Preliminary Task

STACS 'R' US Front Cover.

This is my preliminary task. I was tasked with creating a front cover and contents page for a brand new school magazine. Before beginning I did a questionnaire asking people what they would like my completed magazine to look like - questions included what content would like to be seen (The answers given can be found on a previous post.) I have used my analysis to create a magazine that not only fulfills my expectations but also those of readers. It was critical that I used my questionnaire as a guide to create a successful piece. To begin I started by creating a magazine masthead. This would display the name I had chosen to call my magazine. The name I eventually chose after working around with other suggestions, was 'STACS 'R' US.' To create the masthead I used word, I used font tools to create the see through text on the red background. I think this was effective as it was bold, clear and also creative. I then added this onto a Paint.net file as my second layer after a white background. After this I added a further layer which I then added a image. This was a medium close up of my cover star. This was to be the main focus on the cover of the magazine I placed the image in front of the masthead using Paint.net to put a bigger spotlight on the cover star and show a positive relationship between the magazine and the star. Next to be added was a main cover line. This relates to my cover star and the story that links to her further on in the magazine. This cover line is placed close to the main image to highlight it relates closely to it and also shows the reader who the star is. I added a pug to my front cover in the form of an exclusive (about new trips) which is used to create more interest for a reader, ensuring they are likely to read my magazine. Along with the main cover line, other cover lines were included around the main image in a positive layout, to ensure it is not overwhelming. All of the stories will relate to the school and are to be mentioned on the contents page and inside the magazine. Other minor features I included was a barcode and dateline, as these are some of the codes and conventions of a magazine front cover. On completion of my front cover I began on my contents page. I once again used the same 'STACS 'R' US' masthead to show coherence between the front cover and the contents page. I also did it to remind the reader of the magazine they are reading. On the contents page I have included all of the stories mentioned on the front cover, including potential page numbers. I also also used a secondary image of the cover star on the contents page further highlight her as the main focus of the magazine. The contents page was also created on the Paint.net software. I used layers to piece together the contents page, just as I did with the front cover. Both the front cover and contents page have similar colours flowing through, linking them together. I have used Red, Black, White and Yellow - which were chosen from suggestions following my questionnaire. All of colours I think match and work together - this creates a successful house style.The two pieces match and are easily related to the same idea. I can use this task as practice for my final piece of work which I am working towards. It has taught me about public research and the importance of including the codes and conventions of a magazine.

STACS 'R' US Contents Page.

Drafting & Planning: Creative Q Task

This is my mock version of the Q magazine, i used both publisher and Paint.net. I have added a masthead, a barcode, a cover line and anchorage text.  I used Paint.net to place the Q magazine masthead behind the main image of the artist. I placed the masthead behind as it puts more focus upon the artist, she looks strong and bold as she dominates the magazine. I placed the cover line over the main image, to show that it relates closely to it. The anchorage text is a quote from the artist, this also shows she is a big deal in this issue of the magazine. The completed magazine was finished on publisher. I did this task as a practice for my preliminary task. It showed the importance of layout within a front cover. 

Research in Similar Products: Contents Page Analysis

This is an annotated Contents page of a the Top of the Pops magazine where I have 

analysed the layout, the photography and the colour scheme, all of which come together for a successful contents page.

Layout:

 The heading located at the top of the page fills the full width of the page. It is clear and indicates that below the magazines contents can be found laid out. The use of 'Inside the mag' suggests that the all the features are talked about as it shows everything that can be read. Each column indicating pages and there features have a heading, for example 'We <3 boys' this makes navigation around the magazine easier. By also categorising the pages based on the groups they fit in will allow readers to go to the section that they are interested in reading. The contents are listed in a vertical format or in columns, this is usual for magazine contents pages.

Photography:

 Instead of using a single image multiple are used. The main image is a copy of the front cover. This is used to point out the page numbers that correspond to the stories on the cover. This is clever as it gets rid of the need to have to explain the stories again on the contents page, it also allows the reader to focus on the story they want - is can be easily found. The use of the picture of the front cover also acts as tool for navigation - it makes it a lot easier to find your desired page/topic of choice.

Colour:

 An array of bright colours are used on the page, which correspond with the target audience. The use of highlighting certain stories and page numbers allows the readers attention to be drawn to particular features. Pink is also used as the chosen colour for the page numbers around the page, this furthermore shows the magazine theme colour. 

Research into Similar Products: Contents Page Analysis

This is an annotated Contents page of a NME magazine where I have analysed the layout, the photography and the colour scheme, all of which come together for a successful contents page.

Layout:

The NME masthead has continued onto the top of the contents page. This is to ensure the reader is reminded of the magazine they are reading, this is done by the editor to keep their brand in the readers mind so they are likely to pick it up again if they enjoy the contents. Only one image is used on the contents page, but it is large so it is a clear focus for the reader. This will lead them to want to read the feature on that band. Separate clear sections have been used by NME with clear headings. This is to help the reader find the feature that they want to read. The section headings are bold on the page - the font is in white on a black background which is different to the rest of the writing on the page, this helps it stand out. The date is again used on the contents page, so the reader can look back later and see when the stories were from. 

