EVALUATION FOR MY MUSIC MAGAZINE

By Jhynel Cowan G4

How does my media product use, develop

and challenge the forms and

conventions or a real media product?

FRONT COVER:

My media product has most of the codes and conventions of a real media product, for example my

product includes a masthead (1), issue number (2), price (3), left third (4), barcode (5) and main

image (6). I have also used a house style throughout my magazine, this includes the

colours blue, white and black and the fonts: TRENDY, Century Gothic and Broadway, which are more like

graffiti style or “tagging” which the grime genre is mostly known for. My media product’s genre is “Grime” this style is more urban

and street.

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This image is an example of a magazine with similar images to my product which is also based on the celebrities shown here:

CONTENTS PAGE:My magazine’s contents page

includes monthly updates (1), the issues date (2), lures- such as offers and vouchers (3), a logo(4), page numbers(5), cover story(6), page details(7)and images (8), all of which a real media product would include. My product’s house style also runs through to the contents page in order to state that each page belongs together in a magazine as a whole.

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In comparison to the example of a music magazine’s contents page, my product does look similar as I have included the same forms and conventions.

DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD:

My product’s double page article also uses and develops the form of a real media product as it used a headline for the page (1), enlarged lettering (2), interview(3), images(4), page numbers(5), columns(6) and websites(7).

During research, before I began

constructing my product I had

come across a few double page

articles and had decided to base y structure around

them for an effective finishing

product.

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Here is an example of a music magazine’s double page article, I used A similar dark background with large and slightly smaller images. I also added text on both sides of the page.

How does my music magazine represent

particular social groups?

FRONT COVER:

Looking at my music magazine’s front cover, it is fairly easy to believe that it

represents “Grime” social groups with the social demographics of C1-E (working class

to the unemployed) which fits under the criteria of young people who are mostly associated with grime. This is known by firstly looking at the masthead, not only

does the name “Grime Time” state that it connects to “Grime”, but also does the font as it is fairly contemporary and stylish. Also

the colours used are known as youthful colours, especially the blue- this is a fun

and vibrant colour and the white’s and black’s create a contrast and allows the blue to grab the readers attention. The

context of the writing is simple to read and understand and once again relates to the

youth due to the terminology used nowadays in the “streets” and uses highly

up to date words and phrases. Also the imagery is casual and relaxed, the clothing the models wear also helps to portray the

“Grime” theme.

CONTENTS PAGE:The layout/structure used within the

contents page of my product also fits in with grime, as it includes some interesting shapes such as the star shape. This makes it more appealing for the reader and catches the target audience a bit more as it stands out. Also the events listed are held at very cultural places, once again relating back to “Grime” as most of the associates would guaranteed to visit at least one of the events. The shop logo for “JD” would also appeal to the social group as the store allows purchase of the newest and upcoming “Grime” outfits. The logo helps to emphasize on the name of the magazine as a clock refers to time and the lettering and fonts used once again reflect on the “Grime” social group.

DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD:

My double page spread also represents the “Grime” social group. The house style is once again the same to bring out the “Grime” vibe/feel. The imagery on the page allows other followers of grime to discover the latest fashion as it is displayed quite freely.

Also the poses are fairly grime-related as they look like poses for respect and

status. The context of the

article itself plays a big part in representing

“Grime” as it is written in an

informal tone with up to date

phrases and words.

My overall product tends to portray grime-associates as ambitious, and determined but also free-spirited

and down to earth due to the language used and the images add

the “fun” illusion.

Who would my target audience be and why?

The target audience for my media product would most likely be any “Grime” associate as this is what I

believe they would like to see. This relates to the audience pleasures and feedback. Due to my research I had taken notice that most people who are into the

“Grime scene” would prefer to see unisex colours such as blue’s, purple’s and green’s along with the standard black’s and white’s. Images that include

both males and females were also preferred, and up to date language and current events within grime

music and upcoming events were also opted to see within my grime magazine. My audience were

targeted by being involved with the events taking place, for example I chose to write in third person

using “we and us” so that everyone would feel involved with the magazine. I also chose the “Grime” target audience as this is very new and current and

has been established in the earlier years and has now been progressed into something bigger and better, which made me realise why the grime music tribe

was the best thing for me to base my music magazine around. Within my feedback I had found that the

majority of my audience felt involved with my product and believed it fitted in well with my chosen music tribe and explored most of the audience pleasures.

