Monday, 18 May 2009
Tuesday, 5 May 2009
Evaluation
Evaluation
In what ways does you media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of a real media product?
I feel that my media project is like that of a real media project in many ways. For example the layout of the front cover portrays the same kind of layout as other magazine covers; for example the large heading in the top middle of the page is bold and eye catching like that of others, it stands out and uses pink and white colours, which is carried out throughout the rest of that page. I have also added a ‘tag line’ underneath the master heading. I think this is will become a hook line for my magazine and would be something that people would recognise, it is unique and catchy. The images which I have used follow typical conventions of real media, a large image in the centre of the page representing the main story, it is large enough to become the main focus however isn’t too big that it over crowds the rest of the text. I think the image is particularly good to use as it is giving a realistic sense of what sort of genre the magazine has. It shows a pop/dance theme which will attract those people who wish to purchase this type of magazine. The model is wearing bright colours and is an attractive girl, which the young female audience will look up to, the pose of the model I feel is very successful as she is looking directly at the camera, this is again a technique which is already used in real media as it draws the reader to look at it, she is standing suggesting a dance affect which I also feel is successful in order to attract the reader. I have also used a bar code, and added a price, again a typical example of original products already available. My magazine is a monthly product, which is why it has the month named as the date rather than a specific week date. My contents page also follows conventions of existing media, by this I mean that it follows the same layout of other products, for example when I looked at other products I noticed that there was a simple series of photos representing stories inside the magazine, I followed this example and added four photos along the bottom of my page, also there is regularly a list of stories split up into different sections; I therefore divided my page into three, world exclusive, features, and on the cover this is once again a regular technique used in real magazines. To maintain a house style I have used the same subheading which follows the theme from my front cover and then in the corner of the contents page is a copy of the front cover, I researched this by looking at other contents pages. My article follows the simple conventions of that of others also; there are six columns which I have used, each following the theme of question and answer interview, I have included quotes which I feel was necessary after researching other articles. And finally I have included one large image and a number of smaller ones, all of the ‘singer’ included in my article.
How does your media product represent particular social groups?
My product is aimed at the female audience who are interested in pop music, simply as it has a theme which follows that of dance and pop music, there are girl bands and gossip pages included in the magazine and in my opinion would not be as suited for a male gender. It is aimed at a working class group as I feel my magazine is a suitable price for the working class market to be able to purchase the magazine and fashion followed throughout my product from celebrities. I also feel there is a certain social group that it is aimed for, and don’t believe that it will appeal to Goth or rock audience, I aimed it at a audience who enjoys the dance and pop genre, and feel teenagers will also enjoy it more rather than a older audience. I feel that the working class people will be most likely to purchase this magazine as it is a reasonable price and has those features of a typical magazine, such as chat columns and gossip interviews.
What kind of media institution might distribute product and why?
I think that because of the unique style of my magazine product that there would be no gap in the market for a company like Bauer to distribute my magazine, as it is a different style and genre to any of the existing products on the market such as Mojo and Q magazine.
Who would be the audience for your media product?
In my opinion music magazines with a pop orientated genre are most likely to appeal to a younger female audience, I feel that the male audience generally read mostly, however not always rock orientated magazines and not generally at a younger age. Like I have previously mentioned I have aimed my magazine to the teenage audience which I feel will be successful as it includes features which the younger female audience look for such as free pop concert tickets and the latest celebrity gossip. A working class audience in my opinion would be a successful target as it is a reasonable price for young girls to be able to purchase. I feel that it would appeal to those who are regularly have spare change and wish to purchase it, those who are interested in music and wish to catch up on the latest stories from their favourite bands or artists.
How did you attract/address your audience?
I feel that my magazine attracts the expected audience in many ways; I first of all composed a survey which I handed out to a number of people. From this I gathered information about what the majority of people enjoyed and wished for in a magazine. I have therefore added stories to the cover and contents page that will be suited to my audience. I have produced my product based on these ideas and think that the genre, colour scheme and interview suit what was asked for. Also from the existing products which I researched i was able to see what customers preferred and didn’t prefer in magazine already on the market. I included the interview rather than a basic report as I feel these appeals to the younger audience as they aspire to be like celebrities and wish to hear about their stories. From existing products I was able to see what sort of shots I needed to take for my main photos, a medium close up with the model looking directly at the camera. I feel that I was successful in doing this as I produced a clear image for my front cover which in my opinion will attract the audience, as it is like other products by the size and also structure, for example most magazines I researched had a medium close up of a attractive model, so that others were interested to look. I have used bright vibrant colours on the model to again attract a young female audience. In my contents page I have included stories which people suggested that they were interested in from my survey which I previously mentioned, I also included reviews from popular band names, which I found was a popular theme throughout the magazines I had researched. to sell more copies i took advantages of the theory of uses and gratifications (Blumler & Katz 1974) because i used models the same age range as my target audience so they could relate to them & aspire to be like them
I showed copies of my final magazine to members of my target audience and they were very positive about the final result. i showed it to one of my friends Trudy Smith and she said 'wow this looks like a really professional magazine and if it was available to buy i would definitely have to purchase it.' i was pleased with the feedback i recieved.
