Contents Page Research - Acoustic (Winter 2013)

Contents Page Research - Acoustic (Winter 2013) from kayleysalter

 

Contents Page Research - Metal Hammer June 2014

Click here to view my Prezi where I analyse the contents page of the Metal Hammer Magazine from June 2014.

Contents Page Research - Q June 2014

This is the first contents page that I analysed. It is a Q Magazine from June 2014 (I previously analysed the front cover too).
From this contents page I know that the magazine has 136 pages. The main article however, about Lily Allen, starts on page 54 which, in my opinion, is quite far along in the magazine for the main article to be placed on. Before I completed any of my research I assumed that the main article would be as close to the beginning as possible. Between each article is 2 to 10 pages. This is a large range of pages which I also did not expect to see. There are 9 other stories that are included on this contents page. This has influenced my creative ideas because when completing my Music Magazine I  know that the main article does not need to be near the beginning.

 

The layout matches the front cover because the house style is carried on throughout the contents page. This mainly features the red, black and white colour scheme which is interpreted in the title "June 2014, Q, Contents".

 

In addition, the image of Lily Allen on the front cover and the image of her on the contents page are from the same photo-shoot. I know this because she is still wearing the leather jacket and has fierce, rock style make up. This also carries the house style through the magazine and creates synergy. 

However, all the other images are taken in different locations. For example, the pictures of Oasis are all in different settings, the models are wearing different clothing and the props also differ.

 

I believe this magazine to target an audience of ages 18 - 25 because youthful images and youthful models feature in this magazine. Also, the models that are featured will be more recognisable in that age group than in any other. This is because the music that they produce, especially Lily Allen, is chart music which is listened to by people of that age.

 

This contents page has 2 columns of text per A4 page, which is 4 in total. All of these columns contain 1 or more images which add up to 10 in total. This has influenced my creative ideas because it has allowed me to realise that many images on a contents page can look perfectly fine and not overcrowded. I may use this idea and create a contents page with a similar number of images because I know that it is used in a successful magazine.

 

The text size is around 18/20 for the headings and size 10/12 for detail. This makes the headings stand out and allows the reader to notice them before anything else. Also, because the detail is in such a small text, I believe that this then seems optional to read because the page numbers are also in a large font. The circle radius containing the page numbers range between 1.5cm to 3.0cm. The page numbers are all places on the left hand side, either on the top or bottom. However, this is not relevant for one of them as it is placed on the right hand side ("Page 96").

Two different fonts are used for the headings and the detail: Arial Bold and Times New Roman.

 

The fonts link to the house style and the front cover because the same colours and fonts are featured throughout the contents page which were first on the front page.

 

Modern representations are shown of new musicians and fashion. However, to break convention, Oasis are featured. This breaks convention because they are not new musicians and have been around for quite a while compared to other artists featured in the magazine.

Indie Magazine Conventions and Findings

After choosing my magazine genre and completing research I have found out a lot about the following sub-headings.


Convention:

• Masthead takes up normally around 1/6th of the front page - often in red, blue or green
• Colours used are pink and blue - appeals to both genders
• Font colours are usually white, blue, black or pink
• Cover stories - main article is always about a specific singer or band
• Features may contain: biography, album and song reviews, what's on, events, gigs, fashion, social issues and concerns, CD reviews, critics choice. The features are not mainstream and the UK Chart is not relevant.
• Puffs are rare - shapes and corner folds are more relevant
• Pugs contain the price and date, issue and barcode in the bottom right or left
• Banners are used which explain more of what is inside the magazine.

Pictures and Photography on the front cover:

• Either individual male or female singers or group shots
• Traditional genre representations
• Locations: art galleries, cathedrals, cafes, monuments, urban and rural, studio shots
• Props include instruments and fashion accessories
• Costumes are informal and casual - this links to Country and Western (denim jackets/checked shirts/denim jeans/sweaters)
• Desaturation and sepia is used often.

Fonts used:

• are normally sans serif/times new roman/arial narrow - these are all thin fonts which create very dense texts in articles. An example of these are on the Wire magazine which I previously posted about.

Layout contains:

• Lines
• Dots
• Boxes
• Artistic elements and effects
• Symbolic images
• Third

Sign Systems

A sign system has 2 elements:

• A Signified - the 'concept' represented in the sign
• and, A Signifier - the 'thing' that is represented by the sign

Many signs, however, are polysemic - which means that they will carry many signifieds. For example, The signifier of a knife on a horror poster has many signifieds associated with it... murder/death/horror/angriness/attacks.

