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

Ideas for magazine

19) Pre-production planning

10) Font choices

21) Final Magazine

20) Photoshoot Plan

16) Questionnaire: Data Results and Summary of Findings

These images show the results of the questionnaires which total 50% (bar the first) due to the fact that half were either not qualified to take the test, or did not return it.
 

 

This graph shows that the audience for music magazines are typically male.










This shows that the audience prefers the  red, black and white colour scheme.








This shows the audience is split for the most part between the image of a man with a gun to his head, and an aggresive man looking directly at the camera.

This shows the audience heavily favours rap therefore validating most opinions as useful.










This shows the audience was split between the three.









This shows people were willing to spend different amounts, yet there is no clear answer.

Many said they purchase magazines monthly, and none do not purchase magazines, which once again validates their opinions.









This shows people are most interested in
 the latest gossip.


















This shows the majority of the group fall within the 15 to 26 range.







This shows the audience would prefer the conventional rap magazine over the others challenging stereotypes.








This shows the audience is split between the three options.

10) Typeface Final selection

15) Questionnaire on magazines

Survey Creator

Questionnaire in link above 

14) XXL Magazne: Case study

XXL remains one of the longest running music magazines in the Rap sector, after its initial publication in August 1997. The magazine predominantly focuses on Rap, and features a famous "Annual Freshman" list per annum. This allows the audience to be aware of new stars, and also give the artists some exposure.

The magazine is based in America, specifically New York City. The magazine has made clear it's musical preference, thereby promoting iconic artists such as Big Sean and Busta Rhymes. Artists like Ice Cube represents the Black power movement that took place in America during the 1980's anti-racism movement. The magazine meant to act as a voice for the lower, mistreated classes of America.

Late 1980s, XXL adopted the "underground" scene with people like G-Unit and The Game. The magazine deliberately set both against each other, starring front pages that read "G-unit claps back at The Game".

In August 2005, Eminem and XXL released a special issue magazine scribes "Shade 45" in order to give the artist and radio station maximum exposure while simultaneously linking the famous rapper to the magazine logo.

The magazine layout conventionally features the logo "XXL", which appears in bold white on  red block. This gives the magazine a masculine image and presents itself as strong. The house colours of this magazine are black, gold, red and the primary colour being white. This gives it a prestigious look, therefore making it fresh, clean and superior. It follows the convention of having a white background, which coincides with its music genre. The use of white and black; monochrome, gives creates an eye-catching effect due to its great contrast. When combined with the traditional rule of three, it intrigues the audience to read on. The barcode it situated in the bottom right corner of the front cover, due to the fact it is likely irrelevant to the consumer, but merchants would know where to look.

The huge institution that publishes this magazine, XXL, is Harris Publications Inc. They are an American consumer-magazine publisher based in New York. They publish over 75 titles, all their publications are different genres although they’re major division are Harris Outdoor Magazines which include titles on hunting, finishing and firearms. Some of their other magazines are Juicy, King, Dog News, 0-60, Guns & Weapons for Law Enforcement, Small business opportunities, Men’s Workout, Exercise & Health and Celebrity Hairstyles

Cross-media platforms can be seen here, as from their website which includes many useful features like. The ‘latest news’ section, and is updated more than once an hour most of the time and gives a headline of the news. At the bottom of the webpage it has a footer which I found different to many other website magazines which included links to their twitter which helps give the artists exposure. Web 2.0 can also be seen here as the magazine has adapted with the rising technological age.

13) Representation of women and certain ethnicities

Representation of a particular ethnicity and women being sexualised in the music industry?



Some believe that women are sexualised in the music industry. There lies overwhelming evidence for this point. The music industry progressively reveals more of the models bodies in an attempt to appeal to the largely male majority. An example of this appears in the MTV awards in 2013, where around 10 million people viewed. They were privy to dancers dressed only in bikinis, Lady Gaga, who wore a thong and shells, and finally Miley Cyrus who wore only three items of clothing. The manor of which they are dressed creates the compelling case that women are in fact sexualised in the music industry. The coexisted with well-built males in the background, fully dressed which implies that they are more powerful, dominant even. The illustrated contrast  proves to depict that women are used as objects in the music industry.


Women in the music industry are often used at the advantage of the male gaze. Women are repeatedly sexualised in the music industry. Often women are wearing more make up than clothing, featuring in sexual positioning, dancing provocatively.


