I have added a quick fact section as I feel this will give a more of a personal feel to the article and the magazine itself as well as adding a bold title to the spread in order to make it more conventional.
Saturday, 5 March 2016
Contents Page Third Edit
I have added another image on order to make the contents page more conventional and changed the layout in order to do the same and make the page clearer and easier to read.
Magazine cover Third Edit
Having completed my photo shoot and
taken all the photographs I need for my first draft I have started to place
them into my magazine. I also decided to add a link to the double page spread
in a handwritten, messy style font.
Friday, 4 March 2016
Double Page Second Edit
Having completed my article I have added it to the spread and also added a house style font to create a clear sense of brand identity.
Contents Second Edit
I have begun adding text to the contents page in columns, under headlines as this meets with convention.
Magazine Cover Second Edit
Today I decided to change the fonts
I previously placed on my magazine as I feel these better suit the rebellious
theme and tone to the magazine I wish to create, the font seams to jump out of
the page and scream at the readers. The font I used for the tagline has also
been changed as I feel the jagged, printing press look better reflects the
rebellious theme.
Article
The Article
Today I made the first draft of my article for my music magazine, it is an in an interview style based on a current existing artist knows as 'Grimes'.
Today I made the first draft of my article for my music magazine, it is an in an interview style based on a current existing artist knows as 'Grimes'.
So, here it is...
Who: Gh0stWhat: Musician, entrepreneur, director and all round cool girl
Song That Changed Her Life: Stairway To Heaven, Led Zeppelin
Favourite Movie: Vertigo
Netflix Binge Pick: Twin Peaks
Style Icon: Courtney Love
If you haven’t been living under an extremely soundproof rock for the past year then you’ve probably heard of Gh0st, but for those who do happen to habitate on a desert island with no forms of communication she’s the strong female artist rocking the alternative scene who’s known by close friends as Katie.
The Techno, Indie, Grime queen writes and produces all her own music as well as directing and acting in all her videos all the while running her own recording label “Oblivion Records”. Her life is viewed by millions via her famous instagram page but she wants you to know that it’s not all fun and games being a star.
Her fame all started with her release of her 2014 single ‘Virtue’ which she said she “Didn’t expect to take off so fast” according to the idol herself labels had turned her because her music was “too artsy”. When asked by Cult! how she felt about this she replied “Well it’s just fucking degrading, you put all your shit out there, you know, in your music, in the lyrics, and then they turn around and tell you it’s too much! It makes you feel mad, it made me feel like a crazy. But sucks to be them because I guess people like that openness they find in my music, I suppose it like resonates with them. It must be like a therapy session, you know, sharing your problems?”.
Her most recent album ‘Genesis’ gives an even more intimate look into her life and reveals about her past as a teenager. “It was hard growing up” she says as she sips on her coffee. She laughs, “I was a really bad kid so I don’t know why I’m laughing. I mean, everyone hated me, the teachers, the girls at school, the guys at school. I liked being bad, I liked messing up, I must have just wanted attention”.
When meeting Gh0st you’ll first notice her one-of-a-kind, stylish dress sense. It’s sort of a mix between a 1980’s cartoon character and an alien, combined with the iconic style similar to that of (dare I say) Elizabeth Taylor. Yes, she’s THAT cool! Everybody wants to be her, everybody wants to be with her but she says she’s “totally over that. This whole prestige that comes with fame, it’s just a concept, it’s not physical it’s just counterfeit, unreal.”
According to Gh0st, her “fans are at the heart of the music”. She lives, works and breathes for her fans. “I just want them to know that you can do what you love and you should do what makes you happy” she says with a stunning grin on her face. She provides her devoted fans with a very personal Instagram feed with which she posts hourly to present followers with an insight into the life of a musician, entrepreneur and director. “I love to show people what life’s really like on tour. There’s this idea that life on the road as a musician is cool, you know, sex, drugs and rock’n’roll, but there’s just no time. It’s more like cramped tour buses, smelly bathrooms and a lack of showers. It’s all worth it though, the shows bring me alive, it’s just magic on stage. It can’t even be put into words…”
I have gained feedback from my teacher in order to improve it before placing it in my final cut:
- One more paragraph - how does she leave the interview?
- What are her final thoughts?
- Some kind of ending required?
Thursday, 3 March 2016
Contents Page First Edit
I have began the layout of my contents page using a clear house style with the front cover and an image of the artist who is featured on the cover.
Double Page Spread First Edit
I started creating my double page spread and having taken the images I have inserted it into an Indesign document I have also added a top and bottom bar both of which display the page number and magazine logo as I feel this creates a memorable house style.
Magazine Cover First Edit
Today I started work on the first draft
for my music magazine. Having planned the title of my magazine, the genre and
having looked at general conventions and stylistic choices of other alternative
music magazines I decided to go with an edgy punk style. After looking at my
audience research and existing music magazine styles (for example the pink
colour scheme used in the double page spread of NME) I thought the ironic girly
look and punk look (similar to many Dazed and Confused issues) suited the theme
of rebellious music and culture (hence why I chose the title CULT!). The bubble
font, I feel, also expresses this as it looks psychedelic.
