Double page spread mock up

Here is my double page spread mock up for 'Rampage' magazine. I have gone for an article which interviews a band because in my questionnaire it was found that my target audience where most interested in interview articles.

Questionnaire evaluation

I deliberately gave my questionnaire's to people whom are into the rock/metal scene because I knew from the start, that I wanted to create a magazine that celebrates this sort of music.
My results came through with metal with the highest vote, and rock and electronic music came joint second. Using this information I have created a magazine purely based around heavy metal, however there is one or two rock bands featured inside. I also managed to include a electro-heavy metal band in my magazine (as seen on the front cover) so I have satisfied everyone's needs from the questionnaire.
Another interesting thing I found out is that people like to receive free posters in their magazine and it WOULD encourage them to buy a magazine. This is a perfect opportunity to advertise and promote my magazine on the front cover to draw in a bigger target audience, so I will advertise this in my magazines masthead, as it may encourage someone to buy a magazine for the posters, it may not be the idealistic reason I would like someone to buy the magazine, however it will generate more money for the magazine, and the person may be interested in the magazine afterwards. 
My research also found out that on average, for a weekly magazine people would pay £2.50 for a top quality magazine, filling all their needs.
Other information I found out were peoples favorite bands, this was simply so I could include them inside my magazine, to enhance promotion of the magazine, make the magazine look more interesting and invite a wide range of people to buy the magazine.

Evaluation

Evaluation of music magazine:

“Rampage” music magazine is a good example of a music magazine that follows typical codes and conventions that you expect to find on music magazines. All of my three pieces (Front cover, contents page and double page spread) follow codes and conventions of music magazines. I have chosen to stick to conventions because I wanted to make my magazine look professional and something you would expect to see on the shop shelf, I want it to be in competition with major music magazines that would be my competitors such as “Kerrang!”

On my front cover I have used a range of different conventions that are typically found on a front cover, my front cover includes:

·         A masthead; this is an effective convention to use on a front cover because it gives a brief insight into your magazine and it is a place to list a few big bands that feature inside that people will want to go and check out. I have used the masthead to advertise my posters and what bands will be on the posters; I did this because in my questionnaire I found out that everyone wanted posters in the magazine, so I have included it on the front cover to ensure to my audience that posters are definitely included in the magazine.

·         The title of my magazine is “Rampage” is written in big, bold and capitalized font, this makes it easy to read, it makes it stand out and it makes the text seem strong, manly and powerful. I have noticed how on other magazines, they ensure that their font is the biggest and boldest font on the whole front cover, it is the most recognizable text and this is why I have made my text the way I have. As well as this, my font has a broken up effect, this is to symbolize rebellion, as metal music is about rebellion! 

·         Banner; this is an effective way in advertising special offers that come included in a magazine. These are not featured in every magazine, but I have decided to use a banner on my magazine front cover so I could advertise that my magazine is giving away free festival tickets, I have not gone into detail how they get the free tickets, because I want them to buy the magazine to find out, the text is enough to lure people who want to go to that festival. Also, I think a banner looks a piece look more professional and I think they look great to include, and it gives the front cover more personality and colour, as well as making it look less boring.

·         Sell lines; these are vital for any successful magazine because a sell line is what will attract the audience into buying the magazine. I have placed my sell lines in places which are easy to read, and I have made them in a big enough font that it is notable to read from a slight distance. I put some sell lines about big bands which are very popular in heavy metal which means it will attract a large number of people, I have also included how my magazine is the UK’s best gig guide, and this is because when people think that, they will buy the magazine because it is the best. Some of my sell lines have words which are in a different colour, this is because that is the key word to the phrase and it also makes the sell line more visible and nicer to look at.

·         Use of images; I have made sure that I have used a big, main image that dominates the page, because I want this image to be something that drags in the audience, and I want the text that is placed upon the big image to help lure in people’s attention, using an image and a band name will most definitely draw in fans of that band and if they are dedicated fans they will want to find out what is going on with their favourite band. I have placed the model on a plain background because I want them to be the focus and center of attention, I don’t want the audience to get distracted by something in the background. 

