Consolidating my Research

Front Cover:

From the first research I did, I liked the fact that the font used in the masthead reflects the genre the magazine is trying to represent, and I am going to try and incorporate this into my front cover. I also liked the fact that the subject is portrayed in a very studious manner, again portraying the genre the magazine is trying to represent, and I am going to try an incorporate this with my front cover. Also,I liked the fact that the cover has a lot of white space, which conveys a more classy look, which could be something I use on my front cover. However, I didn't like the fact that there are no instruments on the front cover, which is something I need to take into consideration when I design my front cover.

From my second research, I liked the fact that the masthead is very simplistic and doesn't take up much room on the cover, leaving more space for the image and cover stories. I also liked the fact that the subject of the image is moving, rather than standing still like in my last analysis, and this is something I could include on my front cover. However, I didn't like the use of blue coloured font on the cover as I feel this breaks the brand identity, so this is something I could avoid on my front cover.

From the third research I liked the fact that the masthead uses sans serif font as it fits well with the genre. I also liked the fact that the subject of the image has been given a prop that represents their genre of music, which is something I could try to use on my cover. However, I didn't like the use of text boxes on the front cover that cover up the image, which is something I will try to avoid.

From my genre specific research I liked the way the subject's costume contradicted the colour of the masthead, which is something I could look to include. I also feel the breaking of convention by placing the masthead of the subject works well in this instance, so I could consider this. I liked the use of Dyer's theory of representation in the cover image, so I will look to comply with his theory for my magazine. However, I didn't like the background colour of the image, so this is something to avoid for my magazine.

Contents Page:


From my first contents analysis I liked the fact that the contents page is very visual, with lots of images and articles featured on there, which is something I could look to include on my contents. I also liked the fact that the contents page took up two pages, enabling more articles to be put on there, which is something I could look at doing too. However, I didn't like the use of lots of different colours for the puffs with the page numbers, and this is something I will try to avoid on my contents.



From my second analysis I liked the fact that the contents contains details on how to subscribe, and this is something I could use in my contents. I liked the fact that the contents contains publisher details, which is something that would appeal to older readers, and I could consider this for my contents. Also, I liked the serif font used for the main heading of 'in this issue', and could consider using this font for my contents. However, I didn't like the lack of text wraaping, which is something I would have expected to see in a contents page. 








From my third analysis I liked how the subject had minimal make up, implying the focus should be on her work and not her, and this is something I could look to include in my magazine. I liked how the contents is plit into two columns, regular and special features, and text wrapped around the subject, and this is something I could look to include in my contents. However, I didn't like the use of a banner across the bottom, so perhaps I could avoid this in my magazine.

DPS:

From the first DPS analysis I liked the way the pull quote is text wrapped into the article, and this is something I would look to use in my article. I liked the way the title of the article references things that will be mentioned in the article, and this is something I would to use in my DPS. However, I didn't like the extravagance of the font used in the title, so I would use a less extravagant font for my article.

From my second analysis I liked the fact that the images broke convention by having the captions on them, and this is something I could look to use in my magazine. I liked the fact that the image creates synergy by ensuring main brown colour is featured throughout the image and is reflected in background objects, which is something I could look to use in my images. However, I didn't like the small portrait image used as it seems as though it was an afterthought, placed there after the article was complete and forcing text wrapping, therefore this is something I will look to avoid in my magazine.


From my third analysis, I liked the fact that Hall's theory of language and audience was used in the image, and I could look at incorporating this somewhere in my magazine. Also, I like the style of text used for the headline, and could look at using a similar font in my magazine. I didn't like the lack of dropped capitals in this article, and would therefore avoid this and follow convention.

Research - Star Images in magazines

In the image on the right the subject has been manipulated to portray a certain image to the audience. This complies with Dyer's theory of representation. The subjects costume has been chosen to match the colour of the violin, complying with Dyer as the subject would not have consciously made the decision to coordinate colours. Also, his facial expression is moody, which matches the tone of the black background as it give a particularly moody feel. His facial stubble also adds to the moody feel his expression is giving.

