Mock Up Music Magazine - Final Cover

Here is my final version of my mock up of Q Music Magazine. I have displayed my mock up next to the original for comparison purposes.

I am quite happy with the final outcome of the cover, as I think, for the most part, I have managed to find similar fonts for the various coverlines, however after closer inspection, I  have still missed some small details, which has made me sure that when I create my own music magazine to not ignore the smaller details. I am happy with the main image, and am pleased with how I managed to use Photoshop to edit out the background and insert a new one, which will be useful if it is a process I need for my own magazine. 

Overall, I am quite pleased with my mock up magazine cover, however I will need to make sure that when I create my own magazine to make sure that I keep track of smaller details, such as which layers various images or text will be featured, as this will have an overall effect of which coverlines and images are displayed on top of others. I found the process of making a mock up of a music magazine very useful because it has helped me understand the codes and conventions better, which I will take into account when going through the process of creating my own music magazine.

Mock Up Music Magazine Cover - Second Attempt

This is my second on going attempt at creating a mock up of the Q Magazine cover. As you can see, I have added more of the text onto the cover, as well as editing the layout slightly so everything will fit on the cover suitably. I added in the flash on the bottom right corner, which I found especially difficult because I have to create each line of words in a different text box so that I could edit them and arrange them to fit inside the flash, like the real magazine cover. I also added a bar code at the bottom right, with I think now makes my cover look more believable and professional.

  My next task is to photoshop my main image onto the cover, which I am excited to do to see the overall outcome, but also so that I can learn some of the tools of Photoshop, and how to edit photos, such as removing the background. This technique will hopefully be useful when I create images for my own music magazine.

Mock Up Music Magazine Cover - First Attempt

I have begun to start creating my mock up of the Q Magazine Lady Gaga cover. This is my first attempt, and it looks very basic at the moment. However, I have begun to include the basic layout and structure of the cover, and tried creating similar fonts and text to the real cover. I am hoping that with more of the details and the main image added it will look more like the real magazine.

Mock Up Music Magazine Cover

As practice for when I create my own music magazine cover, I am going to make a mock up of a cover that has been used for a real music magazine. For this task, I have chosen Q Magazine, because when researching music magazine covers, I found this image and instantly too a liking. I like how the limited colours still make the cover interesting, but mostly I really like magazine cover that feature only one image, because although simple, in my opinion it makes a better cover, as it attracts all the attention. I am definitely going to use the features of this cover as inspiration for my own magazine, but also hopefully learn from the process, and understand more the world of creating a music magazine.

My Mission Statement

My new project, will target teenage males and females. I am going to specifically target those of the rock/ metal music genre, as this is the main focus of my magazine. I will combine stylish, visually appealing imagery with interesting, witty, hopefully humorous but also serious takes on the music industry.

Although the magazine is about the metal/rock genre, I am hoping to include other aspects of media, such as television and radio, as well as beauty and fashion. By doing this, I will look at the representation of the music genre, and how it's portrayed in other aspects of the media.

My magazine's role on readers' lives is to inspire, excite, provoke and entertain.

The Mission Statement

• Explain what kind of music magazine you hope to create by focusing on genre and style.
• Explain the audience that you are trying to target.
• Give a brief overview of the content of your magazine.
• Descrive the tone and attitude of your magazine.
• Explain the role that you think your magazine will play in the lives of its readers.

Music Magazine Covers

The Image

• If there is a person/group on the cover, what do they represent?
• Are they a stereotype?
• How has this stereotype been constructed?

The Gaze

• The gaze refers to the direction in which the person on the cover is looking.
• Are they looking straight at the audience?
• Are they smiling - enticing the reader in?
• Do they look friendly or cool?
• Do they look seductive?

Representation is KEY.
Going to include one or more people, no image is to contain no more than five models.

School Magazine: Analysis and Evaluation

School Magazine: Analysis and Evaluation from harrevs

School Magazine Contents Page - Final

This is my latest and final attempt at my school magazine contents page. I haven't changed much since my previous page, however, I decided to rearrange some of the layout. This included slightly moving the bottom picture to the right, and adding the page number of the feature, as well as extending the box of text under the coverline, "Hometime!." This makes better use of the space, but still keeps to my ideal layout and structure for the contents page. I am happy with the overall result, however, if I were to attempt this task again, I would edit the background image, so that the text would match with the lines on the paper, as I think it would have had an ever more interesting, and better looking effect.

