Evaluation Question 1

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


The magazine industry is a very lucrative business spanning worldwide. The increase in technology and the decrease in printing costs has allowed this expansion to happen rapidly despite circulation figures showing a general negative trend in the last year. On the other hand,  the rock sector was up '16.3 per cent in the between July-December compared with an increase of 22.6 per cent in the first six months'. This is largely down to the ABC new production of free magazines: The Stool Pigeon, Properganda and DIY Magazine. `

Despite the highest magazine circulated being a free magazine, productions from Bauer Consumer Media appear to be the highest selling with Mojo and Q magazines placed inside the top 3 circualted magazines in the country. These compared to Kerrang! could suggest that as these two magazines are more generic in terms of their content, that the 'niche' markets do not consume as highly as is a smaller target audience as Kerrang! is marketed to a heavier rock social group.Q and Mojo are generally more alternative featuring bands such as The Libertines and Kasabian stereotypically. Kerrang! tends to focus more on darker material such as 'Sonisphere festival'. My point being that these Bauer magazines are more 'indie' and less 'rebellious'. New Musical Express or NME can be heavily associated with Q and Mojo with its alternative angle. These are all magazines mentioned that are paid for but in comparison Q and Mojo are both monthly magazines therefore will be a lot more comprehensive and detailed as opposed to the weekly magazines like Kerrang! and NME. Subscriptions would be easier to monitor and buying 12 magazines a year instead of 52 (weekly subscription) for a consumer can be seen as more economical and a better read. This must all be taken into account.

I did not want my magazine to fit into this 'niche' market so I researched the more generic and indie magazines mentioned above. I was inspired by the design and noted the similarities in content/design/advertising. For a start, the colours red, white and yellow are prominant. Red resembles danger, urgency and excitement. Yellow is calming but also draws the reader's attention and 'alerts' them much like a road sign. White is a clean colour and goes with anything in a smart yet sterile fashion. Black is the counterpart to white as it provides a complete contrast and again a clean affect. I wanted my magazine to follow the same colour themes as these are already existing products so I am being influenced by sources around me.

The mastheads are very important as they are the core corporate identity of the magazine and this is what people buy for - the name. This separates itself from the other competitors and gives the magazine its individuality. 'Q' is taken from the word 'cue' which is a musical term. This can be referenced to titles such as 'Kerrang!'. This I felt was imaginative and relevant to the musical theme. It also rolls of the tongue nicely is is once syllable. 'NME' is simply an abbreviation of New Musical Express. Although it is more simple, the three syllables of the letters N. M. E. are punchy and emphatic. It also sounds like 'enemy' which flows clearly with the N and the M as well as the M and E blending over the top of one another. After looking up musically specified themes 'XLR' appeared which is a cable coming from an amplifier. The three syllables taken from inspiration of the 'NME' and musical meaning association by 'Kerrang!' and 'Q'. The mastheads needed to also be reflected in my magazine and the reoccurring red theme again made sense. By sectioning off my masthead of boxing it, it immediately distances itself from the rest of the front page and gets dominance as well as preference.

The clothing I chose was going along the lines of casual yet stylish. The front of music magazines usually show the artists personality which can be seen in their clothes - musicians are not the smartest people and a relaxed look can make them appear more down to earth.On the front page I used a green and blue checked shirt from 'Cheap Monday' and a standard white tee from 'All Saints' on my model. The opened shirt and rolled up sleeves again resemble this laid back and comfortable look as well as this stereotypical indie look. The contrast between the dark shades in the shirt are emboldened by the white tee and clean background. With the red, black and grey themes, the colours all blend evenly together and the model looks very presentable amongst the variation of colours. On the contents I chose to continue with this effortless but stylish approach. This model is wearing a 'Ralph Lauren Jeans' Hoody and a 'Topman' deep neck grey tee. It was very important not to conduct a summer look as this was a January edition. Finally, on the double page spread the same model from the front page is in a different set of clothes. The maroon trench coat shows the time of year which is also emphasised by the snow surrounding him. The addition of the 'Fred Perry' long sleeve polo gives a retro feel as the peak of the interest in this brand was in the 80s period - coincidentally towards the end of the fashion revolutions over a thirty year period. The Detroit snapback hat is simply again to show this casual look but also appeal to the fashion conscious younger members of the audience like all the clothes - but mainly the hat as it is currently at the height of fashion for young males in society. The fashion sense also indicates the genre of music and the angle of the magazine. The look of the models was important as they had to be young to appeal to the target audience so they can be related to essentially and also looked the part - portraying the alternative characters that would be buying the magazine subsequently.

In the poses I tried to achieve something different. On the front page I wanted a serious yet confident posture. By gazing into the camera, the intensity of the stare draws in and connects with the audience making it more personal. This is shown across the music industry in general with most mid shots and the model facing the camera. The contents allowed me to have a bit more freedom. I told the model to appear cheeky which conveys a warm friendly atmosphere at the introduction of the magazine - reiterating the importance of reflecting the person's personality. The market is littered also with arrogant and over-confident artists such as Liam Gallagher which is very entertaining and gives an unexpected edge. My model across the double page I wanted the audience to perceive him as this sort of image. As you read the feature itself this arrogance is developed further and made more prominent. The addition of the guitar simply shows his love for music and appears never away from it. The champagne bottle connotes success and also gives the audience the idea of his partying side. Props like these can also be seen in current material in the market.

