Final Cover:

Preliminary Magazine:

stages of my cover page:

DRAFT 4. Who would be the audience for your media product?

DRAFT

The chosen audience for my magazine is mainly females aged 16-23 years, who are interested in quirky, retro and indie fashion and music. These people also like the stand out from the crowd looking to be different compared to normal pop music. Looking on the UK Tribes website researching for my target audience I found my target audience is Indie Scenesters and RAH's, these are both groups that like to stand out from the crows with either labels or their unique fashion style. This appeals to me as as they are willing to listen to new music and fashion styles, my quirky magazine will then interest and inspire them. The research I did using UK Tribes as helped me throughout making my magazine as I produced a magazine that would appeal to my desired audience. This was particularly useful when it came to designing my layout as I did not want to make it modern and futuristic. Another main interest for my audience would be fashion, therefore they will be interested in my magazine as it includes unique fashions across the pages. My audience will also have an interest in films especially indie ones as this is popular for an audience who like indie music.

My monthly magazine price is £4.99 which I feel is a reasonable price as the teenagers I am aiming it at such as RAH's are known as daddy's girls and they will have the money to spend on my magazine along with their brands. The money from my magazine would help to improve my magazine to engage my audience more in the future. My chosen audience is people who want to create a posh unique image for themselves. My contents page shows this as it is neat and elegant, I used research from looking at other contents pages to create this look. BAZAAR magazine is similar to mine as I have taken fashion and font inspiration however, I have not fully copied their pages. I have given my own magazine a retro look with a modern twist making it more appealing to a younger audience. As I took most of my inspiration from BAZAAR magazine I feel people who are interested in BAZAAR will also be interested in my magazine.

The main artists and bands that my audience would listen to are: Marina and the Diamonds, Lana Del Rey and Halsey. I have listed these on the cover of my magazine which indicates the music interests of my chosen audience. Another aspect within my magazine but with music being the main focus. This would then appeal to my audience because they can read up on their passion for music however, they can also look up on fashion and other interesting quirky things.

I think my magazines cover, contents and double page spread represents the indie/quirky market as my models are wearing unique clothing, my layout is also simple and elegant. This makes it unlike other mainstream magazines. I have decided to lay out my cover page without a boarder, this is because I wanted it to look like BAZAAR, Interview and W's magazine covers. Their magazines appeal to my target audience so they will understand my chosen layout. 

Final Magazine:

Cover Draft:

This was my original cover page, before I changed the placement of the writing either side of my artist. After this I then added The date, barcode, price, issue number and photographer. Finally i added text underneath Phoebe Flora.

Magazine Draft:

60 Minute Cover Task:

 I used this cover of BAZAAR magazine as my inspiration for the task. I wanted to use it because it used contrasts of sophistication and urban writing. Also the use of the colour red on the black and white is very effective.

 We started off by using a blank background before we added anything to it.

 I used this photo of marina and the diamonds because it is similar to the one used of the girl on BAZAAR magazine. Also I want to use Marina and the Diamonds in my magazine. 

 I used the font Constantia as it was simple yet it looked stylish. The name also added a sense of glamour and mystery.

 I put the barcode here as this is where BAZAAR put theirs and i liked their layout, also it it visible yet it doesn't take the focus away from the rest of the magazine.

 I then added this text because i thought it was relevant explaining who is on the cover. I also wanted it shaped to her body to emphasize her curvaceous figure. The use of the Blue text took the harshness out of the black and white, it also drew attention to the name of the artist.

Finally i added the date, price and issue number. The date fitted underneath the T and E in the title. The issue number and price both fitted along the top of the barcode so it looks neat and visible however, its out the way. The font was small so it fitted neatly in smaller paces as it was not the main focus of the cover.

Page Harmony:

This technique is called page harmony, this shows the points of focus and hints where things such as the title should be placed:

• The larger rectangle on the top left shows where the title or the first letter of the title should sit. 
• The small Rectangle on the bottom shows were a barcode should be placed.
• The line across the center in the middle of the two circles show the main area of focus for the eyes. It roughly runs along the line where her blue from her jumper ends and meets her skin.
• The to circles also show points of focus as the first is on her elbow crease and the second is in the corner of her arm and shoulder.

