Front Page
Contents Page
Double page spread
Friday, 19 December 2008
Draft layouts for the front page, contents page and double page spread of my music magazine
Before I go on to produce my final product, I have created an initial draft of what I would like my magazine to look like. I have included all the conventional features magazines must have, such as headlines, sub-headings, images, the price and a barcode.
Front Page
Contents Page
Double page spread
Front Page
Contents Page
Double page spread
Possible names for my new music magazine
The next stage of the project was to create a unique name for our contemporary music magazine. The name had to be suitable for the genre of music the magazine would be focused on, and also had to appeal to our target audience. I decided that my magazine would feature music from the indie/alternative genre, and would be aimed at people from both sexes, primarily aged between 16 and 24 years. I used a glossary of words associated with music to collect some ideas and thought of several possible titles, but these three were the ones I found most effective.
Amp - I like this title because it is short and hard-hitting so it would grab the attention of the audience, and it would be memorable. However because an amp is a piece of equipment used when playing music, my product could be mistaken for a technical music magazine rather than an entertainment based magazine. There may also be members of my potential target audience who do not know that the word 'amp' is associated with music so they would not be drawn in by this title.
Jam - This title is short and punchy, therefore I think it would create a good impact and an audience would be likely to remember it. It also relates to the style of magazine I want to create, as the word 'jam' is jargon often used by bands and fans of the indie/alternative music genre. This title would also appeal to my target audience as it is quite a modern word that young adults would recognise as being linked with music. This is my personal favourite title out of the three, as I think it creates the right effect.
Pitch - Once again this title is short, having a snappy effect. The word is music related, so people with an interest in music would recognise this and be drawn to the magazine. However because it is a technical term I feel it sounds too specialist for a contemporary entertainment based music magazine aimed at quite a young audience.
Taking all of my choices into consideration, I have decided that my contemporary music magazine will be called "Jam".
Next, I experimented writing the name of my magazine in different fonts to see which one I felt would be the most effective to use on my magazine front cover. I tried writing the name in many different styles, but these five were the ones I found the most eye-catching and which I thought would most suit my magazines style.
The font that I have decided to use is the second font in the list, because I think that it is the clearest to read and I want the name of my magazine to stand out on the front cover. I thought that some of the other fonts, particularly the fourth and fifth ones listed could be difficult to read from a distance and therefore may not be quite as eye-catching. I also feel that my chosen font looks the most professional, as it is bold and noticeable without being too garish. I believe that the simplicity of the second font would appeal the most to my target audience.
Amp - I like this title because it is short and hard-hitting so it would grab the attention of the audience, and it would be memorable. However because an amp is a piece of equipment used when playing music, my product could be mistaken for a technical music magazine rather than an entertainment based magazine. There may also be members of my potential target audience who do not know that the word 'amp' is associated with music so they would not be drawn in by this title.
Jam - This title is short and punchy, therefore I think it would create a good impact and an audience would be likely to remember it. It also relates to the style of magazine I want to create, as the word 'jam' is jargon often used by bands and fans of the indie/alternative music genre. This title would also appeal to my target audience as it is quite a modern word that young adults would recognise as being linked with music. This is my personal favourite title out of the three, as I think it creates the right effect.
Pitch - Once again this title is short, having a snappy effect. The word is music related, so people with an interest in music would recognise this and be drawn to the magazine. However because it is a technical term I feel it sounds too specialist for a contemporary entertainment based music magazine aimed at quite a young audience.
Taking all of my choices into consideration, I have decided that my contemporary music magazine will be called "Jam".
Next, I experimented writing the name of my magazine in different fonts to see which one I felt would be the most effective to use on my magazine front cover. I tried writing the name in many different styles, but these five were the ones I found the most eye-catching and which I thought would most suit my magazines style.
The font that I have decided to use is the second font in the list, because I think that it is the clearest to read and I want the name of my magazine to stand out on the front cover. I thought that some of the other fonts, particularly the fourth and fifth ones listed could be difficult to read from a distance and therefore may not be quite as eye-catching. I also feel that my chosen font looks the most professional, as it is bold and noticeable without being too garish. I believe that the simplicity of the second font would appeal the most to my target audience.
Friday, 12 December 2008
Analysis of "Q" contents page
I have also analysed the contents page from a recent edition of "Q" magazine to gather some more ideas.