Also featuring in the oppressed sector of the music industry are particular ethnicities. One such group includes the black community. They are shown to be abrasive, aggressive, ill-mannered and dull witted. An example includes the song The Notorious BIG's 'Who shot ya' entailing a story of gang violence and murder threats. This depicts the black group confirm the archetype about them and shows the biased light they are placed under. Finally, the country genre is also stereotyped about the singers being rednecks and from Texas and the female singers are skinny blondes. There songs consist of about the rural life and relates to the stereotype of white southerners, which include the idea of being inbred, backwards, trigger happy and generally retarded. To conclude, it is my belief that women and some ethnicities are portrayed in a biased, unjust light.

12) Newscorp

Do you think companies such as News Corporation are good for the media market place or do they mean that the products we are offered do not adequately reflect our needs?   


Rupert Murdoch leads a series of leading companies, including The Daily Telegraph, The Sunday Telegraph and The Sun. From its creation in 1979, it is now estimated to be worth around $12.1 billion. Its influence matches its worth, shown by the reach and number of consumers it holds. Newscorp resides in the oligopoly of media, rivalled by few others. 

The gigantic power and wealth the company hold implicates that it is not good for the media market place. This is due to the fact that other media outlets cannot metaphorically grow because of the well established name of News Corp.  Outlets and merchants will fail to buy brand new products, because of the stated oligopoly. This speaks to the idea that the authority of the company will never falter, due to the fact there is no others that can challenge it. Thus, a potentially very dangerous scenario is created. If there are no opposing beliefs to that of the media outlet, then only one voice will be heard; the voice the paper wants you to hear. Media is biased, and has been known to sway the truth of purposly miss out key information. The term propaganda comes to mind, as constant ideology is instilled into the population. An instance of a danger would be when a parting affair takes place, (war, racial conflict etc); the companies input will be monumental. It would break down to the core belief that a single organisation holds the populations mindset in their hands. In the wrong hands, it would prove catastrophic.
Companies like NewsCorp scale into the idea of globalisation due to the fact that the company has gone global and grown to a worldwide scale. The media industry is controlled by four major companies; Disney, Time Warner, Viacom and CBS. These companies control what the consumer takes in, dictating that the content consumed will have similar one sided views. Through this people are only getting the news that the major companies are providing. Because of this there is deregulation as there is oligopoly in the media industry.
However, many large companies (NewsCorp) have introduced a number of smaller start-ups and local companies because they want to appeal to a larger audience. This is therefore achieved by making your content more diverse.  
To conclude, I believe that the companies  such as News Corporation are not good for the market place, due to the fact that: their opinions are biased;which can have devastating effects and also the fact that they control most media means the public see what they want us to see. This could skew the public eye against an entity without being given all the information.




Sources:

  [1] http://www.encyclopedia.com/social-sciences-and-law/economics-business-and-labor/businesses-and-occupations/news-corp-limited

9) Double page spread analysis

 This feature pages has four artists in the midst of playing a song. The setting is a beachfront, and the image is black and white. The text is a lighter white, with some text coloured in red. The contrast highlights the text as having a greater importance.  The lead singer is the largest object on screen, which makes him the centre of attention. None of the members of “U2” are looking directly at the camera. This sways against conventional layout, but as this is a rock magazine, it is not unusual. All text on the image is uppercase, and bold. This makes the article more enticing to read due to the fact it grabs the audience’s attention. The page follows the usual style of the magazine, using the same red box in the top left side of the page, and the text is always the same. The caption on the top left side of the page gives context to the image: “Pebble yells U2 hit the beach to promote new album “Songs Of Innocence””.  The bottom right paragraph of text is coloured red which immediately stand out the most. It is adjacent to the hook, which makes it more likely to be read, which implies that the creators thought it important. The wide shot allows the scenery and all band members to be seen. The language used is violent, and example being the term “kills”. The article discusses a suicidal theme, which reinforces the idea that the audience is mature.

