Moses' Blog - AS Media: February 2012

Tuesday, 28 February 2012

Music Mag - Stage 8

Here I added a QR Code above the barcode where readers can scan the code and gain more information to the magazine online. I also added a small feature at the bottom of the page advertising a competition.

Music Mag - Stage 7

Here I added some detail around the text to make the page look more interesting. I randomly had the idea of adding detail around the text and I think it looks good.

Music Mag - Stage 6

Here I have finished adding the text that I would have wanted to. I also added a shading effect to the banner at the top.

music Mag - Stage 5

Here I have added the price of the magazine underneath the barcode. I have also moved the text "Young Tyson" upwards in an attempt to make the page look more appealing and balanced; it will also create space. I'm trying to use fonts that don't look too informal but formal at the same time. As I look through the font list I stumble across different fonts that I like and I have to choose the ones that suite the magazine most.

Music Mag - Stage 4

Here I have moved the issued date and number to the bottom of the page simply because I think it looks better there. I began to add text to the cover. I will try to maintain a strict colour scheme throughout the design.

Music Mag - Stage 3

Here I added the Issue Number and Issue date at the top of the Cover. I was also told to add a barcode for the magazine to be scanned when purchased; I obtained the barcode image from Google.

Music Mag - Stage 2

Here I imported the edited image from Photoshop into InDesign. Then I added the banner at the top and I copied the similar style masthead that I previously used. I spent quite a while choosing which colour to use for the banner; used tried Gold, Black, White and cream, but I finally settled for Red. I think it was a good choice. For the banner I added a gradient near to where the "K" is to add a nice effect. I was also advised by Dick to make the image stand out more by changing it's brightness. I didn't particularly like it but he has more experience and I respect his ideas. Besides, I might change it later.

Music Mag - Stage 1

I decided to redo my magazine because I wasn't overly happy with the outcome. I have decided to use an image that is more engaging because the subject is looking directly at the reader. I started creating this in Photoshop by adding a layer and then choosing the black and red background. then I added another layer to place the image. From there I used the magic wand and rubber tools to remove background detail from the original image to produce the current one.

Monday, 27 February 2012

Final Music Magazine Cover

Here is the final Cover. I have added all of the text that I wanted to and I have altered any colours that I needed to because of coordination. I have also moved a few things around such as the concert tickets ad.

Here I have I have added more context and colour to the page. I made sure that I followed the same colour scheme to create a good effect. The I copied the advert for a competition to win concert tickets for the contents page. I also started to add details such as issue number at the top of the page.

Here I copied the title font and style that I used on my contents page Then I began to add the context. I tried to maintain the same colour scheme the whole way through.

I decided to use this image instead for my cover. I opened it in Photoshop and I used the Magic Wand to remove unecessary detail and I added Image effects to the image. I also added coloured sections at the bottom of the image to make it look more appealing.

Here I have finished removing the background of the image.

Here I have opened the photo in Photoshop and I am using the Magic Wand tool to remove detail that is not needed.

Music Mag Front Cover

Here is the image that I have chosen to use for my front cover of the music magazine.

Tuesday, 21 February 2012

Contents Page - Stage 6

Here I have changed the colours of the competition sticker; I also rotated it to add effect.

Here I have added a small advert for a competition to win concert tickets.

Contents Page - Stage 5

Here I have changed the way that the text "Contents" is arranged, it is in a style that clearly shows a Crucifix; I like this because it reflects the side of the magazine.

Contents Page - Stage 4

I decided to keep the original colouring of the image; I think it looks better that way. Here I have added some of the content that will be featured in the magazine. I looked through the font lists to see which font suited me most and I chose one that really worked well with the whole page.

I changed the colour of the image to a lighter blue because I was told that the person wasn't visible enough.

Contents PAge - Stage 3

Here I have added the Magazine logo, page number and issue date. I simply copied and pasted the text that I used for my double-page spread.

Contents Page - Stage 2

I added text to show which page the reader would have to go to to read the story about the person on the contents page.

Contents Page - Stage 1

This is the image that I have chosen to use on the contents page. I chose it simply because I like the angle and distance I took it at; it's a nice image. I opened it up in Photoshop and I cropped it to a size that was suitable for the contents page.

I imported the image into InDesign and then I used the text that I had created earlier in the project. I add a transparency effect on the photo so that it became blue. I think the colours of the text and image contrast really well. I also added a shade effect to the left hand side of the image, where I would like to put text.