Magazine Draft Drawing: Double Page Spread
Magazine Draft Drawing: Contents
Magazine Draft Drawing: Cover
Audience Research Data
I sent out the survey to 30 people and asked them to respond how they saw fit and this is their responses.
This is the contextual information that will help me understand the audience which I am addressing in the survey.
This information also helps me to understand the context of my audience as I understand the majority of the respondents have bought a music magazine in the past and so understand the codes and conventions of a music magazine when responding to the survey. The price question highlights that the majority of those asked would spend £3.00-£3.50 on a music magazine therefore the price of my own magazine will be £3.00-£3.50.
This data has helped to inform me of the colour scheme I should use in my magazine, with answers such as it being 'rebellious' and it 'standing out' and being 'defiant' it seems the scheme completely fits with the theme and tone I am aiming for therefore I have decided to have it as the house style colour scheme for my own magazine.
This data has confirmed the title which I had brainstormed as it seems the target audience also agree with it, while there is one example of negative feedback as it seems 'unusual' I have decided to ignore this as this 'unusual' and 'defiant' brand identity is the theme I am hoping to manufacture.
Audience Research
I have created a survey which will help inform me on how best to create a magazine which will appeal to my target audience. This is the survey I have created:
http://goo.gl/forms/Dl9mhxZrzh
Wednesday, 2 March 2016
Magazine Analysis: Wire magazine Double Page Spread
Wire magazine double Page Spread Analysis
Image - Facial Expression/ Body Language
The facial expression and personal gaze of eye contact makes the artist look as if she is looking away from the audience, this stance and expression of the artist as straight-faced presents her as being thoughtful and deep in thought. This in itself presents the article and the magazine as being deep and thoughtful presenting thoughtful ideas within its content and articles.
This thoughtful and rebellious look to the spread is one that I hope to display in my own double page spread, while I wont be using an image where my model is not exhibiting a personal gaze I am hoping to create an image whereby my model's facial expressions exhibit a thoughtful and meaningful look.
Image - Lighting
The lighting is very bright and natural and so creates a youthful tone and an inviting feel. The lighting also creates a unique photo as it seems it has been taken outside and looks natural and warm, it also seems to create a high contrasting shadow which again forms a visually unique image and seems to reflect from her metallic clothing to stand out against the dark background.
I also wish to use lighting in my image which is extremely bright and creates a high contrast look in order to create a double page spread which looks interesting and reflect the thoughtful nature of the article.
Image - Positioning
The positioning of the artist in the thirds places her in the center through the middle thirds and so creates the concept that she is the focus and most important therefore presenting the idea that the artists are at the focus of WIRE magazine, this creates the implications that the magazine is aimed at strong music fans who are very passionate for music. The positioning of her eye level crossing through two thirds makes the magazine appear far more personal as it seems she is looking straight at the reader therefore heightening engagement and displaying the magazine’s brand image as being a close and personal look at artists.
Through the use of the positioning displayed in this spread whereby the artist's eye-level is positioned through the thirds in my own magazine combined with the personal gaze with which I wish to exhibit in my own magazine I hope to highlight a spread which is personal and resonates with the readers.
Image - Colour
The dark blues used in the background of the image contrast with the foreground of the lighting of the artists and her metallic clothing in the foreground therefore presenting her as the most important aspect of the cover. This creates a brand image for the magazine that represents artists as being at the heart of the magazine and so engages passionate music fans.
In my own magazine I will not be using similar dark colours as I wish to use a spectrum of bright vibrant colours which portray ideas of youthful vibrancy and a stand out attitude.
Image - Props
There are very little props used in the CU image which creates the illusion that the artist is the single most important p[art of the image. Again this creates the illusion that the brand image puts it’s artists at the forefront of it’s aims, which again engages extremely passionate music fans. I will be re-creating this idea in my own magazine by which the use of no props places the readers full engagement on the artist and places the music at the heart of the magazine, nothing else.
Image - Style
The bright, contrasting gold used in the image highly reflects the light to form an image that stands out against it’s dark background, it also makes the image look unusual and individual exhibiting the idea that the magazine is both unique and individual as an indie/alternative music magazine and rebellious the normal conventions of its genre.
I too would like to portray this high contrast and interesting look to my own image therefore to do so I will be using reflective and sparkling clothing and metallic makeup increasing the contrast using Photoshop.
Language
Image - Facial Expression/ Body Language
The facial expression and personal gaze of eye contact makes the artist look as if she is looking away from the audience, this stance and expression of the artist as straight-faced presents her as being thoughtful and deep in thought. This in itself presents the article and the magazine as being deep and thoughtful presenting thoughtful ideas within its content and articles.
This thoughtful and rebellious look to the spread is one that I hope to display in my own double page spread, while I wont be using an image where my model is not exhibiting a personal gaze I am hoping to create an image whereby my model's facial expressions exhibit a thoughtful and meaningful look.
Image - Lighting
The lighting is very bright and natural and so creates a youthful tone and an inviting feel. The lighting also creates a unique photo as it seems it has been taken outside and looks natural and warm, it also seems to create a high contrasting shadow which again forms a visually unique image and seems to reflect from her metallic clothing to stand out against the dark background.