Types of Sign

C S Peirce suggested that there are many different sorts of signs and that they all should be treated differently.

The difference comes within the scale of difference between the signifier and the signified.

• The closest relationship is an index sign. These signs are very closely related to the concept they signify - a tim of cat food signifies the cat food inside.
• Iconic signs are like the signified - a photograph is often described as iconic because it is like the person but it clearly separated from them.
• Symbolic signs do not have an obvious relationships - a dove can often be seen as signifying peace and serenity.
• Arbitrary signs are for signs of which the meaning can change. Language is an arbitrary sign - there is no clear connection between the signifier and the signified. Current words could be 'minging' and 'bling' which carry particular conventions with particular groups of people (e.g. young) but are meaningless themselves.

Semiotics

"Semiotics enable us to deconstruct how visual messages as well as textual messages communicate"

We generally deconstruct texts at three levels;

• Syntactic
• Representational
• Symbolic

Syntactic Level

• Most basic level of analysis - it identifies the denotations of the text - (what is in the text)
• To look at the syntactical level, hold the page far enough away so that you cannot read the words and look purely at the visual message that the document connotes.
• Immediate impression

What are the dominant elements on the page?

How is colour being used?

What is the overall effect of the text?

Representational Level

• This examines the meaning of something
• At this level, key concepts should be looked at
• ideas and objects included in the text and the relationship between them 

Has camera angle been used to convey a different status for different characters?

How does the text create meanings through the linking of elements in the layout? (editing, etc)

You are looking at how media language and representations are used to convey meaning to the audience.

Symbolic Level

• You are looking at what hidden meaning or connotations the text carries in terms of ideology and institution
• Remember that a text is dependent on the context of consumption - connotations can and will depend on the readers' own cultural history

Magazine Research - NME 2

I am also researching this magazine cover as it differs greatly for the Under the Radar magazines I looked at - this looks more vintage style and also looks as if it would suit the indie rock genre rather than indie pop.

The red and white colour scheme also appears on this magazine which therefore also suits the normal convention, although yellow text is also used.

The image used on this front cover looks very desaturated which follows convention. The clothes that the models are wearing follow the house style which contains black within the colour scheme. I would very much like to use this idea because it looks professional and the picture links in with the rest of the magazine cover. 

I have noticed that on NME covers the masthead doesn't always stay the same colour, different colours are used which would contrast more with the background and also fit each colour scheme for each individual magazine. Here are a few examples:

               

I have noticed that each masthead is a different colour because of the colour of the main cover story tagline. I would definitely use this idea because it adds uniqueness to each edition of the magazine. I also noticed that props that the model would wear or hold (in these examples - mug, jackets and glasses, chair) would also be the same colour as the masthead and tag line. I think that this is a great idea.

This has influenced my creative ideas greatly because it is an idea that I do really, really like. I would definitely use this idea for my music magazine because the colour of the masthead and tagline is specific to each magazine. In addition, this idea is not used in many successful magazines such as Q and Under The Radar which makes this much more appealing to the audience, in my opinion, which is why I like it so much. 

Magazine Research - NME 1

This NME magazine is described as 'indie' which is why I am also adding this to my research.

I like this magazine because the colour scheme is very basic and bold - with Red White and Black. The red is featured because of the model's, Florence Welch, hair and contrasts greatly with the white overlapping masthead. This follows the normal indie music magazine conventions because red is used a lot because it is a strong colour. The only black on the front cover is the work 'Florence' which contrasts alongside the white text and the red hair. This makes the magazine look professional and sophisticated which is why I may use this kind of idea for my indie magazine.

I like the masthead on this font cover because it is simple, the bold basic writing makes the masthead stand out from the rest of the magazine which is why I noticed it first. The house style is influenced by the amount of white text on the page - the model incorporates this by wearing a white t-shirt which reiterates this idea. Also, the model has very pale skin which may have been edited slightly on photoshop to look paler - this also contrasts with the red of her hair which makes up around a half of the front cover. I think that because the model has pale skin, the close up shot was used so that the whole image contrasts within itself - no background is needed.

