THE MAIN TASK!

The main task consists of designing and making 3 media pieces for a music magazine. On this blog i have showed my research and planning for my front cover, contents page and double page spread of my music magazine. The research and planning helped my understand my chosen genre of R&B and also my target audience so i can make a realistic and true portrayal of a new R&B magazine. Also i have included an evaluation for my 3 media pieces. In the evaluation i explain the reasons why i decided to use certain fonts, colours, and images. Also i explain why my three pieces are successful and what aspects can be improved.

R&B Music

For my music magazine, I have chosen the genre of Rhythm and Blues, also known as R&B. There are not many R&B magazines in publication at the moment and I believe that this genre and everything it represents should be celebrated. It is important to understand the codes and conventions of the genre so that i can include these repeated features in my magazine.

The video below outlines the type of music and artists which will be featuring in my magazine:

The Codes and Conventions

Just like other genres, R&B also has codes and conventions which I will be following in order to give my magazines a sense of realism.

The men in the R&B industry are represented in a strong, powerful way. There are many mise-en-scene elements which emphasises there power and masculinity.

Money:

In the genre of R&B the reference to money and wealth is very common. This is because most of the artists are successful themselves; rappers more commonly use a reference to money in there lyrics or show their wealth visually with ‘flashy’ cars and lots of jewellery.

Cars:

This convention works alongside with money; cars are a representation of wealth. Male artists tend to use this as part of their image, also the use of ‘fast and flash’ cars make them look ‘cool’ to their target audience.

Women:

Women are used to add appeal to a male artist’s music video. They usually wear limited clothing and sexually provoke the viewer by dance routines. High heels are also a part of the costume for women as they elongate their legs, enhancing their sexual appeal. Women also make the artists seem ‘cool’ to their target audience and the viewer’s aim to be like the artist.

Being Topless:

Male R&B artists are mainly topless in their videos because this will appeal to the female target audience who can lust after the artists, but also the male target audience can be inspired to have a body like the artist.

Tattoos:

The majority of the time, whilst the male artists are topless they are also showing of their tattoos. This enhances their masculinity. They normally have more than one tattoo.

Below is a male R&B artist music video and I have shown how the codes and convention have been followed:

The video is called “Money to Blow” by a variety of rappers. Immediately by the name of the song the audience can tell that this song is about the money and wealth that these rappers have, already completing one of the conventions. Women are shown immediately, wearing minimal clothing and dancing provocatively around the rappers. There are also shots of money falling onto the rappers from up above, which enhances their wealth. Flashy cars also appear in the background which is used to make the reader look powerful and cool. All these mise-en-scene elements follow the codes and conventions.

For the female artists in R&B the codes and conventions are slightly different:

Emotions:

The songs and videos for female artists contain a lot of emotions and a wide variety. Each song and music video contains a meaning. The emotions are shown through a narrative perspective, which is normally a story that relates to the lyrics of the song.

Appearances:

As well as the song being important, for females the video is also a big part as it should be memorable to the target audience. The video should match the lyrics in order for it to be successful. Most videos contain a provocative dance routine which helps enhance the appearance. Also the use of explicit clothing or extremely fashionable clothing can enhance the appearance and appeal to the target audience.

Men:

Men are normally portrayed negatively if they are used in a female R&B artist’s video; this is so they can express their feelings. Normally the songs are about heartbreak and a video showing a man cheating shows how some males can use women. In some cases men can be shown in a positive light, for example in romantic videos.

Below is a female R&B artists music video and I have showed how the common codes and conventions for female artists in the genre of R&B are being followed.

The video is “If I were a boy” by Beyonce. The lyrics explain how if women were men, they would be able to treat their partners better and understand their feelings. The video compliments the lyrics as Beyonce has taken the role of a man in the relationship. This follows the conventions of emotions, as Beyonce is expressing the heartbreak she has felt in the past. This also links to the convention of men, as the man is showed to be insensitive and a ‘cheat’. The video is in black and white to show the seriousness of the issue; also because the video is in black and white, it shows her knowledge of how her partner is cheating on her. Nothing is hidden; it is all out in the open. 

Target Audience Profile

The readers of my new upcoming magazine are strong minded, independent, good looking females between the ages of 17 and 25. She is a popular girl who is always surrounded by her peers. Whenever she is alone she is listening to music and is a bubbly person who likes to sing around the house and in the shower. She is not a follower; she is a leader and turns the latest trends into her own original style.  Her fashion sense is trendy urban, and will only adopt trends when they suit her figure and her personality. She believes strongly in her own ideas; however she does not force them on other people.

            Music is a major part of her life and she constantly has her IPod on. She never takes life too seriously and enjoys playful banter. Here attitude in life is very care free, she feels strongly about the phrase ‘you only live once’ and this reflects in her lifestyle as she does whatever she wants, whenever she wants, however she knows the difference from right to wrong.

            The reader likes to take care of her body and goes to the gym on a regular basis to make sure she keeps in shape. However this does not stop her from eating ‘junk’ foods. She believes in eating everything in the right proportions.

She currently will be in college as they do have a career goal in mind but however chose not to attend 6^th form as it would be too strict for her; she loves her, by going to college her educational life is more relaxed and she has more control over it. Her chosen subjects will be something that allows her to express her thoughts and feelings. Music is a subject that she would take as its one of her favourite things in life. She can express her thoughts through the lyrics and beats of songs. She also has a part time job as she enjoys shopping it is another one of her major hobbies. Fashion is a big interest and she enjoys buying quite unique things to represent the quirkiness of her personality. She also spends a large amount of her pay in restaurants and bars whilst she is out with her friends.

 As she is a student she still chooses to live at home but her parents are laid back and she is allowed to go out as much as she likes but she does not take advantage of her parents trust. Her family are a big part of her life and she respects them greatly. The target audience has an equal balance between socialising with her close friends and spending quality time with her family.  Being loved by her family and friends helps her achieve the love and belonging step on Maslow’s hierarchy.

The reader’s love life is very casual. She likes to be single to maintain her independence but that does not mean she does not like to have fun. She loves receiving attention from men. Another way she satisfies her relationship and self- esteem needs on Maslow’s hierarchy, having casual relationships or ‘flings’. She never follows the traditional image of a woman who always chases after a man, she likes to tease the men and make them chase after her; likes being the centre of attention. The reason she may not choose to be in a long term relationship as she may be scared to show her true emotions and is afraid of being heartbroken. However she will be in a relationship with a man, if she feels she will still have her strong independence.

On the weekends she likes going out as she likes to get the most out of each day. During the day she spends time with her family as she thinks family time is important. She would normally leave the house in the late afternoon and maybe do some shopping with her friends or relax at a friend’s house. In the evening she and her group of friends would have a familiar place where they would go and socialise, for example, an urban café and then move onto a club which they again are familiar with.  If she is not socialising then she will be playing around with her hair and make-up trying to think of new styles and different looks and putting her skills into practise with her friends.

