Thursday, 13 May 2010
Evaluation
Evaluation
I made the decision that I would create a magazine strictly for the lovers of R’n’b and hip hop, though this is not a niche in the market I feel that my magazine brings an in depth look to the genre. Each issue would be designed to give readers a clear insight to their favourite artist and what they are currently doing with their lives.
It was important for me that I stick to the basic layout for a magazine a did not want to over complicate anything, I just wished to stick to my purpose and that was to give the readership what they wanted and that is a clear and not complicated view of r’n’ b and hip hop. To make it noticeable I placed the title block at the top.
The institute that I hope to distribute my magazine would be Bauer as I believe the company has undoubted experience in reaching a broader audience across the united kingdom. Magazines such as kerrang! Have proved that the company is successful in publishing music magazines and this is why I choose them, the also have the biggest combined readership across the uk meaning that their products are well received, this would allow my magazine to get right amount of recognition.
The main target audience for my magazine is lovers of rnb and hip hop music ages ranging between 16-35, gender is not a particular issues as the magazine contributes to both tastes. My target audience will be attracted by the competitions I will place in the magazine on a weekly basis, also the concert reviews and addition of mainstream artist. The central mode of address will be that of an arrogant person with their head away from the camera and the audience. The title block is noticeable but the image is the most important thing as it will draw the audience to the magazine. I researched my colour scheme and came up with the idea of black as it not a colour you see on many backgrounds so I found the niche in that department, whether this will be successful, I don’t know , as I believe the central image could fade into the background. I believe this is something that I definetly could have improved on.
Internet was critical to my development of the magazine, as I had to source a number of magazines to come up with an idea for my magazine. This was also essential for my progress, as I logged all my work on the blog that I created to formulated. This allowed me to speak to a range of people about ideas. Adobe photoshop was crucial as this was the medium by which my magazine was created, not using it before did give me problems in the beginning but taking my time allowed me to utilise the software to it full potential . my photo editing skills benefited immensely, though I do not believe I am an expert, I feel that I have gathered enough experience of the program to create a satisfactory magazine.
I made huge improvements on preliminary task as I thought the idea to be to basic for production. Using more images and colour to make the magazine more attractive, not only for my eyes but for the eyes of the readers. I experimented with a number of camera shot eg. Longshot, close up etc. I decided that the using a close up was most successful as it allowed the reader to identify with the artist. My first proposal for the magazine was not able to meet the standard that is required for someone to read the magazine, the changes that I made and the things I learnt along the way helped me achieve something I personally could be proud of. I believe there are many things that could be refined, such as the colour scheme, the final image, the quality of wirting that was used to conduct an article. These things may sound like major issue but the problems were only small ones, so I am happy with the final result.
I made the decision that I would create a magazine strictly for the lovers of R’n’b and hip hop, though this is not a niche in the market I feel that my magazine brings an in depth look to the genre. Each issue would be designed to give readers a clear insight to their favourite artist and what they are currently doing with their lives.
It was important for me that I stick to the basic layout for a magazine a did not want to over complicate anything, I just wished to stick to my purpose and that was to give the readership what they wanted and that is a clear and not complicated view of r’n’ b and hip hop. To make it noticeable I placed the title block at the top.
The institute that I hope to distribute my magazine would be Bauer as I believe the company has undoubted experience in reaching a broader audience across the united kingdom. Magazines such as kerrang! Have proved that the company is successful in publishing music magazines and this is why I choose them, the also have the biggest combined readership across the uk meaning that their products are well received, this would allow my magazine to get right amount of recognition.
The main target audience for my magazine is lovers of rnb and hip hop music ages ranging between 16-35, gender is not a particular issues as the magazine contributes to both tastes. My target audience will be attracted by the competitions I will place in the magazine on a weekly basis, also the concert reviews and addition of mainstream artist. The central mode of address will be that of an arrogant person with their head away from the camera and the audience. The title block is noticeable but the image is the most important thing as it will draw the audience to the magazine. I researched my colour scheme and came up with the idea of black as it not a colour you see on many backgrounds so I found the niche in that department, whether this will be successful, I don’t know , as I believe the central image could fade into the background. I believe this is something that I definetly could have improved on.
Internet was critical to my development of the magazine, as I had to source a number of magazines to come up with an idea for my magazine. This was also essential for my progress, as I logged all my work on the blog that I created to formulated. This allowed me to speak to a range of people about ideas. Adobe photoshop was crucial as this was the medium by which my magazine was created, not using it before did give me problems in the beginning but taking my time allowed me to utilise the software to it full potential . my photo editing skills benefited immensely, though I do not believe I am an expert, I feel that I have gathered enough experience of the program to create a satisfactory magazine.
