1.

In what ways does your media product use, develop

or challenge forms and conventions of real media
products? (i.e. of music magazines)

rcepting underneath the Y in ASY. This I had not seen in any other music magazines however I felt that it worked within the indie genre as it enhanc

The fonts across my magazine provide the reader with a glimpse of styles and personalities
to explore. I believe although they differ slightly they work well in contrast to create
independent pages and stand out making each one grow an identity within the magazine
pages. Fonts used were Tw Cen MT, Orator Std Microsoft Phags Pa and Calibri. From
looking at conventional font designs I decided to experiment with spacing of letters within
the layout for example its album time and exclusive on the front page are spaced
noticeably different to create a contrast within the strap line information, this was drawn
from the DIY November edition. Colours were another key feature which took a large
proportion of my planning research time, as I wanted to portray a contrasting

combination, which I did with white, black, dark red, with a splash of blue. I also made
sure I incorporated a colour onto my double page spread so that it could has its own brand
mark within the contents titles, because it was my front cover image.

The graphology layout of my magazine is something that I really paid attention to the
most. I have a very critical eye on my work and I was able to criticise my work to the point
that I can see every flaw with it and I was aware of how I was styling my magazine. I tried
to keep the layout fairly minimalistic because when looking at magazines such as DIY and
Loud and Quiet, I found that they didn't really exaggerate the layout too much and I feel
as though this is something that I have done to conform to conventions of real magazine
publications. I hope that through sticking to this type of style, using a selection of key
fonts and a consistent colour palette I have shown that myself and my magazine are
creditable, respected and imaginative members of the music market community.
Costume props and iconography were also a key influence on my magazine genre and how I
wanted my overall theme to be portrayed to the audience. From my research and planning
I particularly thought the photographers Tony Kelly and Juergen Teller styles were the best
representations of my type of artists and fans, including bright colours and patterns which
were a big part of the fashion list. Therefore I made sure when planning my photo shoots,

I used a range of these items, including big dark black glasses, some bubbles which
allowed me to catch the purple luminosity glow inside them and style them with a good
clash of patterns and colours.

Camera shots and framing also had to show a clear variation in short distance, positioning
and expressions; therefore I picked out images I wanted to re-create and used them to
inspire my genre and theme. Many of my images follow conventional music magazine
shots, however for example, I incorporated the mise en scene of bubbles into my girl duo
band shot to challenge the typical central focus eye line shot. I used two shots, medium
shot and close ups to capture a range of emotions and hierarchy positioning, allowing me
to show a range of developed photography skills which I later then edited and enhanced
through Photoshop to further push my capability.

2. How does your media group represent particular social groups?

During the research and planning stages of producing my media product, the audience
research was a very important part of it, including the designing of my typical targeted
audience profile which my music magazine brand style would appeal too and match with.
In my case this was the indie/alternative and partly rock social groups. Understanding
what certain social group has given me a clear vision of what type of audience will
purchase my magazine and what they are looking for in terms of style, personality and
content. Through identifying this it has made my decision process quick when deciding
how to style my artists and how the magazine will resemble their preferences. I carried
out part of my research on a site called UK Tribes, this website has a vast range of social
groups represented within the youth society. A particular quirky and bold category which
caught my attention was the Leading Edge which focused on the new and now. This
developed within a sub category called Indie Scenesters who are the explorers, holding a
passion for music, fashion and the individuality trends of each member. This group became
my main targeted social group from UK Tribes and works perfects within the
indie/alternative genre. The website sums Indie Scenesters as those who spend hours
trawling through records, music goes with their fingers at the pulse of the current artists.
It also explains their way of operating in society in comparison to others, Setting
themselves apart by creating new trends by co-opting fashion and music from across the
Tribal map and blending it with their own individual attitudes. Ever difficult to pin down,
they move at lightning speed through youth culture moving onto whats next before it
has a chance to become now.

