Rough final design.

Evaluation.

Overall I like the design and layout of my magazine.I think that I transmitted similar themes and dimensions of the magazines I researched alongside creating what I think is a medium between the two. I tried to use references to bands and performers that my key audience could relate too at the same time as enforcing a young fresh new appeal about it, much like the style of Q. I decided to call my magazine 'Strummer' after initially coming up with various other names as this had two relevant meanings to it. First of all it is the onomatopoeic word for the playing of guitar, a key instrument in rock and acoustic music, and secondly It is a play on of the lead singer of the Clash's name. I got this idea as the clash were featured on the cover of Mojo I was analysing. Initially I had a photo of my model with a cigarette in one hand and putting up his fingers with the other. Both these actions are symbolic of rebellion and generation that indulged in it,. However after trying it out in a few of my designs, I realised I had another image from a previous photo shoot that was more appropriate. It was of another model and although it was not a mid shot with full eye contact , I thought the image itself was enticing. It produced both the feel of freshness but at the same time curiosity, and that is why I decided to use that particular photo. At first I thought that the eye contact would be a problem, but after editing the image in photo shop, it occurred to my that as my article was about taking the first steps into music it seemed that my model was facing the world of music rather then the audience. This transpired as many of the people I questioned on it ( including my teacher) agreed it was a more captivating image. In the begging I researched two magazines that although had separate specific topics both featured many of the artists that I wasted to develop as influences for my "artist" such as AC/DC, The Clash, Oasis, Blur etc... Both magazines created different styles of interesting fonts and layouts. In both designs I recognised that red was a feature colour and in other similar magazine the colour scheme seemed to follow. I decided to tryout a dirty red and a similar mustard yellow to the one used in Mojo, i found that together they looked appealing. I asked my dad what he thought the colour scheme was like as he was ideal for market research he agreed and said it was an attractive use of colour so I proceeded with them. The text I selected had a torn, battered, rugged effect to it and after trying out a few I thought it was definitely suited to my cover. Although it was not anything like my researched magazines, I had started to develop my magazines own identity and wanted it to be more unique, although this contradicts its basic format, as it is consist ant to that of many other magazines. I kept the masthead in the conventional situation but changed many other usual features to present it differently to the others, for instance, instead of a mid shot in the middle of the page my model is coming from the left side upward. It took some time getting use to but after filling it up with some text and graphic design I feel it created interest to my cover rather than uncertainty. As I was trying to derive my magazine away from others by taking it out of contexts and forming a new individual identity, I didn't represent one social group, but many. I focused on an up coming artist and instead of being a specialist magazine it was more a music interest magazine, that provided a knowledge of classic rock but also showed an interest in new music, in this sense my magazine is much like Q.I think as my magazine supplies such a broad range of musical interest it would be feature in many music shops, for an all round on look into music.However as it feature such mainstream artists it would probably be retailed in many other high street stores. As a varied magazine the possibility's of audience is vast, however the main audience is for older men aged between 18 and 40 it would be a middle class or working class magazine for economic standard and would sell for roughly£3.40 an estimate average of the price between Mojo and Q. The language use, colour scheme, price, and imagery would all appeal to my target audiences it is suitable and attractive to all these potential purchasers.For example, occasionally throughout my double page spread there is a few swear words, although this may seem pointless, it was purposeful, and subtle to prove how my magazine is for that particular sector of society. The price is also similar to this as a child would most likely to have the means to pay for my magazine as it is predominantly for someone who earns money and listens to my chosen genre. Before this project I had never used either photo shop or In design, however now I feel I have established vital skills from this and would feel comfortable using them again. I feel development wise, I have established a further sense of clarity when it comes to layout. I have developed skills both in design and technology that would enable me to do this project again singularly.Before I started this project I would not know any of the appropriate terms for the particular pieces of my magazine however now I could label and explain what each piece meant.
After re-examining my final magazine with a variation of different people I have desided to edit my design using the critisism constructivly.
One point of view suggested that the design itself was too focased on the one particular colour scheme and that this was overwhelming and ruined the effect intended. I am looking to adjust this by possibly introdusing a more mixed colour scheme for my double paged spread and use the mustard yellow and red in a limited way for my contents page. I feel the colours I selected were an appropriate choise for my target audience, however I can see how they are used too much looking back at it now. Another point that was suggested was to create a more reader friendly double page spread. I have desided to redesign this page by introducing sub-headings and coloums of text relating to a particular section: Although I think the coloum breakers are well used in my spread but I think the use of splitting up and dividing text would be equally effective. Reassesing the double page spread I analised from Q I have noticed a few features that contribute to its smooth finish that I could encoupourate into my design, for example:

