Front Cover

Pictures I have taken

All these images were either taken using a timer or have been taken myself.

Double Page Spread Drafts

Contents Page Drafts



Front Cover Drafts



Analysis of Double Page Spread #2 - Metal Hammer

Language - The fact that the majority of the text gives the illusion that there's less to read which works well as too much text can be overwhelming and can put some of the audience off reading it all. I think the fact that the two band members are stood with their arms folded shows intimidation as well as thing the storm looking sky behind them makes it even more intimidating. The lightening bolts that are around the pages shows the energy with the music they perform. The red headings split the text into several different sections also gives the impression that there is less text than there actually is as it no longer seems like one block of text.

Representation - There is a continuous trend through the magazine of how the bands are represented, all the bands are shown as aggressive and very intimidating. However, they also show that they are very loyal and independent when it comes to their own music and dress style as this magazine supports individuality which I have mentioned before.

Analysis of Double Page Spread #1 - Kerrang!

Language - The way the pictures have been presented show the wild side of these bands as everyone in the pictures look really empowered by what they are doing as it must be a passion of theirs. Also by having the smaller pictures scattered along the bottom of the page and with the effect that they've been stuck down with tape we instantly get a rough, rugged effect.

Ideology - Every photo shows some sort of power, whether it is rage or simply passion, it's showing that music is a big part of peoples lives no matter what age, gender or what genre they like. Music is everywhere and sometimes we don't even notice it; without it the world wouldn't be what it is today, that's why 'Kerrang!' appreciates readers that also share that passion.

Audience - The main audience is teenager based, but also independent minded individuals which have a passion about music and can therefore relate to the artists and other readers of the magazine.

Representation - The people featured on these pages all show strength and passion when involved with music and more than anything it's representing the music as an energy boost of some sort. The actual band members are shown as wild and unpredictable as they express what every teenager wants to.  



Analysis of Content Page #3 - Q

Language - This has to be the most organised and categorised content page of all three, even the pictures don't even show any anger which is a first for a music magazine of this kind of genre; however this could be because 'Q' represents a mixed genre as there is no one set genre. The different sub-headings are in higher case letters with a contrasting background which makes it easy to see which part of the text goes in which category, this helps easy, laid-back reading without the need of big, drastic pictures over powering the page. What's different about this content page to any other pages is that this one has another section to show what you will find every month such as subscriptions and letters sent to the editor,  as well as reviews on shows and the newest music out.

Ideology - With the band in the main picture being on what looks like a hill and it seems like they're towering over everything else it's like they have grown as a band, like they've grown to be successful. They are dressed in everyday clothing which you would see every day people wearing so it shows that anyone can achieve what they have as long as you keep trying.

Audience - Unlike other music magazines, 'Q' is aimed at an older audience, this is shown by the primitive layout as there is no need for pictures to take over the page. Also, there is no set genre but it branches off into several sub-genres which makes it easy for this to apply to a large audience.

Representation - It's difficult to say what particulary is shown from this magazine as there are aspects from alomst every genre, but if anything it shows that everyone is equal due to there not being a specific genre so everyone can buy this magazine and not worry about being in the right 'audience category'.  

Analysis of Conent Page #2 - Metal Hammer

Language - One of the first things you notice about is that it looks like a collage due to pictures overlapping other pictures and this instantly give a hectic impression and reflects on the the genre as does the front cover. However, the actual text presenting the content seems quite organised when compared to the rest of the page; in a way this makes it seem as 'easy reading' as everything is in order and you don't have to go flicking through the pages to find the article you want to read.

Ideology - This magazine promotes individuality and own dependent thinking as it's not the kind of music magazine that you would find many of and the style doesn't change it is a consistent magazine when it comes to the content and audience that it wants to reach.

Audience - By the look of it and from also reading this magazine myself I can assure you that 'Metal Hammer' appreciates loyal independent readers that have their own mind and individuality as there are many 'sub-genres' that many independent thinking people can relate to.

Representation - This magazine shows the rebellious side of everyone who reads it, it allows the readers to express themselves through music without actually having to play it themselves and therefore instantly feeling connected to the artist. Everyone featured in the magazine has their own unique style and whether the readers know it or not they are being taught to be different and be unique.