What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?
Through my product I have learned a number of new techniques, for example I have edited and colours and tones on the layouts of each of my pages. I have taken a number of photos using different shots, to capture a successful image for my final product. I have also cut and edited photos on Photo shop; I have adjusted the contrast and tones of the photos in order to make them look more affective and suitable to be presented on my magazine. I have learned how to manipulate digital images and have also established how to incorporate text and images on the page: I have added outer glows to the text on my front cover as an extra effect and have learnt how to add added detail to simple shapes such as drop shadows. For my article I have learnt how to construct a simple layout of columns and layout and in the text have used colloquial language to appeal to my audience. I have edited pictures by changing the hue, saturation and many other aspects in order to perfect my final product.
Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
Since my preliminary work I feel my final product has been improved dramatically. I believe this is simply due to the amount of research I have studied since then. After my preliminary work I started to look through existing products on the market and researched what the audiences where interested in. I have produced more research into products, and looked at theory in terms of research: I have took into consideration how audience research is necessary to compete with these real media pieces, and tried to aim my work to be at a acceptable standard. I have thought about the page design and use of colour; For example I have included a lot more detailed text on the front cover and contents page, all of my information and images which I have used are actually relevant to the market I am aiming my final product at. Also I have improved my practical skills whilst constructing my final product. I feel I have a better interpretation of what my final product should be expected to look like than what I did when I constructed my preliminary work. In my opinion my practical skills are at a much higher standard, I can now judge which is a suitable size, font and colour of text and have a better understanding of what people expect to read on their magazine. I have filled the space better on all pieces of my work, and have a more realistic layout than my previous work. The basic cutting and editing of the photos which I have used has improved, and overall I feel I have successfully created a suitable final product, hugely improved from my preliminary work.
In what ways does you media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of a real media product?
I feel that my media project is like that of a real media project in many ways. For example the layout of the front cover portrays the same kind of layout as other magazine covers; for example the large heading in the top middle of the page is bold and eye catching like that of others, it stands out and uses pink and white colours, which is carried out throughout the rest of that page. I have also added a ‘tag line’ underneath the master heading. I think this is will become a hook line for my magazine and would be something that people would recognise, it is unique and catchy. The images which I have used follow typical conventions of real media, a large image in the centre of the page representing the main story, it is large enough to become the main focus however isn’t too big that it over crowds the rest of the text. I think the image is particularly good to use as it is giving a realistic sense of what sort of genre the magazine has. It shows a pop/dance theme which will attract those people who wish to purchase this type of magazine. The model is wearing bright colours and is an attractive girl, which the young female audience will look up to, the pose of the model I feel is very successful as she is looking directly at the camera, this is again a technique which is already used in real media as it draws the reader to look at it, she is standing suggesting a dance affect which I also feel is successful in order to attract the reader. I have also used a bar code, and added a price, again a typical example of original products already available. My magazine is a monthly product, which is why it has the month named as the date rather than a specific week date. My contents page also follows conventions of existing media, by this I mean that it follows the same layout of other products, for example when I looked at other products I noticed that there was a simple series of photos representing stories inside the magazine, I followed this example and added four photos along the bottom of my page, also there is regularly a list of stories split up into different sections; I therefore divided my page into three, world exclusive, features, and on the cover this is once again a regular technique used in real magazines. To maintain a house style I have used the same subheading which follows the theme from my front cover and then in the corner of the contents page is a copy of the front cover, I researched this by looking at other contents pages. My article follows the simple conventions of that of others also; there are six columns which I have used, each following the theme of question and answer interview, I have included quotes which I feel was necessary after researching other articles. And finally I have included one large image and a number of smaller ones, all of the ‘singer’ included in my article.
How does your media product represent particular social groups?
