the image takes up almost the majority of the space and also takes over the title of the magazine slightly, and also follows the rule of thirds as her eyes match the line approximately a third of the way up the page, this gives the image it’s ‘main’ look.

The effect of the celebrity is that she is looking directly into the camera; therefore there is an immediate connection between viewers of the front page and her (or the article featuring her).

The target audience, in my opinion would be for young adults. This use of colour connotes the theme of ‘indie’ and ‘student’ music. The use of feature bands also applies to this target audience, “Rolling Stones ect.”, however, there is a feature of ‘Girls Aloud and Little Britain’ which could be featured for teenagers, this article argues my opinion as this type of music/tv would be aimed at more of a younger audience due to the fan base they probably have. The magazine could also be aimed at girls due to its free gift and woman feature.

I began the deconstruction of a magazine.

Main Heading.

The main heading; ‘Lily Allen takes on the world’, is situated next to (almost about to cover) the main image. This effect allows readers to associate this title to the main illustration if they are unaware of who the main image is. This then clearly helps readers to understand more about the magazine’s articles and therefore provides a clear reason of purchasing the item. It also stands out clear due its bold, ‘chunky’ effect that is almost distorted in an interesting way to make it seem more interesting and visually appealing and therefore able to attract the eyes of the public to the main feature. Appearance and effects are key into attracting readers as people do ‘judge a book by its cover’. The ‘white on black’ technique makes the heading unique and distinct from the surrounding sub-headings, the ‘less important’ sub headings in terms of detail and features and also distinguishes the topic of the main feature. The black and white effect also keeps the heading plain as the interesting squared shape has its own effect, the use of more colour would either distract this effect or take away the ‘bold’ impression that the black and white present.

Sub Headings.

Although this front cover lacks in many sub-headings, the two shown on the left both share the same effects. The first effect is the size, the two headings are diminutive in terms of font size, this gives viewers the clear effect that they do not play a part in ‘the main feature’ which is Lily Allen. The use of font size used is to connote to readers the other topics featured in the magazine, however not being the main article, it gives readers more interest and more of an insight into what else is featured throughout. Although the size does not suggest the importance of the subject, it is to inform and attract audiences into buying the magazine with a promise that there is more to read about if the public do not take interest in the main feature, (Lily Allen).

The use of colour is similar to the main heading, it has a contrast of colours to effectively allow the writing to stand out. Again, the sub-headings are not the major element of the cover however, the contrasting colours used in the main heading could have been used to improve awareness, the colours used in these sub-headings could also suggest a form of importance however, with the use of a different colour (yellow), we are now able to realise that the headings differ in topic to the main heading as does its colour, or even a form of less significance.

Each heading has also been surrounded by a circle, suggesting it’s some form of importance to viewers as it makes them stand out slightly, rather than just having the words floating around, unable to read, the editor/designer of this cover wants the audience to notice these headings at some point through scanning over the front cover.

Main Image.

The main image of the cover is ‘Lily Allen’, this is clear to viewers due to the main heading and also by recognition (if audiences do recognise her face). The size of the image also determines the main articles’ topic as it is probably the main visible aspect of the magazine that takes the attention of the public in a shop for example. The effect of the image is also a unique selling point as it is an A-listed celebrity/singer and this will therefore attract fans. The presentation of the image takes up almost the majority of the space beneath the magazine title and also follows the rule of thirds as her eyes match the line approximately a third of the way up the page, this gives the image it’s ‘main’ look.

The effect of the celebrity is that she is looking directly into the camera, therefore there is an immediate connection between viewers of the front page and herself (or the article featuring her). The use of clothing of Lily also suggests that the magazine is aimed at students/young adults as the chequered pattern on her shirt is a common style for the age range of around 16-24.

The target audience, in my opinion would be for the age range ‘16-24’ or to be more specific; ‘students’. This is clear due to (as mentioned before) the use of clothing in the main image. The colour of the clothing also ties in well with the colour scheme which is red and black (with minute use of added yellows). This use of colour connotes the theme of ‘indie’ and ‘student’ music. The use of feature bands also applies to this target audience, “The Prodigy…Franz Ferdinand ect.”, however, there is a feature of ‘David Bowie’ who was featured during the 60’s, this article argues my opinion as Bowie would be aimed at more of an older audience due to his era of work.

Researching into elements suitable for my magazine.

In todays lesson, I began to start my [PENCIL + PAPER] second draft magazine (which has not yet been scanned onto the computer), Throughtout designing my last draft, I only designed my layout and where I would like to place my main heading/image etc. however on my second draft, I began to think of a name for my final magazine. I chose the name; 'Musak' as it is aimed at students and the title therefore gives it a 'slang' approach relevant to the age range.

I also began to think of colours suitable for my magazine cover, although I have not yet finished my second draft, I am currently still researching into other famous magazine companies for help and inspiration however not to copy.

Drafts for Music Magazine.

I am now beggining to draft my music magazine in terms of layout. I began using pencil and paper to set out my headings, picture and title ect.

My intentions for the first draft are to choose the layout and to desrcibe the space on the cover. As for my next draft, I will redraw my 1st draft with the use of changes that are needed from my original. I will also begin to add colour descriptions to my 2nd draft.

Constructing a Survey

In todays lesson, we began to construct a questionnaire as part of our research material for our final magazine.

I began by thinking of questions, suitable information that I may need to help me for my final project. My first couple of questions were the basic 'about the survey taker' questions. My first few questions were 'Gender' and 'Age'. This will help me a great amount as I can see the opinions of both genders and also of the age ranges. The information I receive from these questions are vital in creating my own magazine as I can choose what my target audience will be and how their opinions effect their viewing of a magazine.