In the image on the right, the subject has been manipulated to portray a certain genre to the audience, which complies with Dyer's theory of representation. She would not have woken up holding a conductors baton, or with her hair and makeup done like this, which implies she has been manipulated to fit a certain theme. Also, she complies with Mulvey's male gaze theory, as her make up and smile make her more attractive to male readers, inviting them to pick up the magazine.

Again, the image on the right complies with Dyer's theory of representation, as the subject's facial expression is quite a serious and studious one, which was a conscious decision by the photographer, in order to accurately represent the genre. The serious and studious feel is also represented by the black blazer worn by the subject. The facial hair on the subject gives a more rugged and rough feel, which breaks convention as subjects for classical music magazines are generally very clean and crisp. The rough and rugged feel is also portrayed by the subject's hair, which is wild and curly, again breaking convention as male hair in this genre is usually quite straight and calm. 

As with all images above, the image on the right complies with Dyer's theory of representation. This is evident as the subject has her hair curled and make up done, which is an unnatural look, implying that her look has been manipulated to look a certain way. This is also seen in the jewellery she can be seen wearing around her neck. Again, this is not natural, therefore implying her image has been manipulated to fit genre. Unlike the other image with a female, this image does not comply with Mulvey's male gaze theory, as her hair, makeup, and facial expression are manipulated to appear sophisticated and professional, complying with the stereotypes of the genre.

Planning - Initial Ideas: Double Page Spread

For my DPS I will use the same model that I will use for my front cover. She will have the same makeup, hair, and costume as she will on the front cover. I could use the same location, however this will become repetitive, so I could use a different location within the forest, perhaps leaning against a tree or at the bottom of hill. I would change the type of shots I used, mixing between high angled, medium, and close up shots. I will take a variety of photographs, and then decide in the editing process how many photos to place on the DPS.

Planning - Initial Ideas: Contents Page

For the main article section of the contents page I will use the same model as I used for the front cover. Their hair, costume, and makeup will be the same as on the front cover, however I may change the location and have this image be a studio shot on a plain background. This would keep with conventions of my genre.

I may also use a close up image a printed orchestral score for a link to a cover story, as well as an over the shoulder shot of someone playing a piano. For this shot I would ask my model to wear a black blazer to give the impression that they are performing in a concert. If I decide to use a female model for this shot, I would ask them to tie their hair in a bun to give a studious feel.

I would like to have a photo of a male model playing an instrument (perhaps a clarinet or trumpet) to give me an extra contents story. The model would wear a white shirt, black tie, and black trousers, and be wearing minimal make up. This would be a studio shot, and I think the best type of shot for this image would be a medium shot.

I may also use a shot of a conductor, again to give me an extra contents story. This would be a medium shot, with my model wearing black and white (traditional concert dress). Their hair and makeup would be simplistic. Again, this would be a studio shot.

Planning: Initial Ideas - Front Cover

For my front cover image I am thinking about breaking a convention for my genre. Generally, front cover images for classical magazines are taken in a studio with plain, monotone backgrounds. However, for my image I want to have my subject stood in front of an exciting background, taken on location. The location I have in mind is my local forest, in front of the lake there. I am thinking about using a medium long shot, however this can be experimented with on location. This shot would be great as the lake would give me lots of whitespace over which to put my headline and sub-headline while still making an intriguing image, and I believe that, given the time of year (autumn), I can create synergy between the colour of the violin and the colour of the leaves both on the ground and still on the trees.

I have a couple ideas regarding my subjects makeup. I believe that following convention and keeping the makeup minimalist and natural would create a fantastic image, however I am also entertaining the possibility of creating further synergy by matching my subjects eye makeup and lipstick colour to that of the violin and leaves around her. I believe this would also create a fantastic image, but it would break convention. I could take photographs with both styles of makeup on location, before coming to a final decision in the editing process.

Again, I have a couple of ideas regarding my subjects hair. I am caught in two minds as to whether the hair should be straight, or slightly curled. I may have to trial the styles with my subjects, as redoing hair on location would be very difficult.