I also wish to use lighting in my image which is extremely bright and creates a high contrast look in order to create a double page spread which looks interesting and reflect the thoughtful nature of the article.
Image - Positioning
The positioning of the artist in the thirds places her in the center through the middle thirds and so creates the concept that she is the focus and most important therefore presenting the idea that the artists are at the focus of WIRE magazine, this creates the implications that the magazine is aimed at strong music fans who are very passionate for music. The positioning of her eye level crossing through two thirds makes the magazine appear far more personal as it seems she is looking straight at the reader therefore heightening engagement and displaying the magazine’s brand image as being a close and personal look at artists.
Through the use of the positioning displayed in this spread whereby the artist's eye-level is positioned through the thirds in my own magazine combined with the personal gaze with which I wish to exhibit in my own magazine I hope to highlight a spread which is personal and resonates with the readers.
Image - Colour
The dark blues used in the background of the image contrast with the foreground of the lighting of the artists and her metallic clothing in the foreground therefore presenting her as the most important aspect of the cover. This creates a brand image for the magazine that represents artists as being at the heart of the magazine and so engages passionate music fans.
In my own magazine I will not be using similar dark colours as I wish to use a spectrum of bright vibrant colours which portray ideas of youthful vibrancy and a stand out attitude.
Image - Props
There are very little props used in the CU image which creates the illusion that the artist is the single most important p[art of the image. Again this creates the illusion that the brand image puts it’s artists at the forefront of it’s aims, which again engages extremely passionate music fans. I will be re-creating this idea in my own magazine by which the use of no props places the readers full engagement on the artist and places the music at the heart of the magazine, nothing else.
Image - Style
The bright, contrasting gold used in the image highly reflects the light to form an image that stands out against it’s dark background, it also makes the image look unusual and individual exhibiting the idea that the magazine is both unique and individual as an indie/alternative music magazine and rebellious the normal conventions of its genre.
I too would like to portray this high contrast and interesting look to my own image therefore to do so I will be using reflective and sparkling clothing and metallic makeup increasing the contrast using Photoshop.
Language
Through the use of the words ‘High’ and ‘Anxiety’ in a large bold font, the magazine is able to draw on ideas on them having a close relationship with the artist as she is willing to share themes on topics such as ‘anxiety’ something that may be a deep close issue for the artist.
In my own magazine I hope to create a similar emotional and personal style to the content within the article therefore I will focus on an article which focuses on similar deep and emotional themes.
Layout
The layout places the artist’s image on a singular page by herself separating the text from the image which not only makes for a clear and easy to read spread but highlights the importance of the artist, this layout combined with the positioning of the model within the image on the right page makes the magazine look as if she is watching over her interview creating a meaningful, impact and poignant style to the spread.
I am going to use this layout in my own magazine as I feel it makes the article clear and easy to read.
Magazine Analysis: NME Double Page
NME Double Page Analysis
Image – Body
Language/ Facial Expression
The facial expression and personal gaze of eye contact makes
the artist ‘grimes’ look as if she is looking directly at the audience. The
facial expression of ‘Grimes’ looks subversive and crazy illustrating her alternative
style and so the alternative e brand identity of the magazine. The positioning
of ‘Grimes’ on the left page creates the impression of dominance, as if she is
sitting on a throne, this theme of dominance not only reflect s her as a strong
female musician but also NME as a dominant music magazine and household name.
On the right page ‘Grimes’’ positioning and facial expressions appears so be
that of her being crushed by her own words in the interview, she seems to be
greatly affected by the interview which highlights the style of the article as
being a powerful and shocking one.
I too will be using
images throughout my magazine which illustrate the model as having a personal
gaze as I feel this represents the magazine as presenting content which gives a
close and personal insight into my readers’ favourite music and musicians.
Image - Lighting
The lighting is very bright and creates a youthful tone and
again juxtaposes the alternative impressions of the magazine created with its
other conventions again presenting a rebellious tone. The bright lighting also
forms a unique and stylistic image as it reflects off the sequins on the
costume and other areas of the costume to stand out again reflecting the idea
that NME stands out as a popular music magazine in comparison to its
competitors.
In my own magazine’s double page I am
planning to use similar bright lighting in order to create a youthful feel to
the images I use, I also hope to use similar ‘sparkly’ clothing and makeup not
only stylistically to reflect the light but also to give a psychedelic feel to
the look of my double page spread.
Image - Positioning
The positioning of the artist in the thirds, places her in
the centre through the middle thirds on the left page and so creates the
concept that she is the focus and most important therefore presenting the idea
that the artists are at the focus of NME magazine this creates the implications
that the magazine is aimed at strong music fans who are very passionate for
music.
In my own magazine I am planning use the rule of
thirds in the layout of my magazine by placing the models personal gaze between
a third to give a really eye-grabbing personal and emotive feel to the spread.
Image - Colours
The surreal psychedelic colour scheme of a tie-die blue and
cream house style creates a rebellious and unique tone reflecting the
alternative genre of the magazine. The pink used seem to create an
over-feminine tone in almost an ironic
way, this exaggerated ‘girly pop’
feel contrasts and juxtaposes not only with the branding of the magazine
but also the artist and so the irony presents connotations of rebellion
therefore representing the alternative genre of the magazine.