Analysis of Magazine Covers:

Colour Scheme:
The Colour scheme used is mainly black, white and red. This is a common colour scheme as the colours compliment each other. gloomy however it shows beauty. Black and Red are the dominant colours on this cover, this would draw an audience as the two colours together are very powerful. The red is repeated in the title, her lips and the shadow image, these then create key areas to focus on. The black and dark colours give a nervy mysterious look standing out from the red and white colours, therefore intriguing audiences. Although the dark colours look gloomy, the light colours then show beauty, focusing on the natural beauty of the girl, and green highlighting the nature. The small white writing at the bottom compliments the black as they are on opposite ends of a colour chart, making the black and the writing stand out.

Picture:
The picture used works well because the colours used among the girl and back ground mean the girl does not blend into the back ground. Both stand out clearly however, the main focus is on the girl. The quality of the photo is spec-ally showing slight traces of scratches, this makes the photo look dated giving it a retro feel, this might attract audiences who have certain vintage fashion interests as the girl is also wearing vintage clothing. like the fact that there is different tonnes of brown in her hair making the magazine feel more natural and not only using precisely blocked colours. The shadow girl in the picture might attract to people who are interested in photography, as it has used Photoshop and camera techniques.

Title:
The light colours used in the center of the cover draw attention to the girls face as it is the main focus and to the title. The red shows clearly on top of the girls hair and face which is dark and light, this colour was chosen as it was used in other parts of the cover showing a flow. The placing of the title corresponds with the image as they are symmetrical and central. Other covers created by Lula magazine use titles that are in different places in a variety of colours, each title is in a colour that corresponds with the images colour pallet. The title fits the magazine as there is a young, pretty girl on this cover and other covers, Lula is also a pretty girls name. The font is flowing, simple and pretty, this links to the beauty within the cover and also it is easy to read.

Barcode:
The barcode is very small vertically on the edge of the magazine. Having it vertically means it isn't in the way of the small writing at the bottom. This also gives the impression that the barcode doesn't want to have attention drawn to it as it is not a main focus. The cover has a vintage look to it so the modern barcode may want to be hidden as it takes away part of the old feel. 

Opinion:
Overall i like the repetitive colour pallet choosing making the title clear but not stick out for the wrong reasons. I also like the image gives an unique, uncomfortable feeling attracting intrigued readers. Also i like the colours complement each other so everything is clear but the main focuses are not lost. 



Colour Scheme:
The main colours used are white and blue, these two colours compliment each other very well. There is also a small amount of dark and yellow, neither of them contrast against the other two. Blue is mainly used as the back ground, in the sky and the water, however they are both different shades of blue so it is clear to understand the image. White shows very well over the blue and is used repeatedly, in the writing, skin, swimsuit and barcode. The colours used give everything a clear outline, making it easy for the reader to notice and read. The colours used are very relaxing and clean which make the cover bright ad eye catching. However the small uses of other colours such as yellow, red and black are effective as they take away the intensity of the solid black and white colour scheme. Also they do not clash with the other colours or look too bold.

Picture:
The picture used is clear as the same few colours are used in the same elements of the photo. For example, the water includes blue and white and the lady includes blue and white. This makes the parts of the image fit together. The woman has pale skin and is wearing a white swimsuit, this draws attention to her and what she is doing, attracting readers who want to read on holidays or leisure. Her body is almost in the center of the cover  making it look symmetrical and more of a focus to the reader. The darker blue swimming hat is on top of the lighter blue sky, therefore it is clear. The objects in the image are similar height making them easier to see and it makes the image look neater.

Title:
The title is white which shows up clearly over the blue, making it easy to read, and look neat and simple. The letters are mainly the same width at the top and look fitted to the top of the cover. There is small white writing in the middle of a gap filling in the empty space, making the magazine look organized and well thought out, also it draws more attention to the title. Other titles on BAZAAR magazine covers are in the same place, which looks repetitive and neat. However, the titles are different colours, as the colour of the title goes wit the colour pallet of the image. The name BAZAAR suits the magazine as the cover images and what the magazines include are different and unique. The font used it straight and simple making the letters look rectangular, flowing with other rectangular elements of the cover. This also makes the title easy to see and read.

Barcode:
The barcode is well placed as it is horizontal on the bottom left corner. This a good position as it is inline and looks similar to the smaller white writing flowing down the left hand side. It is not too small making it visible but not drawing too much attention to it. 