Throughout the 3 pieces i recognized the importance of continuity in house style and its consistency. I continued with the clean and simple red, white, black and grey theme as the magazine progressed. The layout is generally rather simple as well. It follows a basic structure which can be seen in 'NME' for example. For example in my double page spread I did a short introduction followed by a description in the lead up to the main interview. For example a feature on Tinie Tempah reads "Slouched across his sofa with a bottle of water in one hand and an egg butty in the other, the Tinie Tempah we meet on a rainy afternoon in Greenwich isn't the one we'd been expecting". This can be related strongly to my opening statement on the Teddy Flint feature. The interviewer also must be friendly and casual as if it was two friends having a catchup. I tried to show this with questions like, " What's the latest on the dames? You seem to have always have a good looking girl on your arm..." The casual language adds a relaxed atmosphere along with the scene set by the introduction of the feature. Pull quotes also show important summaries of the double page spread and are almost appear in every feature. "I wanna be a proper British Icon. I'm up to the task". The frequent colloquial language makes the interview seem far less robotic and interesting for the reader. This also appeals to the target audience who are not buying this magazine for it's intellectual conversations but for it's gossip and latest news. It ultimately makes light reading. I echoed this with "I genuinely think that Teddy Flint is better than The Fighting Bulls hands down. No word of a fucking lie". It highlights the emotion and passion of the person in question. It is the real deal. 

The topic content is based on the alternative rock genre - meaning that all the artists fitted into the band such as Ben Howard and Bon Iver. This is an obvious statement. I also tried to add a creative twist on the subjects. For example 'Holiday Hangover' can be associated to the Christmas break that has just happened before the release of the magazine - making it relevant. This can be compared to 'First Noel', a play on he Christmas theme and the cross reference with Noel Gallagher. These little touches give the magazine character.

The contents was the simplest part for me. I simply recognized that the column technique made the words far easier to identify. Then from here they could be then put into sections for the reader to see what they want to read organised effectively. I was inspired by an 'NME' issue which listed the artists chronologically underneath each other. There was only one image which I think can be viewed as positive as the reader focuses most heavily on this. This can be recognized in my contents page with the Jimmy Daniels feature.The font is easy to read and simple much like the consistent house style. This remains the same throughout. I also saw a letter from the editor from 'Kerrang!' in each issue which I thought was a personal and considerate piece. I created one also to relate to this much like the subscription option. This is a frequent appearance in all magazines as they have to promote their business. The yellow background alerts the reader and is then pulled in further by     the attraction of 25% off.

http://year12mediawgsb2011.blogspot.com/

Double Page Spread Feature

Double Page Spread Feature

After his dramatic exit from family band The Fighting Bulls, Teddy Flint gives XLR an insight into his new and exciting solo career. Being the temperamental young chap he is, life is never dull. From mad female fans to midnight backstreet bar scraps – this raging bull is all over it.

When we met Teddy on a drizzly east London morning in Bow it’s fair to say Teddy Flint’s face did not show the greatest enthusiasm – a mood that seemed to reflect the weather. It turned out that the poor bloke had not even been home yet with bags under his eyes bigger than your average weekly shop. “Have you got any paracetemol? My nut is in bits.” He complained from underneath a New York Nicks cap as if we were a chemists. The cheek of it?! But bless him, everyone has been there so we took the sympathetic approach and treated Ted to a strong coffee which seemed to perk the half asleep party goer up a tad. On the walk to the grotty cafe, Ted explained his exhausted state. Something along the lines of “on the lash with some of the lads” was mentioned which seemed to be typical of the 21 year old.  Desperate to know the root of the split from his brothers and a slight glow in his previously lifeless eyes, we got down to business.

So Teddy, you look like you have a new lease of life as a consequence of leaving the band?

“Yeah man definitely. There was so much stress being in such close contact with people who are meant to be the most important to you for such long periods. Family is a tricky one sometimes. When you’re in a band with three of your brothers things get bitchy and argumentative. Being the youngest I don’t think I got enough recognition or input which caused rows. The fact I got out when I did is such a relief and a weight off my mind...if I’m being honest it done my head in. I won’t lie, I love the attention and now I’m doing it all on my own, I feel as if I have recreated myself”

What actually was the final straw for you in leading you to leave the band? There was a rumour on twitter of a punch up in Camden...Is this actually true?

“ Sometimes I hear stories that are total bollocks which really piss me off. But that one is in fact true. It all started when Gary thought he would smash up my favourite guitar after a small gig – being the unintelligent mug that he is. I really loved that guitar. So in the rage and through the confetti of wood I flipped. We always had fights growing up but that was nothing compared to this. It probably got way out of hand but it was a signal that I had to leave. I couldn’t put up with Gary’s shit anymore. You hear of the Gallaghers arguing a lot but they look like some kind of fucking angels compared to us.”

