Question 1- Gabrielle Butler

In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms of conventions of real media products?
Preparing the questionnaire was useful in helping me learn about target audience needs. Research on the importance of wording, typeface and typography (layout, spacing/ margins, colours and font) has been useful. By analysing Kerrang!, MOJO and NME as part of my planning I have been able to identify the reader profile. I have learned a range of techniques used to engage the reader e.g. a variety of fonts used on the front cover, magazine contents which would include adverts, from the editor, celebrity articles, sex appeal, features and quality photographs. My magazine has used a number of conventions e.g. bright and engaging contents pages which are similar in layout in all editions, similar articles are spread throughout the magazine for prolonged reader interest. See comparisons below of real products versus my final pieces- all annotated with key points. The magazine pages obey generic codes and conventions such as technical (camera techniques and shots), symbolic (clothing and colours) and written. Photography is used to convey additional messages and also making the magazine more easily readable. Photos give depth and context to my features especially on the double page spread. Pull quotes would be used through the magazine. The use of drop cap could be an addition to the article on the double page spread also. Colour blocks and graphics in future interviews could add to reader appeal. The magazine has a unique house style- each edition uses similar layout and structure including masthead, page numbering, fonts, colour, logo and placement of pictures- this will make sure the reader feels comfortable when rebuying the magazine.

Question 1- Gabrielle Butler Masthead

Secondary image Skyline

Slogan Main sell line Sell lines

Main image

Barcode Lure

Question 1- Gabrielle Butler

Question 1- Gabrielle Butler

Feature title with effective use of colour

Drop caps

Variation in font type and colour for increased interest

Pull quote

Stand first

Social media links

Website

Cross over between pages

Magazine name and page number

Question 1- Gabrielle Butler LIIAR Analysis for Rhythmix MEDIA LANGUAGE- front cover I have applied music magazine front cover conventions to my indie Rhythmix magazine. The masthead is comprised of the Rhythmix magazines title. This is displayed at the top of the page in a large white font in front of the colourful main image. There is a good contrast to facilitate legibility. The name Rhythmix informs the new readership of the mix of rhythms to be covered in features, reviews, gigs and interviews. The price of my magazine is located with the bar code in the bottom right corner. This is in a small font to not divert the readers eye from the sell lines. The cost is in line with other music magazine to make my magazine a competitive product. The price is affordable to the male and female readership aged 15-35 who may be predominantly students. The date and issue number are also located here. The use of a barcode is important as it allows retailers to read information electronically. The words Plus! and WIN are used as a teaser to act as an attention grabber. The words Insider Exclusive denote that there is new little known information inside the magazine. This will connote a sense of social belonging to the target audience. The slogo is located directly under the masthead for brand identity. This will be on every issue. Feel the vibe further reinforces to the readership that this is a music magazine. The link to the magazines website is positioned to the right under the masthead. This will be on every issue to inform the digital native target audience of the webzine. The target audience may appreciate the feel of the print magazine but they will value the interactivity, downloads and live news feeds available on the website. Lily Step is the main feature of the magazine and hence why she is shown in the main image. Her name is there as an intertextual link. The feature lists a well know Indie band called the Arctic Monkeys to add readability and appeal to the lesser known newcomer. This will attract the attention