From this research I think that my magazine will have to feature non-mainstream artists
whos style is unusual and makes a statement, this will include a combination of groups
and solo artists that are upcoming in the music industry. My magazine will need to be
offered online and by print as from my research I know that my targeted audience check
these for news on upcoming gigs, venues, events and interviews. Alongside this I will need
to make sure my band are just like the social group, similar clothing and grooming style. I
have chosen my artists for a band called One Way Ticket which is made up of three
members, Amelia, James and Lily. All three of them often wear bold bright clothes which
include patterns and stripes, and outside have an obsession with big fur coats to add to
their different look. All of this represents my social group which I have researched and will
allow my magazine to stand out and attract the targeted audience. My artists are all aged
between 19 - 21 years, this successfully follows my audience who are aged 16-25 years
old. I am comparing my band One Way Ticket to a very similar indie/alternative band
called Bastille who originally evolved from a solo artist Dan Smith.
Below I have found similar styling pictures of the band Bastille and compared them to my
band design. Although Bastille is made up of 4 males I wanted to take their quirky
individual styles and combine them with my own bright contrasting colours to produce
One Way Ticket made up of 2 females and 1 male. This band is not mainstream instead
offer a a mix of instrumental sounds and fresh modern rhythm and beat. The left hand
side comparison shows Bastille wearing fabric coats which I re created using a similar
forest green tone for the male whilst incorporating a light mix of tones for the females
coats. Scarfs and fur features also added to the indie social group look. On the right I have
focused on adding a splash of pattern to the picture like the one above and using a
predominant colour, which was yellow. These kinds of clothes would be hard to find on the
mainstream high street and would be from small stores and online shops featuring brands
like Cheap Mondays, Rough Trade and Converse. I have also represented my social group
within my double page spread article and other images of my artists within my media
product, such as a solo male artist called Spring King and the female duo Formality
Spectrum.

3. What kind of media institution might distribute your media

product and why?

Publishing is the process of production and distribution of literature, music or information

to the general public audience. There are many distribution/ publishing companies out
there within the media industry such as Bauer Media Group which is a European-based
media company, headquartered in Hamburg, Germany that manages a portfolio of more
than 600 magazines, over 400 digital products and 50 radios and YV stations around the
world. Time Inc is one of the world. Others include Meredith and Sonic Media Group. One
which stood out for me was the company called IPC Media (International Publishing
Company) which I think would be appropriate to use as it is very reputable and successful.
It is one of the worlds leading media companies, with a monthly global print audience of
over 120 million and worldwide digital properties that attract more than 120 million
visitors each month, including over 50 websites. IPC Media already publishes magazines

that fit my targeted audience such as NME a well known British music journalism magazine
published since 1949, which is largely associated with rock, alternative and indie music.
Others include NUTS which was a very successful British lads leisure magazine published
weekly and sold every Tuesday. The money for production and publishing of my magazine
ASY would be funded from the advertisement and promotion of internal and external
companies and events, this would include many indie rock/alternative festivals like St.
Jeromes Laneway festival in Singapore or Green Man in Brecon Beacons in the UK. I would
charge these companies a sum of money to have a certain space within the magazine
depending on its size and appearance/location within the magazine, allowing them to
promote their events to my targeted audience. This would effectively benefit the paying
company as they are able to access a larger UK audience through the magazine prints and
online editions, whilst also covering my printing and publishing costs and allowing myself
to create a small profit margin will over time will increase through growth, popularity and
success.
I was inspired to use internal/external advertisement and promotion as a way of attracting
my production company by looking as a range of other magazine producers such as Loud
and Quiet, DIY, Clash and Q. They offered a similar sized magazine which was structured in
the same way to how mine would look, including a range of advertisements and
promotions in-between articles and interviews. From this I understood IPC Media would be
the most suitable institution for my product as it offers a wide range of experience and
contacts within the publishing and distribution of similar indie magazines. They also hold
knowledge and skills which my related magazine design, topics and genres would use,
allowing IPC Media to benefit my music magazine through entering the music market.
Inspiration will also be influenced by the publisher when looking at designing and selling
my magazine, and key skills will be highlighted and used when considering where to
distribute, in what proportion and size to distribute and many other factors.