That’s not the only bar fight you’ve had though is it Ted? Something about you and Ed MacFarlen from Friendly Fires having a strong rivalry or just another few too many Strongbows…

“Ok since I’m being honest, I bloody hate that bloke. I think it’s his dancing. Just makes him look a bit like a dad that’s got pissed at a wedding and has got up on the table for a laugh. I’ve got news for you Ed – you look like a right drip. Poor lad. Doesn’t realise that I don’t think. It really is tragic. He also has a really big mouth which clearly lands him in the shit sometimes with the wrong people.”

Ed Macfarlen aside, what’s the latest with the dames? You seem to always have a lovely looking girl on your arm...

“-chuckles-. I’m not a bad looking lad am I so why put that to waste. Being young only happens once so I’m trying to make the best of a good situation. Girls, mates, music and drink – it doesn’t get any better does it?. But ladies be warned I am not house trained. I’m a bit of a mummy’s boy. She still does my ironing. But to be fair, I’m not looking to settle down anytime soon unless Pippa Middleton comes knocking. Somehow I think I’m a bit too, as they say ‘common’. Il have Pip know that I am waiting for that knock at my door. I do a quality pie and mash.”

So what’s the latest on the music front Teddy? Is it a very similar style to the Bulls or have you done your own thing?

“The album which is out in February is a bit of everything and full of surprises. Just like me of course –grinning like a hyena-. The guys I’ve been recording with are such a breath of fresh air as well. And on a positive note; they don’t smash up my bloody guitars and I’m able to do what I want. I think I’ve been blessed with music and I can now show what I can do on my own. Hopefully everyone will buy it; otherwise I’ll have to move back in with my parents. That’s a depressing thought – Sunday dinners with the rest of the happy Flint family. I think in my mind though that the album will outsell their band in its first week. Watch this space.”

Do you think your music is better with just you Ted? Or is that a bit of sour grapes?

“I’m not a bitter person…actually I am. But regardless I will outsell those bellends. I’m not just here to make up the numbers and keep myself afloat. It is all material I have been sitting on for a while which I wasn’t given the chance to show with the Bulls. I love music and hopefully that will show on the album. I genuinely think Teddy Flint is better than The Fighting Bulls hands down. No word of a fucking lie.”

So, can you let us in on any secrets or funny events during the recording of your first album?

“Well that would be telling...but there’s a range of instruments on it from a harmonica to a didgeridoo. Obviously there are the old-fashioned drums, bass and guitar. But there’s a twist round every corner. I think it reflects me quite well in a way. None of that boring shit though. Not for me mate. I’m the sort of lad that does things his own way. I create the flow, I don’t go with it. There is no point in being in this world if you don’t impact on it in some way…I intend to in a massive one.”

Front Page Construction

After dragging my image into the photoshop document I free transformed it and extend it upwards and outwards to make Joe have more presence as well as dominate the canvas. This was done onto a blank background and I used this as a background copy and placed a drop shadow on my model.

After placing the image onto a white blackground (to make it seem more crisp) taking inspiration from magazines such as NME. The corporate identity I decided to also take inspiration from Q and NME by putting the masthead in a burgundy/ wine colour box. After testing out a number of fonts using a website I decided on one which could be the face of XLR.

I used the 'American Purpose' font and put XLR in caps to really iterate the title and branding of my magazine. I also put a banner across the bottom of the page which I have seen several times in my research by using the rectangle tool. I had to 'cmd' then free transform it for it to be a suitable size and fit evenly. By using the colour sampling tool I could repeat the colour at the top with the banner to create a continuous and consistant style.

I continued with the 'Amercian Purpose' font for the information in the banner screening across the bottom of the page which is simply for additional notification of what is in the magazine but is not as important as the above. I created a text box and opened a new layer and positioned the ' Teddy-I'll do it alone' text as a priority as it is the strapline and main feature of the issue. By using 'Alias' it gave the strapline dominance and priority. It is a playful yet tasteful font whih displays the text evenly as well as strongly.

I then continued to position the artist's names of who were featured in the magazine under the strapline. By using the alternative fonts it gave a diverse approach and was far more interesting to look at. The artists that I used fit into my alternative/indie rock genre. Artists such as Wretch 32 were placed in to make it slightly more interesting which I noted when seeing artists such as Jay Z and Tinie Tempah in 'Q' in my research. Fonts: 'OCR A Std' and 'Krungthep'.

I then began to lay over the remaining features on the right side of the model and did this easily by using different text boxes for each so maneuverability was less difficult (Font: 'Optima') The obstacle I had to overcome was finding a colour that would stand out on the shirt as it is rather dark but I wanted to keep into my theme. By choosing a silver and white this was achieved and still followed the house style. I also again used the rectangle tool to create a border for the 'upcoming artists...' which I had been inspired by in a issue of 'Q'. It looks organized and smart.

The final stage was applying the finishing touches such as the barcode. I kept with my font and just simply enforced the 'XLR' brand by mentioning a website www.xlr.com along with the issue number and date which is a must on any magazine. All in all I think this is very professional looking and relates all the way back to my initial research as well as keeping constistant throughout.