Music Magazine Contents Page Research

As I have completed my music magazine front cover, I will now begin research on contents pages.
A contents page presents the reader with information about the content of a magazine.

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Above I have uploaded two contents page examples from Q Magazine. This is because both of the examples differ in styles
Example 1 on the left features a contents page in which the shot of the artist is a close up; no other feature of the artist is shown other than his face.

Both contents pages features two sections; The Features and Every Month. I believe that this layout will be effective for my magazine as it will easily seperate the usual content of the magazine and the special features.
A clear colour scheme is used in both of the magazines; striking bold colours red, black and gold.

This is in contrast to Example 2 in which the main image is of the band. As the image of a band, the shot used is not a close-up but a long shot in which all of the band members are shown.
Another example is shown above from RWD Magazine.
This examble does not conform with other examples that I have seen. The images of artists that are included in the magazine are shown in four squares at the top of tha page. Included at the bottom of the page are the regulars and features in the magazine. Both 'Contents' and the date appear in bold on the page.

After consideration I believe that the style I wish to replicate is that of Q Magazine. Although the RWD Example is quite eye-catching and alternative, I prefer the Q magazine layout as I believe it will lead the reader around the page much easier. Also, the image used on the Q example is a type of image that I will wish to use for my magazine; a close up of the artist and the main focus being on them.

Completed Music Magazine Front Cover

Above I have uploaded my new magazine front cover. As mentioned in other posts, I was greatly influenced by RWD Magazine. This is because RWD effectively utilizes a simpe arrangemet of its front covers whilst also looking sophisticated, stylish and eye-cathcing. Similar to RWD magazines, I have used one main image on the front cover of my chosen artist 'Mr Wavez'. This artist will feature heavily in my issue. Also, similar to RWD magazine, I have ensured that the colours of the text around the page matches up with that of the subject in the image; therefore Grey and Yellow are the predominant colours used on my front cover to show a connection between the artist and the magazine and to make the cover flow well. Also, the text that is presented in a larger size is that of the artists name, as shown in examples i looked at. This attracts a great deal of interes towards the magazine. 'Featuring' also suggests that the reader is getting a great quantity of information for their money.
The shot I have used is a close up of the artist, fitting his head an torso into view. This provides a closeness between the audience and the artiist. Also, as it is a single artist and not a band or group, it makes more sense to have a close up.

An Example of Dubstep Music

Above is posted one of the most popular songs from the Dubstep genre: Benga & Coki - Night.

As you can hear, there is most definitely a strong bass mixed with electro aspects such as the keys and clap.

Magazine Genre Choice & Magazine Cover Research

The Genre of magazine that I will complete will be Dubstep.

The reason why I have chosen this genre is because this genre is not a genre I usually listen to and therefore realize that I will have to put a large amount of effort into  my research in order to understand the depth and culture behind the genre.

The name I have decided for my music magazine is Club DUB.
I have chosen this title for my music magazine  as it is a catchy rhyme that will easily stick in the minds of readers. Also the term 'Club' suggests that the readers will become members of an exclusive club.

The genre of my magazine will be Dubstep.

My target audience will be Both Genders and for individuals who have an interest in electro/dance/club/DUB music. My magazine will not be aimed at a particular ethnicity or race as I believe that bot hthe genre and my magazine should be consumed by all races of young individuals.

The age of the audience will be between 16 and 21. This is because I believe that this age group will enjoy the music being shown in the magazine as they are young and the age group can afford the magazine.

The frequency of my magazine will be monthly. I believe this is an appropriate frequency as it will allow my magazine to provide a week-by-week rundown of all the events in various locations around the UK.

The USP (unique selling point) of my magazine is that it will be the only magazine solely focused on Dubstep music. Although RWD magazine has features on Dubstep, my magazine will be the only one that is focused on the genre and will therefore provide the audience with more depth on the genre.

The cover price of my magazine will £3.00. The reason behind this price is that it is an affordable monthly price for the audience. Also, it is an exclusive print magazine in terms of the genre and will face no competition.

The publisher of my magazine will be the majaor publisher: IPC Media. During my research on IPC Media. I found that they are the leading publisher of magazines in the UK. They also currently publish two leading music magazines that are very successful: NME and UNCUT magazines. As they do not currently publish a DUB music magazine, my magazine will be beneficial to the publishers. 

Genre Research  

Dubstep is a style of electronic dance music that has its roots in South East London.

The style of music has 'hard-hitting or overwhelmingbasslines, drums and occassional and repetitive vocals.

It is a style of music typically found in the UK rave scene.

Also, many artists involved in different genres of music such as r&b and hip hop have collaborated with artists from the Dubstep genre in order to perform remixes of their tracks.A magazine that features dubstep music is RWD Magazine: http://www.rwdmag.com/

RWD covers a wide range of music genres: Grime, Hip Hop, Pop, R&B and most importantly DUBSTEP.

Also, RWD Magazine has provided me with a good plan on how to organise/layout my magazine.

The reason why RWD Magazine has provided me with such inspiration is because the design of the magazines are very simplistic, yet they look very sophisticated and cool. Also, the magazine effectiveluy emmerses the subject in the image with the rest of the magazine; in examples shown below, the text colours match the outfit of the subject in the image used. This effectively links the subject with the text used in the magazine which produces a well composed cover.

