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Before beginning to produce my media product, I had to analyse previous well-known
music magazines, and discuss their conventions. After doing so, I took into account the
reasons behind using those elements and decided on which ones I would need to use
or develop for my own magazine in order to make it successful.
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uy front cover follows the typical conventions of any music magazine in many ways. One of the most obvious ways is
the colour scheme. uy front cover uses a Black, white, and red colour scheme, not only was this the most popular
choice on my questionnaire from the viewers but it also fits in with the typical colours used on many indie/rock music
magazines, because of the contrast between the three colours and the sophistication they offer. One magazine that
uses this same colour scheme is µQ¶. This magazine has a very similar age range for their target audience and so by
choosing the same colour scheme my magazine would attract the more mature audience I am aiming for. Another
typical convention I chose to use was the use of a pug on the front cover. Pugs are a small sticker look alike which are
normally used to advertise, they¶re a good resource to do so because they¶re bold and stand out from being on the top
layer, however, I didn¶t necessarily advertise anything inside the pug I developed the convention slightly by, using the
pug to frame the price, I did this to emphasise how low the price is, compared to other music magazines with the same
quality finish. This allows the readers to notice that not only are they getting a quality product but for a very low price
which is appealing to them because they believe they¶re getting more value for money. Another main element that
follows the conventions of a typical music magazine, is the use of a medium close up shot for the main image. uost
magazines use a medium close up or a close up because the facial expression (mainly the eyes) of the model can
captivate and draw in the audience, and in my case I thought to do the same, also, if I used a long shot I believe it
would completely reveal what the model is wearing which is the main story, therefore it wouldn¶t be as surprising once
the reader would have actually got to the double page spread. Other conventions I had followed were the use of a
strapline at the bottom of the page to advertise the magazines popularity and also a barcode which is needed for the
function of purchasing the magazine.
The conventions in which I developed or challenged with any other music magazine of my genre is the use of the masthead going across the top
of the page, rather than being in the top left. This is rare to see, and the only other rock genre magazine which holds this aswell is µKerrang¶
however, they use the common convention of placing their masthead on top of a block colour banner, which I have not. I have made the
masthead go across the top of the page because I feel it makes it more identifiable and eye catching as opposed to being in the corner. Another
convention I have challenged is the bold background I have chosen to use on my front cover. uost magazines choose to use a plain block colour
or a background from their photograph, however, I have decided to challenge this because I believe the background makes a music magazine
stand out even more, and I believe I have used this to my advantage because the background is unusual and quirky which would attract my
target audience, aswell as being bold if it was placed on a shelf next to any other magazines, this could attract an even bigger audience.
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One typical convention of a contents page from a music magazine that I follow is,
printing the masthead smaller at the top of the page, this provides the sense that
your still looking at the same magazine, it provides continuity to the magazine which
is what most creative elements of a magazine is used for. Another element that have
used is continuing the colour scheme from the front page to the contents page, this
also adds continuity to keep the magazine together. Normally the colour scheme is
used throughout the whole of the magazine. Another element is the use of a picture
from the main coverline from the front page, however, not as big as the others, this
way it keeps the attention all other stories aswell.
Another convention I followed was using secondary images for my sub stories on this page,
this keeps the page looking interesting and breaks up big chunks of text which wouldn¶t be
appealing to 17-25 year olds. The images also give the reader an insight more to the articles
they are associated with, this could help them decide whether or not they want to read that
particular story. uore conventions I followed where the use of headings above sections of
the magazine, this is to provide easy navigation for the reader aswell as the very clear page
numbers on the top layer of the images, another is the editors section which I have found in
quite a few magazines, it simply explains a bit about the magazine and the team working
behind it. This offers a chance for the editor to form a closer relationship with the readers,
this gains trust and loyalty to the magazine, it contains a picture of me (the µeditor¶) and a
small written paragraph introducing the magazine accompanied by a signature, I have done
this in the style of a hand written note, to seem slightly more personal for the reader and a
Polaroid styled picture, just to seem like a quick snap shot, as it isn¶t as important as the
actual contents of the magazine.
For the contents page I didn¶t challenge many
conventions because most on a magazine are very
useful as they are, one of which I did challenge
however is in 2 out of 3 of the contents pages I had
analysed I noticed that the background was white, and
for mine I had filled text boxes instead to provide a
readable source. I also did a very neat layout in
addition to having many pictures on the page, as you
can see Nu has only used one image which is why
the contents is neatly laid out, and Q has layered and
scattered the images, but that was possible because
they did a double page spread for their contents.
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The ways in which I challenged typical
The most obvious convention I have followed on my double page spread is the use conventions was firstly in my use of
of text columns, this is to set out the text neatly and seem easy to read, they are background. uost music magazines leave a
set in two equal columns with alternating text colours from black to white, this is plain white background because they believe
done so that you can separate the question and answer from the interviewer and it is easier to read the text, however, I
the artist. I have also used a centreline in the middle of the page so that I am able challenged this by applying two layers of
to see where I place the text and images so they are not obstructed or distorted gradients, one being red and the other black
from the natural crease of the magazine. going darker from the bottom of the page
At the beginning of the text underneath the heading I have also placed a towards white at the top, I feel this
explanatory/introduction line to the article, this is typical of a magazine to use background doesn¶t distract the readers it
because it gives the reader a summatation of the overall interview. This is also simply just makes the magazine look more
done by using a pull quote from the interview to show the sense of formality of the interesting, due to an indie rock genre
interview aswell. audience being quite eccentric them selves
this would appeal to them. Another
To offer a sense of continuity I have followed my colour scheme through to this convention I challenged was the use of
page aswell, it isn¶t as obvious because I wouldn¶t want the colour scheme to images. uost magazines use one or two
distract the readers from the actual content. This is used in most music magazines large main images on their pages, however I
such as Q, where they have used their black white and red theme for the Cheryl used a collage of images of the artist
Cole double page spread. The last convention I have followed is the main images ranging in sizes and layered them on top of
being on the opposite side to the text, by separating the two lets the reader one another to take up one of the two pages,
concentrate on all the text at once rather than starting and stopping, it also makes I also used one smaller one and a Polaroid
the layout seem neater which is what I aim for in my slightly maturer magazine. to show versatility in the style of photos, this
provides an arty theme to the page and
would attract the target audience.
 