I made huge improvements on preliminary task as I thought the idea to be to basic for production. Using more images and colour to make the magazine more attractive, not only for my eyes but for the eyes of the readers. I experimented with a number of camera shot eg. Longshot, close up etc. I decided that the using a close up was most successful as it allowed the reader to identify with the artist. My first proposal for the magazine was not able to meet the standard that is required for someone to read the magazine, the changes that I made and the things I learnt along the way helped me achieve something I personally could be proud of. I believe there are many things that could be refined, such as the colour scheme, the final image, the quality of wirting that was used to conduct an article. These things may sound like major issue but the problems were only small ones, so I am happy with the final result.
Wednesday, 12 May 2010
My Article
R'n'B music has recently come under some intense pressure in recent years, the reliance on synthesisers and autotune have changed the face of the music industry in the 21st century. Real vocal talent is hard to come by nowadays. In the 90's stars like Luther Vandross and Barry White set the bar to a standard where male artist will never be able to reach or so we thought. Male artist like usher and R.kelly have faded into the background as pop music has regained its dominance. Singing ability is now a thing as a pass, as the ability to dance and shake leg has become the focal point of musical entertainment. Yet, there is one singer who is changing the way in which men are percieved as singers, Tyler Rain. He had been dubbed the male Whitney Houston ( at her very best), a 21 year old man who has reminded us that singing still matters. He has the ability to blow you away with his immense power or make you cry with the transition between head and chest voice. His album ' I Am Here' shot to number one in ten countries and remained at the top of the billboard charts for a record 42 weeks. After selling, 15million albums first time out set himself at the top of the game in his debut season, adding 6 grammys to his name did not do him to bad either.
Not to say the boy cannot entertain, because that would be very faraway from the truth, as i write this report after returning from his concert, his stage presence is nearly as impressive as his voice, the trance he had on the audience was magical. He soared epically through his numbers, bringing the audience to their feet and knocking right back down at will, to say he has the midas touch is an understatement. Forget dancing and being obsessed with his six pack this guy iis strictly about the music and the beautification of song once again.
He was right. This young man is slowly but surely changing the music industry back to the days of wonderful singing and outstanding showman ship. His confidence soars threw the room he enters, he does not allow for negative thinking people to surround him and this shows in his camps faces, they all reflect his attitude. He is simply a breath of fresh air to the music industry and gives true lovers of music what they would like to see, a man ripping the soul from his bowels and spewing it all over his music. This is something that cannot be garunteed when dealing with a half naked half talented woman on stage or a new teenage sensation who will be in a world of trouble when their voice breaks. R'n'B is finding its way back to the top and is relying on the success of the soon to be king, if it continues this way music will be back to the days where you can sit back and just enjoy the wonderful sound. lets hope that this is the case.
Not to say the boy cannot entertain, because that would be very faraway from the truth, as i write this report after returning from his concert, his stage presence is nearly as impressive as his voice, the trance he had on the audience was magical. He soared epically through his numbers, bringing the audience to their feet and knocking right back down at will, to say he has the midas touch is an understatement. Forget dancing and being obsessed with his six pack this guy iis strictly about the music and the beautification of song once again.
I had the opportunity to sit down with him before his show in londons already legendary O2 arena, it was like being in the presence of an icon, there was an air about him like i was truly sitting in the presence of greatness, ironically, though his acheivements as amazing as they, do only represent the beginning of his career, which is scary for the rest of the music world, he needs to stay consistent and surround himself with people that care for his development. besides that this young man is on his way to the heights only michael jackson soared and he is doing it with a voice that is better, yes thats right better than the king of pop.
Interview
Me: Mr.Rain, good afternoon.
TR: Dont give me that Mr.Rain business [smiles widely] making me sound fifty, you know i feel great, im here at the o2 about to give the biggest and best show of my life could it get any better.
Me: you know i could definetly think of a few things that could be better, Madison square garden? vegas? possibly, how is the preparation going for the show tonight?
TR: One step at a time. ermmm not to bad, the voice is great shape i am trying to speak as little as possibe. The show it self is ready bar some changes to minor details. I can promise you i will blow the roof of this building into the thames.
Me: Oh Wow, if you want me my review to be good you better deliver. How do you keep your head screwed on when all the pressure is piled continuosly on your shoulders
TR: i sing. It is as simple as that i don't have to do anything else, when i am singing it takes me to another place, i don't even hear anything else when i am singing, its not about what notes im hitting or what melody i am following, its simply about losing myself in the music and expressing that. so if i ever am reported singing bad its not true, i just was not singing the way people think i should, there honestly comes a time when public opinion does not matter.
