Priliminary: Possible Model Positioning Options For a Front Cover Image

Option One

This mid-close-up-shot is of a model in sunglasses, but still showing direct-address to the camera. she has her hair messily scraped back and is wearing a blue coat. The costume within this image is ideal, as it is modern, yet not too dress making the overall perception more natural rather than too formal or posed for a 6th form magazine. Her facial expression is also quite happy, but not patronizingly so, also its not too posed, it more natural looking. The fact that her hair looks windswept could also be more appealing as, from that you can conclude that the picture wasn't taken from within a school. This is appealing because it means they can relate as it links to their life outside of school too.  The model is also leaning away in this photo, but also is slighting more inclined towards the camera, this makes this model look more nonchalant. Which is actually more appealing as it isn't too patronizing but it makes her seem uninterested but also interested at the same time. This is appealing as it makes the shot look more modern, but also again, makes the picture look more natural.  

Option Two:

This is a mid-long-close-up shot of a model sitting down cross-legged with her head back, with obviously glassless, glasses on. The fact that she is sitting down and looks mellow is easy to relate to and ideal for a school magazine as it common within school to become stressed, hence, this position implies she is not stressed and relaxed, which appeals to the audience and intrigues them. Also, it is uncommon to see someone sitting down within an image for a front cover unless it is to seem seductive, this makes my image particularly unconventional, which is appealing to the audience as it implies a more , unconventional theme will be carried throughout my magazine. The clothing and glasses on the girl are very modern yet they aren't too overstated, or obviously intentionally chosen. This is appealing to the audience as it is not patronising, or trying to be too modern. However, the model does slightly look as if she is in a trance or possibly has taken some form of illegal substance, this is unappealing to my audience and sends the wrong kind of message. The lighting is also quite unnaturally bright in this image, this could make it hard to edit later.




Option Three

This is a mid-close-up shot of a model walking. She is posed away from the camera. Her clothes are very summery and nautical themed, her hair looks natural. Her clothes may be slightly confusing for the audience as based on her dress they may conclude there is a nautical theme within the magazine. This is not the theme I wish to publicise. Although her summery dress sense may may seem more appealing to the audience because it reminds them of the happiness of summer, or of the summer holidays. The way her hair is, again looks slightly wind-swept this is appealing as it makes the magazine look more urban but not too posed. The fact she is showing an indirect address makes the image look less posed which is appealing as it makes the image more natural looking and makes the image look less as formal. In this instance the fact the model isn't looking at the camera could also seem unappealing as it makes it seem she is uninterested which isn't the kind of feeling we wish to create on a specifically school magazine.
 

Preliminary: Possible Settings Choices For a Front Cover Image

Option One:

In the foreground is a metal fencing, in the background is a school, with classrooms and balconies in view. This is ideal for a 6th form magazine, as it is set in a school, and makes them feel related and involved with the magazine. It also clearly shows the subject of the magazine, or its main theme. Its also a bright, natural looking environment, yet the setting is modern. This is appealing to target audience of 6thformers as its not trying to be too modern and grungy. Its modern in a positive way, showing modernism in a 'bright light' as to not be contradicting of a realistic representation of a teenager also, to not seem too patronising. However, there are many negative connotations of the bars, as they symbolise being trapped, this could imply negative connotation of specifically 'school' and 'education' which is the wrong message I wish to imply through my Front Cover. Although, the bars, and the fact its taken from a high angle is what makes this image particularly unconventional which is appealing to the audience, as it will attract them as its unusual also, because it is taken in a familiar enviroment. Although, the fact that its such a familiair enviroment could be un-appealing as they may wish for something different, or the familiarity may seem to much, and turn them away from the magazine.

