In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
The way I aimed to implement the main conventions when making my cover was to first consider how magazines get the attention of their readers. The reason for this is the elements that go into making something look interesting would need to include on the very front page. They would also have to be adapted for the specific target audience of the product. In this case I decided to make a questionnaire which then allowed me to evaluate what my target audience would want to see. I also analysed multiple existing music magazines, of a similar genre, and then took note of what made each magazine popular to then apply these features to my own. I think that I was able to challenge the general form of real music magazines through my colour scheme as I have not seen any other magazine with the specific colours I included on the cover and contents page.
However, it is also very traditional to the genre as the '+', slanted title used on the front cover and the composition of the contents page is seen in many other magazines, but slightly adapted to every brand to it keep in unique. The double page spread also has a standard layout, but again I think the colour choice is different and sets the tone for the magazine as separate from the ones I took inspiration from. I would consider each convention I used to have been developed as I applied each of them in my own way to establish the genre and brand of my magazine. Keeping to some traditional conventions also makes the layout recognisable for anyone who looks at the cover. This could allow them to associate the elements on my cover with what they already know from other magazines of the same genre.
The main features I included were; the advertisement of free posters and a CD, a competition, including band names on the cover, an interview of one artist, a barcode, the price, website address for the magazine, issue number, date, cover lines, subsidiary images linking to the main topic of each section and the general placement of each text. I was able to include all of these elements that you would presume to see within a magazine yet I changed each one to be more unique and personalised, allowing me to challenge the stereotypical layouts and expectations of real music magazines. Personalising each of these features also enables me to further distinguish and set up expectations for my own brand.
The language I used for the text and article was slightly informal but still manages to keep and overall formal representation of the magazine. I took think into consideration as I wanted to make sure to use a type of language and choice of words that would be common for the ages and social class of my target audience, that they would use themselves. I also thought about the rule of thirds to make sure each top corner of the magazine is just as interesting as the rest. This would be at my benefit if I were to actually sell this magazine as it would allow for minimal advertising as not even the majority of the magazine would need to be seen to get the attention of a potential reader.
Your browser does not support viewing this document. Click here to download the document.
Question 5
How did you attract/address your audience?
I aimed to appeal to my audience through multiple methods. On the front cover I wanted to produce an attractive main image that would be unique and interesting. The genre I chose helped me to do this as I wanted an indie aesthetic appearance, partially reflected through the clash of bright and dark colours. The background image I used of a concert, denotes confetti falling amongst bright lights. This connotes large success as confetti is used at important events and the bright lights get your attention to make you focus on what they’re pointed at.
The colours of the text also include blue and yellow primary colours which are bold and make it look fun. This also connects to the white which is used to highlight the black in the title and list the main bands that are featured within the magazine. The use of multiple bands on the front is to be more appealing to a wider audience as the band consist of a variety of similar genres. This allows more interests from other people while still staying to the over main genre, being indie/alternative rock. The fonts I chose also help draw attention as I used numerous to imply different tones of the magazine. The softer fonts being the lesser important features and the jagged fonts being more important and specific to that issue.
The contents page uses a similar effect as I again used many fonts and less colours. However, these colours are very complementary as the pastel purple and white fit the genre perfectly. This time I used more images from concerts, which contain bright lights and colours. The images easily get the reader’s attention as they depict a fun setting, which is shown right below the advertisement for a competition where you can win concert tickets. This would subliminally make them more interested in applying for it. The key features I chose to include also were distinguished as most engaging from my questionnaire results. This will make it more appealing to my audience as I made sure to focus on all the elements they made it clear they wanted to read about. My double page spread ties in with the front cover as the main background colour matches the artist’s jumper. The colours, yellow and white, also link to the cover which reinforces the idea that it is a professional music magazine that represents its own unique brand. The pull quote I used would be effective at gaining the reader’s attention as it is meaningful and could be considered inspiring. I think that I used all of the key conventions to my advantage to make an attractive and interesting music magazine.
I made sure to address my audience by using a suitable language type that I would use myself. I think that this was effective as the target audience are around my age and would therefore find it relatable. Such as ‘I also took major influence from my dad’ as it’s not the most grammatically correct sentence but could be very significant for other readers who also highly look up to their parents. I also addressed them by completely implementing the results of my questionnaire to make it more personal and engaging. I also made all of my advertisements relevant to the targeted audience. Festival and concert dates would be most appealing as well as the price for the competition being modernised and genre specific.
I aimed to tell a story almost through my photos of the main artist as he never fully looks at the camera. This is up to the readers own interpretation of what he could be looking at. Whether it be literal or metaphorical. My original intention of this was looking right at the camera can seem slightly intimidating, and as he is a new artist that not everyone may be familiar with, it seemed too serious and almost awkward. Also in each image he is looking in a different direction. On the cover he is looking upwards which pairs well with the background image as it makes him seem more powerful and important. However, in the main image on the double page spread he is looking downwards and has a more almost sad expression. This implies some slightly darker undertones as the article briefly mentions the struggles he went through. The image of him on the contents page looks more like he’s contemplating something which could be seen as personifying the conflictions represented in his album.
Your browser does not support viewing this document. Click here to download the document.