School Magazine Contents Page - Third Attempt

My latest attempt at my contents page, and also my third, I think that my school magazine contents page is near completion. I edited some of the text, making the coverlines bold, making them more eye catching. I also made sure all the sub text under the coverlines were a similar size. This was going to be my final contents page, however, the empty space next to the bottom image, in my opinion, either needs to be filled, or the structure needs to be slightly rearranged to use all the space provided.

School Magazine Contents Page - Second Attempt

This is my second attempt at my school magazine contents page. It has a lot more features than my previous, as adding text was not as time consuming. I deciding to head the contents page, "Timetable," to correspond with the school theme, and I thought it would be more interesting and unique if I used language common around schools. Therefore, I found, "Timetable," to be appropriate, as the contents page displays everything included, in an ordered fashion. I also decided to use side headings for my coverlines, because therefore I could set out the column as a timetable, using specific language, such as, "Break," and, "Hometime." Like many contents pages I found when doing research, I decided to put the month of the issue at the top of the page, with the page number at the bottom left, with the school magazine name to the right, promoting the magazine itself. This is still unfinished, as I have to tweek certain parts, changing sizing, fonts and picture layout.

Which Genre?

After doing some research on various music magazines and the genres, I think that I am going to focus on the rock genre, purely because I think that it is a good genre to represent, as although I would have liked to look at the pop genre, the rock genre is represented in a more unique way, and is easily recognisable by the outfits/costumes, hair and make up. I also found that there are more magazines focused on this genre, and so it would be useful for general research. I am mainly going to use Kerrang! magazine for inspiration, however I am planning on looking at any magazine covers/contents pages/double page spreads that feature the rock and metal genre of music.

Music Magazine Research

Before deciding on a specific genre to use as a baseline for my music magazine, I am going to carry out some research into the industry, looking at popular music magazines, and examine the types of genres they specify. Although I do not want to copy another magazine, I think that choosing a genre which is well received by the public and is good to use as a template will secure for me a good and interesting music magazine, and I will no doubt be influenced by certain genres.

Most music magazines continuously use the colours red, white and black, although this assumption is purely based on music magazine of a rock genre. However, after looking up magazines of more of a pop genre, I found that although using more of a variety of colours such as yellow and blue, the black, white and red colours still play a major role in the design of a magazine cover. 

Music magazines have a similar structure and design to other types of magazines, however, details like the colours and various images used means it's unique, helping it reach its potential aim, to inform the readers of the music industry, such as new artists, albums, events as well as music from the past. Music magazines also look inside the artists' lives, such as the magazine "Billboard", displayed above, as it clearly shows the main feature is purely focused on the actor/singer Darren Criss.

Music magazines also have the same codes and conventions as other magazines, as they obviously have a mastead, as well as a main image, a main coverline, and usually short, snappy coverlines. However, what makes music magazines different from other magazines is the language used, and using artists on covers, as the magazine needs to look interesting and represent the genre clearly, as the first impressions of the reader will surely affect sales of the magazine. Also, most music magazine covers I have found on the internet display as the main image a medium close up of an artist, which is used so that the reader can instantly identify who the artist is, and knowing that they are featured inside may push some customers to purchase the magazine. An example of this is shown in the Rolling Stone magazine below.

The contents page of a music magazine also follows the same structure and design of any other magazine, due to the demand of its purpose, as the layout used for most contents pages are convenient for the reader, and therefore do not need to be altered.

The contents pages of the magazine display everything featured in the magazine, as well as giving more detail about the stories and features on the cover. White and black are often a popular choice of colours, purely because they are suitable for the job. Like other magazines, rather than focusing on one image, like on the cover, they present a variety, displaying other information in the magazine, giving the reader a summary of the magazine.

Contents Page - Drawn Draft and First Attempt

Here is my drawn draft of my school magazine contents page. I decided to use educational vocabulary to create the magazine's theme, and also thought it would be interesting to use lined paper as the background image. This helps set it out as a grid structure, and corresponds well with the 'Timetable' effect.

