In creating my music magazine, House Party, I tried to stick to typical conventions of magazines but also tried to challenge them and make it unique in any possible way to make it stand out from other magazines. On the front cover, the title block is split in two, ‘House’ being on the left and ‘Party’ smaller and just under on the right. Usually, title blocks for magazines are in one standard colour but I decided to use a gradient and merge two colours together. The colours fit with the theme of the magazine and I also feel that it represents the colourful and lively sound of House Music. Hopefully the target audience will recognise and identify this. Typical features of a magazine are included such as a barcode, puffs and anchorage text. I feel these needed to be included as if they were not, it would be so rebellious that it could no longer be classified as a magazine. A house style is consistent, complimentary colours are used throughout and the fonts don’t vary much. Too much variation would make the magazine look too busy and put customers off. I think my central image challenges conventions because although there is a direct mode of address, the artist is not situated in the centre of the magazine. Also a busy graffiti background is used unlike the typical white or block colours that are used as backgrounds on other magazines. I also used the buzz word ‘Free’ in a typical yellow star, this is a convention that is highly recognised and readers will automatically be drawn to it as they recognise it easily.
As my magazine is focused on one particular genre of music, it is aimed at people that are into dance music and the lifestyle revolved around it. The target audience are people of both genders between the ages of 16-25, this is due to the fact that these are the main ages of people that go clubbing and would have access to the music and club scene. The title of the magazine makes the genre easily identifiable and so do the puffs, they are relevant to the music genre. The puffs mention well known dance music artists, events and news. Also, a free mix CD is included and advertised on the cover, this is a feature that dance music magazine, Mixmag also has. Lovers of dance music will be attracted to this. The artist in the central image is dressed in a way the readers can relate to and identify with the genre of house music. A sense of belonging is created by the way she is dressed and the setting of the photo (sitting on the pavement). The artist is a young girl which will appeal to the target audience as they will be of similar ages. I think I have represented these social groups in a positive light, the feature article explains how this interlectual, determined young woman from South London is making a name for herself in the music industry and trying to make changes for the better.
I have already researched media institutions and it would seem that the most appropriate company to distribute my magazine would be ‘Development Hell’. They currently publish two magazines (one is a dance music magazine) and own a clubbing social network site. They would be most experienced in this genre of music and seeing as they only distribute two other magazines means that more time and effort will be spent on the individual magazines. As this publishing company is already associated with a well known dance music magazine, this could attract customers and regular readers to the new magazine. Although this does seem like the ideal choice, I am not whether they would be able to distribute my magazine as they are only a small company and lose some profit from the mix cds they attach to the magazine Mixmag.
I think there is a gap in the market for my magazine because although there is a magazine that caters to the genre of dance music, there isn’t enough magazines that do. Magazines and online magazines that cater for this type of music are rare and hard to find. I attracted my audience by using a bright colourful house theme that would catch their eye if they saw it on the stall. Through my research I realised that people would much rather purchase a magazine if it had freebies or giveaways. So I took this idea on board and decided to offer a free mix CD with the magazine. I made this visible by placing an image of the CD cover on the front and attached a yellow star exclaiming ‘Free Mix CD’ as to catch the eye of any possible customers.
Whilst making my magazine, there were two main aspects that were vital in order to complete it. I used Photoshop to create my publication and a blog to publish my work. I had never used Photoshop before so I had to learn basic things pretty quickly before learning how to do more difficult and advanced things. I learnt simple tasks like resizing font, changing colours, creating backgrounds, cropping, inserting etc. I also had to learn how to manipulate and edit photos, for example, changing contrasts and brightness, creating shadows, blurring, using magnetic lasso to cut pictures out etc. Without this knowledge the magazine would not look as professional and would look very basic. The blog was used as a way to post work, share information, receive feedback and gather resources that would be useful to the magazine. I was able to create a poll and have my classmates vote as to which title block would be the most appropriate, this was useful as it was a fast and efficient way to research into making my magazine. Also by using Blogger, I found it easier to keep track of all my work that needed completion and it kept all my work tidy and up to date.
When I look back at the preliminary task, it is obvious that I have learnt a lot on the way. For my magazine I organised a photo shoot with my friends, told her the appropriate clothing to wear and found a setting to take the photos in. I had recently seen a photo shoot done by Shea Soul (a funky house artist) and it was set in front of graffiti. This gave me the inspiration to have the shoot with graffiti. Once I had my photos I edited them and manipulated them as was necessary. The research of other magazines came in very useful as I gained ideas an knowledge of the conventions of a typical magazine and also used my own initiative. I now know how to design layouts for a magazine and attempt at making the final designs. I have also learnt how to attract customers through research, polls and questionnaires.
