Tuesday 18 May 2010
Wednesday 5 May 2010
/>In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products? Contents page also includes pictures of additional artists, headings for each section of the magazine, colour similar to the ones of the front page and a picture of my artist featured on the front cover.
Main article conventionally features a key image of my group "High Spirits"
Main article heading is printed across both pages of the double page spread.
-The composition of my magazine is conventional of music magazines as the front page shows the main image positioned in the middle of the front page in a mid-shot.
- Additional images are located along the right hand side .The price is below the masthead and the barcode is located in the bottom right hand corner. The website appears at the top of the front page and the tie-in ‘free poster’ offer is located at the top of the page below the key title with a picture of main band.
-The contents page features the page numbers before the page topics and the editorial is positioned in the top right hand corner .
How does your media product represent particular social groups?
I aim to target a niche indie/funk alternative audience, with no paticular race
-By using an 5 people from 4 different origins I have shown a modern day representation of an multicultural artists who appeals to niche and mainstream audiences.
-Using models in fashionable clothing, looking extactic, yet rather ghoulish due to the glow around them,the audience can identify to the group a high spirits ( happy/ghosts..), however, other polisemic readings may perceive the group as being under the influence of alcohol or "spirits" due to thier jollyness, which is common among indie/rock bands of all eras( happy/ghosts..)
Post-feminist representations of my female members of the group could connote them as equal, and have some empowerment of men as there are more girls, not so likely for typical rock bands. Juxtaposing to this, there are plenty of woman-orientated bands on the scene in the modern age, The Gossip, The Like, And The Long Blondes for instance.
However other critics may believe the girls to be Bhavik's "groupies" As he could be seen to have adopted The "Kid Rock" role, the main performer, smoking a pretend cigarette, looking like the boss... Feminists would argue a patriacal attitude is evident.
http://www.kidrock.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/400_rollingstonecover_kidrock_071003_rollingstone.jpg
What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
-Independent music stores
Online music stores e.g. http://www.insound.com/
IPC as they also publish leading magazines e.g. NME, Rolling Stone MOJO
Who would be the audience for your media product?
Ethnic minorities
25-55 year old
proletariats who enjoy jazz, soul and indie music.
Enjoy arts and crafts Scented candles
Peer Assessment :Peer assessment conducted by Adil proved that the mode of address for my magazine was present in the form of “colloquialism had an inviting effect on the reader as it identified with them” and through the use of direct address.
He also stated that many of my additional images were “eye-catching” and demonstrated “conventional style of the jazz genre”.
Audience responses also mentioned my “colour scheme promoted a sense of professionalism within my magazine”.
Other audience responses mentioned that the style of the main article was “conventional yet unconventional” as I use a range of bold and subtle colours and included interesting bold quotes featured within the interview. The unconventional aspects were said to “fit-in with the unique style of my magazine”.
What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?
-I learnt how to manage my time by prioritising what needs doing to what aspect of the magazine.
-Using the technologies Photoshop offered e.g. using the magnetic lasso tool ,I had to make sure I focussed on precisely cutting out the image I desired for a slight slant of the hand could make you have start all over again, however although frustrating, i knew I could perfect every detail, my own skill of patience also developed.
-In addition with DTP packages such as Photoshop allowed me to produce a full creative control over your chosen images e.g. changing the model's physique , skin tone and airbrushing blemishes by using clone stamp tool. DTP packages are an exceptional tool when creating a magazine as it is quick and has a high level of quality , which is very important for magazine producers. None of this software could be available on any other program on the system such as Powerpoint.
Using layers in Photoshop allowed me to alter images size and positions on the spread allocating them to specific regions in order to create a perfect lay out for my magazine. These features could not be used in word or publisher.
I learnt you must be precise and thorough when deploying an idea from the sketch onto the computer, be sure to save work frequently as you are working and always have a copy of your work on the network and USB stick to ensure if anything goes missing or malfunctions you have a copy of your work to fall back on.
Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
I have learnt how to manage my time responsibly and effectively
I learnt how to combine images together and manipulate images on the spread to promote a specific idea or representation linking to the type of genre my magazine is.
Furthermore I learnt how to use Photoshop tools at a high standard such as magic wand tool, magnetic lasso tool, customs shape tool, slice select tool and many other tools which helped me develop and create an appropriate image according to my product.
