Evaluation

Music magazine Evaluation from GeeTamck

Final Double Page Spread

Final Contents Page

Final Front Cover

Original Image

Original Image

Original Image

Original Image

Original Image

Original Image

Double Page Spread Design

Contents Page Design

Front Cover Design

Design Brief

• The colours I will use will be tonal for example • The text ratio I will use will be 50/50 (half pictures/half text) for the double page spread. • I will have a free giveaway • The free giveaway will be a CD • The tone of the magazine will be formal • The posed feature article photo will be of a big star • On the double page spread I will have an image on one page and the text on another • The style of layout will be organised • The house style will stay the same for the front cover, double page spread and contents page. • The contents page will have more pictures than text. When I create my music magazine, I wll make sure: • My feature article photo will posed.

Survey Results

Survey Results

Survey Results

Survey Results

Survey Results

Survey Results

Survey Results

Survey Results

Survey Results

Survey Results

Survey Results

Survey Questions

1) Do you prefer posed or candid (not posed) photographs for the front cover? Yes/No 2) What colours do you prefer for an indie magazine? – dark/white/tonal/colourful 3) What picture/text ratio would you prefer? – p50\t50, p25\t75, no pictures 4) Do you like free giveaways? Yes/no 5) If yes what kind of giveaways do you prefer? – CDs/ Subscriptions/Poster 6) Which tone of magazine do you like best? – Formal/Informal 7) What style of layout do you prefer? – Organised/Chaotic 8) Is it important if a big star is on the front cover? – yes/no 9) Which layout do you prefer for a magazine double page article? – Image on one page, text on another/image on top half of pages, text below/several images spread around it/image(s) covering page with text over it 10) Would you like the house style to stay the same for the front cover, contents page and double page spread? – yes/no 11) Would you prefer the contents page to have more pictures or text? – pictures/text 12) What makes you buy a magazine? Write a couple of words. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Competitor Analysis - Mojo Double Page Spread

Considering that the overall tone of Mojo magazine projects a light rock and indie theme, this double page spread is very fitting. It introduces the current spread of this genre of music and where it’s heading, bringing a rocky tone to the page. We instantly see colour from the feature photo and heading on the left page which illustrate the vibrancy of the live setting of a concert. The photo is a two shot of a live performance of Jonathan Wilson and Jackson Brownie which is also in shallow focus so it grabs the attention of the reader. The shallow focus lets us understand that it is a live performance at a concert as there are light that overlap the photo and rocky scenery in the background. The double spread focuses on “The Laurel Canyons” which justifies the connotations of liveliness and rock expression by the photograph. The sense of liveliness is evident throughout the double page spread, for example the heading has used a bold, simple font and a lively but subtle colour suggesting a rock style relating to the lively house style. Given that the connotations across the double page spread illustrate a lively and rocky style due to the setting and subject of the live performance in the article, we are still reminded of the calm, light rock music. The other pictures on the double page spread are of the performers and of their album, these pictures are overlapping and one of the pictures is of balance. This connotes that the magazine is trying to make the double page spread less neat and organised emphasising the rocky style. Because the scale of the other images, the magazine is able to squeeze as much information as possible without making it look cluttered. The quote “If there’s a bit of a myth, I’m cool with that.” Is inside a circular shape. The circular shape contrasts with the story and images as it connotes calmness as it is not a hard or sharp edged shape. The images also allow insight into a more real sense of concerts and live performances showing candid and posed photographs. The people in these photographs look like older and rocky, the kind of life style that Mojo promotes, they are wearing earthy colours which emphasis the calm and down to earth feel. The opening column has a drop cap which attracts the reader as its colour (red) contrasts and stands out from the double page spread’s background. The opening lines are in the style of a story as it describes the setting and what is going rather than diving straight into the article or interview. The mode of address is very formal and descriptive as the writer has used exotic combinations of words such as, ‘bucketing down’ and ‘creamed harmony’. The effectiveness of the text projects the calm and light rock style which ties in with the front cover and the contents page. Also the left page of the double page spread has a page number and the right page does not. The caption for the main photograph is unusually placed in between two columns whereas all the smaller images have their captions inside the image.​