Music is not just an interest of hers; she has a passion for it as she feels she can relate to it. Her IPod is one of her favourite things and is constantly on. The songs which she listens to, depends on her mood and on what she is doing at the time. Artists such as Rihanna, Beyonce and Alicia Keys are on her IPod. They are strong women just like the target audience and these are the type of women the target audience aspire to be like. If there is a concert or live gig going on with an artist that she likes she will defiantly take the opportunity and go to it. This is when she feels completely herself as she likes to let her mind and body go with the music; she feels exhilarated. As music is a great part of her life, she may be an aspiring musician. Her dream may be to be a singer/songwriter and she uses her spare time to pursue this dream of hers. This will help her reach self-actualization and the magazine can help her be the best she can be. One of her hobbies is to blog online where she can upload media texts of herself singing and show the world her talent.

At the moment she does not read any music magazine as there are not many R&B music magazines that only focus on women artists. Lifestyle magazines are something she reads on occasions if she feels she needs guidance but she does not buy them regularly because she is hardly in that situation. An R&B music magazine will provide her with lots of entertainment but most importantly it will be a comforter as it will be filled with the types of women she looks up to. The magazine can also help her pursue her singing career by advertising opportunities which may help her dream come true.

Movies are another interest of hers. Her favourite genres are horror and comedy. She enjoys horrors as she likes the adrenaline and comedies are something which helps her unwind.

The internet is another important aspect of her life as this is one of her main ways of socialising and communicating with her friends. She is a strong follower of social networking websites and also uses the internet for online shopping and, if needed, college work. However her mobile phone and IPod are her main gadgets.

           

Mission Statement

‘DIVA’ is a new, stylish music magazine which is on the rise and solely focuses on the independent and strong women in the R&B music industry. The name of the magazine reflects the women that are celebrated in the magazine and also the target audience. It will reflect that women are as powerful and talented as men and deserve the same amount of respect. We believe that the modern women artists should be celebrated and this is what the magazine aims to do.

            The reader of Diva magazine is a woman between the ages of 17-25. She is fiery and likes her independence. She does not like relying on people and is a lot of fun to be around. She is popular as she is always with people and music is something that isn’t taken lightly in her world. She has a passion for it and this is why she would buy a monthly music magazine.

The magazine as a whole is full of attitude; just like the readership. The mode of address is very frank and bold because the women in the magazine and the target audience are like this too. They are very forward and direct so the magazine is also straight to the point.

As a magazine my team and I promise to deliver a magazine that helps the target audience reach the top of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs; self-actualization. 

We think that it’s important to make a relationship between the magazine and target audience this is so the target audience can feel as if it can trust the magazine and turn to it for guidance. Our aim is to offer juicy gossip for entertainment, along with great opportunities to meet their idols and advice on their social life.

The magazine will be a monthly magazine because the target audience will not have the time to read a weekly magazine or the money to pay for one as they are still in college. It will cost £2.20 and will be distributed in all supermarkets, music retailers and newsagents but also in specific fashion retailers which sell ‘street style’ clothes that represent the genre of R&B. The target audience also have a choice of subscribing to the magazine by the post or through the magazine’s website; www.divemagazine .co.uk.

As I have mentioned before Diva is a music magazine and the majority of articles will be about the soulful women artists in R&B. Reviews of live concerts, promotions of albums and singles and interviews with different artists will be featured every month as this will inform the readership of the upcoming events and latest gossip. Also to make the magazine unique it will have a feature article about new upcoming R&B artists and will be interviewing them outlining their struggle to get into the music business and when their album is due to be released. This will be something that the readership will be looking forward to read every month.  Even though the magazines main focus is R&B music, the readership will not be completely satisfied with just articles on music; they need other aspects to help them reach self-actualization. So my researchers went out and tried to find out what else the target audience needs to be completely satisfied. The writers of Diva magazine will also include articles appearances and fashion, for example, there will be articles informing the readership how to do their make up like a certain artist they look up to, or where to buy clothes that certain artists wear. The women artists are often quirky dresses and each artist has a different style. This inspires the target audience to be different and quirky too and by looking at their role models fashion sense they can develop a look of their own and help them achieve self-esteem on Maslow’s hierarchy.

There will also be competitions to win tickets for live performances or to meet one of the featured artists in the magazine; this adds the element of fun and excitement into the magazine, which represents the fun and excitement that the readership like to have.

            Articles such as “How to keep safe in concerts” will also be featured. The target audience needs to feel safe in order to reach self-actualization. This enhances the bond between the magazine and target audience and the readers can trust the magazine.

            The magazine promises to deliver articles which will inform, entertain and overall encourage the target audiences be the best that they can be.  ‘DIVA’ magazine believes in Bulmer and Katz’s theory of Uses and Gratifications. We believe that our target audience will read each article and use the information in a way that will be most useful to them. They are not a passive target audience.

Questionnaire

The questionnaire is part of my research as it allows me to gather the target audience's opinion and use the results when making my own magazine. The questionnaire was distributed to 20 females within my target audience criteria. Below is the questionnaire and the analysis of the results.

Questionnaire Analysis

This was the first question on the questionnaire. It is important to ask the age of the target audience so that I know how to address the readers better when producing my final pieces. Originally my magazine was aimed at females which are between17-27, however from these results I have discovered that most of the readers will be in the younger bracket of 17-21. This means that most of the articles which will feature in the magazine will be aimed at the younger bracket and the mode of address will be more colloquial. However there will be slightly more sophisticated articles to fulfil the needs of the older bracket. To improve my research I should have asked an equal amount of people from both age brackets.

The next question on the questionnaire was about how often my target audience read a music magazine. I chose to ask this question as it is important to know how much of my target audience actually read a music magazine on a regular basis. From the results I can see that the majority of the target audience, 70%, read music magazines sometimes and 30% never read a music magazine. This may be because the target audience feel that at the moment there is no music magazine which caters to their needs or they may not be the right genre. It can also be that the target audience do not have the time or money to read a magazine regularly. From the 20 people who filled out the questionnaire, no one reads a music magazine all the time. This means I will have to make sure that my magazine satisfies all their needs and is extremely appealing so they become hooked onto the magazine and read it regularly. 

For this question I discovered that 60% of the target audience will be willing to pay £1-£1.99 for a high quality R&B magazine. This may be because the target audience are still students and they may not have a lot of money of their own. Even if they have a part time job, the money they earn is most likely to be spent on clothes, food and on drinks whilst out with their friends. However 35% of the target audience are willing to pay £2-£2.99. As the magazine is relatively new, the price will be between £1 and £1.99 but once the magazine forms a strong relationship with the target audience then the price can raise slight to £2 or maybe more. The price will remain under £3 because as we can see from the results no one will be willing to pay that much. 

The majority of the target audience are attracted to a magazine by the main image. This is because it is the biggest item on the page and is the feature that stands out the most. Because of these results I will now make sure my main image will be extra appealing to lure in the target audience. Another feature which the target audience favoured was the ‘freebies.’ Cover mounts will be featuring regularly as this will be another technique to lure the target audience. The mast head is the least popular feature, this may be because it is not as dominate as the main image and also an image is a lot more interesting to look at. 

The results to this question are spread out widely. This shows that the target audience need a variety of articles in order to fulfil all their needs. Celebrity gossip was the most popular choice so I can feature articles which focus on the lives of music celebrities. This way I can still give the target audience what they want but also incorporate music. From the people that I asked, no one choice the ‘other’ option which means that these are the main articles that people will enjoy reading about. 

