Post Production Feedback

Front Cover Feedback

Strengths:

“The audience liked the front cover of my masthead and the way it stood out. The bold text was large and interesting, also the ‘O’ symbol I used and how it looked different. The font on the front cover also received positive feedback from the audience said it stood out and looked interesting. Also the colour I used went well together and looked appealing to the public eye.  The colour of my background went well and stood out as it was simple and matched the text. The text colour looked interesting and drew attention to the cover, as the names mentioned on the text got the magazine its hype. The audience liked the way I put the name of my magazine next to the barcode and how I still used the ‘O’ sign on the name.

Weakness:

“Some people did not like the font used on the front cover as it could have being better in style. Others felt it needed more cover lines. Some felt I should have put my models head over the mast head to gain more attention and even maybe look more professional. Others wanted me to use a different colour for the font, as the colours matched too much. All together it made the magazine look standard, when it could be better.

Contents Page Feedback

Strengths:

“The contents as a whole looked very simple yet sophisticated in the lay out.  The text was clear and was easy to read. The different way of presenting the text interested the audiences. The colour of the page number co-ordinated well & was decent as the colour had a contrast with each other and worked. They also liked the way the page number stood out from the rest of the text, as it would be easy to go to the page. They liked the models on the page as they were sexy and appealing. The ‘O’ sign was used again and was different, that’s what the audience liked. They also liked the fade of the ‘O’ sign as it was different to the text.

Weakness:

“The models pages on the contents page could have had better poses to more it more interesting. The every month could have had more text towards it as they were enough text about, it needed to be even out.

Double Page Spread Feedback

Strengths:

“The model used went well with the page. The font for the text of the article was bold and looked good for the font. The texts on the side were the picture was different and creative.

Weakness:

‘The cover line could have being more appealing and eye catching as it lacked attention. The pose of the model was weak and a lot could have being done to that side of the page eg. Extra picture.’

Q7) Looking back at the preliminary task what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to a full product?

Since doing my preliminary task I have learnt my skills have helped me progress to the full product. One of the things I’ve seen improvement on is the quality of my magazine; by learning how to use the conventions I was able to present my magazine to look professional. Looking back at my preliminary task it did not look like a professional magazine and the use of conventions was very poor. Although I included a masthead and cover line it does not look like a magazine but more like a leaflet or a poster.

Also one of the main tools I learnt how to use now was Photoshop something I wasn’t confident with at the start. This helped improve the quality of my magazine as it made it more professional. Unlike in my preliminary task I was not able to manipulate my pictures or use Photoshop to my best advantage, so that was a big improvement which I can do now, which I’m pleased with.

Also as my preliminary task only consisted of a font cover and a content page where as my full product included a double page spread, content page and front cover. I was able to learn how to work on an A3 which brought out more of my understanding in Photoshop.

I had better understanding of laying out my work and where masthead and cover lines should go. I was able to pick colours that worked well with my magazine and look professional. I challenged conventions, something I wasn’t able to do in my preliminary task.

Overall I learnt how to fully attract my target audience and, fully include them in my project. Something I wasn’t able to do in my preliminary task. I also learnt how to focus my magazine on a particular social group and not pick rock or jazz fans and put them together, which does not work out well. This meant I had to do a lot of research in my target audience and put a lot of thought into how I was going to present this in my magazine.

Since my preliminary task I am now able to use Photoshop to the best of my ability and use Canon E05 400D camera effectively, to take good pictures and portray a professional magazine.

Q6) What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

From the process of constructing this product I learnt many things about technology, that helped construct my magazine. Firstly I learnt how to use a Canon Eos 400D Camera to take a majority of my image.

Although I used this camera for my preliminary task I found the second time I used it, I learnt more about the camera and how to position it to get the full body shot I needed. A majority of my image were taken in college to show consistency and emulate real magazines which are taken in the same location. The other pictures that I did not take in college were taken at a house, where I made my models stand behind a blank cream wall. In order to create a desire effect and good quality image, I had been aware of the lighting and the location in which I would be taking the pictures. As I took a majority of my image with a Canon Eos 400D Camera, It was easier for me to take god quality image as it could increase the brightness of my pictures and I could also use a better quality flash. The other camera I used (Sony Cyber-shot Digital Camera) had good quality, however it wasn’t as diverse as the Canon camera. There I had to make sure there was good lighting even though the camera had flash, whereas the Canon I didn’t.