Competitor Analysis - Mojo Contents Page

Mojo magazine contents page is a double sided page which exudes a light rock style which is a common theme in this magazine. The colours are lighter on the contents page than the front cover, the white background emphasises the calm tone of the magazine however the white contrasts with the photos positioned around the page which relates us back to the front cover which illustrates a calm and rocky setting. The caption and text under one of the images reads “The Horrors: crafting new worlds from old. P124” these words exaggerate the rock theme and suggests that the magazine is promoting this band ‘The Horrors’ and targets a rocker audience. The other colours, black, red and gold, are similar to the front cover therefore creating a clam and organised layout for the contents page. The larger font throughout both sides of the contents page, for example, “WHAT GOES ON!” may be described as loud and urban as it appears geometric. This is also shown by the font being in all capitals and the use of an exclamation mark. The main photos are of a wide range of artists from The Horrors to Amy Wine house. This shows that the magazine has a lot of music variety and can attract any reader as it does not have a specific genre. Across both pages, the contents talks about modern and up-to-date subjects; the death of Amy Winehouse, music news and an advice column. These appeal to Amy Winehouse lovers and just general reader who is interesting the latest music news and update. There is no mode of address on the contents pages. The smaller font across the contents pages resemble a traditional font, it is also the same font as the larger font on the contents pages exaggerating the modern connotations and calm and light rock style of the magazine. The relevance of rock music is made clear in the contents; the denotations reflect a light rock like tone. In conclusion, the magazine is evidently aimed at people who are interested in the light rock genre. The magazine does this through the overall house style of the contents pages, the modern and clam language and reference to a certain genre, the target audience would be attracted to this magazine as it promotes a clam yet rock lifestyle, staying to the light rock style.​​

Competitor Analysis - Mojo Front Cover

The main theme of Mojo magazine cover focuses on older light rock. This theme fits in well with the style of Mojo magazine which is based on old light rock music. The magazine portrays old, memorable and neutral connotations through the use of colour, style and design, which live up to the target audience’s specification. The target audience for this magazine would be middle aged men that enjoyed listening to old rock music when they were in their teens. This issue of Mojo magazine uses bold and simple colours such as; pink, white, grey and black. This evokes the idea of the magazine to be old rock that can be calming at times but mostly bold and lively, which is what the issue is based on. The simple colours also show that the magazine is not trying too hard to catch the reader’s attention, which reintroduces the magazines light rock style. The feature article photo is of a classic rock band named Pink Floyd, positioned in the centre of the front cover. The low angle shot of the four band members connotes that the four band member are important in some way. They are also looking straight at the camera which could show dominance, however, their facial expressions are calm and neutral, this connotes that the band takes their work seriously and look like a calm group. This is also shown by their body language as they are positioned close together and one of the members has their arm crossed which could also show leadership.. However, three of the band members are standing behind the other member, this shows that band member at the front of the group is possibly the lead singer of Pink Floyd. The feature article photo is in black and white which connotes that they are an old group which is also emphasised by the clothes that they are wearing. The masthead’s font has been capitalised, which suggests that the magazine is well known and as well as having a calm tone, it can be quite a bold and loud magazine which attract the target audience. The masthead is also positioned behind the feature article photo, which pulls the readers eyes to the photo of Pink Floyd. The magazine also uses denotation which highlights the cover’s focus on light rock and indie music, an example being that the cover lines and puffs overlap the feature article photo, they clearly tell us the main theme and story of this magazine; “PINK FLOYD”. This coverline tells us that the main theme and story of this issue of Mojo magazine is ‘Pink Floyd’. The puff positioned in the top left of the magazine indicates that there is a “FREE CD! 2 CLASSIC ALBUMS COVERED!” this attracts and draws in the audience as the CD might have a cover of their favourite band. The overall layouts of this magazine cover consists of plugs in flush left and flush right which gives an example of what’s to come in this issue of magazine. The text appears to cover most of the feature article photo and the sides of the magazine so that just the body of the lead singer and the top half of the other members are uncovered, there is also no negative space on the cover, which shows the audience that the magazine is well organised.​

Competitor Analysis - Kerrang Double Page Spread

This double page spread follows the punk rock band Green Day as they do a concert in the UK. The candid photographs illustrate a chaotic and fun lifestyle showing what the band gets up to at the festival as well as what they do best in the feature photograph in which they are exciting the crowd with their performance. The busyness of the images contrasting the neat layout of the double page further emphasising their rock lifestyle, as the pictures include group shots, action and two shots. The candid photos are scattered around the page which represents the chaotic and rocky lifestyle. The article itself somewhat frames the smaller as it side-lines information about the band and what they were up to at reading, suggests that a lot of things were happening around them. Drop caps and pull quotes are used to add a sense of drama to the text. The mode of address is conversational and includes strong language from Green Day; the quotes are simply used to make the article personal and laid back for the band; “Fuck time, we’re gonna play for as long as we want!” this emphasises the fact that the band are careless and fun which ties in with the style of the magazine. The text in the yellow box positioned to the right of the right page of the double page spread. This textbox is telling us what songs Green Day played at both the London concert and Reading festival. The columns connotes that although the magazine is rebellious, it also shows that the magazine can also be neat and organised. The overall tone of the double page stays true to the chaotic and rock house style of Kerrang Magazine with the colour scheme; black, white and yellow whilst relating to the article with vibrant pictures. These images illustrate the performances of the band at the festivals. As well as appealing to the punk rock and Green Day fans.​