Tuesday 4 May 2010
Sunday 2 May 2010
Saturday 1 May 2010
Special Giveaway
On the front cover of my magazine, I decided to giveaway a mix cd to attract customers and promote the artist in the central image.
For my first draft of the front cover, I had a plain random cd cover, then I decided to change the cd cover. These are the two drafts of the Cds.
For my first draft of the front cover, I had a plain random cd cover, then I decided to change the cd cover. These are the two drafts of the Cds.
Friday 1 January 2010
Feature Article
On a bright, crisp day in London‘s East End, House Party sat down with new artist Nisha Irie to probe into her heart and soul and find out her thoughts and feelings on love, music and her future. Just who is Nisha Irie?
With 11 GCSEs under her belt, at 17, Nisha Irie may seem like the typical teenager, but she oozes the confidence and knowledge of someone far older. ‘I’ve had to grow up much faster than all of my friends,’ she says, ‘There’s a lot of pressure on me at the moment, a lot of people are counting on me but I try not to focus on it.’ Her music has been described as a style of electronic dance music combined with soulful house, and as her debut single Feelin’ Irie increases in popularity at concerts and radio stations all over England, Nisha Irie’s summer will be a whole lot different from one of a typical teenager, but that’s nothing new to Nisha. She hasn’t been ‘normal’ since March 2009 when millions of viewers watched her win T4’s Who’s Got Soul? She showed her amazing vocal range and dance ability, which reduced UK singer, Mutya Buena to tears in the final.
As if that wasn’t enough, this up-and-coming South Londoner toured the world with UK artists such as, Shea Soul and Basement Jaxx. She has even started recording with Daft Punk and American house artist, Ultra Naté. With chart-topping singer and producer Calvin Harris as a label mate, it’s won’t be long before she achieves the same success.
Now we can find out how....
How does it feel to be Nisha Irie right now and how has your recent rise to stardom affected your life?
It is so crazy right now. My schedule is so busy! I’m having to run around all over the place but I’m not complaining, I’m loving it at the moment, it’s very fun! I haven’t had much time to see my family and friends as much as I would like to, but I guess every good thing has a bad side to it.
So how did it all start?
My passion for music began at an early age, I loved writing poetry when I was in secondary school about twelve or thirteen. Then the poems slowly adapted into song lyrics. My school held a talent show at the end of the year and I didn’t really feel confident at this stage but with the support of family and friends I entered and won. Following this, a teacher at school approached me and convinced me that I could actually have a career in the music industry. That’s when I started taking it seriously. I applied for a new music competition hosted by T4, Who’s Got Soul? Not knowing that I would eventually go on to win. I have now signed a deal with Raw Artistic and have released my single with them. I think I’ve come a long way.
You sure have. Tell me a bit about your single Feelin’ Irie?
It has very soulful sound to it but with an electro dance beat. It was produced by Hazardous Wretch, a well-known underground producer. It’s a fun girly tune talking about how us girls can have fun without a man around. But seriously I think a lot of guys need to learn to respect women.
(Laughing) Boys, you better watch out! Are you seeing anyone at the moment?
No, not at the moment, I don’t think a boyfriend is needed right now. I’m much more focused on my music career and I would rather commit myself to music. Anyway, there's plenty of time for that later!
Do you write your own songs?
I write most of them, I enjoy writing lyrics and poetry in my spare time so it’s not a chore. Some of my songs are written for me but that’s just because people think the song would suit me or have written it especially for me. I think it’s important for artist to write some of their own material because it does make you feel more content and accomplished once the final piece is finished.
Where does your inspiration to write songs come from?
I tend to write songs that reflect my life and experiences that I have gone through. I think that way, people can relate to the lyrics and not just dance along to a catchy beat. I wrote a song called ‘Holey Socks’ about being broke, everyone can relate to that!
Do you want to do anything else apart from music?
I love to dance. If I didn’t go into music I would be a professional dancer or choreographer, I guess dance does contribute to what I’m doing now though. Fashion also plays a big part in my life and I’m hoping that some day I will be able to start my own fashion label.
Do you have any advice for people looking to become a music artist?
You have got to believe in yourself and have a tight family unit, it doesn’t have to be blood relatives, but anyone who will support you throughout your choice. Practice, practice, practice. Practice makes perfect!
So in a perfect world what do you think the future has in hold for you?
I want to be a success, I want an album that my fans and the world can appreciate and enjoy. I would love to be able to bring new artists into the scene and help them out with their dreams particularly girls as I think it was much harder for me to evolve in such a male-dominated industry. There’s a lot of madness happening on the streets at the moment like gun and knife crime and if I can help just a few people turn their backs on that sort of life it would be a great accomplishment. I think once people have found something they really love and work hard for it, it keeps you focused and involved and off the streets.
Nisha Irie’s single Feelin’ Irie is out now on Raw Artistic.