My contents page also follows conventions of typical music magazines however I have taken an inverted approach to the contents page, basically meaning I followed codes and conventions however I made it look unique, something that isn’t very usual to be seen. In my opinion, the contents page was the hardest piece to develop because it is so plain, yet has to be so descriptive. Here are the conventions that I have used for my contents page:

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Image; Again I have used a large image, it doesn’t dominate the page, however it is the largest piece on the contents page and it is the first thing that catches your eyes. I have also placed the model on the left side, because that is where the western eye travels too first, and I want the audience to know about the exclusive story to the magazine. Also, I have used the same model from the front cover, to keep continuity and to give a story to the magazine.

·         Text; the heading of the contents page is very large like the front cover; I have done this because I want the reader to know that that is the contents page instantly without having to think. The sub-headings divide the column up, the sub-headings are very large, bold and in a different colour to the rest of the writing, making it easier for the audience to find what they are looking for and making reading it easier in general. I have also placed page numbers just like a real magazine would, and I have tried to keep it realistic enough.

·         I have noticed in other magazines, that on their contents page they use it to advertise their own subscription to the magazine, or they advertise something on the contents page. So I have decided to use this myself by adding in a subscription box offering the audience to subscribe to the magazine for the magazine to be delivered to their door every week, I think this is a professional touch because every major magazine has a subscription.

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Colour; I have kept the same colour scheme as on the front cover, especially on the background, I have done this simply to keep continuity and so it looks like one magazine, if it changes too much then it looks messy and un-professional.

I have used a different image for the contents page to their front page, this is so I do not repeat features and become boring.

The double page spread was the most fun to make for me, because I had a clear idea right from the start of what I wanted it to look like, and I knew what the story was going to be, so it was very easy for me to develop. For my double page spread I have tried to make it look as professional as possible because I love the professional look in magazines, I think it adds a lot of personality to the page and they look better. I have followed basic conventions of a double page spread, but I have made them large because I want it to be easy for the audience to engage with and I aim for it to be easy to read, and nice to look at.

·         Image; the image dominates the page on my double page spread. It takes up one page and a bit more, the image is one of a whole band and, I have on purpose given the models all different poses, to give a different personality to each of the members of the band, and to make the image more interesting to look at. When the audience reads this magazine, they will instantly recognize the image and who they are; they will not need to find a title/heading to know what they are reading.

·         Just like magazines such as “Kerrang!” and “NME” I have kept the writing in column’s because it is a news article, and this is how the news is presented, I have made the font sit on a black column because then I could use a white font, which is easier to read, and the colours match the image very well, ensuring a easy, nice read for the audience.

·         Font; I have kept the heading in a black rectangular box, just like with the main text, so it matches with each other and looks more professional. I have used many different fonts on the double page spread, to make the page more eye catching, and to give a “Rock/metal” theme to it. Some of the font looks shattered and broken, and the rest looks very bold and standing out. Also, the reason I have used a script, handwriting font for the word ‘member’ is because the new member is female, and this font is associated with females, and it also tells you something about the new member. As well as this, it gives a more soft and calm effect to the page, so it isn’t all so bold and ‘in your face’ effect.

·         I have also used two boxes on the double page spread, one saying ‘news’ and the other saying ‘exclusive to rampage’ this is because I have noticed that magazines always have a box or sub-section where they say what sub-heading it comes under from the contents page, and the ‘exclusive to rampage’ part tells the audience that they are the only ones who will know about this article because they have brought this magazine, and may prompt them to buy it again in the future.  

The models have false tattoos drawn on them, because this is a typical convention to heavy metal music.

