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