I am thinking about my subjects costume being a black dress with black flat shoes. I have chosen this because it follows conventions, and is stereotypical of the classical music genre, and would therefore indicate to my audience clearly the genre of my magazine.

Research - Contents 3 Jazzwize February 2014

How this research has helped me:

• I like how the subject has minimal make up, implying the focus should be on her work and not her, and this is something I could look to include in my magazine.
• I like how the contents is split into two columns, regular and special features, and text wrapped around the subject, and this is something I could look to include in my contents.
• I don't like the use of a banner across the bottom, so perhaps I could avoid this in my magazine.

Research: Locations Used in Existing Magazines

• I liked the use of background to infer things about the subject and genre (e.g. snow = icy nature), and this is something I could look to use in my magazine.
• I liked the way the image was used to link to the headline and masthead for one magazine, and perhaps I could look to include this somehow.
• I didn't like the relaxed connotations I took from the Rap image, so I need to be mindful about the connotations my audience will take from my images.

Planning Post: Star Image

I am going to create a rising star for my Star Image. She will be a classical instrumentalist (probably violinist) who has reached stardom at an early age. This will appeal to my target audience as it will show them that it is possible to achieve great things at a relatively early age. It was also a conscious decision for my model to be female, as this will appeal to a portion of my target audience and show them that women can be successful, which follows the social movement at the moment for women to have equal rights and opportunities as men.

My star will have been playing her instrument from a very young age (around 3/4 years old) and will have achieved her Grade 8 at around 9/10 years old. The focus of the article will be her invitation to perform with the Andre Rieu Orchestra on their latest world tour.

I want to create an image that is not stereotypically classical, so that it appeals to my target audience, but still keeping most of the conventions so that it is identifiable as a classical music image. Her makeup will be minimal and natural, with a modern hairstyle, possibly curls. Her costume will be a dress with flat shoes, however the colour of the dress could be experimented with.

Overall, I believe this plan will create an enticing star image and double page spread article that will appeal to my target audience, and follow conventions well, whilst breaking a couple to add my own spin to the genre.

Research DPS 3 - Q Magazine

Pictured right is a double page spread from the May 2014 issue of Q Magazine.











The main headline of the article appears to be written in a sans serif font, and has been given the effect of brush strokes to imply it was painted on a wall by a vandal who wanted to express their feelings. The word 'This' is underlined to add emphasis to it, and relates to the main image, as the subject is trying to tell the reader who they are in a non direct way. Also, the headline is text wrapped around the stand first, which breaks convention as normally the stand first and the headline have their own sections on the page and are not crossed together in this way.

The image itself complies with Dyer's theory of representation. The subject did not wake up holding large sheets of paper, or dressed head to toe in leather, and therefore the subjects image has been manipulated to suit the theme of the article. The cards that are being held by the subject portray a powerful message. The words 'Fight Transphobia' and 'Smash Gender Roles' imply that the subject of the image has been the victim of transphobic and sexist comments, and feels the need to do something about it herself. Her costume is stereotypically punk, therefore relating to the genre of music the subjects band perform, which will be explored in the article. Also, Barthes' semiotics work indexically to suggest that the subject has had to overcome many set backs because of who she is and how she identifies herself.  Also, the words 'fight' and 'smash' could be perceived by Western audiences to mean that things can get quite violent when transphobic and sexist comments are made, and that we have a war on our hands if we want to rid these comments from modern society. The wall featured in the background could symbolise the wall onto which the headline has been painted.

The stand first uses a serif font which contradicts the font used in the headline of the article. This could have been a conscious decision by the editor as the change in font could symbolise the change in the article subjects life. The black text creates synergy in the article between the colour of the headline, the colour of the costume, and the colour of this text. The stand first is also in a red text box, which helps it stand out against the white background of the article.





The article is divided equally into two columns, which follows conventions for magazines. Interestingly, there are no dropped capitals in this article, which breaks convention. Instead of this however, the first four words of the article are written in bold text. Also, there are no pull quotes in this article, which breaks another convention.

