Draft Magazine

Production Diary Post 10

For the last couple of weeks I have been working on the final draft of my magazine. To begin with, I used the rectangle tool on InDesign to work out where I wanted to place things such as text and images on the pages. Therefore this week I have been replacing these boxes with chosen images from my photo-shoot and my written text. I have completed the text for my magazine article and I'm very pleased with it. I transferred this to my magazine and it has made it look very professional. I have also added in the text for my contents page along with a few images so my magazine is starting to come together.

Production Diary Post 9

In today's lesson I created a blog post explaining the different equipment involved in the process of making my magazine. For example the software, InDesign and Photoshop, and the hardware, the camera, lights and white screen. This is to illustrate many of the factors necessary to make my magazine look professional. By displaying this, I am also displaying the skills that I have developed by being re-introduced to many different types of equipment, and I have therefore improved on my knowledge of how to use them.

Equiptment

 

 

Software

 

InDesign

To create my magazine I am using the software Adobe InDesign. This is the first whole project that I have created on this software, as I used it briefly in my GCSE's to create a contents page. I find it a lot easier to use than Photoshop, which I used in my GCSE coursework as there are many shortcuts and benefits that it offers.

For example, 'Paragraph Styles' allows me to quickly and easily edit the text. This was extremely useful when creating my contents pages, as I could easily ensure that there was a heading, a contents heading and a contents subheading for each individual feature. This saved alot of time which allowed me to focus more on other parts of the layout.
I am currently enjoying using InDesign as I like the way that if you press the 'W' key, you are able to see what the document would look like without all the border lines. Furthurmore, the border lines are also a good part of InDesign as it enables me to stay within the encouraged lines, helping me to make my magazine as professional as possible.

 

 

 

Photoshop

 

I have used photoshop to edit the chosen photos that I am using for my magazine. I tend to up the brightness and the saturation a little to create a warmer tone to the photograph, making it more appealing for the reader. I have also used airbrush when necessary to create a professional feel and to perfect the images that I'm using. I am quite experienced with using photoshop as we used it a lot during our GCSE's, so this has helped me to edit the images quickly which has saved me a lot of time which I have then dedicated to other aspects of creating my magazine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hardware

The camera I used to take my photos was a Canon SLR. It is an extremely professional camera and therefore enabled me to take great quality images. This is essential for my magazine because I want it to look as professional and appealing as possible.

I also used professional equipment such as lights and a white screen in order to make my images as successful as possible. The white screen is a fantastic tool because it enables you to easily use photoshop when necessary, and creates a simple, plain, professional looking background for the model in the images. The lights create a nice effect on the model and enhance all their details which I really wanted to capture in my magazine.

Production Diary Post 8

In today's lesson I came up with a variety of sell lines that would feature on the front cover of my magazine. I did this in order to display a variety of features that would be included in my magazine. I explained each one and highlighted where I would place it. This therefore describes what sort of content is featured in my magazine and which are the most important articles. I chose to present it on Prezi as it is a professional, neat and organised way to display information.

Cover Lines

Box Out Text

I have chosen to have a box out text called 'The File' on my double page spread. It will include specific information on Claudia that the readers may find interesting. I also think that it will help the readers to create a personal relationship with the artist because it will allow them to delve into her life and find out more about her. I feel that this will intrigue them and will also break up the large article by giving them something else to read.

Name: Claudia Rose Dyer

Age: 21

Occupation: Singer-Songwriter

Hometown: London

Gameplan: "to inspire people and to make them feel as strong as I do through my music"

First Gig: The Roadhouse - Covent Garden

First Record: Blind

First Album: The Calm Before The Storm

Idols: Bob Dylan, Jake Bugg, Ed Sheeran, The 1975

I have chosen to have a second box out text discussing Claudia's opinions on other artists. This will allow me to cooperate other artists into the feature which would widen the audience and the readership.

Mumford & Sons: "I love this band, I think that they have a really distinctive and unique sound. I could listen to them all day, they're really chill. They work so hard and you can really tell! Their song 'Sign No More' is incredible! The lead singer, Marcus, has a fantastic voice and I would love to work with him! They're all amazing, 10/10!"

Lorde: "Oh wow, she's so good. She is only 16 and is so savvy and intelligent. Her song 'Royals' decries the enforced fantasies of magazine culture and rap videos full of diamond watches and Maybachs - PERFECTION! Love her."

30 Seconds To Mars: "For me personally I wouldn't particularly download their album as of yet, but I know that they have a huge fanbase so they're clearly doing something right! I would need to listen to a few more of their songs to be able to make a judgement - I'm not hating on them I just don't know their music enough!"