Competitor Analysis - Kerrang Contents Page

This Kerrang contents page exudes a rock style which is a common theme in this magazine. Although the colours are similar to the colour scheme on the front cover, they could have various connotations, for example the contents page uses more lighter colours and has made white the main colour, this could connote that the magazine can be quite calm, however, the picture in the top left corner relates us back to the front cover which illustrates a chaotic setting, therefore the colours would rather have the connotations of a festival scene. The caption and text under this image reads’ “SKUNK ANANISE TICKETS!” this completion emphasises the indie rock style to the magazine as it not only promotes the band that you can see, but it also promotes the indie rock style as it attracts the target audience to try and see this band. The other colours, red, black and yellow, mirror the front cover therefore creating a lively layout for the contents page. The larger font throughout the contents page, for example, the heading “KERRANG CONTENTS” may be described as rebellious. This is shown as the word ‘KERRANG’ has the same format as the front cover, broken glass, also the word ‘contents’ looks like faded and scratched paint. The main photo illustrates a urban and rebellious scene as denotations of a buildings metal frame in the background and a group shot of a group in dark, casual clothes. The contents talks about recent and modern subjects; the 20 greatest moments of reading and Leeds festivals, music news and gig guides. These appeal to the festival goers and readers who are interested in the latest indie rock news. The direct mode of address from the editor of the magazine tells us the type of reader the magazine targets, the language used is slightly dramatic and over the top, words such as “destroyed” and “awesome” were used to boost the magazines status. Evidence of a conversational mode of addresses like “WASN’T READING AND LEEDS AWESOME?” positions the reader as a friend but the language also projects an excited tone. Font used for smaller headings across the contents page resembles a traditional computer font but is also all capitals exaggerating the modern and loud style of the magazine. The relevance of festivals is made clear in the contents page; the denotations reflect a festival life like tone. in conclusion, the magazine evidently aims at people who works or loves the festival environments. The magazine does this through the overall house style of the contents page, the youthful and rebellious language and reference to a certain lifestyle, the target audience would be attracted to the magazine as it promotes festivals and concerts and a fun way of life, staying true to its indie rock style.

Competitor Analysis - Kerrang Front Page

​The main theme of the Kerrang magazine cover focuses on indie rock music. This theme fits in well with the style of Kerrang magazine which is based on indie rock music. The magazine portrays young, rebellious and fun connotations through the use of colour, design and layout, which meets the target audience’s specification. The target audience for this magazine would be young adults that went to the Reading and Leeds festivals or just general indie rock music lovers. This issue of Kerrang uses the colours red, black and yellow; this evokes the idea of rebellion and liveliness which gives the idea of festivals, which is what this issue is based on. The bright colours also show how chaotic they have tried to make this issue which reintroduces the magazines rock style. The feature article photo is of the indie rock band, You Me at Six, positioned mostly in the centre of the front cover. The low angle shot connotes that the three band members are important and are popular. They are also looking directly at the camera this could show dominance, however, there facial expressions are playful and calm, this connotes that the band do not take most things seriously and they are “fun” and “united” guys. This is also shown by their body language as they are close and they have their arms around each other. The member on the left has red hair which ties in with the colour scheme of the magazine and again shows their rebellious nature. The band member’s clothes are not the usual outfits you would expect to see in an everyday situation. For example, one of the members is wearing a punk hello kitty t-shirt and a leather jacket. It shows that they can take something innocent and change it into something fun and rebellious. The rebellious nature is again emphasised by the band member on the right has a tattoo on his hand. The masthead looks like broken glass which connotes rock and loud music. The exclamation mark also connotes loudness and it attracts the reader because it is different than any other magazines. The masthead is positioned behind the feature article photo which draws the reader’s attention to the photo. The magazine also uses denotations which helps emphasis the cover’s focus on festivals and concerts, an example being that the cover lines that overlaps the feature article photo, it clearly tells us what the main theme is for this magazine; “THE 20 GREATEST MOMENTS OF READING & LEEDS”. This cover line informs the audience that the two festivals were something to remember as it counts down the ’20 GREATEST MOMENTS’. The puff across the top of the cover indicates that there are “5 killer posters inside”, this draws in the audience as the posters might be of there favourite band. The overall layout of this cover consists of plugs in flush left which include images that give an example as to what acts were at these two festivals. The text appears to overlap most of the feature article photo and around the sides of the magazine so that just the top half of the photo is uncovered, there is also no negative on the magazine cover, its layout is deliberately chaotic but well organised to appear loud and it connotes that the magazine likes to bend the rules.​

