11) Moodboard

Pre production planning

Pre production planning from Bilal Haf

Proof of construction- Final magazine

This screenshot depicts the magazine before changes took place

The following shots show the previous magazine that was greatly approved upon to bring the final product:

Evaluation

In what ways does your music magazine use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of retail music magazines?
My foundation portfolio was to gain more knowledge on the conventions of magazines and understand the process from planning to final product. My portfolio consists of a school magazine front cover made to cover a significant event that transpired that would appeal to 6^th formers. We had to research other school magazines, define conventions and make it appeal to the masses. This task allowed me to train my Photoshop skills and also research abilities. Due to this, I learnt more Photoshop techniques and conventions of a typical magazine which aided me later.
My main task was created with conventions of rap magazines within the rap genre. My magazine is titled ‘Bass’. This is due to the fact that it connotes a strong image that bases itself in rap. Additionally, the way it ‘rolls of the tongue’ makes it memorable and more likely to be noticed. The word ‘Bass’ defines a musical prospect. Because of this; the magazine will be heralded higher and will draw more attention, therefore subscribers/buyers. My front cover features a stereotypical reverse-C shape. A large mid-shot of a famous rapper is present. His attire consists of a dark shirt, while his position points towards the audience thus creating direct address. This image follows conventions of rap magazines that I researched, due to the fact that they typically feature males, with references to alcohol. The informal attire was worn due to the fact that it tied in with the theme of the magazine (street rap) but also to show of the other side of the rap genre. This would interest people to view the magazine therefore gaining more revenue. Unintentionally, the magazine has been arranged to maximise profit, which is a convention of retail music magazines. For the masthead, the font chose was ‘Payback’. This followed the theme of the magazine while also being masculine and strong to appeal to the primarily male masses. It is also clear, attractive and contrasts greatly with the red gradient background to draw to make it easier to read, therefore easier to buy. The traditional rule of three was implemented to choose red, black and white. These strong, masculine colours reinforce the magazine as ruthless. It was on the front cover that the house style was set, and was followed throughout the magazine. The barcode, price and date were placed on the front cover to follow conventions. The convention has a good basis, as it makes it easier to see all relevant information on the first page you see. Finally, the links to the magazines external site were placed. This is to bow to Web 2.0’s dramatic boost in users. As the figure (1) shows, this increase is drastic and because retail magazines have acted on this, my magazine has followed. I opted to make everything as simplistic as possible, due to the fact that many purchase magazines but cannot read.
The contents page follows the house style of white, black and red white keeping the previous fonts. The page has a number of sub-heading articles, and a sentence of information after. This is a convention of retail music magazines, which entices the audience to read on. The designated numbers of each sub-heading have seemingly sporadic increases but this is to account for advertisements and miscellaneous articles. The main article was given the larger text and number sizes which other magazines also feature. The double page spread numbers correlate to the contents page, therefore showing the reliability of the information to you.

How does your media product represent particular social groups?
My magazines show the rap genre can be split into multiple subcultures. It does this by straying away from typical conventions and showing the more sophisticated, artistic side of rap. It shows it goes beyond violence, drugs and sex to show class and stature. The representation of a minority artist depicts the group as empowering and gives the Asian community a figure head. The magazine does not features very little of women, and when it does, the article detests the way they are portrayed. This contrasts the way other magazines portray them, in a purely sexual light. The magazine does not dip into race relations which sets it apart from others. Magazines like The Source gained fame for covering the black rights movement, featuring groups like NWA (Ni**as with attitude) and Tupac. This gave the black community a very anti-police vibe which enforced the stereotype of black people being violent and unlawful.
What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
I believe Townsquare Media would distribute mine, due to the fact they push all genres of magazines including rap, as seen from the magazine; The Source. Additionally, Bauer Media publish many magazines and they do not own a rap-genre magazine. This would give them a chance to appeal to a larger audience.
Who would be the audience for your media product?
I have targeted ages 16-30, primarily males due to the fact that this group is the rap genre’s largest group of buyers. As seen from the questionnaire, this band is the larger group of consumers than any other. It can also appeal to females, should they possess an interest in the rap genre.
How did you attract/address your audience?
I used conventional aspects to welcome rap fans, but also went against it to make it appeal to a larger audience who demanded a more formal approach to rap. I included simple language and attractive images due to the fact that the magazine XXL has a subscriber base that is 46% illiterate. Also, to appeal to the younger generation, the Web 2.0 links were implemented so they could access the magazine on their phone. I also featured famous artists so people would view it if a person of interest was present.

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

When constructing my magazine I have learnt about how use Photoshop to an advanced level. This includes using the Gaussian blur functions to make sure my photographs are the perfect blend. By using the blending options to make two layers work together. The use of the magic wand tool, as primitive as it may be, allowed me to take the image from the original and then place it into my background. Lastly the drop shadows and inner shadows to add depth and make the most of the space on the pages. In addition, I have learnt how to maximise the effect of opacities and using the burn tool in order to get the image as dark as the background. I have also learnt about how to use the DSLR cameras and how to use lighting and backdrops to ensure the image professional as possible.

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

I believe I have learnt how to research needed material more efficiently, while also being able to use Photoshop skills with greater precision. I can use more functions than previous times and have learnt conventions of magazines. Additionally, I have learnt more about the media in general and how the public eye is skewed towards whatever the oligopoly demands. Finally, I understand how to meet deadlines, persevere against setbacks, and act on feedback. This and others have been shown from my preliminary task to my final.

22) Final magazine

Main task introduction

Preliminary Magazine construction