Page One
Page Two
The contents page of "Q" magazine spreads over two A4 pages. Distributing the information in this way makes the magazine look less hectic and more leisurely to read. On both pages 'white space' has been used to break up the information and to give the page a clean, glossy appearance, therefore it is likely to appeal to an 'up-market' audience as it looks very professional.
The header "Q Contents" has been placed at the centre top of both pages where it draws the most attention, making navigation of the magazine simple and stress-free. The colours that have been selected for the title are grey and black, again giving the page a minimalistic, professional, polished appearance.
A number of attractive photographs have been used on both pages to break down the large amounts of text and to make the page look eye-catching. Particularly on the first page, the images help to draw in the readers eye because bright colours are included in the shot, for example the photograph of the orange fire has been positioned in the centre of the first page where it will captivate the readers attention, hopefully influencing them to read on.
Another aspect of the photographs which will interest the target audience are the people who the magazine has chosen to feature in them. On the first page, all of the photographs are of the popular rock group "Kings Of Leon", the same band that features on the front page of this issue. People who buy this magazine are likely to be fans of the band, so by continuing their coverage throughout the contents page, the audience will be able to see the kinds of articles "Q" has covered them in. If fans of the band believe the magazine has a substantial amount of coverage on them, they will be more likely to purchase the magazine. The second page of contents holds a large photograph of indie/alternative band "The Killers". This image dominates the page, and stands out against the plain white background. Fans of the music genre the magazine covers are almost certain to instantly recognise the lead singer, and because the band is so popular and well-liked, this photo is likely to appeal to a large audience.
The font used on the contents page is simple and easy to read, so the navigation of the magazine is kept easy and stress-free. Most of the text is black, giving it maximum impact against the white background. Some text has been highlighted in a paler grey/blue colour, to make the page appear a bit more colourful and interesting. Text printed in this colour however has also been made larger in size so that it remains easy to read, due to it being slightly paler.
The two sub-headings "On the cover" and "Q review" have been capitalized and written in a bold, black font so that they are noticeable to the reader. The titles of the different articles have also been capitalized and made larger for the same reason. Again this allows the reader to identify the articles and sections that interest them most with ease.
In the bottom right corner of both pages there are two examples of double-page spreads featured inside the magazine. This provides the audience with a visual idea of what the magazine will contain, and if they are fond of it's interior appearance, they will want to buy it. I personally find this aspect of the contents page particularly appealing as it helps to break up large amounts of text whilst giving it a sophisticated, specialized feel.
Page One
Page Two
The contents page of "Q" magazine spreads over two A4 pages. Distributing the information in this way makes the magazine look less hectic and more leisurely to read. On both pages 'white space' has been used to break up the information and to give the page a clean, glossy appearance, therefore it is likely to appeal to an 'up-market' audience as it looks very professional.
The header "Q Contents" has been placed at the centre top of both pages where it draws the most attention, making navigation of the magazine simple and stress-free. The colours that have been selected for the title are grey and black, again giving the page a minimalistic, professional, polished appearance.
A number of attractive photographs have been used on both pages to break down the large amounts of text and to make the page look eye-catching. Particularly on the first page, the images help to draw in the readers eye because bright colours are included in the shot, for example the photograph of the orange fire has been positioned in the centre of the first page where it will captivate the readers attention, hopefully influencing them to read on.
Another aspect of the photographs which will interest the target audience are the people who the magazine has chosen to feature in them. On the first page, all of the photographs are of the popular rock group "Kings Of Leon", the same band that features on the front page of this issue. People who buy this magazine are likely to be fans of the band, so by continuing their coverage throughout the contents page, the audience will be able to see the kinds of articles "Q" has covered them in. If fans of the band believe the magazine has a substantial amount of coverage on them, they will be more likely to purchase the magazine. The second page of contents holds a large photograph of indie/alternative band "The Killers". This image dominates the page, and stands out against the plain white background. Fans of the music genre the magazine covers are almost certain to instantly recognise the lead singer, and because the band is so popular and well-liked, this photo is likely to appeal to a large audience.