4. Who would be the audience for your media product?

After conducting my research into the targeted audience for my indie rock/alternative
music magazine i came to the conclusion that my target audience would be aged between
16-25 years old who are both male and female. I think that this age range is very
appropriate and suitable to target within, as my magazine offers a range of new upcoming
artists with produce quirky fresh new modern music which isn't mainstream. This age
range is most likely to be exploring and experiencing this type of music and style/genre
therefore, would perfectly match with my magazine ASY. Festivals and new fashion would
also be another influential part of this age, which my artists and advertisements will
feature and introduce. The lower bracket of my age range 16 was selected as many gigs
allow under 18s but without the consumption of alcohol, therefore this offers them a good
opportunity to socialise and discover new music without breaking the law. In relation to
this my magazine will contain plenty of information about gigs across the world and how
to purchase the tickets which would be useful at this age. The top bracket of my age
range 25 was based on the fact that most people have are leaving university courses at
this age and may begin to settle down into a more mature sensible adult life, possibly with
kids and will be left interested in following the music scene.

The sales of my magazine to each gender type could differ each month, this could be
because of the different artists which are featured in my magazine. Currently the music
market displays a few very popular indie rock/alternative magazine names like NME, Loud
and Quiet and DIY, however I have identified a gap for a magazine with a broader range of
different artists that arent necessarily in the eye of the indie scenesters yet, which will
make my magazine stand out and attract many people to purchase it to find out the
newest artist appearance. The characters in my magazine will wear quirky clothing
featuring patterns, stripes and bright colours, their hair styles and personalities will be
bold and different appealing to my targeted audience. I am aware that the price of my
magazine has to be a reasonable price in comparison to similar music magazine names like
NME and Loud and Quiet, therefore my price will be 1.50 decided on by my market
research survey, where by this was the most popular price bracket. NME is 2.50 and Loud
and Quiet is free, My magazine offers a smaller amount of content averaging around 90
pages which the price reflects however will draw my audience in with the broad range of
exclusive artist interviews and marketing material.
When designing and producing my magazine my previous research was key to consider
through out otherwise it would not successfully appeal to my targeted audience. I had to
focus on meeting the correct style and interest of potential customers, ensuring my artists
like the band One Way Ticket were modelled and styled to fit within the genre and style
of indie rock/alternative. Another key design feature to remember was that I wanted a
simplistic design which would stand out and although minimal would be technical in the
colour scheme and combination of layers. This would effectively appeal to the targeted
audience as they said this was their most popular preferred design style in my market
research survey.

The following two profiles below, have a large indie rock/alternative genre appeal which

What are your opinions on a new simplistic indie rock/alternative magazine entering the market?
That would be fantastic, I'm always looking for new artists and the current magazines in the market dont offer enough, so i think i
What price do you think would be suitable for a new music magazine which contains around 90 pages?
Considering that is not too big I wouldnt expect to pay more than 2.00 as the popular magazines like NME are much bigger and
Would interviews and gigs/touring details interest you when looking for a music magazine?
Of course I spent half of my time attending the latest festivals across the world and love to hear what the bands thought about their

re your opinions on a new simplistic indie rock/alternative magazine entering the market?
s everything it has to look impressive and I want to see them upcoming quirky artists appear otherwise I wont want to read it. I will definitely purcha
rice do you think would be suitable for a new music magazine which contains around 90 pages?
mind paying for something I enjoy as long as I think its worth it, 90 pages would be a perfect amount to read if its designed right. I would be happy
interviews and gigs/touring details interest you when looking for a music magazine?
ut a doubt it would, thats the main thing I want to read when i buy a magazine, the rest of stuff is mostly pointless to read, which you find in these clut

resemble part of my targeted audience and social groups. They are the types of people
who could be my potential consumers of my new magazine ASY, which is shown through
their tastes, preferences, age and styles. I have also asked the two individuals a few
questions regarding my new magazine and their opinion on its price and its features:-

5. How did you attract/address your audience?

I think that my cover is the most crucial part
audience attraction appeal, I have done
this through designing a simplistic bold,
eye catching layout using relevant
information and some complex layering.
The artists on the front cover represent
an indie rock/alternative band, wearing
patterns and stripes with bright colours,
like yellow and successfully draws in the
targeted social groups. The cover page
determines the final factors, wether the
media product is worthy of a purchase, so
that consumers can experience the whole
magazine and if its price reflects the
quality, which is only first experienced by
the front cover appearance.

