Creative stage: First and Second draft Double page spread Audience Feedback

Audience Feedback:

"I like the layout and the model as if sitting on the text. Use of colours go well together."

"I like how the model is sitting on the pull quote."

"I really like the layout of the images on the page. And, the grey gradient background"

"I like the big cover line, of the double page feature as well as the pull quotes"

"Try adding your masthead of 'Indie-pendence' as welll as a page number to make it look more like a magazine article and not just an article."

"I really like the font, its brilliant."

"I'm not sure I like the box in the corner, I think the writing looks like it doesn't fit almost."

"The lighting doesn't fully match on the two images of the artists"

"The writing could be smaller, and there could be more content, asking more personal questions"

"Try make the pull quote a bit smaller, to make the artists name stand out more."

"The pull quote in red could be bigger."

Creative stage: First and Second draft Contents page Audience feedback

Audience Feedback:

" The featured section needs to stand out more"

"Good use of language- questions, imperatives"

"Try making it look more conventional by adding some more images that originate from the feature of the magazine"

"Page number, and date"

"You could try putting your masthead on your contents as well"

Creative stage: First and Second draft Front Cover Audience Feedback

Audience Feedback: 

"Some of the cover lines are a bit hard to read because of the thinness of the font? Maybe make the font a bit bigger/thicker"

"I like the way the colour scheme is quite simple"

"The use of colour throughout is clear and neutral, easy to read the text"

"The simple colour scheme doesnt over power the page and allows the image to stand out (focal point). Text stands out in boxes, also, well organised and structured"

" I like the way you've laid the magazine out, having the cover-lines on one side in order to make the model stand out, you might want to add more in the sky line"

"I really like the colours you have chosen- bold and bright. Maybe add more text"

"Make the image less air-brushed"

Creative Stage: Double page spread images

8 final choices.

Creative Stage: Contents page images

Four final choices

Creative Stage: Front cover images

Four final choices for a front cover

Creative Stage: Photo-shoot of the Artist

1. Double page spread: This is a long shot, of the the artist sitting on a bench. The artist is showing an indirect address, this is unappealing as it makes the artist seem almost uninterested, her facial expression supports this. The fact that the artist is taken more naturally, not posed is particularly appealing as it makes the image look more personal, and the audience more involved. The lighting in this image is quite dark, which will make it harder to edit later, also the outline of the artists hair will be hard to crop.

 2. Double page spread: This is a mid-long shot of the
artist. The artist is showing a direct address which is particularly appealing, it communicates directly with the audience, she is also smiling which portrays her more positively. The fact that the image is closer is also more appealing as it shows more of the artists clothes, but also makes the image of the artist clearer, which is ideal when editing the photograph. The lighting is also catching the artists face in this photograph drawing attention to her facial expression. The clarity of the images is also ideal, the artist is fully in focus. The hair of the artist however, will be hard to crop around. 

3. Double page spread: This is a mid shot of the artist. The artist is showing an indirect address, this deducts the more personal edge to my magazine. However, the photograph is taken closer making the image of the artist clearer, which is ideal when I go to crop the artist out. The lighting in the image is ideal, its natural, yet not too dark, hence, it will be easy to edit to fit the other images on the double page spread. The artist is smiling which is ideal, it gives the magazine a more personal edge and makes the photograph look more natural and not posed. 

4. Double page spread: This is a mid-long shot of the artist sitting down. The lighting in the image is reasonable but a tad dark, the artists face isn't catching the light too successfully. However, the clarity of the image is ideal, the artist is fully in focus. The fact that the artist isn't looking at the camera is very unappealing it makes the artist seem uninterested and uncaring. The artists clothing are also clearly shown which is ideal for the target audience of predominantly females.

5.  Double page spread:This is a mid-long 

shot of the artist leaning almost casually. 