The way the Canon camera worked was, as the button was pressed on the Canon camera a radio wave was sent to the flash triggering the flash to appear as the picture is taken, to give it that professional look. Adding on to that the models have to stand at an arm’s length away from the flash stand, allowing the light to be captured on them.

Another technology I found I had learnt was the use of Photoshop as my skills on Photoshop was very limited,  but as it came to my magazine I was able to use Photoshop in a more advance way. I used Photoshop C55 and CS3 for my magazine. Reason for this is because C55 was easier to create effect on my image and make it pop out.

I also used rectangle tool to create stars and boxes I used on my front cover and content page. Photoshop was also useful, as I was able to upload pictures on to my blogger using JPEG that Photoshop had.

Use of Jpeg


















Rectangle Tool

Text Tool

I was also able to upload my pictures on blogger using Jpeg.

I learnt how to use the stroke tool which helped to make particular texts stand out: front cover ‘Gold’ and ‘Exclusive interview with Rihanna’ etc. I wanted a stroke which was obvious to be noticed however, not to be too much to spoil the look of the magazine.

Q5) How did you attract/address your audience?

By using audience research I was able to attract my audience in so many ways. As my magazine is targeting teenagers and young adults and embracing women power to show, they can be just as successful as men. I used female models that all have their own style and attitude, however it was a coincidence that they were all black, but this could be a good reason as it could show the power that black females are now receiving. The models are around the same age as my target audience. I choose this so my audience would be able to relate to my magazine. My models are wearing bright coloured clothes to crab the attention of the audience; it also makes my magazine even more noticeable as it’s full of bright colours.

 Another way to attract my audience is the font I used. The font is downloaded from www.dafont.com . I made sure the colours would go with my masthead, white and gold. The white blended in well as the colours work well together.  I also wanted my audience to see what they’re looking for in my magazine; new music, celebrity gossip and more. I was able to achieve this by the cover lines by using a huge celebrities name in my magazine, to get my target audience to read my magazine ‘Exclusive interview with Rihanna’. (Adele and Beyoncé).  I know my target audience would like this as it would create hype in the RnB and Pop world, as Rihanna is one of the biggest successful female singers out, who is singed by Jay z, Beyoncé’s husband, In addition the other cover line I have are competitions against each other as we have ‘Beyoncé and Adele’, both successful singer, which makes it interesting because it’s as if they are fighting for a main spot in my magazine and one is American, the other is British and we all know well Americans love British people, and British people love Americans..

Also I wanted my models to pose in a way that shows status, proudness, dignity and respect. I was able to accomplish this by positioning the models, for them to stand by levels and smile.  This indicates they are proud of who they are and also of being a woman. Adding on to that they made eye contact with the camera, they were asked to do this because it didn’t show shyness or being afraid, they were straight forward and bold about their image.

Each model has their own talent; there are 3 singers and 2 dancers.  I also used slang in my text ‘Beyoncé welcomes home ‘LIL’ miss…Carter’. I could have easily wrote ‘little’ however,  I used this slang term as it’s a magazine that targets young people and also it adds an extra flavour to the text as Beyoncé is known for being a ‘Diva’ and, by saying ‘Lil miss’ shows how her daughter has already being put into the category as being a little diva.

My content page also attracted my audience as it was very clear and straight forward. On the left you have main cover lines and a little text to tell you about it. Page numbers help to find the page quicker. Attractive models and easy read handwriting.

Q4) Who would be the audience for your media product?

As it’s said in my audience research the age targeted are 16-25 black and white because now, black and white people are changing in their music taste and more black people are listening to rock. Before black people main focus on music such as soul and RnB and Hip pop. Hip pop played a large role on black people, mostly males as it was a way for them to express themselves, now they are more divers in their music taste. Likewise white people used to listen to more pop and rock music, now we have male white rappers such as ‘Eminem’. This suggests that rap has become a big influence on the white community especially white male, as they can relate to it in their life. I wanted to interpret this by having at least one rapper’s name on my magazine ‘P Diddy’.

 I went for a young target audience as now most musicians coming out are young, making it easier for them to understand each other even more. Also it helps focus on young people today as they are the future. On the other hand it appeals to older audience, as most musicians and successful musicians are around their 20s; in addition they will have more knowledge and understanding than the younger artist coming out.