This is a very basic first attempt at my school magazine contents page. Here, I have added my two images, and positioned them where I hope to display them. I only managed to do this in a lesson after preparing, but soon I should be able to add the text and edit the page  according to the draft.

The Contents Page - Analysis

Total Film - Contents Page

1. What is the function of a contents page?
The function of a contents page is to display all or the most popular stories that are featured in the magazine, giving the reader an insight of what is to come, and also presenting corresponding page numbers to allow the reader to find the relevant page.

2. How does a reader use a contents page?
Usually located at the front of the magazine, the reader can use to contents page to browse the features inside, as the contents pages gives a summary of the magazine, allowing them to find out which features will interest them, as well as making it easy for the reader to find specific pages.


Teen Vogue - Contents Page

3. What is the conventional layout for a contents page in a magazine?
Contents pages in magazines usually follow the same layout and structure, however, do contain subtle differences. The Total Film contents page is titled, "Contents," with a grid structure, displaying coverlines, page numbers and various images relevant to certain features. There are also various titles, such as "On the cover," and, "Buzz News," which split the pages up into a variety of categories, making it easier for the reader to find the stories they are looking for.

  The Teen Vogue contents page has a more simple structure, featuring a main image, suggesting that she is the main feature in the magazine. The page also displays various titles and corresponding page numbers of some, not all, of the features inside, implying which stories are the main, perhaps most important in                                

Heat - Contents Page

the magazine.
  The Heat contents page has a much more chaotic looking layout, crammed with images, adverts and text, although it does follow the same ideas. Similar to the Total Film contents page, it separate the stories into categories like, "On the cover," and "News and Stuff," however also features a main image with accompanying text underneath, which could lead onto the next page, or gives a summary of the main feature inside.

4. What is the conventional design for a contents page in a magazine?
The design for a contents page in a magazine are also very similar, as all three examples include images from the features, as well as informative text, including some summaries, and also page numbers, for obvious reasons. Magazine contents pages follow the same design, just with different images and text, such as Total Film magazine featuring various images with corresponding page numbers, similar to the Teen Vogue contents page with an image and an accompanying page number for reference.

5. How much information does a contents page contain?
Different contents pages contain different amounts of information. All the examples display the titles of the features, and the page numbers, however, the Teen Vogue contents page includes some information about the few features presented on the content page, where as the Total Film contents page includes a much larger list of the stories inside, with brief summaries or slogans to make the reader want to continue and read the magazine.

6. What information does a contents page contain?
The contents page gives the reader a brief summary into what stories are featured in the magazine, giving details about the information included in the stories, as well as the location of each feature.

7. How are images used in a conventional contents page?
Images are used on a contents page to give the reader a visual presentation of the features in the magazine. As well as making the page more pleasing to the eye, the idea of using images relevant to the stories, the reader can find information about something they may not have known the name of, for example the films on the Total Film contents page. Images are also most commonly used to promote the main coverline, or stories the editor thinks will be most popular.

8. How is language used in a conventional contents page?
The language used in a contents page is often to promote the stories featured in the magazine. Often presented in slogans, catchphrases and witty lines, the language draws in the reader, intriguing them and making them want to read on, as well as summarising each of the features, informing the reader of what is to come. For example, the Heat contents page uses language such as, "Pregnant Posh," which is used to stir up the actual story, sometimes exaggerating the news, to draw attention to the reader, making them eager to read on.

9. What are the key codes and conventions of a contents page?
Key codes of a contents page are text and images, as without these, the reader would not be able to navigate their way through the magazine to specific features. Images are also vital, as they attract the reader, and gives the reader an instant insight on what they are going to be reading about. Key conventions are layout and structure, as without an well organised structure, the contents page would be a complete mess, as well as being unable to read. Being well organised, the contents page is easily accessible by the reader, giving them a comfortable and relaxing experience.

10. How does the function of a contents page affect its layout and design?
To make the contents easily accessible, the functions of the contents page and the layout and design must compliment each other. In order for the reader to find certain features, the layout and design has to display the right, specific information needed, giving the reader a suitable, pleasurable experience. Images are also useful, as being relevant to the topic, allows the reader to pin point specific stories they are interested in if the title steers away from the obvious. Also, the idea of having a page to list all of the information included in the magazine, the structure of the page is therefore usually displayed as a list, which also adds to the ease of navigation for the reader.