All of the text on this front cover is down the sides of this magazine and is in white text which contrasts with the red background that it is on. This also follows the normal conventions of a indie music magazine as white text is seen a lot on front covers.

This has influenced my creative ideas greatly because it has allowed me to see that simple colour schemes can still be effective on magazine front covers. I am now open-minded about the colour schemes that I can use for my magazine because before I saw this magazine I thought that more colours would look better - my mind has now changed about this.

Magazine Research - imr

I don't like this music magazine.

I think it looks very unprofessional although I do like some of the features.

I dislike the masthead on this front cover as it is very small and there is no definite colour scheme on the masthead or throughout the front cover.

Also, the layout looks very basic. Therefore, I will not use this idea for my music magazine. However, I like the way that smaller pictures are used on the front cover so I may use this idea.

I think there is too much white space on the magazine, around where it says "Warehouse Republic". Personally, I think that this makes the magazine look inadequate.

I dislike the font used on this magazine because it is what is seen around schools - this makes the magazine look as if it has been make by someone quickly with little thought process.

The models on this magazine are placed right at the bottom of the page which doesn't follow the normal convention for magazine front covers. They are all dressed in smart clothes which doesn't really follow the house style and fonts which looks very casual.

One of the models is smoking which fits the stereotypical idea of people in this music genre. However, the cigarette doesn't look very casual because it has only just been lit - this makes the model seem awkward because the cigarette looks like it is only a prop and not a part of the lifestyle of the musicians that are featured on the front cover.

Magazine Research - The Wire 361

This magazine cover differs greatly from the Under the Radar magazines that I looked at. This is because this is for a niche audience.

The cover stories on this magazine are all in a small white font. There is also not a lot of this cover that is covered in writing, this makes the reader notice the word "Actress" and the models pose. The cover stories do not mention what is in the magazine such as topics or interviews, all is said is peoples names "Jandek Redux", "Gnod". This will suit the purpose and audience for the magazine because the audience will recognise each of them.

The model looks unconventional because he is wearing sunglasses and is biting a tooth pick. The connotations of this is that he is aggressive and fierce.

The colour scheme of purple, grey and white is represented in the model with the clothes he is wearing, a grey jacket over a burgundy jacket. This makes the model stand out less from the magazine - unlike the Under the Radar magazine (the first one I researched).

Magazine Research - Under the Radar 2

This is another edition of the Under the Radar magazine.

The colour scheme is made up of pinks and purples which adds to the indie convention. Also, I think that this makes the magazine seem as if music is playing - as if disco lights are on.

The font size is very small which adds to the emphasis of the word "Grimes". This means that the reader will be more likely to pick it up in a shop as the colours will contrast from many other magazines as I, personally, have never seen an adults music magazine with this colour scheme. The image used breaks the normal conventions because the model is not looking into the camera - this however makes the magazine look more artistic. Also, her hand that is holding the necklace does not look awkward and is soft. It draws attention to her big necklaces - which is a prop. In addition, she is holding her skirt which bring attention to the unique outfit that she is wearing for the shoot.

Both editions of Under the Radar appear to have banners at the top of the page which shows what is contained inside. I can use this idea because it looks professional is part of a successful magazine.

This has influenced my creative decisions because I now know another way in which I can ask my model to pose. Also, it allows me to get an idea about what colour schemes stand out massively compared to others.

Magazine Research - Under the Radar 1

This is one of the magazines that I am using as research for my music magazine.

The first thing I notice is that the colour scheme is relatively simple, white grey and navy. However, the image used for the front cover is very bold and noticeable. This allows the reader to notice the models first alongside the phrase "Alt-J in multicolour".

Also, I have noticed that many famous names and bands are mentioned on the cover stories which allows the magazine to look more professional and sophisticated.

The image used on the front cover is very unique because 2 out of the 3 models are not looking directly into the camera, this is unconventional. This makes the image look casual and informal which I believe is what the photographer was trying to achieve. In addition, the model who is placed at the front of the 3 has a strange facial expression which is not normally seen when posing for a music magazine. This makes the magazine look very unique and bold.

The main words on this front cover are all in red, bold writing which makes that colour scheme more prominent. Also, the models are all covered in paint, most of which is red, which follows the house style.

History of the Indie Genre in the UK

In the UK, the first indie music scene recognised was the release of the C86 cassette - which was a NME compilation featuring many bands (1986)

Record labels around at this time in the UK included 'Creation', 'Subway' and 'Glass'.

