Evaluation Question Seven

Looking back on your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

Evaluation Question Six

What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

Probably the most important technology I used throughout the making of my product was Adobe InDesign. Without this software my product wouldn't exist, it helped me create all my magazine pages with quality and sophistication that can be seen on the most professional of pages. It wasn't an easy experience, at first it was a very hard time, as I couldn't adapt to the software straightaway. However as soon as I did, I learnt how to make a magazine cover, contents and article page. I learnt that imitating a real magazine page and drafting it's structure is way more beneficial than just drafting your own structure, as it looks way more professional and sophisticated. The process of layering, was at first a very challenging part of the making of the magazine page. However once I had learnt it's process, I realised how important and beneficial the process of layering is to a page. Without it the page would be very one dimensional. The actual process of making a good looking double paged article was a big challenge, that significantly had eased by InDesign's marvellous software. InDesign has little touches on how to make sure everything is in line, equal in size, how to change the colouring/size. These "little touches" helped me dramatically as I arguably haven't been the most well equipped with the technology required to succeed in the task. Overall with InDesign I learnt how sophisticated modern day software is. I have learnt that the making of a single (never mind three) page(s) can be a lengthy experience, but the best thing to do is to not only stick to it, but be confident with what you see on the InDesign draft. One of the hardest things I did was say that the pages were done, I knew that I could have done better in some areas but I had to let go. Even though I knew they looked good on InDesign, I couldn't believe anyone would appreciate them in real life, so I had to learn to trust technology which took a while.


A crucial software in the recording of my product was/is Blogger. Blogger has given me the perfect platform to record all my magazine's drafts, pictures and evaluations, in a very accessible setting. Blogger is a very easy site to where I can blog, save and then edit posts, so all my posts are at the best quality they can be.  I have learnt that it is very easy to get noticed on the web, the number of page views I have from this blog alone proves this. I have also learnt the detail people have to put in to achieve an effective and intricate analysis/evaluation, is very, very high. This is something I have tried to replicate on my blog. I have also learnt that presenting blogs with pictures/videos is a much more preferred visually than just having a blog with masses of lines, because readers don't want to just move their head left, to right with no engaging features - again something I've attempted to incorporate into my blog.

Another crucial software in the making of my magazine pages is the software Photoshop. Without this software my magazine pictures wouldn't look as professional as they do. This software has enabled me to edit the pictures to the degree of cutting, pathing, and clipping the pictures. At first (like InDesign) it was hard to adjust to level of technology but after I did, it greatly benefitted the quality of pages. An example of how beneficial the software has been is in the picture to left. The picture is the very first draft of the picture on my front cover.
Below it, is one of the final drafts of the front cover, which has on it, the very final draft of the photo after editing it in Photoshop.

The obvious enhancements include the colouring and the cutting of the background. But this shows the degree of software Photoshop truly is. From editing my product on this software I have learnt that the editing process can be a very long and frustrating process as it is a very easy place to make mistakes and ruin the edit. I have also learnt that the editing sequence is essential part of the magazine making business. Without nicely edited photos pages on magazines would look bland and boring, whilst edited photos bring words, features and the photos themselves off the page and so, begin to look more eye-catching.

The software Prezi has been a very useful piece of software to present information in a more engaging way. It allows me to have presentations rather than normal blog posts and this keeps the reader more engaged. It allows me to experiment with the information I share to the reader, in a either more complicated or simpler format. The presentations can contain an awful lot of information which makes the job easier, however it can (in some cases) be more confusing to handle. The software of Prezi made me learn there are more engaging and exciting ways to present information, this is something Ive tried to show in my Prezis and work. Another thing I've learnt from using this technology is that it is easier and appealing to the reader to group a chunk of information and then present that, rather than talking heavily on the whole spectrum.

The Digital Camera was such a helpful piece of kit, interms of making my magazine, without the camera my pictures wouldn't exist and a magazine without pictures wouldn't exist. Yes, I could have used a phone or lesser quality camera to take my pictures, however the quality of my pictures would have dropped. This was something that I felt couldn't happen, as in real magazine pages - all the photos are of the highest quality. By using the Digital Camera I learnt that the picture and its details have to be so fine. The lighting, the positioning of the model (and camera), the background, the colour etc have to be perfect to get the right shot. This was something that in my first couple of pictures, I struggled with but I soon got the hang of it by taking a lot of the same photos with different lighting, background, colouring etc to experiment and realise what pictures were best versions .