This image would be used to show the artist 

leaning on a pull quote. The artist isn't looking

at the camera, this is unappealing as it makes

it seem the artist is uncaring, supported by her

casual stance, and the fact her hands are in her 

pockets. The artist however, although looking

away from the camera, is smiling this is appeal-

ing as it makes the artist look more warm and 

inviting, ideally presenting the artist in a pos-

ative way. The image, being a mid-long shot, is
very clear. Another negative aspect is the fact
that not all of the artist costume is shown, this
is particularly unappealing as it, is important all
of the costume is shown to create a convincing
portrayal of the artist.

 6. Double page spread: This is another mid-long

shot of the artist in the same stance as the last

image. In this image again, the artist is not lo-

oking at the camera, this is unappealing as it de-

ducts from a more positive portrayal of the artist. 

The artists facial expression in this image how-

ever, isn't ideal, as it makes the artist seem unc-

aring, and almost unhappy. Again, giving a ne-

gative portrayal of the artist. The lighting in both this 

image and the image above is also too dark. 

However, the light is catching the artists face quite 

well, which is ideal. Also the artist boots do particu-

larly stand out in comparison to the rest of her 

costume due to 

the lighting.

7. Double page spread: of the artist.

 This is a long shot of the artist, just slightly 

further away than a mid-long shot. The artist is

looking at the camera, giving a direct address to

 the camera, and subsequently the audience, 

making them feel more personally involved

when reading the article. Also, the artist is smiling

which is ideal, as it again, makes the audience 

feel more personally involved and makes the 

sense of the article and the portrayal of the artist 

more warm and inviting, enticing the reader to 

read on. The lighting in this image is also quite 

appealing as it is catching the artist face quite well, 

accentuating the artist smiling expression. The 

costume is also more visible in this image, but not 

fully shown which is  unappealing.

8. Double page spread: This is a long shot

of the artist casually leaning, and smiling. This

image particularly depicts a more naturalistic 

style, portraying the artist as more down to 

earth, which is appealing to the audience as
consequently they feel more personally
involved. Th artists smile seems almost inviting,
or possibly, cheeky maybe, definitely a more
personal smile, again connecting with the
audience, The lighting in this image is also
very good as it is bright, yet not too bright
that it would take attention away from the
other features on the page. But, bright enough
to be easily manipulated on Photoshop. The
artists costume is also relatively well lit in the
however the costume again, isn't fully visible
because of the angle the artist is positioned.

  

9. Double page spread: This is a long shot of

 the artist strait on, but, looking away from

camera, showing an indirect address. The li-

ghting in this shot is good, it is catching the

the artist is quite far away however, does

make the lighting less as strong. This will

affect the later editing on Photoshop, as

well as it making the image of the artist

less as clear. The artists facial expression

isn't uncaring, or looking away, it yet

it isn't particularly inviting, or smiling.

This is unappealing, leading me to think

that the audience will feel the artist is

disconnected, turning them subsequently

away from the artist, and the article.

10. Double page spread: This is a  long shot of

the artist standing. The artist is looking

directly at the camera, this is appealing

as it makes the artist seem more, open and

welcoming, on a more personal level, con-

ecting with the audience. The artist is also

smiling, which again reinforces the idea of 

her being welcoming, it also makes the art-

ist seem more upbeat and presents her in 

a positive light. The costume is fully visible 

in this image, which is ideal. The lighting 

however, isn't ideal, and doesn't light the 

costume ideally. Also the way the artist is 

standing with her hands in her pockets could

be construed as uncaring, which is a negative

portrayal of the artist. 

11. Double page spread: This is a mid-long

shot of the artist. The artist is looking at the 

camera which is ideal, but her eyes are fully

visible which isn't good as it means the audi-

ence aren't fully able to connect with the ar-

tist visually. Her facial expression, although

it seems natural; which would appeal to the 

audience as it makes the artist seem more real

and down to earth, it does seem that the pic-

ture has been taken when the artist is off guard

and not expecting it. This is unappealing as it 

makes the article less as serious, or professional.

The lighting is a tad better in this image, it seems

to be catching the artists face quite well. But, again

the artists hands are in her pockets implying that 

she is uncaring, giving a negative portrayal of the 

artist.  