I hope to re-create this ironic feminine tone throughout my
magazine in order to give it a classic punk look, this rebellious look is
presented in order to reflect the rebellious nature of the alternative music it
features. The girly-pop, millennial-nostalgic blend to create a psychedelic
look I feel makes the spread very interesting and entertaining through its
stunning and strange visual presentation. I too hope to form a strange and
subversive look to my spread through costume and bright contrasting colours.
Image - Costume
The silver crown and sequin boots connotes idea of prestige
and as if the artist ‘grimes’ is a royal, this follows with the implications
that NME itself is the king/queen of the music magazine genre While I will be presenting silver reflective costume and
makeup in my own magazine this is mainly to create a visually interesting image
by reflecting the light rather than to highlight a level of prestige.
Language
Ideas of rebellion are further portrayed through the use of the expletive within the title of the article, a direct quote from the artist, this is shocking and illustrates the artist as being rebellious, it seems the magazine sensationalises this by using this quote as its title relaying the fact that the magazine will present these shocking sides to their artists despite the social stigma and taboo nature surrounding it. This not only presents the magazine as rebellious through presenting these ideas but also illustrates the upfront nature of the magazine, it seems despite the shocking statements the artists in NME make, the magazine will not censor or hide these words from its readers, it presents the truth and does not try to deceive its readers therefore presenting the magazine as trustworthy and truthful.
In my own magazine I will also be using expletives as I feel despite the fact that some may find this offensive the target audience of alternative music magazines (generally 16+ possibly even older) means that generally they are simply used to conform to the general conventions of the theme of rebellion in these types of magazines.
Layout - Font
The use of the bold, black jagged fonts are illustrated as
dominant and powerful and stylistically this seems to speak in terms of the
connotations associated with the weight of her words within the article which
reflect the article as strong and meaningful, this also forms the concept that
the article is shocking and so demonstrates the magazine as rebellious as it
seems to defy the neutral undertones of many articles.
I
too am planning on using weighted, almost grungy fonts in order to exaggerate the impact of the artist’s words within the article to create a deep an
emotional page and article.
Layout - Positioning
The layout, in some ways is presented as being conventional
in terms of the article’s text being separated into the three columns, this
means the articles text is easy to read and clear to readers and highlights a
clear separation between the heading, subtitle and main body of text.
I too will be adhering to this convention in my own magazine
however due to the constraints of only having 2 pages (rather than 5 in the
case of this article) my text will most likely be on one page and the image on
the other.
Magazine Analysis: Q Double Page
Q Magazine Double Page Analysis
Image –
Body language/Facial Expression
The artists (Coldplay) appear to have a personal gaze that
seems to look straight at the readers and this forms a more engaging piece
which despite focusing on a band which is internationally recognised still
presents a personal relationship with its readers through this, this eye
contact also implies of the personal style within the interview giving fans of
Coldplay (and music fans in general) a deeper insight into the group.
While I am planning to use a long to mid-shot image for the
images used in my double-page spread (due to the fact that the artist featured
in my article will be a solo artist therefore a better use of the space would
be to use an image by which readers are able to see the artist’s costume) I too
am hoping to use a personal gaze for the photograph I use and I will do this
throughout my magazine in order to present the idea that the magazine gives
readers a personal connection with the music and artists they are passionate
about.
Image -
Lighting
The lighting appears bright and almost natural and creates an
image where readers can very clearly see the group which makes them appear as
important again presenting the concept that it is the artists that are at the
heart of the brand.
While I am planning to use darker
lighting for my front cover in order to portray an air of mystery to both the
artist and the magazine which readers can only fulfil through reading the
magazine I am planning to use bright images for my double page spread to capsulate
the youthful essence of both the artist and the brand identity of the magazine.
Image -
Colour
The colours used in the image
and throughout the article display a rainbow of colours which creates a
visually interesting feature that
portrays a sense of youth and notions that the magazine is vibrant, the
messy-ness of the powder paints within the photography as well as the eroded N
used within the article implies a rebellious undertone which seems to reflect
the nature of the magazine as being an indie/alternative music focused print
rather than a pop based magazine, it also connotes ideas of multicultural
identity and other accepting modern cultural ideals and so implies of the
magazine as being culturally accepting and friendly. The modern ideas portrayed
reflect the prints’ brand identity as a modern music magazine for the modern
reader who possibly associates themselves with modern alternative views as well
as modern alternative music.
I feel this colour scheme
perfectly encapsulates the youthful tone to my magazine while also portraying
the modern and socially accepting ideology I want to create in my own magazine,
therefore I too will be using a rainbow colour effect for the scheme of my
double page spread however I am planning to use a spectrum of colours that is
slightly more psychedelic in order to highlight the alternative nature of the
magazine.
Layout –
Positioning
The layout of the text places the article in two columns, a
format which is not typically conventional for magazines (as they usually have
three columns) however this creates an interesting format which centres around
the large ‘N’ and the thoughtful quote in the centre. It places the images of
the band members and Chris Martin and their words at the centre of the article
creating the impression that the brand places its artists and the music at the
heart of its content resenting the notion that the magazine is passionate for
readers and artists who are passionate about music. The layout also appears to
place the main body of text on one page the larger images on the other creating
a clear and easy to read article.