 

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uy final product is aimed at indie/alternative fans aged between 17-24, this is my

target audience. uy final product represents this social group in many ways, one of
which being the most obvious is the colour scheme used. The black white and red
(with grey elements) are typical colours associated with the indie/rock/alternative
genre, this will attract my audience as well as represent them.
Another element used to represent my particular social group is the use of my
particular masthead, I had used red to fit in with the colour scheme, and the font is a
graffiti/distorted style. This would represent my audience because they would be
associated with being slightly more rebellious and the edge of the distortion would
represent this reckless style.
The layout of the magazine is also a good
representative because I have chosen to go
¢
 against the typical scattered layout and go for

A more precise one which would represent the slightly older social group of late teens to young
adults who are more sophisticated than audiences of Nu for example. The background to my
main pictures are all set against a brick wall, this was a good representative of my social group
because most indie/alternative rockers of this age like to be out and about when they¶re not
studying. The brick wall also fits in with the graffiti style of the masthead which reflects the
rebellious image.
The last way in which I could say my media product represents my stereotypical social
group is the way the model is dressed. uy target audience I have described is to be
fashion forward slightly more versatile indie rockers. This is the reason I have styled my
model to look edgy and fashionable at the same time.

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The group that I would be interested in maybe distributing my media

product is Bauer uedia Group. I have chosen this over any others
because it¶s a very successful distributor which operates worldwide
already. They also distribute other music magazines which fit into my
genre like Q and K

ANG. Having a distributor that already has clients
similar to me would be useful because I know that I am guaranteed
reliability from them whereas if it was a slightly more unknown distributor, I
wouldn¶t of had trust in them. Q and Kerrang are highly successful
magazines with dedicated and loyal fans of this genre. I feel I have
managed to make a quality product that is worth a loyal customer base
like there's. I believe that if Bauer uedia group was to analyse my media
product they could actually be willing to distribute my product because of
its unique selling point of being a more versatile magazine, hence the
name CLASH which would stand for a clash of music. The likes of having
mainstream rock bands such as the foo fighters in my magazine and
artists like Katy Perry,
ihanna, and Lady gaga would offer the distributor
a much wider margin for customers who would be interested in buying this
media product.

On the other hand a downside to Bauer media group already distributing

magazines for Q is that it¶s a very similar magazine to mine as it is aiming
its target audience also slightly older and sophisticated unlike K

ANG
or Nu . Another similarity is the distinctive colour scheme and use of
versatile artists however, these could maybe be avoided dependant on
how I portray my magazine in comparison to Q. The choice would be up
to the Bauer media group and if they would be willing to risk their good
market leader name for a new magazine like mine or keep the loyalty from
the customers of an already well known brand like Q.