InDesign School Magazine Third Attempt

This is my latest attempt of my school magazine cover. Due to fitting the main image onto my cover, I encountered some difficulties, such as the colours of my coverlines. I was very happy with the main image, however, due to the lighting in the image, the colour of the masthead had to be changed from black to white so it would compliment the colour of the main image. I also added colour to the words of the main coverline, "Arts," and "Sciences," not only to make the coverline look nicer, and making it more pleasing to the eye, but also so it would stand out from the underlying main image. Most of the coverlines/text on my cover that was originally black, I had to change to another, brighter colour, because after fitting my main image, I found the text blended with the image, and was therefore virtually invisible.

InDesign School Magazine Second Attempt

This is my second attempt at creating my magazine cover using Adobe InDesign. Here, I edited my masthead, so it stretches from corner to cover, which in my opinion, looks better than my previous draft as it wasn't as significant, although now I think it looks more professional and appropriate. I also corrected some of the grammar, such as from, "Which are more important," to, "Which is more important." I also added the banner at the bottom of the cover, as well as a bar code, with the price, £2.50 and the month of the issue (September 2012). I am happy with the layout of the cover, and the coverlines, mastead etc, and will soon apply my main image to complete the cover. However, after shooting the main image, I may need to change some of the structure and layout to make the main image fit appropriately, for example, not covering the faces.

InDesign School Magazine First Attempt

This is my first attempt at creating my magazine cover. I experimented using different tools to create the masthead and coverlines, and I am happy with the outcome. I was pleased that I could find the suitable font for each coverline, similar to my final draft, however I want to change the masthead so that is positioned right up to the edge of the cover, as I feel in this first attempt, it does not have the same effect I think it does on my draft, as it is too small.

School Magazine Cover - Colour/Final Draft Analysis

This is the colour version of my magazine cover. It is very similar to my first draft, as I was happy with the previous draft, so I therefore decided to change very few things.

I did not change the masthead, as I was happy with the design. I think the size is appropriate, because it is big enough to be seen from a distance, is eye-catching, and not too big, as it does not draw attention away from the main image. I decided to go with the colour gold to refer to the meaning behind the title (pieces if gold), but it also works with the school logo, being the fleur de lys, which is often presented in the colour gold. 

I decided to keep the main coverline the same as the first draft, because I liked the positioning and layout of the title, as I think it works well with the story. I used the colour red for the "VS," because it represents danger and conflict, suitable for the feature, and is very eye-catching, as it will attract customers and stand out from the main image positioned behind the main coverline.

I also decided to keep the flash, because it helps include a variety of various layout techniques, and is also relevant to the main feature, as it emphasises the idea of battle and conflict,(such as a boxing match) between the two department, as well as providing a more comedic aspect to the story.

I kept the strap-line on the cover, because it informs the audience that, although this is the first issue, it is the first issue of the re-branding, as it is a newer version of the old school magazines, apparent by the title, "The Comeback Issue!" I used the colour red again because it catches the customer's eyes, but also adds a bit of colour onto the cover, which will hopefully stand out from the main image when I produce the final cover.

For the final draft, I decided to keep the first part of the splash, "Which are more important," however, I found that including this, and the title underneath, "Leading members of the KHS staff fight their corners," made the cover look too cluttered, and was not very easy on the eye. Therefore, I discarded the second part, and I am happy with the outcome, as although it is simple, still remains informative and interesting to the reader.

I kept the bar code and the price the same for my final draft, as I thought the positioning of the bar code was suitable for the layout, and I thought the price (£2.50) was a very affordable and appropriate price, as although it may seem a little expensive for a 'school' magazine, it is just as informative and interesting as any other magazine. I think the bar code also resembles others featured on magazine covers well, which was what I was hoping to achieve, as I wanted my magazine to be not only significant and eye-catching, but look suitable on a shelf in a store.

School Magazine Cover - First Draft Analysis

This is the first draft of my school magazine cover. It is quite a rough draft, with sketches of the details I want to include on my cover.