The font used on the contents page is simple and easy to read, so the navigation of the magazine is kept easy and stress-free. Most of the text is black, giving it maximum impact against the white background. Some text has been highlighted in a paler grey/blue colour, to make the page appear a bit more colourful and interesting. Text printed in this colour however has also been made larger in size so that it remains easy to read, due to it being slightly paler.
The two sub-headings "On the cover" and "Q review" have been capitalized and written in a bold, black font so that they are noticeable to the reader. The titles of the different articles have also been capitalized and made larger for the same reason. Again this allows the reader to identify the articles and sections that interest them most with ease.
In the bottom right corner of both pages there are two examples of double-page spreads featured inside the magazine. This provides the audience with a visual idea of what the magazine will contain, and if they are fond of it's interior appearance, they will want to buy it. I personally find this aspect of the contents page particularly appealing as it helps to break up large amounts of text whilst giving it a sophisticated, specialized feel.
Analysis of "Q" double-page spread
I have also analysed a double-page spread from "Q" magazine to gather more ideas for the content of my own magazine.
Much like the double page spread that I analysed from the "NME", this double page spread has been set out with text on the left hand page and a large digital photograph taking up all of the right hand side page. This suggests that the photograph is a main feature of this article.
Dark colours have been used on both pages, leaving no 'white space' unlike on the contents page. The dark colours are appropriate to how the band are being presented in the photograph. The headline reads "Step into Rock'n'rolls own fight club", and the band have been made to look battered and bruised with the use of make up. The dark colour scheme suits how the image will impact the audience. Bright, cheerful colours would be unsuitable.
The font used on the left hand side page is coloured in white and yellow so that it stands out against the dark background. The headline and sub-heading are yellow so that they are distinguishable against the main body of text. The font is clear and easy to read, which will appeal to the audience.
The name of the band featured in the article has been placed in the top left hand corner of the left hand side page in grey writing. This colour of font does not stand out against the black background, and although it is clear enough to read, it is not particularly eye-catching. This suggests that the magazine would expect it's readers to recognise the band from the photograph alone, conveying the message that "Q" believe they are targeting an audience who have a genuine and passionate interest in the genre of music it covers.
The way that "Kings Of Leon" have been represented in the photograph reflects the style of music that they produce. The band covers the genre of rock, and therefore have been made to look tough and strong. This is shown through their dominating, masculine stances, their worn clothing and by the fake cuts and bruises on their faces and bodies. This also connotes power, as the band are currently relishing great success in the official music charts.
I personally think that the way the page has been laid out looks very professional, a lot of information is being given without the page looking too over-crowded. The photograph is very effective, the fact that it takes up a whole page compliments the written article as it is apparent that a lot has time has been spent producing it. In some magazines it can look cheap if photographs are made too large and dominate the text, however the picture on this double-spread maintains the magazines classy, sophisticated image.
Much like the double page spread that I analysed from the "NME", this double page spread has been set out with text on the left hand page and a large digital photograph taking up all of the right hand side page. This suggests that the photograph is a main feature of this article.
Dark colours have been used on both pages, leaving no 'white space' unlike on the contents page. The dark colours are appropriate to how the band are being presented in the photograph. The headline reads "Step into Rock'n'rolls own fight club", and the band have been made to look battered and bruised with the use of make up. The dark colour scheme suits how the image will impact the audience. Bright, cheerful colours would be unsuitable.
The font used on the left hand side page is coloured in white and yellow so that it stands out against the dark background. The headline and sub-heading are yellow so that they are distinguishable against the main body of text. The font is clear and easy to read, which will appeal to the audience.
The name of the band featured in the article has been placed in the top left hand corner of the left hand side page in grey writing. This colour of font does not stand out against the black background, and although it is clear enough to read, it is not particularly eye-catching. This suggests that the magazine would expect it's readers to recognise the band from the photograph alone, conveying the message that "Q" believe they are targeting an audience who have a genuine and passionate interest in the genre of music it covers.
The way that "Kings Of Leon" have been represented in the photograph reflects the style of music that they produce. The band covers the genre of rock, and therefore have been made to look tough and strong. This is shown through their dominating, masculine stances, their worn clothing and by the fake cuts and bruises on their faces and bodies. This also connotes power, as the band are currently relishing great success in the official music charts.