Despite the screengrab being slightly blurry, the page number and date of issue can be found on the page, which follows convention.



How this research has helped me:

• I like the fact that Hall's theory of language and audience was used in the image, and I could look at incorporating this somewhere in my magazine.
• I like the style of text used for the headline, and could look at using a similar font in my magazine.
• I do not like the lack of dropped capitals in this article, and would therefore avoid this and follow convention.

Research DPS 2 - BBC Music Magazine February 2014

How this research has helped me:

• I liked the fact that the images broke convention by having the captions on them, and this is something I could look to use in my magazine.
• I like the fact that the image creates synergy by ensuring main brown colour is featured throughout the image and is reflected in background objects, which is something I could look to use in my images.
• I don't like the small portrait image used as it seems as though it was an afterthought, placed there after the article was complete and forcing text wrapping, therefore this is something I will look to avoid in my magazine.

Research DPS 1 - Terrorizer Magazine May 2014

How this analysis has helped me:

• I like the way the pull quote is text wrapped into the article, and this is something I would look to use in my article.
• I like the way the title of the article references things that will be mentioned in the article, and this is something I would to use in my DPS. 
• I don't like the extravagance of the font used in the title, so I would use a less extravagant font for my article.

Research - Target Audience 1

After conducting some Target Audience Research, I have concluded that the best masthead for me to use would be the design below. Despite this only being the second most popular masthead design, I have chosen it as it would be the most visible design on a shelf in a shop. It also breaks conventions as it is handwritten, and most mastheads use a typed font. However, to reflect my research, I will use the scroll effect on the text pictured to the right inside the magazine, perhaps on dropped capitals or the DPS title, as this was the most popular option

Checking my magazine name

I googled the name I had chosen for my magazine to check that it had not been used by another company. Fortunately, the name I have chosen has not been used, so I can use it for my magazine.

Planning: Possible Mastheads

For my magazine, I feel that the name 'Sonata' would be ideal as it links in with my genre very well. For this reason, I have been looking at possible designs for the masthead with this name, and they are shown below.

I really like this design, created using the Magnolia font from 1001 free fonts, however I feel it may be to extravagant for my target audience. I will have do conduct some market research to determine how my audience feels about this design.

I also like this design, created using the Antique Quest ST font from 1001 free fonts. I feel that this design may be aimed at a slightly older audience than my intended age range, so some market research would be a good idea.

I like this design, created using the Escobeta One font from 1001 free fonts. It appears to be hand written, which a lot of classical music is, thus tying in with the genre. Market research would be good to gauge audience opinion on this design.

I like this design, created using the Jury Duty font from 1001 free fonts, as it has a hand written feel about it, once again conforming with genre. Again, market research would be a good idea to gauge audience reception to this design.

I like this design, created using the Asiago font from 1001 free fonts, however it is my least favourite out of the five I have presented as it feels the most basic. Market research may be a good indicator as to whether my target audience feels the same way.

Synergy, Links, and Brand Identity

How the publisher has created Synergy, Links, and Brand Identity between a Front Cover and a Contents Page:

• The publisher has used the same shade of brown in the bottom left sections of both the contents page and the front cover, both representing the same item, creating synergy and a link between the two.
• The publisher has used the same colour font for the masthead, main cover story, and contents title, creating a brand identity.
• The subject of the cover image is once again the main subject of the main image on the contents page, creating a link between the two pages.

Contents Page Research 2 - Brass Band World 2014

Contents Page Research 2 - Brass Band World February 2014 from robbiehall

How this analysis has helped me:

• I like the fact that the contents contains details on how to subscribe, and this is something I could use in my contents.
• I like the fact that the contents contains publisher details, which is something that would appeal to older readers, and I could consider this for my contents.
• I like the serif font used for the main heading of 'in this issue', and could consider using this font for my contents.
• I don't like the lack of text wrapping, which is something I would have expected to see in a contents page.