My product is aimed at the female audience who are interested in pop music, simply as it has a theme which follows that of dance and pop music, there are girl bands and gossip pages included in the magazine and in my opinion would not be as suited for a male gender. It is aimed at a working class group as I feel my magazine is a suitable price for the working class market to be able to purchase the magazine and fashion followed throughout my product from celebrities. I also feel there is a certain social group that it is aimed for, and don’t believe that it will appeal to Goth or rock audience, I aimed it at a audience who enjoys the dance and pop genre, and feel teenagers will also enjoy it more rather than a older audience. I feel that the working class people will be most likely to purchase this magazine as it is a reasonable price and has those features of a typical magazine, such as chat columns and gossip interviews.
What kind of media institution might distribute product and why?
I think that because of the unique style of my magazine product that there would be no gap in the market for a company like Bauer to distribute my magazine, as it is a different style and genre to any of the existing products on the market such as Mojo and Q magazine.
Who would be the audience for your media product?
In my opinion music magazines with a pop orientated genre are most likely to appeal to a younger female audience, I feel that the male audience generally read mostly, however not always rock orientated magazines and not generally at a younger age. Like I have previously mentioned I have aimed my magazine to the teenage audience which I feel will be successful as it includes features which the younger female audience look for such as free pop concert tickets and the latest celebrity gossip. A working class audience in my opinion would be a successful target as it is a reasonable price for young girls to be able to purchase. I feel that it would appeal to those who are regularly have spare change and wish to purchase it, those who are interested in music and wish to catch up on the latest stories from their favourite bands or artists.
How did you attract/address your audience?
I feel that my magazine attracts the expected audience in many ways; I first of all composed a survey which I handed out to a number of people. From this I gathered information about what the majority of people enjoyed and wished for in a magazine. I have therefore added stories to the cover and contents page that will be suited to my audience. I have produced my product based on these ideas and think that the genre, colour scheme and interview suit what was asked for. Also from the existing products which I researched i was able to see what customers preferred and didn’t prefer in magazine already on the market. I included the interview rather than a basic report as I feel these appeals to the younger audience as they aspire to be like celebrities and wish to hear about their stories. From existing products I was able to see what sort of shots I needed to take for my main photos, a medium close up with the model looking directly at the camera. I feel that I was successful in doing this as I produced a clear image for my front cover which in my opinion will attract the audience, as it is like other products by the size and also structure, for example most magazines I researched had a medium close up of a attractive model, so that others were interested to look. I have used bright vibrant colours on the model to again attract a young female audience. In my contents page I have included stories which people suggested that they were interested in from my survey which I previously mentioned, I also included reviews from popular band names, which I found was a popular theme throughout the magazines I had researched. to sell more copies i took advantages of the theory of uses and gratifications (Blumler & Katz 1974) because i used models the same age range as my target audience so they could relate to them & aspire to be like them
I showed copies of my final magazine to members of my target audience and they were very positive about the final result. i showed it to one of my friends Trudy Smith and she said 'wow this looks like a really professional magazine and if it was available to buy i would definitely have to purchase it.' i was pleased with the feedback i recieved.
What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?
Through my product I have learned a number of new techniques, for example I have edited and colours and tones on the layouts of each of my pages. I have taken a number of photos using different shots, to capture a successful image for my final product. I have also cut and edited photos on Photo shop; I have adjusted the contrast and tones of the photos in order to make them look more affective and suitable to be presented on my magazine. I have learned how to manipulate digital images and have also established how to incorporate text and images on the page: I have added outer glows to the text on my front cover as an extra effect and have learnt how to add added detail to simple shapes such as drop shadows. For my article I have learnt how to construct a simple layout of columns and layout and in the text have used colloquial language to appeal to my audience. I have edited pictures by changing the hue, saturation and many other aspects in order to perfect my final product.
Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
Since my preliminary work I feel my final product has been improved dramatically. I believe this is simply due to the amount of research I have studied since then. After my preliminary work I started to look through existing products on the market and researched what the audiences where interested in. I have produced more research into products, and looked at theory in terms of research: I have took into consideration how audience research is necessary to compete with these real media pieces, and tried to aim my work to be at a acceptable standard. I have thought about the page design and use of colour; For example I have included a lot more detailed text on the front cover and contents page, all of my information and images which I have used are actually relevant to the market I am aiming my final product at. Also I have improved my practical skills whilst constructing my final product. I feel I have a better interpretation of what my final product should be expected to look like than what I did when I constructed my preliminary work. In my opinion my practical skills are at a much higher standard, I can now judge which is a suitable size, font and colour of text and have a better understanding of what people expect to read on their magazine. I have filled the space better on all pieces of my work, and have a more realistic layout than my previous work. The basic cutting and editing of the photos which I have used has improved, and overall I feel I have successfully created a suitable final product, hugely improved from my preliminary work.
