Mock up designs

Front Cover Scan

Contents Page Scan

Double Page Spreap Scan

Initial ideas

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Price Competitors

Q magazine is a high competitor alternative magazine and has a cover price of £3.90 and is published monthly in the UK. The target audience for Q magazine are the older generation such as people in their 30's and 40's who are looking for a different mode of address, more sophisticated and just want to know more about the music instead of what colour pants so and so is wearing. Q magazine is a highly respected music magazine in the UK and can get away with a high price because its monthly, has a more mature target audience and even have their own Q awards and Q TV channel.

Kerrang! Magazine is published weekly at a price of £2.20, I thought that the price had increased from the original £1.99 (I used to buy it for the £2.20 it is now because there were more articles.) However, it seems that there is still the same amount of articles, just a lot more pages dedicated to just adverts filling up the whole magazine and making the reader turn pages at a time just to read the next article. The answer to this dramatic increase in the number of adverts is of course money. Kerrang has become a lot more mainstream now and is the number 1 UK music magazine due to its content suiting to the scene and due to this popularity, more companies, bands etc are wanting to advertise in the magazine as well.

Price

My magazine will be available for purchase weekly. I have chosen for my magazine to be available to purchase this frequently as readers will read this magazine firstly as they'll know we will have first coverage on new music events and gossip instead of missing out because its only out monthly.

My magazine will cost £2.00 due to careful consideration because of the specific target audience. Many people at my target audience age are still students in full time education and cant afford to buy a highly priced fortnightly magazine or may still be living at home living on parents income.

My magazine will not be a glossy and will be similar to NME more like a newspaper. This is because glossy magazines are more expensive and making the magazine more similar to a newspaper would be cheaper to produce and bring costs down and in turn it will allow the magazine to be cheaper for readers.

My adverts will be very music and image related due to the advertisers wanting to appeal to music fans, therefore it would be obvious to publish adverts in a music magazine. If someone were to go out and buy a music magazine every week, they are most likely a huge music fan and dedicated to buying anything music related to their taste, therefore by putting advertisements for a band's new album or tour dates, it benefits both the advertiser and the audience. The audience gain the knowledge of either being able to see a band that they may like or buying an album that they may be interested in, and the advertiser can 'cash in' from this as they are promoting and gaining audience attention.

Target Audience

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Spin magazine LIIAR analysis (contents page)

language-
The page includes a colour schemeof multiple colours, which are; black, white, red, grey & blue. These colours interlink together well as the grey background contrasts the latter of them to emphasize what they are conveying significantly more. There is only a small element of red shown on the page which is exposed in the title of the page (SPIN). The title is located in the corner, mirroring that of the main title of the magazine, which is partially covered by the image of Duffy. Although there is no actual title mentioning the word "Contents", we are aware that it is one as there is a list of stories situated down the left-hand side of the page with a title sayinf features.

The features are positioned on the far left-hand side of the page, beside the prominent image of Duffy. The stories have no correlating images, only detailed text below it to give an in-sight into the anecdote. The stories are presented in a dark grey to compliment the colour scheme, yet makes the text less noticeable because of the light grey/dark grey contrast. The page numbers are displayed in a similar format to the sub-titles, but are coloured in blue to differentiate them from one another, and also so they are more visible. It causes the page to become more attractive and active rather than tedious. Located just below the stories, is a box highlighted in blue with white text, conveying futhur information featured in the magazine in more depth than the latter of the stories mentioned. This idea works as it enduces the audience's attention towards it and gives more detail to the story rather than a quick summary. The main image is being portrayed in the contents is the image of Duffy. The picture is positioned on the right-hand side of the page, opposing that of the stories featured. It is presented as a powerful image, as it gives the more of an edge and to stand out more, as a opposed to a contents page with no domineering image. She is wearing black and white clothing to follow the colour scheme, to make her more prominent on the page and so that the image contrasts the background to have a heavier influence on the audience. The light reflecting off of her blonde hair makes the image and the page a lot brighter to the audience, and gives off a more contemporary and studio taken feel to the picture.

