Layout Exercise

M Magazine 

The last magazine is also an M magazine that is targeted for different genres of music. I created an identity for the main cover stars. I chose the name 'NEW SOUND' for the band as they look new and fresh. The font I chose is urban and edgy giving a hippie but new vibe for the band. I put the band name is black and the text underneath in white as this is a classic combination and works with the background of the image. I then incorporated the red from the masthead into the other cover lines. On one of the cover lines i added a quote from a new band - this will give the reader insight into what the article inside will be about. The cover line is in bold so it stands out as the main cover line on the page. I placed the cover lines around the image so it can still be seen by the reader.

Layout Exercise

Pitch Magazine 

This magazine is also for the mass market. It would reach the same audiences as the magazine NME. The image on the cover is very demonic and strange due to the eye contact and look - it is of Marilyn Manson so this suits her personality and music style. I have put the stars name in black font down the right hand side of the page. This is different and not generic just like the feel of the magazine. I also put anchorage text with the cover line. I added a quote from Marilyn to make the reader intrigued at the bottom of the page under the close up image of Marilyn Manson's face.  I then chose to put the other cover lines in white and purple. I chose to use purple as I saw a link between the colour with the colour of the artists lips - this links the magazine together. I put the cover lines on the left side of the page around the artists face, so it can still be seen. I think this works because they can still be seen but aren't separate from the rest of the cover.

Layout Exercise

Sound Magazine

The third magazine is called SOUND it is for the mass market and is a predominately rock-orientated magazine. The main cover stars are Kings of Leon. The main cover line linked to them is placed at the bottom of the front cover, covering the image. The text is placed inside a black box so I used white lettering to make it pop out on the page. I didn't use red this time to match the masthead as I didn't want too much red on the page and i thought white worked better with the background. The other cover lines I added are white and red. The title in bold white and the details in red - this still creates a connection with the magazine and masthead. I also used other artists that fit the rock theme and are similar to Kings of Leon. In one of the cover lines I used an exclusive to entice the reader to read on further. The red, white and black all work together well creating a successful house style - meaning there is full coherence between the cover lines and the magazine.

Layout Exercise

Music_X Magazine 

My second magazine was Music_X Magazine with a cult music audience -it has a niche market. It has a very strange feel to it, due to its dark colours and imagery. The main cover artist is Bjork, her genre is electronic and experimental. So because of this I wanted to ensure that the genre is fully showcased through the cover lines and typography. The main cover line is placed above the main image so it stands out immediately. It also makes the content entice the reader. The other cover lines also offer exclusives on 'TOURS' that are up and coming in the future to entice the reader. I have also included a feature on David Bowie, a huge artist that many will know. I used sections of the cover lines in red to make them stand out on the black background - showing further what the articles inside are about. This also creates a house style as the red and white are used throughout. It was important not to cover the image too much with cover lines because the image is dark, I also want to ensure that Bjork can be fully seen so the reader knows who it is. The overall look of the magazine is very fresh and simplistic, it is very effective however. 

Layout Exercise

M Magazine

My first  magazine I worked on was that based on a hip-hop genre. Its target audience is mass market and it features the artist "DRAKE" as the main cover star. I put the artists name in red lettering making it bold, it also matches with the red from the masthead.  I used the font 'Copperplate Gothic Bold' for the main cover. I chose this as I thought it was edgy and original. Creating an urban feel, which reflects the artist and also the magazines ethos. The main cover line is placed over the main image of drake. Highlighting him as important to the audience, it makes it clear who the main artist is. I used 'This Year Drake goes for Gold' as it relates the gold chain in drakes mouth and then added 5 gold stars to show his music is gonna have a 5 star rating. The main image is also edgy meaning all of the cover lines work around it. The other cover lines I have added are all in plain black, making them stand out but doesn't overwhelm the main cover line. They are also in smaller font because of this - they are not seen as important as the main cover line. The cover line titles have been put in bold, to show the reader what the content is further. I have put in an exclusive interview at the top of the page to entice the reader - this is known as a puff. 

Layout Exercise

To help me understand the layout an conventions of music magazines, I was given five different magazine covers. They had a main cover image, the masthead and a bar code. But it was without a main cover line or other cover lines. It was my job to add these features, I also had to plan the content that was going to be including in the cover lines. I also had to decide on the typography to suit the magazines target audience and the artists genre that are featured on the covers. Over the next 5 days I will be posting each individual finished magazine and explaining my choices. I hope to take advantage of this as it will show me further the importance of typography, layout and ethos. I can use this task when it comes to making final decisions on my own music magazine. 