Extended Draft Article

Think of the coolest, sassiest, most audacious person you know. That one person that has the best wardrobe, the greatest hair and the daring looks. Thinking of someone? Well quadruple it, times it by 64 and add a billion. Your answer? Miss Claudia Dyer. With a fashion sense that screams individuality and a voice that seems to be crafted by angels, this 21-year-old beauty is causing a riot throughout the UK. Her first single, Blind, debuted No. 3 in the charts on the first week of release, climbing to the top spot in just the second week. "Well I didn't expect that, when I was told I just laughed, I thought they were taking the piss!"

 

The half Caribbean wonder was brought up alongside her brother in the heart of London by her Mother and Nan, after her father sadly passed away when she was just 4-years-old. "Everything I do is for them. My Mum and Nan have raised me, my brother is my best friend, and I just want to make my Dad proud." Claudia attended Haverstock Hill Secondary School in Camden from the age of 11 until she was 18. Surprisingly, after achieving a good set of A Level results and being accepted into 3 Universities, Claudia rejected all of them. Instead, she took a job working in a local pub; motivated by the promise that she could perform a couple of songs every weekend. "I thought to myself, what's the point going to Uni when I know that all I want to do in life is make music and sing? That's when I'm at my happiest. Not when I'm being bored to death learning about subjects that I couldn't give a flying fuck about." Claudia's late father was an amazing guitarist, and taught Claudia how to play from the tender age of 3. She explains that it was a 'special bond' in which they shared. "We just understood music, and each other. We shared the same passion, the same warm feeling that I still get every time I play. I could never thank him enough for introducing it to me, but he knows how grateful I am."

 

As a young teen, Claudia spent her free time going to local singing classes, playing the guitar, and writing songs. "I wasn't very popular at school," she explains, "people used to call me weird. I didn't like hanging out with the girls there. All they talked about was how sexy our history teacher was and have heated discussions about which was the best soap on TV. I didn't care about all that crap, it just didn't bother me. My main focus was my music and that's why I'm in the UK top 10, and they're out taking drugs and getting pregnant." Claudia performed gig after gig but it was not until she was 19 that she managed to get a spot at The Windmill in Brixton. It was there and then that she was spotted by Adam Tudhope, the same walking brilliance that represents Mumford & Sons, Keane and Laura Marling. It was through his connections that Claudia landed a record deal with Island Records. "It all happened so quickly. He got my number, rung me the next day, and within a month I had a meeting with the managers at Island Records. Obviously it took a while to finalise everything, but where I am now compared to where I was two years ago is a massive leap. Adam has done so much for me, he's like an extra family member now, we're so close. I owe it all to him."

 

The first time we meet Claudia is at a delightful little coffee shop in Camden. The crispy autum air combined with the sun shining bright makes a perfect scene over London. It's no wonder that this breath of fresh air is so adored by many. Her intriguing eyes, wonderfully fizzy hair and gleaming smile outlined by a captivating plum-coloured lipstick immediately entice us. She wears tattered jeans, black Doctor Martens and a checkered shirt. It is clear she feels comfortable here. She says; "I wanted you to come here because this is where it all began for me. This is where I discovered my love of music and song writing, this is where I would sit and think about everything in my life that I could put into my music. This is where I would scribble lyrics into my scruffy old journal and improvise melodies in my head which could accompany them." We can see why Claudia loves it here, the huge windows display the hustle and bustle of the area allowing an entertaining glimpse into the lives of other people, and the coffee is marvellous. "We came here all the time with my pap. It was his favourite place ever! There was not a single Saturday morning that he missed his 11:00 cappuccino and brownie." The massive smile on her face reflects the happy memories that she describes to us, and her happiness is contagious as we can't stop smiling either! It's hard to believe that this young woman has been through so much, yet is still so strong. We find ourselves falling more and more in love with her!

 

“I’m really excited about my album, ‘The Calm Before The Storm’. I’ve worked so hard on it and I’m buzzing for all my fans to listen to the finished product! This life wouldn’t be possible without them so I’ve dedicated a crazy amount of time and effort into making my album the best it can be as a huge Thank-You to them. The album features 10 songs, all written by me, and a bonus track that I wrote and produced with the amazing Jake Bugg. I love his sound, we’re very similar so my manager introduced us and we instantly clicked! He proposed that we should throw some notes around together sometime, so I contacted him and now we have a track together! It was so cool.” Miss Dyer explains that it was the first collaboration that she has ever done with another artist, and it went so well that they are thinking of doing another one together soon. “I’d love to do another track with Jake, but I know how busy he is! It would be a dream of mine to create a track with someone like Bob Dylan! He has been such an influential figure in my life since I was little. My Mum and Dad were always dancing around the kitchen to his songs, his music brings back such beautiful memories for me. My Mum still listens to him all the time, I really want to meet him so I can introduce them to each other because I know that would complete her life!”

