Main Task: Planning- Location, Props and Costume.

The main image needs to reflect the genre of the magazine well in order to make it appeal to my target audience. The costume used in the image will reflect the 'careless' appearance, I have mentioned to my models about this and we agreed that they would wear their own clothes as they both wear suitable clothing for this genre. As long as the models wear similar to what is shown in the initial images of them, it will not be an issue as I would like to focus more on the props. 
I want my image to show a fun, quirky nature without making it too mainstream. In order to do this I need to choose props that are out of the ordinary, for instance, the 'bear head' featured in my props planning. However, as this may be difficult to get hold of, I could get the same effect with quirky features such as bear ears, or a drawn on moustache. I think it might also look good to place similar props on the elgar statue, such as a hat or a scarf, as long as this does not cause offence, and there is no permanent damage to the statue.  

The locations I have chosen for my images are the Elgar Statue in Worcester and the Media photography room in my college. 

Main Task: Planning- Colour Scheme

The right colour scheme is essential for creating the right tone in my magazine, I need to clearly portray the genre through the aesthetics.  In order for the colour scheme to portray the genre, it needs to be bright and clashing. I think it would look effective if I had a bright colour and a dark colour or multiple bright colours that clashed. However there is a danger that this will make the magazine look mainstream. 

Here are three colour schemes I have designed. I used quite bright colours whilst trying not to make them too lively and mainstream, I did this by using grey or black. I have asked my target audience for their opinions and it was decided that the purple and green was too light and lively. This does not reflect the genre of my magazine. The first theme of Black, Grey and Red was the most popular theme as this was dark enough to reflect that genre whilst still be fun and rebellious with the bright red. 

Main Task: Planning- Props

I asked on the social networking site 'facebook' if anyone had/ or knew where to get hold of the desired prop for my photo shoot. I also published a text post on my blog on 'tumblr' to try and get a broad range of peoples interest in my query, potentially leading to success in finding this prop or one similar. It could also help with getting ideas for alternatives that would have the same effect.

Main Task: Planning- Fonts

I have decided to call my magazine 'Sticks and Stones' as I feel this resembles the genre well. In order to make this title more effective, I have collected a range of fonts to see which displays the titles clearly whilst fitting with the genre.

I think the last font is very fitting to my genre however I do not know if it connotes a younger age audience. I also like the third font in the list, I think the fact that there are no white spaces in the middle of the letters makes it more masculine and adds a rough edge. 

Main Task: Planning- Risk Assessment

I have decided to take my main image for the front cover in the media classroom set up like a photography studio. This is because I want my front cover to be quite simple, so if I have a plain background it will not distract the eye from the focus of the image. There are many risk I need to consider in this area.

Main Task: Planning- Rough Sketches

 I sketched an initial design for a double page spread, I wanted the text to wrap around the image to give it a looser feel. I used graphics around images to make it more informal.

I also sketched a design for my front cover, I wanted this to be quite simple whilst still being entertaining and appealing. In order to achieve this, I used a fairly simple layout but included elements such as a puff and a running head to add depth  to the appearance. 

I have planned the detail for the puff on the front cover of my magazine. I intend for it to have a drop shadow to add depth to the graphic. I have also experimented with the shape of the text, I think the magazine would look more complete and have a smoother finish if the text follows the shape of the puff, contrasting with the sharp edges of the graphic. 

As shown above on my sketches of the double page spread, there will be two boxes at the bottom of the page featuring smaller images and sub-stories. The graphic surrounding the image will mirror that shown on the front cover, this will show a constant theme running through the magazine. Because the graphic will be filled with an image, I think it might look effective to be surrounded by a coloured border that fits the colour theme of my magazine. The body of the text in the sub-story will follow the shape of the graphic as this again will give a smoother image. I think it will also add texture to the appearance. 

Main Task: planning- Models and Props

I wanted to find a model with the perfect image to make my magazine look effective. In order to do this, I used the resources I had and scouted two models from my college cafeteria. 

Luckily, they were both willing to participate in both modelling and offering feedback throughout the production process. 

The first models name is: Leonard Terry
The second is: Marcus Knight

I chose these models because they fit the audience profile I created. Leonard has piercings, and in the above picture, Marcus is wearing a hat from a brand seen in my audience profile. I feel these models will portray the desired image I want my magazine to convey.Through practice shots I will determine where I want them to feature in my magazine, however my initial thought is that it may look good to have both on my front cover. This would add more depth to the image. I feel I should also look for a female to feature on the front cover as this would make the magazine more unisex and show contrast. 