Monday, 20 February 2012

Contents Mockup

Music Magazines Research

Music Magazines Research

What is a Music Magazine?

A music magazine is a type of magazine that is entirely devoted to music and the music culture. They normally contain latest music news, interviews, photo shoots, reviews on songs or concerts and they sometimes provide a cover mount equipped with recorded music.

What are the different styles of Music they cover?

In general, music magazines cover a many different styles of music; there are many styles of music to suite an individual’s own style of music. Since different people are interested in different styles of music, there are numerous styles of music that are explored through music magazines. Some of these styles of music expressed in the magazines include: Reggae, R’n’B, Country music, Dubstep, Hip Hop, Gospel, Rock and many more.

Who produces them?

Big media production companies own the majority of music magazines. Companies such as “Bauer Consumer Media”, they cover not only magazines, but TV and Radio. In an attempt to create more profit, they expand their range of media production to areas such as magazine production and distribution. They do this by either starting up their own magazine production company or they buy off an existing one.

Some popular music magazines:

v NME

The New Musical Express (also known as NME) has been a very popular music magazine over the years. It is UK based, owned by IPC Media and it has been publishing weekly issues since March of 1952. It firstly started off as a music newspaper but it then gradually moved into becoming a magazine during the 1980’s, then changing from newsprint in 1998. NME became the very first newspaper to include a singles chart in November 1952. Following its success, it became the best-selling British music newspaper in the 1970’s. It then launched its online version (www.nme.com) in 1996. Until today there are a recorded 5 million users per month. Its latest editor was named to be Krissi Murison; she became the first female editor of the magazine in 2009. Luke Lewis edits the online version. It is evident that NME has been one of the most popular magazines around, however looking at the latest circulation figures, it seems that it has been declining significantly. Even so, NME continues to say that they will proceed. Here is a link to an article of NME’s decline:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/aug/18/nme-circulation-falls

v Relevant Magazine

Relevant magazine is an American bimonthly magazine providing content on “God, life, and progressive culture”, and also the latest Christian music. It began publishing in March 2003 through RELEVANT Media Group. Its target audience is Christians who enjoy knowing what’s going on in the world. As of 2011 this magazine had a circulation of 56,667 and as more and more people are subscribing to the magazine these figures are steadily increasing. Its online companion, www.RELEVANTmagazine.com, was launched before the magazine in 2002 with the email newsletter, 850 Words of RELEVANT. Over the years Relevant has not only been able to provide a magazine, through the web there is also a radio station, Podcasts and a TV channel. These are all available on the online website.

Genres of Music:

Relevant is welcoming to all types of Christian music, from Pop to Rap and from Country to Rock. The magazine’s aim is to spread the sounds of the Gospel to the people that appreciate it.

Audience:

Relevant magazine has more of a mature vibe that it portrays. It is the kind of magazine that appeals to people who are still young but are of mature nature, the main audience is actually people aged about 16-30.

Website

Radio: There is a section on the website that allows users to launch the Radio Player. Also there is an opportunity to download the application onto a Mac Desktop free o f charge.

http://www.relevantmagazine.com/relevantfm

Podcasts: There are numerous podcasts of interviews and performances by bands and artists available.

http://www.relevantmagazine.com/media/relevant-podcast

TV: A page that provides content such as Music Videos, Artist Interviews, Performances and Extras.

http://www.relevantmagazine.com/media/rtv

The Drop: This is a special feature of the Relevant Magazine website; it is a page that shares a variety of Christian music.

http://www.relevantmagazine.com/media/the-drop

Tablet:

A major step for Relevant was the launch of the their application available on iPads. This progression is enabling them to reach more audiences because if some people weren’t able to get a hard copy of the certain issues, it would be available on their iPad.

v Mojo

This music magazine was initially published by Emap, and then by Bauer as of early 2008. It is a UK monthly magazine that has a circulation of 94,617. Mojo was first published on October 15^th 1993 featuring John Lennon and Bob Dylan on cover of the very first issue. There have been many recognized music critics that have written for Mojo such as the likes of Nick Kent, Charles Shaar Murray and Jon Savage. The previous editor of Mojo was Paul Du Noyer who was then succeeded by others including Phil Alexander, the current editor. The target audience for Mojo magazine would be people who love classic rock, so both genders over 30-35 years.