Question 1- Gabrielle Butler of the reader who is interested in up and coming bands as well as the reader interested in the Arctic Monkeys. I have use the phrase Live in London to summarise the main point of the main feature. The headline is in a large print with a different style font and contrasting bold colours using the red translucent banner in order to catch the attention of the reader. The translucent banner will form part of my house style. Subtitle/ smaller headlines summarise the additional features in the magazine. The sell lines are on the left hand side of the page to allow them to be seen when the magazine is racked at the retailers. The size of font used for the sell lines decreases as the importance of the features decreases. All sell lines feature current Indie bands to appeal the target audience of indie music lovers. The main image is of Lily step the new artist featured in the main article. This is a centrally positioned close-up to medium close-up shot with little editing. This limited editing is a convention of the indie genre. The artist is using the direct mode of address to engage with the reader. The shot is eye level to connote that Lily is not yet a star. Lily is wearing clothes in line with the indie target audience namely a hat as an accessory and a checked shirt. The colours of her subtle lipstick and the red banner complement each other. Lily has a simple appearance to connote the sense that she is a newcomer to the music scene. The position of Lily against a brick wall is also complementary. The second image has a Polaroid of James Taylor. James is wearing casual clothing including jeans, a T-shirt and an additional layer of a shirt with messy hair. James is intentionally not looking at the camera in order for him to appear removed and he has little facial expression. He is situated in front of a breeze block wall to suggest a town rather than country location. The lighting is natural to fit with magazine conventions for the indie genre. The secondary image helps make the page look more interesting. It should add to the understanding of the James Taylor feature and also to entice someone to read the magazine. The use of a male star in the same age range of the target audience will appeal. The use of male and female artists in images will ensure that both sexes are promoted. This is a magazine for both men and women. The font style and size of type face is variable across the page. All are easily readable and will be used regularly as part of my house style. A number of fonts are used to add interest and appeal. Consistent colour scheme and uses of banners and straplines will be a feature of every issue- this will ensure that brand identity is established. Colours are appealing to the young adult readership. White adds a sense of simplicity. Black in the strapline denotes power Rhythmix is a real competitor for the other music magazines and not afraid to move from convention in their features and to have unbiased challenging reviews etc. Red is used to connote passion. The editorial team are passionate about their work and the product they produce. They share the music taste of the readership. The colours will generally be limited to 3 to keep with convention. The use of a circular yellow translucent graphical shape is used to highlight the lure of a free CD. This is located in the top right pug position. This is beneficial when the magazine is racked as often only a third of the front cover is visible. The free CD is appealing to this socioeconomic group of the target audience. Graphics add to the visual quality of the magazine. The chance to win tickets to the Waterboys is placed on the banner-style shape at the bottom of the page.

Question 1- Gabrielle Butler MEDIA LANGUAGE- contents page I have applied music magazine contents page conventions to my indie Rhythmix magazine. These conventions begin with the page title at the top of the page with the number of the issue. These are in a large clear legible font for readability. The colour alternates for added interest. This will be part of my house style. I have used quotes from various articles in connection with the main sell lines to give greater information for the reader who is taking a quick glance at the page. The contents are split into key focus areas e.g. features, reviews and news. This is to provide the reader with information which is the greatest need identified from my initial survey. The features section highlights main stories listed on the front cover. To highlight the importance of the cover story this is listed in the lower section of the page and in one of the three photographs. The second image is of the artist, James Taylor, dressed in the indie style with layers and a checked shirt. This artist was also shown on the front cover in a different pose. The mise en scene has the artist casually leaning against the breeze block wall which denotes the urban location of the photo shoot. The additional third image of Katie Kirby is used to denote a wide range of content. To improve further I feel that I would need to photograph artists both performing and on set. There is a continuous colour scheme throughout- I have used the black, red and white from the front cover. I have included the page number of articles on the contents page but also have given in white on the images the reference to location of key articles, with the name of the articles. Again I have used alternating colour for added interest. Some of the writing could be improved as there is poor contrast with the image as it is in black and white. As in NME I have added a band list down the left hand side. This allows the read to scan quickly for the latest information on their favoured bands. To further improve my contents page I could include a few external advertisements from other institutions e.g. SONY etc. I have tried to use a variety of language to make the text interesting. This could be improved with more references to you the reader.