Compared to my preliminary task, my music magazine is of a better standard, considering I had more time to spend on it, altering the layout and modifying images making it of a much better quality. The contents page featured more categories to appeal to the reader and had appropriate fonts. The preliminary task allowed me to refine my DTP skills in order to produce a polished music magazine.
Friday 30 April 2010
PLANNING
Iva, if you are free Monday lunchtime could you please pose as a band member for my media magazine coursework. If you can, dress up very casually, baggy shirt, and perhaps a denim skirt. Can you also bring a change of clothes, perhaps your tartan trouser and a wintery coat. I will take care of make up and hair. Meet me by the cage in the field, Thomas , Bhavik, and Kai have already emailed me confirming they’ll be there, so you’re not alone!, Thank you miss model
- this was an actual message sent to Iva for the photoshoot.
I made sure that there was no other existing magazine with Dysfunctional as it’s main cover, through websites such as google and yahoo. : http://images.google.co.uk/images?hl=en&rlz=1T4ADBF_en-GBGB250GB250&um=1&sa=1&q=dysfunktional+magazine&aq=f&oq=
http://uk.images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=A1f4cfVoV9pJM7QA4dhLBQx.?ei=UTF-8&p=dysfunktional%20magazine&rd=r1&fr2=tab-web&fr=yfp-t-501
- this was an actual message sent to Iva for the photoshoot.
I made sure that there was no other existing magazine with Dysfunctional as it’s main cover, through websites such as google and yahoo. : http://images.google.co.uk/images?hl=en&rlz=1T4ADBF_en-GBGB250GB250&um=1&sa=1&q=dysfunktional+magazine&aq=f&oq=
http://uk.images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=A1f4cfVoV9pJM7QA4dhLBQx.?ei=UTF-8&p=dysfunktional%20magazine&rd=r1&fr2=tab-web&fr=yfp-t-501
PROGRESSION
When looking back at my preliminary task and comparing it to my Actual magazine, I realise that I have progressed greatly and my technology skills have flourished.
For my preliminary task, I only used a simple background colour, differentiating to “DysFUNKtional” which has a variety of different shapes including a scroll images, different blocks of colours, (black/red)
I’ve managed to make DysFUNKtional reasonably expensive looking, compared to the preliminary task, which lacks diversity in fonts, text sizes, etc.
I’ve managed to include many suitable images for the magazine, the contents page for DysFUNKtional has other images of items that will be appearing in the magazine, where as the prelinimary task only had the picture of the editor.
For my preliminary task, I only used a simple background colour, differentiating to “DysFUNKtional” which has a variety of different shapes including a scroll images, different blocks of colours, (black/red)
I’ve managed to make DysFUNKtional reasonably expensive looking, compared to the preliminary task, which lacks diversity in fonts, text sizes, etc.
I’ve managed to include many suitable images for the magazine, the contents page for DysFUNKtional has other images of items that will be appearing in the magazine, where as the prelinimary task only had the picture of the editor.
WHAT i HAVE LEARNT
I have learnt a great deal about technologies from the process of constructing this product.
With only using adobe Photoshop for only a small task once before,, I at first struggled with concepts such as using the lasso tools, dragging images, and working out layer properties. However, I gradually progressed and soon became very familiar of what the different tools where used for, and how to use them appropriately.
I was also aware that a variety of different technologies were to be used to produce my magazine. As well as using programs such as Adobe Photoshop, PowerPoint (for textual analysis etc.), excel (to control the deadlines), the internet was essential. For instance, to check if there was already an existing magazine called “DysFUNKtional”. Also, USBs became very handy, as you constantly needed to save work, in case the system was down, an event that did occur more than once. Furthermore, I learnt that it is necessary to save work in more than one folder/file to make sure I had backup.
Moreover, I found that it is important to use a high megapixel camera for good quality photos, as photos I disused for my Magazine photos were very much pixelated due to poor camera quality
With only using adobe Photoshop for only a small task once before,, I at first struggled with concepts such as using the lasso tools, dragging images, and working out layer properties. However, I gradually progressed and soon became very familiar of what the different tools where used for, and how to use them appropriately.
I was also aware that a variety of different technologies were to be used to produce my magazine. As well as using programs such as Adobe Photoshop, PowerPoint (for textual analysis etc.), excel (to control the deadlines), the internet was essential. For instance, to check if there was already an existing magazine called “DysFUNKtional”. Also, USBs became very handy, as you constantly needed to save work, in case the system was down, an event that did occur more than once. Furthermore, I learnt that it is necessary to save work in more than one folder/file to make sure I had backup.