PagePlus Task

Completed Page Plus Task 

This is my Page Plus exercise. I was tasked with creating my own music magazine using already established artists. I had to design a front cover, contents page and double page spread. This task was given to me to give me the opportunity to have practice at creating my own magazine from scratch. I had to come up with my own magazine name and masthead. I also had to ensure that I included all of the codes and conventions of music magazines to make it look realistic and professional. This exercise offered me the chance to begin working with the Page Plus software, so I am used to its features so I will be able to use it in the future. I was able to get a better feel for the software as I was able to learn how to do a technique where I can get the text of the article to cleverly fit around the the shape of the image on the double page spread. This ensures that the image, the title and the image all work and flow together.

I began with choosing my cover star, then picked suitable images for the three pages. I chose to use very subdue colours of image, in order make the masthead and other content text stand out. The use of the black and white imagery on the cover and contents page create a sense of discovery as the artist then is seen in colour on the double page spread - showing his personality to the reader as they read on and find the double page spread dedicated to him. The main artist image use direct mode which is often used to engage readers, so this is why I chose it. He's style is smart but causal, showing he is fun but professional.

I chose to put the masthead in a purple/Burgundy colour in the font 'All rights reserved' as I think it created a successful effect and worked well on the page. The masthead is quite simple but effective enough to make an impact and create an identity for the magazine. On the front cover I put the masthead running up the left side of the page next to the image of the artist. I believe it fitted well and allowed for it to be seen along with the full image of the artist. Then on the contents I put landscape and placed it next to the words 'contents' to further reinforce what it belongs to. The masthead I created, represents a brand/identity which can recognised and remembered so it was important that it worked well and was simple and catchy. I put the text in black, gold, teal and purple as I think they work well together. The colour scheme creates a fun vibe which I was aiming for. The magazine I planned to create was a fun urban magazine for teens about solo male artists. I believe I achieved this.

The positioning of cover lines on the front cover was important. I put the main cover line over the main image to show the link between the two, I also put it large on the page to show its importance in the magazine edition. The use of the name in a different colour breaks up the cover line and highlights who the artist is if people don't know. I used anchorage text to give the reader some insight to what may be included within the magazine on this artists. The other cover lines are broken up using a coloured line matching the colour of the masthead. I put a puff in to entice potential readers as exclusives can grab the attention on the shelves.

On the double page spread I used black font with a quote highlighted in white. I used a image where the artist was centred in the middle and the text fitted in around to create a full page, it also stopped it looking blocky on the page. I also included the masthead on this page to create a link between the article, the artist and the magazine. The artist is looking away from the camera creating mystery for the reader meaning they are likely to read the article. By also positioning the artist in the middle the readers eye will be drawn immediately to it.

Other things I included over the three pieces of work were a bar code, a URL, a price, a date line, and page numbers - i ensured the numbers I had put on the contents page matched the ones I had used on the double page spread.

This task has showed me a lot and I hope to use it when it comes to creating my final piece. 

Research into Similar Products: Target Audience

Target Audience - 

Pop music is targeted generally at younger people. However it can appeal to all ages, making it a universal genre - this makes it great for marketing. Most people find themselves listening to pop music as it is everywhere; its on TV, on the radio and played in restaurants and shops. Personally the audience for pop music would be an age group of about 10 - 25. Artists often however target themselves to more varied categories of fans. For example One direction typically would market themselves to teenage girls and not boys. You would generally not see a 16 year old boy listening to one direction but you would see a 16 year old girl, this is because of how one direction are marketed. The target audience an artists wants to appeal to can determine how successful they become. 

One direction is one band that typically appeals to teenage girls and not boys, this is due to they music and their marketed appearance 

Marketing for the right audience is important for the success of an artist. So using the correct artist to match my target audience will ensure that my magazine becomes a success and stands out against all of the other pop music magazines already on the market. 

Research into Similar Products: Front Cover Analysis

Research into Similar Products: Genre Crossovers

Taylor Swift is an American singer-songwriter, who at the age of 14, began to pursue a career in country music.She released an album in 2006, marking her career as a country musician.


However, over the years, Taylor Swift gradually incorporated different genres of music into her own records. Her modern music is predominantly pop music, with elements of country and contemporary. This is an example of an artist who's music is a genre crossover. 