Evaluation Question Five

 

How did you attract/address your audience? from TheTobyHowell

Evaluation Question Four

Evaluation Question Three

What kind of Media Institution might distribute your media product and why?

My choose of publisher is Bauer Media, it apparently reaches "nineteen million UK adults a week" and is arguably the biggest and most powerful magazine publisher in the UK. It is a shareholder of the leading distributor Frontline (meaning a fruitful working relationship) and has a massive multi-platforming empire. Bauer Media has arguably the best record of brands and sales in the UK - which means that choosing Bauer Media was simply as no-brainer.  Bauer Media's brands include "Q" "KERRANG" "MOJO" "EMPIRE" and "HEAT" all very successful in the declining magazine market. Bauer Media control most of the most defining music magazines in the market today, which would help to increase my magazine's reputation. With all the other music magazines that are under Bauer Media's control, Bauer could use Synergy in their other magazines to promote my magazine, this would be very useful in not just expanding the magazine's exposure, but also it's sales.

Bauer Media has a limitless empire consisting of brands in Magazines, mobile, the web, on the radio and on the TV. This fabulous array of multi-platforming brands commands me to choose Bauer Media over their counterparts such as Future plc. Multi-platforming is a method my magazine would need to commit too, especially in the declining magazine market. Multi-platforming, especially in Bauer Media's case would benefit my magazine greatly. It would greatly expand the readership, by massively increasing the magazine digital promotion on the web. It would be able to sell the magazine in digital formats such as on iPads. Multi-platforming would also bring more exposure to the brand, bringing not just readers, but sponsorships (which are essential to run a magazine).

Frontline are quoted as being "UK's largest magazine distributing institution". They have been working for Bauer Media since 2005 and they distribute to "55,000" different retailers in the UK. All these facts have made me come to the final choice that Frontline are the right media institution for my magazine.

Frontline distribute the most leading magazines, they include Bauer Media's "Q" and "KERRANG". This gives me further faith that Frontline are the best choice. It is the largest distributing institution in Europe, delivering to the wholesalers, meaning they will get to the shops (and if Bauer use it, I know Frontline can be trusted).

As well as being widely known for getting the most known magazines on shelves, the company Frontline owns the international distributor Seymour "the first choice distributor for independent publishers" This means that because my magazine would be new, Frontline help my magazine to be seen more and widely promoted. It might be suggested that with Frontline's professional relationship with Bauer Media, Frontline and Bauer Media could engage in synergy to help promote my magazine.

This also means I could use Frontline's Seymour to distribute my magazine internationally and expand it's readership massively. As well as distributing Bauer magazines, Seymour also distributes magazines from Future plc (owners of magazines such as "Total Film"). This tells me that Frontline is most defiantly the best choice for distributing my magazine.

To conclude, both of these institutions have a beneficial working relationship which would help my magazine be published and distributed. Both of these companies have arguably the best record (in terms of brands, partners and success) in the UK,  as well as Frontline's ownership of Seymour would allow me to distribute and sell my magazine internationally, and thus upping the sales, reputation and exposure of my magazine.

Evaluation Question Two

How does the Media Product represent a particular social group?

If there were to be one big downfall on my pages it would have to my photos. All three are incredibly similar, and thus not offering a wide range of social groups or perspectives.

However these photos do present one fairly important social group, that being the same social group of my magazine's target audience. This particular individual, originates from a working class family, with a moderate/poor income. He/she does reasonably well in school and going on to university and so on. Most of the particular social group would have aspirations to become musicians.  As a fair majority of the social group are going through adolescence their view on life might be slightly grim and they may feel unhappy (as teenagers do).

I feel I have represented this social group (on the front cover) by in the Splash using the wording "MICK JAGGER, SIT DOWN" This presents a sense of arrogance and attitude that is commonly depicted in that very social group (as described above) The colour scheme of the page (that being red) symbolises danger. This is something that this particular social group admires, (sometimes) encourage and quite possibly desire.. This is due to their erratic and sometimes immature behaviour.

