Evaluation Q1 (In what way does your product use or challenge conventions of real media products?)

In what way does your product use or challenge conventions of real media products?

My magazines adheres and challenges to many conventions of music magazines throughout the 3 pages I created.I tried to follow as many as I could to make my magazine appeal to my target audience .

Front Cover:

My masthead is at the top of my magazine which adheres to conventions of other magazines, I did this to allow my masthead to be clear and easy to locate on the page. I wanted it to be easy for the reader to identify. I also adhere conventions because my masthead is one word "Iconic", I did this because I thought a shorter name would allow me to have a quick and easy to remember brand name.I wanted my masthead to pop out of my magazine eg like Q does with the white and red contrast. I also wanted to give it a retro look this is therefore why I blue colour , I think blue was a good choice because it also adheres to the conventions of magazines of a Jazz genre.However, I have challenged conventions with my masthead because it is 3D, many jazz magazines which I researched used 2D fonts instead of 3D. I chose to do a 3D font because I wanted my magazine to stand out from the rest of Jazz magazines which are available.


The cover story also adheres to many music magazines because it is the boldest and biggest on the page , I did this so it was clear to the reader which was the main article.I also used a buzz word 'exclusive' which would gain more attention to the main article, this challenges  conventions of other jazz magazines I researched because not many Jazz magazines have this words on their front covers however, in the context of music magazines together it does adhere to conventions.



The other articles are spread on each side of the page in smaller writing in red, this adheres to conventions because many magazines have the articles smaller than the main.However, I have challenged conventions by having the features in the same font. The size of the fonts were mostly the same . I have also included a section on the on the Jazz awards , I did this to attract a more older audience 20-21 who would be more interested to vote.



I have also included a sell line , I did this to make my magazine more appealing to the audience , this challenges many jazz magazines  because they don't this. I have placed it at the top of the page to create more effect because its near the masthead it is automatically seen by the buyer this helps convince more people to buy my magazine and helps the brand to be associated with it more.

I have also used a competition to help draw the reader to the magazine this adheres to conventions because many jazz magazines have them.I have also used social media logos on the front of my magazine to appeal to my target audience, this challenges many jazz magazines conventions because it is not normally shown.

The biggest challenge to convention I have on my front cover is the cover image, the star is not looking into the camera which breaks any music magazines conventions , I did this to give my star attitude. I also used a colour pop on the artists lips to make them stand out and I used this colour to create synergy with my magazine.

Contents : 

In my contents page I have used the same colour font for the contents page title as the iconic masthead. I did this to create synergy within my magazine this normally adheres to conventions in magazines. I have also used lines by the side of the contents title to make it bolder and stand out more this also challenges conventions of magazines . I have placed this in the middle of the page at the top to draw more attention to the meaning of the page help . I have also used headings such a 'cover-story' ; ' features' and 'regulars' this is to help the readers and help organise the contents in the magazine. This challenges conventions of jazz magazines because it is not normally done . 

I have placed the page numbers in blue boxes which I did to create more synergy this follows conventions of jazz magazines because many jazz do this to make the numbers more bold and to help the reader. 

The page titles are in a bigger font than the description to help readers identify what they want to read this adheres to conventions to many music magazines. The description has been placed underneath (if it was needed) in a smaller font  . I have also used sans serif for my contents which is adheres to the conventions of jazz magazines .

I have used 4 images on my contents , these are not texted wrapped which breaks conventions of jazz magazines. On my cover-story image on the contents the star is pictured with a dog, this challenges several  conventions   such as having the dog in the image breaks many conventions in music magazines . Also it challenges conventions because she is not looking into the camera just like the cover image. The other images also challenges conventions because the artists don't look into the camera.

This image adheres to conventions because the star is holding an instrument which many jazz magazines like the stars to pose with.

The images also adhere because they are all studio shoots which are normally used in jazz magazines.
I have used mostly medium shots for the pictures on the contents page. I have also used a gig image this challenges conventions because most jazz magazines wouldn't include this on their contents however , I decided to do this to appeal to a more younger audience.

Double Page Spread:

On the double page spread I have used a drop capital this adheres to the conventions of jazz , I did this to make my text more bold and add something bigger to the page. For the headline of the article I used serif font this also adheres to the convention of jazz.