 

Institution-
The institution that has made this particular contents page would be Spin Media LLC, who manages the magazines distribution and publishing.

Ideology-
no clear message or values shown through the contents page apart from the representation of duffy and the idea that she love music seen in the quote in top right hand corner.

Audience-
The audience who would read the contents page would be people who want to find the article about duffy or another specific article





Representation-

The way the model (Duffy) is holding the ukelele and looks as though she is poised to smash it. This reflects the type of music that this magazine portrays and represents Duffy as a music artist. It is a rock/alternative magazine, so it shows an action that people think rock stars should be doing.

 

Spin Magazine LIIAR analysis (double page spread)

language-
This double page spread for Spin magazine includes the cover star singer Florence Welch which is also situated on the main cover. Her picture takes up three quarters of the double page, this is a popular connotation used in alot of music magazines to determine the personality of the articles and usually the specific personality to the specific style of the interview, in this interview, the main topic is about her being the artist of the year and the photo connotates her almost jumping for stardom and success. The black and white image makes it more vintage looking and interesting, though the page looks quite dull and colourless but it connotates the overall feel of the magazine.The way she is posing is as if she is flipping her hair back, which adds a dramatic effect to the image and therefore to the whole page. the text is an importance of the article.

Institute-
the institute that has made this specific double page spread is Spin Media LLC.

Ideology- the message behind this double page spread is that she is the artist of the year.

Audience- the main audience that will be reading this double page spread will be people who have a particular interest in Florence and the Machine or more specifically Florence Welsh.

Representation-
Florence Welsh is represented as an individual instead of musically

Spin Magazine LIIAR analysis (cover page)

language- this is the front cover of spin magazine. the first thing we see is the logo, the identifying design used by a brand to provide recognition. Although this is scarily similiar to Q magazine's logo. The type of font used give it its own personality. The central image of florence and the machine connects to the double page spread which is probably one of the main articles in the magazine due to how popular she is, people will look at the magazine will want to read specifically about her when looking at the front cover so more people will read the article.
The colour scheme of this magazine is white, black and shades of red, used for the titles, clothing and stories. As well as listing the names of artists using a white background contrasted between the black text. The use of the warm coloured clothing and colour of her hair emphasize the warm sense of personality and maybe illustrating her music too.
A puff is used to advertise "FREE 16 TRACKS FROM OUR TOP 40 ALBUMS SEE PAGE 8" this is cleverly placed on the contents page as people will see this and want to read on. Spin is quite a simple magazine as it is and does not like to over confuse things with the layout as this is their own style as a magazine and i think it works nicely

institute- the media institute which has made this is spin media LLC.

ideology-
the messages, idea and values behind this front cover of Spin are easily recognised. Spin is a magazine with the idea to represent really popular band such as Florence and the Machine and alternative bands (but still popular) like Arcade Fire. this helps to create a mixed audience therefore more readers.

audience-
Spin is a magazine with the idea to represent really popular band such as Florence and the Machine and alternative bands (but still popular) like Arcade Fire. this helps to create a mixed audience therefore more readers. overall, it appeals to people who are interested in soft music, rock, indie rock, rnb, punks, rockers, heavy metal, new wave, alternative, unsigned and people who are interested in fashion (trend setters) and new upcoming technology. Median age is 29

Representation-
the target audience is represented in a positive way

NME magazine LIIAR analysis (contents page)