You can see from the evolution of her magazine album covers, how her music style has changed. The way she is presented has also changed. She has moved away from her original country vibe to a more urban style. 

Here I have looked into another crossover artist... Miley Cyrus is an American singer, songwriter and actress. She is known for her role as Hannah Montana for 10 years  -she first debuted as Hannah in 2006 in the music and film industry. 

She began in the music industry as a country artist. This was because she was rooted with the genre because of her family - Her father is Billy Ray Cyrus.

Over time Cyrus began adapting to appeal to a demanding modern teen market. Her music began to become a crossover of country and pop. Miley is a icon within the music market for her versatility and offers plenty to the world of music. Her style is adaptable, she is able to incorporate everything that is needed to produce the music her fans are looking for.  

Genre crossovers allow artists to become more successful because when its cleverly marketed for the right target audience. However genre crossovers can be risky and must be thought through. This is because appealing to many audiences can be difficult, as it would not be fully possible to incorporate everything that is fans expect. Crossovers also mean there is not one specific demographic meaning more work needs to be done to appeal to a wider range. 

I want to feature an artist who's music crossovers genres. I hope that my artist will styled similar to Taylor swift but will have the edginess of Miley Cyrus. Their music will be prominently pop but will have roots to country. 

Research into Similar Products: Publishers

Here I have looked into 4 magazine publishing companies that are possible companies to use in the publication of my pop magazine. 
 

TimeInc. UK 

Time Inc. UK, formerly known as IPC Media (International Publishing Corporation), is responsible for a large portfolio of media, however the magazine that stands out most to me is NME magazine. NME is largely associated with rock, alternative and indie music. 

This company could publish my magazine, as it publishes NME which also has a target audience of younger individuals, however the audience in which NME is aimed at are more Indie and do not follow current trends of pop. By contrast, the teens and young adults my magazine is aimed at stereo typically tend to be in touch with the current trends, yet build upon them to become more fun and energetic.

Immediate Media Co. 

Immediate Media Company Limited (styled as Immediate Media Co) is a combined publishing house containing the former assets of Origin Publishing, Magicalia and BBC Magazines.

 It is the current publisher of the BBC Top of the Pops magazine. A magazine based on the hit pop chart show 'Top of the Pops'. It is a reputable magazine as it is front by the BBC. The company has a professional relationship with the BBC, showing it is reliable and good at its job. This publishing company would be the best option for the publisher I use because of its status and the clientele it works with create excellent magazines. 

Prometheus Global Media

Prometheus Global Media is a New York City-based media company, who publish Billboard magazine, a music and entertainment media brand. Billboard offers content and exclusives on a range of music genres, however they primarily feature pop artists.

Similar to my magazine, Billboard offers content and exclusives the pop music genres, however they also feature other music genre cross overs. I believe this company could publish my magazine due to the fact they publish such a similar styled magazine in the form of Billboard magazine. However they do not always reach the same audience that I want my magazine to reach. 

Egmont UK Ltd

Egmont UK Ltd is a leading UK children’s publisher, comprising two children’s book divisions and one magazine division: Egmont Press, which publishes Fiction, and Picture Books; Egmont Publishing, which publishes Classic and Contemporary Characters, Learning and Colour & Activity lists - and Egmont Magazines, which publishes a range of top quality market-leading children’s magazines. 

It is responsible for publishing the 'We Love Pop' magazine. Which is a popular pop magazine on the market. This publishing company would be good at working with a magazine like mine because it has a good reputation and delivers well round, fun and enjoyable magazines for teenage audiences. 

Research into Similiar Products: Magazine Mastheads

Here I have analysed 4 current Pop magazine mastheads. I have looked into what makes them work and how they are used to target audiences effectively. I have also researched the importance of Mastheads and how they should be used to create a successful magazine ethos that you want to go for. 

I can use this task to proceed with my Masthead. From the research I have found out that Pink is a big player in mastheads but other colours can also be used that are attractive to teenagers and girls in particular. I think that not using pink in some way will be a mistake, However I am not going to use it too much as I don't want my magazine to be overly girly. The font I am going to use on my masthead is important and I must think carefully before choosing. I must go through a process of seeing what works and what doesn't. The decisions I make in designing my masthead must be carefully planned and not over looked. 