The image on the double page spreads covers both sides however, the artist is just on one. This challenges conventions of jazz magazines because the image used is normally placed on one side of

the article. The image I have used is a  close up this is because her face is close to the camera however, this is because she leans into it, this is challenging conventions because of the shot type.The star looks into the camera to create a relationship with the reader and make the article more intimate, this adheres conventions in jazz magazines because they want the star to appear kind and friendly.

I have placed the page numbers at the bottom which adheres conventions of magazines I have also included the logo. 

In the double page spread article I have used questions as headings this is challenges conventions, I did this so the reader could see the bit of the article which interested them the most, I have also used a consultative register this adheres conventions in magazines.

I have also used a pull quote this is to give an insight into the article , this adheres conventions in jazz magazines . I have also done this to help bring more attention to the article and make it more intriguing.  

Evaluation Q2 (How does your media product represent particular social groups?)

Evaluation Q3 (What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?)

What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?

Evaluation q3 from sophiehannah200

Evaluation Q4 (Who would be the audience for your media product?)

Who would be the audience for your media product?




I made this slidely to show who I would be aiming my product at, it shows the things that people of the age range of 17-23 would do for fun ect. This slidely shows I was aiming to attract people from mostly middle class background. I have used Amy Winehouse for the music to represent that it will be aimed at people who like a modern jazz. I have also used a picture of smart phones to show I will be representing the tribe wired segment of the LifeMatrix, this is because I want my magazine to be more for the younger adult and to be more modern .It also shows the activities they will be taking part in such as exams which shows I am targeting  the age range of being in education such as college or university .  I will target this part of the market because upon reflection on my research I found there wasn't many jazz magazines that existed for type of individual .I did this to shown how my magazine will represent 17-23 year olds because there are not many magazines out there for this age range. I also used Amy Winehouse to show my magazine will be modern but will still have the classic jazz feel to it.

Under the slidely I wrote a paragraph  to describe who I wanted my media product to attract :
''Creating this video has helped me visualise who my target audience will be and what they do eg hobbies . This research will help me make my magazine appeal to my target audience more and will help me create and include some of these in my magazine.Using Blumler and Katz has helped me realise why my target audience  may buy my magazine and how to appeal and meet their needs more.
In conclusion, I have chosen my main target audience to be aspires and Tribe Wired.People who would buy the magazine for personal identity and entertainment.''

This shows I aimed for aspires which associates with the images used on the slidely such as the students . It also shows I am aiming for people who use media as a diversion from everyday problems and routine such as school or education which makes my jazz magazine different o any that are on the market today  .I am also targeting cities or large town because they are more likely to have a university which would help me aim for the target audience 17-23.  I also aimed for fun/ atics because the slidely also featured festivals and fun activities .

In conclusion
I have aimed for young people who use media as a diversion from everyday challengers. My media product is aimed at digital and free spirited individuals who are fun seeking and enjoy taking part in many activities.This is because I found a gap in the market for a jazz magazine which would appeal to this section of people.Upon reflection of my magazine I have attracted tribe wired individuals like I had planned to do, I did this on pages such as my front cover and contents page where I used social media icons . My pages also represent aspires I have done this on my contents page where I have included Jazz fashion , where the readers can dress like the stars do ect. I do believe I have attracted readers who would be education, I feel I have done this on all my pages. My front cover and contents shows the competition for a free meal which many at university couldn't afford.I have also kept this target audience by my double page spread article , the people who ask some of the questions are in education and ask some questions about what school life was like.My magazine pages appeal to both female and a male audience , I have mostly achieved this on my contents page which uses images and features of both genders. This also links to how I have maintained the target age I wanted my magazine to be for I have done this by the use of images and features I have used. Most my features and digital links would appeal to this audience such as the gig review many people of this age group go to them. I also attracted this age group by having people of around the same age featured in my magazine, my front cover image does this.I have also appealed to teens who use snapchat on  my front cover and contents by including the social media icon. I also feel I have represented friendship groups which was shown in my slidely . This is because of the competition which is for 2 people and the upcoming gigs page which many would go to in friendship groups, but I do feel that I could have made more content which would have involved them more.However, upon reflecting on my final pages I have not appealed to young parents , this is because I don't have any features which would attract them or appeal. If I had the chance to remake my magazine I would defiantly target this audience more when making my magazine since it has risen to 82% in the UK. I believe my target audience has stayed the same as what I had intended to do (shown in the slidey above) however, I have missed some of that group.