I am now going to develop the issues I had with my previous designs and re construct them into creating a better looking magazine.

Analisis of double page spread.

I used various ideas and inspiration for my spread. I desided to use multiple images as I feel for my spesific audience, an insite into the individual was appropriate, as I was doing a broad overview of music in my magazine I desided to go for a young artist with old influences. I did this so I could create a link between my magazine and the others I looked at . I think this was a good thing to do as it provided stable references for my to look at get inspiration from.

Selected photos.

These photos are tryouts for my double page spread. I have tried to create a down to earth busker feel to my images. These images all create quite a subdued feeling and I intend to use a particular selection for my final design. I would like to use two pictures for my cover, one for my contents and 4 for my double page spread.

Photoshoot Three.

Photoshoot Two.

In this shot I decided to tryout another model. I did this so I could have a broader idea out what photos would look appropriate I considered a certain theme when structuring these photos and took into mind my target audience. I think that they are clever in the way the facial expressions replica previous photos I have looked at of the band Oasis which are also the type of band that would be featured in a magazine like mine, however the photos I took previously look more professional and sleek and I think the is the approach to take, although these pictures depict how I see the youth of a different generation I am going to go in another direction.

Photoshoot one.

These images were my original photographs. I think they are good images but not the right style for my magazine. However the photo on the top let hand corner has a pleasant composition and the lighting is very effective. If I can I will try to incorporate it in to my magazine some where as I think it is a striking image and very eye catching. I think it would look good on my cover if I used photoshop to cut out the body shape and placed it over text. It uses the rule of eye level and this proceeds to complete its overall vividness. I think both the second two images look like a modeling shot rather then a cover shot and in the third image I don't like the way my model is looking down I think this is less focused and more intimidating for a cover shot.

Analisis of flat plans.

This is my first flat plan of my double page spread. My first image has one whole page covered in a full page montage. I like the idea of having various pictures on my page but i think that a whole page dedicated to images would be over crowding and off putting to readers. However I like the idea of using a pull out and large subheadings so I have tried out a few other designs including these features.

My second design includes a variety of features including, a two col um article, a large section for a subheading and spread out areas for images. I think all these characters contribute to the precision of the design although the overall image of the flat plan does feel a bit messy.

I Incorporated the red lines as a recurring use of colour that will proceed through all the pages of my magazine. I feel that the design needed a familiarity that could be a symbol of the magazine, like Q and it's cross. I have left a large space for the heading and subheading to be entered as I think this is the main feature that will grab the readers attention. I want my heading to be bold and eye catching which is why I have chosen red as the predominant colour for it's feisty bold effect.

On the lower half of the page is my favourite design. This image integrates all the components of the of the flat plans which i thought were appropriate for my magazine.I think the leveling of the words in the heading is attractive to the eye and suits my page. I like this idea and will develop it further.

This is my final flat plan of my double page spread I think this is the best idea so far however if I change my ideas and thoughts on the page I will edit my designs later.

Analisis of contents page (Q magazine).

Text.

The text varies from large to a smaller front dependant on the role it plays in the description. A larger font is used to state the heading of the article and the smaller to give a brief description of the article underneath. Time is used on all the articles except the top article which is separated as it it an "on the cover feature."its text is shaded a light / pale blue in a slightly larger scale font to the other page headings. The header is in bold with the same arrows pointing toward an image that are later used in the double page spread. The title contents is used in an eloquent way suiting fluently above the elegantly designed Q. In the centre of the Q is the issue number in a rich looking font similar to times new roman.On the image is a pull out quote from Angus young. it is a white text for the first sentence a red for the next and white again, for the last. This looks quite controversial on the page, which reflects the persona being reflected by Angus Young. I think this was purposely done to create this type of feeling toward it.