12. Front cover: This is a close-up shot of the artist, to be used in the front cover of my magazine. The lighting in this image, seems to be relatively dark, however, this in the editing process can be changed. She is showing a direct address this is ideal, as accompanied by her smiling face, it makes her seem inviting and confident. Her costume is also partly visible, as we as her long her.


   

13. Front Cover: This is a mid-close up shot of the artist smiling whilst looking directly at the camera. Her smile, and the fact she is looking at the camera makes her seem inviting, the angle the shot has been taken at (eye-level) also makes the shot seem more personal, which is ideal for a front cover as it will draw the reader in. The lighting is also brighter in this image which is ideal for editing. More of the costume is also visible in this image. Hence, I have chosen to use this image for my front cover.

14. Front Cover: This is a mid-close up of the artist smiling. In this image however, the artist is slightly turned away from the camera, this would be unconventional for a front cover as it makes it seem the artist is leaning away from the camera, which isn't ideal. However, the lighting in this image is a tad brighter, and the costume is slightly more visible, as well as the artists hair. Although, the artist is looking at the camera and smiling which is relatively inviting.   

15. Front cover: This is a close up of the artist. The lighting in this image is relatively dark, this will make it harder to edit afterwards when creating the magazine. The fact the artist is looking away from the camera also makes it seem she is uninterested and careless, supported by the fact she is not smiling. Although the clarity of the image is appealing, and it has been taken at eye-level which again makes it seem more personal. However, the costume is barely visible, which isn't ideal.

16. Front cover: This is a close up shot of the artist. The artist is showing a direct address, and it is taking at eye-level, which makes the image connect personally with the audience. However, the fact the artist is not smiling isn't ideal, as it makes her seem unhappy portraying a negative conception of my artist. The lighting also is too dark to be edited which isn't ideal. The costume is also barely visible which isn't ideal.

17. Front cover: This is a close up shot of the artist. The lighting in the image is bright, lighting the artists face quite efficiently. The artist is also ideally in focus which is ideal for a front cover. However, the artist in this image looks almost sad. Although it is more conventional to have your artist almost pouting in an image, in this instance I feel this connotes a negative perception of my artist. Her costume in this image is also barely visible, as well as her hair almost completely being out of shot.

18. Double page spread: This is a long shot of the artist. Although the lighting is quite dark, I have used an unnatural light source, to light up the artist. The artists costume is clearly shown in this shot which is ideal for cropping however, her shot is slightly cut off at the bottom of the shot, which isn't ideal for when cropping the image. The shot is taken at eye level, which in this instance works very well as when cropped it will make the artist look flatter on the page, making the editing more natural. The artists head is slightly turned at an angle, whilst smiling, this in someways makes the artist look shy, as if she is shyly turning away from the camera. The way she timidly is holding her hands supports this. However, the way she is holding her hands could also imply she is trying to be more confident, this could be inspiring for the young target audience.

19. Double page spread: This is a long shot of the artist. In this image the artist is confidently, almost comfortably smiling. This confidence could be inspiring to the young audience, it could also be comforting, allowing them to connect personally with the artist. However, in this image the artist is showing an indirect address. This is not ideal, as in this instance, the artist looks as if she is gazing into the distance, hence, once the artist has been cropped from the image, it may look as if she is gazing off the page. Ideally, the artist is fully on the page, with all her costume visible, however, as the shot has clearly been taken further back the artist is less as in focus as the previous image. This essentially will make her look less as clear when on the page. Although, the lighting in the image is very good, lighting the artists face quite well.

20. Double page spread: This is a long shot of the artist taken at a low angle. In this image the artists positing is ideal, she is standing confidently and comfortably. The lighting is also very good in this image, and the costume clearly visible. The artists facial expression in this image however, is not ideal. She is smiling almost embarrassingly in this image, and is showing an indirect-address. This makes her seem almost uninterested, which will be evident when she has been cropped from the image. Although overall the quality of the image is very good, I do not feel is gives an overall positive representation of the artist which is very important, when presenting the artist on a double page spread.