Front Page

of my magazine when considering its

Mast Head: The first point of interest and
recognition of my brand on the front page
will be the mast head, as it is positioned
in a very bold large text in the top left
hand corner of the page. Most consumers
intend to read a magazine from the top
downwards therefore logic is explained
behind why I selected to place it there.
The font i used for the mast head was Tw
Cen MT which was in bold, this made it a
very suitable choice for my magazine as it
is bold, bulky and has cornered edges
which I think added a stronger presence
on the page. The spacing between the
three letters was also incorporated on top
to make it appear bigger and be more
effective on the page. This type of font
was inspired by DIYs and NMEs mast head
font, as research carried out showed how
effective it was in terms of catching the
audiences attention. I think overall the
mast head will stand out on the shop shelf
and can easily be identified as within the

Main Model/Images: The three model artists on my front cover are part of a band called
One Way Ticket and all
wear similar clothes to
an indie band, including
the contrasting bright
yellow and the dark
grey/black jumpers,
skinny black jeans and
patterns/stripes on their
clothing. This would
appeal to the indie
targeted audience Indie Scenesters aged
16-25 years old as they
would have similar
tastes which appeals to
them. My artists are all
stood facing the
audience, straight
forward into the camera
within a level line across
the photo, drawing the
readers eye into the
magazine and gaining
their attention. A photo
is aesthetically pleasing
to readers which is why I
have decided to carry on
this photography
technique through out
my magazine on all of the three pages where possible. The positioning of the three models
also adds to the power of photography, as the male is front central whilst the two females
are further back in distance and positioned on the left and right hand side of the centre.
This creates a look of unity and professionalism within the band which will appeal to my
targeted audience, as it may inspire them to dress and act like specific artists.

Cover Lines: When looking at similar indie magazine front covers, I found cover lines were

another major attraction to the audience, as they produce additional info as to the
content of the magazine and can draw in a social group very effectively. I decided to keep
my cover lines simple, minimalistic and precise, I wanted to preview the most exclusive
and appealing pages without giving too much detail on the front cover. The centre of
attention featuring on my cover page is the band One Way Ticket who are above a cover
line of they have now arrived and the music revolution. From research into similar
magazines I found that short cover lines created a hype within the targeted audience as
they are encouraged to read the full article inside. Additional cover lines were designed on
the top right hand side of the page, relating the the featuring bands new album and other
exciting reveals. A good example of simple minimal cover lines used on a media product
like mine would be DIY November 2014 edition featuring Bastille on the front cover, as
they use simplistic catchy cover lines which inspired me to create a similar design with my
own spin on the language used. Another fantastic design is the NME March 1st 2014 edition
featuring Alex Turner from the Arctic Monkeys, pointing and looking into the camera
accompanied by the cover line Rock N roll needs you.

Contents
On my contents
page I concentrated on using an unusual style left downwards
mast head
contents
followed by eye catching and appealing
images which represented my artists as
part of the indie rock/alternative genre
style. I then accompanied these with sub section categories which had the names of the
different pages within the magazine. I made sure it followed the simplistic design which I
previously took on board when structuring my cover page, this would allow continuity and
keep the audience engaged with the easy to read and navigate contents page. I featured a
picture of my front cover image again as it is the exclusive interview in this months
edition, as well as a range of other artists including two solo artists and a duo. The
minimal sections design effectively keeps the reader engaged and allows them to find key
information without having to skim the whole page. This is the type of reader my
magazine is designed for, as they are aged 16-25 years and like to see information within a
style rather than through lots of detailed information. The contents page itself is inspired
from the DIY main contents page and their additional back page indie dreamboat of the
month, as well as Loud and Quiets contents page. I think they both present a good
simplistic design which looks professional and sleek whilst effectively drawing the reader
to the purposeful information. I decided
to incorporate my own original design with
the pictures and followed a dark red
colour palette theme through the magazine.