Research into Similar Products: Pop Artists

Artist Research 

I have decided to do some research into artists and bands in the Pop Genre. I hope to use this research to give me inspiration for my own artists. By looking into artists and bands already in the charts it will help me make the best decisions as I move forward with my magazine. I will able to make more informed choices which we give me a well rounded pop magazine which matches the ethos I am going for. By looking at current charts I will be able to identify the type of artists that I want to feature. 

I have selected 2 boy bands, 2 girl bands, 2 female and 2 male artists to research. I will look at them as artists and will focus on how they are marketed to appeal to they target audiences. The name of a band or artist is important as the wrong choice give across the wrong message. It is also important when it comes to bands that they are memorable.

I can use this information I have found about these artists to find the type of artist I want. From this I will be doing a further post looking into artists that match the ethos I am going for, as this is important to great a coherent magazine.

Research into Similar Products: Pop Music Magazines

Here is a 3 of the current magazines on the market that are targeted for fans of the pop genre. They are typically advertised to appeal to young and teenage girls. I will analyse the magazine for the generic codes and conventions of a magazine and the ones that are required to create a well rounded pop genre magazine. 

Masthead: The masthead is clear on the page. This quickly identifies the magazine to the reader. It is bold as it uses vibrant colours - Blue and Pink - and the font also adds a fun and exciting feel the front cover. This presents the magazine to be energetic and entertaining. 

Cover Star: The cover star is Selena Gomez, a well known pop artist. The image of her is placed in the foreground of the magazine with the rest of the information placed around it - showing she is a part of the magazine and belongs there. The cover star is using direct mode of address - creating a relationship between then and the reader through the use of eye contact. It is effective as it can draw a reader in if they were to see it on a shelf full of other magazines that don't use it. 

Cover lines: The main cover line highlights further that Selena is the main star as it includes her name next to the image, showing they link.   Other cover lines are used around the page, giving clues on what is included inside. This is the first set of clues that are reader receives, on whether or not this magazine is for them. 

Colour Scheme: The colour scheme is the same throughout the cover creating a house style for the magazine. Not too many colours are being used keeping it professional and not overwhelming. However the colours that are used are effective in give the vibe of the magazine. By using colours that appeal to teenagers they are ensuring that they reach the correct target audience. The two colours work together creating a coherence on the page. The colour also does not swap the image of the cover star which is important as it is the main focus. 

Blocking: The cover lines and masthead are positioned effectively around the main image. This ensures that there is more than one piece of information on the cover. each story or feature has been included on the page in such away that the page does not become swamped. 

The use of a puff and a pug entices the reader to pick up the magazine. The knowledge of finding free posters in the magazine of their favourite stars will create a big draw for readers. This technique is a pug they are important in magazines like this as readers are more likely to pick up the issue if they will get something out of it. A free poster is pretty good prospect. By saying that Selena 'Secrets Revealed' the magazine is intriguing the reader and making then wonder what these secrets could be. This being used is a puff, as it acts as an exclusive for the reader. This will importantly catch the attention of the reader. 

Masthead: The use of such bright colours on this masthead create an initial Pop of colour on the page. This catches the readers eye and makes them feel wow. It suggests that the magazine is fun and can offer a lot of excitement inside. The masthead creates an atmosphere that would interest the minds of teenagers and older children who may buy or have some buy for them. 

Cover Star: The image of Harry Styles is very simple but tells a story. He is wearing a plain white t-shirt adding no thrills to the image. This shows him to be ordinary and relateable with the reader. He is also using direct mode of address, making it feel as if he is looking out at the reader from the magazine. 

Cover lines: The cover lines on the page are very minimal. By keeping it simple the magazine is showing it is welcoming. The blocking of the cover lines are again used effectively. 

Puffs and pugs are used again. In form of exclusives (from little mix) and free posters and pull out calendars. The magazine is also offering the chance to win signed objects (from little mix and stooshe) which will interest the reader. All of these techniques will work together to draw in the audience. 

Colour scheme: It is very laid back but uses plenty of colour. It uses many of the colour typical to pop music magazines and the genre in general. 

A barcode, dateline and price is also included on this magazine, showing it is a reputable and professional magazine



Masthead: The masthead is once again big bright and bold on the page. It is there to make sure the reader known what magazine they are picking up. It is positioned behind the main image but is still able to be seen. By putting it behind the artists the focus is being put on them. 

Skyline: Offers another reminder of a story included above the image. It shows the reader more insight into the content that is inside. 

Cover stars: On this magazine there is not a single cover star. Three images of artists are included as the cover stars. All of them still use direct mode of address. The way they dress shows there personality. 