Moving on to the Main Image we are presented with a young male model with a sense of arrogance and attitude-again mirroring the particular social group. The model is pretending to a musician, of which most of the social group aspire to become, making the model the spitting image of the social group. The style of the Main Image is very heavy, with the camera being so close to the model's face it gives a sense of intimidation, something that the very poor parts of my social group could be considered as being like.  The model's clothing in the Main Image is a basic hoodie. This is meant to symbolise his working class roots-again working class is the class of which most the particular social group have originated from.  The model's facial expression and (ever so) slanted head again suggests a sense of intimidation, but also confidence.. This is something that the social group holds as confidence and hard work have got them to where they are. The model himself does genuinely look like someone in a band, either a Indie or a rock band (two music choices that are covered in the magazine, and genres that the social group like) The model's hair in the Main Image is a very modern style. This shows that the social group is very much in touch with modern day style.. and music. The black and white effect of the Main Image symbolised that the particular social group is sometimes marginalised. That their voice/viewpoint isn't often heard. The model's artist is in the magazine to defy this. The social group has sometimes been marginalised due to the middle/lower class background, The Mix (if real) would defy this.

All of these observations have been made, after taking influence for the particular social group after seeing the cover (to the right) it possesses the same degree of intimidation and confidence as my magazine's model does. It might be argued that the Arctic Monkeys were once part of the particular social group I take about above.

 

 In my contents page image the same model has been placed against a wall.  The wall is meant to symbolise the struggle to achieve his dream, the writing block he has recently gained, his childhood roots and his honesty as an artist. This shows that the social group are very much aware and proud of the background and upbringing, that they don't shy away from it. This also mirrors their honesty as a person, in fact echoing my description of my model's artist. To further prove their honesty as people the following Pull-quote perfectly exemplifies it , "I accept I've been in trouble and sometimes I've had to pay the price".


I told the model to have one ear-phone in his ear. This shows that the social group are very much into music. This again proves that my choice of model has a (near) perfect representation of the social group



My final picture is probably my weakest and probably represents the social group in the most little way. It does however echo the representational factors in the previous pictures. The "in your face" intimidation, the confidence and energetic youth all mirror the representational factors in the previous factors.

The use of "...FINALLY" mirrors the social groups idea that the good in life has finally arrived, that they have been hard done by. They may very well have this view because most probably are in their teens and feel that things are going against them, and just having a negative view on life.

Evaluation Question One

In what ways does your media product use develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

Final Draft | Article

Final Draft | Article

If you want to see the final draft of the article analysed please see Evaluation Question One

Here is my final draft of my article.  Overall I am happy. I find the article itself funny and mildly intriguing. I can relate to the artist, and my target audience can relate to him too. In fact In my opinion the artist is a part of the target audience, the way he looks (pose - being aggressive and intimidating) (facial expression- Mildly happy but with confidence).  If I had any regrets with my Article page it would be just to tweak the image a slight bit, to give that intimidating edge. I would possibly have more in the actual article, but at the same time, I feel it's good quality article. Well at least that was the sort of feedback I was getting of my target audience feedback. one example "a really witty article and a interesting persona".  This gives me confidence that the double page spread is something to be proud of.

The little tweaks between the final and last drafts include:

The font used for the Article Splash has changed giving the article a vintage feel. This is something that I've always tried to integrate to the project. The font size has shrunk a little as before the Article Splash was covering the chin, this was something that I wasn't happy with. The text cells in the article have been changed so now they are longer. I felt that the article's lines were slightly off and I extended them. This now means that the article is taking up ever so slightly more than it did in the previous draft. I also did this because some of the long words/sentences were getting cut onto the next line which can disturb the reading patterns.

Third Draft | Article

Third Draft | Article

Since the second draft a lot of changes have happened they go as follows:

1, A new photo has been inserted into the left hand page - basically finishing the pages. I feel this new photo shows the model depicting his confidence that he has shown in his previous photos, this shows the magazine is consistent.

2,A red border is going around the photo- this emphasises the photo and makes it more eye-catching. This was a tough choice, some may see it as "overkill" but for me you can never stop attracting the target audience, as the red border would appeal to them as its it symbolises danger and excitement,

3, Both pages have had new numbers put on them. Number 67 & 68 consecutively - This again gets rid of the previous draft error. This now means  that those two pages are finally back-to-back.

4, "WORDS: TOBY HOWELL" PORTRIAT "GLENN WILLIAMS" - this again adds to the realism of the pages. This is often seen in real articles showing the level of realism I've strived for.

