Time Management - Flat Plans and Rationale

Today I have completed Flat Plans and Rationale for my Front Cover, Contents Page and Double Page Spread. As I completed these quicker than expected, I decided to do some audience research and create a rationale to justify my reasons for /doing making my research.

Double Page Spread Flat Plan/ Rationale

Colour Usage: The colour again, will be the same as my front cover and contents page. I may consider a splash of colour within my double page spread to make the fashion elements more fun to the audience. I don't want my article to come across as dull, as I want the article to inspire the audience.
Image Usage: I will have two images for my double page spread; one of a female model, one of a male. This is so that the article will relate to both sexes. I want the poses of the models to be somewhat over-posed to grab the readers attention, maybe a indirect mode of address to add a sense of mystery; which will contrast with the text as the price of clothing will be displayed.
Text Usage: There will be limited text as I am wanting the main focus to be on the clothing, price and store names. This is because the article is somewhat advertising the new/trending fashion. There will be a brief description of 'style steals/inspirations' to keep the audience engaged.
Layout and Font: The layout will be simplistic with an image on either page and the writing down one side of the image. This is because it will look neat and professional, alike to my other pages. I really want the font to be the same as the contents page so that there isn't a massive difference in the design/theme. I feel that sometimes articles change dramatically but I want to try keep it the same throughout to give it a unique yet stylish feel.

Contents Page Flat Plan/ Rationale

Colour Usage: The colour for my contents page will be the same as my front colour. I want the colour scheme to be the same throughout my whole magazine to keep it professional. Also with my magazine genre being cultural, it is common for the theme to be kept the same, as I feel having a different colour for each page can come across somewhat negligent.
Image Usage: My images will be varied within the contents page; I will have images of gigs, skating, cars and other images from my models. This is because I want to show the audience what is available/advertised within my magazine through images, so that they don't actually have to read any words to get an idea of what is displayed. The images will all be taken by me and with some being taken by my phone camera, the quality may not be as good as the ones of my model. Therefore, I will use Photoshop to better the quality.
Text Usage; I will use little descriptions for each page title; this is to engage the reader and give off the effect of them wanting to turn to that page to read more. I'll use cliff hangers, and the use of hyperbole adjectives in order to create a sense of excitement for each topic. Again, engaging and making the reader want to find out more. The tag line will be on this page as I feel repetition will keep my magazine fresh in the readers mind and word of mouth will help advertise.
Layout and Font: The layout I am going for is sophisticated, likewise to the front cover. With it being a contents page it wont be as simple, but with my font style and organisation of conventions, I will avoid making it look overcrowded with information. I am hoping that by using varied images, it will help take the focus of the abundance of text underneath, making the reader still want to browse through my magazine.

Front Cover Flat Plan/Rationale

Colour Scheme; I am going to be using black, white and autumnal colours within my magazine. This is because I feel this will link with the genre of the magazine and it will make it look sophisticated and relate to the target audience/season it is for. I feel if I added bright colours, it'd give it a childish feel and not relate to my audience.
Image Usage: My dominant image will be of a model in either a professional studio or somewhere outdoors to give it more of a cultural vibe to it. I want the body language to be relaxed yet somewhat posed, but invites the reader in and doesn't intimidate them. I want a full body image of my model, and the costume to be autumnal; scarfs and layers.
Text Usage: I'm using an alliteration as my tag line, this is because it will be memorable to the readers. My sell lines will be short and easy to understand, so that the reader knows exactly what is advertised. The text will be limited so that the front cover looks somewhat bare, but is appealing to the reader.
Layout and Font: My layout is simple but effective; there will be little writing on the front cover, so that the main focus is on the model. The bar code/additional information will be displayed at the bottom so that it doesn't take focus away from the sell lines/dominant image.

Audience Research and rationale

https://youtu.be/Nul0K8_CFMM





By doing audience research and asking my target audience specific questions about my genre of magazine, it has helped me get a more detailed idea of how I want my magazine to be; from layout, and what to include. I was struggling on how to layout my article and what to include, by asking audience members I was able to see what would appeal to them more; image of model with the clothing price and store that its from. I like this idea and I have also decided to put an 'inspirations' part under the model, as this is something that would entice my audience.
Furthermore, I have gotten a better idea of what my target audience likes and dislikes when it comes to magazines, and what appeals to them and what doesn't; lots of images can make it seem overcrowded. There needs to be a balanced amount in contrast to the text.

Time Management - Flat Plan/Rationale

Today I am going to design and complete my flat plans for my Front Cover, Contents Page and Double Page Spread. I will also create a rationale for each of these to back up why I have positioned conventions in certain places and to explain my ideas for why I have done that.