Cover lines: The stories on the front fill the page, showing there is plenty to enjoy inside. 

Colour Scheme: The house style of the magazine is very bright and bold which matches the ethos of the magazine. It aims to create entertainment and enjoyment. 

Photography: This magazine uses many images on its cover giving visual clues into what is involved inside. By giving images the reader has a clear picture of what to expect and they will know even without reading a single word. 

A barcode, dateline and price is also again used on this We Love Pop magazine, showing it is a reputable and professional magazine that can be found on the market. 

From analysing these three magazines I have discovered what needs to be included in my own magazine. My research has shown me that a bright and catchy masthead is important to creating the correct feel for the magazine. Colour Scheme is also vital, along with correct photography. On the magazines I have looked into most of them use direct mode of address in there images, this is what  I wish to also use to create the correct feel for my magazine. Used often on pop magazines are puffs and pugs - these are critical to engaging with readers and initially drawing them in to read. They are common and want to use them in my work. Other things used that I wish to also use are barcodes, datelines and prices. 

I will use this research to guide me on my own magazine, to ensure I create the correct ethos and feel. 

Research into Similar Products: Full Magazine Analysis

Here I have put together 3 images took from the same issue of the 'Q' magazine. The front cover, contents page and double spread all have the main cover star Cheryl Cole featured. Each image matches and all have similarities which are connected to the style of the magazine. This shows how all three features of a magazine relate to each other. 

Front Cover.

Cheryl Cole is the main cover star, this shown through the image  - this shows she will be the main article within the magazine and will take up the double page spread. Her pose is very unusual and seductive. She is using direct mode of address to engage with her fans. Her picture is positioned behind the masthead to show the magazine isn't just about her. Only one image is used on the cover to ensure that enough information can fit on the page. The main cover line is also about Cheryl, it is large and takes up the full width of the bottom of the page. The font of the cover line is different, to show that Cheryl has a different side and can rock in her own rights. Other cover lines are blocked around the image effectively - showing the stories inside, so the audience knows what to expect. The whole cover is centered around the magazines house style, the colours solely used are red,white, grey and black. This creates coherence and shows the magazine has a sense of style and has its own personal identity that can be recognized. All of the fonts used work well together - they can all be read and create an urban energetic feel.  

Contents Page 

This contents page takes up two pages, which is typical for Q magazine. It has an image of the front cover in the right hand corner - so when the read turns the page they will see it. It also creates a clear link between the both of them. The Q masthead is again used on the contents page and it is advertised as 'Q contents.' More images are seen on the contents page but the main one seems to be the one of Cheryl Cole, clearly labelled with the page number of her feature. This image is a full body image, it shows her in a alternative rocky outfit , this links to the word rock in the cover line on the front cover. The rest of the stories in the magazine are written around with the page numbers clearly highlighted so the reader can find there way around. The contents page also shows what issue this magazine is, which matches with the cover. All of the other images are alternative suggesting this magazine does not follow the crowds and offers something different to music.  The colour scheme also carries on being red, black and white. This is a further link. 

Double Page Spread 

This page is dedicated solely to Cheryl Cole. There are two different pictures of her. the first is a full page image of her on the right hand side. This means as the reader turns the page it is the first thing they see. A big red C is used in the background of the text which is Cheryl's initial. This adds something different to the page and also keeps the use of the red going. There is limited text making the pictures the main features. A quote is given from Cheryl to make it personal to her. 

Research into Similar Products: Full Magazine Analysis

Here I have put together 3 images took from the same issue of the 'NME' magazine. The front cover, contents page and double spread all have the main cover stars  band 'Royal Blood' featured. Each image matches and all have similarities which are connected to the style of the magazine. This shows how all three features of a magazine relate to each other. 

Contents Page.

Front Cover.

On the front cover there is an image of the duo 'Royal Blood.' They look like they are leaning back to back with each other. They are the cover stars and their story looks like it will be the main one of the issue as it says 'their first cover story.' This is advertised as a puff, as it uses the word EXCLUSIVE! which is used to entice readers. They will feel as though they are missing out if they do not read. The due are both using direct mode of address, this further engages with the reader. Royal Blood are highlighted as the cover stars as it is them on the front cover and the main cover line is about them as well. On the cover you can also find other cover lines, on other stories in the magazine and other artists that go on to be mentioned. This shows that the magazine has plenty of stories for the reader to be interested in, they are then more likely to find at least one story that appeals to them. The magazine NME masthead is very clear on the cover and is positioned behind the image but clearly identifies the magazine. The magazine cover uses red, white and black font which matches the house style of the magazine, it also ties in with the masthead.The font used is very edgy which matches the ethos of the magazine. The same font is used for all of the text as it all works well together as it is easy to see on the page and read. The font is also used generally in NME magazine editions also adding to the house style, making is stand out to readers who read frequently. 