 




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The audience I am targeting my media product at are mostly females

with exceptional males that lie between the age bracket of 17-24. This is
my chosen age group because it consists of late teens to young adults.
This age gap appeals to me for my magazine because these are the
years that most people go out when they¶re not busy and at the base of
every outing would be the music. They would listen to the latest
indie/rock songs and be a willing audience to support other mainstream
artists. The audience may also be interested in fashion in which my
magazine supports, especially for the upcoming festival trends which my
audience would be very interested in, as they would typically go to as
many live gigs as possible. These are examples of my target audience
and the detailed brief of the one below is earlier in my blog.
 
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?hen creating my product I had to keep in mind that my target audience was from an age range of 17-25 mainly
women however, still versatile enough for men. The steps I took to ensure this were as follows;
2
 2ë I used the colour scheme to attract my audience by choosing the stereotypical 3 colours of
red, black, and white, these three colours are used on many magazines associated with the indie/rock genre.
The black gives a dark rebellious feel to the magazine, the white is used as a basic need to provide
sophistication and the red gives the sense of passion (for music?) or even violence which fits in with the
rebellious younger end of the target audience. The colour scheme is very useful to attract the audience because
if it was sitting on a shelf amongst other magazines you would quickly establish what genre my magazine was
from the colours used.
÷ë As I¶ve stated before, the masthead I have used gives a distorted and rebellious look, this would
intrigue my audience because the worn away lettering gives off that effortless look, which would attract my
audience more than a proper well known neat font e.g. times new roman. The fact that it looks as if there are
¢

bricks in the background of the font offers that rebellious feel as if it has been graffitied on. The masthead is bold
and bright so will be easily identifiable amongst other magazines.


 I have styled my model to appeal to my target audience of fashion forward women. uy model is
wearing ripped leggings, a plain blouse and a biker style jacket, with platform heels, this would appeal to my
target audience because these items are essential pieces for any woman interested in fashion. The models hair
was backcombed and teased to create a messy quiff and her makeup put emphasis on the models eyes by
surrounding her green eyes with a dark Smokey effect. The eyes are the main feature on the front cover because
this is the main attraction that the audience will see when they first glance at the magazine, the eyes will seduce
the customer to look further into the magazine, and the way the eye makeup is done is automatically
recognisable for an indie rock genre. The overall styling portrays this thrilling new image I have set out to create
and would appeal to women as a edgy sex icon and appeal to men because of her µsex appeal¶.



   On the front cover i have used a strapline at the bottom of the page, this is a selling point to
any of my audience because it claims that the magazine is µyour weekly clash of music¶, this emphasizes the
versatility of the magazine suggesting that the contents offers you so much more than any other magazine, this
would attract the audience because they would feel as if it¶s worth their while. Also I have placed a coverline with
an associated picture next to it of Katy Perry, she is a well known mainstream pop artist and this would attract a
large audience because she is so well known, the wording I have used beside it would appeal to the audience
because it states that there are µexclusive¶ photos, this would make any reader form the audience feel more
personal because they think they¶re getting the story first glance.



 

 
 

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The process of creating my final three products, made me come across new
technologies which I wasn¶t as familiar with, these includeë
2 To take professional quality photos I had to come across using a more
advance photography camera, previous to this the only experience I would have
had was a handheld digital one. The camera had useful functions that a normal
digital camera wouldn¶t such as some extra lighting effects and easy movements to
zoom in or out. To be honest I didn¶t have to adjust many functions in my
photography process, because I had chosen to take the photos at certain times in
the day for the different effects, the two times I had chosen were 2pm and 7pm,
these times offered a light scenario and a dark scenarios for the before and after
pictures of my story.

2 After taking the photos I had to get
more equipped with the uac software, I haven¶t had
much experience with apple computers and when I
was first using them during my Pre-lim task I
couldn¶t quite grab the hang of them, I slowly had to
become more and more used to them with help from
the teachers I was then able to navigate around
apple uac quickly and efficiently. It was essential I
knew how to use this because all my work from then
on would be situated on the computer.