I choice to ask this question for my research and planning so that I can get a better understanding of what colours to use on my front cover. These results were also spread out quite widely but the colour which was favoured is blue and closely followed was purple. Now I can use these results incorporate these colours in my three pieces to lure in the target audience. 

Open ended questions:

In my questionnaire I had a total of 8 questions. This is because I did not want it to be too long so that people feel intimidated or feel like they are doing some sort of exam. Out of the 8 questions 2 were open ended. I only included 2 open ended questions because the target audience would feel uncomfortable answering long questions I also made them impersonal because the target audience should not feel as if they are being interrogated.

The first open ended question I asked was ‘Are you a big music fan? Briefly explain how music plays a part in your life.’ I asked this question because it will help me understand how my target audience use music in their daily lives. I can use this information to make sure that my articles are related to their daily routines. The general response was that music is something that target audience need daily. Most people said they listen to music on their journeys and when they are doing school work because it ‘motivates’ them. Music is a inspiration to them and this is why the main artists in my magazine will be ones that the target audience look up to and inspire to be like.

The other open ended question I asked was. ‘Who is your favourite R&B artist and why?’ I did not ask what their favourite genre was because my magazine is aimed at females who like R&B.  Half of the target audience chose a male R&B artist and the other half chose females. The females who chose the male artists mainly said because they are good looking and have good lyrics in their songs. However the females who choice a female R&B artist said they like that specific artist because she is an inspiration and good role model. This was extremely helpful research as my magazine was going to show off the success of female artist and I can continue to do so but I have also learnt that I should incorporate information on male R&B artists too as they are equally as important to the target audience.

Artists which will feature in my magazine

As my chosen genre is R&B a variety of existing R&B artists will feature in my magazine. The results from my questionnaire helped me decide which current day artists will feature regularly in the magazine. From my research I have learnt that the artists Drake, Beyonce, Rihanna and Nicki Minaj were voted for the most.

 Nicki Minaj was favoured as she is different and has her own style. The target audience say they like the fact that ‘she is not afraid to be different.’ 

In the video above, Minaj demonstrates her individuality with extravagant costumes and she is rapping which is unusual for females in the R&B genre. Also in this video is the artist Drake. Many of the target audience said that they enjoyed Drake’s music because his songs have a good tempo and also because he is good looking. This means that Drake will be featuring regularly in interviews and photo shoots for the magazine to lure in the target audience. 

Beyonce was another favoured artist. The target audience like Beyonce as they find her a good role model because she is extremely successful but also her music is about empowering women. Below is a music video by Beyonce:

In this video she sings about how women are mistreated and they should not stand for it. This is the sort of attitude the target audience will have so this is why Beyonce will feature in the magazine. 

Another artist which was favoured by the target audience is Rihanna and this is because the target audience find her attitude and music ‘powerful.’ Below is a video which illustrates Rihanna in a powerful light:

The target audience can relate to Rihanna’s music because they too are powerful and so they can relate to her music. 

These artists will be featuring in the front cover which I will be producing. However other artists who may appear in later issues are:

Alicia Keys

Trey Songz

Aaliyah

Kanye West

These artists and many more were also suggested by my target audience so to lure in the readers a variety of these artists will feature in the magazine to offer something new and exciting each month.

Costume Ideas

The artist who will feature throughout my 3 media pieces will be extremely stylish, just like the target audience. She will wear costumes which will reflect her quirkiness and feisty attitude but also highlight her femininity in a subtle way. Similarly to the target audience, the artist has a colourful and loud personality; this is represented through the colours she wears. Bright colours and unique patterns show that she means business!

She loves dressing up and always manages to achieve a glamorous look even if it is a casual outfit. As a professional R&B artist she thinks it is important to make a lasting impression where ever she goes.

 Her wealth and success is represented in her outfits and this is why she takes pride in her appearance. She loves a lot of ‘bling’ and has diamantes on a lot of her items; however she does not look tacky or cheap. This shows people that she is wealthy and enjoys spending her money on expensive items. She also believes in the saying, ‘if you’ve got it, flaunt it.’ She loves showing of her best features in body hugging dresses. She believes it is good to feel sexy and boost self-confidence but look sophisticated at the same time.

Shoes are a big part of her life. Whether there glamorous high heels or cute flats, she loves them all. She uses high heels to elongate her legs and obtain a strong, confident figure. Also they invite glances of admiration from both men and women.

Mise-en-scene

In this image of Beyonce, her costume is very minimal only consisting of a necklace and a pair of earrings. Combining the costume with the minimal make-up provides an air of innocence and simplicity. The lack of costume emphasises the boldness and quite unusual necklace that she is wearing. This can represent Beyonce’s personality; she is simple and innocent but can speak out when she needs to.  Beyoncé’s hair is straight and pushed back so it does not steal focus from her facial expression. Her lips are open and her eyes are wide open gazing into the distance in the same way a child may stare at something mystical. This enhances her innocence within the image. A medium close up shot allows the viewer to see her shoulders which are softly hunched over; because she is wearing no clothing she seems vulnerable and delicate. The light shines gently on her face and she faces away from the shade which can symbolises that she is turning away from the past and looking ahead with hope. 

This image advertises Mariah Carey’s sexuality and her passion for music. Her gold dress is very lavish and reminds the audience of her wealth and success. The costume is also very revealing and Mariah Carey confidently shows of her legs and cleavage. She is laying down in a very provocative way and taking pride in her appearance and body. The models hand is placed on her upper thigh which implies that she herself is brushing back her dress to reveal her legs and invites the viewer’s attention.  Her hair is draped across the piano in a sensual way, emphasising the models sexuality. It is in loose curls which can also indicate femininity and gentleness. Mariah Carey’s make up is noticeable but does not steal focus from her body. The natural colours gently emphasise the features on her face and false eyelashes are used to extend her gaze and give a seductive expression. Her soft smile creates a warm ambience within the picture and a friendly connection with the viewer. The piano in the image is a prop which shows the audience Carey’s love in her music. It is as if music makes her feel free and sexy. However we cannot see the whole piano which shows us that she is still the most important thing in the image and the main focus is on her. The background is simple and the creaminess of the wall blends well with other the other mise-en-scene features such as costume and make-up.

In this image of Rihanna the background suggests Rihanna is in the ‘streets’ or perhaps a local neighbourhood, instead of a studio. This makes her seem down to earth and it is as if she is returning to the place where she started from, as many R&B artists originate from the ‘ghetto.’ She is also dressed in a very casual outfit consisting of a white top and necklace. This is showing the audience that even though she is a celebrity she is down to earth and does not always need to make a fuss. A classic white top is a timeless outfit with a pair of denim jeans. Her hairstyle is also quite simple just like her costume. It is straightened and falls casually across her face drawing the audience’s attention to her facial features. She is playfully brushing the hair away from her face, which shows her fun, carefree side. This makes her seem approachable to the audience. Partly opened lips invite the viewers into the image and the half closed eyes create a seductive atmosphere. Her make-up also continues with the theme of simplicity. The rosy blusher adds femininity to her expression and contrasts heavily against the dark eyeliner and mascara. A pink shade of lip-gloss is also used to create warmth. Her facial expression is also quite playful as she is smiling. The lighting is bright which emphasises the playful and joyful ambience of the image. 