Double Page Spread

My double page spreads central focus point is positioned within the main image where
each of the three
members of One Way
Ticket are all
looking in to the camera,
where I have used
this photography
technique again to
persuade make it feel
more personal to
the reader encouraging
them to read on.
The article has been designed in a similar way
as I have used persuasive language which hides a mystery within a question to entice the
reader to read on, for example with the cover line what One Way Ticket did next. The
quote positioned at the bottom left corner of the page Music is a world within itself is
accompanied by a photo of the two female artists in the band and would appeal to an
indie audience as it describes music in a way they feel about it, passionate and a separate
world. Reviews have also been placed on the left hand side of the page to give the reader
a glimpse of other indie scenesters experiences at a live festival where the band were
performing, which would give them something to relate to. The colour scheme is also
developed on the double page spread and the dark red is combined with a bright yellow to
highlight the authenticity of the artists, which is clearly shown by using it only where
information relates to them as a group.

Over all My double page inspiration stemmed from similar designs in the DIY and NME
magazines, as they looked simplistic at a glance from the space out bold mast head and
cover lines, and the article is small and placed within necessary areas on the page. They

also had a clear colour theme which worked well and kept a feel of professionalism when
viewing it.

6. What have you learnt about technologies from the process of

constructing this product?

Camera:

For my photography I used the Pentax K-r 18-55, which successfully captured all
of my images used throughout my magazine. Its high quality imagery and focus
was perfect for my magazine as it added a touch of professionalism and allowed
me to capture more than I wanted, for example the photo on the contents of the
two females in the duo band formality spectrum are blowing bubbles, and I was
able to enhance to colour inside them creating a purple luminosity which looked
very indie and bright. This was one of many skills which I learnt and developed
through out the photography process. Selecting an appropriate shutter setting
was another key feature I took advantage of, allowing me to take double speed
photographs which gave me more range to select from during the process of
creating the magazine, including captured natural shots of my models. I also
learnt how to choose an appropriate setting for my camera in terms of angle and
portrait/landscape, which highlighted natural complexion of my models and
made the photo seem more eye catching and powerful to the audience.

For some of my photos I used artificial lighting, unlike the natural lighting I captured
outside for others I took. This involved two lighting equipment stands which I learnt
worked together to capture the whole of the models body clearly without shadow or dark
patches. I used a white backdrop for my artificial lighting giving me much easier editing
ability when it came to cutting and cropping, allowing a smoother look on the edges of my
images.
Photoshop:

I used this advanced editing programme at school and at home to create and produce my
media product - a music magazine. I have learnt how to cut, enhance and crop elements
of images with in-depth precise smooth corners to create a professional finish. I have also
developed my understanding of how to layout my magazine, understanding the individual
layers on photoshop and where best to place them. I have also learnt the skill of spot
removing on my models skin to leave a clean finish, making them looking even more
professional in terms of make-up cover up before photos were taken. I also learnt how to
create a starry night photo for my cover background from scratch using photoshop features
like noise and contrast, which before I could never of accomplished.
Online Sites:

During the research stage of my media product I used a variety of online sites which
helped me to find similar magazines within my genre and access exclusive information
hard to find a copy of. This included Google and Youtube which worked well when I
wanted to find inspiration. UK Tribes was a very useful website which I used to identify my
targeted social group and audience, as it provided a summary of their preferences etc. I
also used online sites during the designing on my magazine, such as Scribd to convert my

document into a preview which enabled me access its embedded code which I could use to
present my work on a site called Blogger which my teachers and peer colleagues would
check and comment on my work leaving improvements etc. Animo was another online site
which allowed me to produce a short movie clip for my 25 word pitch video, using photos
to explain and develop my ideas.