Moreover, I found that it is important to use a high megapixel camera for good quality photos, as photos I disused for my Magazine photos were very much pixelated due to poor camera quality
MEDIA INSTITUTIONS
An ideal media institution to distribute my media product would be IPC Publishing. IPC's diverse print and digital portfolio offers something for everyone. Their 80 magazines include , NME, Uncut. What's on TV, Pick Me Up, Now, Marie Claire, In Style.
Another media institution I would consider would be “Bauer Media”, their magazines include Emprire, Kerrang Mojo and Q, all of which appeal to similar audiences I plan to appeal to.
Another media institution I would consider would be “Bauer Media”, their magazines include Emprire, Kerrang Mojo and Q, all of which appeal to similar audiences I plan to appeal to.
CONVENTIOJNS/CHALLENGES MAIN ARTICLE
A main image of the band “DysFUNKtional, a wintery picture, juxtaposes from main image on front cover, essential there is more than one picture of the main band all images of people are looking giving direct adress to the audiences.
Who are high spirits,?- Rhetorical questions are often used in music magazines.
Introductory paragraph on one page of the spread, “bigging up” the band “High Spirits” and a taster of what will be involved in the interview.
Again design of page, 3 consistent colours (bar the image)
A caption noting the members of the band going from left to right.
Page number on bottom left/right hand side of page.
A highlighted section, attracts audiences attention of something exciting the band has said, in this case “they’re forever playing tonsil tennis, it’s making me ill”
All pictures of High Spirits appear to bee like they’re happy to be there which audiences would be grateful for.
The challenges to conventions include the input of the the scroll shape, I’ve not witnessed it on any other magazines I’ve come across, as i wanted to give it a personal touch, also the addition of the stars. They were placed as it goes with the “High Spirits” band title
Who are high spirits,?- Rhetorical questions are often used in music magazines.
Introductory paragraph on one page of the spread, “bigging up” the band “High Spirits” and a taster of what will be involved in the interview.
Again design of page, 3 consistent colours (bar the image)
A caption noting the members of the band going from left to right.
Page number on bottom left/right hand side of page.
A highlighted section, attracts audiences attention of something exciting the band has said, in this case “they’re forever playing tonsil tennis, it’s making me ill”
All pictures of High Spirits appear to bee like they’re happy to be there which audiences would be grateful for.
The challenges to conventions include the input of the the scroll shape, I’ve not witnessed it on any other magazines I’ve come across, as i wanted to give it a personal touch, also the addition of the stars. They were placed as it goes with the “High Spirits” band title
CONTENTS CONVENTIONS
The contents page adheres to many of the usual conventions seen in indie/rock magazines with factors such as the following;
*The editorial note, complete with a picture of the ‘editor’ (My cousin Tanya).
Editorial note includes what the magazine consists of, as well as a humorous touch, using informal language, and gives a believe friendly feel, (CoughVOTEFORUScough)
There are images of what will be appearing in the magazine, all of whom were mentioned in the main cover.
*The articles mentioned on the front cover are mentioned as well as other articles- as indie magazine don’t tend to mention all the articles featuring in the magazine on the front cover.
There are page numbers next to the articles so audiences feel like they’ve got guidance.
*The contents page is similarly themed to the main cover, due to the same consistent colours (red white and black)
*The editorial note, complete with a picture of the ‘editor’ (My cousin Tanya).
Editorial note includes what the magazine consists of, as well as a humorous touch, using informal language, and gives a believe friendly feel, (CoughVOTEFORUScough)
There are images of what will be appearing in the magazine, all of whom were mentioned in the main cover.
*The articles mentioned on the front cover are mentioned as well as other articles- as indie magazine don’t tend to mention all the articles featuring in the magazine on the front cover.
There are page numbers next to the articles so audiences feel like they’ve got guidance.
*The contents page is similarly themed to the main cover, due to the same consistent colours (red white and black)
CHALLENGES OF CONVENTIONS
As well as conforming to many of the usual conventions seen in indie/rock magazines, “DysFUNKtional” does have it’s unique qualities, and things that differ from the norms.
Rare to see a multi-ethnic band on front covers of magazines, and High Spirits differs from this as I have used Bhavik of the Asian ethnicity and Kai, Japanese..