Reconnaissance

In R&B males and females are represented in extremely different ways. It is common that when an male artist appears on a front cover of a magazine they are accompanied with busy backgrounds or props which often highlight or emphasise their masculinity. These props and location can also show power and wealth. Below are some examples:

Both these front covers are from ‘VIBE’ magazine and celebrate male R&B artists. The image on the left shows the singer Usher in a pilot uniform, walking away from a USA plane. The audience immediately thinks of connotations with the army, strength and courage.

            Similarly the image on the right shows the R&B rapper Lil Wayne. He is crouching on the seat of a throne which shows his mischievous attitude. The throne represents wealth and the audience think of connotations such as kings and power. However the rapper seems to be portraying an image which implies that because he is the ‘king’ and is in power that he can do as he wishes.

 However the conventions of females are slightly different. The women tend to be placed against a plain background so focus is not taken from the women themselves. The bold background colours contrast with the models outfit to emphasise her presence.  Examples of this can be seen on the images below:

In my magazine I will not be featuring a specific location or any props. The background will be a plain colour so that readers focus mainly on my model and to follow the codes and conventions.

Front Cover Analysis

Billboard is a music magazine which does not focus on a specific genre, meaning that their target audience is very broad. In this issue there is an R&B singer on the cover, which tells us that it will be slightly more aimed at people who listen to R&B. But also above the masthead there is a strapline which states ‘Women’s Magazine’ telling the reader that this issue is a special edition aimed at females who enjoy R&B.

The masthead in lower case which tells us that the readership and the type of music are not in your face, it is more relaxed. The main colour is white however the gaps in the letters are filled with bright colours to represent the youthfulness and fun side in the target audience. As this is a special edition, there is a sell line above the masthead but it is in a smaller font which means that the masthead is still more important and the purpose of the strapline is only to attract the reader’s attention. Every week the magazine places the masthead in the same place and uses the same colours to maintain brand identity. Below are some more images which show how brand identity is maintained within each issue:

 

Looking back at the first front cover, the main model is Beyonce; a women who is highly respected and extremely popular in the music industry. The shot which is used is a medium-long shot; this is because she can proudly show off her body. Her head is covering the masthead to show that she is more important than anything else on the magazine. Her hands are on her hips to show her power. She looks successful and in control. However she still manages to look sexy and keep her femininity as she has her lips slightly parted. Her costume is a tight dress which looks sophisticated but also looks sexually appealing as it shows off her womanly curves. She is wearing white, which is the colour which is associated with power and in particularly wealth.  This automatically tells the audience that Beyonce herself is a powerful and wealthy woman. These ideas are again emphasised by her powerful stance.

 The background colour is a mixture of blue and black which creates a mysterious atmosphere. This makes the main model seem mysterious and it is as if once the reader reads the interview everything will become clearer and the white colour on her dress can also represent the clarity which is to come once the article is read.

The body copies for magazines are usually on the upper left hand corner as it is the first place where the readers eyes go, however this magazine slightly breaks the codes and conventions for magazines and has the main sell line on the bottom left. The body copy is still on the left hand third but not in the conventional place. The body copy is the sell line which has the largest font so it stands out however it is not bigger than the masthead which tells us automatically that the masthead is still the most important piece of text on the front cover. The colours of the sell line are quite dark, bold and very powerful. The black and blue represent the power of the main model and white represents her wealth and is also used to highlight words and phrases of the sell line to catch the reader’s attention. The models name is written in all three colours to represent that she is all these things and to make a nice gradient effect.  For contrast the colour yellow is used to make the pull quote ‘plus’ stand out. This informs the reader that other artists are also featured within the magazine so thing will also lure in the target audience.

 The main content of the article is an interview with Beyonce and it praises her successes as she is ‘women of the year’. This is will attract the target audience as they believe that women should be recognised and appreciated.  The mode of address is quite formal as no colloquial language is used. The language used is sophisticated to represent the model and target audience themselves.

Also on the left side is an article about the hip-hop singer ‘Wale.’ This article links to theme of the main sell line; R&B and it is another article which the target audience can enjoy and read. On the upper left hand corner is an article about a Mexican/American artist Jenni Rivera. As there are other articles which are not based on R&B singers, the target audience will be much broader. Similarly on the bottom right is an article about a rock band ‘Paramore.’ This draws in the rock readership and informs them on the bands successes of becoming a headliner. By having various artists the magazine shows that it is full of variety and people who like more than one genre can find this very interesting.

On the bottom right is an article which talks about the top singers of 2009; this article is aimed at anyone who buys the magazine and does not have a specific genre which they are interested in, as it talks about artists collectively. This article and the website are placed on the bottom right as they are least important and this is the place where the reader’s eyes go last. The website on this issue is not of the magazine but is a special website for Beyonce fans, this is because they are praising her and this is a special edition issue.

The reader who buys Billboard magazine is a serious music fan and because the magazine provides various different articles they are helping the reader’s fulfill their various music needs. 

Front Cover Analysis

Vibe magazine is an R&B magazine aimed at males between the ages of 17-25 and this is reflected on the front cover of the magazine.

The masthead is in uppercase and is in a display font, in the colour red. As it is quite bold it automatically suggests a male target audience. The uppercase letters are used to suggest a loud volume to the magazine instead of the use of delicate lowercase letters. The colour is red is used to represent the sexuality of the main model on the front cover. Every week the masthead is in the same place and in the same font to maintain brand identity. The word ‘vibe ’is used here to mean a good ambience to represent the good atmosphere the magazine and the genre of music makes. It suggests that the target audience likes relaxing while listening to music. Below are some images to show how the magazine maintains brand identity with the use of the masthead: 

 

The main model is Beyonce and we can automatically tell that this is an R&B magazine as Beyonce is an R&B singer. The shot is a medium-long shot; this was used to show the most seductive and curvaceous parts of her body, which, again, tells us that this is aimed at a male readership.  Her costume is quite revealing and looks like it has been drenched in water. This is another technique used to lure in the readers as it clings to the models body and is partly see through, which will playfully tease the male readers. Her facial expression is also seductive; her eyes are not fully open which makes the reader focus on her lips; they are parted which gives the impression that she is inviting the reader into the magazine. It is also another way to represent her sexuality. She follows the codes and conventions of the R&B genre by being an attractive, young, successful woman, who wears limited clothing and is used as a sex icon.

On the upper left hand side is the main sell line, also known as the body copy. It is on the left hand third of the magazine because in the western world we read from left to right; the reader’s eyes will go here first. The article is about a photo shoot with Beyonce. This will make the reader buy the magazine as they will be excited to see saucy pictures of her. The colour red is used to highlight certain phrases of body copy. The reader will instantly see ‘strips down’ and would want to read more to see what the article is about. Red is also used as it represents sexuality which is the theme of this front cover. The body copy is also in a bigger font than the other sell lines, to show that it is the main article. However it is not bigger than the masthead as it is not as important. The magazine also uses a more relaxed mode of address; colloquial language is used, for example they have shortened Beyoncé’s name to ‘B’. Only people who are interested in R&B would understand the abbreviation.