                           

My three pieces of media are definitely a good representation of youth, and especially youth who are into the heavy metal scene and image. As the models are all youths themselves, posing to be adults, but very young adults, who a youth may look up to as a role model, the way that they fit the image of a heavy metal image, is that one of the models wears heavy makeup and has long dark hair, which gives a slight gothic look about her, the other model is wearing dark clothes, and messed up hair and the other has tattoos, piercings, black hair but is not wearing dark clothes, and this is because I am trying to slightly move away from the typical stereotype of heavy metal image, but I don’t want to move away from it completely because I want to keep the image original and traditional. As I have been a listener to heavy metal my whole life I have noticed how the fan base has changed, and I have noticed how females are starting to be included in the heavy metal industry a lot more now, and they are starting to join bands, and this was un-heard of at one point, this is the reason why I have used a female model on the front cover. The magazine is aimed at males, but I want to bring a new side to the metal industry and start getting females more recognized. This is also why I have put the female model with male models, so people can see that females can be included in big bands.

My representation of metal in my magazine is a very good example of present day heavy metal rather than old school heavy metal; I have shown these 3 different ways with three different models. I have based my models on the look of other metal stars that are all very different with their look:

                                                           

My inspiration for a lot of my magazine was taken from Kerrang! Because it is my favourite music magazine, I read a lot of the issues and I do think it reflects in my own work, for example:

KERRANG:

RAMPAGE:

Of course I have made my own magazine unique and have my own ideas, but I have taken inspiration from other magazines such as this, and I think this reflects.

The company that will distribute my magazine will be “Bauer media group”. I have chosen this distributer because they are a major magazine distributer and they are in charge of over 70 different media distributions. I have also chosen them because the magazines they distribute are all professional and that is the aim that I have gone for with my magazine.

Bauer media group also distributes my favourite magazine Kerrang, and since this is where my inspiration came from to design my magazine, that is why I think Bauer media group would be perfect to distribute my magazine.

Bauer media group will ensure that my magazine gets delivered to its correct target audience for a couple of reasons:

1.       It is a very big company so it is very reliable and can get magazines to be sold all over the country, in big and little shops ensuring that all my target audience have access to go and buy the magazine.

2.       It is based in London, where my magazine is made.

3.       It already distributes magazines with a similar target audience to my own.

My target audience are between the ages of 15 and 25. They are lovers of heavy metal and they are very open about who they are, they love having a good time, and their main priority is their friends, family and partner. They will most likely be in education or just starting their career. They are extremely passionate about music and it is a huge part of their life, they may like other genres of music however heavy metal is their preference. They will like to party and have a good time but they also are dedicated to having the best future they can get and they will work hard to achieve that goal. They have a nice personality and are optimistic and set themselves high goals, they are always there for friends and loved ones, and they love music that they can relate to.

My magazine is suitable for my target audience because it focuses on modern day bands that the young generation are into, the models look young so it is easier for the audience to relate to. I think that all heavy metal fans would enjoy my magazine because it features such a big range of stuff for everyone, and everyone can enjoy everything and get into new bands and meet new people through it. Also, some heavy metal kids are pushed away and considered outcasts in modern society, so I think that my magazine is a great thing they can go and read if they’ve had a hard day, because it addresses and speaks about everything they love, and can cheer them up.

Audience feedback:

I uploaded the front cover to Facebook for some feedback off of friends.

 

I agree with the constructive criticism, especially the comment that Michal left about the hair needing more editing work, if I was to go back and re-make this then I would spend more time making the hair look better. Also, I do agree with Rebecca’s comment about the text, I didn’t realise until now, however I think that it is still readable for the audience, so it is not a huge concern.

The reader will buy this magazine because it will satisfy their needs of what they are looking for when they are buying a music magazine. It will feature their favourite bands and articles that will please and satisfy them, my magazine will make them want to read more and more and want to buy the next issue next week!