While I am not
planning to use this layout in my own double page as I feel it is too
unconventional and not clean cut or clear I am planning on using a coloured
drop capital as I feel this draws attention to the article.
Language –
Embedded Quotes
The quote at the centre of the text reads “I feel blessed I’m
in a band that I really f***king love” here the magazine draws attention to
profanities and taboo words that some might possibly find offensive, however
due to the magazine being aimed at an older audience (16+). Despite this
possibly being more acceptable in a magazine of this nature, the article draws
attention to it therefore highlighting its rebellious identity.
I too am planning to use taboo swear words to reiterate the
rebellious nature of the magazine, I will also use the conventional embedding
of quotes between the text in order to draw the reader’s attention to the key
messages and quotes from the artist in the article.
Language
In the main article the magazine displays the use of
intrusive and personal words and phrases directly from the interviewee such as
‘Never give up’ ‘Why was he waking up feeling low after the explosive highs of
the night before?’ ‘tired of running away from his problems’ ‘I was nervous’
giving a deep and impactful article which presents fans and readers an emotional
and connecting feature portraying the exclusivity of Q being able to achieve
articles and features in which artists open up in their interview. Meanwhile
the use of the description of Chris Martin saying to the magazine ‘you’re in
the gang now’ and being described as ‘giving Q a friendly reminder’ illustrates
the magazine as not just being able to achieve an intrusive article but also a
friendly relationship with the artists it features in its magazine, a
relationship which no other magazine can achieve.
I too
am planning to create a personal and emotive article through choosing to create
an article which features personal and deep stories from the artist in order to
illustrate the passion my magazine holds for its artists, readers and music.
Magazine Analysis: Rolling Stone Double Page
Rolling Stone Magazine Double Page Analysis
Image - Positioning/Rule of Thirds
The image dominates the page as a close-up which gives more of an intimate feel as the target audience can closely view the facial expressions of the artist as if they are gaining a deeper view into ‘Bowie’ this reflects the nature of the tribute giving deeper insight into the artist and his life and so feels far more exclusive to the magazine while the dominance of the image of Bowie on the cover also reflects the nature of the theme of the tribute and Bowie as an artist, being a dominant and sensationally popular artist listened to across the world who dominated the music industry reflects the classic and iconic nature of the magazine with a dominance in the industry on par with Bowie and his cultural influence also coincides with the era both brand names came from in the 60’s/70’s. The positioning of the image within the rule places the artists eyes within the center of the cover and gives a personal gaze to create a more intimate feel this creates the feeling that despite both Bowie and the Rolling Stone Magazine being iconic and immensely/classically popular all over the world there can still be a feeling of intimacy between the magazine/artist and it’s readers.
I too hope to re-create this personal feel to my own magazine's branding which I am planning to do so not only through the positioning of the image and a personal gaze from the model within the image but I will also present this tone through the language used in my article, however, I will not be using a black and white colour scheme as I feel this will subvert the youthful connotations and branding of my magazine towards the youthful target audience.
Image - Style
The high contrast of the image pulls all the focus on Bowie’s (iconic and recognizable) face (creating a timeless reflective and rather somber image), his facial expressions and his personal eye contact. The close up highlights a classic and smiling facial expression and so displays his inner emotions and feelings which presents the audience with a deeper insight into Bowie as an artist and so gives a more personal and intimate feel to meet the tragedy of his death. Meanwhile the black and white colouring of the image creates a unique image and a vintage and classic feel to the image and magazine and creates an iconic feel which not only reflects the artist but also the brand identity of the Rolling Stone Magazine as being of high prestige with years of experience. While I wont be using a close up inside my double page spread I am hoping to create a personal gaze from the model in the image I use in order to create a personal feel.
Language
In terms of the language, the nature of the article is to focus on a tribute to David Bowie's life in the aftermath of his death therefore it seems that the article displays a semantic field surrounding death and the memory of the artist through words such as “Death” “his end” “recent years” “memorably” “spellbinding” all these words relay the idea that Rolling Stone holds a strong connection with its artists and is able to present it’s readers with emotional and heartfelt stories which stand the test of time. The brand identity illustrated through these ideas relates to the target audience as music fans who care religiously about classic artists (old and new) who develop an emotional connection with the music they listen to due to their love for music. I will also create an emotional article for my double page spread in order to form a poignant and deep article for the readers of my magazine who are insanely passionate about music and have an emotional connection with the artists they follow and the music they listen to.
Layout - Colour
In regards to the text, the colouring of the font contrasts highly with the black and white image and stands out which implies of the importance of the importance of Bowie and his tribute within the content of the magazine, this highlights the brand identity of the magazine as that which seeks to provide it’s readers with stories that place the artists at the heart of the magazine. I too am planning to use a font colour which stands out over the image and background colour however I hope to use a more vibrant colour to do so to create a youthful identity to the branding of my magazine.