 The double page is from a NME magazine. In this article, the artist is placed on the left side. This spread utilises the rule of three, the image of drake is placed on the left because the audience is likelier to give attention as a world famous artist is present. Compromising the conventional layout will coincide with rap’s unorthodox style, which embodies Drake’s persona as a distinct and against mainstream.
The image of Drake is a medium shot. The lack of distance between Drake and the camera implicates that the article is focused, and it will reveal things that would’ve otherwise been unknown. The artist’s posture suggests that the interview is serious and he is has concealed information. The stern expression on his face further supports this, and also speaks to the idea that in relation to the hook “Drake’s Progress”, it is grim and saddening one.
The masthead font seems to implicate a light, comedic interview, but the bold quote written in sans serif font directly contradicts this. The language highlighted in this quote includes the term “I can’t paint a façade”. The terminology used infers that the targeted demography must be a mature audience, aged 18+. However, the colloquial term ”drizzy” is used, therefore implying that the audience  at eldest in their 20s, due to the fact that they would have to keep up to date with hip hop  affairs to understand.
The houses style of the magazine is by definition consistent throughout each article, and this spread is no exception. The uniformity of the magazines styles allows the colours and fonts to be associated with their brand. Additionally, the artists featured will also be related. The rule of three can be seen here, as the colours gold, black and blue are present on a white background. The rapper is regular with this scheme, which makes the simplicity of the double pages more tempting to delve into. However, the anomaly would be the text in image. The phrase “DRIZZY” is coloured in pink, gold and blue. The pink may have been placed there to draw attention to the Rolex watch on the celebrities’ wrist, which would then draw eyes to the quote. This would play a role in the reader wanting to carry on.

Contents page analysis

Contents page analysis

 This contents page traditionally utilises the rule of three, which does not challenge the general conventions for a rap magazine. The colour red, signifies immediacy and draws the reader’s attention to it. When in contrast to the white background, this effect is enhanced even greater. The black have connotations of the rap genre, which help associate the magazine’s house style to the genre. The black the artist, 50 cent, is wearing, succeeds in its purpose to pull readers view to the full-length shot of him. He is the only image on the page which separates him from the text. This pays homage to the high-profile rapper and gives the impression that he has previously unknown news to reveal. The white background completes the page with a certain degree of simplicity, therefore not subtracting any focus from the featured star or articles. Finally, the half-black and half-white text of the rapper, “50 cent” adds to the effect of drawing eyes to the bold page number.
The mast head for the feature page serves the purpose to inform the reader of the pages contents. The subheadings completed in bold allow the audience to get a little bit of information on the page, before receiving a little more below it. This was implemented due to the fact that it makes finding the page the viewer are searching for more convenient. This makes their experience with the magazine better and entices them to subscribe. The magazines logo is present in order to fill blank space and also assimilate the house style to their brand.
The layout and content of the feature page is dull and mundane. I believe this to be a waste of potential, due to the fact that some viewers may not endear to purchase another issue due to this problem.
Finally, the artist is facing the text on the right and looking back at the camera. This sends attention to the text but also gives of his signature expression of arrogance. I believe the image acts as direct address which aids the magazine in including the audience, as if 50 cent is looking at the reader. This may make him/her read on and therefore the image serves its purpose.

This is a Vibe magazines contents page, and is easily recognizable to fans familiar with this magazine as the background has a large, grey V which is symbolic of Vibe magazine and relates to the magazines house style and the magazine is iconic for their use of the large V.
This magazine follows a simple colours scheme as the only colours are found on the image/background; black, white and grey. This black and white style, along with the style of clothing on the image of the artist, Kanye present the magazine as sophisticated, mature and perhaps containing content appealing to adults. This is further shown by the seductive and promiscuous nature of the image as it is implied a woman is clinging to Kanye to in a way that is sexual as shown by her hand gripping onto a red heart placed on Kanye’s chest. Connotations of the colour red in this context are lust and aggression. Simultaneously, Kanye is shown to possess a stern and masculine gaze into the camera, creating an appealing and eye catching image as the readers feel as though the magazine is communicating a message directly for them.
The magazine could have been presented in this mature, sophisticated and promiscuous way to appeal to adults or perhaps late-teens as “sex sells” and this magazine hints towards a lot of sexuality.

7) Front cover analysis (Representation and Stereotypes)