Since starting this project, I have gained a few extra technological skills. I have learned how to make a good looking music magazine for starts, as my preliminary task magazine was quite poor in my opinion, I think that I have gotten a lot better since then and I am proud of what I have produced.  I haven’t learned much new things on Photoshop because I have used it many times before, the main technological skills that I have learned is how to use blogger, before this project I had never used blogger before so it was a completely new experience for me, I have learned how to create blogs, post photos and create a nice background with nice effects, and make my blog fit a design that I want.

Since completing the preliminary task, I have gotten a lot better with my skills on creating magazines on Photoshop, and this is very visually apparent so:

	Preliminary task:

MAGAZINE TASK:

The way I position everything and the editing is visibly much better, my music magazine looks more professional, it is also more eye catching and the fonts are positioned much better. I think one of the reasons why my music magazine is better is because I spend a lot more time on the music magazine to the preliminary task, and I was much more committed to the music magazine one because I am dedicated to music, and I love music. It is a better interest for me, so I prefer making stuff to music because it plays a huge part in my own life.

My banner, sell lines and use of images are what make my music magazine better than my preliminary task. I have used contrasts between the two pieces however, like the banner is the same style; however I have used a better range of colours on the music magazine. I think the colours are a lot better used on the music magazine as well.

My favourite piece of media that I have created is my double page spread, this is because it was my most fun page to make, and everything came natural to me, I also think it looks the best and to me it does look professional.

Whilst creating this magazine I have learnt a lot of things, I have learnt what people look for in music magazines, I have learnt what they like the most and what makes them want to buy magazines, it’s made me appreciate music magazines a bit more, because whilst creating this I found out that it is not an easy job and it is hard. I have learnt what attracts people to music, and I have also learnt that even though that the music is important, but the image of the music and the way that it is presented is the most vital key in music, without magazines such as this then so many bands would go un-recognized. 

Introduction to rampage music magazine

Rampage is a brand new music magazine that is dedicated to modern day heavy metal music. It aims to sell it's magazine to the younger male generation. The magazine will deliver all the latest and up to date information in the heavy metal industry and it will be up to date with gigs, and new albums.
The magazine will also dedicate a page to new bands that need promotion. This is because we want the heavy metal industry to grow and get bigger, giving more artists a chance of a lifetime.
The magazine will be sold weekly so customers are always up to date with the latest news, and don't need to rely on other magazines to get their news. Rampage will give the best news of all heavy metal magazines and will be the most fun to read.

All practice shots!

I took my practice shots in a room with a white background. I did this, because I wanted to edit the background on Photoshop when creating the magazine, however on some of the practice shots I have kept the ambient lighting to create a darker look, I think this represents a darker side to the magazine, something commonly known to be a convention of heavy metal (darkness.) I wanted to keep the shots mainly to medium shots (both medium close ups and medium long shots as well) as I have examined music magazines, and these are the main sort of shots used for models in them. There are one or two long shots, as I wanted to experiment with different shots for my double page spread and I wanted variety in what I could choose from as I was still not completely sure what type of shot I wanted to use at the time. 

Music magazine Double page spread

This is the double page spread for 'Rampage'. The article features a new member joining the band 'Seven Days Of Dawn' and how they found the new member etc... The article also features interviews given by other band members and a section where the 'new band' is introduced. 

On my double page spread I have tried to maintain professionalism as much as possible. I have kept a lot of key conventions to double page spreads. I have used a big image which dominates at least one page and goes into the next. I have used columns for the text and added in an extra column at the end as add on information.
I have kept the title of the page very big, and put it on a banner sort of object so it stands out even more, i think this makes the page look more professional as well as the sub-title.

Music magazine Contents page

Here i have used big title fonts in a bold color, and also used a big image which again dominates the page. As well as this I have included a subscription part to my contents page, to add professionalism to the page. To maintain the symbiotic link, I have kept the background colors the same, as well as this, the fonts are kept the same as well. I have maintained colors as much as possible as well as well as fonts, so it should be easy to recognize that this contents page goes to my front cover.