Analysis of Content Page #1 - Kerrang!

Language - This is quite a simple lay out for a content page but it works really well so it doesn't over power the page. To balance out the simple lay out the pictures are very colourful, vibrant and show the bands with lots of energy. In the list of the content itself they are separated into different categories and the headings of these are in bold contrasting colours so they stand out easily to show the organisation of the contents and it doesn't look has hectic as the front cover. However, it shares some  similarities with the front cover such as having one of the main stories with the biggest picture and having other stories around it, also the text is still in higher case so even though it's been simplified it still has the power impact that we saw on the front cover'

Ideology - 'Kerrang!' has readers that are independent and are loyal to the music and not the fashion. In other magazines the music changes but so does the style within the magazine when ever a new trend comes out and readers come and go as each edition that comes out is there to attract a different audience therefore showing that most music magazines aren't about the music but conform and show no independence.

Audience - 'Individually minded, independent of thought and musically experienced, an audience defined by attitude, passion and loyalty.' This quotation was taken from http://www.bauermedia.co.uk/Brands/Kerrang/

Representation - Every picture of the band looks rebellious as none of them appear to be smiling or showing any emotions what so ever but this links in with the genre as it's meant to be a tough, male genre. However, each picture have very little in common with one another and this helps represent individuality.

Analysis of Music Magazine #3 - Q



Language - Just like all magazines, there are no full sentences, just quick and short phrases that give a brief of what the main stories are within the magazine. The main picture is quite primitive however I think in this case it has worked very well since the only part of the image that has had a bit of work put into it is the guitar to reflect on the main story. Everything within the front cover is very central and the whole cover seems to be symmetrical and this shows order and therefore a slightly older audience.

Institution - The publisher of 'Q' is 'Bauer Media' who also publishes 'Kerrang!' magazine and many others.

Ideology - Considering fact that the lead singer of the band is right in the centre of the front cover and everything else is surrounding him, it's like he's the centre off all music right now. Also, since one of the band members behind him is holding out a guitar in flames it links with the headline and the fact that they really are the hottest thing in music right now.

Audience - I have taken this quote from the site  http://www.bauermedia.co.uk/Brands/Q/ as it explains the audience perfectly 'Open minded experience seekers, the Q audience don’t define themselves by the music they listen to. Music is an important passion, but their love of music will never be to the detriment of their other passions, such as film, sport and comedy.'

Representation - They are represented as very intimidating as the lighting is creating lots of shadows in their faces so it's difficult to see their eyes but at the same time it seems like they're staring right at you as just the colour of his eye has been enhanced.

Analysis of Music Magazine #2 - Metal Hammer

Language - The fact that it's one face covering the whole of the page seems very intimidating especially because you can't see the face, also that the mast head gives a metal effect and if covered in blood (which fits it quite well actually) nearly makes you feel that it's dangerous almost but this just shows that the music within the magazine is very aggressive and loud and could be a lot to handle if you're not suited to the genre. The claw marks on either side of the models face enhances the aggressiveness of the bands featured in this magazine, it's almost as though the model in particular is very violent and has tried to get out for any reason unknown. In comparison to 'Kerrang!' there are very few colours used, in fact the only actual colour on the cover that isn't grey is red which is commonly used to represent blood or anger.

Ideology - As said before this magazine shows a continuous trend of anger and violence. Strangely enough because of the metal appeal mask that the model is wearing he seems like a prisoner, like he's to dangerous to be trusted without it. What I find interesting is that the only part of his face that we can actually see is just one of his eyes, even the rest of his mask is out of focus and this instantly forces us to look into his eye which feels quite intimidating as it looks like he's staring right at you especially since his eye looks so piercing.

Institution - The publisher is 'Future Publishing Limited' which I'm guessing could be part of one of the major publishing companies.

Audience - I think this sort of magazine would be for and older teenager to young adult as I think it's heavier music when compared to 'Kerrang!' and is just a lot more violent in general from anything to the mast head to the bands featured. Also because the bands in the magazine are of an older generation so they'd be a lot more serious about their music and expect people to appreciate the meaning within the music.