 

Obviously, Claudia is extremely close with her family and she showers them in compliments. They have had a close bond from the beginning and have always stuck together when times have gotten tough. “They mean everything to me. My brother, Zac, is hilarious – there is never a dull moment with him around. Being older, he’s always been protective of me and he’s always been the first person I turn to. When Dad died, he was the one that kept everyone together – he’s our rock. We get along so well and I’m always in contact with him! He loves my career because it means he gets to meet loads of girls! My Nan is wonderful as well, she’s like a second Mum! She looks after all of us, picks us up when we’re down, always up for a chat over a cuppa! And of course my Mum is amazing, after everything she has been through she is still so supportive of us. I love them to bits.”

 

Claudia recently won the Brit ‘Critics Choice Award’. Previously won by artists such as Tom Odell, Florence and the Machine and Ellie Goulding, the award is an honour and demonstrates the belief that other people have in their music. “I literally couldn’t believe it! It shows that hard work and determination definitely pays off. To be awarded for doing something that I love is incredible, I can’t describe how thankful I am. I feel honoured to be chosen the year after Tom Odell. He is fantastic and one of my idols, so to win what he won a year ago just feels amazing.”

 

"I love everything about this career. I love writing down my thoughts and feelings and turning them into songs. I don't feel the need to brainwash young people's minds by constantly singing about provocative partying, fallacious relationships and all that cheesy bullshit. I'd much rather express through my songs the real problems of society like sacrifice, prejudice and the struggles of life rather than talking about a 'shawty' getting drunk in a club. Seriously, who gives a shit about whether or not a guy hooks up with a girl based on the size of her arse?!" The opinionated youngster idolises artists including The Black Keys, Coldplay and The Fray. "They talk about real shit. They are true to themselves and to the world, they don't care about owning a Gucci belt or being voted hottest male of the year. They just want to have their music heard and the message behind their songs received! That's all I could ask for in song writing, none of this fake crap played constantly on the radio. I literally listen to some artist's songs and think, were they drunk when they wrote this? Are they aware of how contradictory and inconsequential they are being? It really frustrates me. There are over 300,000 words in the English language and they chose to throw the most meaningless lyrics together and accompany it with a repetitive 'heard it all before' tune. It's so aggravating! Especially when they actually have a good vocal range!" She laughs off her little rant and takes a sip of her coffee to relax! "I am so sorry haha, I'm just so passionate about music that sometimes I get slightly carried away!"

"Don't get me wrong, I know how hard it is to be a teen with a thousand problems eating at you night and day. I know what it's like to have a boy you thought you were in love with walk out on you along with your heart. I know what its like to be completely backstabbed by your best friend who you thought would be the one person to never let you down. But I've learnt that these situations just make you a stronger person, and they motivate me to carry on doing what I love, because it's me whos laughing now. That's why I don't write songs about true love or friendships. Yeah I believe in them, and if they happen they happen, but I don't want to give people that have hurt me the satisfaction of knowing it through my music. Its simply not worth it! It makes it seem like I give two shits, when really they've done me a favour and helped me become who I am today. I'm stronger than ever. So two fingers to them!"

 

The singing phenomenon will be touring the UK starting next year, in order to promote her fantastic new album. It will travel the entire country including London, Manchester, Cardiff, Nottingham, Plymouth and many more. Claudia will be performing songs off her new album and a few cover songs with visits from a few surprise guests. “We’ve got so much lined up! It’s going to be epic. It will be my first ever tour so of course I’m pretty nervous but I’m so excited I can’t even tell you!” As well as a tour, Claudia has been invited to perform at various festivals next year. “It will be a really busy year, but I’m looking forward to it. I think it will be really good for me, it will help to gain experience in the industry and meet loads of amazing artists.” She will be performing at festivals such as Latitude, Reading/Leads, iTunes and Glastonbury.

 

We ask Claudia more about her new single, and what inspired the lyrics and the sound. Her unique tone makes the lyrics raspy yet soft, and she also holds a position in a "soprano" which is the highest female voice classification – a very unique talent to possess. “I wanted to express the emotions that I have had to keep bottled up about my family, my Dad, my school life. I wanted people to know what goes on behind closed doors – and why you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Hence the title of the song ‘Blind’. So many people are oblivious to what is really going on in the world. They criticise people on how they dress, how much money they have, whether they have the latest gadgets or not. I want the people victimised by this to not be afraid, to want to stand out. The sound was inspired by a song my Dad wrote years ago. He used to play it to me and my brother every night before we went to bed. It was so much better than a bedtime story. I wanted a calm melody, in order for people to listen to the lyrics and think about what I’m saying. I’m proud of it, so I hope my fans are proud too.”