Option Two:

This is an image taken from a staircase, with an attractive ladscape through a window.The ladscape and setting are appealing to the audience as firstly they are familiar as it is a ladscape/setting they see regularly, hence, it could cause them to be curious and make them think. Secondly, it is appealing to the audience as, it is very unconventional: it is an unconventional place to take a photo for a front cover, even considering it is a school magazine because its a setting (a staircase) that is regularly disregarded at its not a place for main view merely for convenience for example a more conventional place to take a picture for a school magazine would be the entrance, or, the atrium. The main problem with this setting is, its very dark which is firstly quite inconvenient when I come to edit the picture or if i chose to photograph a person infront of this background you won't be able to see them. Once again, there are negative connatations from th cages visible in the image, specifically as they are covering up the landscape in the background as it makes it seem, the cages in the school are caging out the outside world. This not ideal for my front cover as it again, shows my magazine to be against the school which it is in fact the opposite.

Option Three:

This is an image of lockers. This is both conventional and unconventional. It is conventional to see lockers within a school yet, it is unconventional to see them used as a background for a school magazine. By showing the lockers makes the background seem more modern yet, unpactronizingly so as, its not made to look grungy its simply something relavent to school, yet not too relavent that it seems that the magazine may be an education magazine. The connatations of the lockers are also ideal for my magazine as, its a school facility, situated in school but inside your locker are your personal items as well school items, this could symbolize the content in my magazine, being both school related and personal. It is also ideal as it is familiar to the audience. The dark dreary colours of the lockers are quite un-apealing although they do fit in with my colour scheme, also, the dull colour would essentaily make the title stand out even more. Also, the brightness and clearness of the picture would make it easy to edit so it looks more upbeat.  

Preliminary: 1st draft of the layout of my magazine (done in publisher)

Included is:
- An example mid-shot of a teenager
- Example Masthead- including colours that stand out
- Two examples of  featured articles shown in an unconventional way
- One barcode and price

Preliminary: Font options for 'Look at this?'

Option One: Little Lord Fontleroy

This font is appealing to the target audience as it is attractive yet, still clear and easily read. Although this font isn't particularly bold and doesn't stand out very much, its unconventional style irregularly seen, used as a Masthead for a magazine. This may be appealing to the target audience, as it may interest them- making them curious as to why this font may have been used and the connotations of it being used. A possible problem that may arise at the use of this font is the fact that its quite feminine and not very formal there is also a worry that it may not stand out as well as other fonts. This is disconcerting for the audience as it makes them believe this is more a font that should be used for a girls gossip magazine rather than a school magazine. However, if this font is used alongside another formal, more male font, and male colour scheme with formal relevant images- these connotations would be irrelevant.

Option Two: Marcelle

This font -matching with another font used for 'OMG'- is made to look like some form of graffiti this is to make it look more modern, it also in this instance makes a more predominantly female looking font look more male. The modern look is appealing to my target audience as it is suited to their age range and style, although it could be seen as quite patronizing. Also, the patchiness of the writing may make it look less readable. This font is quite fitting with my questionnaire results however, as it is attractive not too feminine, and accompanied by another font can be made more formal. Also, it is not completely unreadable and is appealing to the audience.

Option Three: Chicken Butt

This font is very different to my other two experimental fonts, as it doesn't have the same feminine style of curly italic font. Instead it is more actual graffiti style writing, this makes the font look more modern and stands out more when used a masthead, this is appealing to a younger audience as it is unconventional and different and makes them feel as though they're rebelling. However, I think this font is very outstanding, and wouldn't particularly stand out on a magazine front as it is very plain, and although it is unconventional it isn't very attractive hence, it isn't very appealing to the audience, as based on my questionnaire results they have requested 'Pretty Font'.

Preliminary: Font options for 'OMG!'

Option One: Adelfy Font

This is a suitable font as it is clear, and easily read. It is ideal for the target audience as it is bold -this will attract them, even more so if it is a contrasting colour to the background. It is also ideal for the target audience as although the style of writing is slightly formal, the curl at the end of the 'G' and the uneven sides of the 'M' make the writing seem less formal. This makes this font perfect for young adults, because it is formal enough to seem adult, yet informal enough to seem slightly childish- but patronizingly so. However, I'm slightly worried this font may seem too feminine and may turn a male audience away, although by using a more male colour scheme this may outweigh the feminine style of the font, also accompanied by a more male font for 'Look at this?' it may make the magazine overall seem less female.