Proposal; Part 2

Describe your idea for the brief: The genre of my magazine is going to be a cultural magazine but solely based on fashion. I will still advertise things such as festival, gigs, car meets etc on the contents page. I'll have 4 pages, including contents and front cover that will display my knowledge on the subjects of fashion, gigs, music etc.  I will be using Photoshop, which will be the main programme that I will use to create my product. My magazine needs to target the North East with it being a regional magazine, but I want it to juxtapose all other cultural magazines. I will apply the typical conventions that you see on magazines; a masthead and a colour scheme. I want the colours to be dull (black and white) to give a professional and glamorous feel to the magazine. I will make sure to use specific text and images that I know will attract my target audience.

Genre/ sub genre:  I would like my magazine to be based around fashion and upcoming cultural events. This will be shown through the style of my magazine, Therefore I will research into fashion, and popular regional culture magazines to get an idea on styles of text in order to create a layout and style that will fit in with my topic of magazine.

Target audience:  My primary audience will most likely be females for this issue being based on fashion, but I want to include males, from the ages 16+. I feel that this is a better audience with me being the same age, as I will already have knowledge on what this age of teenagers enjoy doing beyond their education.

Original images: My original images may vary; I have some images already from gigs, car events and skating outings so I will use these within my contents page. I want to use a male and female model for my DPS to show the latest fashion. I want the facial expressions and paralinguistic features to be different for each image and to see what will work best.

Potential difficulties: Potential difficulties I may come across is the quality of images being poor, to avoid this I will make sure to book in a time to use the professional cameras to get the highest quality photos as possible. Furthermore, I may be unable to get varied models, therefore may have to change my model images to suit the models at hand.

Proposal; Part 1

AS Coursework Proposal Table

Type of Magazine (fashion, music, etc)	My magazine genre is cultural but I am focusing on fashion for my double page spread article.
Name of Magazine	My magazine name is ‘Foxes’; this is because I am really against animal cruelty, therefore all of my advertisements and costume etc will be supporting anti-animal cruelty.
Audience (male/female)	My target audience is both genders as with it being a cultural magazine, the music, events and fashion will appeal to both males and females.
Audience (attitudes and interests)	My target audience will be mostly full time students that are interested in local gigs, events and new trending fashion within the area. They will most likely be into things such as skating, gaming, gigs and fashion.
Outlet (where it can be bought from?)	My magazine can be bought from all local colleges, Universities and libraries. This is so that it will be in the areas where my target audience will most likely be. I will also distribute it from reception areas in local shopping centres.
Necessary Information	My necessary information includes my issue number, barcode, date of issue and the season. My issue number will be number 19, this is so that it will be seen as already a sort of well-known magazine within the region. I am doing autumnal fashion/events, therefore the date of my magazine will be mid November.
Selling Point	My selling point is my abundance of varied content that will be displayed within the contents. Along with my unique layout and colour scheme.
Theme (article)	The theme for my article is fashion; I will be having both a male and female model with were each item of clothing is from with a price. The outfits will be inspired from local artists or celebrities; therefore I will have a small paragraph explaining the inspiration idea behind the outfit.
Images Front Cover	I will have only one image; a dominant image that will be of a fashion model. I am not 100% sure yet on whether I want the model to have direct mode address or not. I will experiment the different angles and facial expressions with my models, to see what works best for my magazine.
Images Inside	On the contents page I will have varied images from gigs, skating and car meets; along with fashion. This is so that it engages both males and females and shows what will be within the articles. For my DPS, I will have a male and female model, modelling the latest fashion.

Time Management - Proposals

Today I am going to complete my proposals, by doing this it has helped me with my creation of my magazine. I am able to analyze and back up why I am going to do certain things for my magazine.

Time Management- Targets to Complete by November

I want the next months target to be;

1. Start my Flat plans for front cover, contents and DPS
2. Start research on audience
3. Complete rationale for front cover, contents and DPS
4. Research into articles and details for my own magazine 

Magazine conventions of a cultural magazine

Website Deconstructions

Time Management

At the moment,  I feel like I am close to being complete with the work that has been set so far for this month. There is still a few posts that I need to upload, complete or edit; but I will make sure that they are finished by the end of this week. To allow me to be up to date, therefore giving me spare time in case I want to change/do extra work.

Regional Texts

• Dialect - North East slang and stereotypical phrases or words used.

• Local stores (Sunderland shops, national brand)

• Local Businesses - Pop Recs is an independent music store that allows local artists/musicians gig in there shop. 

• Local Events -Mowbray Park hold events each summer with local musicians gigging within the band stand. 