21. Double page spread: This is a long shot of the artist laughing. The artists costume is clearly shown, as well has her hair long hair standing out a lot in this shot. As well as her boots, also clearly being shown in this image. The lighting in this shot although nighttime, the artist has been lit unnaturally to light her up for the photograph, this is ideal as it makes the artist easier to crop from the image, and to later edit. This shot particularly portrays the artist in a positive way. As, firstly the artist is laughing, this makes her seem more down to earth, and an upbeat positive person. The artist while she laughs is covering her face shyly or embarrassed, this again, makes her seem more down to earth. Overall the fact she is laughing will make the audience relate personally, allows them to form a personal relationship with the artist. I have chose to use this image, as accompanied with the other image it is an ideal image.

22. Contents page: This is a close up shot of a union to be used as a background. Although I particularly like the messy style of this union jack, I feel the image may be too blurry as the camera, must not have been in full focus. Also, the image seems too bright, presumably the photograph has been taken with the flash on, resulting in a blurred, unnaturally bright image.

23. Contents page: This is a close up image of a union jack, taken to be edited for the background of my contents page. The image is quite clear, however, when edited I could simply adjust the contrast to improve the clarity of the image. The lighting is better in this image, again, making it easier for later adjustments. Again, I particularly like the messy almost, graffiti style of this flag, as it is quite fitting with the genre of music.

23. Contents page: This is a close shot of a union jack to be edited and used on my contents page. The lighting in this image, as the photograph has been taken using flash, is unnaturally bright. This is unappealing as in the creative stage of making the magazine it essentially makes the magazine harder to edit. The image is also slightly blurred, which isn't ideal. The fact that the flag is not central is quite appealing as it making the flag look more unique.

24. Contents page: This is a close up shot of a union jack to be used on my contents page. The lighting in this shot is relatively good, although slightly too bright this can be sorted on Photoshop. There is a slight shading in the bottom corner of the image, this is not ideal as it will effect the editing process. However, I do like the way the flag is bending inwards, again, it gives the flag a more unique quality.

25. Contents page: This is a close up shot a union jack to be used on my contents page. Unfortunately a part of the background has be caught in this image, although this can be cropped. The image is also quite blurry although the colours do particularly stand out in this image. The light however is too bright, making the white in the image significantly blurrier.   

26. Contents page: This is a close up shot of a union jack. The distortion of the shapes in this union jack are particularly attractive as it creates an edgy urban effect. However the quality of the image is not very good. The lighting is very dark, at the edges there is a dark shadow which would effect the editing process. The image is also very blurry.  

27. Contents page:This is a close up shot of a union jack. Although I like the messy, urban style of this union jack. However the image is blurry and unclear which would make it extremely hard to edit. Also, the colours in the image are slightly weak. The light is also too bright to be edited.

28. Contents page: This is a close up shot of the same union jack. Again, I like the urban edgy look of this union jack. However, the image is blurry, which makes it harder to edit. The lughting is also a tad too bright to be edited.

Double page spread: Final Draft

(example images have been used)

Focus Group Response

'The article should include a box-out, telling the audience where the artist got her clothes from or some other more personal information.'

'The pull quote should be in a different font, or the smaller than the title, so it doesnt draw the attention away'

'I like it, it looks really modern and very indie'

'The two pictures of the artist should really correspond'

'I like that there is a lot of text'

'I really like the font used, although its the same as the masthead it really suits'

'The fact that the artist is sitting on the pullquote looks really good and makes her seem more involved'

Double page spread: Creating a Headline and Standfirst

A Spider diagram thinking of different Ideas for a Headline:

Option One for a masthead:

'I just live to the fullest'

+ It makes the artist seem inspiration

+ It makes the artist seem more positive

+ It gives the article a more personal edge

+ It emphasises the normality of the artist

+ It is intriguing

- It may seem at tad too cliche

- It doesn't clearly show the intent of the article

Option Two for a masthead:

'I hate being famous'

+ It makes the artist seem more down-to-earth

+ It is intriguing

+ It gives the reader a chance to feel fame; which is appealing

+ It is unconventional

+ It makes the article communicate with the reader on a more personal level

- The reader may reject the artists ungratefulness

- It makes the artist seem more negative

- It doesn't clearly show the intent of the article

Option Three for a masthead:

'My life is a cliched dream'

+ It is intriguing

+ It is unconventional

+ It makes the artist seem more real

+ It makes the article seem more personal

+ It gives the article a theme

+ It shows the audience what the article is about

+ It portrays the artist in a realistic, positive way

- It may not be clear enough for some to understand

- It may not be exciting enough

My Final choice of masthead: 'My Life is a chiched dream'

Brief for my standfirst

It is important for my stand first to not be too long: it should be at most 2 sentences. It should summarise the whole of the article, highlighting the main features.

Option One:

[Artists name] is bringing back the original Alternative-Rock underground style with her new album: [album name]. But what can we expect from her next? [Artists name] catches us up!

+ It shows the genre, the intent of the article

+ It highlights the artist as an individual

+ The rhetorical question makes it seem more personal

+ The use of the artists name at the opening is appealing

+ The use of the exclamation mark at the end makes it seem more exciting

+ The last sentence makes it seem more down to earth

+ Its intriguing

+ Its clear

Option Two:

When her single topped the charts at the start of 2012, we wasn't sure what else to expect. But, with her album coming out, we're no longer naive of her tremendous fate.

+ Makes the artist seem more known

+ Makes the artist seem more down to earth

+ Makes the audience feel more stylish being her fan

+ It creates curiosity

Option Three:

Screaming fans, expectant paparazzi; it may seem like a cliched dream, but, what has truly become of [artists name] stirred reality?

+ It plays with the masthead

+ Its simple and short

+ The rhetorical question makes the audience feel involved

+ It creates curiosity

+ It sits well on the tongue

My final choice: Option One

Double page spread: Planning the image

Deciding on a shot type for my two images

Mid-long shot

This is an example mid-long shot of a female, leaning nonchalantly against a wall. Although a lot of the artist will still be in view this means I will not be able to see the artists feet, in terms of costume it is important that I show all of the artists clothes in order to portray the artist as intended. Although, a mid long shot could be relatively appealing as it means I will be able to show the artist more clearly making the reader more able to see more of the artist in terms of the clarity of the picture. It means that the artist face will be closer, hence more clearer. However, fitting two mid-long images on one page could be relatively hard, hence I would only use one. Another fear is that it may simply look odd only having this amount of artist showing. 

Mid Shot
This is an example mid shot of a female looking relatively distracted. This shot type is ideal in terms a view and quality of image. The audience will be able to see the artist clearly. It also allows you to see more of the artists face, this is appealing to both a male and female audience. It is unconventional for a mid shot showing the artist to be used, this could be positive as it may make the double-page spread look more unique which is fitting for my style of magazine, however, it may also deduct from the familiarity of the magazine which I fear may turn readers away. I fear it also make the magazine seem unprofessional. A worry is that in order to have the image look reasonable within a magazine, the image would have to be relatively large, this is unappealing as it may overtake text.



Long Shot

This is an example long shot of a female. By having a long shot on my double page spread I will be able to show the whole of the artist, and for the predominant female audience, the artists outfit. It also allows the artist to be clearly recognised as the main feature from the outset. This is appealing as it clearly shows to the audience who the double page spread is about. It gives me the photographer/magazine designer more of the artist to show, this means there is more for me to portray an accurate perception of the artist. This is ideal as it means I am able to portray the artist in a way I wish, based on her outfit and the way she is standing. It also means I am able to show the whole of the artists body, this could be appealing to a male audience, as well as a female audience. Typically a long shot is regularly used in magazines, this means I will be creating a sense of continuity and familiarity for the reader, which is ideal. Finally I have decided a long shot is ideal for my magazine, hence I will use a long shot. 