Option Two: Old Press

This font is more modern looking due to the graffiti style which is appealing to a more young audience. The rounded edges and missing patches in the writing make the font look ruff, which is also appealing to the audience as it makes the magazine look less formal and more modern. However, this could cause them to believe that it is not formal enough for a school magazine, but alongside more formal writing and relavent articles these negative connotations can be abolished. Contrasting with the last font however, I am slightly worried this font may be too male expecailly alongside a more male colour scheme. Although, if a more female font is used for the other part of the title, it may appealing to both male and female. This style of font is also specifically appealing as it is irregularly used in magazines due to its edginess. Another worry however, is that its not particularly clearly read although it isnt completely unreadable.

Option Three: Media Blackout

This font is particularly bold, this is ideal for a Masthead as it -especailly once in colour- stands out and the filled writing will ecentuate the boldness of the font and make it stand out even more. The rough edges of the font make the writing look modern, this is appealing to target audience as it is not too formal- ideal for a school magazine as it clearly diffrentiates student from teacher, highlighting who the target audience are. Also the uneven M and G again, make the font style look more edgy, appealing to the audience as it is not too patronizingly formal.

Preliminary: Planning my magazine.

Preliminary: Evaluating 'MacLife' in term of Layout and Image

The part of the image gaining visual hierarchy within this front cover is the black writing framed in white. This is because it is darker, and constrasts with the paler scheme of colours in the background. Second is the red image in the left bottom hand side of the image. This isn't particuarly ideal for a magazine as it means that the Masthead is lacking visual hierarchy in comparision to the less as important background image and featured article's title. Possibly, by making the title a matching red shade to the image shown, the headline may stand out more, claiming visual hierarchy. The ratio of words to image, out of 10 is around 3:7, as the image takes up all of the background. However there are no other images. The lack of other images may be seen as a posative thing as it could be due to the fact they did not want to overcomplicate the layout of the magazine. However, it could also be seen negatively because it means there are no images relavent to articles that could attract the target audiene of the articles. The range of hot and cold colours, pale and dark could mean they are trying to appeal to both and male and female audience as there are no colours that specifically lean towards one gender. The font is also not too female nor male. The font is simple, readable- possibly a tad too formal for a university magazine.
The edited image in the background is used to make the magazine look modern, this attracts the target audienece as they are young. However, it could also seem quite patronizing to them- as although they are adults, they are still being presented as children due to the fact they are still in education. This childishness is shown through the bright colour scheme, and the 'star' decorations.
The theme within the articles implies the audience are interested in technology, as the magazine has specifically featured an article about ipods. Also, the name of the magazine is 'MacLife' - 'mac' being a reference to the 'applemac' a laptop popular within University. This implies that the students may also have a lot of money as they can afford expensive, new technology. The other featured article 'Is our campus safe' could imply that safety is important to the target audience.

Preliminary: Evaluation of 'Vocalize' Issue 5 in terms of Target Audience

I think the target audience for Vocalize is young adults, male and female. I base this on the young, edgy, graffiti-looking style font and the bright, bold, upbeat colours. This is specifically attracting the target audience, as, the colours stand out and it is an irregularly used font, this interests the target audience and intrigues them. I also believe this is the target audience due to the theme of the issue: ‘Relationships’, as it is unlikely an adults magazine would use such a vague theme. This implies that a vague theme is used to not over complicate the issue, making it straight-forward and clear for its young, target audience, addressing them directly. The story’s highlighted in the contents page are also obviously directed to a young audience, for example, the ‘love, lust or bust’ quiz, or ‘weirdest celebrity couples’, this clearly addresses the target audience, making relevant and targeted articles for them. Also, the subheading used on the front page –‘we delve into your friendships, love lives and families’- is directly addressing the target audience through the use of the pronoun ‘your’. On the right hand side of the front cover is a woman in her wedding dress looking happy and excited. She is being portrayed as in a strong relationship –showing its relevance to the theme of the magazine. By having an image of someone on their wedding day is relevant to the theme of the magazine; it also targets the young audience, showing them love, which interests them.