Also my target audience would be working/ middle class people. Working class because it’s mostly working class people who rely on music to stay off the streets and it’s the only thing to look forward to in their life. This makes my magazine relatable as it inspires people who go through trouble times, to never give up. My magazine targets and audience that have deep passion for music, fashion but also people who are up to date with what’s going on around them.

During my target audience spear time they would, listening to music and watch celebrity news
(E News). They would go on YouTube and listen to new music or watch interviews. Read magazines and look up, upcoming fashion designs and technology. Most of theme would take on subjects such as : Media, Performance studies, Sport andTextiles.

Q3) What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?

I think Billboard, Vibe and Vogue magazine would be more likely to publish and distribute my magazine. Reason for this is that Billboard magazine are specialist in music news, radio stations and worldwide music chats. This could increase my audience to a wider audience as Billboard doesn’t only publish RnB music but Pop and Rock music. This would help my magazine as it may get other people who are not as much interested in RnB and Pop, to take a look and be aware of my magazine in hopes that they would like it. Also billboards always has famous and successful artist on their front cover, this is a good reason as the bigger the artist the more the views. My magazine will benefit from this as more viewers will be able to see it.

Vogue also would publish my magazine as my magazine also conducts with fashion; this could be proving as the models in my front cover are wearing fashionable clothes (woolly scarf, jean jacket, toms and Christmas leggings) everything that is in fashion now and also designers.

Finally Vibe magazine however, Vibe magazine is more of a Hip Pop magazine. Nevertheless my magazine would get attention from male readers, as more male readers are interested in rap. On the other hand, even though it’s more of a rap magazine with mostly male rappers on the front cover, they do have female artist on their front cover as well as male, such as Nicki Minja.

Reasons why these magazines would publish my magazine is because they have similar things in common. The similarities are that my magazine is based on artist with their own style and sense of fashion; this is where Vogue comes in. Then Billboard magazine always has news about new songs and music videos that will be coming out, just like my magazine will be telling and inform you about new songs and what to expect in awards.  Finally Vibe magazine is a more Hip pop magazine and in my magazine I do mentions male artist, so this may be a way to expand my male audience.

 

Q2) How does your media product represent particular social groups?

My music magazine target audiences are both male and female, ages 16-25 and my subaltern is RnB, Pop with a bit of Hip Pop. Reasons for the ages is because, 16-25 are known to be  more interested in music magazine and fashion, also my magazine has young people as my front cover, and elderly people wouldn’t be interested as much as the younger people. Also the artists mentioned on my magazines are all modern day artist and not no one from the 90s. I was able to attract females to my magazine based on my front cover; it had all females dressed appropriately, not showing cleavage or skin. This is a good thing because most females hate seeing other females expose their body for attention, instead get the attention through how great you are and not how great your body is.  Adding to that I was able to get males attention as they’re all girls on my front cover, and men love ladies. The fact that they are all beautiful and talented lades makes it even better and an even more reason to get to know them.
 

I had an idea of my social group and represented it through my magazine, but my image in my front cover didn’t relate that only because, I realised that when we think of power, normally we think of male dominated, so I decided to use females instead to show change in power however, my models being all black is because now-a-days you don’t see many black successful people on front cover, especially black successfully women.

They were all wearing colourful clothes reason for this is that, it was more welcoming and the colours are very bright and welcoming which helps. This look is more in the pop culture, the clothes are fashionable.

The models on my front cover weren’t wearing so many accessories, makeup or even fail nails and eyelashes.  The whole idea was to keep it natural, simple and fun. Let the image speak for itself. Another reason is because in most magazines you see a lot of women’s faces laid with pails of makeup just to get the audience attention. I wanted people to look at my magazine to see simplicity, not fakeness.

My content page also followed the conventions used in an actual magazine. I was able to copy the convention of a content page as I analysed a real music magazine content page. I also challenged the convention by putting my ‘GOLD’ ‘O’ symbol  at the top of my content page so it could be recognised, and where ever that sign is people will know its Gold magazine without even having to see the name of the magazine (GOLD). I also used pictures to attract the audience. I used pictures that would connect with my cover line.

I added categories vertically on my page; this convention is used in music magazine which lays out your content page neatly and makes things easier to read.