The cover of XXL is graced by the rapper Nas, who is looking directly into the camera. This creates direct address, which is an attempt to draw in readers. He is the main focus of the magazine and every other item on the page revolves around his attire. The colour scheme of silver and black are utilised to match his clothes and chains while the final colour; red, aligns itself with the magazine logo/image. The masthead of the magazine gives way to the artist seen by the fact it lies below him. However, due to the magazines clear house style, people are able to tell it is a XXL magazine.  The plugs are placed along the left side, while the right features names of artists appearing in the magazine. The hook is the largest text, and uses a strong masculine font to draw in its primarily male readers. It provides further expansion below, yet is ambiguous enough to make the viewer read on. Standard conventions appearing on the cover are: barcode, issue, colour of three and date. The mid shot reflect the emotion of anger and contempt. This, paired with the chains around his neck and casual hoodie attire, replicates the stereotype of the rap community. This archetype suggests that rappers are aggressive, of low intelligence and are against the law. The term 'N#GGAZ' is used to describe him which affiliates him with the slang term for black people. This therefore creates the link between himself and gang relations. The strong language suggests a ruthless environment, which shows that the rapper could be violent and brutish. The group reference 'N#IGGAZ WITH ATTITUDE' placed above his name creates a link between the two, and suggests that Nas belongs to the anarchist group. I believe that the front cover bows to the conventions made out against rappers. However, the male's haircut is shown to be well kept which connotes a grooming habit. While the rapper being a metrosexual is a reach, the small evidence that suggests it strays from the conventional rapper, thus breaking stereotypes. The target audience for XXL is suited to the rapper, which consists of males aged 16-30. Uses and gratification theory can be applied here, due to the fact that the demograph may use the magazine to find information on the industry and the latest rap news. The page follows the conventional 'C' layout which allows the image of the rapper to be the main focus and thus emphasise his presence in the issue.

The low shot of the rapper Ice Cube gives him a sense of greater authority than the reader. It makes him seem like a larger threat. The discerning impression breaks the convention of angry black rappers; instead he is calm and collect. Emphasise of the letters 'KKK' in misspelt America not only draws attention to the magazine, but also creates a direct contrast between the two. It depicts a conflict with America hanging in the balance, signified by the flag in the background. This only makes him seem even mellower due to the overwhelming stakes. This magazine contradicts the stereotype of the rap community. The artist looks directly into the camera which creates direct address, which attempts to establish a link between him and the reader. The cover features no plugs which also challenged the conventions of a rap magazine.

4) Photoshop evidence of creating Preliminary Magazine

6) Main Task- Introduction

The main task consists of creating a magazine, in which the following will be included: front cover, contents page, and double page feature page. In this, we must use photos we have acquired first hand and utilise photo editing services, entailing Photoshop and others. The final product will be assessed on how it meets the criteria, and how genuine it seems. This tests our manipulation skills with applications, such as Photoshop, PowerPoint and Publisher.



The genre I have chosen to base my music magazine off of, is rap. This is due to the fact that it is a breed that I am familiar with, and the simplicity of some popular rap magazines only makes the product seems prestige and well made. Furthermore, this will make it easier to create images based on rap, and arrange the magazine.



The demographic I aim to hit is the 16-27 male region due to the fact that this is rap's usual audience and therefore by extension, the magazines. Despite the fact that rap is primarily for those over 18 years of age, those under have been known to listen to it. Due to this fact, I have included them in my target audience, so that the potential influence of the magazine is ever larger. Also, I am unable to put anything worthy of an 18+ on the magazine for legal reasons. To engage with my target audience, I have decided to; maintain a house theme, use colloquial language, feature numerous artist's names, use eye catching hooks and titles.

2) Ideas for preliminary magazine front page

3) Conventions of magazines

1) Preliminary Task Introduction

 

Preliminary Task Introduction

My Media Studies AS Foundation Portfolio includes two tasks, the first being the preliminary task; a sixth form magazine cover page. This blog will chart my progress and will lead from the preliminary task to the final task. The end task includes a 4 pages, consisting of a front cover, contents and
a double page.
The preliminary task was to produce a school magazine to attract student, teachers and parents. We are required to create a school magazine cover, including images and to be produced on photoshop.
Ideas include:
-The main cover story is going to be about prizegiving, and therefore will include the guest of honour, headmaster, subject prize winners along with the graduating year. There will be numerous images, of students recieving trophies and guest of honour speech.
-The name and masthead will be "The Heathland School"; and the masthead will be red and bold to make it stand out.
-The background will be a gradient of dark blue to miror the Heathland badge.
-The main headline will be "Prizegiving-2016"
The main target audience will be 6th formers and their parents. This is because they can relate to the event, and the year included will be interested to view the highlights in the magazine. It is also a chance for the parents to see it, if they did not attend.
The purpose is to inform parents of the huge success and remind the students of the monuments event.
To depict the event to the audience, I will make the follow the conventions of a magazine in order to make the magazine attractive, eye-catching and consise. I will do this throught the medium of a main image, bold masthead, enticing hook, an informative skypline and others.
This task will develop and display my evolving photoshop skills, and it will test my presentation skills.
For both magazine covers, I will need to think about the masthead, hook, typography, teasers, buttons and skyline. They make up stereotypical conventions of a magazine cover that retail magazines use in order to get people to notice it.