Words by Kizzy Bastida and Photography by Tuann Dao.
Feature Analysis
The aggressive black, white and red theme is continued throughout the article. The first page of the article is on a black background with a huge red ‘x’ as the focal point. This immediately grabs the attention of the reader and it seems as though ‘x marks the spot’, Cheryl is the hidden treasure we’ve all been looking for. ‘Pin-up, player, fighter, superstar’ are used under the image and are words that the magazine want the reader to associate with her. The article then goes onto say ‘All hail’ they are making her seem God-like or like a queen. Cheryl Cole stands out from the over writing as it is highlighted and an ellipsis is used to invite the reader to continue in the article. The next page is a long shot of Cheryl standing on a very high roof, looking over the city. The long shot image allows the reader to see her body language and complete outfit. She is standing upright, her back slightly arched, chin up, fists clenched and legs slightly apart. She looks very aggressive and powerful, this is targeting women as they will want to emulate her. Her outfit definitely suit’s the rock image they have intended for her, her top is detailed with sharp studs and so are her heels, her leggings are ripped and is wearing punky wrist wear. The fact that she is very high up and looking down on the world shows her importance and unearthly God-like features the magazine is portraying her as.
The next page is where the article really takes off, an image is still being used in the bottom right hand corner, it is in the same location as the photo before. A huge red ‘C’ is used behind the article text, establishing an reminding the reader of who the article is about. The layout is clean and tidy, the text is kept in columns and quotations are used in big red font. These quotations make the article feel more personal and the reader feels as though Cheryl is actually talking to them. The quotations that are used are very informal and sets a mood of easiness and comfort, the reader can relate to her because she seems to be an average person. The captions used for the photographs are comical and keep the easy-going feel to the article. This comic effect and the photographs give a release for the reader as the article is quite in-depth. The balance of photos and text is even and so appeals to people that enjoy reading and those who prefer images.
Contents Page Analysis
There is a large picture which dominates the contents page, it is of the band Blur. They are pictures at a premier and look very united with their arms around each other and smiles. This instantly puts the readers at ease and makes them feel comfortable as the mood set is of a friendly one. This would appeal to the target audience of males aged 16-24 as the relaxed atmosphere would be more accessible to them. The band are not looking directly into the camera and this makes them look more like ordinary people and so the consumers can easily relate to them, because a direct mode of address is not being used it doesn't make the image look forced or fake, it is showing them as normal human beings. There is only one other image used on the page which is very small compared to the main image. It is of a January cover of NME this just promotes the magazine and they have also included their contact information and how to subscribe next to the picture.
The colours used on the contents are the same as those on the front cover, black, red and white this makes the magazine consistent and creates a house style. It makes the magazine look more professional. The fonts are plain and the layout is clear, this avoids any confusion and just provides easy and simple information for the reader.
The page information is placed on the far left, right down the side of the page they are just there for information purposes and aren't made to look pretty. The main attraction on the page is the massive photo in the middle. The pages are sorted in an alphabetical order so the reader can simply look up the things they are interested in, this is interesting as conventional magazines usually place the contents in page order.
Placed underneath the photo, there is a special offer for the costumers, they are trying to persuade people to subscribe to the magazine for a discount. This is a great selling line as people love to get deals and bargains. Right at the top there is a NME logo, it is very small and shows that they do not need to place huge exaggerated logos of themselves as the reader already knows what magazine they are reading.
Analysing Magazine Covers
Q is a music magazine aimed at men aged 24-44. The name of the magazine was changed from its original name ‘Cue’, it was changed to avoid confusion; it could be mistaken for a snooker magazine. The single letter title and it’s position on the page makes the magazine more noticeable on the newsstands among the others. The colours, red and white, have been used and appeals to an English readership as these are the colours of the English flag. Red is also a great background colour as it brings the text to the foreground. As it is being used as an accent colour, it stimulates people to make quick decisions, hopefully people would want to buy it. The formal font of the letter also gives an impression of the importance and elegance of the magazine and its readers. The background colour, black, denotes strength and authority. It is a mysterious colour associated with fear and the unknown like black holes. This magazine clearly caters to a range of different genres of music and not just one, as the puffs are promoting acts such as the white stripes, U2, Paul Weller and 50 Cent, this shows that they are hoping to target much more people than just one specific type. The buzz word ‘best’ used in ‘The 10 Best New Acts’ attracts readers as it gives the impression of the magazine as having and being the best. Using up-and-coming artists also helps to sell the magazine as people want to be the first to know about a new artist or band.