Photography: 

The main image is of what looks like a band performing on the stage. It shows a main singer with a guitarist in the background. This image suggests to the reader that they perform live, meaning they could become interested in finding out if they can watch them live at a venue near them. The use of the image highlights the look of the band, offering a insight into the genre of their music. This further gains interest for the artist as the reader will want to read and find out more.

Colour:

The colour scheme used it very traditional to the NME magazine, it also carries on from the front cover. The colours used are red, black, white creating a house style, adding a professional look. This is because it shows that the editors know what they are doing. The use of the three colours also adds coherence. Sections of red have been used in sections of the contents page to make certain things stand out more. For example the page number of the main article about the artist and the exclusive article on page 59. 

Research into Similar Products: Front Cover Analysis

Research into Similar Products: Front Cover Analysis

Research into Similar products: Front Cover Analysis

Here is an annotated magazine front page from VIBE Magazine. I have commented on the code and conventions of a magazine that I learnt in lesson today - these include Masthead, Cover line, Skyline and House Style. This task has allowed me to understand all of the key codes and conventions.I will use this to further support my research into similar products.  

Research into Similar Products: Front Cover Analysis

Magazine 3: We Love Pop Magazine 

Why I like this magazine front cover? 

Target Audience: Generally marketed towards the younger female market, however it can be read by any gender. It can reach anyone who has an interest in pop music and artists.

. Overall this magazine is bold, with plenty of colour and imagination 

Research into Similar Products: Front Cover Analysis

Magazine 1: Q Magazine 

Why I like this magazine front cover? 

Target Audience: Generally for those who are into the alternative music scene, which is commonly the older generations however it can still appeal to more younger audiences.

 Overall this magazine is strong but not over the top, it has plenty of class and elegance but also offers luxury and warmth.

Research into Similar Products: Front Cover Analysis

Magazine 1: Billboard Magazine 

Why I like this magazine front cover? 

Target Audience:Varies from young teens, from the age of 16, to young adults, at the age of 26.

. Overall this magazine is simple but bold, with plenty of colour but class. 

Audience Research: Preliminary Task

Questionnaire analysis

***I created and completed a questionnaire that will help me with the creation of my school magazine. These are the results and my analysis*** 

Question 1: What are your expectations for a magazine targeted for a school environment?

A large number of people answered with similar answers. They expected to see images of students, teachers or current events in a simplistic but bold colorful setting. It was important for them that there is plenty of information about school activity, including exam tips.

Question 2: What colour scheme would you expect to see in a student school magazine?

The colour scheme that was repeatedly answered was the school colours - Black, Red and White. Due to this the colour scheme that i will most likely be choosing is that based on my unanimous feedback. These colours easily pair and look good together down on print, making them excellent to use.

50% said Study Tips, 25% said Important Dates, 15% said After school Activites, 10% said Upcoming 
Trips. Showing that the magazine needs to include a wide range of content in order to keep everyone happy. Its important that everyone has a least one feature that they can enjoy.

Most of the people asked answer Whole School to this question. This is good as it will allow me to include a wide range of content.

This question got a real split decision with two fonts coming out on top. Times New Roman and Comic Sans MS both were 35%. This gives me an opportunity to decide which one to use.

This question had only two options and its clear to see that with a unanimous 90% Yes was the winner. Showing images play a huge role in the look and feel of a magazine.

Question 7: What features should a school magazine include? 

This question revealed that people want to see an informative content page, which is easy to follow. This will ensure they can find the content they want easier. Everyone also agreed that the content featured must include exam timetables, pictures of activities that have happened around school and important information that should be remembered. 

A clear winning option has been selected and that is fortnightly (75%.) This ensures people aren't put off reading by too many editions being published.  

This question showed me that social networking plays a huge role in the success of a magazine. The highest chosen percentage network was Facebook (35%) and Twitter (30%) However the other network options were still shown interest. Showing that more than one should be included. Another option was also suggested which should still be thought about - Tumblr.

Question 10: Do you have any suggestions on names that could be given to a school magazine?

From this question I had a wide range of suggestions, which is expected with such an open question. A few of my favourite ones were; STACS 'r' US, STACS Daily, STACS Social, Tommies News and Tommies Times. From these suggestions I can come up with the best fitting name for my magazine.

Using the information gathered from my questionnaire, i will go forward using it as feedback to follow as guidelines for my preliminary magazine exercise.

Cropped Image Exercie

This is my cropped image exercise I did this morning. I did this today to demonstrate my ICT skills and that I am capable of using a magazine masthead, This task will be useful for me, when it comes to completing my preliminary task.

Intro

Hello my name is Caitlyn Williams and I am studying GCE Media Studies as St Thomas Aquinas Sixth Form. The course is 50% coursework and 50% exam. This is my AS Media Blog, where I will be posting all of my coursework.