The things that I intend to change:

1, I want to ensure that the model's face is visible something that isn't completely happening at the moment, because of the Article Splash. This is something that we'll have to change

2, This time I want to get rid of the "Will Kearse Exclusive"  box the font is too stretched and the positioning very poor

My current viewpoint on the current draft of the Article is good. There are changes that I want to make but excluding those. I starting to like the photo, it's growing on me. Having spell checked and re-read the article a few times, I'm really like the article. It is the third draft meaning there isn't much more time left at all, so those changes I do intend to make will have to be quickly.

Second Draft | Article

Second Draft | Article

Not a lot of alterations have taken place for this draft however they go as follows:

1, Both pages have a black background, with red/white wording - This has been done to experiment with the colouring, I prefer the black background suggests a dark story lurks in the article. The experiment was worth taking as I realised I think I'll go with that colour/

2, On the left hand side page where the image will be. I have put a copy of the magazine's brand logo on the top right corner of that page. Branding was a big part of my magazine research and I found that the best music magazines promote their brand an awful lot around their magazine, this something I'm trying to replicate. The branding here though I have been starting to feel maybe to big. that the photo maybe obscured. That cant happen, so the branding there will have to be taken into consideration. On another note I have started to take photos of a young male model, the one in my Front Cover and Contents page

3, On the bottom of the right page is a white boxed page number, I will need to edit that either out or better. This cant remain as if did, it could ruin the whole project.

It really is too early on to say whether I'm liking the look of the Article at this point in time. Its forming into what I had in mind which is comforting. I love the article and I really this could do well, there are a lot of positives, but like every project it has it's flaws (the random number at the bottom of the article page)

First Draft | Article

First Draft | Article

After approximately two hours this is the first draft of my Music Magazine Article page. My first ever intentions with the article page was to have a doubled paged article with one page occupied with the interview/article and the other A4 page with a one big photo close up of the model's face. This is a big inspiration through Future PLC's Total Film however, I cant use that directly as my inspiration as it isn't a Music Magazine.

So my first page of the article is empty except from the wording "Will Kearse is hitting the big time and he's taking some punches" This Article Splash is trying to suggest that he may in the big time, but he's had to pay the price". I feel this would be a fairly seducing of the article as the readers would want to know at what price did his career cost him? I feel it's a fairly attractive Splash.

At this point in time it doesn't look that impressive, however I have the following targets:

1, By the next draft I should have a pretty good idea of the image we are to use on the left page.
2, Decidedly say whether anymore changes are needed for the actual article.

Final Draft | Contents Page

Final Draft | Contents Page

To view the Analysis of my final draft of my Contents page (along with all the other finished pages) please go to Evaluation Question One.

Here is my very final draft of my contents page:

 This draft sees a new font for the Pull-Quote. A new glittery effect on the "THIS MONTH" bar. This symbolises the artist's mind - special.  The "THE INTERVIEW" box has a new white stroke effect . This is meant to show everything has a sliver lining.  Not a lot of changes mainly due to the page being consistent.  This is without a doubt a my favoured draft of the Contents page, Teasing you in to the Article and then delivering what every contents page does - a directory.  My favoured part of this draft has to be the photo so many conations (all explained in Evaluation Question One)

If there were anything however, I could have put in it would be more features on the contents list, this would show how diverse my magazine could have been. I probably would have dressed the model up in a similar hoodie to the one he wears on the front cover, as this coat doesn't really depict my target audience. I would have maybe got some effects in the right and page to maybe make it look prettier and more desired

Third Draft | Contents Page

Third Draft | Contents Page

One change has occurred since the last draft:   

Added feature to feature list - "THE INTERVIEW" a official  mention of the article. This again adds to the realism as real music magazines mention every feature they have. The bold font shows it's importance to the magazine, showing the feature's "headline" status.

My views on this current Contents page remain strong, however I will admit, it is fairly simple. This is something that has got me thinking to whether any subsidiary images would be beneficial for the lone page. I do admire the simplistic nature of the page.

However, I realise that wont get me a high grade. The possibilities of change to this page remain open.

Recently looking at the progress and quality of this particular page, I 've considered starting the whole page over, from nothing. But I decided to stick with my current page. In light of saying all of starting from fresh business, it would leave with minimal time to get the best possible grade I could get starting over. That isn't a risk, I'm prepared to take.   I have ideas to mix up the reverse page with the photo on to see if any Photoshop effects could be beneficial for the photo/page.