Evaluation Q5 ( How did you attract / address your audience ?)

Front cover question 5 from sophiehannah200

Question 6 (What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing your media product?)

What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing your media product?

I used a range of technologies to help me create my music magazine. Before starting my course work I had not used any of the technology I have learned to use on the computer however, I did have some skills with using a camera but the course has helped me widen my knowledge.

I used blogger to help present my research and work. Using blogger was one of the very first skills I learned while doing my course work.Using blogger I have learned how to post a variety of different things and learned how to add pictures and hyperlinks ect. I also learned how to embed media which I  created using other forms of media. Using blogger has helped my media work be more organised which has benefited me a lot.I also use the schools blogger to check if any work has been set to do at home, I found blogger very useful while doing my coursework. Upon reflection, I feel like using blogger has gone really well for my coursework because it has allowed me to show my coursework in a digital form which works really well with the media course. I will use blogger again in the future for other tasks ect because I feel like it uses a wide variety of skills.

I used Photoshop to create my magazine. I used a range of skills which are shown in the thinglink below:

I also used the shapes tool in Photoshop, I used to to create box outs , I used this on my front cover and contents page. I also used shapes to use the cutter for an image I used on my double page.I also used levels to make my images black and white ect. Using levels helped my create a better picture and a more jazz look to my magazine. I also used the opacity tool to lighten the boxouts and banners I used on my front cover. I used the photo bin to add different images to my magazine. Upon reflection, I feel photoshop has helped me create a high quality product, I think using this has gone well however, I would use different shapes and would play around more with levels as I found that stage diffcult.

I used other media platforms for my evaluation and research . I used to prezi
to present research on other magazines. I had previously used this before doing my media coursework which gave me an advantage.observing my course work has helped me to see using this went well for my course work however I would prefered to use powerpoint because it had a much easier set up. I also used thinglink, I used this for both my evaluation and research and planning.I enjoyed using thinglink and found it easy to use.I also feel this went well when reflecting on my work, it was easier and much more fun to use, I would use this again if i had the chance or need. I also used PowerPoint which was similar to using prezi , I used this to do some of my evaluation and research , using PowerPoint helped me use other media platforms such as slide-share. Slide-share allowed me to embed my power-point and add it to blogger , by doing this I could compare research on different existing magazines.  I also used poll daddy to create a questionnaire, this helped me gain valuable target audience research  which helped me develop my magazine to suit the needs of the age range I planned to target.Upon reflection ,I feel like using poll daddy helped me the most out of the out of the range of technologies I used for research. This is because it helped me gain important information on my target audience.

I also made a sildey to present my target audience research , I did this to show who I was targeting my magazine at and what hobbies and things they may do. This helped me see how and what my magazine should feature to engage my target audience . This also helped me see what Jazz artists already exist so I could include them in my magazine.This didnt go well because I found it difficult to use and I think that had an effect on the work I did on it. If I were to do this again I would not use slidely.

 I used a Nikon D7200 DSLR fitted with a 35mm prime lens to take my images on my second Photo shot,  I also used a tripod and continuous lighting with soft box with a plain white back ground.One of the images I took using these tools was my front cover image, This helped me get a professional look and a good quality image to use.I would use this again because it helped me get good images for my magazine .

Question 7 (Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?)

Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

Double page spread final

This is the final double page spread, I have used the red on her lips on the front cover to create synergy throughout my magazine.

Contents Final

This is the final draft of my contents , I have created synergy with the front cover due to the red and blue used on each.

Front Cover Final

This is the final front cover I have made, I am happy with how this drafts looks and think it would meet my target audience. I like how the colours contrast each other and are bright which draw the readers attention.

Media Institutions Research

Time Inc UK
Has 60 brands which are available on many platforms. It was formly known as IPC Media , it doesn't have many music magazines which could be good as it might encourage them to step into that market. It has many brands such as Whats on tv , Uncut , Now and NME. You can subscribe to any of the magazines . It has many global offices which are : New York metro ; Amsterdam ; Bangalore ; Birmingham ; Chicago ;Hong Kong ; London ; Los Angeles ; Seattle ; SF Bay Area ;Stamford ; Tampa and Farnborough. The company has been going since around 1800.