Question 1- Gabrielle Butler I have highlighted the magazine social media links at the top of the page for increased brand identity and recognition. I have also stated the website for the reader to have opportunity for greater interactivity. MEDIA LANGUAGE- double page spread I have applied music magazine double page spread conventions to my indie Rhythmix magazine. I have placed the page title in two parts at the top left of the page and the bottom. The title indicates what the page contains however I have purposely placed it in these positions to connote that Rhythmix is not afraid to challenge tradition and convention. The name of the artist is in a large, clear front, for a big impact amongst other articles. This font style has been used in the front cover and contents page for enhanced brand identity. In addition I have continued to use the black red and white (continuous) colour scheme over the two pages My reference to Debut performance gives a clear introduction to the article. This text drags over the page to follow convention. The article itself is written in columns with a clear font. I have checked the draft to ensure that the spelling, grammar and punctuation are correct. Before I wrote the article in word I had read many reviews and articles to look at the writing style of the journalists. I needed to write in a way that informed but also appealed to the readers. I felt that it was important to copy the style of artist quotes in order to make the article more real and for the artist to directly establish a relationship with the reader. The use of real events such as the Rock en Seine and the headliners Arctic Monkeys was used to make the article more credible. I found this information out from looking at the Arctic Monkeys website and the news features. Classical indie is not something I am interested in but my use of props included a classical guitar. I therefore needed to research classical artists and those who have inspired musicians and readers for this genre. I added in a number of points of contact to the pages-links to Facebook and Twitter, reference to YouTube coverage and also links to Lilys website and the web address for Rhythmix. I have highlighted quotes from the article in red and then placed a larger pull quote in the centre of the text. I wrapped the text around this. I used a stand first to give a brief introduction to the article I used the main image of Lily posing in the underpass- to add interest I used a black and white image and restored the original colour to the artist. Again this is a challenge to convention and expectation as the reader would be likely to expect the graffiti to be in colour. Lily uses the direct mode of address to engage with the reader. The mise en scene of the underpass, the props including coat and hat for money collections as well as the guitar informs the reader of the background behind the star and her story. I have added a smaller secondary image of Lily busking to add further realism.

Question 1- Gabrielle Butler IDEOLOGY of Rhythmix Rhythmix is within an Indie music genre and will cover the whole spectrum of popular music from metal to the latest boy bands. The name Rhythmix is important as it symbolises a unique blend of rhythms and music styles. The ideology or ideas behind Rhythmix is simply the agenda of the editorial team to provide unbiased information, news and reviews on the indie music scene. The print magazine- subscription to the paper version will increase profit however it will need to be unique in order to compete with Mojo and Q for example. The print version will seek to make the connection with the consumer. Print aims for a deeper, more meaningful dialogue. It is not simply a one-dimensional message delivery vehicle, its a conversation-starter, an opinion-influencer, it provokes, it inspires and many like to hold the magazine whilst reading giving a tactile relationship. The pages will be glossy and of a high quality paper. Online magazine-The importance of our online magazine is to provide independent and informed comment on all that is trending on the music scene. This will be through serious music availability and expert views. The second element of the mission/ theme is to uncover creative talent from all over the country in order that we can support new bands and artistes. These up and coming bands have great talent and creativity which deserve recognition by a wider audience of passionate music fans e.g. Temples, Fidlar, Splassh, Savages and Deap Valley. Interactivity between fans and contact with bands and artistes is imperative. This will be through online votes and polls; tweets on Twitter; Facebook and other social media links and opportunities to win exclusive attendance at post- gig parties and music sessions. Viral advertising is important as this spreads adverts through the use of attachments to emails giving wide coverage for free. INSTITUTION of Rhythmix I will aim for IPC to publish Rhythmix. As stated on their website homepage (http://www.ipcmedia.com/ ) IPC Media is the UK's leading consumer magazine and digital publisher. With more than 60 iconic media brands, IPC creates content for multiple platforms, across print, online, mobile, tablets and events. We engage with 26 million UK adults - almost two thirds of UK women and over 40% of UK men. Our award winning portfolio of websites reaches over 25 million global users every month. IPC Media will want to take the Rhythmix brand forward -. It has a fresh, frank and honest outlook on Indie music and the team are passionate about providing for the needs and interests of the readership. IPC will provide the opportunities to sell nationally to both genders. They will have the expertise to promote my magazine globally. Rhythmix needs to multiplatform in order to engage fully with its readership. It is a 21st century entrainment medium and needs to be continually moving with the times. IPC Media is known as a leading multimedia publisher, producing consumer content across multiple platforms through both brand extension and their definitive web portals for their key audiences. IPC have developed NME music magazine and therefore have expertise in developing readership and gaining brand recognition in the music industry. IPC have continuous investigations into consumer lifestyle, attitudes, behaviour and buying patterns this ensures that IPC and linked advertisers have the best understanding of the people to whom they are advertising. This will benefit Rhythmix as it will ensure that distribution is maximised through