Layout - Text Positioning
The unconventional placing of the text on the left page, in one block rather than separated into thirds and there being little text over all speaks in terms of the magazine being associated with alternative music from throughout the decades as this unconventional style promotes ideas of rebellion. The brand appears as a classic however a rebellious classic which continues to defy the conventions. While I do hope to create a rebellious tone to my magazine I am not planning on repeating this particular style in my own double page spread as I am hoping to manufacture a clear and easy to read article making it easier for readers, I also want to have a longer article with a larger quantity to the main body of text as I feel this will reflect onto the branding of the magazine in terms of it being represented as a magazine which provides for it's readers and produces lengthy, deep and insightful articles so they can gain the deepest and most exclusive insight into the artists and music they love.
Image - Positioning/Rule of Thirds
The image dominates the page as a close-up which gives more of an intimate feel as the target audience can closely view the facial expressions of the artist as if they are gaining a deeper view into ‘Bowie’ this reflects the nature of the tribute giving deeper insight into the artist and his life and so feels far more exclusive to the magazine while the dominance of the image of Bowie on the cover also reflects the nature of the theme of the tribute and Bowie as an artist, being a dominant and sensationally popular artist listened to across the world who dominated the music industry reflects the classic and iconic nature of the magazine with a dominance in the industry on par with Bowie and his cultural influence also coincides with the era both brand names came from in the 60’s/70’s. The positioning of the image within the rule places the artists eyes within the center of the cover and gives a personal gaze to create a more intimate feel this creates the feeling that despite both Bowie and the Rolling Stone Magazine being iconic and immensely/classically popular all over the world there can still be a feeling of intimacy between the magazine/artist and it’s readers.
I too hope to re-create this personal feel to my own magazine's branding which I am planning to do so not only through the positioning of the image and a personal gaze from the model within the image but I will also present this tone through the language used in my article, however, I will not be using a black and white colour scheme as I feel this will subvert the youthful connotations and branding of my magazine towards the youthful target audience.
Image - Style
The high contrast of the image pulls all the focus on Bowie’s (iconic and recognizable) face (creating a timeless reflective and rather somber image), his facial expressions and his personal eye contact. The close up highlights a classic and smiling facial expression and so displays his inner emotions and feelings which presents the audience with a deeper insight into Bowie as an artist and so gives a more personal and intimate feel to meet the tragedy of his death. Meanwhile the black and white colouring of the image creates a unique image and a vintage and classic feel to the image and magazine and creates an iconic feel which not only reflects the artist but also the brand identity of the Rolling Stone Magazine as being of high prestige with years of experience. While I wont be using a close up inside my double page spread I am hoping to create a personal gaze from the model in the image I use in order to create a personal feel.
Language
In terms of the language, the nature of the article is to focus on a tribute to David Bowie's life in the aftermath of his death therefore it seems that the article displays a semantic field surrounding death and the memory of the artist through words such as “Death” “his end” “recent years” “memorably” “spellbinding” all these words relay the idea that Rolling Stone holds a strong connection with its artists and is able to present it’s readers with emotional and heartfelt stories which stand the test of time. The brand identity illustrated through these ideas relates to the target audience as music fans who care religiously about classic artists (old and new) who develop an emotional connection with the music they listen to due to their love for music. I will also create an emotional article for my double page spread in order to form a poignant and deep article for the readers of my magazine who are insanely passionate about music and have an emotional connection with the artists they follow and the music they listen to.
Layout - Colour
In regards to the text, the colouring of the font contrasts highly with the black and white image and stands out which implies of the importance of the importance of Bowie and his tribute within the content of the magazine, this highlights the brand identity of the magazine as that which seeks to provide it’s readers with stories that place the artists at the heart of the magazine. I too am planning to use a font colour which stands out over the image and background colour however I hope to use a more vibrant colour to do so to create a youthful identity to the branding of my magazine.
Layout - Text Positioning
The unconventional placing of the text on the left page, in one block rather than separated into thirds and there being little text over all speaks in terms of the magazine being associated with alternative music from throughout the decades as this unconventional style promotes ideas of rebellion. The brand appears as a classic however a rebellious classic which continues to defy the conventions. While I do hope to create a rebellious tone to my magazine I am not planning on repeating this particular style in my own double page spread as I am hoping to manufacture a clear and easy to read article making it easier for readers, I also want to have a longer article with a larger quantity to the main body of text as I feel this will reflect onto the branding of the magazine in terms of it being represented as a magazine which provides for it's readers and produces lengthy, deep and insightful articles so they can gain the deepest and most exclusive insight into the artists and music they love.
Magazine Analysis: Dazed and Confused Double Page Spread
Dazed and Confused Double Page Spread Analysis
Image
The image used displays a close up however the artist appears to look away from the camera creating a rebellious look to reflect the nature of not only herself but the magazine as a whole.
While in my own magazine I wont be using a close-up in my double page spread I am planning on using a similar image (in terms of the close-up) on my front cover while images of the artists featured in the contents will have a similar positioning in terms of them looking away from the camera.
Image - Style
The high contrast of the image and the black and white colouring creates an image which appears moody and angsty while also highlighting the models facial expressions very clearly meaning the audience are able to gain a deeper emotional insight into the artist.
While I wont be using a black and white image in my magazine due to the youthful and exciting, vibrant nature of it I will be using high contrast images (edited on Photoshop) as I like the stand-out effect it gives to the style and look of the magazine.