On the upper right hand side is a sell line about travelling, which is something the target audience would be interested in. They are spontaneous and therefore like travelling to different places and like to ‘live their life to the max.’ This sell line advertises a ‘summer guide’ for different cities. The article will be exciting and also will inform the readers of how to make their summers productive. Similarly to the body copy, this sell line has the main phrases highlighted in red and the rest of the text is in black to form a contrast, for example ‘and more’ is highlighted in red and is teasing the reader to buy the magazine so they can read on.

At the top of the magazine above the masthead is the Header. This is a pull technique used by the magazine to interest the reader even more. It lists the other artists which will be featured in the magazine to show that it is not just all about Beyonce. It is fulfilling the needs of the target audience.   

At the on the bottom right is the barcode which is kept out of sight as it is not important to the target audience. Similarly to this, the website is also kept on the bottom however this time on the left. This is because it is slightly more important that the barcode however it is still not something the target audience would want to read first.

The front cover as a whole is the most important part of the magazine and it needs to show different aspects of the magazine so the readers feel content. The aim of the magazine is to entertain and inform readers. ‘VIBE’ magazine is successful in doing this as they entertain with seductive images of Beyonce and also inform by giving advice to the readers by telling them the best summer cities.

Contents Page Analysis

This image is from the magazine ‘VIBE’. The contents page follows the codes and conventions by using have the page for articles and the other half is covered by a large image. There should be a 50% split between the both. This can be done with lots of smaller images or one large image, in this case one large image is used which suggests that the article which features the model is extremely important. The image is of the R&B artist Ciara and she is lying down in a promiscuous way which gives the impression that she is powerless. She is wearing limited clothing and has her legs on full display which are elongated by her high heels; a long shot is used to capture her whole body. The legs make a ‘V’ shape; this tells the readership that she represents the magazine. Her heels are a satin material which enhances the seductive nature of the image. This will lure in the male readers as they will find the models sexuality appealing. The model has partially opened lips which playfully teases readers and invites in them into the magazine. Her costume matches the gradient colour in the background to give a professional touch. The transparent ‘V’ in the background is the logo for the magazine so the readers can recognise what magazine they are reading without looking at the front cover. Also the ‘V’ extends to the models leg making her look like a puppet which can be controlled. This will give the male readers a sense of power and masculinity as they feel they can ‘control’ the model. The lighting of the image also adds to the sexual ambience; it is dark on top but there is spot light on the model to highlight her positioning and her body. It also shows the readers that she is the most important thing on the page.

The title is placed on the top of the page like most conventional magazines but has a trademark style by splitting the word; this is the same on every issue and it is a technique for the magazine to maintain brand identity; every time a reader see’s this contents page they will immediately link it to the magazine ‘Vibe’. It is modern and different which represents the style of the target audience. The colour of the title is white and this sets the rest of the theme for the page as all other colours which are used are monotone too.

The sub headings on the page are in a serif-font and the typeface looks as if it is in Script MT bold because it looks like handwriting. It looks sophisticated and fits in with the sexy image of the model. Other pieces of text are written in a sans-serif font and are much less informal. The important phrases and words are highlighted in bold so they stand out. The formal sub headings and the informal text are always the same in each issue; this is another way to maintain brand identity. The texts on the contents page are references to the most interesting articles in the magazine. They have promoted these articles because they are the ones that are most likely to attract the target audience and make them read on, further into the magazine. It is also a way to make navigation easier for the target audience. Instead of flipping through lots of pages they can go to the contents page and easily find what they want without wasting any time. 

Content Page Analysis

This is the contents page for an issue of ‘Vibe’ magazine, which is an R&B magazine. Similarly to the other contents page this too only has one main image instead of lots of smaller images and this is another way ‘Vibe’ magazine maintains brand identity. Also the minimalistic style shows that the model in the main image is the most important aspect of the contents page.

The main image is of a male rapper. The magazine is aimed at a male readership, so by having a powerful male icon as their main model will attract in the target audience. The shot used is a medium-close up shot and he is positioned in a violent pose. He is holding his chains towards his face as if he was about to break them. The jewellery also represents the rappers wealth and success as it is very flashy and he is not just wearing one piece, there are several neck chains. He is also wearing rings, and many bracelets and a watch, which adds to his wealth. We cannot see any clothing apart from a hat. This allows the model to show off his muscles which implies strength and aggression. Also it is a convention of the R&B genre for men to be topless. We can see his tattoos which are normally associated with strong, big men. This emphasises the idea of violence and strength especially the tattoo with the word ‘respect’ in it. The hat is common for rappers to wear and he is following the codes and conventions of R&B by wearing one in the image. The models facial expression is also very aggressive. He looks as if he is growling at the audience and this is to show that he is very powerful and in control; he has the ability to dominate people. We can also see his gold teeth; this is another way to represent his success.

The heading on the page is broken up into sections. This is the same on every issue; it is modern and unique which represents the target audience. Having the heading in the same effect every issue is a way to maintain brand identity. It is the magazines signature heading. Behind the heading is a capital ‘V’ in display font. This is to represent the name of the magazine and this is also featured in every issue and is another technique used to maintain brand identity.

The subheadings are in a serif font. It is very formal and looks like handwriting. The formality of the sub-headings contrast with the violence in the image which makes the models aggression stands out even more. Whereas the other pieces of text are in a sans serif font but bold is used to make certain phrases stand out. The font of writing stays the same in each issue to maintain brand identity.

The text is broken down into sub-headings to make navigation for the reader easier. They can easily find the section they are interested and read a small introduction about various articles. The page numbers are provided so that the reader does not have to flick through the whole magazine they can just go straight to the article they are interested in.

Double Page Spread Analysis

The double page spread features Usher – a stereotypical, black, male, R&B artist to which target audience would be familiar with.  A typical convention with double page spreads is that they usually are half images and the other half is text. This issue of Vibe follows this convention as they have dedicated the entire left hand to an image of Usher.

 The anchorage image on the left-hand page of the double page spread shows the musician in a denim shirt, which gives him a more casual look; this makes the interview less formal adopts a conversational tone. The shirt is made by G-Star RAW – a designer clothing company that produces fashionable urban clothing. This fits in well with the stereotype he is portraying as this clothing company is one which the target audience would also wear  and makes the reader feel as if the artist is a companion .He is also wearing a watch and smoking a cigar, these are connotations of wealth. The artist is looking away from the reader in this image; this makes the audience perceive him as a superior persona. 

The quote on the left-hand page of the double page spread is in a different, larger

font than the rest of the text, this attracts the reader’s attention to it. The quote is in front of the smoke from the cigar; it surrounds Usher and highlights his face. ‘GREATEST’ is in capitals, this has been done to make the word stand out amongst the rest of the text and to emphasise the importance of the word within the quote, as it is representing the artist. The question and answer page of the double page used lower case letters; this gives the interview more of an informal ambience. Questions are in a bold font so the target audience can tell the difference.