• Vox Pop - Sunderland Residents
• Sunderland/North East Celebrities - What are they wearing?

• Colour scheme to match Football club - Whether its the magazine itself or the content you include within. 

Target Audience Research

To gain an insight on what my target audience do during their spare time, the places they shop and what they listen to; I have created a group on Facebook to ask questions to specific teenagers. I made the group and invited around 15 to 20 teenagers aged 16-18; I am going to be asking a question every few days on what I want to know about them, in order to gain the right audience group for my magazine. This is so that I know what to advertise/ what my audience look for in a magazine, as I don't want to apply something to my magazine that wont abode well with my primary audience.

Target Update - September

I am extremely proud of the work I have achieved so far, I was able to complete my targets I set myself for June to complete by this month. I made sure to complete my pitch an enable myself to receive feedback! My recreations and deconstructions are also complete and I am on my way to completing some more research.

Feedback on pitch

As a group, we went round the class and displayed our pitches via our computers. We each read everyones pitches; providing each other with feedback. We gave two things that we liked about the pitch and then a wish that we would like to see them include/do.
 By doing this, it allows us to get constructive criticism from others to help apply it to our work to enable us to improve. Furthermore, it helps to have another set of eyes/ someone else's perspective to pick out what we have missed, as sometimes by looking at your own work, you can miss mistakes you have made/things you haven't included.
By looking at my feedback, I have noticed that I need to make my pitch more descriptive when describing my target audience, colour scheme and add in locations for images.

Magazine Conventions/Deconstructions; Double Page Spread

Magazine Conventions/Deconstructions; Contents Page

Magazine Conventions/Deconstructions; Front Cover

Magazine Title

Looking at my passion with animal cruelty, I have decided to dedicate my culture magazine to anti- animal cruelty. This means that my fashion/clothing shown will not have real fur or skin within the products and will be helping fight against skinning animals for their fur/skin. Therefore, I have decided to name my magazine 'Foxes'; especially with a lot going on in the media with fox poaching, I think it will link well with the north east region. Moreover, I can promote Lush products within my magazine which will relate closely with my target audience.

Title; Foxes
Tag Line; Environmental Friendly Fashion

Lesson 1 - Task 1

Our task was to look at three different magazine, each with a different genre, and comment on what we liked, what we would do different and what grade we'd give it personally.

Magazine 1 - Fashion
On the front cover, I like the the way the mise-en-scene of the image and the colours (red and brown) relates to the autumn season issue.The models outfit (a large coat) also matches the season being displayed, which works well as if she was wearing a belly top, it would contrast with the season. The thing I would do different is make the mode of address indirect, to make it mysterious and intriguing, Furthermore, I'd change the colour of the masthead as the black looked out of place in comparison to the rest of the colour scheme.
I really liked the link of the colour blue from the image to the writing on the contents page, it drew your eyes from the image itself to the information and text below. Making the reader more likely to read the writing. What I would do different is have a following colour scheme as the colours on the contents somewhat clash with each other.
With the double page spread, I really like the image used. It draws in the reader and relates to the text at hand. Its different and makes the magazine quirky and stands out from other magazines.
I'd give this a grade of 23.

Magazine 2- Food
I really enjoyed the colour scheme on the front cover of this magazine, it made the whole thing look sophisticated. The target audience is clear straight away by the main image; meat eaters. Discarding all vegetarians from this magazine. What I'd do differently is maybe use brighter colours to contrast with the dark images of the food, as this would make the text jump out at the audience.
The contents page layout was simple and understanding to the reader, the images are relevant. I like that they used several images and not just one main one, as it linked well with the amount of pages advertised.
The double page spread, again, looked sophisticated and the colour scheme is still running throughout. They have made the dps interesting to the audience and made a funny pun; 'what's hot now'. This intrigues the audience and gives the article a sense of humor.
I'd give this a grade of 29.

Magazine 3 - Music
With this magazine, I liked the colour scheme on the front cover. It looks fresh and the light colours draw in the reader. The overlap of colour also grabs attention of the audience, along with the main image. The direct mode of address draws you in, and makes you want to know more about the model.  The only thing I'd do differently is change the white writing, as it fades with the light colour background in areas.
The colour scheme runs in the contents page, making the magazine familiar to the audience. The only thing I would change is that although it is understanding, the contents comes across too simple.
The double page spread is eye popping and the contrast of white and green really engages an audience. The image and writing separated gives it a sophisticated look and the mass of writing is somewhat intriguing.
I'd give this a grade of 34.