Targets for next draft:

1, Maybe (if it feels right) edit the photo on opposite page. See if any effects on Photoshop look good on the photo - The possibility of editing the photo to look really professional will always be "on the table".

Second Draft | Contents Page

Second Draft | Contents Page

A lot of adjustments have been made in the second draft. These include The "APRIL 2014" just below "FEATURES" to inform the reader that its the "April" issue.  The colouring of the red and black "CONTENTS" has conations with danger - something that my target audience find exciting. The feature list has been expanded. It includes the "foo-fighters". They're segment would be very good for addressing my target audience with a funny and correct mode of address. The use of "Conquer" is a very masculine word (and as my magazine's readership is approx. 70% males, it would appeal to them). The other features include a detailed feature on "the rise and fall" of the Bay City Rollers. This would be good for my target audience, who admire the old classics, as well as addressing modern day music.

The other major addition to the page is the Footer bar which reads "The Mix - Subscribe now at www.themix.com" This is a great addition to the page. After doing a lot of page analysis I found that all the best magazines have a multi-platforming world away from the magazine. This brings success to the brand, by expanding it's readership, giving the magazine exposure. The "subscribe now" is to try to  lodge the thought of subscribing to the magazine into the reader's head so they actually do, subscribe to the magazine.

There has been a very minor touch, that being the feature's number font has been changed,  now they seem more formal and professional.

The biggest development of this draft is the edition of a new page, a page dedicated to promoting a feature in the magazine. The Picture itself will be analysed in a evaluation question in the near future. The new page enables the contents page to be bigger and expand rather than keep all of it's features in a concise space - and thus adding to the page's professionalism.

On the new page there is a "THIS MONTH" bar notifying the reader the date of the issue. Then to the right is a another title-bar "Specials" presents exclusivity, that would you are about to read is "special" and you cant find it anywhere else...

The Pull-Quote is trying to relate to the readers who might have got into trouble and so sweetening the relationship between the brand and the reader

Targets for next draft:

1, Maybe edit photo layout on page - to experiment
2, To add more blockbuster features to feature list
3  Is "specials" necessary?

First Draft | Contents Page

First Draft | Contents Page

 After one hour of working on my contents page I have developed a structure of which I'm excited to explore further and see where it develops. The first notable thing to say is the "CONTENTS" bar which is meant to notify the reader they are on the contents page. After conducting my research into various music magazine contents pages the "CONTENTS" bar is very popular, especially with the most successful music magazines.

This give me faith that this feature will benefit the page.

Another sign of my research is the "THE MIX" branding. In my research I found that magazines such as "NME" and "Q" place their brand where ever possible. this helps to bring more awareness to the brand and magazine. This is something I would like to follow.

The "FEATURES" title informs that below is the editorial of the magazine, it presents it a sophisticated, yet laid back way, which would attract to my young target audience.  

The feature list so far includes the artist Jake Bugg and the late Amy Winehouse. These artists are very big with my target audience and so what attract their attention to purchase the magazine.

 

Targets for next draft:

1, Have a bigger feature list

2, Have a more defined bottom part of the page.



Third Draft | Front Cover

Third Draft | Front Cover 

 This draft is the final draft of my cover. The main differences are as follows. The Splash font is completely different. This takes away the "chunky" look and instead goes with the more traditional style.  The fonts on the right of the model are different. they have been changed to a red colouring to fit in with the red colour scheme. And finally the "PLUS" box font has changed from a traditional font to a matrix style font. This will relate to those in my target audience who consider themselves as
"nerds". For a full analysis, along with my other pictures please go to Evaluation Question One.

To conclude I am happy with the final draft, I am prepared to say it is my favoured page. I feel everything about it is exquisite. The colour scheme, the mode of address, the sell-lines, the Main Image, I could go on.. (as I do in the Evaluation Question One) but this page is one of my most prided pieces of work, as I am not who is the best on InDesign and Photoshop, so I am very happy with this final draft

Second Draft | Front Cover

The main differences from the second to first drafts are the new use of a red/black gradient, this came to me through the School Magazine Cover where I used a very familiar gradient. This was involved because I feel it lifts the picture off the page in a 3-D effect.