 

Aswell as a perfect voice, a bubbly personality and a gift for music, Claudia is a keen enthusiast on raising money for charity. "Basically, I'm launching a clothing line in collaboration with Urban Outfitters. 90% of all the money received will go towards Cancer Research UK. I know how hard it is to lose someone to cancer, so the more money we raise from the collection, the more we can participate in the search for a cure. It will be available from the 12th December in all UK Urban Outfitters stores. A lot of the clothes have been designed by me or influenced by things that I wear, so I've really put my own personal touch on it. This is the first project I've done apart from my singing and it really does mean a lot to me! I hope that many people will support me on this and help to raise the money. It just feels amazing to be part of something as sentimental as this! I can't wait."

 

Claudia’s album ‘The Calm Before The Storm’ is out December 13^th and her single  ‘Blind’ is out now.

 

Draft article

Think of the coolest, sassiest, most audacious person you know. That one person that has the best wardrobe, the greatest hair and the daring looks. Thinking of someone? Well quadruple it, times it by 64 and add a billion. Your answer? Miss Claudia Dyer. With a fashion sense that screams individuality and a voice that seems to be crafted by angels, this 21-year-old beauty is causing a riot throughout the UK. Her first single, Blind, debuted No. 3 in the charts on the first week of release, climbing to the top spot in just the second week. "Well I didn't expect that, when I was told I just laughed, I thought they were taking the piss!" 

The half Caribbean wonder was brought up alongside her brother in the heart of London by her Mother and Nan, after her father sadly passed away when she was just 4-years-old. "Everything I do is for them. My Mum and Nan have raised me, my brother is my best friend, and I just want to make my Dad proud." Claudia attended Haverstock Hill Secondary School in Camden from the age of 11 until she was 18. Surprisingly, after achieving a good set of A Level results and being accepted into 3 Universities, Claudia rejected all of them. Instead, she took a job working in a local pub; motivated by the promise that she could perform a couple of songs every weekend. "I thought to myself, what's the point going to Uni when I know that all I want to do in life is make music and sing?That's when I'm at my happiest. Not when I'm being bored to death learning about subjects that I couldn't give a flying fuck about." Claudia's late father was an amazing guitarist, and taught Claudia how to play from the tender age of 3. She explains that it was a 'special bond' in which they shared. "We just understood music, and each other. We shared the same passion, the same warm feeling that I still get every time I play. I could never thank him enough for introducing it to me, but he knows how grateful I am."

As a young teen, Claudia spent her free time going to local singing classes, playing the guitar, and writing songs. "I wasn't very popular at school," she explains, "people used to call me weird. I didn't like hanging out with the girls there. All they talked about was how sexy our history teacher was and have heated discussions about which was the best soap on TV. I didn't care about all that crap, it just didn't bother me. My main focus was my music and that's why I'm in the UK top 10, and they're still living off their parents money." Claudia performed gig after gig but it was not until she was 19 that she managed to get a spot at The Windmill in Brixton. It was there and then that she was spotted by Adam Tudhope, the same walking brilliance that represents Mumford & Sons, Keane and Laura Marling. It was through his connections that Claudia landed a record deal with Island Records. "It all happened so quickly. He got my number, rung me the next day, and within a month I had a meeting with the managers at Island Records. Obviously it took a while to finalise everything, but where I am now compared to where I was two years ago is a massive leap. Adam has done so much for me, he's like an extra family member now, we're so close. I owe it all to him." 

The first time we meet Claudia is at a delightful little coffee shop in Camden. The crispy autum air combined with the sun shining bright makes a perfect scene over London. It's no wonder that this breath of fresh air is so adored by many. Her intriguing eyes, wonderfully fizzy hair and gleaming smile outlined by a captivating plum-coloured lipstick immediately entice us. She wears tattered jeans, black Doctor Martens and a checkered shirt. It is clear she feels comfortable here. She says; "I wanted you to come here because this is where it all began for me. This is where I discovered my love of music and song writing, this is where I would sit and think about everything in my life that I could put into my music. This is where I would scribble lyrics into my scruffy old journal and improvise melodies in my head which could accompany them." We can see why Claudia loves it here, the huge windows display the hustle and bustle of the area allowing an entertaining glimpse into the lives of other people, and the coffee is marvellous. "We came here all the time with my pap. It was his favourite place ever! There was not a single Saturday morning that he missed his 11:00 cappuccino and brownie." The massive smile on her face reflects the happy memories that she describes to us, and her happiness is contagious as we can't stop smiling either! It's hard to believe that this young woman has been through so much, yet is still so strong. We find ourselves falling more and more in love with her! 