NME contents page talks about whats inside the magazine. It has a regular feature section with features in all issues, There is also a features section, at the top of this is an image of royal blood. Direct mode of address is used again, making them feel as though they are reaching out the reader. The page number of the story is clear identified along with a short explanation about the story, offering clues for the reader. The colour scheme of the contents page is once again a carry on from the front cover - red, black and white.The font is also the same as the one from the front cover. Creating a successful link between them. The use of the red highlights certain aspects of importance and the black boxing focuses the reader.  

Double Page Spread.

An image of the due is placed in the center of the spread. They are not using direct mode of address like in other images but this does not take away the feature being engaging enough. There is more text on the page then image, as it is a first exclusive so there is plenty to say. There is no specific heading. Little colour is used on the page , as the font is in black. However there are some red and black highlighted sections. These colour choices all relate back to the cover and contents page showing a relationship between them. The fonts are also very similar to the ones used throughout the magazine.

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Research into Similar Products: Full Magazine Analysis

Here I have put together 3 images took from the same issue of the 'TOP of the POPS' magazine. The front cover, contents page and double spread all have the main cover star Justin Bieber featured. Each image matches and all have similarities which are connected to the style of the magazine. This shows how all three features of a magazine relate to each other. 

Justin Beiber (Canadian Singer) is featured as the main cover stage, this is show as he is the main cover image on the front cover, As he is the cover star it means the main article will be about him. This is also suggested by the cover line which mentions him (Justin: "I was bullied.") This cover line uses anchorage text, as it gives the reader a clue on what the article on Justin is about. In the image of Justin he is using direct mode of address, making it feel as if he is engaging with the audience. The masthead is placed in front of the image, which makes it feel apart of the magazine. All of the other cover lines on the front cover use a similar colour scheme (Pink, red, white and black)  they are all easy to read and go together seamisly. They also reflect the young and fun theme of the magazine. The bold colours also ensure the writing is seen over the top of the image. The masthead of the magazine is used on all editions, but sometimes the colour is swapped depending on the theme and colours of the issue. The use of the masthead makes the magazine recognsable for readers to pick off the shelves. The font used on the cover is very boxy and bold creating an exciting nut simple feel. It is generic to be used on the magazine as it sticks out and works well. 

The contents page has an image of the front cover of the magazine at the top of the page, with annotated page numbers for the stories on the cover - this is not only a useful tool for the reader but also creates a link between the two pages. As well as the annotated cover, the pages and there stories are clearly labelled and displayed in separated grouped boxes which take up most of the page after the image. The colours from the front cover are carried on to the contents page creating a link between them. Certain stories are highlighted this includes the story on Justin Bieber. 

On the double page spread of Justin Bieber there are two images, in both Justin uses direct mode of address. This makes the reader feel as though story is going out to them personally. The heading "YES I was Bullied" links to the anchorage text on the front cover, linking his story to the cover line. It shows the reader that they have found the right story in the magazine. The story also has an important message about bullying, so a section on help and advice is included on the spread. This is important as the magazine is for teenagers who may also experience the same things. By using a young artist the magazine is appealing to younger target audiences. The font of the heading also matches that of the font on the cover, and so does the font of the text. 

Research into Similar Products: My Music Genre

The music genre I want to do for my magazine on is Pop,

 I have researched the Pop genre to look at the conventions that are followed for a successful magazine. This genre is very relatable and mainstream. It offers a great variety of options and is very adaptable."Pop music" simply means popular music, as it is known to produce the most hits. It can be produced by individuals or even bands. Pop music currently in the charts borrows elements from a range of other styles including dance, hip-hop, country and rock. Pop music is usually very relatable, so all audiences can enjoy the music. It can also be produced for large target audiences to enjoy, as it uses mixes of different genres. The Pop genre is constantly changing shape, artists find themselves adapting there music to fit current trends and modern audiences. Competition within in the pop industry is huge as artists compete to get to the top of the charts, they can only do this by being versatile in their music. 