 

  2  This is the website in which we used to upload all of our coursework onto. This blog was basic and very
easy to use, we all had links to our teachers blog for any posts that he may have put up to help us in our coursework process.
Blogspot offered us a efficient way to do work, because we would be able to do work at any computer in the world and still have
access to all our work, I prefer this method more than if we would¶ve had to carry a folder for coursework. I believe folders are a waste
of resources and a waste of more time trying to create a good presentation, when on blogspot all you would have to do is change your
design scheme once and it will keep continuity throughout your whole blog..
     This was one of the most important
software's we had to have come across in our
production process, because it is where we created
out final products. The first time I used Photoshop
was during my Preliminary task, and really could not
grasp the technique you needed, there are a lot of
different functions that are easily forgotten and I came
across clicking the undo button more than any other.
After our preliminary task I had to practice and
experiment on Photoshop a bit more to grasp it better,
and with the teachers help on what tools are useful I
finally was able to create my final products smoothly.
The process for creating the products on Photoshop
was quite long in terms that everything you do has to
be exceptionally precise. I found it rather easy to
adjust layers and found functions like the change in
opacity which I would use to create a more
professional look on my final products useful. I also     
 This is a website we used
had a model with green eyes and without Photoshop to upload our PowerPoint presentation or any
all the images of her would have had red eyes without word documents that we may have had, it has
the red eye tool I had to constantly use. the technology to upload any format document.
The first step we would take is create an
account which we were able to login from
facebook. ?e then uploaded the document
under a name, once uploaded we were able to
copy the U
L code into a new post on blogspot
and the document would appear. This website
is very useful because when doing long
documents of work you would have the chance
of the blogger website crashing and losing the
work, this way we are able to do it on our
computer software and then upload it straight
on, it is quick and very easy once you know the
method of how to do it.
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Now that my final product is completely finished, I was able to compare it to my Preliminary task and came to the conclusion that I
feel I have learnt and gained a lot of technical abilities and gained an insight into the actual production process of magazines. It is
obvious to notice straight away that the difference between both tasks is massive and the final product has actually turned out to be a
successfully professional looking magazine. The preliminary task was set in the first place so we were able to practice using the uac
and Photoshop software. Since my preliminary task I have realised how much effort is needed to create a media product and how
long the process is to create a successful one. The biggest difference between the two tasks is how the products look, and the
biggest cause to this was the amount of time we had to create the products. The preliminary task was completely done over a weeks
worth of lessons whilst we have had almost 3 months to create our final products. ?ith limited time on the pre-lim task I was unable
to carry out any research on the basic wants and needs of a consumer this means that they¶re would be no attraction to them, aswell
as not being able to research and analyse existing magazines to discover the typical conventions needed of any magazine e.g. a
masthead, barcode or strapline. For our final product we had to use our large timescale wisely to gain as much research as possible
into existing magazines, the types of people you may want to attract to your magazine and the ways you would need to do this, The
first steps to production was to create some initial ideas for our product after we had carried out the research, our initial idea consist
of the genre type you would carry out, the target audience you are aiming for and the elements needed to attract these people. After
gaining initial ideas I then carried out a poll and questionnaire to recognise the wants and need of the consumers, after analysing the
results you are able to come up with finalised ideas that can almost guarantee you success be cause you are including everything
the public wants. In comparison to my Final task, my preliminary task had no planning what so ever. The story lines were made up on
the spot and the pictures had to be taken in 30minutes, even the photos were terrible because we used a low mega pixel digital
camera whereas for our final product we used a professional photography camera. The pictures were paramount compared to the
ones taken for the Pre-lim, this is because a lot more thought was put in so we were able to have a large amount of pictures to
choose from, the styling for the pictures and the background for them were important because they had to portray certain emotions
and looks to fit in with the magazine, it's audience and the story. The photos in comparison to eachother show the difference in the
camera and styling techniques used. The preliminary task consisted of dull bad angled photos, whereas the ones used on my
magazine are bright, stand out, and attract the target audience this makes the overall magazine look professional. Once I had
created both tasks I had realised the difference in the techniques I used on Photoshop. At first on my pre lim I had to use the basics
of copying and pasting everything and using basic fonts and block colours, however on my final task I used as many tools as
possible, such as flipping the photographs, cropping them, removing the background with the lasool tool, changing the opacity of a
layer, or the gradient of a colour. ?e also chose our own fonts off of a website, rather than picking a normal one that came on the pc.
The final products most important element to look professional was the layout of the magazine; I had to choose according to my
target audience what type of layout would suit them and used colours and banners to make everything neat or easily navigated, on
the other hand on my pre lim task I used bullet points for example on my contents page and placed a few pictures around the
page. Overall, in comparison to eachother my Final product is a massive improvement from analysing and researching to creating
the media product I have put a lot more time and effort into them to make them look as professional and realistic as possible and
think I have achieved this with the help of feedback to create the perfect product to sell to my target audience.