Additionally, the main band includes two boys and three girls yet indie bands seems to be mainly male orientated, however, it is becoming increasingly common to have girls and multiracial bands, made evident with bands like “the Noisettes” and Lightspeed Champion.
The band are cheery, and obviously enjoying themselves with they’re smiley cheery faces, and hanging of each other, also Kai and Bhavik were given props of horns, giving it a part feel, yet indie music magazines usually have a moody, almost troubled looking bands/artist on their front covers with only instrument they play as props.
Not many music magazines nowadays focus on the genre of funk, I would like to think this would add a reasonably individualistic touch to the magazine.
Rare to see a multi-ethnic band on front covers of magazines, and High Spirits differs from this as I have used Bhavik of the Asian ethnicity and Kai, Japanese..
Additionally, the main band includes two boys and three girls yet indie bands seems to be mainly male orientated, however, it is becoming increasingly common to have girls and multiracial bands, made evident with bands like “the Noisettes” and Lightspeed Champion.
The band are cheery, and obviously enjoying themselves with they’re smiley cheery faces, and hanging of each other, also Kai and Bhavik were given props of horns, giving it a part feel, yet indie music magazines usually have a moody, almost troubled looking bands/artist on their front covers with only instrument they play as props.
Not many music magazines nowadays focus on the genre of funk, I would like to think this would add a reasonably individualistic touch to the magazine.
Sunday 4 April 2010
Saturday 3 April 2010
Wednesday 3 March 2010
CONVENTIONS
There are many conventions of music magazines that are included on my cover of DysFUNKtional including;
*Title block of “DysFUNKtional” in bold, stands out much like in magazines such as “NME” and “MOJO”. I added the blending option of colour overlay in order for it to stand out.
*barcode in the bottom right hand corner
*The issue number
*The magazine price £2, which seems appropriate-mainstreamers.
*Key image of the main band “High Spirits” consisting of my friends Bhavik Gami, *Thomas Boyce, Iva Tanku, Kai Kamei and myself. They are wearing casual outfits, all looking very happy, a little wacky, yet come across likeable
*Purposely placed the tip of the image slightly covering the title block as seen in many music magazine such as The Rolling Stone magazine
*Two additional key images, in of which being my brother Sean, I asked him to wear smart attire, providing him with a trilby hat, to go with the indie/funk theme, and eventually opting for a moody direct address photo of him as it goes with the additional text for the picture “Jiminy Cricket” my battle with drugs”. Also, he appears to be troubled, which also reinforces his “struggle”.
Other additional key image "The Skandals“ consisting of my other brother and his friend Connor“, I requested that he we a straw hat, to give it an individual feel, also, asked them to have cheesy grins, giving them a friendly mood, making them likeable characters.
Furthermore, in order for me not to overcomplicate the look of the magazine and not frustrate audiences, I stuck to a mainly three-colour look, of black, white and deep red. A lot of indie bands use these colours as themes, such as “The White Stripes” and “My Chemical Romance”
*Title block of “DysFUNKtional” in bold, stands out much like in magazines such as “NME” and “MOJO”. I added the blending option of colour overlay in order for it to stand out.
*barcode in the bottom right hand corner
*The issue number
*The magazine price £2, which seems appropriate-mainstreamers.
*Key image of the main band “High Spirits” consisting of my friends Bhavik Gami, *Thomas Boyce, Iva Tanku, Kai Kamei and myself. They are wearing casual outfits, all looking very happy, a little wacky, yet come across likeable
*Purposely placed the tip of the image slightly covering the title block as seen in many music magazine such as The Rolling Stone magazine
*Two additional key images, in of which being my brother Sean, I asked him to wear smart attire, providing him with a trilby hat, to go with the indie/funk theme, and eventually opting for a moody direct address photo of him as it goes with the additional text for the picture “Jiminy Cricket” my battle with drugs”. Also, he appears to be troubled, which also reinforces his “struggle”.
Other additional key image "The Skandals“ consisting of my other brother and his friend Connor“, I requested that he we a straw hat, to give it an individual feel, also, asked them to have cheesy grins, giving them a friendly mood, making them likeable characters.
Furthermore, in order for me not to overcomplicate the look of the magazine and not frustrate audiences, I stuck to a mainly three-colour look, of black, white and deep red. A lot of indie bands use these colours as themes, such as “The White Stripes” and “My Chemical Romance”
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