The quote from Usher on the first page of the double page spread informs the reader of the musician’s intentions as an artist in the industry. The artist uses slang, for example ‘ain’tgon’’, and curses, making the reader feel friendly towards the magazine and as if they are friends with the artist.  Genre specific names such as ‘Will.I.Am’ have been used; this would appeal to Vibe’s readers as their target demographic would be familiar with these artists.

Double Page Spread Analysis

The artist featured in this double page spread is Solange Knowles so the target audience will probably be people with an interest in R&B and Pop as it is the type of music she produces. She also produces more soulful music as her inspirations are 60’s band like The Marvelettes. The age group she may also appeal to can range from males and females. This is because her sexuality will appeal to the males however her music and fashion sense will appeal to the females. She may also appeal to a wide range of ages. So this can change from people of younger ages to people who are older because the pop can appeal to a younger audience.

The language throughout the article is very laid back and informal. A lot of colloquial language is spoken and lots of abbreviations are used, for example, ‘grown-ass-woman swagger’. You can see this language is used freely as the magazine knows who their audience is and is determined they know that they’re audience knows the type of language that is being used. The magazine is forming a friendship with their target audience. This makes the audience trust the magazine and so they will continue to buy it.

For most of the double page spread the colours only consists of black and white, then you see shots of colour. In the text the only colour used is blue, and that is to only highlight the important bits of text like the word ‘Now’ and the artists name itself ‘Solange Knowles.’ The only thing fully in colour is the main image of her. This is in colour because they wish the draw as much attention to her as possible and this is also why they have put only her name in colour. You can see that even the little pictures of her that are covering the highest third of the double page spread are also in black and white.

The main font type being used is a sans serif; the whole double page spread is very simplistic so this type of font is best suited for this type of magazine. The front cover of this issue also consists of sans serif fonts as it makes the biggest impact and suits the magazines style on the whole. The front cover like the DPS uses colour the highlight the important sections of the front cover. The front cover of this issue featured President Barack Obama and so this is why the main colours of the double page spread are red, blue and white to make a connection to America and their flag.

The first third of the double page spread is taken up by seven small images of Solange Knowles and half a big image of her. The page has basically been separated into two with images on one half and writing on the other. The first five image of Solange and the big one frames the first section of the writing and the other side the pull quote is there waiting to be read. The ratio of pictures to writing seems to be the same; this may mean that their audience may be quite visual as well as enjoying reading a good article. 

My Model

The model which i have chosen to be the artist on my three media pieces is a close friend and i chose her as she has previous experience in modelling. Furthermore she has a similar personality as my target audience; this will be reflected through the images and the target audience will be able to relate to the model and also create a bond. Here are some practice shots which we took: 

The artist 'Michelle' who features on my magazine is a new, upcoming artist who has conquered the R&B music industry. She has worked hard to reach the top and this is something which the target audience will appreciate and admire. She will be adored and embraced by the target audience but will not cause any envy or intimidate the readers of 'DIVA' magazine.

THE MOCK UPS

I made one mock up for each one of my three media texts and they allow me to express my ideas and see them visually.The mock-ups help make decisions such as colour choice and the general layout of the magazine much easier. I found them extremely useful in helping me to be realistic with my ideas so that overall after i finish the production for my three pieces i have a proffesional look. Below are my mock-ups:

Front cover

 Contents Page

Double Page Spread

THE FRONT COVER

Below is the front cover which was made on Photoshop

THE CONTENTS PAGE

Below is the contents page for  'DIVA' magazine which was also created on Photoshop.

THE DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD

Finally, below is the last of the three media pieces which was created on Photoshop.

THE EVALUATION

In this evaluation I will be explaining the ways in which my products follow and invert the codes and conventions of music magazines and also how my products appeal to my chosen target audience.

The target audience for my media products are females between the ages of 17-25 who are in love with R&B music. They are strong, independent and feisty girls who are always with their friends. Whenever they are alone they listen to their iPod and sing along to their favourite songs. She is not a follower; she sets her own trends and is not afraid to speak her mind. Even though she is very strong minded and fierce she is still a women and has a sensitive side. She enjoys to be spoilt and to be treated like the princess she is. The target audience loves to have a boyfriend but she is also satisfied and content with being single. She is happy with herself, her body and her life. So I have combined the codes and conventions of R&B and music magazines to make my front cover, contents page and double page spread.

The Front cover

Above is the front cover of my music magazine ‘DIVA.’ As it is a new magazine I decided to stick to the codes and conventions of music magazines as it is a good selling technique, people are more likely to buy things which they are familiar to. Seeing a new unfamiliar magazine might make the readers feel uncomfortable and a friendship or bond cannot be made between the reader and the magazine. As I mentioned earlier magazine is aimed at women aged between the ages of 17-25, so the use of the colour red appeals to the reader’s feminine side but also the colour represents dominance and power which is another attribute the reader has. The masthead is in red because the colour represents the readers in many ways. Furthermore red is also used in the sell lines to highlight or emphasise keywords which are likely to lure in the target audience, for example ‘USHER’ is red because this is an artist which the readers are fond of, seeing his name may convince the reader to buy the magazine. Grey and black are also used to emphasise key words in the sell lines and also contrast with the red and highlighting its significance. Keeping with the codes and conventions of music magazines, I have not used any more than three colours to avoid a clustered and overcrowded look on the front cover. Similarly to the colours, I have not used more than three fronts on the front cover to keep a minimalist look and to achieve a professional finish. Furthermore I have chosen to use a sans-serif font to avoid a formal ambiance. Most letters are in capitals so it grabs the reader’s attention and emphasises the content of the sell lines.

As the magazine is new, the models head is not covering the masthead to show that at this moment in time the magazine is the most important thing. However many well-known magazines have the models head covering the masthead as their brand is easily identified by their target audience. ‘DIVA’ magazine needs to build a well-known reputation before it can start placing the model in such an important position. Here are some examples of ‘VIBE’ and ‘Billboard’ mastheads. They demonstrate how the position of the artists head can vary depending on the style of the issue.

 

Another convention which ‘DIVA’ magazine has taken into consideration is that the main sell line is placed on the left hand third of the magazine as this is the section of the magazine where the readers eyes go first; this is because people in the western world read from left to right. However I have slightly inverted this traditional convention as my main sell line stretches across the page to grab more attention. The other sell lines are kept on the left hand third because the model occupies the whole of the right side of the front cover. The front cover of billboard below inspired this idea:

I chose this layout so that the model can stand out and the reader can see her importance. Also this layout makes the front cover look less cluttered as the sell lines are neatly organised on the left hand third.

Similarly to existing R&B music magazines such as ‘VIBE’ and ‘Billboard’, the date line, price and barcode of ‘DIVA’ magazine follows conventions. These features are important to a magazine front cover however they are not the things the reader will be interested in immediately. The date line is kept underneath the masthead. This area is ideal as it will not distract the reader’s attention because it will not take up too much room but it is still easy to locate. The price and barcode are placed together on the bottom right hand corner as this is the area on the front cover where the target audiences eyes will go to last. The barcode is present for retail reasons and the reader will not be concerned with it however the price is something the reader would like to know but it is placed at the bottom so that by the time the reader has read all the sell lines, the price will not affect her decision to buy the magazine.