Magazine Cover Research

In the example above, the main image is a large close up of the artist; Jessie J. In music magazines, artists that are active in the current period of time feature on/in magazines. This artist Jessie J has een active recently and is therefore on the magazine. This will allow the magazine to sell further.
The colour scheme of the magazine effectively emmerses the artist on the front cover. The font both on her face and hair are both readable and allows the cover to look sophisticated, stylish and simple. Also, noticeable is the fact that the cover artistst's title/name is presented in bold lettering in comparison to the other text on her face. This, alongside the main image attracts the main interest to the artist - a technique I hope to use.

In the example above, the image used is a medium close-up showing the upper half of the artist: Giggs. As with the previous example, the colour of the text matches the colours of the artists attire: the colour of the masthead and the headings are all in red, matching the zipper. The only text coloured in white is that of the artist's name. Also, this text stands out more to the readers eye than the rest of the text; due to it being larger ,a different style of font, a larger size and a different colour.

In the example above, two main colours are used; black and white. This makes it a very simplistic and stylish layout/design compared to others that would have been packed with colours. The image used of the artists, Giggs and Tinchy Stryder, is quite striking. It effectively draws the reader in as the pair are looking at the reader, drawing them to the magazine. Once more, the colour of the masthead matches that of the smaller headings.

All of the above  magazines have been used due to their symplistic, effective and stylish look. I would prefer for my magazine to take such a look as I believe that with an appropriate image and an effective colour scheme it would look very professional.

I believe that RWD Magazine will influence my magazine greatly because the magazine uses a very simple style and yet it attracts readers.

Preliminary Task - College Magazine Cover & Contents Page

Review on College Magazine Cover & Contents Page:

How did you think about your target audience?

I came to a choice on my target audience by putting myself on the spot and imagining what kind of magazine would aide me as a student at college. I therefore decided on a magazine that would provide students with helpful tips and advice. 

The target audience would be teenage students aged between the years of 16-19. However, the magazine could also be viewed by people other than the students such as parents.

As aforementioned, I came to the decision that the best magazine that I would be able to create would be a magazine that will give tips and guidance to all students at college as I have experienced the situation of arriving at college myself so I know what advice the students will find useful. These tips were pieces of advice such as: how to manage time effectively, how to make new friends, tips for first years and many more pieces of advice.


The magazine cover I have designed is an issue that is the 'End Of Exams Issue' and will therefore provide informatio and tips on having a productive holiday and also a review of the year.

How did awareness of that audience impact upon your visual design and choice of language?

I decided to make the language quite informal as the magazine would be viewed by a young target audience of teenagers and an informal tone would make it easier to understand.. On the front cover Standard English is used, there is no presence of slang or colloquial language - although I wanted to use informal language, I didn't want to use any slang just standard English.

In the case of the visuals, I viewed example magazines such as FHM and GQ and came to the conclusion that it is best to have a colour scheme consisting of two or three colours that flow well with the rest of the text and the image. Examples are shown below:

           

Above, here are a couple of the example magazines I viewed.
The GQ magazine has a red background whereas the text is both white and grey.
This example is very similar to the FHM magazine in which the text is black, grey and red which stand out against the white background used in the image. Also, both magazines have the individual whom the main article is about in bold, to attract the readers interest in the magazine. Both magazines have a sophisticated style and feel to them that look professional, uncluttered and neat. This was the kind of style I was aiming for in my magazine rather than that of a magzine such as HEAT.

In my opinion, Heat magazine is much more cluttered than the other two examples and uses clashing colours; this front cover features 4 main colours. Red, yellow, blue and pink. This may have been done specifically to attract attention from potential buyers but I believe that it is not the sophisticated style I am aiming for.

                             

Above are two College magazines that can be used as examples on hoe to layout my magazine and what to include.
Both magazines have bold, striking names that stand out to the eye and are easy to see. Also, both magazines feature presumable students of the college, smiling in the image. Both examples have a number of cover lines around the page; to reinforce the depth available when purchasing the magazine. In the example on the left, the model is holding books, reinforcing the fact that it is a college magazine.

My College Magazine Front Cover

Above, I have uploaded my college magazine cover. As aforementioned, this issue is an 'End of Exams' issue and features articles on summer jobs and tips on how to have a productive, useful summer.

The title of my magazine is 'College' Magazine. Although this was used by the two examples shown , I believe that it is a very easy title for the readers to understand; they will easily and quickly realise that it is their college magazine. The main image used supports the main cover line about 'Prom 2010' as the image portrays a number of students enjoying themselves at prom. The magazine also providdes information, tips and advice for students. Included are summer job listings and tips for a useful productive holidays for students. Both the image used and the black and purple design used around the page is eye catching and I believe it works well together.

My College Magzine Contents Page

Above I have uploaded my completed magazine contents page. Once more, the image I have used relates to the main story about Prom 2010. Also, I have continued the purple and black colour theme that was present on the front page of the magazine. I have included an 'Editor's Scribble' area. In other magazines I have looked at this area is commonly known as the 'Editor's Comment' however I have been slightly more informal in order to connect with the audience further. The contents page has been laid out in an accessible manner in which the reader can view which section they wish to view/read with ease. Also, the main story 'Prom 2010' appears in bold in the contents line up to attract attention there.