What kind of media institution might

distribute my music magazine and why?

Due to my product being related to “Grime” I have figured that the types of institutions

that might distribute my magazine are radio stations such as 1Xtra as this institution play

a lot of music associated with grime and most of my target audience would listen to the station and If 1Xtra did distribute via

promotions my product it would give these “Grime Headz” more of an incentive to go out and buy my magazine as it includes all the stuff they would like to see, once again referring back to my audience pleasures.Another institution that I believe would

distribute my media product is popular street clothing stores such as “JD” (as sponsored

within my magazine) This store might distribute my music magazine as it fits in

with their “culture” and relates to the stores background. Along with the JD sports store many other clothing institutions are most likely to help promote for the exact same

reason.

How did I attract and address my audience?

I managed to attract my audience in a variety of ways within my magazine and with the range of approaches I was able to address them freely and on a lighter tone. To start with I came up with a catchy masthead:

“GRIME TIME”- this rhymes which begins to add a fun, free-living tone to my product

which is highly need to grasp my audience. Also the colours blue, black and white I had

chosen to use create contrasts and appeal by creating an eye-catching effect. The images

used throughout my media product are unisex and add a welcoming, yet lively feel to the magazine aiming to bring this across to

the audience.My target audience are also able to feel in contact with the issues being raised within my magazine and are addressed as if the

context is directed to them as individuals due to the text being friendly and informal most like the world of “Grime”. I had also used the codes and conventions such as the lure’s to

entice my audience as when the overall product looks and “sounds” good they become more temped to purchase the

product.

What have I learned about technology

from the process of constructing this music magazine?

Within the process of producing my media product I had faced a few difficulties but I had managed to resolve these issues over trial and error. I have

learnt that producing products such as magazines are not simple at all and a whole lot of hard work

goes into making it. Also within the short period of time I had to complete this task I was in charge of

giving myself enough time and space in order to do this. I was not familiar with the software we had to

use to make the magazine, which made it harder for me and “Indesign” is a complex programme- and I

had discovered dilemma whilst in the stage of construction. The programme “Photoshop” was used to remove the backgrounds off my images by using

the magic wand tool, I found this simple as I had used the programme a few times before. It had come to my attention that you must set up the

correct lighting and backgrounds in order to produce high-quality images to make the product look professional. I had also discovered that not all

technology can perform the same and some areas are limited and you must find a way of

accomplishing the task to your potential. But along with all these issues you are then able to achieve a high standard piece of work to make yourself proud!

Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have

learnt in the progression from it to

the full product?

Preliminary Task

Full Product

My front cover for my preliminary task was very basic in comparison to my full product, I believe this was due to being more creative and

putting more effort into the full product. My full product also has more conventions of a real magazine including a barcode, also my full

product looks more like a real magazine. I think that I have learnt a bit more based on how to explore producing on computer programmes and how to add a bit more of creativity by discovering new tools.

Preliminary Task

Full Product

The layout of my preliminary task’s contents page seems very poor once compared to my full product. The imagery used is much more

detailed in the full product, whereas my preliminary task’s images look very basic and unprofessional. I did include a editors letter in my

preliminary task but looking back I have realised some of my grammar was incorrect. My full product, on the other hand does not include an editor’s letter but seems to be much more structured with the real

“feel” of a magazine. I have felt that I have progressed more key items in which the real product must include in order to look effective, such

as box-outs, logo’s, lures and promotions.

Full Product

My preliminary task did not include producing an article page but within my full product this was necessary. I believe I have produced an overall good product and compared to my preliminary task, much improved. I had gained a lot of skill by doing the preliminary task as it helped me

prepare for the real thing which resulted to a fair turn-out, of which I am proud of. Including the use of codes and conventions where necessary.