· A covermount CD is occasionally included in the magazine which corresponds with a relevant/current article or theme.

· 2004 saw the introduction of the Mojo Honours LIst. This is an awards ceremony that is a mixture of awards for critics and readers.

· Bauer roduced a digital radio stationthat was called Mojo Radio but then ceased its broadcasting in order to save money.

v Q

Q magazine is an alternative, monthly UK magazine that is run by Bauer Media Group. It has circulation of 80,418 and is currently edited by Andrew Harrison. The founders were Mark Ellen and David Hepworth. The first issue of Q was published in 1986. It stood out amongst other magazines because of its higher standards of photography and printing. Q magazine was previously named “Cue”, in reference a record being cued; ready to be played. However there were issues with it being mistaken for a Snooker magazine. For this reason it was changed to “Q”.

Q often gives out promotional CDs and Books. They also launched a Radio Station in 2008. It also has its own TV channel.

The target audience of Q magazine is people who are roughly in their 30s to 40s.

IPC Media Case Study

IPC Media

About IPC Media

IPC Media produces over 60 iconic media brands, with print alone reaching almost two thirds of UK women and 42% of UK men – almost 26 million UK adults – while their websites collectively reach over 20 million users every month.   

IPC's diverse print and digital portfolio offers something for everyone, with a focus on three core audiences: men, mass market women and upmarket women.   

Audiences:

Ø IPC Inspire-

(IPC Inspire is IPC's men's division. Its portfolio of 38 brands covers a huge spectrum of interests.)

Their men's portfolio includes brands such as: Country Life, Horse & Hound, Rugby World and Decanter, Nuts, Mousebreaker and NME.

Ø IPC Connect-

(IPC Connect Is the Mass Market Women’s Division. The audience of mass-market women are highly valuable and responsive main shoppers, responsible for the vast majority of UK purchasing decisions.)

Mass market women's division comprises famous women's weeklies including: Look, Now, Chat and Woman; TV entertainment brands including What's on TV, TVTimes and TV & Satellite Week and, online, the good to know network.   

Ø IPC Southbank-

(IPC Southbank is the upmarket women's division, focusing on the two key markets of Fashion & Women's Lifestyle and Home Interest. Southbank is home to some of the most iconic magazine brands in publishing.)

The upmarket women's division comprises: luxury fashion, lifestyle and brands including; Marie Claire and InStyle, lifestyle brands including; woman&home and essentials and home interest brands including; Ideal Home, Livingetc and housetohome.

Terminology

Here are terminologies that I came across and will hope to use in my magazine.

Ø Masthead- The title of a magazine

Ø Sans Serif Font- A plain font without any extra detail e.g. “Calibri”

Ø Serif Font- A font that has got extra detail e.g. “University Roman”

Ø Headline Font- A font that is used only for titles or heading

Ø Body Text- The material that is used for magazine's main focus

Ø Coverlines- The text that you see on a magazine cover to attract; advertises the magazine contents

Ø Puff/Plug- A tease, that is used to entice the audience with something extra

Ø Pull Quote- It’s been pulled from what someone has said and is use to attract readers to read more

Ø Date line- Used to show the readers that they are buying the most up-to-date version

Ø Barcode- For the shopkeeper to scan when purchased

Ø Layout/Aesthetics- The way the pages are laid out. This layout is very eye catching. The colours that have been used are very effective and the sizing of the image and the fonts is very precise. Notice the text saying “on top”, the word “top” has been purposely placed on top of the word above it to simply carry on the tone of the sentence.

Ø Direct Address- Where the character on the page is focusing on the reader at whatever angle.

Ø Banner- Where the banner goes.

Ø Drop Cap- Large letter that sometimes begins a paragraph

Ø Palette- A set of colours used throughout the magazine

Ø Logotype- The full name of the magazine

Ø Deck- Text below a headline that summarizes or introduces an article.

Ø Callout- Explanation of a specific area of a diagram

Ø Byline- The name of an articles author

Tuesday, 7 February 2012

PAGE NUMBERS etc.

Here I added page numbers to the spread; I got my inspiration from the "Q"magazines. Added the letters KF for the magazine name then I just added a line for effect. The "April 2012" was a suggestion form Dick. He also suggested that I add text add the end of the second page to indicate the the interview carries on on a different page. This was because there was a space at the bottom that was just being wasted.