Opinion:
Overall i like the simple yet effective colour scheme used, everything has a clear outline and nothing clashes on top of each other. I also like the layout is neat using long, rectangular bases shapes. I really like the way it is clear what order the elements are supposed to draw your attention. The image ad background catch your eyes first, then the title and then it flows down.



Colour Scheme:
The main colours used in this colour scheme are yellow, white and blue. The title is the boldest colour in yellow however, the yellow drink in the glass makes it less less noticeable that it doesn't go with much else on the cover. Yellow stands out easily over dark green, this makes the title eye catching and easy to read to an interested viewer. The yellow drink in the glass is over Marilyn's pale body also making it stand out. Her pale body is also clear to see as it stands out in front of the blue water, this will get the readers attention as they will want to know who the person is featuring on the cover. Small white writing is used in various places around the cover, it is clear and readable, even though it is on top of different colours. White shows up clearly over most darker colours, so it is noticeable over green and blue.There is small elements of darker colours used on the cover which removes the brightness of the magazine as it is placed in the lighter more eye catching sections, it will also get noticed more.

Picture:
The picture on this cover is clear and the different colours have a sharp outline they don't clash with each other. The background is symmetrical and fills the page, as the line showing the water from the trees is straight across the magazine making it look neat. Marilyn's body and swimsuit is also symmetrical, as both shoulders are roughly the same height either side and her swimsuit is the same style on either shoulder. Her streaky, white, wet hair also goes with other light elements of the cover and writing. As the streaky lines in her hair go with the white letters used in the writing. The bottom half of the images is linked and flows as same few light colours are used, and the top half is mainly two block colours. This means that the area of focus is the bottom half. As the drink, person and water are where the readers will be most interested.

Title:
The title is clear and doesn't draw too much tension away from the image as it uses another colour shown on the cover. As yellow is still a bright and unique colour to have as a title, it will stand out from other magazine overs and titles, making readers more likely to pick this magazine up first. The title is neatly placed in the middle on the top of the cover, the edges are the same distance apart, following the shoulders and swimsuit. The font has a unique swirly, thick look to it but it is still easy to read. Other titles used but Esquire magazine covers are in the same place however, they are different colours as the colour of the title goes with the colour scheme used in the cover image.

Barcode:
the barcode is in a good place as it it vertical in the right bottom corner of the cover. This is a good placement as the barcode allows the eyes to flow from the shoulders to the barcode however, it doesn't stand out near the image making it look out of place. It is also the same height of the shoulder, making it blend in with aspects of the cover.

Opinion:
I like the bold choice of using a yellow title as yellow is only used once in the cover image however, it still blends and stands out. I also like the brighter colours to be near the body making Marilyn stand out to an audience intriguing them into who she is. I like also the placing of the barcode and how it makes the eye flow to things in order of importance, you are drawn to the title, then the body and then your eyes go to the barcode and small writing.

Examples Of Other Texts:

I like the symmetrical title of V magazine and the fact it is transparent so the image isn't hidden. I might take this as inspiration and create a different look which draws your attention to the person and not drawing it away from the title. Also with these covers its all about the right pose for the right look and the right person, i may also want to use this idea when it comes to making my own magazine.



I like the colour schemes used in BAZAAR's magazine covers  and how they are all different sized images but all achieve a retro look. I may want to use these covers as inspiration using the retro clothing, hair, make up and colours. Also they all use serious, seductive facial expressions, which i might transfer to my own magazine.



I like the repetitive way that most of Interview magazines covers have the titles across the top, also the colours used are very basic but effective making the covers look simple and clean but effective. These covers focus on beauty weather its natural or different. I might take the simplicity and beauty from these covers and use it in my own magazine.



I like the peachy colours used in W magazines covers and there is also an intimate feeling either involving a man and a woman or a woman in revealing clothing. I may want to use the sense of intimacy in my own magazine, with either clothing or facial expression. Heavy lipstick will also give a seductive or important feel to the magazine.



I like the simple use of the title, image and a small other piece of text, this gives the audience few things to look at drawing their attention to the cover and keeping them interested. I might want to use this as inspiration by using an image that stands out and isn't lost behind large amounts of text however, makes them read the title and other simple text. I may also want my magazine to be simple but effective.

Preliminary Exercise Flat Plan:

Before creating our preliminary magazine cover pages we drew up 3 mock up templates of cover and contents pages using the 1F, 1Z and 1H templates.