Me: So no one can judge you, you feel that you're almost invincible.
TR: To be honest yeah! nobody can touch me on that stage, its not even about being entertaining, even though i have a duty to serve these people, because they spent their money, but what you have to understand is that i am not singing as a job, i am singing because i love to sing, so what i do with my voice is my business, i explain this to everyone i speak to, i do not want to sound pompous or arrogant but that is just the way it is.
Me: It is clear to me that you understand what you are in for, though you may be young you seem to have your head screwed on which is good because it is easy to be lost in this world they call the music business. We shall talk soon, go have fun!
TR: Oh trust me i will. I'll see you out there, trust you won't wanna miss this.
He was right. This young man is slowly but surely changing the music industry back to the days of wonderful singing and outstanding showman ship. His confidence soars threw the room he enters, he does not allow for negative thinking people to surround him and this shows in his camps faces, they all reflect his attitude. He is simply a breath of fresh air to the music industry and gives true lovers of music what they would like to see, a man ripping the soul from his bowels and spewing it all over his music. This is something that cannot be garunteed when dealing with a half naked half talented woman on stage or a new teenage sensation who will be in a world of trouble when their voice breaks. R'n'B is finding its way back to the top and is relying on the success of the soon to be king, if it continues this way music will be back to the days where you can sit back and just enjoy the wonderful sound. lets hope that this is the case.
Mojo Front Cover
The type of magazine is a monthly music magazine that is aimed for predominately male audience ranging from the age of 25-50 .There is a free CD that is on the front cover of this magazine. There will also be 10 of 2010’s new music preview, this shown by the puff words.The central image has a direct mode of address, he is looking directly at the audience, and to me it looks like an ID picture for example a passport image.
The relationship that will be built up from this image would friendly however he isn’t smiling but because his eyes are looking directly at you, it catches your eye. The image is in black and white this is so that the other colours stand out more, also to represent the past as he is from a band from the 70's, relating to the past. Also it looks as if the image had been edited because it looks as if it has been pixelated.Led Zeppelin is on the front cover of this magazine, as he is currently releasing some new footage, which makes him currently new gossip as such. There isn’t a slogan.The central image is black and white, so that the CD can stand out. The black and white image makes the magazine look very old fashioned. Also the white font stands out.The main thing that is used to attract the audience is the free CD, also because the image has a direct mode of address the audience will feel as if they are being welcomed by the image.
NME Front Cover Analysis
From the front cover we can see that the box office draw is going to be able My Chemical Romance as he is the central image, the image is placed over the text showing his importance. The anchorage text indicates that the articles will be about their “comeback album”. One of the anchorage text state “vampire weekend” which is a band and doesnt relate much to the central image or colour scheme, but it can show why the colour scheme is red, white and black. These colours make a bold statement making the, the white and red font is visible with the black background. The colour scheme looks very professional and can be easily spotted and stands out, the vibrant red stands out.The target audience for NME magazine is teenagers from the ages of 16-19, who is interested in rock or indie music genre. The magazine included music that is popular at the moment.The central image, also reflects the on the puff words “Vampire weekend” he is wearing black attire and white shirt, making him look formal but the long trench coat could imply that that trench coat is a cape and he really is a vampire. The lighting is very bright around his face, producing a shadow to one side of his face obstructing one side of him again implying that he could be a vampire, also showing that there is an hidden part of him that is going to be released his album. The lighting also makes his face seem pale, like the vampires. the image doesn’t have a direct mode of address, this adds to the edginess of the image, the male artist isn’t looking directly at the camera his eye is covered by the shadows and his body is at an angle. This gives the reader the impression that the photo shoot could have been an action shot, meaning that while he was posing for the image he could have been moving. It could also show that not all is being revealed at this moment and time. This image is really strange as his feet seem to be framed in the centre but his head is more framed on the right and side, it could even be mistaken that he is jumping out the image at you because his back seems very long.My Chemical romance is on the front cover because they are a rock band and they are going to be releasing a comeback album. They are used because they match the criteria for the target audiences and it helps them promote their album. The anchorage text “My Chemical Romance, with their punk comeback album” states that they are making a new album and it will be part of the punk genre. This would imply that the artist is making a change to the kind of genre that they usually use.The overall message that the artist represents is that edgy. He looks very fashionable in this image looking very swave.At the top of the magazine there is a buzz word, the word NEW seems as if the audience will be the first to get their eyes on this, it makes them feel as if it is exclusive. Also at the bottom of the magazine there is a buzz word, the word plus makes it seem as if they are give the audience just that little bit extra.The title block is the abbreviated version of the full title and stands out as it is block capitals, the font with white and black outlines. The edges of the font type are edgy sharp, this added to the whole edgy vampire theme.There isn’t a slogan but under the title block it includes the full name of the magazine New Music Express, although this isn’t the slogan, it is placed in the space where slogans are usually found.The colour scheme is black, white and red. This helps to add to an edgy atmosphere, also because this is a classic colour scheme that can be easily identified.A lot of the font is bold, so that it can stand out and the audience are able to read it. The font type is a basic type, so that the it is illegible.