Most artists of the pop genre can be found on a range of social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) and television programmes (doing live performances and interviews), as they are well known within the music and media world. By producing music that appeals to huge audiences artists can receive more attention. This increases their record sales and fan bases

There are hundreds of successful pop artists and bands, including Ellie Goulding, Justin Bieber, One Direction, Katy Perry, The Vamps, Jess Glynne , Olly Murs etc. The most successful pop artists are usually known worldwide as their music is internationally understood. 

Research into Similar Products: The Pop Genre

Clothing Choices 

 What an artist wears is critical to the way they come across. If they make the wrong clothing choices then it can damage their reputation, but if they make the correct ones then it can build a big fan base, as they will become an icon.   

Jess Glynne

Olly Murs

 The clothing worn by pop artists is usually fashionable. Pop artists will normally wear clothing that is currently very popular in society, as it makes them more relatable to larger audiences. Audiences will aspire to be like them, and fans would begin paying interest into what they can buy to be like them. A lot of the outfit choices are designer wear. However artists can be more unique and personal, staying away from what they are expected to wear. Some options may also be controversial. This can be either completely wacky or just a little out of the ordinary that’s stereotypically expected. An example of an artist who does this is Lady Gaga, who finds fame for wearing a variety of weird outfit choices. She has worn a dress made out of meat as a way to remembered. People were not impressed but she made headlines and was being spoke about. 

Lady GaGa in her meat dress that cause major controversy.

The presentation of an artist is vital to their success, as well as clothing  hair and makeup is also key to this. It can be used so an audience is being communicated to, an artists image and message go together to ensure they are understood for the artist they want to be. 

Nicki Minaj's makeup is not typical
however it matches her style of  being
edgy and non traditional with her music.

Rhianna's Red Hair, caused her fans
to become influenced to
want their hair the same colour.

Within the pop genre artists are always changing their hair, makeup and the way they dress. This is too ensure they stay current and fit in with the current trends of the pop genre.

Photography - 

Justin Timberlake - offers sophistication in the
way he stands. 

Katy Perry - the way she is pictured
is seductive.

Pop artists often tend to have a particular image that they will try to

convey in music videos and photography, ranging from innocence, to sexuality, to rebelliousness. Artists use photography to portray them as the artist they want to be. Singers like Katy Perry, often use sexual and seductive body language and facial expressions in music videos as well as photo shoots to lure audiences in. Her music also matches this, so her as an artist is coherent. The provocative way that some artists portray themselves appeals to many audiences, and therefore draws attention and fans. Another popular convention in the pop genre, is that the artists will often tend to be making eye contact with the reader during direct mode of address. This is to create a relationship and convey the friendliness and reliability for them as an artist. The lighting used tends to be high-key, illuminating the artist or band's face, which as the artist is usually good looking, attracts more readers. By using lighting to highlight the artist, a focus is put on them as a package that is being sold to fans. Other Pop artists use photography to present a class and professional feel which is often used by mainly male or older artists.

Colour - 

 The colours associated with Pop music are bright, primary colours, creating connotations of happiness and fun. Artists want to be presented as warm and relatable, so it is important that the colours used aren’t overwhelming and don’t put people off. The colours used in this genre stand out in comparison to other genres, other genres are often dark and cool. But pop is normally very bright, noticeable and eye catching which adds a different feel. 

Colour Examples used within the Pop Genre

Drafting and Planning: Investigating Typography

We were given a selection of magazine covers, all 6 of them have the same masthead (VIBES), Cover Star and other features including the dateline, price and bar code. They all had the same cover line but used different fonts. The task we were given was to the order them from 1 to 6 on the fonts they have used and the effectiveness of them being used on the magazine. The idea of this task is to understand the importance of typography. Typography is the art and technique of arranging movable text, it is about the texts appearance and not its language. This task will show me the importance of using the correct typography to ensure a magazine ethos is matched . I will able to look back at this post and focus on what I have learnt when I make the decisions on the font I am going to be using in my final magazine pieces. It is developing my analytical skills and also helping me investigate the values of font choices and the conscious decisions on the layout. 

Each magazine has been ordered by me, depending on their effectiveness and appeal on the page. I am happy with the overall order and I hope this task will help me in the future to focus on the value of font choice. 

A (4) - Font A is too generic and it is too formal for this type of magazine. It adds no excitement to the page.

B (2) - This font is edgy and boxy which matches not only the ethos of the magazine but also the artist. Christina Aguilera is an edgy artist in her own rights, so this font matches her style to. The boldness of the font also adds to the mechanical feel of the magazine.