Representation - It's quite easy to see that they are meant to look aggressive and intimidating, but at the same time mysterious as on the front cover the face of the model isn't shown. I think it's also trying to make a statement that it's a difficult music genre to enjoy as it's really brutal and loud and if you're not suited to it it's really not the magazine for you.    

Analysis of Music Magazine #1 - Kerrang!

Language - The first impression of the front cover seems a bit hectic due to the way the pictures are arranged and this actually reflects on the music genre that this magazine covers. The mast head is very strong in this case as it's in higher case letters and it's black on a white background which instantly creates impact. This adds to the effect by the fact that it looks like the mast head has cracks in it and is revealing the white background, because of this I think it looks like it is made out of a hard and brittle material like rock and someone thrown it down and cracked it which again successfully reflects the genre as well as the slogan which reads 'Life Is Loud'; this slogan stereotypes the genre perfectly as metal music is obviously going to be loud. In fact, every piece of text within the cover is written in higher case letters which shows power and aggression and both these factors reflect the genre and it has been made clear as to what this magazine represents.

Ideology - In nearly every photograph on the front cover the models are looking at the camera and none of them look particularly like normal people as some people may say, in fact none of them look like each other anyway, I believe that this helps show that no-one is the same as the next person that you'd see. However, because the images are all quite large and there are bold colours within the cover it all seems quite 'in your face' as it all seems to jump out at you when you first look at it because you suddenly see all these faces looking directly at you.

Institution - The publisher of 'Kerrang!' is 'Bauer Media' and owns more than eighty influential media magazines and also twenty local radio stations.

Audience - This magazine is aimed towards teenagers as teenage lives are more or less music orientated and influenced. The band members within the bands are also quite young as they are usually anything from 20 - 35 years of age. On the other hand, there are a few Rock/Metal bands that have been around for years and are still on the go; but the majority tend to be quite young. They also pose in a way that it doesn't seem like they are posing it just looks as though they really don't care and are just relaxed which is how teenagers tend to come across as so they can really relate to them.

Representation - From first impressions all the models come across as quite rebellious due to dark clothing and hair with facial piercings which instantly makes it seem like they aren't serious about themselves which makes the magazine seem like a fun thing to read as it doesn't give the impression that it's a standard magazine because they are not standard models. The fact that they have used bold colours also shows that the music is bold therefore so is the magazine.

Music Magazine Genre

What is the chosen music genre, which your magazine will focus upon?

At the moment I'm thinking of focusing my  magazine on 'Metal/Gothic Metal', not because I have models that would suit that genre but I have many props and clothes that would make them look like they're in a band of that genre. I know most about this genre therefore it would be the easiest for me to achieve.

What are the key features of this genre?

The main thing that is associated with this genre is that all or most of the bands are male with lots of tattoos; although this may be true but I intend to create a female metal band but with all the other aspects of a typical metal band. They are also wearing lots of black along with facial piercings and obviously tattoos. All metal bands wear very dark make-up (even if they're male) and are often seen wearing lots of metal on their clothing such as chains and studded belts. Usually there are guitars or drums to create impact and when used at such a rhythm and pace they become very brutal but even when on the front cover of a magazine they look very dangerous depending on the model who is playing the instrument.

What magazines already cover this genre?

Well known metal or rock associated magazines are Kerrang, Metal Hammer and arguably Rock Sound or NME as they cover a large variety of music genres and sub-genres.

LIIAR Analysis of Improved Front Cover

Language - The language is everything about a magazine even including pictures, so it's always important to get the mast head and the main picture right as they're usually the first things the audience sees. In this case the mast head is very bold and catches the eye straight away, this is also because of the fact that it is only three letters, 'LTD' meaning 'Living the Dream' which in most cases would be too long for a mast head if the full words were used.

Ideology - What this magazine wants to have as an image is that it believes in respect, that everyone is equal and that intelligence is an advantage in life. The third one has been stated mainly as the main story is 'Revealed: A new success a 99.7% pass rate' therefore saying that if you want to go to this college you want to succeed. This is also a reflection of the teaching which links into the representation.