Recreation of DPS

Recreation of Contents Page

Recreation of Front Cover

When recreating the front cover of Elle, I noticed how the magazine has a certain styled attached. It is quite cluttered with text yet it has a professional feel; the layout is what sparked my eye and has helped me picture the layout of my own magazine. The little bit of colour splashed amongst the front cover helps relate to the genre of the magazine. 

Time Management - Recreations

Today I am going to recreate a Front Cover, Contents Page and Double Page Spread from different magazines. By doing this I get to see what conventions other magazines use and what ideas I can use for my own magazine. Furthermore, it puts my in practice for creating my final product and by practicing recreations it will better improve my final magazine.

Billboard Deconstructions

H&M DECONSTRUCTION
H&M is more of a high street fashion shop. I will be linking high street fashion into my magazine as it will relate more to my regional audience. H&M clothing relates to a wider audience as it is cheaper than most clothing stores such as Topshop and River Island but still holds the latest fashion; which is what I want to advertise in my own magazine. In comparison to High End stores, High street billboards are a lot more simple and inviting; which is what I am wanting to do with my own. The colour scheme is plain yet there is always one primary colour that stands out, H&M has the colour red on their logo. This makes the billboard more playful, which is what I want to portray with my own billboard.
The price of the clothing is almost always displayed on the billboard as this invites in an audience as they know the price already without having to research. This makes an audience member more likely to go browse online or in the store.I'm wanting to do this for my magazine as it makes the audience more trusting of the product.
The body language of the model is somewhat relaxed yet posed, it makes the audience feel comfortable when looking at it and the slight mode of address is inviting. Her facial expression is quite neutral, coming across as she has no secrets. Therefore, making the store itself come across as trustworthy. If I use a model on my billboard, I will use mode of address to enage and invite the audience in. The studio background makes the billboard look professional, and contrasts with the logo; making it stand out more when looking at the sign. Immediately the audiences eyes go to the logo, instantly knowing the name of the store. I feel this is a good idea and I am wanting to try this technique on my own billboard.

CALVIN KLEIN DECONSTRUCTION
With Calvin Klein being quite a popular brand, the logo is black and blends in with the whole billboard. unlike the H&M logo, it doesn't stand out but yet our eyes are still drawn to it after the model. With my magazine being regional, I won't be doing this with my billboard as it won't be well known. The only shades used are black and white and there is not one splash of colour, this makes the billboard look glamorous and professional. I'm thinking of using this technique but still having one splash of colour to draw attention to the billboard. Furthermore, the billboard somewhat only relates to a certain member of the public eye. The price is not shown one the billboard, which comes across as it being an expensive brand, which we already know with it being a High End store. Like I said above, I will be putting the price on my billboard to enage a trust with the audience.
The layout of the billboard is sophisticated with the picture to the left and the writing on the right hand side. It makes it look organised and appeals more to the high class audience. I won't be going with this layout as with my billboard appealing to a regional audience, it wouldn't apply well with the viewers. By the models paralinguistic features and facial expression, you can tell that this billboard is aimed at an older generation. The model looks sexy yet sophisticated as she is exposed but elegantly covered; this again only suites a certain age type of the audience. With the billboard advertising jeans, the only prop/clothing used is jeans. This again makes the logo stand out as by looking at the model, we know what is being advertised. If using a model, I will use this one prop idea to let the viewer know exactly what my billboard is about; a regional magazine. This is a clever and eye catching way of advertising, it is simple yet extremely elegant and glamorous to the eye.




PRADA DECONSTRUCTION
Prada is yet again, a well known High End fashion store. This is shown through the same way as Calvin Klein; a simple but effective billboard. Which is a layout I am wanting to go with. The only text on the billboard is the name of the brand 'Prada'; this is because it is a well known brand and a large audience group will be aware of what this brand produces, therefore the billboard doesn't need any more writing to explain the brand itself. The colours used are again neutral yet sophisticated and relates to a certain member of the audience, whom enjoy typical high class colours.
The model has quite an awkward and uncomfortable body language, which again only engages a certain audience. Her posture is quite forced and it somewhat makes me feel like people have to be able to fit in to wear this type of brand as it is not relaxed and quite demanding.I want to my model to have a relaxed posture to engage the audience and make them feel comfortable. Despite this, the direct mode of address really draws in the audience, it makes it hard to look away from the image as the facial expression is stern and again, demanding. The billboard overall, is sophisticated and plain, it is clear that the prop being advertised is the bag as that is centre of attention. I know this as the model is being kind of a frame to the bag. I am wanting to do this with my own billboard if using models and props.

Pitch

Time Management - Pitch

Today I am going to focus on creating a pitch for my final product. By creating an in-depth pitch it will help me as I go through the process of creating my product, I will know what colours will work where and what type of images relate to my genre of magazine etc.