Language-
The contents page has linked the masthead which is clearly identified on the front page onto the contents page, followed by "this week" which is used in every weekly issue of NME, emphasizing they are current events. The main image is a picture of Kasabian singing in a church which highlights the paragraph of text below it, this is probably one of the main articles in the magazine as it is highlighted as the central image and text. The usual music magazine convention of black highlighted text is used in the main topics of the contents for example "news" and "reviews". The "band index" is situated to the left of the contents page, NME have little things like this in magazines which provide alot more information than Q or any other music magazine and helps the reader navigate around the magazine easily.
A Puff/Advertisement for subscribtion is at the bottom of the contents page, cleverly placed here as the reader is more likely to look at the contents page as it is the page they go to to quickly find an article, therefore more readers will see this. Another puff used on the contents page is the text in the red arrow (stands out) which reads "THE UKS NO.1 GIG GUIDE STARTS P58"

Institution-
The insititution which publishes NME Magazine is IPC media, one of the leading magazine institutes in the UK, if i were to use this institute it would distrupt the amount of selling of my magazine as it is so similiar.

Ideology-
ideology of this contents page is just a basic contents page of NME, which provides clear contents, a Puff and a Band Index.

audience- The audience of this contents page would be people who have read on to read NME, and the section of the audience reading this page will be people who want to read a specific article in NME magazine.

Representation-
The main image in the contents page is Kasabian, who are representation in an unusual way, NME are known to represent bands in a different way to what they are usual opposed to in the media and this is a perfect example of Kasabian who have been romanticised.

NME magazine LIIAR analysis (double page spread)

Language-
the masthead of this double page spread is clearly identified positioned in the middle of the page, it is the title of whom the article is about which is "the teenagers" the black, white and blue clear house style flow into this double page spread which is similiarly used on the front cover. The blue connotates a cool vibe especially to the audiene the double page spread is targeted at. The magazine has opted for a long two column article instead of the usual interview Q&A theme which relates to the more inquisitive university type reader. The anchorage of the main image relates to the overall personality of the artist "the teenagers" which follows with a caption saying "young and dumb" and with a central quote breaking up the text saying "of course, were a sexual band, were teenagers and thats all they think about" the main image captures their laidback teenager like attitude perfecty.

Institute-
 NME is distributed by the media institution IPC. They are a highly sucessful media publisher in the UK. They offer a wide range of different magazines to their audiences.
Ideology-
The NME promotes the consumption of new indie music. Their audience is centred around 70% male. It focuses heavily on acts that are not yet comercially sucessful and aims to promote new music. The idea of this specific double page spread is too focus on the particular artist and let everyone know the musically upcoming trends in the column titled "everyones talking about"

Representation-
"The Teenagers" are represented stereotypically in a teenager way which is what the whole double page spread focuses around.

NME magazine LIIAR analysis (front cover)

 
Language-
The masthead and banner headline of NME is clearly idenitified and dominant and is in the same eyeline of the competition banner "win VIP camping upgrade!" and has the same coloured background of the NME title. The dateline is clearly identified underneath the banner headline and has the same background as the magazine title. The selling line is "NEW MUSICAL EXPRESS" which stands for NME. The main image is very clear and posed of Vampire Weekend, the prop of the glasses helps to identify the artist with fashion amongst the target audience. They are a few main cover lines, they are "starring Vampire Weekend" and "TOP 25 BANDS MAKING AMERICA COOL AGAIN" this front cover is very extravagent compared to normal NME magazines. NME magazines have there own style compared to Q magazine, which has more of a classic style. The barcode is clearly established in the right hand corner of the page and is clearly seen but doesnt overlook anything else. The magazine has a kind of 3D look about it which makes it stand out. There is not many cover lines which helps to not over confuse the magazine.

Institition-

Other magazines have a similar theme to the magazine I am going to produce; because of this the rivalry between the magazines will create a competition on sales. The readers want a magazine about their favourite type of music, so the choice will force them to decide which one will be better for their thirst for information.

To make my magazine be more popular I will have to make the name clear and force the potential readers to look at my magazine by creating an appealing front cover that should draw them in towards the excitement displayed on the front cover.