Also my double page spread follows the convention. Firstly I used a huge picture on the right hand side of my magazine, and a simple colour scheme so that they both look professional. I made my headline stand out as I wanted it to catch the attention of my target audience.

Q1) in what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

With my project I analyzed a real music magazine to see how it’s structured and presented and what audience the magazine is attracting. By analyzing magazines I was able to get an idea of what a music magazine should look like. By looking at other music magazine in compare to my magazine, I challenged and developed forms and conventions of a real magazine. I used the ideas I saw in other magazines to make my magazine look as close as possible to a professional music magazine. I started off with a masthead as it’s the main the thing you see or the main thing that catches your attention, to buy or look at the magazine.

By using this as a convention, it made my magazine start to look like a professional music magazine. The font I used was downloaded from http://www.dafont.com and the font was under Roman Greek and it was called “Ancient Geek”.

(Roman Greek font)   ( Ancient Geek font)

I chanllenged the convention by using a different simble to represent my ‘O’, because the name of the magazine was called ‘GOLD’. By using this simble it made it different from other magazine as the rest of the letters were normal but the change of the ‘O’ gave it a powerful look that I was going for.

By using this sign it would instantly atract my target audience as its dominating and would automaticly stand out from the rest of the other magazines. This sign I used in my magazine would be a constant sign through out my magazine, as I would want people to recognize my magazine even with out the name but because of the logo as its dominant. The reason why I didn’t put my image infront of my masthead is because is I wanted my masthead to stand out, to be powerful. Even the name of my magazine ‘GOLD’ is a powerful name. I came about that name as ‘GOLD’ is very powerful, it stands out and it’s very expensive. So by that I’m trying to say that my magazine is powerful, it carries all the information you need. So tha is the reason why I didn’t want to cover my masthead.

I challenged the convention by using selling line but later on realised as I kept on searching magazines, that most magazines already have selling line. By using a selling line I wanted to promote the magazine and make it have a catch phrase that will automatically be recognized. As my magazine is both male and female I wanted the selling line to represent that just as the masthead. My selling line was ‘Royalties Only’, as Gold is powerful and, you have to be rich in order to read Gold. This does not really mean you have to be rich to read Gold, what it’s trying to say is whoever buys this magazine will be a royalty and would be powerful, as you will get all the information and gossip before its even out.

I also tried to find ways to get people to have more reasons to buy my magazine, as I got this idea from other music magazines. I offered an IPod to be won. In hopes that they would want to win one, and the only reason they can do that is by buying my magazine.

I continued using conventions; I used a barcode and a blackberry barcode as well. In most magazines the date is next to the barcode, on my magazine I decided to put the name of the magazine ‘GOLD’ with the ‘O’ symbol on top of the barcode, and on top of that I put the price of my magazine. There I challenged the conventions as most magazines wouldn’t put their name of their magazine, on top of the barcode especially if their magazine is popular.

I also added my magazine website in order for my readers to assess what’s new and what’s coming up.

My content page also followed the conventions used in an actual magazine. I was able to copy the convention of a content page as I analysed a real music magazine content page. In my content page I included text boxes with numbers, regular categories, a main image; reviews issue date and most importantly editor note, all a real content page will have. I also included other images which are used in real content page magazine convention; this was so you could, illustrate what other issues where in the magazine and whether you will want to continue reading.  I did this so it would be easy for the reader to be able to scheme through to find what they are looking for. I also challenged the convention by putting my ‘GOLD’ ‘O’ symbol at the top of my content page so it could be recognised and, where ever that sign is people will know its Gold magazine without even having to see the name of the magazine (GOLD). I added pictures to attract the audience. I used pictures that would connect with my coverlines.

I added categories vertically on my page; this convention is used in music magazine which lays out your content page neatly and makes things easier to read.

Similarly, my double page spread uses and develops conventions. Firstly I used a similar colour scheme as my front and contents page, as it carries the same look and make it recognisable. I also followed the convention as I had a big picture on one side and, on the other I had loads of writing. I continued the blue, yellow and white writing. However I used a red headline, the reason why I didn’t do much to the heading was because I wanted to keep it simple as the quote on the left hand said ‘I always say to myself stay positive, it will turn things around that would make things better. Dream and achieve’, was the main purpose.

Double page spread final

Double page spread

contents page

front cover