Front Cover Research 4 - Genre Specific - BBC Music Magazine January 2010

How this research has helped me:

• I liked the way the subject's costume contradicted the colour of the masthead, which is something I could look to include.
• I feel the breaking of convention by placing the masthead of the subject works well in this instance, so I could consider this.
• I liked the use of Dyer's theory of representation in the cover image, so I will look to comply with his theory for my magazine.
• I don't like the background colour of the image, so this is something to avoid for my magazine.

Contents Page Research 1 - Q Magazine June 2014

How this research has helped me:

• I like the fact that the contents page is very visual, with lots of images and articles featured on there, which is something I could look to include on my contents.
• I also like the fact that the contents page took up two pages, enabling more articles to be put on there, which is something I could look at doing too.
• I don't like the use of lots of different colours for the puffs with the page numbers, and this is something I will try to avoid on my contents.

My Chosen Genre

For my music magazine, I have chosen to focus on the genre of Classical Music. I feel that with my own experiences with this type of music, as well as the research I will complete, I will be able to perform well with this genre.



The masthead on classical music magazines generally occupies 1/6th of the page in order to allow the subject of the cover image to be clearly seen. Also, the masthead normally sits behind the head of the image subject, once again allowing the subject to be clearly seen. The colour of the font of the masthead is usually black, white, red or blue, with the two former colours being very common in c
lassical sheet music, and the latter two primary colours perhaps signifying the studious nature of the magazine.

The colours used on the front cover are, once again, very studious colours, such as the blacks, whites, blues, and reds. Once again, this relates into the genre and style of the magazine.

The cover story usually focuses on one artist/group, with the cover image relating to the cover story. As seen in the image on the right, the cover story is about the 25th Anniversary of the group The Three Tenors, and as a result of this they are the subjects of the cover image.

The covers of classical music magazines typically include other features that will be inside the magazine as well as the cover story. These generally include items such as: workshop details, events, concert reviews, sheet music, and advice columns. In the image to the right, four extra articles are listed as being inside the magazine.

The pictures used for classical music magazines often follow the same set of conventions. For example, as in the image on the left, the front cover often uses a medium long shot of the subjects, although this can change. Inside the magazine there are often instrument close ups, long shots of orchestras, and people posing with instruments.

Research - Front Cover Research 3

Pictured right is the third
front cover I have analysed as part of my research; an issue of Acoustic Magazine from October 2016.

The masthead is white in colour, meaning it is instantly recognisable to the reader as Acoustic, as these colours are a convention of this magazine. It is positioned across the top of the magazine, and is situated behind the subject of the front cover, which follows conventions of music magazines. The size of the masthead  follows the conventions of this magazine, and is consistent with the house-style, as it is roughly 1/8 of the page, ensuring that it can still be seen by the reader, but is not overpowering the rest of the front cover. The font used in the masthead is a sans serif font, which could be reflective of the genre of music the magazine is trying to represent. The font used could indicate the style of music within this magazine as its lack of flicks and flare perhaps refer to the simplistic and honest nature of acoustic music genre, linking to the name of the magazine.

The image used on the front cover is of Indie Folk and Country singer Passenger. His image is used as he is the focus of the main article within the magazine, which follows conventions of music magazines. It takes up the whole page with a medium long shot and is positioned centrally on the page, with the main article text placed over the top of him, as well as his name placed behind him. The subject does not appear to be wearing any visible makeup, which indicates a more natural and honest look, which represents the style of music Passenger creates. The natural and honest theme is continued as the subject is pictured only with his guitar, which implies that that is his only tool to create music, instead of all the editing software other musicians use, and that he creates music in its purest form. Also, the fact he has been pictured with his guitar links in to Dyer's theory of representation, as the subject does not carry a guitar around with him all the time, and has therefore been given this prop for the photo shoot in order to represent the genre appropriately.