The person on the front cover is the female music artist, Cheryl Cole and so she is the focus of the main article. The anchorage text exclaims ‘3 Words… Cheryl Cole Rocks’ this is a reference to her debut album entitled ‘3 Words’. Although she has been famous as being part of girl band Girls Aloud she has recently rose to stardom since being a judge on the X Factor. She has just recently released her first solo album and was voted most inspiration woman of the decade, sexiest woman in the world and best dressed woman and style icon of the decade. She has been placed on the cover for all of these reasons, clearly she will draw both men and women to the magazine. Men want to be with her and woman want to be like her. ‘Q’ have tried to isolate Cheryl from her girl band image and make her out to be some sort of ‘rockstar’ with her new image and the anchorage text. The image on the whole is an intertextual reference to the movie Sin City. This makes the usual readers of Q feel more comfortable with a reference that they are aware of and don't feel alienated by the popstar on the cover.
She is using a direct mode of address, creating an instant bond with the reader and drawing them into the magazine. She is matching the colour scheme, wearing a black jacket, heavy black eye make-up and red lips. The colour red can be used to evoke erotic feelings and so her lips draw the male audience in. Her eye make-up is heavy and dark giving her a mysterious look, intriguing the reader, also the darkness makes her eyes stand out and instantly create a bond with the reader with eye-contact. She has a ring on her left hand, it is sharp and silver, she’s holding it against her lips and her tongue is touching it. This look is suppose to look sexual and intends to attract a male audience however, women would also be attracted to this cover because they want to emulate Cheryl, a popular artist. The photograph is set in rain and her hair and coat are wet.
Right at the top of the page above the title, is a sell line exclaiming 'The UK's Biggest Music Magazine', this could be a lie but customers are inclined to believe it and want to buy the magazine. They are also trying to maintain their regular customers as they will think that Q magazine is still the best. It is cleverly positioned at the top in clear bold writing so it is easy to spot on the stalls. The colours black, white and red are used on this cover showing Cheryl in a confident and sexual position. All colours contrast well and make the magazine effectivley stand out from others. The layout of the cover is clear and simple so the puffs and main stories are easy to read also the fonts are readable. Q is obviously a very confident magazine as they do not try to attract readers with the use of freebies but with their articles and celebrities.
Questionnaire Results
The information I collected from the questionnaire returned some results that could help in the construction of the magazine. I gave the questionnaire out to 15 people that could be the potential audience.
From this result, it is clear that posters is the most popular choice and they will definitely be included in the magazine. However, photshoots, interviews and competitions have all got an equally high percentage of the result and these could also be included in the magazine. Reviews and events were unpopular and album information especially as it recieved no votes.
I am obviously going to have the magazine price between the range of £2 - £2.99 as it has over half of the whole result. This seems to be a reasonable price for both the customer and the company. If this is how much the cutomers are willing to pay then it will not sell at a higher price.
It is clear from the pie chart that the magazine should be released every month, it has the majority of votes. This gives plenty of time to create the magazine each month and will be satisying for the cutomers as it will be full of quality.
The results from this pie chart are very close, newspaper-like has a slightly bigger percentage by 4%. So as the result is close I sill haven't decided how the magazine will be.
The result with the highest percentage is blues, greens and purples. These are cool colours compared to the warms colours. I think this will comply with the genre of House music.
All of the results in this pie chart are almost equal, the one being slightly higher is giveaways. These are all popular among potential customers and will be considered when making my magazsine.
Mosf people prefer familiar artists to up-coming artists but I will keep in mind that the results are close and feature both, though familiar ones will be more prominent.
It seems that the target audience would rather read articles that feature images heavily rather than in-depth, detailed articles. So i will tryto keep articles at a minimum of words and include a vairety of images.
From this result, it is clear that posters is the most popular choice and they will definitely be included in the magazine. However, photshoots, interviews and competitions have all got an equally high percentage of the result and these could also be included in the magazine. Reviews and events were unpopular and album information especially as it recieved no votes.
I am obviously going to have the magazine price between the range of £2 - £2.99 as it has over half of the whole result. This seems to be a reasonable price for both the customer and the company. If this is how much the cutomers are willing to pay then it will not sell at a higher price.
It is clear from the pie chart that the magazine should be released every month, it has the majority of votes. This gives plenty of time to create the magazine each month and will be satisying for the cutomers as it will be full of quality.
The results from this pie chart are very close, newspaper-like has a slightly bigger percentage by 4%. So as the result is close I sill haven't decided how the magazine will be.
The result with the highest percentage is blues, greens and purples. These are cool colours compared to the warms colours. I think this will comply with the genre of House music.
All of the results in this pie chart are almost equal, the one being slightly higher is giveaways. These are all popular among potential customers and will be considered when making my magazsine.
Mosf people prefer familiar artists to up-coming artists but I will keep in mind that the results are close and feature both, though familiar ones will be more prominent.
It seems that the target audience would rather read articles that feature images heavily rather than in-depth, detailed articles. So i will tryto keep articles at a minimum of words and include a vairety of images.
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