The choice of red has been chosen because I feel it matches the Masthead, and the red colouring in the Header. It also has conations with danger. something I want the magazine to be associated with, as it would be more appealing for the younger generation.

The Main Image's background has been removed. This presents the cover to be more professional and gives off more room to present sell lines and the new Pug. The Main Image itself has been lowered so it doesn't have the "floating" effect this adds to the professional nature of the page.

 

This Header line has been stretched to fill the full length of the page. This means its presence is more domineering on the eye, and this meant that the Masthead was moved down. This mirrors my research as I quickly found that the Masthead should be based just below the top left corner. This means that the Masthead (like the Header bar) has a more domineering presence and is more eye-catching.

 

Improvements to be needed for the third draft:

 

1, A more justified Pug is needed to fill the space and have a intriguing, seducing promotion to bring in the reader.

 

2,  To possibly improve the background gradient to make it more even and colour contrasting towards the other features on the cover. This may mean changing the colour or the gradient itself.

 

3, Alter the Masthead to be even and maybe more concise to give the other features more space. This however would limit the eye grabbing presence the Masthead would eventually have on the page, which isn't what I originally desired.

 

 

First Draft | Front Cover

First Draft | Front Cover

 On the right is the very first draft of the front cover of my magazine "The Mix".

The very first thoughts I had on the making of the magazine were Header/Footer bars (and their content). I always knew they would involve Glastonbury and a musical fight between Stones/Stone Roses.  That was one of the very first features I knew I wanted in the magazine.

Second of all I knew the model I wanted and the style of photo and pose that the model would give. I wanted the model to be a young, arrogant figure who can relate to a lot of people. This photo admittedly the photo is very weak, and was something I knew from that point I had to improve on in the next draft. I wanted to cut the background, and have only his face and clothes involved in the mise-en-scene. This would allow me to have a suitable background to contrast with the Main Image and other features.

The Splash is situated in the middle of the page just below the hanging Main Image (of which I felt I needed change in the next draft) the Splash, I had always known I had to involve the Stones' frontman Mick Jagger. I debated a number of times to whether I would lower the Splash and the Main Image to the Footer bar, however this would ultimately eliminate the prospect of having any form of strap-lines.

I knew I had to involve sell-lines, however I was spending those early hours on my first draft on adapting the Main Image format. I had an idea of the content of the sell-lines, but I knew they would have to be expanded in the Contents Page, so I left the sell-lines for another time.

When looking back on the first draft I realised that after conducting my many hours of research into magazine covers, that the Header/Footer bars weren't the same colour - meaning that they weren't unified, which I didn't like as they needed a sense similarity to perfect the page. This was something to be done in a future draft. 

The Pug (again) was something I knew I had to involve on the cover and it was something that I had left for a long time, mainly because I was trying to include the features above. However I always had the idea of involving "The Jam" in the pug and this was something that I really wanted to commit to achieving.

Surprisingly comparing this draft to my final draft I loved the (then) current Masthead design. I took a long time configuring it, and really intended to keep it.

The following images consist my final draft of the cover, up against the very first draft, that is above:





                                                                                

First Draft

Final Draft

Music Magazine | Article First Draft

Music Magazine | Article First Draft

Dressed in their usual rebellious clothing, the non-official tribute Band of “The Arctic Monkeys” the chaotic three (Aged between 16-18 years of age)  are sat in front of “The Mix” to discuss their upcoming Cover Album. The Album named “N/A” is their second Album sequelling their successful first Album “Expendable” “We didn’t want our audience to completely relate us to the REAL ‘Arctic Monkeys’ We wanted some independence – Our own shadow as you will” explained their frontman Don Draper – Born and currently based in Exeter, he dreams of a brighter future. “We know that we are named ‘The Arctic Monkeys’ but we are not them, we want the same success, but we know we struggle writing our own material, but that has to change to forfill our goal... Being a success and being able to sleep at night knowing money wise – We Are Okay”.

The Band openly admits to being lack-luster at creating their own mark on the Music Industry, but they are slowly beginning to write their own Material – “We are currently on “N/A” Beginning to write for ourselves but it isn’t easy, but we are getting there..Being original isn’t easy but if thats what it takes to gain success, thats something we HAVE to master” proclaimed their drummer Jack Sheppard – Of whom quit college to commit to his dream of being a Rockstar.