Question 1- Gabrielle Butler times of change e.g. changing lifestyle of the target audience and with the development of further new technologies and trends. Potential advertisers- the magazine would have a range of advertisers. Mostly to do with music and some indie style fashion e.g. SONY, WARNER, EMI, Universal, PANASONIC or Diesel, Abercrombie and Fitch, Superdry, Van, Converse, Ugg etc. These will appeal to the target reader. AUDIENCE of Rhythmix Target Readership. My music magazine is aimed at 15-35 year olds of both genders who are interested in indie music. Some readers may be students, working part-time/ full time, be on apprenticeships, young single adults etc. Reader Profile. My magazine appeals to the reader because I consider the following points: provision of knowledge and news to the reader, influence of the bands and artistes on the reader, sense of personal identity, sense of belonging and entertainment factor. REPRESENTATION of Rhythmix My magazine will have a unique house style- each edition uses similar layout and structure e.g. title/masthead, font, colours, logo, and placement of pictures etc. My house style is used to give my magazine a specific look so the reader can tell that it is my magazine they can then be more comfortable viewing something which appears to be familiar to them without needing to look at other online music magazines on offer. Rhythmix magazine will have the masthead on the top left position. The artist/band on the front cover will be positioned centrally and in a large form. The main cover lines are always the boldest font on the page. Also the cover lines are the second boldest text on the page, whilst the (occasionally used) brief outlines of the articles are in smaller font so that the page isnt over packed, and the potential buyer notices all the cover lines, before the extra information. Regarding the main image, the mise-en-scene (especially costume) is significant because its part of what conveys the overall vibe and genre of the entire magazine. The main image always follows the colour scheme so the target audience is clear. The top 1/3 of the magazine is the only part seen on newsstands, therefore for this reason mastheads are always put on the top 1/3 and also this is the purpose of skylines. Skylines appear insignificant, however theyre right at the top so theyre what is seen the most of newsstands, and can ultimately be a factor whether someone becomes interested or not. Puffs increase the visual quality of the magazine and encourage the reader to buy the issue. Barcodes, datelines and price lines act as extra general information for the reader. Frequently, magazines use the personal mode of address such as you towards the readers, addressing them directly in order to break the barriers and connect with them, which creates a sense of community and bond between the readers and editors. This also implies that the audience is part of the magazine and they get some input about what topics the articles are on etc. The graphics tend to be limited to three colours in order to make the page easy to read, attractive and still conforming to the genre and style of the magazine. Most of the photographs I use are of celebrities and bands engaging directly with the camera- often low angle and close up but in my adverts I use a range of photos which will sell products effectively and engage the reader by creating an emotion. I use photos to communicate information because they are easier to read than text. Photographs give depth and context to my features creating a

Question 1- Gabrielle Butler better reader experience. Photos are generally close up and can be used to inspire, inform, provoke or entertain. I show photos of any of a products accessories because these make the reader think about what to purchase next. This will appeal to the younger digital native consumer. The articles will be engaging and informative. Reviews will be unbiased and factual. Established and new artists will be given equal coverage. The main theme will be the ethos of independence. Not only for coverage and content of traditional independent artists, musicians, small record labels or film companies but more of a frame of mind. Rhythmixs editorial team will work to ensure that the magazine is inspiring to its readership; non-traditional in its presentation and reviews; determined to be successful and to challenge competitors for a place in the market place; innovative in terms of extending marketing opportunities and using new technologies and also empowering to the readers. Both genders will be considered across articles. There will be no bias to a specific ethnicity- the music and bands on the scene will be featured without discrimination.