I personally think that the way the page has been laid out looks very professional, a lot of information is being given without the page looking too over-crowded. The photograph is very effective, the fact that it takes up a whole page compliments the written article as it is apparent that a lot has time has been spent producing it. In some magazines it can look cheap if photographs are made too large and dominate the text, however the picture on this double-spread maintains the magazines classy, sophisticated image.
Analysis of "NME" contents page
The accompanying task to the one mentioned in the previous post is to construct a contents page for my own music magazine. I have analysed a contents page from an issue of "NME" to see what features my own magazine of a similar genre could include.
The main colours used on this contents page are black, white and red. The background has been left white so that the page does not look too busy, as there is a lot of information displayed on it. Most of the text is black, or in the case of headings and sub-headings, white against a black text box. The latter technique makes the headings stand out against the plain white background, as the black text box separates it from the other text. The magazines title "NME" has been coloured red in the top left hand corner of the page, making it very eye-catching. The page numbers have also been coloured red so that they are easy to see, making navigation through the magazine simple.
The fonts that have been used are all very clear, bold and easy to read to draw in the audience. The main heading "NME This Week" has been capitalised, as have the sub-headings along the right hand side of the page. This makes them very noticeable which is important as they are some of the most important features on the page. The headline underneath the photograph is written in plain, bold black writing, and has been enlarged to make it conspicuous. The small section below this heading has been taken from an article inside the magazine. Captivating the readers interest to the story featured in the contents page will encourage them to buy the magazine to find out more. The first letter of this text has been drop-capped, making the presentation appear stylish and refined.
The photograph has been placed in the centre of the page and has been made large enough to dominate the surrounding text, so the readers attention is immediately drawn to the accompanying article. This is an important technique as many fans of this music genre would be interested in the featured article. The man in the photo is represented as being calm and peaceful, which reflects the content of the article it accompanies. The black and white colour scheme makes it look polished and classy, which would appeal to genuine fans of the music genre he was associated with.
In the bottom left hand side of the page is a box containing information of how to subscribe to "NME" magazine. This advert is very eye-catching as it's colour scheme does not match that of the rest of the page. The background of the advert is black so that it can be easily seen against the white page, and sections of the writing have been highlighted in bright yellow, which is very apparent against the other black text. Two front covers of previous issues have been used within the article, and because they have been printed in colour, they stand out against the pages main colour scheme of black and white. Making this advert as eye-catching as possible is important as this is where most readers will get the information of how to subscribe to the magazine. The more people that subscribe, the more money the magazine will make.
The main colours used on this contents page are black, white and red. The background has been left white so that the page does not look too busy, as there is a lot of information displayed on it. Most of the text is black, or in the case of headings and sub-headings, white against a black text box. The latter technique makes the headings stand out against the plain white background, as the black text box separates it from the other text. The magazines title "NME" has been coloured red in the top left hand corner of the page, making it very eye-catching. The page numbers have also been coloured red so that they are easy to see, making navigation through the magazine simple.The fonts that have been used are all very clear, bold and easy to read to draw in the audience. The main heading "NME This Week" has been capitalised, as have the sub-headings along the right hand side of the page. This makes them very noticeable which is important as they are some of the most important features on the page. The headline underneath the photograph is written in plain, bold black writing, and has been enlarged to make it conspicuous. The small section below this heading has been taken from an article inside the magazine. Captivating the readers interest to the story featured in the contents page will encourage them to buy the magazine to find out more. The first letter of this text has been drop-capped, making the presentation appear stylish and refined.
The photograph has been placed in the centre of the page and has been made large enough to dominate the surrounding text, so the readers attention is immediately drawn to the accompanying article. This is an important technique as many fans of this music genre would be interested in the featured article. The man in the photo is represented as being calm and peaceful, which reflects the content of the article it accompanies. The black and white colour scheme makes it look polished and classy, which would appeal to genuine fans of the music genre he was associated with.
In the bottom left hand side of the page is a box containing information of how to subscribe to "NME" magazine. This advert is very eye-catching as it's colour scheme does not match that of the rest of the page. The background of the advert is black so that it can be easily seen against the white page, and sections of the writing have been highlighted in bright yellow, which is very apparent against the other black text. Two front covers of previous issues have been used within the article, and because they have been printed in colour, they stand out against the pages main colour scheme of black and white. Making this advert as eye-catching as possible is important as this is where most readers will get the information of how to subscribe to the magazine. The more people that subscribe, the more money the magazine will make.