  

 

In the 1980's, labels such as Cheree Records and Che Trading joined into one industry that is now referred to as Rocket Girl. This has contributed significantly to the Indie music scene.

History of the Indie Genre

I have done some wider research which will allow me to incorporate ideas into my music magazine which I may not have thought to include before.

The word "indie" comes from the term "independent" and indie music retrieved its name because of music that was independently written, recorded and produced by bands or commercial record labels.
This has influenced my creative ideas because I now have many words that I can play around with for my masthead ideas.

 Some of these Record Labels include: Sun Records, King Records, Stax, 4AD, Captured Tracks and Jagjaguwar. Reading these record labels made me realise that they do not all share the same semantical field.
This has influenced my creative ideas because it has made me realise how wide the indie music genre is.

Chosen genre for my music magazine

I have chosen to do an Indie music magazine.

I have researched background information abut the music genre as this will allow me to create a realistic music magazine.

I have found out that within this genre there is sub genres such as: Indie pop, C86, and Low Fidelity, Which all make up this wide genre of indie music.

I have also researched specific magazine which adds to my knowledge about the genre.

Q Magazine - Similar Product Research

http://www.slideshare.net/kayleysalter/q-magazine-similar-product-research

I analysed a front cover using a powerpoint and slideshare. Click the link to view.

Similar Product Research - Q October 2013

Terrorizer - Similar Product Research

The masthead on this image is located at the top in the centre. It fades into the background with a gradient. I dislike this magazine front cover because the masthead is hidden by the three models and it took me a very long time to figure out what it said. This means that the magazine is not open to attracting new readers are they will be unable to see what the magazine is all about.

This magazine comes with a Free CD which means that it will be appealing to their readers.

The word 'Mayhem' was what I noticed first on the magazine because it contrasts greatly with the black background. The colour scheme for this magazine is black and white which connotes spookiness - which could be associated with metal music which is what I believe this magazine to be because the words 'death' and 'insomnium'.

Dyer's representation theory states that "A star is an image, not a real person, that is reconstructed" which means that these men appear to look angry and aggressive but however will not be in real life.

Creativity and Reflection

When I started the AS Media course I had no idea about how to make a magazine, or take a decent image to be on a front cover.
My creativity at the beginning was very bad; I didn't know how to take a picture that was good enough to use. As the weeks went on my knowledge improved. The research I did into Sixth Form and College magazines also helped my to find out what looks good and bad on a magazine front cover.
The Target Audience survey also allowed me to find out what Sixth Formers want and this allowed me to plan my magazine cover.

Things I would change:-
- I would definitely change the colours when I do my Music Magazine. I will select a definite colour scheme to add professionalism to my magazine.
- I will definitely select natural lighting when taking my picture because I know that this looks better when edited.
- I will also edit the image more when it comes to my music magazine as the models will look more experienced and the magazine will look more skilful.

Final Contents Page - College Magazine

This is my Final Contents Page for my College Magazine!

Evaluation of The Preliminary Task

http://www.slideshare.net/kayleysalter/evalutation-of-prelim-task

This is the powerpoint where I evaluated my College Magazine Front Cover - I stated what I liked, disliked, what I will do differently on my music magazine and what I did that didn't convey with my TA Survey.

Final Front Cover - College Magazine

This is my final front cover of my College Magazine!

Initial Ideas about Adobe Elements 11

My first try on Adobe Elements 11 was appalling - I could not get my head round the layers or what tool did which action.

As you can see - my first draft of the picture for my front cover was ruined by the way I tried to colour the lips - they looks pixellated and surreal. I therefore had to start again as I was unsure how I had done it and I did not realise straight away so 'cmd + z' could not be used.

The more and more I used it the more I realised that it was relatively simple.

I now feel confident when using Photoshop and look forward to progressing further along this AS Media course - especially for my music magazine. I will use more tools when doing the music magazine as this would look more professional and sophisticated.

My Final Choice

I think I am going to use this picture for my front cover, I like the way that it breaks the norm for a magazine shoot. Models normally look straight at the camera and Sarah is looking away. This however makes her eyes stand out and the lighting makes her skin and hair look bright, it also contrasts with the plain black background.
Also, when I posted this image (along with my other 2 favourites) onto Flickr, the comments stated that this one is the image that i should use for my College Magazine front cover!