Article
For my article i have first created a double page title, on this i have added a large image, and then on the opposite side of the page, i have a large heading and a article introduction.
I have kept the same house style as the rest of my pages, and used black & pink.
I have however used green and yellow text on my first page of my article as it links in with the colours of the photo.
Here is my first double page.
I have made my article based on what questions i think will appeal to my audience.
here is my article interview.
In the space of just 6 weeks it has sure been proven that Josie is already a popular hit in the public eye! Not only has she released her new album, set dates for her up and coming tour, bought a £3million 2nd home in LA and climbed straight to the top of the charts she has managed to juggle her busy lifestyle and live her new celeb lifestyle in London pubs and clubs, but things haven’t always been this good, Josie tells us all about her troubled childhood and crushed dreams!
Were all dying to here where this all begun...
It’s simple really every singer has longed to be where I am now since they were watching their idols and singing in the mirror with a hairbrush. I started singing when I was only about 4, performed in a number of talent shows at school and been involved in a singing school since the age of 7. It all just grew from there really, a dream come true!
But you make it sound so easy; we know you’ve got yourself through a few troubles on your way?
Yes, definitely one of the down falls of all this popularity and publicity is that your family life is always brought up no matter how much in the past it is. My mum became involved in drugs when I was only 12, she left me and my 3 older brothers, this was really hard for us all but we’ve brought our way through it as a family, even if it does mean she hasn’t been with me through all this recent success.
Sorry to hear about that, so we heard earlier you used to sing in the mirror and aspire to be like you’re idol, who’s been the person you’ve always looked up to?
It’s got to be Mariah Carey, no doubt about it, love her! ,, She’s just so perfect, everyone loves her.
So a full album to look forward to hearing, sounds good, we know they are all your own songs what your favourite?
Well my number 1 has to be the winner; it’s called bubble gum for all those who haven’t heard it. It was actually my second song I produced, really catchy and was great to record. You will love it, I do! I even got to spend time in St Tropez for the shooting of my video, so much fun!
Sounds like you’re enjoying yourself, so how are you baring with hearing yourself on the radio, or seeing yourself on T.V?
Oh, it’s still really exciting, I still have a smile on my face when I hear my name on the radio, and love all those people coming up to me and asking for my autograph, it’s so surreal at the moment, I can’t believe I’ve finally achieved my dream! I’m not going to lie being in the public eye really is as good as it looks, although yes there are the downsides of not having your own privacy, my family history as an example but I’m just loving it!
We can see you’ve been busy with your new exciting work load, but what have you managed to do in your spare time?
I love to do what any other girl does... shopping, partying and chilling with friends, I may lead a busy lifestyle compared to what I’ve been used to but, a girls ‘gotta’ do what she does best, and when a bit of free time comes my way I just can’t resist a good old pamper!
A number 1, fantastic achievement for you, but which female singers do you see yourself competing against most?
Well to be honest I’m not trying to make any enemies this early into my career, I’ve just got to take every hurdle as it is thrown at me and if that means having to work extra hard to compete with other singers then so be it, but I can’t put my finger on anybody in specific right now, come back to me on that one next time, and I may have a different answer! [She laughs].
We’ll look forward to it... so who have you made friends with out there in the celeb world and who do you dislike while where on that note?
Well as you know I’ve recently bought a LA home, I’ve met loads of great people when I’ve been over there, Lindsay Lohan I’ve become really close to her, can't beat a Lindsay party, I don’t no really, there’s loads of new people, but of course when I’m back here in the UK I still keep in touch with all of my friends from my London home. My boyfriend Nick, he’s been great through all of the big changes, I still see him but with all of the extra work it’s hard to spend as much time together. When I’m away we’re never off the phone at night, I love him! As for dislikes I couldn’t say, like I said before I’m not one to make enemies, I have to say though Duffy seems a bit stuck up at times, I’ve never spoke to her so I shouldn’t comment though... next question quick!
We’ve heard about the shooting of your video, so the next big step is your tour!
Yes, I can’t wait, I’ve been so busy preparing, learning all dance moves, rehearsing songs over and over again, and having to be fitted for all my fab costumes! I’m such a girly girl and all of this is just so exciting, I love being taken care of so makeup and hair trials are brilliant! It’s such hard work at the same time though, I’m going to be touring in 6 arenas throughout the UK, The o2 being the one I’m most excited for. My best friend Louise is coming with me through the whole tour, I couldn’t cope with all of this if it wasn’t for her, when I have one of my breakdowns at 3 in the morning she’s the one been on the other end of the phone, my right hip! But yeah, the whole thing is so surreal at the minute and to be honest I don’t think it will sink in until I’m performing in front of thousands!