Analysis of "NME" double-page spread
As part of this main task I am required to produce a double-page spread that could be part of my own contemporary music magazine. To gain inspiration for the content of these pages, I have analysed a spread from the "NME" magazine, as my own magazine will be presented in a comparable stlye and will be aimed at a similar target audience.
This spread has been set out with the main body of text on the left hand side page and a large photograph on the right hand page. The photograph dominates the article, and is the first thing the reader is drawn to.
The colour scheme is very attractive, with the background reflecting the look of a sunset. This gives the article a calming appearance, which will influence the mood of the audience when they read it.
The font main font colour that has been used is black because it is easy to read against the brightly coloured background. However the band's name "The Killers" written in the strap line is coloured yellow. Because it is against a pink section of the sunset background, this makes it stand out against the other text, reflecting it's importance as it informs the audience who the featured band are, although "NME" would most likely assume their fans could tell this from the photograph and headline.
The headline accompanying the article has been situated in the top left hand corner of the spread where it can be easily seen. It has been written in large, bold, black letters in a very clear font. These features make it very striking, which will draw the reader into the article. The title "Only Human" can instantly be linked to the band as their new single is called "Human". A quote from the lead singer of the band has also been enlarged and made bold on the left page. The audience will read this quote and if the content interests them, they will continue to read it.
The magazine have chosen to feature "The Killers" lead singer in the main photograph as he is the member of the band the audience are most likely to recognise, and is therefore most likely to capture their attention. He has been represented as calm, looking as though he is philosophising. A philosophical feel is also created by the model of the child's head that he is holding, which can also be linked to the name of their new single "Human". This fits in with the image of the band, as their music is known for containing unusual but very meaningful lyrics. The image has clearly been edited, giving it a clean, professional feel. Many of the photographs contained in "NME" show artists it natural environments, and do not usually look too polished. This makes the image used in this double spread particularly eye-catching against others in the issue. This suggests that this is one of the key articles inside the magazine, as it would appear that more time has been spent over its appearance.
I personally find this double page spread very effective. One of my favourite aspects is the brightly coloured background as this really caught my attention when I was looking through the magazine myself. I also think the photograph has been very well put together which is something I find of great importance, as I like to know that time has been spent by the institution to make the magazine look appealing to the audience.
This spread has been set out with the main body of text on the left hand side page and a large photograph on the right hand page. The photograph dominates the article, and is the first thing the reader is drawn to.
The colour scheme is very attractive, with the background reflecting the look of a sunset. This gives the article a calming appearance, which will influence the mood of the audience when they read it.
The font main font colour that has been used is black because it is easy to read against the brightly coloured background. However the band's name "The Killers" written in the strap line is coloured yellow. Because it is against a pink section of the sunset background, this makes it stand out against the other text, reflecting it's importance as it informs the audience who the featured band are, although "NME" would most likely assume their fans could tell this from the photograph and headline.
The headline accompanying the article has been situated in the top left hand corner of the spread where it can be easily seen. It has been written in large, bold, black letters in a very clear font. These features make it very striking, which will draw the reader into the article. The title "Only Human" can instantly be linked to the band as their new single is called "Human". A quote from the lead singer of the band has also been enlarged and made bold on the left page. The audience will read this quote and if the content interests them, they will continue to read it.
The magazine have chosen to feature "The Killers" lead singer in the main photograph as he is the member of the band the audience are most likely to recognise, and is therefore most likely to capture their attention. He has been represented as calm, looking as though he is philosophising. A philosophical feel is also created by the model of the child's head that he is holding, which can also be linked to the name of their new single "Human". This fits in with the image of the band, as their music is known for containing unusual but very meaningful lyrics. The image has clearly been edited, giving it a clean, professional feel. Many of the photographs contained in "NME" show artists it natural environments, and do not usually look too polished. This makes the image used in this double spread particularly eye-catching against others in the issue. This suggests that this is one of the key articles inside the magazine, as it would appear that more time has been spent over its appearance.
I personally find this double page spread very effective. One of my favourite aspects is the brightly coloured background as this really caught my attention when I was looking through the magazine myself. I also think the photograph has been very well put together which is something I find of great importance, as I like to know that time has been spent by the institution to make the magazine look appealing to the audience.
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