Institution - The main instituation is Wyke College itself as no other company is on the front or have anything to do with the magazine. Eventhough there isn't a Wyke logo on the front it is still the institution as the magazine is actually for Wyke College.

Audience - Of course we want the main audience to be the potential students, however, it isn't only their opinion that matters. The parents of students will also be looking at this magazine as their childs future is getting to a vital point at this age where the right decisions have to be made. To attract the parents I have added the pass rate on the front as the main story, therefore instantly showing that the teaching is well above satisfactory.

Representation - I used a model that wouldn't normally be on the cover of a magazine, simply because I wanted students to think that's it's ok to be different here, and that really anyone can enroll. Overall, my model is represented as a learner however not overly serious, this is just to show that there are other factors of college life that doesn't mean work.

Improved Front Cover

Brief

The task we have been assigned is to create a music magazine, everything about he magazine must be our own work therefore no copyrighted images. The magazine must include front cover, draft contents page and a double page spread,  there has to be a minimum of four original pictures, however, I think that I may do more to get a variety of different camera angles. Something to keep in mind is that it would be a great advantage if I could link all pages so they look like they're in the same magazine; this will probably be achieved by using the same font through out the magazine. I also need to fit the font and colours used to link with the genre of the magazine.

Evaluation

I personally think that my magazine has many if the same factors of a real magazine as the mast head is in the top left corner and consists of only three letters; 'LTD' this is short for 'Living the Dream' which would probably be too long for a mast head of a magazine. The original idea for the mast head was 'Fulfill' this idea came from the slogan but again I thought a shorter mast head would be more practical. The slogan was inspired from the mast head as was originally, the slogan is now 'Live up to you own expectations'  the reason behind this from the mast head as well is that only you can say what your dream is, therefore if you live up to your own expectations then you have succeeded. The fact that I have decided to use the college entrance as the cover photo was actually a risk as that's not something you often see on magazines you usually see a model. My reason for doing this is that I didn't want to aim it at any type of person, also,  so that the audience viewing the magazine can already see their 'Gateway to opertunity'.

At the side of the front cover it shows several pictures of some students doing the sort of things that they'd do everyday in college, these pictures also show determination to succeed in the thing you love to do the most because in every photo each student looks happy and is enjoying what they are doing. One of my models appears to be really sensible and mature and how parents think all students should be, this is a good device for parents to actually want their children to go there. However, the other student featured in the magazine isn't your average student, he appears to be a bit different and more laid back and he represents that not everything to do with college is hard work, that college parties are arranged. Most importantly, it represents that anyone can enroll in this college and everyone will be accepted by everyone else.

Considering the fact that the only students shown in the magazine are aged between 16 and 19 this is a good indication on the age range acceptable. If they were any older than this it the college would lose it's title as a sixth form college.

The audience is attracted to this magazine I think by the slogan, mainly because it says 'Live up to your own expectations' and teenagers love to be able to do their own thing because through school they're told what to do and this lets them know that after school it changes and they decide where they want to do now.

I think one of the biggest successes with my magazine is that the front cover and the contents page are closely linked because in some cases they look like they should be in two different magazines and I think it's important to be able to see some similarity between the two. What I found a bit challenging was to appeal to both the students and their parents, this matter was overcome by simply have a model for each type of audience.

Final Front Cover!!!

Final Content Page!

Contents Page Draft #3

Contents Page Draft #2

Contents Page Draft #1

Draft #3

Draft #2

Draft #1

Analysis of magazine #2

Language - I particularly like the title of this magazine as it not only stands out well but it tells you a little bit about the success of this college. 'Statistics' suggests that the pass rate of this college is backed up by facts and statistics so there is no other say in the matter.

Institution - There doesn't appear to be a bar code on it so it must be a free purchase, therefore, the only institution must be the college itself.

Ideology - Personally, I think this college has a theme of adventure and exploring the world, as on the cover there are many questions, questions that you wouldn't normally think about asking this also gives the impression that it's going to stretch your possibilities as there's no limit to the things you may learn.