"I love everything about this career. I love writing down my thoughts and feelings and turning them into songs. I don't feel the need to brainwash young people's minds by constantly singing about provocative partying, fallacious relationships and all that cheesy bullshit. I'd much rather express through my songs the real problems of society like sacrifice, prejudice and the struggles of life rather than talking about a 'shawty' getting drunk in a club. Seriously, who gives a shit about whether or not a guy hooks up with a girl based on the size of her arse?!" The opinionated youngster idolises artists including The Black Keys, Coldplay and The Fray. "They talk about real shit. They are true to themselves and to the world, they don't care about owning a Gucci belt or being voted hottest male of the year. They just want to have their music heard and the message behind their songs received! That's all I could ask for in song writing, none of this fake crap played constantly on the radio. I literally listen to some artist's songs and think, were they drunk when they wrote this? Are they aware of how contradictory and inconsequential they are being? It really frustrates me. There are over 300,000 words in the English language and they chose to throw the most meaningless lyrics together and accompany it with a repetitive 'heard it all before' tune. It's so aggravating! Especially when they actually have a good vocal range!" She laughs off her little rant and takes a sip of her coffee to relax! "I am so sorry haha, I'm just so passionate about music that sometimes I get slightly carried away!"

"Don't get me wrong, I know how hard it is to be a teen with a thousand problems eating at you night and day. I know what it's like to have a boy you thought you were in love with walk out on you along with your heart. But I've learnt that these situations just make you a stronger person, and they motivate me to carry on doing what I love, because it's me whos laughing now. That's why I don't write songs about true love. Yeah I believe in it, and if it happens it happens, but I don't want to give people that have hurt me the satisfaction of knowing it through my music. It makes it seem like I give two shits, when really they've done me a favour and helped me become who I am today. I'm stronger than ever. So two fingers to them!"

Aswell as a perfect voice, a bubbly personality and a gift for music, Claudia is a keen enthusiast on raising money for charity. "Basically, I'm launching a clothing line in collaboration with Urban Outfitters. 90% of all the money received will go towards Cancer Research UK. I know how hard it is to lose someone to cancer, so the more money we raise from the collection, the more we can participate in the search for a cure. It will be available from the 12th December in all UK Urban Outfitters stores. A lot of the clothes have been designed by me or influenced by things that I wear, so I've really put my own personal touch on it. This is the first project I've done apart from my singing and it really does mean a lot to me! I hope that many people will support me on this and help to raise the money. It just feels amazing to be part of something as sentimental as this! I can't wait." 

Contents Page Ideas

For my magazine to look as professional as possible, I needed to include other features to display the variety that my magazine offers. Therefore, I have come up with a few ideas that I can use on the contents page to make it look as if I have a full magazine. I researched artists from my chosen genre of Indie, and used the information I found to come up with short descriptions introducing that particular feature. I found the MTV website and the Guardian music pages very useful to do this. I gathered inspiration for some of the features from previous submitted magazines using last year's coursework blogs, and I also found it helpful to look at the type of features included in magazines like Q and NME.

Front Cover Image

After looking through the images taken from my photo-shoot, I decided to use this image. I feel that is an extremely effective photo as my models hair is big and wild which connotes youth and fun - which is strongly associated with my target audience and the genre of music that my magazine is based on. The bright lipstick on my model's face draws attention to her lips - emphasising the vocal aspects of music and drawing the reader in. I think the close up angle works well as it allows the reader to engage with her as they feel as if they are exchanging eye contact with her. Her flowery top furthur connotes the 'indie' audience base my audience aims to appeal to, as it can be seen as a popular pattern in that grouping.

I used Adobe Photoshop to edit the photo in order to make it look more professional and appealing. I wanted to get rid of the dull/grey effect that the original photo had, in order to make it look more joyful and pleasing to the eye. In order to do this I played with the saturation and the brightness until I was satisfied with the appearance. I also wanted to get rid of the shadows and dark marks on her face, therefore I used the patch tool to lighten these parts. I also used Surface Blur in order to smooth out the image and improve how professional it looked.

Here is a video created using Cam Studio to show the different effects that I used to edit the photo.

Draft Layout

In order to get an idea of how I wanted my magazine to look, I created a draft layout using Adobe InDesign. This allowed me to place boxes where I would like certain aspects of the layout to go e.g. text, images, pull quotes. By doing this, I will be able to drop my chosen images and actual text into the places already set out for them - which will make it easier for me to finalise and organise. I have 11 pages all together: a front page, double page contents, a double page introduction and three double page spreads. I think that this is a good amount of pages as I will be able to spread out my texts and use many of the best images from my photoshoot in various ways e.g. collage, full bleed, boxes. It will create a more interesting experience for my readers. I have started to create my front cover by chosing the image I find most effective and editing it to make it more professional and to my satisfaction. I have chosen to use the font 'American Purpose' as I feel that is bold and will catch the attention of readers, and it is also clear to read and is therefore more effective to the audience.