Ideology-

The ideology for this magazine is the potentation to reinforce to readers that they are the New Musical Express. The message behind the magazine is to help readers read about their favourite artists.

Audience-
The audience of the NME magazine is clearly established on the internet manifesto about the magazine which says " we're a weekly magazine that's a must for right–thinking music fans. And very wrong–thinking music fans. We have the best access to your favourite bands. We have the greatest music writing and photography. We're the ultimate source for discovering the best new music first. We also give to charity."

Representation-
The audience is represented in a positive way.

Q magazine LIIAR analysis (front cover

Language-
language displayed in the Q magazine cover is very simple. There is a 3 colour house style of black, white and red which is used in all of the Q magazine covers. The Q logo is the main ident and masthead of the Q magazines and helps the reader familiarise with the magazine very easily. The logo also helps to create an overall personality of the magazine and reflects the idea that Q magazine is a 'modern' music magazine which is displayed on the manifesto on the internet about the magazine. The main image of Alex Turner from the Arctic Monkeys is a MCU (face and shoulders only) keeps eye contact with the audience therefore makes it personal to the reader.
Anchorage is used in the picture of The Strokes on the main cover to illustrate what the article is called, "the most explicit interview ever!"
Price and Barcode are clearly illustrated on the front cover.

Institution-
I want my front cover to look similiar to this front cover. Although My magazine will have unique competitions to meet unsigned bands and discount of gig tickets, this would also help produce future issues. I believe that this will make the audience want to read the magazine and enter the competition. It will contain exclusive interviews and early release download codes to bands upcoming albums before they are released to the general public, this gives my magazine a hook that other magazines don’t have.

Ideology-
Q magazine creates an ideology to their target audience; they try to convey suitable images and information to their audience to make them want to buy the magazine, especially about unsigned bands. This issue of Q magazine is trying to portray Q by advertising the more popular bands. By showing a main image of The Arctic Monkey's Alex Turner. People will be able to see straight away that this magazine is based on him maybe as a solo artist? which will give them a view on if they want to buy this issue of the magazine or not. The front cover also shows other interesting articles which will be inside the issue and gives the target audience and insight into what they will read about.

Representation-
The audience applied for this magazine is people who are interested in the genre of music of pop, indie rock and alternative music. After analysing the magazine and finding out more information, I have found out that Q magazine’s audience is composed of passionate, engaged and open minded music fans who are driven to continually discover new music – and to use this lust for discovery to influence their friends. The audience who buy and read the magazine is split into male and female, the male audience is 75% and the female is 25% and is affluent (with 68% ABC1). Fans that have a strong passion for pop and rock music will buy this magazine over other magazine such as NME which is focused on another target audience. When choosing the magazine genre you need to be careful by choosing the content of the magazine as this is what the audience will be seeing and viewing your magazine on. The content cannot contain something which is irrelevant to the specific magazine genre of pop and rock as this would not be substantial to the magazine genre.

Q magazine LIIAR analysis (contents page)

Language
-a similar colour house style is used in this Q magazine contents page of black, white and red, this is similiarly used in the double page spread and front cover of the Q magazine, this helps to display consistency of the magazines ident. The layout of the contents page is simple yet stcks to the magazines over 'look' The banner headline reads 'Q contents' which obviously helps to display to the reader exactly what the page is about. the banner headline and headlines are displayed on a black background where the text is white and on a red background where the text is white. this helps to stick to the colour range and reminds me of Punk Era typography used on classic CD covers by the Sex Pistols etc. I think this makes the magazine look classic yet contemporary

Ideology- the ideology of this contents page is just basic, it helps to show the reader what is in the magazine. It doesnt display any underwriten values or messages.

Institute- The institute that has made this music magazine contents page is obviously Q magazine.

Audience- The audience are people who want to find a specific article, therefore is arranged in an organising way yet looks simple and flowing, it doesn't look too confusing and the design has only displayed the main features of the article which most people would want to read the most.