Proposal and Questionnaire
The genre of music that i will be producing a magazine for is rnb and hip hop music, the audience age will be ranged between 16-35, the audience will have an in depth knowledge for the genre of music. The magazine is not specific to gender as its soul purpose is to entertain those who love this particular genre of music.
I am carrying out a survey to find out what the audiences opinions about requirements in a magazine are. Please circle your answer to each of the following questions.
How often do you buy magazines?
Every fortnight
Weekly
Monthly
Never
Do magazines with freebies appeal to you the most?
Yes
No
What type of merchandises would you prefer?
Posters
CD’s
Make up/ accessories
Miniature gifts
What would convince you to buy a magazine?
The name
The front page
Celebrity gossip
Do competitions in a magazine appeal to you?
Yes
No
What parts in a magazine do you prefer reading?
Interviews
Reviews
Gossip
Other ________________________________
What types of music do you listen to?
RnB
Hip hop
Rock
Classical
Other ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬_________________________________
How much would be willing to pay for a magazine?
Less then £1.00
£1.00 - £2.00
£2.00 +
I am carrying out a survey to find out what the audiences opinions about requirements in a magazine are. Please circle your answer to each of the following questions.
How often do you buy magazines?
Every fortnight
Weekly
Monthly
Never
Do magazines with freebies appeal to you the most?
Yes
No
What type of merchandises would you prefer?
Posters
CD’s
Make up/ accessories
Miniature gifts
What would convince you to buy a magazine?
The name
The front page
Celebrity gossip
Do competitions in a magazine appeal to you?
Yes
No
What parts in a magazine do you prefer reading?
Interviews
Reviews
Gossip
Other ________________________________
What types of music do you listen to?
RnB
Hip hop
Rock
Classical
Other ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬_________________________________
How much would be willing to pay for a magazine?
Less then £1.00
£1.00 - £2.00
£2.00 +
Monday, 10 May 2010
Sunday, 9 May 2010
Analysing Title Blocks
kerrang!
The target audience for kerrang! magazine age ranges between 15-25 years of age, who have a keen interest in rock/punk/grunge and indie music. statistucs show that the male readership is superior to that of their female counterparts. kerrang! magazine is a brand of esteemed publisher bauer media. This is a niche magazine and caters to its dedicated readership by featuring a number of well known and up and coming bands on a highly regular basis. Much like the music it features the title block is bold and brash, it stands out on shop shelves so that unfamiliar readers are easily drawn to its unique stylings. kerrang! the noise a quitar makes when it strings are strung heavily, this clever utilisation of onomatopoeia says alot about the magazines, as its advanced creativity exclaims why the magazine is so successful. This is further expressed with the authenticity of the block title, the design perfectly accentuates the edgy core of the brand. The simple colour scheme off black and white speaks volumes when trying to identify the magazine. These particular colours are stereotypically attributed to the demographic that purchase this magazine, the boldness of the black on the back drop of white allows it to stand out amongst its rivals.
NME
NME Aka New Musical Express, targets an audience of teenagers ranging from ages 16-19, who like kerrang! readers have a keen interest in indie rock music, like kerrang nme is published by powerhouse company ipc. This is a somewhat rebellious magazine that once started out as a alternative newspaper before making gradual movement towards the magazine market. The magazine sells best to younger readers as its image is centred around youth culture and features the latest or upcoming artist who are creating a shake up in the music industry. The designers of the title block were smart in their approach, they obviously wanted the cover to stand out so they used the same methong in which tabloid newspapers draw in their consumers, by using the colour red on a bland background so that the words stand out and grasp the possible or undecided readers attention. Though the design is basic this does not matter as it is very effective, the harsh edging adds to this as it makes it seems as though the wording has been indented.