7. Looking back at your preliminary task (the school magazine task),

what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to full
production?

Three photos
from my
preliminary product

Three photos from my full product

Mise en scene and Camerawork: From looking back at my preliminary work I think that I
have improved hugely in terms of skills I have developed when designing my media
product. I have explored a range of technical layers since then, thinking about colour
schemes, font combination and done plenty of research into conventional designs and
patterns within music magazines, enabling me to use this as inspiration for my own brand.
In terms of camera shots and mise and scene my photography has achievement a higher

standard of quality over all, as I have been able to take into consideration many more
external factors, including the camera setting, the lighting, and costume/prop relevance
in the photo. Styling my models has been a huge improvements since my preliminary as I
zoomed in one every little detail within a photo, from their hairstyle to the watch on their
wrist, creating professional photos with minimal mistakes. I also now have a much better
understanding of where to position models within a frame, experimenting with
landscape/portrait and distance between the models in terms of camera focus. My
preliminary showed minimal attempt to recognise variation in mise en scene, using the
school white (photograph) room for every photo, showing no use of natural light. Where as
my final media product has covered a broad range of locations and lighting. I did not even
consider using more than one model in a frame during my preliminary, showing that my
camera skills were restricted, but now I have used both one/two and three models in a
frame, which shows the progression of my camerawork. The mise en scene in my full
product has created contrasting colour and has worked successfully to fit my indie
rock/alternative genre, where as my preliminary photography didnt and only showed a
quite dull look through the magazine. Evidently I also have adapted a very crucial
photography technique, capturing photos were the models are centrally looking into the
camera lens, creating a personal level with the reader, directing their attention to the
magazine. A variety of shots have also been learnt since my prelim, using close-ups, mid
shots, long shots, taking them at high and low angle positions. This has taught me how to
create power and capture the reader through camera work. In my preliminary I only used
mid shots and did not capture a range of mise en scene. I think over all I now consider
plenty more external factors when thinking about photography and how to capture the
best photo, taking into account mise en scene and camera work directly.

Text arrangement and editing: From doing my preliminary work I feel that I have learnt a
lot about the general look of text and its arrangement within the pages in my magazine. I

now understand what fonts work well in certain genres like my indie rock/alternative style
and how to
incorporate more than
one on the same page
to create a range of
interest to the reader.
I have learnt to use
professional, high
quality fonts through
my magazine to
represent a brand well
and realistically. This
in comparison to my
preliminary is very
different as I used
basically dull fonts
which failed to draw
the reader in, and
didnt really fit within
a style at all. I used
photoshop to enhance
my fonts and create a
bigger and bolder look
where needed, such as
the mast heads and
some cover lines, this
wasnt done
effectively during my
preliminary as I didnt
have any previous
inspiration from
current indie
magazines like Loud and Quiet, DIY and NME. The arrangement of my text on my
preliminary was very minimal and lacked any layering skills, where as my final product
looks at blurring, shadows and font letter spacing to create contrast. My mast head, cover
lines and photos are placed within conventional places in my final product showing a
realistic look where as my preliminary is not and doesnt look professionally created.
When comparing my editing I have improved a lot, during my preliminary the most I
attempted was cutting out the front page image. However my final product has used
photos in many ways to achieve the look I wanted. For example I created a starry night
background from scratch using photoshop features to achieve a realistic and believable
look. I also experimented with contrast, brightness, exposure etc on my photos to
maximise their quality which before I didnt even look at.

The design of my preliminary contents to final products contents also outlines a high
improvement what I have made. When producing my preliminary I did not consider how
man pages a magazine averagely has, only including a maximum of 25 pages, looking back
I realistic how unrealistic this was and therefore in my final product I made sure I had
done my research properly and decided to create my magazine based on 90 pages, as I
noticed similar indie rock/alternative magazines had the same amount of pages depending
on their price. The over all look of my contents page was inspired by Loud and Quiet and
DIY who follow a conventional simplistic look.