This has all happened so quickly, where do you see yourself this time next year?
No-one can say where they are going to be in a year’s time but I would like to think I’ll still be keeping up the success in my career, I am trying to seal a deal for my 2nd album in November of this year, but long term I really want to perform worldwide, I’ve worked so hard to get this far I just don’t want it to end!
And finally the question we can’t resist asking... if you were taken to a desert island which lucky man would you wish to be there with?
My boyfriend of course, I mean someone like Mr Channing Tatum could never go a miss I suppose [laughs] but for now I’ll stick to my Nick!
For my 2Nd double page, i have the full interview. I have then added a large image in the top right corner of the page, which is the pop stars CD cover, i have also added a few photos down the side of this, which links in with the theme on my contents page.
I have added affects to the photos, such as light levels to make them look more effective. I have also added a black auto shape to the smaller images to make them stand out more.
The questions and answers on the article are different colours so that it is clear, and have added page numbers to the corners to match with those on my contents page. Here is my final article page.
Friday, 1 May 2009
Contents page
I no that for my contents page i want a balance of images and text.
I also want to continue the colour scheme from the front page
You can now see that i have created another canvas on photo shop in order to create my contents page. i have made the page the same dimensions and resolution as the front cover.
Here is the beginning of my contents page, you can see that i have continued the colour scheme of the magazine, and have put a pink background. I have then added a bold title, with the same style font as the cover. The writing stands out and is clear to read. I have added the same subheading to the title, as this is unique to my magazine and will appear all of the time.
I have also added a copy of my cover to the contents page, i have made this smaller and in the corner along side my title.
I think this is good and a typical convention used on contents pages, as it shows the main story titles from the cover and you can quickly find out which page number they are on.
Here i have begun to add the photos to my contents page. I chose the images shown on the cover, and begun to edit them on photo shop. I adjusted the levels, to make them stand out on a dark background. I then contrasted this dark colour by adding a auto shape around the image and made it white, i added a drop shadow onto these to make them stand out and look affective fort the viewer to look at.
I particularly like the way in which i have laid out the images, as it gives a unique and effective style, they are a suitable size, clear, and relevant, however do not overcrowd the page of necessary text.
I have then added a large bullet point for my stories. I have done this by adding a simple auto shape and adding a black glow. I then added page numbers inside of these, i think this looks effective, and because they are bold it makes them stand out from the page. They also fit in with the colour scheme. They are nicely spread out on the page in order for the stories to have a suitable layout.
Here is my finished contents page. I have added the text, with a larger heading for each section. This is a typical convention i found in my analysis dividing the page.
I then added the magazine website address above the pictures for extra advertisement.
I also want to continue the colour scheme from the front page
You can now see that i have created another canvas on photo shop in order to create my contents page. i have made the page the same dimensions and resolution as the front cover.
Here is the beginning of my contents page, you can see that i have continued the colour scheme of the magazine, and have put a pink background. I have then added a bold title, with the same style font as the cover. The writing stands out and is clear to read. I have added the same subheading to the title, as this is unique to my magazine and will appear all of the time.
I have also added a copy of my cover to the contents page, i have made this smaller and in the corner along side my title.
I think this is good and a typical convention used on contents pages, as it shows the main story titles from the cover and you can quickly find out which page number they are on.
Here i have begun to add the photos to my contents page. I chose the images shown on the cover, and begun to edit them on photo shop. I adjusted the levels, to make them stand out on a dark background. I then contrasted this dark colour by adding a auto shape around the image and made it white, i added a drop shadow onto these to make them stand out and look affective fort the viewer to look at.
I particularly like the way in which i have laid out the images, as it gives a unique and effective style, they are a suitable size, clear, and relevant, however do not overcrowd the page of necessary text.
I have then added a large bullet point for my stories. I have done this by adding a simple auto shape and adding a black glow. I then added page numbers inside of these, i think this looks effective, and because they are bold it makes them stand out from the page. They also fit in with the colour scheme. They are nicely spread out on the page in order for the stories to have a suitable layout.
Here is my finished contents page. I have added the text, with a larger heading for each section. This is a typical convention i found in my analysis dividing the page.
I then added the magazine website address above the pictures for extra advertisement.
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