Production Diary Post 7

During the half term, we were given the task to complete all the research/planning for our magazines. We're allowed to go back and improve on them when we have spare time. This week, we started to think about the layout of our magazines. We created the pages on Adobe InDesign and began to organise how we would like them to look. Using black boxes, I outlined where I would place certain things ie. pictures,text,pull quotes and labelled them to make it clear. I also started to look through the images from my photo shoot in order to gain an idea of which images I wanted to use.

Chosen Images

Sketches

 

Sketches

 

 

 

 

 

 

In order to give myself an idea of how I wanted to lay out my magazine, I designed some draft sketches which enabled me to gain a sense of how it would look once I created it on InDesign. I have made sure to design where I would place the text and where I would have images which allows me to balance the amount I have which would keep my reader interested and make the pages more appealing to them.

New Media

A popular example of New Media is Twitter. It is currently the most favoured social media with teenagers as they are able to follow their friends, make tweets, speak to friends and upload images. They are also able to follow their favourite celebrities and find out what they are up to and what they are working on. I think this is an important new media for my target audience because they are teenagers and are therefore likely to use it. This is therefore why I decided to create a twitter account for my magazine. I created tweets similar to those of another Indie Music magazine's twitter account in order to make the account as professional as possible, and I also took the data for the tweets, following and followers for that same account which displays the potential that the account could have. This analysis demonstrates that the social media would be the best way to connect with my target audience as it is a popular source of communicating with the magazine and also with their favourite artists likely to be featured in the magazine.

Masthead Designs

 

To create the masthead designs I used a variety of fonts that I think could be effective on my magazine front cover. I used fonts available on Adobe InDesign along with fonts from the 'Da Font' website to include a wide range of fonts to choose from. I used many different tools on InDesign to make the designs unique, for example I made the letters closer together, furthur apart, bold etc. I did this in order to gain an idea of what kind of typography I think would be effective. I want to use a font that is bold so that it catches the attention of the reader and draws them into the magazine, increasing the chances of a potential sale. I also want it to be clear so that the readers find it easy to read what it says from a furthur distance which will also help to entice them. Chosing the font is an essential part of my magazine as it will be associated with it for the rest of its existance, and if any other media was to evolve from my magazine e.g. radio,music channel,stage name - I would have to use the same font so that people are able to recognise it. The fonts that I have displayed can also be associated with the genre of music I am focusing on - Indie. This is because this particular type of genre doesn't include anything too 'over the top' and they focus mainly on the music rather than glitzing up their image - therefore I feel that a basic, clear font will be effective as my Masthead design.

Promotional Methods

Model Release

In order to use the models that I did for my photo-shoot, they had to sign this release form which displays that they are happy for me to photograph them and for me to use these photographs in this school project. It also signifies to them that if more photos are needed that they are happy to comply with this and take part in another photo-shoot.

Colour Schemes

 

The colour scheme that I want to have for my magazine revolves around a green/blue/turquoise kind of colour. I think that this would be successful as my target audience is both boys and girls, who would both be attracted to these colours. They are also bright and bold colours which would be able to attract readers making them want to buy the magazine. The colours also connote peace and tranquility, and I want my readers to feel peaceful and relaxed when they are reading my magazine, so i feel that these colours would be successful to use.

The colour blue connotes the color of the sky and sea. It is often associated with depth and stability and can symbolize trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. All of these aspects relate to the Indie genre of music as they are people that are well respected for staying true to their love for music instead of getting carried away with the fame lifestyle and the over the top image.

The colour green is the color of nature and symbolizes growth, harmony, freshness, and fertility. Green has strong emotional correspondence with safety. This also can be associated with the Indie genre as they are stereotypically thought to be very interested in nature and the environment - and are also perceieved to be calm and full of tranquility.

Moodboard

I created my moodboard in order to gather all the ideas that I want to incorporate into the making of my magazine. I included things like outfits (clothes that my models could wear in the photoshoots and also that my target audience tend to wear), potential artists that could be included in my magazine, and existing magazine logos that I could take ideas from for my own masthead. I created it as a video to include different types of media on my blog and also to showcase my ideas indidually, and then all together.

Production Diary Post 6

This week, we continued to work on our magazines by coming up with some ideas of names that we could call them. I created a spider diagram to display the variety of names that I had come up with, and developed these further by adding connotations of a few of the names in order to come up with more options. I chose my three favourite names, and wrote a short paragraph about why I like these names the best and how they are effective and associate well with my magazine. Also this week, we created a few masthead designs using Adobe InDesign to visualise what we wanted our magazine name to look like. We used the various text options available on InDesign to alter the fonts and make them unique. We also used the website 'dafont' to download more fonts that we thought would make a successful typography for our mastheads.