The Band’s members however haven’t been Angels – “We accept that we have been in trouble and sometimes have had to pay the price” Sheppard was in a Young boys institution for three months for theft in 2011 and he states those days are long behind him – “I, as everyone has, have made a few mistakes, mistakes of which are unacceptable I realise that but I have to look forward and get on with whats right and this is exactly that” The Band had been struggling financing the production and slight distribution of their first Album “Expendable”  but due to their first Album’s success, they can just about fund this operation, for them it’s essential – “ We need this upcoming Album to be a success, we have wrote our own Material, and it honestly comes from my Heart” States Sheppard – “My mistakes have made me learn the meaning of life it’s self and I want to express that”

“N/A” is expected to be released in May. Expect raw passion. Expect Quality... These guys are quite something.

In Analysis

Its size is a issue I shall deal with, however it's current stage is rather promising. I feel my writing style has been tested but it has stood up and succeeded at the challenge. It is after hours of research, I feel, a very realistic and professional article/Interview on a Band. It blends the fictitious background of the fictional Band nicely with dialogue between the Magazine and it's members. 

Improvements wise, The length and Impact will need to be addressed, providing a fairly lengthy read with a interesting conversation. Maybe more background and Dialogue both will help provide a more clearer Article than is currently above. I feel my current is ever so slightly vague, I feel more Research is needed to get the very fine, clear and perfecting points to make my Article as professional as it could possibly be.

My Music Magazine | Target Audience Mood Board

This Mood board signifies my Magazine's target audience uniquely...

The Rolls Royce symbolises Britain (Proud to be British) it also represents class (ABC1 - To be exact) It shows that the Audience get what they desire and they are prepared to pay for it. In the Magazine's case, they want the best Music advice they can get and are prepared to possibly pay added value (Extra for extra quality) for it. It also shows that It will be a prodominantly Male read Magazine, and that it is aimed for males.

The sign stating "Warning 25 year old" perfectly depicts my Target audience's age, it also shows that they are unpredictable, and that is what I aim my Magazine to be. Unpredictable and controversial items gain attention - In this case it will get attention, promotion and sales.

The "The Beatles" pictutre illustrates that the ideal reader admires Music from a long time ago, it shows that they know their Music and that they know a good Band, when they hear one.

The "Live Music" Florescent lights shows that the Reader profile would attend some, not loads, as "NME" readers do, as the Reader profile, have and know their piorities. However they have a passion for Music and attend when they can.o

Loyalty - This symbolises that the readers have to be Loyal to the Magazine and that they follow up on the Magazine's recommendations and if the Magazines points out a gig as a "Must see" They make sure they are there, even their tight schedule comes second to something we recommend, and they know that. They acknowledge the Price of the Magazine, but they realise it's high because its the BEST.

The broken piano keys attempts to show that the ideal reader has a diverse taste in Music from the Beatles to Punk and rock (Mild) But also the Rebellious period (Sex Pistols - The Clash). It also symbolises that they may possess a instrumental themselves to add to their passion of Music, The Magazine will offer tips on how to improve on certain instruments.

The cabinet of CDs/Records shows that the Target Audience are demanded to a large collection of Music. Both CD and Vinyl - To in a way - show a certain respect to all Music Genres and the time they were released. It would also help the reader understand the Magazine's humour and idolect and the Magazine would have a Mode of Address linked to that particular idolect and terminology.

The CD-Rom depicts the Audience Profiles's ability to be a technophile, which would benefit both the Magazine and the reader, for Multi-platforming services and convergence.

The picture of the Band "Elbow" shows that the Target Audience also have an appreciation for Modern day Music, and good Modern day Bands. It shows that they have a expansive array of Musical knowledge which would be expected to understand the Magazine's terminology and Mode of Address.

The use of the "iTunes" Logo illustrates the importance that the Target Audience use things like iTunes to possess their Music to co inside with potential advertisers in the Magazine (who look to see their Music downloaded. It also means the Magazine looks new and fresh otherwise, it would seem outdated and would soon fail.