C (5) - Font C comes in at 5 as it comes across as too childish and simplistic, which is not the style that is being presented by the rest of the magazine. It is also not eye catching enough on the page so has not impact on the reader.

D (6) -  To me this font was the worst out of the six. To start off with it is hard to read and too sophisticated for the magazine ethos. To me it is too girly and old school as it is often used in historical text pieces meaning it doesn't match the genre.

E (1) - I chose this font as the best one in my opinion. This was because it adds coherence to the page as it matches the font of the masthead. As they both match I believe it shows the relationship between the artist and magazine.

F (3) -  This font doesn't completely stand out as it is basic. It shows no personality and doesn't present a new urban feel in which the magazine is trying to reach.

Research into Similar Products: Double Page Spreads

This is my annotated double page spread where I have analysed the layout, font, colour, photography and text which can be used to make a good successful double page spread which can be found in a magazine. All of these features are important to supply a positive impact on the reader.

Layout - 

The page is taken up mostly by the image of the artist . This shows that the artist 'Adele' is the center of attention for this feature. The heading is also large on the page on the left hand side. The size of the heading leaves little space for text - this means that the reader is focused more on the heading and image then the writing. Underneath the heading there is a further subheading - which gives the reader more information what the feature is about without them even reading it. It also comes from the writer, so the writer is known. The Writing is left to the minimum because a lot of writing can be seen as overwhelming and this can unintentionally intimidate some readers. 

Photography - 

The main image takes up the whole of the page - meaning it is the first thing the reader will see when they turn the page on. The image is clear and the reader will know straight away who the feature is about. The use of a close up on the artists face make her purpose clear - she is on the page to tell as story. The image is in black and white, adding a touch of class to the page. The use of black and white imagery reflects the mature and strong look that Adele has. 

 

Fonts -

The font of the heading is bold and strong, but is not traditional. The sharp edges of the font give power to the page and show that the artist stands out. The font throughout follows each other effectively creating intentional coherence.

Colours -

The  the page is grey background with black text, linked with a black and white image of the artist. . The use of black and white on the rest of the page gives it a simplistic feel as the reader is given more time to take in to information with out having to work against overbearing coloured font. The colour scheme reflects the professionalism and class of the artist. 

Research into Similar Products: Double Page Spreads

This is my annotated double page spread where I have analysed the layout, font, colour, photography and text which can be used to make a good successful double page spread which can be found in a magazine. All of these features are important to supply a positive impact on the reader.

Layout - 

The page is taken up mostly by the image of the artist on the right hand side of the page. This shows that the artist 'Beyonce' is the centre of attention. The heading is then positioned on top of the left hand side of the page above the text. The heading is spaced out effectively as it is large enough to stand out but leaves plenty of space for the text. It also doesn't dominate the image which comes across as the main focus of the double page feature. In the top right hand corner above the image is a small caption which is no immediately noticeable, however the image does draw your attention closely to it. It says 'women of the year' which tells the reader that the feature is about a women who is strong and influential in the world. The text is split into two columns, which are placed solely on the left hand side of the page. Writing is left to the minimum because a lot of writing can overwhelm the page and intimidate some readers. 

Photography - 

The main image takes up the whole of the page - meaning it is the first thing the reader will see when they turn the page on. The image is clear and the reader will know straight away who the feature is about. The use of a close up on the artists face make her purpose clear - she is on the page to tell as story. The artist is looking straight out towards the reader suggesting she wants to connect with her audience. The way Beyonce is stood links to the word fierce in the heading, as she is coming across as powerful and determined. 

 Fonts -

The font of the heading is linking to the words which are being presented. The word 'fiercely' is a strong word with the connotations of someone or something being bold - this is shown through the way the word is written, it is in a very bold stand out font. This technique is used again with the word 'creative' the font that has been chosen is unusual and not typically used, however this it gives an artistic feel. The same font is used through out the text creating coherence. 

Colours -

A two toned black and purple background is used across the two pages. This is split up by the grey background of the image. The colour on the page adds a metallic and creative tone to the page. The heading font is in white which pops off the page due to the colour behind it.The rest of the text is also in white instead of typical black. Using white means that the words are not lost within the colour. If black was used the text would become a blur on the page. The image is also in full colour which adds a natural feel to the page, as the artist is seen as she would in real life. Making her more welcoming and warm on the page.