Image.

There are three images on the page, all of featured articles showing the layouts of them. They are quite simplistic and seem to be set in that way for reference purposes. The image of Angus Young is important to the page however as It seems to be a issue based around him and the band ACDC.

Colour.

There is an eye catching margin used along the left side of the page in a black and white cheque. I think this Is mainly for intrest but is also trademark as looking through other Q magazines would reveal. The lack of colour surrounding the text suggests that the article layout is intended to be simplistic.

Brief Analysis of Mojo Contents Page.

The contents page begins with the title of the magazine proceeding at the top of the page. This striking feature creates a simplistic but striking boldness to the page. Underneath the heading is a sub heading- London-Memphus-Autlan, an indication of the magazines headquarters, coincided with the fact they are all prestigious destinations, thhe font which is the same as both the contents heading and the magazine heading is a sophisticated and tidy design. The font proceeds to be the same all the way through with a mix of both large and small text sizes indicating the change of subheading and description. The two coloured texts are the explanation of the quote and the word "features" heading. This is done purposefully as it is supposed to stand out so the reader can specify their intended reading.

Analisis of double page spread.

Colour

There are two consistent colours within this spread, a bold yellow and a clean white, these colour choices are suitable as the article is about 'Little miss dynamite' and the SANTIWHITE - SANTA GOLD transaction. the photograph is the under layer to the spread and this provides a wide spectrum of colours that compliment the striking text as they produce a subtle glow but a strong impact on the page.The yellow is used to bring out the more important text / or the leading text that dictates the following dialect and the white is used for the body of text. Both these compliment the overall appearance of the page following through with a cornered off white border and bold yellow additional text boxes.

Layout.

The layout of the page is very specific and this preciseness adds to the overall interest of the page. The page has no clear boundaries which also creates a false sense of direction around the page. The article heading is on the lower half of the left page with the 'Y' and 'E' of 'DYNAMITE' bleeding into the one corner border. Both these features together create a blocked off area within the page for a different sector of text. I think this has been done to provide clear boundaries between the feature article and the extra information. The majority of the left side page is used to hold the image relevant to the article as the picture is quite eye catching in it's self the reader is drawn to the page. There is at the top left side of the right page an open speared arrow which points to the text.I think the imagery on this spread was purposeful and this link was created so that the reader would automatically follow the page from left to right sub consciously.

Text.

The text size and style varies and contributes well to the overall appeal of the page. The leading text is bold and the body text is in a religious times new roman font. This provides a neat and tidy effect which appears vital as there is an imaginary margin alongside the article, this also helps create the fresh, zany appeal of the page. Underneath the article is a pull out quotation, the first part of it is in a medium yellow italic font and the latter is in a slightly larger white italic font. On reading the quote it is noticeable that it is a rhetorical question and the colour change is based on the question and answer. I think this is quite effective as it is still encouraging the reader to follow the article through. in the brief article description under the heading a different font is used completely however the coincided texts do not clash. all of the text in the subheading is in white however the word 'Santagold' is in a yellowish font this is used to establish the colour identity within the page.

Image.

The image of Little Miss Dynamite is the background of the spread as it is a striking and interesting image. the pose of the photo is quite abrupt and is structured in forceful, aggressive manor which replicas the image given through the text.The costume used is suitable to the design and the jewelery is used as a prop to reflect the background of sparkle and lights.The eye contact of the image is focused on the reader encouraging them to focus on the picture. Both the image and the text are designed to compliment each other, giving each other room to stand out. At the bottom of the page is a pull out bit of information by leading singer Mark Ronson. I think this image has been used to also entice readers that are not familiar with little miss dynamite to read it as they may know Mark Ronson.