In 1984 Lasswell gave his theory on the consumption of media products, his theory fits this particular media product quite well, saying there are 4 main reasons why this product may be consumed. One being for surveillance, meaning they will be reading this product to gain information, an article that gives information is the advice page.  Two being correlation, three being cultural transmission and finally entertainment. Entertainment particularly suits this product and it is its soul-purpose, and target to entertain the target audience.  Bulmer and Katz later re-evaluated and extended this theory, saying that one main reason for consumption of media is, Diversion. They believed that people may read a magazine such as this as a distraction, the articles suit this theory for example ‘weirdest couples’- although some may say this is for surveillance as it gives information, I don’t think this information is particularly beneficial intellectually hence, it is used as a type of diversion and entertainment. Bulmer and Katz second consumption specification is ‘personal relationships’ this is again targeted in the articles for example ‘teachers relationships’ or ‘agony aunts’ where you can empathise with people problems, and give them responses making you feel a personal relationship with the people.  Another group is personal identity; this is highlighted in the magazine through the agony aunt column, where frequent problems are mentioned and responses given, it gives the student the chance to see themselves within those problems, and the people. The final one being surveillance which was mentioned before in Lasswell’s theory.

Preliminary: Analysis of 20 Students Results of my 6th form Survey

1. What colour scheme is more appealing to you personally?

Red, Orange, Yellow, White

Dark Green, Light Green, White, Black

Black, Dark Blue, Light Blue, White, Grey

Red, Blue, Green, Black, White

Any/Every Colour

Results:

I asked this question in order to find out the most popular colour scheme which will be used in my magazine, ensuring it is ideal for my target audience and will attract them to my magazine. I asked both male and females of my target age to get an even responce. As the results show the most popular colour scheme is 'Black, Dark Blue, Light Blue, White, and Grey’. Leaving 'Dark Green, Light Green, White, Black' and 'Any/Every Colour' in joint second place. These results lead me to believe that the most popular colour scheme voted for would be an ideal colour scheme for my magazine. As it has been proven preferred by the school students. Personally, I think this may cause the problem of a more male colour scheme being chosen for a unisex magazine. However, based on the results shown above, that doesn't seem to be an issue for the females who answered my questionnaire, hence, this colour scheme is the most ideal for my magazine. It is suitable for my target age range as it isn't too corporal but its still sophisticated enough to not seem patronising. The colour scheme of blues, white and black chosen is ideal for my magazine as it can be seen as both formal and informal; ideal for a young-adults enviroment.

2. What is the name of the font you most prefer to be used as a title for a 6th form magazine? (Leave unanswered if you have no preference) -12 responses are below-

Pretty writing

Calibri

Impact

Baskerville Font

Tohama 

Results:

The aim of this question was to find a range of reasonable fonts for a magazine title aimed at my target audience, strait from them. The most popular font mentioned was 'Calibri'. Which is a more formal choice of font. I didn't expect such a formal font to be chosen by a young audience, because it doesn't seem ideal for the target audience, however, it does in some sense suit the purpose of the magazine- to inform. As, it is not too overcomplicated: it is easy to read. This is similar to 'Impact' -another font mentioned by two different questionnaire responses. Consequently this could imply that based on my results, my target audience would desire a font that is clear and readable, yet attractive, also for it to not be too formal - some even saying they want the font to be 'pretty'. This means for my magazine I must find a font that suits both purposes, being both formal, yet informal, and both attractive and easily read.
 