The masthead of my magazine is, "Pieces of 8." I chose this masthead after researching the history of the magazines at my school, and found that this was included. Although the masthead is quite abstract, it is meant to represent the idea that a magazine is made up of various pieces, as in stories and features, as well as it being a phrase for gold. Also, the number, "8," refers to the school's name, King Henry VIII. I chose an various old fashioned-styled fonts for the masthead, to represent the vintage look, as it is a remake of the old magazine, however, I changed the number eight to, "8," as it emphases the more modern culture and aspect that I was looking to achieve, and is more easily understandable by readers.

The main coverline of the cover is titled, "Arts VS Sciences." I chose this title to be my main coverline because I though it would be a very interesting feature to include in my magazine, as well as being an attractive main storyline. I like the idea of presenting, "Arts," with a fancy, artistic font, and, "Sciences," with an old fashioned, typewriter styled font, as I think it compares the subjects well, even though it is a very subtle comparison. I also thought it would be a good feature story because it is not only interesting, but could offer advice for pupils in the school, if they are considering options for GCSEs and A-Level, as it could explain the positives and negatives of the subjects, and reasons why certain subjects are suitable for various people.

The splash I included, "Which are more important? Leading members of the KHS Staff fight their corners!" correspond with the main coverline well, as it gives the reader more information about what to expect in the feature, and hopefully will make them want to read on, as it makes the story sound interesting and exciting.

I decided to include another coverline, to inform the reader and potential customer that there are other stories featured inside. I chose the cover line, "Mrs. Powell says farewell - will the newbie step up the the "mark," because it is relevant to what is happening in school at the present time, and also emphasises the cheesy comedy I wanted to include in the magazine, as it would attract readers, such as the emphasis on "mark," because obviously school work is 'marked,' by teachers. I also thought it would be interesting for pupils and teachers, as it could include an interview, or a personal background, which they want to read about, especially as she could be their teacher/colleague. I also included a small image of a 'tick,' to again go along with the idea of the pun.

Although probably unclear by the drawing, the main image of the magazine cover is two teachers arm wrestling. I decided to go with this idea because it is relevant to the main coverline, and will be a very attractive, interesting and funny main image, which I think will definitely attract buyers. Although not visible in the drawing, I would dress the teachers in the stereotypical outfits, one artist, with paints, pencils and other equipment, and one scientist, dressed in a lab coat, wearing glasses, with a clip board or recording sheet placed on the desk. I think the idea of overlapping the, "VS," onto the image further emphasises the idea of competition, and will make a good cover.

OK! Analysis

The Masthead, "OK! First for Celebrity News," also the very well known logo of the magazine. Usually located at the top left hand corner of the magazine, it is instantly recognised by customers, and the idea that it is "first," for celebrity news could suggest that is the best for gossip, and is one that customers should pick up if they want the most recent celebrity news. The use of the colour red is eye-catching for the customers, attracting them as the colour red is often referred to as hot, implying that the features in "OK!" will be hot, juicy and vital. The main coverline is also often obscured by other images, such as the image on the left. This still makes the magazine recognisable, but also shows that it is quite messy, and the way that they exploit celebrity gossip and fit a lot of information into each magazine.

The Main Image is a photograph of apparently Kerry Katona, obvious by the title, "Kerry," next to the image. This signifies that she is the main story in this issue, maybe attracting some customers. Also, the emphasis on her body could imply that weight might be an issue in the story.

The Main Coverline, "Kerry. My Amazing New Body," reinforces the idea that the story is centred around her weight and body, as well as her journey to lose the weight and achieve a "new body." This could attract customers, as it is inspirational and might encourage other people to lose weight, as it shows the positive outcomes.

Other Coverlines, such as "I Would Risk My Life for More Surgery," emphasises that there are many other stories featured in the magazine, including ones that are more serious than celebrity gossip. This tells the reader there is a variety of stories included, and the magazine is therefore worth the purchase. This could also imply that the magazine is aimed at women that are interested in surgery, and can give them advice on the process as well as possible negative outcomes.

The Flash at the top right hand corner titled, "3 Mags For The Price Of One," perhaps tempts the customers, as it is a one off special offer, and that they will get value for the money. It also hints the idea that they will get three times the amount of gossip they were expecting, again making them want to purchase the magazines.