The Breaking Bad poster, may seem completely off topic, but it symbolises immense taste, it shows that the reader and Magazine have a close knit relationship, in terms of taste, recommendations, etc. It also shows other than Music they have good tastes in other form of entertainment which maybe referred too in the Magazine, and by having the similar tastes with the Journalists the readers would always go and purchase the Magazine's recommendations and so meaning that more ads and paid promotions would take place, bringing with it more revenue and potential profit

Target Audience | Mood Board from TheTobyHowell

My Music Magazine | Questionnaire Results

My Music Magazine Questionnaire Analysis from TheTobyHowell

These Results have lead me to the following conclusions:

1. That many like and prefer to be ecollectics rather than associate themselves with a particular genre, meaning my Magazine would have almost a metaphorical ticket into the Magazine Market.
2. My magazine is going to be Monthly as every person asked said they preferred to purchase they Magazine every month rather than Weekly or Bi-monthly.
3. Alot of my target audience read "Q" meaning Im going to attempt to associate myself with that Magazine as much as I possibly can, attempting to "Steal" some of its readership
4. My main readership should be aimed at the ages of 15-44 as between those ages, most of positive feedback towards the Magazine being an ecollectic Magazine, Features etc
5. Features must be on Big artists rather than the small and upcoming ones, as depicted in the results.
6. Having a free CD preferably a Album (which was most nicely received in the results) would promote and expand the readership for that particular issue and may permanently do also  
7. My Magazine is going to aimed at Men, young men (25-44) This was shown as most participants of the Questionnaire were mostly men and they all nearly pointed to the vision that is in my head (A ecollectic Magazine - for ABC1 demographics and they demonstrated this.
8. My slogan for my Magazine would most probably be "Stating the rights from the wrongs since 2013" as this was most well received of the slogans. I feel it delivers a slightly humourless yet fresh feel to the reader.
9. The Magazine's Mast Head would either be "Ecollectic" or "THE MIX". "THE MIX" is one of which was best received in the Questionnaire, however,  "Ecollectic" was my most favoured choice. This will take slightly more time.
10. The pricing of the Magazine will be between £2.50-£3.50. Its a tough choice, I could either go on added value, or do penetrative pricing. Or the simplar way of being the most cheapest Music Magazine, to steal some of the other Magazine's readers and possibly stand out. Either way it's make or break, again this will take more time.

Music Magazine | Reader Profile

Music Magazine | Reader Profile

My main focus throughout the whole project has been to keep a particular likeness to the Magazine "Q" this is also reflected as "Q"'s Reader Profile is similar to my Magazines ideal Reader Profile:

 MY IDEAL READERSHIP.

GENDER RATIO

35%65%

ABC1 PROFILE

70%

% of ABC1 Profile

AGE RANGE

15-24	25-34	35-44	45-54	55-64	65+
20%	35%	25%	10%	5%	5%

The above shows the minor details of my ideal readership. 

I have chose that I want a pro-dominantly Male read Magazine, to appeal to the collectivist (Which are often known to be Males) This would also accompany a more "Nerdy" feel to the Magazine, which would help present a much more welcoming and warm mode of address, However I do feel that Females will have a avid part in the Magazine (35%) By no means is the Magazine attempting to rule out Females. 

The choice of "ABC1" Profile taking 70% of the Magazine's readership is exactly the same as "Q" As I feel the Magazine will expect a certain idolect from it's reader that is very much similar to the Magazine's Journalists. They would have to earn a certain amount to continually purchase the Magazine. They would be expected to be of a "Higher Class" so they would be prepared and COULD actually go out and purchase a recommendation the Magazines sets, whilst a lower class may not. However, I feel by stretching out the Magazine would broaden it's readership radius and gain more potential revenue and potential profits.

The Age range was simple, again very much like "Q" Mainly because the success of the Magazine has drawn me to believe following in similar footsteps would bring a similar type of success to the Magazine, aswell as the Research into "Q"'s pages has drawn me to the conclusion that "Q" is the Magazine to familarise with.

Most of my ideal readership would head towards "25-34" due to that being the age which the Music, adverts, articles etc would appeal to the most. "Middle age" is the Magazine's main readership age, because other successful Magazines hold that to be their target, They are the most likely to be in the demographic "ABC1" and at their age they will either be at College, University or in a job, seeking fulfillment, something to religiously follow, or believe in, my Magazine will be that very "thing"

However "25-34" are not the only years in life I plan to occupy for my potential readership, I plan to before the years of 44 occupy every male in the U.K with a demographic of "ABC1". I plan to have a steady (Even though peaking at "25-34" age range of readership, to unite the different with similar Music and then again broaden the Magazine's readership