NME Aka New Musical Express, targets an audience of teenagers ranging from ages 16-19, who like kerrang! readers have a keen interest in indie rock music, like kerrang nme is published by powerhouse company ipc. This is a somewhat rebellious magazine that once started out as a alternative newspaper before making gradual movement towards the magazine market. The magazine sells best to younger readers as its image is centred around youth culture and features the latest or upcoming artist who are creating a shake up in the music industry. The designers of the title block were smart in their approach, they obviously wanted the cover to stand out so they used the same methong in which tabloid newspapers draw in their consumers, by using the colour red on a bland background so that the words stand out and grasp the possible or undecided readers attention. Though the design is basic this does not matter as it is very effective, the harsh edging adds to this as it makes it seems as though the wording has been indented.
Q
Once again the same approach taken to design title for tabloid media outlets such as newspapers. This is for the simple reason that it is made to standout when sitting on a shop shelf. Q magazine is aimed at the older generation of music lovers and is formulated in a way in which readers can really get to know the artists that are featured inside. This generation is not interested in downloading so Q makes sure that it caters to its readerships needs by mounting cds on the front cover. the simple design allows this magazine to standout among the rest as it is easily noticeable to its commited readership and those who have only ever heard of Q.
Rolling Stone
This magazine is aimed at people who enjoy politics, music and popular culture, the readership ranges between the ages of 18-40. The first thing you get from the magazine title is that it has the same name as rock legends the Rolling Stones, this is a stand out feature of the magazine that already would draw scores of readers to the magazine. The ever so popular colour read is used once again, as the colour is attention grabbing and is recognisable. however, the most unique feature of the title block is the font. The way in which it is beautifull styled gives the impression that this magazine deals with a lot more serious issues outside of music, it also indicates that readership may be a little more sophisticated than other magazines. The design is also easy on the eye and stands out not only for being bold but for its also subtle nature.
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
mojo contents page
There is one centre image of the contents page, this remains the focus of the contents page. the text is placed on the image on a light colour just like the trees are faded in the background to allow the focus to be placed firmly on corinne bailey rae, who happends to be an upcoming artist. this matches the style of the magazine as it promotes such talent. a house style is being developed as you can see the central image is black and white as is the text. the black and white is meant to conform with the 70's theme of the magazine. the informataion is organised in two columns dividing two pages. the image is accomdated and kept central by the words being shaped around the photo.There isn’t any promotional feature on this contents page. The magazines title block is at the top of the page, this shows that it is very dominate as it takes up a lot of the room. There is also another logo at the bottom of the page but it is only small next to the page numbers.
Why is th cover page so important?
the editors main concern is what goes on the front of the magazine and if the cover is worthy of being sold. also, to make sure that the magazine cover is diverse enough to sell also, this makes it marketable for everybody else. The front cover is important as it is the first thing that is seen when the consumer walks into a shop. if the front cover is not up to a satisfactory standard the magazine will not appeal to potential customers. Editors of magazines such as 'vibe' make sure that a number of famous artist are mentioned on the front of the so that readers are attracted not os much by the look of the but by its content. Editors of 'vibe' make the magazine appeal to the readership by putting a number of a famous artists on the front of their magazines. the main attraction is the inclusion of the biggest artist on the planet from the world of rnb. the two most important parts of the magazine are the logo and the sweet spot. the logo give the brand an identity. the edito will continue to rejuvinate the image of the magazine to keep the readership hooked on buying the magazine.
Analysing Magazine covers
the title of the magazine is vibe. this is a niche magazine that is aimed at fans that love rnb and hip hop, the readership age ranges from 16-35. the title 'vibe' is the word given to the feeling you get when listening to this genre of music. the title is always in bold font that almost emphasises on the theme that they are trying to sell to non readers. the title is very simpole, you could almost say laid back, just like the music that it is selling. The placement of the title at the top of the magazine is a common feature of magazines as it allows the potential customers to be drawn to the magazine.
The artist on the front cover is R.kelly an international musical legend is using the direct mode of address, the image is of a man who looks fed up, this is due to the speculation that was surrounding him at the time. this represents the size of the magazine, that they are able to attract such artists.
the anchorage text outlines the reasoning for r kellys inclusion in the magazine. this was for the hugely controversial court case that was taking place. they also address an issue thats on the minds of many african american males. does success come at a price? race? fame? the aim of the magazine is to draw readers in that are interested in huge star stories like this one.
it is a regular fixture of vibe magazine to feature many other artist and this feature is no different with the inclusion with a number of famous artist.
the magazine layout is really simple and relies on selling its magazine on adding huge names to their line up.
a range of colours are frequently used on the magazine as they are used to attract customers with the brash and bold colours. this is frequently used on magazine covers.
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