The Price of the magazine, £2.95, is a very reasonable price for the amount of gossip included, and it is also very affordable for customers, tempting them to buy the magazine.

Vogue Analysis

The Masthead, "VOGUE," is instantly recognisable to customers. Written at the top of the cover, it immediately grabs the reader's attention, and the word, font and size, is a signature logo for the magazine, as well as being the main heading of the magazine. The colour of the font changes throughout the issues, however the size and the positioning of the Masthead tends to stay the same, making the customers comfortable as they immediately recognise the branch.

The Main Image, is a photograph of actress Keira Knightley, apparent by the the coverline next to the image. The image not only focuses on the actress in the picture, which tells us that she is one of the main features in the magazine, but also focuses on the fashion aspect of the image, suggesting that fashion is key in "VOGUE," magazines, as it is a fashion magazine. The image is also very eye-catching, and fans of the actress will want to buy the magazine. Also, the feature of the clothes and accessories she is wearing could also attract customers, as they may feel they want to purchase the items that she wears, giving another reason why people would buy the magazine.

The Main Coverline, "New Start. New Glamour," is quite mysterious, as the customer may not know what the title is referring to. It is not evident that it is referring to the main image of Keira Knightley, however, the fact that the issue is January, could imply that the main coverline is referring to a new year, and now the year has changed, customers could have a new start with new fashion. The use of the word, "Glamour," adds to the sophisticated and high class status of the magazine, as it does feature high end fashion and couture.

Other Coverlines, including, "All-Over Makeover. How to revitalise your body and style," also attracts to the audience, as it is hinting that by purchasing the magazine, you can improve your image, look and maybe even confidence, as it could help women feel better about themselves. This could be attractive to a variety of women, especially those interested in changing their style or hoping to go for a new 'look.' The use of white and grey colours on the cover could reinforce the idea that it is a winter issue, by using snow and ice related colour, and even the clothes and make-up worn by Keira Knightley also backs up this idea.

The Price of £4.00 for the magazine is a reasonable price for a high end magazine like "VOGUE," especially as it focuses on the more expensive luxuries of life. Also, the price of £4.00 means that it is a simple number, and easy to purchase with the correct money and change, perhaps a minor reason for why people buy, "VOGUE."

Total Film Analysis

The Masthead of the magazine is 'Total Film.' This immediately informs the customer that it is a magazine purely based on the film industry. This is also very recognisable by consistent buyers, and the Masthead is conventially located at the top of the magazine, as many people read from the top and work their way down. The bold font and the colour makes the Masthead stand out, and is very eye-chatching.

The Main Coverline is titled, "The Hunger Games," which instantly suggests that the film is the main feature and story of the issue. This would appeal to the audience as it is a recent film, and the size of the text is very large, making it easily readable for customers. The fire in the background may also make the magazine more appealing, as it could represent danger and gripping storylines, and the white font stands out from the background well, signifying the Main Coverline.

The Flash states "The 10 Biggest Blockbusters You Need To See." This title, as well as the bright yellow and the red and black writing, attracts the customer. The word, "Need," makes the customer feel obliged to buy the magazine, as it is vital that they see the films. The use of larger fonts for, "10," and, "Biggest," suggests that the Flash could be anything, and therefore the customer needs to look close up to the magazine to be able to read the title, perhaps tricking the customer into buying the magazine.

The Coverline to the right of the magazine, titled, "The Whole Story! Death! Destruction! Dystopia!" draws the customer into buying the magazine. The powerful words used, like, "Death" and, "Dystopia," exaggerate the story, making it more interesting to the audience.  Also, the words, "The Whole Story," suggests that it is exclusive to this magazine, and is unavailable anywhere else, forcing the customer to buy the magazine.

The Additional Images, such as the top right corner, of two actresses, with a complimentary caption, "Bond Babes Face Off," not only imply that there are other interesting stories featured in the issue, but could also appeal to the male customers, perhaps suggesting more erotic and sexy features and articles.

The Price of the magazine is £3.99, which is a very reasonable price for a magazine that features a variety of stories and articles, again attracting customers. However the fact that is has been written in such a small font obviously suggests that they don't want the price to the be the main attraction of the magazine cover.