Contents page research. Inspirational texts.

I particularly like this contents page from the music magazine 'Q'. I like the simple design which gives a professional look to the page. All text used on the cover is easy to read which attracts the attention of a reader. Also, I think that the red, black and white colour scheme works well. This colour scheme is also the one I am using on my front cover which I will continue to apply throughout the magazine which will give a professional look. In addition, all parts of the contents page are labelled clearly which makes it easier to read. I will consider these layout techniques when I create my contents page.

This contents page stood out to me because I felt that the layout was very clear and I liked the way that the images had numbers to indicate what page that particular artist/artists will be on. I may use this technique when creating my contents page. Also, I quite liked the plus sign to give additional information. Furthermore, I like the way in which the date is in quite large text behind the word 'contents'. I feel this is a good idea because the reader then knows when the next magazine will be on sale. The word 'Drummer' is in large text which suggests that this is the main focus of this magazine issue.



This contents page is quite different to the other two above as it has a very busy layout. This suggests to the reader that the magazine has many things included and draws in their attention. I like the way in which there is an advertisement at the bottom of the page, this adds more effect and includes the reader more. All sub-headings are bold which makes the contents page clear to understand.

Changes to my front cover

I asked for student reviews on my first draft of my front cover. It seemed that many people thought that the main image on the front cover was too dark and that the cover possibly needed more colour. I then took these comments on board to then produce a more successful front cover that would stand out more. I then edited the cover by making the image bigger and not as dark. I changed the layout and added more detail to the sell lines by including who the interviews were with and where the festivals would be taking place. In addition, I added a hint of yellow to highlight important information such as 'NEW' or 'PLUS'. Also, I added some rectangular shapes to highlight the masthead and the sell lines. However, I felt that the black background on the rectangles was too bold, so I decided to change the opacity so that some of the background could be shown through the rectangle.

Additional Images. Possible ones to include on double page spread (contents)

These are just a few extra images that I have taken which may be useful for my double page spread. However, I think it would be useful for me to take some more images of a group of people so that it looks more festival like.

Effects

As I wanted my magazine to stand out as much as possible, I felt that it was appropriate to use a range of effects. For example, I used the 'Inner Shadow' and 'stroke'techniques to make the text on the magazine stand out better. Also, I used a different style on the 'PLUS' and 'EXCLUSIVE' text which was called 'double ring glow'. This made the text stand out more on the black and white image.

When I first began the front cover, I used different effects on the main image too. Out of all of the image effects, Ifound that the black and white effect worked best as it created a blended look which worked well with the contrasting colours used on the text. Again, this gave a more bolder effect which I felt would stand out to the audience more.

Changing colour scheme

When I began to change my colour scheme, I soon realised that the red, black and white colour scheme worked much better than the green one because the sell lines stood out more from a distance and would then make the overall magazine stand out to the reader more on a shelf. I felt that this would be the colour scheme that would work best on my magazine, and so I continued to use this colour scheme.

Colour Trials on my front cover.

When I was creating my front cover for my music magazine, I experimented with colours. When I designed my front cover on my flat plan, I used the main colour scheme of green, hoping it would stand out on the image. However, I soon realised that the sell lines at the left hand side of the screen did not stand out well enough to attract my audience.

Additional Research

This image of the NME music magazine is a one that particularly stood out to me. I really liked the red, black and white colour scheme. Also, I thought that the image of the male looking directly at the reader worked well too, as it included the reader. This colour scheme would be a one that I would consider when I create my music magazine. In addition, this colour scheme seemed popular with my target audience when they filled in my questionnaire.

Preliminary Task

The print screens above show the preliminary task magazine front cover and contents page that I have created. The task was to create a new college magazine for students so I decided to include sell lines that would be appropriate for that audience.

Name ideas for my music magazine

Above are some name ideas for my music magazine. I have used a range of fonts, font colours and font sizes.

Questionnaire for students to fill in

Questionnaire

Do you buy magazines?  (Circle one)      YES      NO

What price are you willing to pay for a magazine?  …………………………………

What music genre do you like? ……………………………………………………………….

What is your favourite colour? ……………………………………………………………….

What features of a magazine do you like (e.g. free items etc.)? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Are there any other specific things you look for in a music magazine? (If yes list below) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

Audience Research-Music Magazine Assumption Questions

Audience Research- Music Magazine

By Chloe Rudkin

             When I look at this particular music magazine, I assume that its target audience are males aged around 16 to 30. This is because the magazine has a clear RnB theme with all of the latest news and interviews with the latest artists that this audience are interested in. After studying the magazine, I can assume the following questions: What breakfast cereal do they eat? I think that the reader for this magazine would probably eat cereals with high amounts of energy such as bran flakes or ‘Weetabix’. What car/mode of transport do they use?  Personally, I think that this reader would drive quite sporty cars which attract a lot of attention. What accommodation do they live in? I think this reader would probably live in their own flat or in a house with friends.                 What do they drink? This reader would probably drink high energy drinks such as ‘Red Bull’ or ‘Lucozade’. What TV shows do they watch? I would assume that this audience would watch TV programmes such as ‘Top Gear’ or other typical male programmes. What Music do they like? I think this audience would like rap music or RnB music. What is their favourite meal? I think their favourite meal would probably be something wholesome such as a large burger. What sport do they watch and what sport do they play? I would assume that this reader would watch boxing or rugby and possibly play these sports too. Who is their partner, or are they single? I would assume that their partner would be model like with dark hair. Where do they go on holiday? I think this reader would probably go on holiday to somewhere like Miami or Spain. Do they vote, and if so who for? I don’t think this type of audience would vote. What type of bar/pub/club do they go to? I think they would go to a very busy club with lots of people and cheap drinks. What style of clothing do they wear? I would assume that they would wear simple clothing like tracksuits and hoodies.

          When I look at this particular music magazine, I assume that its target audience are both males and females aged around 16 to 30 by the way it claims to have factual up to date information about recent artists that all teenagers would like to know. After studying the magazine, I can assume the following questions: What breakfast cereal do they eat? I think that the reader for this magazine would probably eat cereals such as ‘Shreddies’. What car/mode of transport do they use?  Personally, I think that this reader would drive quite a reasonably priced car in a bold colour. What accommodation do they live in? I think this reader would probably live in their own flat or in student accommodation. What do they drink? This reader would probably drink soft drinks such as ‘Coke’ or ‘Fanta’. What TV shows do they watch? I would assume that this audience would watch TV music channels, or reality programmes. What Music do they like? I think this audience would like current chart music. What is their favourite meal? I think their favourite meal would probably be pizza. What sport do they watch and what sport do they play? I would assume that this reader would watch football or athletics and possibly participate in these sports too. Who is their partner, or are they single? I would assume that their partner would be someone with similar interests and good looking. Where do they go on holiday? I think this reader would probably go on holiday to somewhere cheap like Spain. Do they vote, and if so who for? I think this type of audience would vote for the conservatives. What type of bar/pub/club do they go to? I think they would go to a very busy pub which has a good atmosphere and lots of entertainment. What style of clothing do they wear? I would assume that they would wear all of the latest fashions, or create their own fashions.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

             Overall, I feel that these magazines have researched their intended reader well by aiming all aspects of the magazine towards them.