Future 

 Is an international publishing group. Future was set up in 1985 . Future has a portfolio of over 200 print titles, apps, websites and events. Having websites and apps show the brand is up to date and appeals the magazines to young people. Offices in the UK, USA and Australia.
Some brands include Guitarist ; musicradar ; Rhythm ; Bass ; Acoustic  ; Blues. 

Anthem Publishing 

Uk's only publisher of both music-making and music-listening magazines. Is also fastest growing publishing company. Has brands such as:
Country music : News, reviews and previews which keep readers purchasing the magazine .Many of the readers only listen to country music and are brand loyal. Age range is around 20-40 year olds.
Vintage rock: covers fashion, cars, tours and new music to do with the rock era 50s-60s and it includes album reviews and events ect... audience profile is male ,50's and has high levels of disposable income.
Classic Pop: biggest selling pop magazine for an adult readership, based on 60's,70's,80's and music today . includes live reviews ,you tube playlists so readers can keep up with favourite artists .The market is rock pop / pop. The audience profile is male in their 40's.

Front cover drafts

Draft 1                                                                                                                 Draft 5

Draft 2                                                                                                                                        Draft 6

Draft 3                                                                                                                                              Draft 4

double page spread drafts

Double page spread drafts from sophiehannah200

Selection and Rejection for shoot 4

 I like this photo because it shows the model being serious and almost intimidating , however, I wouldn't use this image for my magazine because it doesn't show her fun side.







I like this photo because of the lights that I captured in it, I think it gives a more festive feel which is the season my magazine would be out in. I also think it adds another layer onto the photo and captures her happy side.

I love this picture because it shows the models fun side. It shows she is relaxed and is looking directly into the camera which creates a relationship with the reader, which is what I want my magazine to do.I would use this for my double page spread.

 I like this image because it shows the artist is being her normal self and is more comfortable. It also creates an attitude because she is not looking into the camera.

I will use this image on my contents page because it shows the model having fun with her dog and enjoying the shoot. It will also distract the reader from outside life because it gets them intrigued to why she has her dog.

phootshoot plan 4

This photoshoot is for my contents page however,  I may use these for my double page spread.The location of this shoot will be in a set up studio at a friends house. I will be walking to the location and my model will be already there.My model (greta) will be the same as my front cover.The outfit she will be wearing is a green jumpsuit and a necklace . Her make up will be simple with just eyeliner . My shots will mostly be close ups or a medium close up.The lighting will be bright to give a positive image.I will frame my shot by being in the center and some looking over the model.I will reach my TA because my model will look fun and sexy .

double page spread article draft

Alex is one of the biggest selling jazz artist of our time but do we really know her. In this exclusive interview we dig into her past and how she has become the Alex we know and love her. Alex recently announced a new (different) dug up the gossip and the true meanings behind her songs. So in a retro coffee shop we got to work for you guys!



After having a break from the public eye we are the first magazine Alex has talked to and haven’t we got lots in store for you !  
What was the most difficult period of your life? ‘My school life was the hardest time of my life, I struggled with almost every subject even at college. So I understand what some of my fans maybe going through, I love to feel like I can help them by my music. ‘Did you feel alone and did you listen to music to help? Yes I did feel very alone (pauses) I didn’t have an artist I could relate to which is why it means so much to me to be there for my fans ‘.  What did you use as an escape? ‘I used my own music, I put my anger and hurt into my music so that I did have a release, it did help and I hope I can just help others’. Alex’s songs are well known to be based on her past experiences in life which have proved very popular with jazz audiences across the years, winning her many awards including 3 jazz time’s best new album and best new coming artist in jazz. Over the last year Alex has been on a break from her music however, she has announced recently on her social media that a new album will be out December this year. What influenced this album? ‘Lots of things really. I guess my home life. My mum isn’t very well so I guess that was a big factor of what inspired me. But I just wrote what I felt it wasn’t inspired my anything really expect my feelings.’ How long have you been working on the album for and is there any special experiences we can know about? ‘The album has been in progress for around a year and a half I did most my writing while I took my break. I wish I could tell you! But I want it to be a surprise for my fans.  Is there any other big news we should know about? ‘You’ll see, I can’t tell any secrets yet ‘.  Her fans still have some waiting to do. But we did get some juicy gossip on the meanings of some of the songs on the new album (different), we picked the five most popular from the tweets we received and asked her.
War of hearts
‘The meaning of the songs is just about really fighting with a partner but you do it out of love. Me and my boyfriend fight all the time but we never mean it so one day I just thought. HEY! Write a song about it!’
Water
‘This is probably the least emotional song I have. It’s literally just about the water of the sea. While I was on holiday (Italy) I looked out and thought of how beautiful it was so I just sat with my note pad and it just happened.’
Clean
‘This is more personal, it’s about my friend’s addiction to drugs. I wanted to write something about it and I thought it would make her see she wasn’t alone. And that’s all there is to that song’
Old
‘Old is about when we get old we get fragile and I don’t want to be like that. I wanna stay like this forever. Its also about that id like to grow old with someone not alone because for me that’s my worst fear.
Letting go
‘A family member recently passed away and this song and the production of it really helped me find my way and helped me handle my emotions. I didn’t wanna talk to anyone so instead I guess I could say I talked to my pen and notebook and wrote a song.