Main Task: planning- Photographs

In order to gain an effective image for my front cover, as well as others that will feature on the contents and double page spread, I must carefully chose my models and location.
Because the genre of my magazine is rock/alternative, I feel the main image needs to be a little daring and push the boundaries.


 


However, through research I have discovered that some magazines of this same genre are very minimalistic on their covers and keep the main image simple- this makes the magazine more upmarket and perhaps improves its reputation to those who do not read it. Because of this, I do not want to make my main image too 'out there' although this may appeal to my target audience, I should save such entertaining images for the double page spread, in which they will be appreciated by the target audience. 







However, I will still aim to create a non-conformist vibe and hint at rebellious ideas. This means that my image needs to be set in a peculiar setting, this could be conveyed purely through unfamiliarity. I could achieve this effect by obscuring the background so the setting is in fact unclear, intriguing the reader. I could also connote these themes by placing my model in a very familiar well-known place: the model should then have an outlandish prop or costume to enthuse feelings of shock.






Obviously, I do not have access to places such as the Eiffel tower so if I chose to go for this effect, I must chose a well known place around the Worcestershire area. For instance, I could use the Elgar Statue or the Cathedral. 


  

Main Task: planning- audience profile

In order to make an effective, appealing magazine, I must research the target audience and decide upon important details of their character that I must appeal to through the magazine. I will research things such as what category on the jicnars scale they fall into to what they wear at the weekend. It is necessary to find information that may at first seem trivial such as their favourite film or chocolate bar, however this is useful to the production of my magazine as it will allow me to tailor the content to appeal to my target audience. 

Specifics.
- You are between the ages of 22-25.
- You fall in to the C1 category on the jicnars scale.
- You are male.
- You think of yourself as a radical. 
- You sometimes act like you are still 17.


Characteristics.
- You don't follow the latest trends.
- You never go anywhere without your headphones.
- You're still wearing the t-shirt your mum bought you two years ago.
- You have/want multiple tattoos.
- You eat 'Snickers' and drink 'Relentless'.
- You still ride your skateboard.
- Your ears have more holes than your shoes.
- Your hair used to be as long as your sisters.
- You have a smart phone so you can download and access music everywhere, but it isn't necessarily the best; you'd rather spend your money on other things.
- When you aren't listening to music, you are shooting things on an xbox.




My target audience will have an obsession with music, they will read my magazine to find out about the latest releases and news from the artists/bands. This way, they can keep up to date with their favourite kind of music and feel like they have a superior knowledge in their friendship group.

The magazine will also give them information on where they can purchase their clothing, even though they may appear not to have a great interest in this topic, they still have an underlying desire to wear certain things. This shapes their identity further and allows them to look like part of a group. 






(Create a prezi to insert here. Detail bands, artists, clothing stores, foods, drinks, gadgets, transport, personality.)

Main Task: planning- time management

In order to ensure the task is completed to a high standard and runs smoothly, I will plan my time carefully and try to stick as closely to this plan as I can. I will then amend any details accordingly throughout production if for some reason, this cannot happen.


Monday 5th: Time management- Organise time management. Create a plan of what tasks will be undertaken and when in order to allow the task to run more smoothly. I should attempt to stick to this plan as closely as possible and make amendments where needed.


Tuesday 6th: Audience profile- Create an audience profile of my target audience. Make sure it is detailed and contains information about their lifestyle as well as the music/style they like. Find a group of people that fit this profile and keep their details to use for feedback throughout production.


Thursday 8th: Models- Find suitable models to feature in the magazine. Use the audience profile to understand the image of the genre and find fitting models. Ensure they are willing and upload primary photos of them to my blog. Gather a range of models with a varying image in order to find the right model that portrays a good image for the magazine.


Friday 9th: Models and location- Continue to research models, try and take a photograph of the models in desired location. Before this of course, must organise a location. The location has to fit the image of the magazine and have the right lighting for a good shot. Take photos of various locations and compare to find the best location to use. Make some initial research in to the risks that occur in the locations and try to chose the one with the lowest amount of risks while still gaining an effective photograph.

Monday 12th: Risk Assessment- Begin a thorough and detailed risk assessment into the chosen location of the main image. Ensure not to cut any corners and research all elements of the location.

Tuesday 13th: Risk Assessment- Complete risk assessment. Check all points and ensure they are correct and detailed.

Thursday 15th: Costumes and Props- Decide upon props that will be used in photographs and what the models will wear. Then create a plan of what items are needed, where they will be from and what potential costs there will be. Include photos of desired items or actual items where possible.