Here is an example of the barcode place on a ‘VIBE’ magazine front cover, which is placed on the bottom right hand corner as it is not as significant as the other features.

A minimalist background is another popular convention for females on the front cover of an R&B music magazine. The model should be the main focus on the front cover so a plain background prevents the attention being stolen away from the model. A woman’s appearance is important in the R&B industry and so the reader is meant to solely concentrate on her when looking at the front cover.

I have continued this convention on my front cover and chose a white background so the model will have the reader’s full attention and so that the text will stand out and will be easy to read. Below are a few examples of reconnaissance for females on R&B music magazines:

 

As mentioned before the model is an extremely important feature of the front cover as they lure in the target audience. The model who features on ‘DIVA’ magazine is a new R&B artist. A long shot is used to show off her curves and to how that she is proud of her body just as the target audience would be proud of their body. Her hair is kept away from her face apart from a stylish fringe, this tells the reader that she has nothing to hide and gives off an impression of ‘what you see is what you get.’ This avoids the readers from feeling intimidated or threatened by the model. The model’s facial expression is friendly with a small smile to invite the readers into the magazine and again highlighting her innocence to show the readers that she is in no way a threat. It is important for a friendship type bond to be created between the magazine and the readers and the model is a key part in establishing this bond as she may be someone who the target audience inspire to be like or is someone who has the attributes of a ‘DIVA’ magazine reader. The magazine and the model represent many of the qualities which the target audience obtain. For instance the gender and race is clearly displayed by the model. Other pieces of information about the target audience can be obtained from the sell lines, for example, the sell line ‘NICKI MINAJ’S WALK IN WARDROBE DRESS LIKE HER AT HIGH STREET PRICES!’ shows that the target audience likes to look good but may not be able to afford designer couture suggesting that she may be from a working class family. Also the genre R&B itself has many stereotypes which people associate it with such as sex, drugs, violence, explicit language and also often people think that the listeners to R&B are also just interested in these topics but this is not the case and I chose the genre R&B so I can represent it in a more positive light. R&B is mainly listened to by young black people and I chose to show how the young females appreciate R&B music. 

Above is a picture of my typical target audience and she listens to R&B for more than just entertainment value, she listens to R&B music because she finds that the lyrics and message of the songs relate to her life. She strongly believes in the views that R&B artists portray in their music and music videos. The song ‘Superwoman’ by Alicia Keys is an example of the type of message which the target audience appreciates.

As well as inverting the stereotypes of the R&B genre, I have also inverted the stereotypes of women in R&B. Women are perceived as sexy, beautiful and tend to show a lot of flesh on the front cover of music magazines, for example, the ‘VIBE’ front cover below:

 

However I feel that even though the women are beautiful and they should be celebrated for that, that they also should be celebrated for their talent, power and their importance in the R&B genre and I chose to base my model and main image similar to these front covers:

The model on the front cover is not revealing too much skin and does not stand in a provocative pose, this allows her to look powerful however the playful smile shows that she is not too serious.

Along with the use of colour to highlight keywords, there are many other techniques which ‘DIVA’ magazine uses to lure in the target audience. The content of the sell lines are important as they let the reader know what is in the particular issue and tease the reader with playful words and puns. Even though the magazine is primarily about music, the target audience will need articles filled with other topics to satisfy their needs and help them reach self-actualization which is the top of Abraham Maslow’s pyramid. In between heavy articles and interviews there are playful stories which are a light and entertaining read for the target audience such as ’50 CRAZY CELEB TWEETS’. The mode of address in this article is colloquial as ‘tweets’ is the short term for an online social networking site and so by using colloquial language the target audience feel as if they are talking to a friend. They would also be a part of this popular social networking site and so will be excited to learn the fact that celebrities are on there too and updating their profiles just like ordinary people. Furthermore this article is all about gossip and every girl is entertained by a piece of gossip! Another sell line which is not about music is line ‘NICKI MINAJ’S WALK IN WARDROBE DRESS LIKE HER AT HIGH STREET PRICES!’ as the target audience are female they will be highly interested in articles relating to fashion, however this specific article relates to a music artist and does not steer away from the main purpose of the magazine which is music. Also it creates a friendly atmosphere as if two best friends where sharing clothes, the target audience will feel as if they are close friends with the celebrity. Furthermore the target fall into the working class category which is known as the D bracket, however as they are students many will also be unemployed and will also fall into the E bracket, so information on how to dress stylish for low prices will be useful to them. The other sell lines talk about music directly, ‘”THE BEST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE” TOP R&B CONCERTS OF 2011’ can inform the readers about which concerts are worth visiting as this is a major hobby for the target audience so this will lure in the target audience as they would be eager to find out which concerts are good, also this article is based on the opinions of their peers and the target audience would greatly value their opinion.  They love to live life to the fullest so going to festivals and tours is a major interest as it involves interaction with people and this is something which they truly love.  By going to concerts and tours she can enjoy her music to the fullest.  The last article on the front cover is ‘USHER… “LIVING THE DREAM”’ Usher is a music artist who the target audience would find attractive so this again would appeal to them as they would like to read about his life. Even though the sell lines appeal and attract the target audience, a strapline is placed on the top of the front cover as it is another why to entice the reader. The strap line informs the readers of which other artists will also be featuring in the issue and the target audience are left wondering why there appearing in the issue which will make them buy the magazine. Below are some examples to show that straplines are a common convention in music magazines: 

 

The Contents Page

Similarly to my front cover, my contents page also follows the conventions of music magazines. The same model and colours are used to maintain brand identity within the pages of the magazine and also to obtain a symbiotic link between the three media pieces. It is important to show continuity through-out the three pieces so that the magazine can be easily recognised by the target audience. Also the same typeface and font has been used to maintain the symbiotic link.

One main feature and convention of content pages is to have sub-sections to make navigation easier for the reader. The two main topics my magazine covers are ‘ON THE COVER’ and ‘FEATURES’ this means that if a reader finds something on the front cover appealing they do not need to struggle to find it as it is easily displayed on the contents page. The ‘FEATURES’ section contains articles within the magazine which will also appeal to the reader but are not on the front cover. Each article has a teaser paragraph which again is a common convention. These paragraphs will intrigue the readers and will hopefully make them red the whole article.

The main articles in the magazine are shown on the contents page and each article has a teaser paragraph which will lure in readers. Instead of flicking through pages and struggling to find an article which suits the reader’s interest, they can easily go to the contents page and see what they like. Unlike other R&B magazines I have chosen to use 3 images on the contents page whereas the usual convention is usually one, I have chosen to use three polaroid snaps as it shows that this R&B magazine is like no other and has a quirky quality which the target audience will appreciate. Also the model is wearing the same costume that appears in the front cover so that the symbiotic link is maintained. Similarly to the front cover, the contents page also inverts the codes and conventions of females in R&B and shows the model in a powerful and friendly light. The three images represent the many sides of the artists which the target audience will learn about once they read the article.