Contact Sheet For My Photoshoot

This is a contact sheet of all the photos that I took duing my photoshoot. As displayed, there is a variety of props and costumes used to include a variety of images which would make my magazine more interesting for the reader. I also used a variety of camera angles to establish different views of the models.

Backstage of my Photoshoot

Last week I had my photoshoot for my Magazine. I wanted to use people that represeneted the 'indie' genre well, and that I could photograph successfully so that my magazine looks as professional as possible. I chose to use Claudia as my main artist (feautured on my front cover, contents page and double page spread)and Ruth as someone featured as a seperate article (featured on the contents page). They both have really unique, indivdual looks which I thought would be perfect to display my magazine. I used a variety of props including a chair, a guitar and a microphone - to accentuate the subject of my magazine (music) and give the photos individuality so that they didn't all look the same. My models changed outfits and hairstyles a few times in order to further individualise the photos and make them as unique as possible.

Name Ideas

My three favourite names would be 'Emerge', 'In-D' and Echo.

Emerge - I like Emerge because it connotes artists breaking through and becoming known and successful for their music. It would allow me to focus on both upcoming and current artists which would create a wider audience base for my magazine.

In-D - I like this compound name because it is unique and can be created to look extremely professional on my magazine front cover. It connotes my genre 'Indie' in a shorterned down version, and it also looks like ID which suggests to my reader that they will be able to create a personal identity with my magazine, which is what music is all about.

Echo - I like Echo because it is a catchy phrase that can be well remembered and recognised. It also connotes the loud sound of music being repeated which can be associated with gigs and festivals which play major parts in my chosen genre of Indie/Alternative.

Production Diary Post 5

Photo Shoot Ideas - Makeup, Hair, Costumes & Props

Existing Magazine Names

Existing Magazine Mastheads

Key Concepts

Production Diary Post 4

In the lessons this week we tidied up all the tasks that we had previously been working on. I added to a few of the tasks in order to improve them and gain a higher mark from my teacher. My Survey pages had the lowest mark, so I decided to print screen the questions I asked along with the results that I received from the people that gave me feedback. I felt that this would make it more interesting to look at and it would give a helpful insight into the questions I asked. I included the answers and results in order to display the different opinions that people had in answer to my questions, and to present the most popular choices.

I also started adding to my audience profile. I added an image to the post as I felt that this related to what I was talking about and would also make the post look a lot more pretty and appealing visually. I also chose to write about a female audience character as well as a male as this displays that my target audience is not bias to one gender.

Magazine Proposal Feedback

Feedback 1




Feedback 2
I think you're magazine proposal uses a good variety of detail on what you want to include in your magazine, and what you will do to make it unique. The limited edition aspects are really good and I think you will pick a lot of readers based on what you are offering. I think the name and tag line of your magazine works really well as it is unique and catches people's attention.
I think you could improve on developing your ideas for the layout of your magazine a bit more to visualise what it will look like, but overall you have a good proposal.

Production Diary Post 3

In the lesson this week we created our reader profiles. This was to establish what kind of people we wanted to read our magazine, and what audience we were aiming towards. We had to make up an imaginary person and talk about their lives and their interests, and how this would make my magazine be suitable for them. I spoke about their education, their careers, their hobbies and their favourite artists in order to give a better insight into the kind of person that they are and how this would make my magazine an ideal purchase for them. I created a male character called Dominic to display that my magazine is suitable for males.

Double Page Spreads

My Reader

 

 

 

 

The 'Emerge' Reader

 

 

Male Reader:

 

Dominic is orginally from South East London, and is 19 years old. He is currently iving in Portsmouth and is attending Portsmouth University. He lives in a house with 5 other people and each of them share his love for indie/urban music. He currently is working in a local bar to earn money for groceries. As a student, he doesn’t receive much disposable income, so when he has money spare he likes to spend it on gigs, clothes, downloading music and buying music magazines. He attented Reading festival in summer as the tickets were bought for him by his parents as a birthday gift. He loves to shop in places like Urban Outfitters, Topman and Route One. Fashion is important to him as it allows him to be comfortable and display his personality through his outfit choices. His favourite artists are The 1975, You Me At Six and Bring Me The Horizon.

He is a technology fanatic and is constantly using his smartphone to download the latest music apps and his favourite songs from iTunes. He loves social networking and uses sites such as Facebook and Twitter to find out what his favourite artists are up to, and when tickets are available to upcoming gigs.