Friday 16th: Check through all work- Check through all work and ensure everything is completed in detail and to a high standard. Ensure risk assessment is thorough. Rough work should be completed throughout planning and uploaded to my blog frequently; all should be completed by this date. Rough work should consist of sketches and possible fonts/images/colour schemes. I should also include information about my inspiration and influences. Rough work should have details about whether I have chosen to improve upon my idea and use it in my magazine and if I have not, then why. 

Time Management for Production


December 16th: Planning Completed.
January 4th-9th: Photo shoot in desired location and edit with Photoshop.
January 10th-17th: Create a front page using Photoshop.
January 18th-22nd: Create a contents page using In-Design.
January 23rd-31st: Create a double page spread using Photoshop.
February 1st-3rd: Check over all work, ensure it is to the highest quality.

Main Task: Research and Planning - Language

The language used in the content of the articles shows that of colloquial language. Abbreviations such as 'can't' and 'You'd' are used, making the text sound more spoken and informal. The actual meaning of the sentences have a humorous connotation and seem to be cheekily controversial, 'They all walk slow'.  

The use of taboo language lowers formality of the magazine. Therefore making it appeal to a younger audience, or those who believe themselves to be radicals.

Main Task: Research and Planning - Double Page Spread

These double page spreads from 'Rock Sound' magazine all contain large images that reach to the edges of the pages. They do not appear to be cropped and contain a full background. The text is minimal on all three examples as the image seems to be the main focus. 

Pull quotes are used to fill the space on the page. A serif font is used, connoting that the band is upmarket and has a certain sophistication. 

This fourth example of a double page spread is a little more engaging than the others. The bright graphic that stretches from the left page to the right draws the eye across to the content of the article. Unlike the other examples, there are many images on top of the main background image.

The effect of this is that the page may be more appealing to the reader. Many people read magazines for enjoyment, some readers may get put off by mass sections of text. By breaking up the text with smaller images, the page looks more appealing to the eye.

Main Task: Research and Planning - Contents

The Rock sounds contents page is in two columns. It has the text running down the left hand side, in a clear, sans serif font on a white background. The right hand side of the page has a red background with reversed-out text. This features pictures giving further detail of the content of the magazine, accompanied by relevant page numbers in a large, red font. 

The largest and therefore most prominent picture on the picture features two men staring directly into the camera and the other covering his eyes. The man at the forefront of the image is wearing dark eye make-up and holding a finger to his mouth. This connotes telling someone to be quiet, or to keep a secret. The man on the right hand side is wearing a top with a cross on it, connoting religion or a statement of identity. It could also be suggesting that he is part of some sort of group as the cross is surrounded by what looks like a badge or an emblem shape. 

In terms of layout, this contents page has a fairly simplistic design, making it easy for the audience to find what the are looking for. However it is still entertaining and keeps it's certain 'edge' by including various images that connote attitude and confidence.

'Art Rocker' uses a similar layout style to 'Rock Sound' by splitting the page in two through the use of colour. The main body of text is featured on the left hand side, where there is a white background with a black, sans serif font, whilst the right hand side is more heavily laden with images and has a black background with white, green and yellow font. 

Main Task: Research and Planning - Rock Magazine Cover

After researching many types of magazines, I have decided to create a rock/alternative magazine. I have arrived at this decision after analysing 'Rock Sound', I have this magazine had a more sophisticated ambience yet still appealed to an alternative audience through the content and colour schemes used.
Because I have made this decision, I will now look at more magazines in the genre of rock so I am able to detail the genre conventions and decide upon suitable aspects to include in my own magazine. 

'Art rocker' magazine has a fairly simple cover. This again supports the idea that the layout of some rock magazines make them more upmarket. However, in a similar way to 'Rock Sound' the content and colours used may slightly contradict this by appealing to an alternative audience of radicals. 



The content and article headings are placed in the bottom right hand corner, this means that there is more of a focus on the main image as the eye is less distracted.


A puff is used in the top left hand corner, overlaying the title and therefore drawing more attention to this extra information. Sans serif font is used throughout, lowering the register of the magazine. 

'Kerrang!' magazine is a lot more crowded than magazines like 'Art Rocker' or 'Rock Sound'. This makes the magazine look more downmarket. This suggestion is enhanced by the bright primary colours used on the cover such as red and yellow.

The cover also has a running head- this includes a white font with a red outline, and yellow stars separating the points. 

This makes the magazine more downmarket and perhaps a makes it appeal to a younger audience.

The image overlays the title, this seems to be a common feature on most rock magazines I have looked at so far.