Content pages also have the layout of the title in an unusual way which is unique feature of the magazine. ‘DIVA’ magazine’s content page will have the word content on the side of the page each issue as to continue brand identity. Below is an example of how the title of the contents page is a specific feature to the magazine and also shows the typical representation of women in R&B. 

Another code and convention which I have followed is the page numbers. Numbers are in chronological order to avoid confusion and make navigation easier. Each article has a page number placed next to it so instead of flicking through the pages and getting frustrated when they cannot find an article she can simply read the page number and flick straight to the article without wasting anytime.

On the top left hand corner is the website name, this allows the readers to interact with the magazine online and join in on interactive activities and forums. The date will remain in the same place each issue to continue brand identity. 

The Double Page Spread

The double page spread of ‘DIVA’ magazine follows the codes and conventions of double page spread in music magazines. A main feature is the model and to maintain brand identity and the symbiotic link the same model is used which featured in the front cover and contents page however here the artists is portrayed in a playful and cheeky light. Her carefree and quirky attitude is represented through her costume as she wears a casual denim top which cheekily reveals her stomach. Her makeup is more apparent and the red lipstick mirrors her beauty and her strong attitude. This pose will appeal to the target audience as they will be intrigued to find out what secret she has revealed to the magazine. In this issue there is one main image and then three smaller images because it is an important convention that in a double page spread, 50% of the page should be images and 50% of the page should be body copy. This is so the images can attract the target audience’s attention to the article. This makes the article more appealing to the target audience and breaks up the texts so it does not look like there is a lot of reading to be done. The images are not too provocative which allows a relationship to be formed between the reader and the magazine as the target audience will not feel intimidated but instead will idealise her. 

On the left there are some images of conventional double page spreads. As you can see most double page spreads have one page filled with an image and the other page filled with the body copy. This is the conventional layout for double page spread interviews. However I decide not to use these layouts as I wanted the double page spread to be quirky to mirror the target audience. Below is the image of the double page spread which inspired ideas for my own media text:

The same colours which appeared on the front cover and the contents page are on the double page spread too, this is so brand identity is maintained and also if the readers flick through the magazine and see the same colours which appeared on the front cover, they can easily recognise the article. This is another convention which I have taken into consideration because it is important to have a sense of familiarity within the magazine to make the readers feel comfortable and as if they are with a close friend. This bond is emphasised by the use of the same typeface and font which has appeared on the other two media texts.

Pull quotes are another convention which I have taken into consideration and I have chosen to place two on the double page spread. Similarly to the images on the page, pull quotes are also another technique to entice the reader into reading the article. They can read interesting quotes from the article and then decide whether to continue reading the full article. The article is structured in a question-answer format as it is an interview and it is laid out in columns with the gutters being big enough so that the text does not mix and so the page does not look too clustered. Next to the main image is information on the artist’s tour date. The readers are girls who like to live life to the fullest so following their favourite celebrities on tour is something that they would love to do. This information will be useful and exciting for the readers to read.

The header of the magazine ‘DIVA EXCLUSIVE’ implies to the target audience that this article is special and unique to the magazine and that it cannot be found elsewhere. This will encourage the target audience to read the article as they too will feel special and part of an exclusive club. The header is placed on the top right hand corner so that it will not steal focus and attention from the main image and the article itself.

An interview with a popular, new R&B artist is something which will appeal to the target audience as they enjoy ‘Michelle’s’ work and are interested on her plans for the future. Furthermore they will be intrigued to read about the artist’s personal life and feel closer to the reader through the article.

‘DIVA’ magazine is only being released in the United Kingdom as it is a new and upcoming magazine. After a lot of consideration, The National Magazine Company seemed the appropriate media institution to distribute ‘DIVA’ magazine, http://www.natmags.co.uk/1-Homepage.htm. The national magazine company claim to know woman better than any other publishing company; ‘Nobody knows women like NatMag,’ and so even though they do not publish music magazines they will know how to attract woman to read the magazine and this could be a new and interesting investment for the media institution. Also they have a lot of previous experience as they have been publishing for over 100 years this means they will have several contacts and will be able to place ‘DIVA’ on the shelves of many newsagents and many leading supermarket stores such as Sainsburys.

My three pieces are all designed to catch my target audience’s eye. They are suitable for the target audience because they all appeal to her needs and interests. The model that appears through-out the three pieces is an attractive, successful music artist. This is someone the target audience can look up to and idolise. I tried to base my model after successful musician Beyonce because she is an R&B artist who reached her way to the top through hard work and this is something the target audience will appreciate and admire. The model on my media texts is attractive but the target audience will not be envious of her beauty, they will respect her. The ambience of the magazine is very friendly and informal, the mode of address includes colloquial words so that the friendship between the magazine and the target audience is emphasised. Words such as ‘yummy’ and ‘oh my god’ highlight the youth of the target audience, these words are what the reader would use when talking to a friend.

‘DIVA’ magazine strongly believes in Bulmer and Katz theory of uses of gratification. The magazine aims to publish articles which will be useful to the audience so that eventually they can use the information which benefits them and helps them reach the top of Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs, self-actualization, this is what makes a magazine successful.

My magazine helps readers achieve the top two sections. By reading articles of other celebrities using social networking sites and looking into celebrity wardrobes, they realise that everyone is equal and this will make them feel as good as a celebrity. They feel happy within their bodies and with their lives, boosting their self-esteem. Also reading articles about how artists worked hard to get what they want, the readers will feel inspired and would also what to try as hard as they to be the best person they can possibly be.

Whilst making my products a learned a variety of techniques and have seen myself improve in certain areas. I am now fully confident in using Photoshop and I can use any tool on the tool bar to edit a picture in several ways, whereas in previous years I was nervous to experiment in case I made a mistake. I use to struggle to remove a background, using the magic wand tool and make an image blend into a new background; however during this project these skills improved the most as I made myself familiar with the blur tool and other blending options. Also using a blog was completely new to me and I was quite nervous about getting it wrong and losing my work, but after working with the blog and learning from trial and error, the blog became easier to work with and now I can upload things onto my blog with ease. Photography was also another area where I had no experience in and taking the shots for my media project was something I found extremely interesting. Experimenting with lighting, poses, hair and makeup was a great new experience which I enjoyed greatly.

My existing skills such as working with layers have also grown as I never faced any issue with this part of the production.

Looking back at the duration of the project I think I have learnt a lot since the preliminary task. My Photoshop skills have developed, I learnt that patience is needed when editing a picture as it has to be perfect and I think that is what I lacked when I did the preliminary task. Also I have also gained some photography skill. During the preliminary task I did not experiment with poses or lighting and make up but for the main task I took the time to learn about these things. However overall I feel I have vastly improved on making colours match with the images and blending things together in order to achieve a more professional finish, the final pieces of my preliminary task lacked this professional look but now I feel that throughout the duration of the project my skills grew in every area and can now use them for other projects to come and I look forward to learning more when tackling other projects.

The Post-Production Questionnaire's and Focus Group

The post-production research was carried out, so that feedback could be obtained for my final media pieces. This feedback will help me to evaluate my 3 media pieces and the constructive criticism will help me develop my skills for future projects. The reason why i chose to use two types of post-production analysis is because the focus groups allows me to broaden my questions and receive longer, in-depth answers.