The feature story is positioned across the centre of the page, and is placed over the image. This enables the reader to infer that this story is the main article within the magazine, and that the subject of the image will be the focus of the article. The colour of the text used in the subheading of the feature story is the same colour used in the masthead, which helps create a brand identity for the magazine, and also contrasts the colour of the text boxes that  they have been placed in. The font used in the subheading to the article is also the same as the masthead, serif, which continues the brand identity that has been created. As well as the single feature story, the cover displays six cover stories and two banners which all link to the genre due to the language used and themes conveyed, which also appeals to the target audience, which I believe to be males and females around 30-40 years old.

The magazine front cover follows the conventions of this genre by featuring an artist on the front cover, and then by including a main article about them. The cover has a moderate amount of white space, which gives it a more upmarket feel. The cover also keeps with the house-style of the magazine, as the masthead is in the same place on the cover as every previous issue and also uses the same colour and font.

How this analysis has helped me:

• I like the fact that the masthead uses sans serif font as it fits well with the genre.
• I also like the fact that the subject of the image has been given a prop that represents their genre of music, which is something I could try to use on my cover.
• I don't like the use of text boxes on the front cover that cover up the image, which is something I will try to avoid.

Research - Front Cover Research 2 Q Magazine April 2014

Pictured below is the second front cover I have analysed as part of my research. It is an issue of Q Magazine from April 2014.

The masthead is red and white in colour, meaning it is instantly recognisable to the reader as Q magazine, as these colours are a convention of this particular magazine. It is positioned in the top left corner of the magazine, and is situated behind the subject of the front cover, which follows conventions of music magazines. The size of the masthead  follows the conventions of this magazine, and is consistent with the house-style, as it is roughly 1/8 of the page, ensuring that it can still be seen by the reader, but is not overpowering the rest of the front cover. The font used in the masthead is a serif font, which could be reflective of the genre of music the magazine is trying to represent. The little flick on the stalk of the Q in the masthead portrays a slightly softer side to the magazine, indicating the magazine could be representing the softer genres of music such as Pop or Country, as appose to the more harsh genres like Rock or Punk.

The image used on the front cover is of R&B Pop artist Lily Allen. Her image is used as she is the focus of the main article within the magazine, which follows conventions of music magazines. It takes up the whole page with a long shot and is positioned centrally on the page, with the main article text wrapped around her. The subject is wearing black eye makeup, which compliments her black leather costume, and they both come together to stereotypically represent the genre of music that the subject performs. Also, her positioning links into this genre, as she appears to be acting violently/acting out, which is another stereotypical trait of this genre. This links in to Dyer's theory of representation, as the subject is not in a natural position, and has therefore been directed to stand a certain way in order to represent the genre appropriately. Also, the image complies with Mulvey's male gaze theory, as the subject is being portrayed as a feisty character and is wearing lots of makeup in order to appeal to men.

The feature story is positioned towards the bottom of the page, and is text wrapped around the image. This enables the reader to infer that this story is the main article within the magazine, and also enables the text to fit with the image better. The colour of the text used is the same colour used in the masthead, which helps create a brand identity for the magazine. The font used in the subheading to the article is also the same as the masthead, serif, which continues the brand identity that has been created, however, the font used in the main headline for the article is sans serif which gives the article a more edgy vibe, which is reflected in the image used. The censored profanity used in the subheading of this article suggests that while it is representing a more edgy genre, the magazine is keen to keep its softer Pop audience, hence the censorship. As well as the singular feature story, the cover displays four cover stories which all link to the genre due to the language used, which also appeals to the target audience, which I believe to be males and females around 20-30 years old.

The magazine front cover follows the conventions of this genre by featuring an artist on the front cover, and then by including a main article about them. The cover has some white space, which gives it a spaced out, but not empty feel. The cover also keeps with the house-style of the magazine, as the masthead is in the same place on the cover as every previous issue and also uses the same colour and font.

How this analysis has helped me:

• I like the fact that the masthead is very simplistic and doesn't take up much room on the cover, leaving more space for the image and cover stories.
• I also like the fact that the subject of the image is moving, rather than standing still like in my last analysis, and this is something I could include on my front cover.
• I don't like the use of blue coloured font on the cover as I feel this breaks the brand identity, so this is something I could avoid on my front cover.