We also surprised 2 lucky fans with a chance to ask their own questions. The fans molly aged 15 and Liam aged 17 asked 2 questions and got their chance with their idol. Liam: did you have any friends at school or college and what did you do? Alex: I didn’t have many I had a close friend who didn’t go to the same place as me so I just put my all into school to try understand but I ended up going to music in my free time working on my music which I guess is pretty sad ( laughs). Molly: how did you cope with exams? Alex: I took breaks it’s never good working yourself to hard. And I made sure I had an escape, which was my music.’ Liam: how did you get recognised? ‘I entered a lot of competitions in school so that had helped but it was mostly singing on the street at the right place right time. I got spotted by pure luck really! Molly: do you think your background and where you came from effected your chance? ‘Honestly yes I do think I would have been singled out if people knew, I was from a rough area and that intimated people and made them doubt if I could do it. I think I was very lucky but if I can make it anyone can.’
We can expect to see Alex at the jazz festival and Glastonbury this year where we will catch up with her again. Her new album ‘different’ is due out in December but available to pre order now on iTunes. Keep up to date with all things Alex on her social media and the Iconic website where the interview is available online to watch and to listen to on our podcast .

contents page drafts

Contents page drafts from sophiehannah200

Questionnaire results analysis

Question 1 shows that people consume media in a range of ways so to I need to take this into consideration when making my magazine, I need it to be available in many shops and online and available to download.

Question 2 shows most people dont buy magazines because they are not interested in the contents so I need to make sure my features are interesting another reason is  they are  too expensive so to make sure people buy my magazine I will have to consider if my price is too high. 

Question 3 shows that people are attracted to the magazines for many different reasons. I need to make sure my magazine includes all the things the people from the questionnaire responses suggested.

Question 4 shows that people like my masthead however, some people did not know what a masthead was , I should have used less media terminology in my questions.

Question 5 everyone likes the features I have used , however, people dislike the salmon colour so I will change this to a different colour.Id like to change this to red , so in another questionnaire I will mention this.

Question 6 everyone thinks the price is fair so this helps me achieve question 2.However, some would pay this price if offered free things.

Question 7 the features interest the audience equally and everyone picked something different which suggests I am meeting the needs and wants of my target audience. 

Question 8 the features interest the audience. Which allows me to charge the price I have and has helped me to get people to be interested in my magazine.

Question 9 a quiz and self help section has been recommended to add in which I will do.

Question 10 some people like the editors letter however, some aren't interested so I will keep it in my magazine to appeal to the people who do want it.

Question 11 People would like enough information so they would be interested so I will keep this in mind .

Question 12 people like the blue and white however some dont like the salmon I will change this to meet my target audience wants.

Question 13 the story interests the readers which allows me to concentrate on this more on my front cover. .

Question 14 everyone like the theme used because it intrigued them.

Question 15 everyone thinks the topic matches the genre.

Question 16 people like the layout however, more writing on the other page would be liked.

Question 17 people cant think of anything to add but the blue to be darker. 

Questionnaire results

This worked really well because it was online. Most people thought it was easier online and quicker. I used polldaddy to create my survey and to share this with my audience I sent it through Facebook messenger. My questionnaire can be viewed via the url below:

http://sophiehannah200.polldaddy.com/s/ta-research

Content page ideas (layout)

This shows different layouts of magazines contents pages that I will help use to construct my own.