3. What are your interests or preferences?

Sport/Exercise

Art/Photography

Socializing

Reading

Music

Other

Results:

By asking this question I hoped to find what my target audience does in their spare time, and their interests. I hoped, this would lead me to ideas for relevant articles for my magazine in order to attract them to the magazine. Also, for the interests of students to possibly be featured in the title or, in featured articles on the cover of my magazine, again, to ensure that I am making a magazine relevant and interesting for my target audience. The most popular response to this question -shown in the pie chart above- is 'Music'. This leads me to believe I should feature a range of music-based articles, for example, up&coming music events, musical opportunities in school, top 20 songs this week/month/year etc. The second most popular hobby the students undertook in their spare time was reading, this could imply that they shouldn't be too fazed by long articles or would prefer them. This means I should or could include relatively long articles in my magazine without complaint from the students, or a of loss of concentration.

4. What do you feel shouldn’t be put into a 6^th form magazine?

Fashion

Games (such as crosswords)

Competitions

Celebrity information

Other

Results: 

I asked this question in order to find out clearly was the students specifically didn't want included in their magazine. This was to ensure that there wouldn't be something initially off-putting at their first look at my magazine. The two most common response to this question were 'Fashion' and 'Celebrity information'. I anticipated for these to be the two most popular answers as, they are the two most irrelevant features for a 6th form magazine in the list of options. This portrays the audience as less material, which could imply either they are more self involved and uncaring for the life of others or what others think of them, or that they are uncaring of such irrelevant information I do not intend to feature in articles that include fashion or celebrity information, firstly because the student evidently don't wish for them to be featured, secondly I don't think they would suit the formality magazine.  Another common response to this question was the rejection of 'competitions'. I am relatively surprised by this response, as i thought some students may be interested in possible opportunities, but understand that the students will be more than likely more interested in their education than entering petty competitions, hence, I don't plan to include them in my magazine.

5. Why are you more likely to read a magazine?

Surveillance (for information)

Diversion (for entertainment/amusement)

Personal Identity (you relate to texts/articles)

Personal Relationships (for social reasons- for interaction)

Results:

I asked this question in order to understand why students read magazines, to essentailly mould magazine into an ideal magazine for them. The most popular responce to this question was 'Diversion' meaning most students tend to read magazines as a destraction, in order to gain some form of amusment. This shows me my articles must be amusing and entertaining. This could mean featuring some less educational, informal articles purely for amusement. Although, the second most popular responce slightly contradicts the first, as it mean some people read magazines for information and so, those particular students may be affended by the irrelivant amusing articles. This shows me I should include an even amount of both, amusing, informal possibly funny articles, as well as, informing, educational articles. This is ideal for my target audience, as they ofcourse have 'free periods' in their time table, hence, it means within that time they can browse the magaxine for entertainment while collecting rellavent, educational information.

6. Do you think having a 6th form magazine would be benefiting? (Requires a reason)

Results:

I have asked this question in order to find out not only if students would like a 6th form magazine, but in fact why they would want one. Through this question I intended to find the exact reason why people wanted a 6th form magazine, and how it is benefiting to them personally, in order to decide what I would include in my magazine, and again to find out the students exact reasons for wanting to read it. I then trasfered all my responces into a 'word cloud' this makes all the most popular mentioned words bigger and the least mentioned words smaller. As you can see, the largest word on the screen is 'Yes' this concludes that students would find a 6th form magazine benefitting. Othere larger words are, 'community', 'information', 'targeted'. The repetative use of the word community in context, could mean that students would like a magazine in order to create a sense of community and to feel involved. Also the use of the word 'information' implies that they intend to gain information from a 6th form magazine and so that is a reason for it being beneficail. 'Targeted' could have been used regularly as the students may have been mentioning how it is beneficail for them to have a magazine targeted specifically at them.

7. What style do you believe is more suitable for a 6th form magazine?

Formal

Informal

Results:

Through this question, I intended to find out which style of magazine 6th formers would prefer. Although one option -'informal'- has been selected more times than the the other option -'formal'-, it is not an overwhelming win. This could mean that although most students would prefer the magazine to be, and look more informal some students would prefer the magazine to look more formal. Consequently this persuades me to design a magazine that is both informal and formal, based on the ratio of the results. This means, I will create a magazine that could be percieved as both formal and informal, suiting both the responces and all students.