Competitor Analysis - Classic Rock Double Page Spread

This double page spread follows the rock band Aerosmith’s singer as he talks about his life in the band and outside the band. The posed photograph illustrates a rock lifestyle. The calmness of the image contrasts with the busy layout of the double page further emphasising the light rock style. There is only one image on this double page spread which gives more space for the article as well as keeping organised. Drop caps and pull quotes are used to add a sense of drama to the text. The mode of address in conversational as it includes very personal information about the singer, the quotes are simply used to make the article personal and laid back for the singer. The columns connote that although the double page spread looks busy and chaotic. It is actually neat and well organised. The overall tone of the double page spread stays true to the rock house style of Classic Rock magazine with the colour scheme; black, white, brown and red whilst relating to the article with the main image, appealing to rock and Aerosmith fans.​

Competitor Analysis - Classic Rock Contents Page

This Classic Rock contents page evokes a rock style which is a common theme in this magazine. Although the colours are similar to the colour scheme on the front cover, they could have various connotations, for example the contents page uses lighter colours and have made white the main colour, tis could connote that the magazine can be calm and trying not to draw to much attention from the main photographs. The photograph that takes up most of the space relates us back to the front cover which illustrates a rocky setting; therefore the colours would rather have the connotations of a rebellious and a raw scene. The caption inside the image reads “Aerosmith ‘I don’t see anything stopping us short of one of us dropping dead’.” This caption emphasises the rock style to the magazine as not only does it promote Aerosmith, it also gives the reader a taste of what’s to come in the main article. The other colours, black, red and green, mirror the front cover therefore creating a natural layout for the contents page. The larger font throughout the contents page, for example, “SOUND GARDEN” may be described as rocky and rebellious. This is shown as the words look faded and dirty, the letters are also messy as they are not straight. The main photo illustrates an urban yet earthy scene as denotations of a pavement and a tropical background and a two shot of two men in rocky yet casual clothes. The contents talks about recent and modern rock subjects; upcoming/older rock bands, behind the scenes and reviews. These appeal to the target audience and readers who are interested in the latest rock news. Font used for smaller heading s across the contents page resembles a traditional computer font, exaggerating the calm style of the magazine. In conclusion, the magazine evidently aims at people who love rock music and rock environments. The magazine does this through the overall house style of the magazine as it promotes older rock music in a fun way, staying true to its raw rock style.​

Competitor Analysis - Classic Rock Front Cover

​The main theme for this magazine’s front cover focuses on rock music. The theme fits in well with the style of Classic ROCK magazine which is based on rock music. The magazine portrays rebellious and chaotic connotations through the use of colour, design and layout which meet the target audience’s specification. The target audience for this magazine would middle aged rock lovers or fans of Aerosmith. This issue of classic rock uses the colours, brown, black, white and green. These earthy colours evoke the idea that the magazine is down to earth and natural, which is what this issue is based on. The earthy colours also show how raw they have tried to make this issue which reintroduces the magazines rock style. The feature article photo is of the rock band, Aerosmith, positioned mostly in the centre of the front cover. The low angled shot and two shot connotes that the band members are important and popular in the music industry. They are both looking directly at the camera this could show dominance, however, the man in the foreground’s facial expression is playful and calm, this connotes that the two men do not take most things seriously and they are “fun” and “rebellious” guys. This is also shown by their body language as the front man has his tongue poking out and his hand over his eye. The men’s clothes are not the usual outfits you would expect to see in an everyday situation. For example, the man in the foreground is wearing patterned clothing with a feathery top and a metal eye piece. It shows that the men take something simple and natural and change it into something rocky and rebellious. The masthead is all in capitals which connotes rock and loud music. The stars that are before and after the word “CLASSIC” connote that this magazine is important and better than other magazines and it attracts the reader because it is different than any other magazine. The masthead is positioned behind the feature article photo which draws the reader’s attention to the photo. The magazine also uses denotations which helps emphasis the cover’s focus on rock music, an example being that the cover lines that overlaps the feature article photo, it clearly tells us what the main theme is for this magazine; “AREOSMITH”. This cover line informs the audience that the magazine’s main focus in this issue will be the rock band ‘AREOSMITH’. The puff in the top left corner of the front cover indicates that there is a “FREE 15 TRACK CD”, this draws in the audience as the CD might be of their favourite bands. The overall layout of this cover consists of plugs in flush left and flush right that give an example as to what other articles there are inside classic rock magazine. The text appears to overlap some of the feature article photo and around the sides of the magazine so that the audience will be able to see most of the feature article photo, there is also no negative on the magazine cover, its layout is well organised and spaced out, sticking to the basic layout of any magazine and it connotes that although the magazine is raw and rebellious, it follows the rules.​

Target Audience and Chosen Genre

My target audience is going to be male orientated stretching from the ages 17–30. And the genre i have chosen for my magazine is the genre Indie/Rock.

Project Brief

To design and make a new music magazine aimed at a percific audience. For this i will produce the front cover, contents page and one double page spread.