Language
Through the use of rebellious phrases (some of which include taboo swear words) the magazine is able to present it’s angsty tone for example when the artist talks about “Revolution” having “A great fucking time” and “Dumb fucking hits”. Meanwhile the author comments on how the artist “Talk insomnia” and her “Speed fueled period of solitude” both of which (through the connotations presented through these phrases holding ideas of solitude and depression) present the article as being intrusive and holding a deep connection so the readers find out deep personal information about the artist reflecting the feeling of exclusivity found in its content by which the magazine seeks to provide information no other magazine can. Meanwhile the article still appears quite descriptive in order to entertain its readers and visualise the interview experience in order for readers to feel as if they were actually there for example when descriptions such as “Takes a sip from her tap water” is used, it is a basic description but one which highlights tiny actions of the artist in order to create the feel that the magazine presents content that is personal and real to it’s audience.
In my own magazine I too am planning to use a vocabulary which suggests the angsty feel I want to represent through expletives as well as presenting content within the article which highlights a deep and emotional, personal interview with the artist, on top of this I also like the descriptive side to the article and the connection the readers gauge when being able to visualise the artist through this, therefore in my own article I will provide similar descriptions.
Layout
The layout of the article seems very rebellious from the usual conventions with text being spotted around the page with no particular order or flow. This reflects the magazine as a whole as being confused but rebellious (reflecting the title also as ‘Dazed and Confused) ultimately this rebellious feel reflects the music features in the magazine as indie alternative.
While I wont be using this random layout as I feel it parts from the usual conventions of a magazine I am planning on using other aspects of the double page spread in order to create a rebellious tone to my article.
Tuesday, 1 March 2016
Magazine Analysis: WIRE Magazine Contents
WIRE magazine Contents Analysis
Image:
Image:
Unusual style to the images creates the impact that the photographer and magazine are rebelling against the usual stylistic conventions and so implies that the magazine itself is a defiant one leading to the idea of it being an indie/alternative magazine. While the overall lack of images and minimalistic design creates a fresh, youthful this youthful identity reflects the trendy style of the magazine and evokes the idea that the magazine is constantly refreshing its readers with the latest music trends. In my own magazine, I am aiming to create a similar youthful appeal through the use of a vibrant colour scheme, a young fresh-faced model and a teenage-rebellion style through fonts and the themes promoted in the article adn through the hair, make-up and costume of my model.
Language:
Language used in the contents’ text for example ‘Under the Radar’, ‘Unofficial’, ‘Out There’, ‘Collateral Damage’ ‘mystery’, ‘Rock’n’roll Armageddon’, ‘hacks’,’undermines conventional’, dreams up’ and ‘will of the people’ all instil a sense of surreality and youth in defiance of conventions and social norms, this rebellious brand identity instils the sense that the magazine is upcoming and trendy and is constantly updating it’s readers with the latest new music. This is also reflected in the title ‘Wire’ which connotes ideas of the magazine being active and attentive to the latest music trends. Meanwhile the listing of the artists with personalised overviews of the article in which they feature also speak for the magazines passion in terms of its artists as it seems to want to entice the reader to each and every article s if they feel the artists are all as important as each other and it is important to them that they are recognised. In my own magazine I will also use similar language to create a rebellious tone, I will be talking about this more in-depth in a post on my article and a post on the planning and brainstorming on the title of my magazine, however, I am planning on creating ideas of rebellion through language through the use of swear words and taboo terms from the subject of my article as having read and analysed a range of alternative music magazines swear words seem to be a convention that don't appear in other magazines but appear more acceptable in indie/alternative genre's as it fits the style of music and many of the artists, also indie/alternative magazines generally aren't read by a younger audience or much older audience who may find this type of language offensive. I also feel inclined towards featuring swearing in my magazine (however, they will most likely feature most prevalently in my double-page spread) as I feel it gives a deeper insight into the artist I feature, as it seems to reflect their personality as an artist and allows them to give a shocking critical analysis of the topic they are speaking about in the article and in this respect that is how I will comply to the active and attentive side of WIRE magazine, as through the use of this type of language I will be presenting readers with exclusive, personal and deep insight into their favourite artists.
Language used in the contents’ text for example ‘Under the Radar’, ‘Unofficial’, ‘Out There’, ‘Collateral Damage’ ‘mystery’, ‘Rock’n’roll Armageddon’, ‘hacks’,’undermines conventional’, dreams up’ and ‘will of the people’ all instil a sense of surreality and youth in defiance of conventions and social norms, this rebellious brand identity instils the sense that the magazine is upcoming and trendy and is constantly updating it’s readers with the latest new music. This is also reflected in the title ‘Wire’ which connotes ideas of the magazine being active and attentive to the latest music trends. Meanwhile the listing of the artists with personalised overviews of the article in which they feature also speak for the magazines passion in terms of its artists as it seems to want to entice the reader to each and every article s if they feel the artists are all as important as each other and it is important to them that they are recognised. In my own magazine I will also use similar language to create a rebellious tone, I will be talking about this more in-depth in a post on my article and a post on the planning and brainstorming on the title of my magazine, however, I am planning on creating ideas of rebellion through language through the use of swear words and taboo terms from the subject of my article as having read and analysed a range of alternative music magazines swear words seem to be a convention that don't appear in other magazines but appear more acceptable in indie/alternative genre's as it fits the style of music and many of the artists, also indie/alternative magazines generally aren't read by a younger audience or much older audience who may find this type of language offensive. I also feel inclined towards featuring swearing in my magazine (however, they will most likely feature most prevalently in my double-page spread) as I feel it gives a deeper insight into the artist I feature, as it seems to reflect their personality as an artist and allows them to give a shocking critical analysis of the topic they are speaking about in the article and in this respect that is how I will comply to the active and attentive side of WIRE magazine, as through the use of this type of language I will be presenting readers with exclusive, personal and deep insight into their favourite artists.