The next few questions of my choice were becoming to tie in with readers views on the effects of buying magazines. The questions included; 'Favourite genre', 'suitable price range' and 'the effect of music magazines on clothing style'. This information will help me see the audiences views on different types of music and what I should include for my age range.

My final questions were based on why people buy magazines, what they like about the topics inside and what attracts them to a particular magazine. This helps me decide what articles to include in my magazine contents page and even for my double page spread. I hope to print out enough copies of my survey and have them all back, completed and ready to write my conclusions and draw up graphs to help me evaluate my data.

Looking at Music Magazine Covers that we think could be similar to our own.

We searched via the internet looking at front covers of famous magazine in which we like the layout of and that could help create our own. Here is an example of my research. I analysed the cover in terms of colour, layout, size, headings and more. I will hopefully start my magazine soon using this and others as a guide. I will soon, analyse more and also begin creating my own magazine using the codes and conventions I have analysed today.

Deconstructing a Music Magazine.

19th October 2009
Today, we looked at several music magazines in attempt to deconstruct the codes and conventions of them. The magazine I had chosen to do was 'Q' from April 2001. The main image was a member of Aerosmith pointing towards the camera as if to reach out and grab the readers attention. It also gives a clear description of what is inside the magazine itself.
There were no other images on the front cover which could suggest the fact that readers must focus only on the main image. The only main heading was 'AEROSMITH' is giant yellow letters which obviously sets up the main story of the magazine.
There were other headings also that give more information on what is included in the magazine itself.
The only promotional feature of the front cover was a rating of the magazine which was five star. This helps promote the magazine as readers will realise that is a big selling, high rated magazine.
There was a massive range of articles in the magazine that included;
-Mail
-Top 40 Albums
-Gossip
-Strangest Songs
-The rise of Anastacia
-Famous last words ... and more.
The target audience in my opinion is adults, mainly males as most of the adverts inside range from car adverts, to beer, loans and the navy to medicine and men's deodorant.
After deconstrucing the codes and conventions, we began looking at front covers we liked on the Internet.

Music Magazine Research

I have now began working on research for music magazines. With only a bit of time left at the end of the lesson, I managed to have a look at two major music magazine brands which were 'Q' and 'NME'. I am using the montages shown above to compare and contrast, analyse, and also to help gain experience into what is presented on a music magazine. Either in my own time or in the next lesson, I will be researching more magazines and also buying them for my own personal view to help with contents pages and double page spreads. I am focusing on student (target audiences) related magazines, a good exapmle for me to look at is NME. The style and themes of NME inspire my own designs. I like the particular designs.

Finishing the Preliminary

12th October 2009

In the lesson today, i was notified that the target for finishing the premlinary was at the end of the lesson.

After logging on and opening my magazine cover draft, I finished the front cover by adding some sub headings of things included in the magazine. I included things such as college related things such as EMA, University and music. I also tried to include other things that attracts audiences.

After saving my finished front cover draft, i began on my contents page.

For this, I used an over all theme of text messaging using text related fonts and colours. I think this is a suitable idea as it relates to many students and also makes it more interesting for them to read through. I also added pictures of college surroundings and also information related pictures such as 'Bus Times' poster and 'Today's Menu' board as it is a part of (our) college and also gives the impression that the magazine may provide and good amount of information.

Beggining the Practice Magazine!

5th October 2009

During the time allowed to take pictures, I set off out around my college with a camera. In that time,I had taken several picture of various people who agreeded to allow their picture to be taken. As I knew that that we were practicing our student magazine, I thought about the key codes and conventions of a student magazine and my first intinct was to take pictures of students. With others out of the class, I took pictures of various friends and students using the rule of thirds and shot sizes (mid-shot) for my front cover and contents. I also took pictures of various locations around college to help set the theme.

On returning back to class, I uploaded them onto my computer and memory pen. I began a new magazine that I will continue in the upcoming weeks. I used my favourite, and the most suitable photograph and messed around some of the filters on Photoshop to make it look more interesting and professional. After uploading the picture, I began looking and different fonts, colours, shapes and features to begin setting up my front cover using many codes and conventions that I had to think of.

As shown, as of this date, this is what my magazine cover looks like so far. I will continue editing the cover either at home or at the next lesson.

I have learnt more things using the software and hardware featured in todays lesson.

Starting My Student Magazine

28th September 2009.

After setting up my blogger account, I began learning about photoshop, already having previous experience of the programme, I felt confident using it however there were a few new things I learnt that helped such as layers and how to manipulate text and graphics and also how to use tools such as transform and the magnet lasso.

I began making a student magazine using the programme. I browsed the Internet looking for examples of magazines and images suitable for a student based audience (aged approx. 16-21).

Knowing that using Internet images is forbidden for my final draft, I copied an image over to the programme as I had no use of a camera or my own pictures at the present time.

Today's lesson and activity was very helpful with my studies and learning how to progress further in my task. The picture attached is an example of my half finished first attempt of a student magazine.

Last Week (First Media Coursework Lesson)

28th September 2009.

I began looking at what a typical magazine cover looked like and what usually goes on the front cover such as titles, sub-headings, prices, bar codes, dates and other features such as -WIN- articles to attract more readers. This helped as it gave me more information on what to add to my own piece of work. As a class, we also went through some codes and conventions of a music magazine.

After looking at magazine covers, myself and others began taking pictures that would be suitable for a magazine cover using techniques such as 'the rule of thirds' and positioning.

I also began drafting a rough front cover (with pencil) of my own music magazine to begin practice for the real thing. Drafts will help develop ideas and my final piece.