Audience - This magazine I find to be directed towards the older students, as it doesn't really show any of the more exciting courses, or any of them for that matter or the environment in which you would study. Also, as mentioned previously this college magazine it gives a sense of adventure to other places around the world and in which case many younger students wouldn't be able to do alone.

Representation - Because of the sky scrapers and the blurred lights of the cars at the bottom, this magazine gives off a sense of adventure and traveling therefore it shows itself to be a college that has many locations.     

Analysis of magazine #1

 Language - I'm  not taken by the language used on the front cover of this magazine, mainly because it's just plain and simple, I don't feel that it really tries to sell it to the appropriate audience either; I feel it's aimed towards at the parents more than the students so to them it doesn't seem like somewhere they'd actually like to enroll. The photograph, however, is probably the most successful part of the magazine considering the language factor of it; the girl in the photo seems really interested in what she's doing, she genuinely enjoys doing science and it's a good subject to have on the cover as it can get you far in life and in this photo it's showing practical work which tends to be more enjoyable.

Institution - The institution is plainly Beloit College, there's no bar code so it's a free magazine therefore must have been provided by the college and the college only.

Ideology - I think the main message is knowledge, I believe it's trying to imply that knowledge is the best possible way to achieve your goals in life no matter what they might be.

Audience - Like I said previously I don't think the proper audience was addressed with this magazine, I think that the creators of it wanted to appeal to the parents so they would want their children to attend this college that they actually forgot to make it appealing to the future students to actually want to go themselves.

Representation - The college is represented in a positive way as the model in the photo gives off the impression that she really wants to achieve the best she can as she looks very focused in what she's doing and therefore instantly sets an example for the rest of the students in the college and is also a reflection on what sort of teaching goes on. This also shows that they have high standards of who is able to attend the college, which more importantly influences readers that it is a very successful college.

LIIAR Interpretation of the Brief

Language -  The main language will be the title of course this will be bold and catch the potential readers attention, I think I will call the magazine 'Fulfilled' mainly to give and idea to people reading the magazine of how they will feel once attending the college. Other than that there is a headline and slogan, I'm not too sure on what I want the headline to be but I think the slogan will be something like 'Fulfil your life, live the dream' I think this is a good idea as it links in with the title as well. There will be several photos from around the college and of several students, I will also try to get photos of as many courses as possible.

Institution -  Wyke college would be the main institution and is found in West Hull and is the only on of it's kind, but also it is a sixth form college that has had £20M invested into it and with that a new building and new equipment as been provided, this has attracted students from outside of Hull aswell as only 50% of 1,300 students attending Wyke are actually from Hull. It has the best results out of Hull and East Riding with a 99.7% pass rate.

Ideology -   The main messages that Wyke get across are respect showing that everyone involved in the college both staff and students respect one an other and everyone is seen equally. Further more, the fact that education is a benefit so attending Wyke after school will take you further in life and instantly gives you more opportunities as mensioned earlier the pass rating is 99.7%. As well as the ones aove Wyke suports many other things such as a healthy lifestyle both mentally and physically.

Audience -   Instead of just thinking about potential students of 16-19 years of age reading the magazine, I'm going to also think about their parents reading it. Most parents would read the magazine simply to research the college their son or daughter would want to go to, so of course it has to be up to their standard. This is going to be difficult to achieve as it's very unusual to find a magazine that suites both age ranges. However, it is not impossible. 

Representation -   I am arranging to photograph some students working in order to achieve the high standards that parents would expect of a college with such a reputation as Wyke does, but at the same time I need it to appeal to the future students aswel, so I am also going to photograph some students socializing to show how easy it is for everyone to get along in Wyke.

Out Lining the Brief

The task I have been assigned is to create a front cover and conents page of a college magazine. This will include pictures that I have taken myself  and everything has to be done independantly; even the Wyke logo can't be used as I did not create it. There are many factors to consider mainly the way the college is being represented and the audiences who will be the ones who read it as this would effect the college's reputation. Firstly, I have to research two other college magazines and analyse them in oder to get an idea on what college magazines should look like, that way I can learn from them what to do and what not to do.