Layout: Colour
The clear layout uses a house style colour scheme to determine the contents headlines from the contents overviews, this alongside the separation of the contents into sections under headlines makes the contents extremely easy to navigate therefore making it easier for the reader. The use of the house style neon/turquoise colours connotes ideas of youth and creates a fresh, vibrant look throughout, this youthful identity reflects the trendy style of the magazine and evokes the idea that the magazine is constantly refreshing its readers with the latest music trends, this trendy identity also speaks in terms of the genre of the magazine being a trendy indie alternative type of music magazine. In my own magazine I will be using far brighter and vibrant colours however I will be employing a house-style as seen in Rolling Stone through the use of a repetitive colour scheme of pink throughout., I will also try to create a youthful and fresh look in order to portray a sense of teenage-rebellion which I feel connotes a strong sense of the genre being indie-alternative, a genre of music which focuses on many themes to do with teenage angst and rebellion.
Layout: Positioning
The minimalistic look to the layout of the contents page creates a fresh, youthful this youthful identity reflects the trendy style of the magazine and evokes the idea that the magazine is constantly refreshing its readers with the latest music trends. Meanwhile the separation of the contents into sections under headlines alongside a house style colour scheme which determines the contents headlines from the contents overviews makes the page extremely easy to navigate therefore making it easier for the reader to navigate. In my own magazine, I am also planning to separate my contents page into a clear and easy-to-read layout in order to make it easier for the audience to navigate therefore making the experience of reading the magazine for the audience easy and relaxing.
Magazine Analysis: NME Contents
NME Contents Analysis
Image:
The image has been edited to appear
distorted and subverts the usual layout of magazines which present a clean and
clear image. This seems rebellious presents the brand identity of the magazine
as being a culturally subversive one therefore
reflecting the genre of the magazine as being an indie/alternative music
magazine. I will also do this through editing my photos on Photoshop possibly in a similar style, however, I am also planning on creating a surreal look through the manipulation of lighting, for example in my own magazine I will manipulate the lighting of the main shot on my cover in order to promote a trendy youthfulness whilst still appearing edgy through the use of a 'star light' which will project stars across the close-up of my models' face whilst on another image I am planning on using a coloured light in order to create a hue type look across the image.
Language:
Through the listing of artists the
magazine is able to put the
music and artists at the forefront of the branding of the magazine and
highlight’s their importance to the
brand of the magazine and targets an audience who are extremely passionate
about music. Meanwhile, language and phrases
such as ‘The big questions’, ‘anatomy of an
album’ and ‘50 new bands for 2015’ ‘reviews’’, the magazine connotes ideas of knowledge as if the magazine is
an all-knowing, one-stop shop for all things music which portrays the idea that
the brand image of the magazine is that of prestige, despite it’s rebellious
tones, it still dominates the market. Finally, language and
phrases such as ‘soundtrack of my life’ and
‘things we like’ sounds extremely personal and reflects the intimate style of
the magazine, it gives a close insight into it’s artist as well as creating a
personalised relationship with the reader which implies of the passion it holds
for it’s artists and readers. In my
own magazine I will also use similar language to create a rebellious but personal tone, I will be talking about this more
in-depth in a post on my article and a post on the planning and brainstorming
on the title of my magazine, however, I am planning on creating ideas of
rebellion through language through the use of swear words and taboo terms from
the subject of my article as having read and analysed a range of alternative
music magazines swear words seem to be a convention that don't appear in other
magazines but seem more
acceptable in indie/alternative genre's as it fits the style of music and many
of the artists, also indie/alternative magazines generally aren't read by a
younger audience or much older audience who may find this type of language
offensive.
Layout: Positioning
The separation of the contents into
separate headings creates a clear layout which is easy to read and so makes it
easy for the reader, this presents the idea that the magazine really cares
about it’s readers and wants them to easily navigate the magazine and find the
stories that they want to read. I will also separate the contents of my magazine into separate sections under clear headings in order to make it easier for the reader to navigate the magazine, this can imply of the passion my magazine holds for it's readers and how it wants to make the experience of buying and reading the magazine easy and enjoyable rather than complicated.
Layout: Colour
The use of the red and black colours
throughout the page creates a memorable brand image through the use of house
style to create an iconic brand and also appears sleek and clear, again making
the magazine easy to navigate. The red and black also holds implications of
rebellion due to it’s associations with masculinity and passion. In my own magazine I will be using far brighter and vibrant colours however I will be employing a house-style as seen in NME through the use of a repetitive colour scheme of pink and black throughout.
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