Deciding on a setting

Option One: Graffiti wall

+ It is easily accessible.
+ It is bright and colourful.
+ Its edgy and modern.
+ It is unusual to have on a double page spread
- Using so many colours may be oppressive
- It does not match my colour scheme
- It may look too clustered
- It may seem too male or aggresive

Option Two: Floral background

+ It is clear
+ It can be made to suit the artist
+ It isn't oppressive and can be made pale
+ In the editing stage it can be made to fit the colour scheme
- It may be too feminine
- It may not fully portray the concept I wish the audience to perceive
- It may be too over powering on the page
- It doesn't match the font I have chosen
- It may be very time consuming to chance the colours used

Option Three: A Plain background

+ It suits the colour scheme 

+ It is simple

+ It means the photograph will contrast

+ The main element will be the photograph and writing

+ It is more unusual to have such a plain background

- It may look too plain on the page

- It may make the page look too formal

I have chosen to use Option Three as firstly it fits the colour scheme the most efficiently, and it is simple. Accompanied by both my font and images it will collectively not look as formal as other magazines that have used plain backgrounds in order to create an overall formal effect. Also, it will make the image and writing stand out even more in comparison to the plainer background. It also fits in with the more rebellious alternative rock theme without being too overpoweringly rocky. It also suits the rest of my magazine, creating a form of continuity as well as, a sense of brand identity. 

Double page spread: Deciding on an article

A spider diagram of ideas how my article will feature my artist

Looking back at my research

My research of other double page spread articles shows that the most popular form of article used to feature the artist is an interview, usually based on a theme such as, an up and coming concert or the release of a new album. The fact that other magazines does slightly convince me that I too should also feature my artist in the form of an interview, however, it also leads me to believe I specifically shouldn't do an interview. I think the familiarity will be appealing to the audience. Although, I worry that the reader may not be able to be intrigued by article and this may make them not want to read.
It was also shown when I did my questionnaire that the target audience were most interested in interviews and events. This again leads me into doing interviews.

Deciding on three main themes/styles

Themed Interview
+ It is relevant
+ It gives the article a clear direction and intent
- It may be a tad repetitive
- It may not be as interesting as intended
- Its not intriguing
- The style could be seen as too predictable
Informal Interview
+ It is intriguing
+ It gives a personal, informal edge
+ It allows the reader to find out information they might not other wise
+ It allows the reader to create a personal relationship with the artist
+ It gives the magazine a unique selling point
- It may turn other readers away
- It may make the magazine seem more like a gossip magazine
Opinion Article
+ It will intrigue the reader
+ It encourages the reader to have their own opinions
+ It may inspire the reader
- It could be a tad boring
- It could be too predictable, in terms of the content

Why I chose to do a 'Themed Interview'?

Based on my research it seems interviews are the most popular way to feature an artist. This makes the concept seem unappealing as it makes it seem unoriginal. However, it does create a sense of continuity and familiarity. It also seems that my target audience are most interested in reading interviews and interested in events. Hence, I have chosen to combine both forms of informing articles. By, interviewing my artist I am maintaining the more personal aspects of my magazine, and, with it creating a unique selling point. It also makes the magazine of more value to the reader as they will be intrigued by the interview. I have decided for there to be a theme in order to highlight first the fact that I am considering the wants of the reader, specifically focusing on what they wish to read. Secondly, it gives the interview an overall direction, a clear idea and theme from the outset. This gives the article meaning and shapes direction clearly for the reader. I have also chose for the article to be written in a more personal, informal form. This is to intrigue the reader, and interest them. However, it is also to allow the reader to connect with the article and the magazine on a personal level.

Contents Page: Final Layout

(example image)

Focus Group Responce

'I really like the background, its modern and really suits the genre'

'I like that the same font and angles have been used'

'Although its unusual, I really like that the same font has been used on the subheading and the title'

'I like that black backgrounds on the writing have been used, different to the front cover'

'Its really nice'