Representation- This contents page represents Q music readers

Q magazine LIIAR Analysis (double page spread)

This is a Q magazine double page spread of an interview with Lady Gaga.
Media language used-
There is a clear and simple colour range of white and red, which helps to clearly establish the main (and only) photo of Lady GaGa, this is in black & white which makes us think it is for more of a mature audience and to reflect her with femininity and maturity aswell instead of indentifying her with the concept that sorrounds her of being a crazy rebellious mad woman. The largeness of the picture and the huge L taking up the entire background of the text help to show how big of an artist she is, The colour of the L is red as is the colour of the Q magazine logo. The banner headline clearly says 'lady gaga' in a clear and font which helps connect to the main image. The double page spread is set out in clear columns which helps us read the article easily.

Institition- The institute is Q magazine. This institute with have alot of things in similiar with the magazine i want to create, especially the overall concepts.

I- the overall values and concepts of this double page spread is that it is a text made to reflect Lady GaGa in a specific way, it doesn't show the rebellious side of her and tries to reflect the more softer and human side of her which people don't see as much. this is made obvious in the text. the sepia tone in the main image helps to show this as it is not eccentric and gives it a soft and simple image which doesn't over confuse things. Overall it shows a less extravagant and a more modest side to Lady Gaga, which reminds me of a sophisticated 40's diva.

A- the audience of this specific double page spread would be people who listen to the more classic, popular music featured in Q magazine. There is a huge Lady GaGa fan base so this would get alot of readers.

R- Similiarly to the institution, Q magazine have represented in a different way to what Lady GaGa is represented like in the press.

choice of music genre

The music genre i would like to focus on more than anything would be people who enjoy alternative music who haven't been found out and want to make themselves more popular.This is similar to the music genre in NME magazine which focuses on unsigned artists as well as hugely famous artists like The Kooks, i think i may mix both concepts like NME magazine so i get the right audience who want to read about their favourite popular bands who have a huge fan base as well of giving unsigned artists the chance to shine. NME hold huge contests like 'NME unsigned' which lets unsigned artists compete to get in the magazine. NME also proudly state "We're the ultimate source for discovering the best new music first" on their manifesto on the website which is based on the magazine. I would feature existing bands like V.E.N.O.M who are signed as an artist but are not very popular.

LIIAR Analysis of new brief

Media Language-
Each of my music magazine products need to contain certain things for example:
The name of the magazine displayed in the typeface in which it is designed. This is the visual branding of the title and is usually done in a unique typeface so it is recognisable, if it were a music magazine i would have to make sure it attracted to the niche audience, for example Q magazine, which attracts to the the alternative and 'out there' audience and has a white 'Q' on a red square background, this is classic and original.
The main image (full page) must be an Mid Shot, which shows some part of the subject in more detail whilst still giving an impression of the whole subject.The subjects face must be able to be clearly seen, and make eye contact with the audience.
There must be a bright colour scheme consisting of three colours, i want them to be classical colours like red and black.

Ideology-
The ideology of the music magazine would be to tell the consumer about gigs, freebies and general artist information and facts. My magazine would also promote parties and events going on, linked to the music industry. My main idea would be to promote small alternative groups to make them more popular.

Institute- Emap is the institute who publishes Q magazine, this would be a similiar publication to mine as the layout and colours would be similiar to mine. The representation of the audience would be similiar to mine aswell aswell.

Audience-
The audience would be "mature music lovers" who enjoy a mix of alternative and classic indie rock music. A side audience would be people enjoy alternative music and the magazine would their path towards this kind of magazine, this would also help the bands get more popular and advertise themselves.

R- Music would be represented using a specific genre of indie rock and other alternative bands which Q magazine try and represent. This audience would be presented positively, i will try to represent my audience as close to their real life counter-parts.

Main Task

The front page, contents and double page spread of a new music magazine. All images and text used must be original, produced by you- minimum of four images.