 

My magazine would be ideal for Dominic because it is affordable through his disposable income, it will give him the opportunity to win tickets or buy them at a discounted price to many of his favourite artist's gigs and concerts, and it will allow him to create a good personal relationship with the other people in his house. 

 

Female Reader:

 

Lily is a 21 year old from Brighton. She has just finished University and is working in House of Fraser. She recieves a good salary of £7.29 an hour and works 10-4 seven days a week. She is still living at home and paying £10 rent per month to her parents, which still leaves her with plenty of disposable income. With this money, she likes to go out with her friends as she is a confident socialite. She goes shopping, to the cinema, out for dinner and to concerts. As much as she enjoys going out, she is more than partial to a cosy night in listening to her favourite music.

She is glued to her iPhone and is constantly on twitter and Instagram. She loves texting her friends and family  to find out the latest news and gossip. She has a passion for fashion and her staff discount in House of Fraser helps her to stay ahead of the trend. She also likes to shop at Topshop, Urban Outfitters, Zara and H&M. 

Her favourite artists are Fall Out Boy, Chase & Status and Twin Atlantic. She loves attending gigs and music festivals. She enjoys finding out about their personal lives and their latest projects.

Lily is an ideal reader for my magazine because she loves to socialise which could help spread the word of my magazine and also benefit her with personal relationships. She also has good disposable income which suggests that she would be able to subscribe to the magazine. 

 

 

 

 

 

Preliminary Video

I created these Prelimary Videos using Cam Studio Recorder. It enables you to see step by step how i created my prelimary task and how it all came together in the finished product.

Proposal

 

Magazine Proposal

 

 

For my magazine, I want to focus on an indie/rock/urban genre, as I feel that currently, this is one of the most loved and most talked about genres of music. It is particularly popular with people my age (16), and slightly older, so I feel that I could make a successful magazine targeted towards them so that I can relate to them. Therefore, my target audience will be 16-24 year olds. My magazine is not specifically suited to either gender considering both genders are fans of my chosen genre. For that reason my magazine will be targeted towards males and females.

I have chosen to use the name 'Emerge' for my magazine as I believe that it describes my genre well and has connotations of music artists. For example, It could mean that the artists are 'emerging' as in they are become known and breaking through. Or, it could mean that the artists are 'emerging' to the readers of the magazine, as they will be able to read about them and into their lives, as if they are getting to know them.

 

My magazine will be distributed fortnightly, as when I created a survey, I asked the question “What would your ideal distrubtion of the magazine be?” and the most popular answer was fortnightly. As I will release it fortnightly, and most of my target audience are from the E social bracket, my magazine cannot be expensive. Therefore, I am thinking of selling my magazine for £2.50. This was also the most popular answer I received from my survey when I asked how much people would pay for my magazine.

My magazine will include features to entertain and satisfy my target audience. Each issue will have the same kind of layout, and the same amount of content as this will give my magazine an element of recognition. I will include features such as:

 

·         A main interview with a popular, current artist

·         Questions and answers page with an upcoming artist

·         A page with codes to download current songs for free from my magazines website (USP)

·         Competition for two tickets to next years Reading Festival

·         Song and album reviews from current and upcoming artists

·         Tweets from fans giving their comments on the artists featured in the magazine

·         Latest music news (new albums, upcoming tours)

I am thinking of doing a turquoise/white/black house colour as I think that these colours are not subjective towards either gender, and they are bright, appealing colours that will entice my readers and make them want to buy the magazine.

As it is a launch magazine, I will offer a few limited edition aspects. I will do a competition to meet the artist on the front cover, complete with a signed CD and VIP tickets to a tour date of their choice. I think this will be successful as it is a great offer for just £2.50 from buying the magazine. I will also offer a subscription for £3.70 a month, which will go up to £3.99 when this limited aspect finishes which will be after 1 month of the first release. With the subscription, a voucher code page for typical student shops will come free with it. This will be successful with my readers because they will often look for discounts on clothing to save them money, so by offering this I am gaining popularity.

 

Survey Responses

 

The purpose of the survey was to help me decide what features would be most successful in my magazine. By gaining feedback, I would be able to tell what would be most popular with my audience, as I sent the link to people roughly in my target audience category (16-24). I asked a range of questions, with both comment box answers and multiple choice. The comment box answers allowed me to see the person's exact opinion, which helped me develop my ideas by focusing on what they thought would be successful. The multiple choice answers ensured that I found out what answer was the most popular, and what therefore would most attract my target audience and make them want to buy the magazine.

 

This shows the amount of responses I have received for my Survey.  

 

 

This shows the different ways in which I tried to get feedback. 

 

These are the responses to my questions asked in my survey. The answers have helped me to establish essential features of my magazine including price, distribution and content.