Tuesday, 23 March 2010

Planning - Chosen images and Edited

Theses are the images in which I am using thought my magazine cover, contents and article due to simplicity and they look the most professional! My color scheme will also be chosen based on the outfits in which my model is wearing.

Planning - Images

Theses are the images in which I took for my Music Magazine. Each image has an element of style due to my magazine including some fashion within. All images are based on a white background to blend the images into the page better and also, to make the main focus onto the model and not the atmosphere! I have tried to lean away from all the posey images, so I have gained a more natural feel even when she is posing. I'm happy with my outcome of the pictures. 

Planning - Draft of Article

She is taken the nation by surprise; with a blossoming singing career, a new album and clothing range, India-Rose isn't taking stardom lying down... Whats next we wonder?

Situated in one of London's finest cocktail bars, in Harrods, Walks in 25-year old India-Rose wearing a cheeky smile, 6-inch heels and a cute smock dress. Perched on the end of her chaise lounge she looks a little agitated into what I'm about to ask..

Hello.. Why good girl gone bad?
(Laughs) I was hoping people would drop that phrase. Everybody must of thought I never went out, got tipsy and had fun. Everybody seemed to have been shocked at the images of me stumbling out of a girl friends party.

Hopefully it should stop soon?
I hope so, it is getting a little annoying now. They must have thought I was a right nerd!

So you have been busy recently with the new album, blossom?
Yes, it has all been quite hectic, yet bags of fun! I have been traveling anywhere and everywhere promoting it in time for its release on April 3rd! Do buy if you enjoy, it would be appreciated (Cheeky grin)

Whats the future going to bring?
I'm ecstatic to say I have got another opportunity to bring out a clothing collection, as well as my new album all within a few months. Music is my passion, Fashion close second. After all this I think I may have some 'me time' with my close ones and mother. My mother is with me, where ever I may go!

You mention your mother a lot in interviews?
I talk about my mother twenty four seven! She is my world, my inspiration and without her my life would suck! She is the reason where I am today and I owe her so much for standing by me throughout everything, even when she doesn't agree!

Have you always been interested in music and fame?
Music, yes. Ever since I was a little girl I was always preforming for my mother and father. When I was 4 I started singing and dancing lessons and I carried on with them into my late teens, when I was first spotted in my local restaurant. It is such a passion of mine. Fame however kind of usually frightens me, being in the limelight all the time can also get a little overwhelming. You just have to play up to it.

Have you got any idols?
Lady GaGa is original and quirky but Beyonce is a personal favorite. She is so inspirational to many women, including me!

Any loves in your life?
Just my parents, girlfriends and doggy, Lotty. I don't need a man, would I'd never say no to Mr.Right! (looks around the bar)

In a few words describe the past, present and future.
The past has been amazing, I am so greatful for having a wonderful family. I never regret. Present time is looking very promising for me. While hectic, everything is worth it and I hope it carries on into my future!

Any more last words?
I love my Family, Friends and the best till last, my Fans (smiles) without them I'd be nothing and I'd be extremely pointless! I would be that nerd! (Laughs)

Blossom Released 3rd April.

Thursday, 11 February 2010

Planning - Reader Profile

Planning - Mock-up of each page

Planning - Photoshoot (props, costume, models and casting shots)

Costume: The costumes I will use during my photo-shoot will be classy, unique and glamorous. I have three outfits in which I have specially chosen for my images.
-The first gown is hand-made, cream and floor length. It is very plain and I may team this with some killer heels to give her height.
-Second outfit is a pastel green with gold beading and establishments. It is to the knee and killer heels or barefoot will be used with this dress.
-However thirdly, the last dress is black with splashes of colors, this will kind of send the vibe 'good girl, gone bad'.
Each dress is very formal and will give out the fashion vibe.

Props: I'm not so sure if I am using a prop at the moment but if I do I will be using a microphone, preferably a vintage one.

Models: I will be using my friend Naomi Keighley for the model in my Music Magazine. She is 17 years of age and She is natural looking and that is what I'm looking for in my magazine.

Casting Shot: My images will either be shot in a plain room or in a recording studio if I'm able to hire one.

Planning - Moodboard

 My mood board includes the type of feel I wish to capture in my magazine, article and contents page. A music magazine with a taste of fashion. I want my pages to be quite simple yet with a sharp edge of color within. I haven't chosen a certain color yet, that will on depend of the outfits I use for my photo-shoot. In my mood board I have included Beyonce, Lady GaGa and Leona Lewis as they are amazing as my favorite recording artists. I have also included Mary-Kate and Ashley Oslen due to there an inspiration with there style. Each image contains a female as my magazine is female based. The fonts in which I wish to use for my music magazine is that of 'VOGUE' and 'ELLE'. There both very simple, yet have an edge! 

Planning - Magazine Name

My name was determined on my own opinion and the opinion of others through my magazine questionnaire. I had a few to initially choose from:- Pop, Clash, Glam, Soul,  Harmony, Platinum and Melody. The one in which was most favorite in both questionnaire and personal opinion was, Melody.

Tuesday, 9 February 2010

Planning - Equipment

Through out the whole of the method of creating my music magazine i will be using varies equipment/technologies. I will be using photoshop and indesign to both produce my magazine and edit my images, this equipment is available on the mac. I will use my own SLR digital camera to take my images for my front page, content and two page spread, I may also use my tripod to keep my camera vertical. I will allow a lot of natural light into the room and also use other lamps and lighting to make it brighter and lighter.


Research - IPC or EMAP

I took a look at IPC and I found out that they did rather up to date and mainstream music magazines such as NME. They also do 'uncut' but that is what I see as a rock magazine. EMAP has done many rock/guitar magazines which is not associate with what I'm doing. Due to me doing more mainstreams I would more likely aim for IPC

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Monday, 8 February 2010

Research - Mary-Kate Image/Poster


In this image I get a sense of emotion. You can hardly view her face and it gives I get the feeling she is very relaxed. The negative background makes you more forces onto the model it's self. I like the simplicity of this image.

Tuesday, 2 February 2010

Research - Top 40 Charts


1- Owl City - Fireflies
2 - Glee Cast - Don't stop beliving
3 - Iyaz - Replay
4 - 30H3 Ft Katy perry - Starstrukk
5 - Sidney Samson ft Wizard Sleeve - Riverside
6 - JLS - One Shot
7 - Alicia Keys - Empire State of mind (part II)
8 - Journey - Don't stop believin'
9 - Explain - Won't go quietly
10 - Jay-Z ft Mr Hudson - Young Forever
11 - Alexandra Burke - Broken heels
12 - Lady GaGa - Bad Romance
13  - Saturdays - Ego
14 - N-Dubz ft Mr Hudson - Playing with fire
15 - Jay Sean/Sean Paul/Lil Jon - Do You Remeber
16 - Kesha - Tic Tok
17 - Timbaland ft Katy Perry - If we ever meet again
18 - Jay-Z ft Alicia Keys - Empire State of Mind
19 - Plan B - Stay too Long
20 - Justin Bieber - one time
21 - Florence and The Machine - You've got the love
22 - Black Eyed Peas - Meet me Halfway
23 - Alicia keys - Doesn't mean anything
24 - Rihanna - Russian Roulette
25 - Chipmunk ft Talay Riley - Look for me
26 - Pixie Lott - Cry me out
27 - Rihanna - Rude Boy
28 - Biffy Clyro - Many of Horror
29 - One Republic - All the right moves
30 - Timbaland/Nelly Furtado/Soshy morning - After Dark
31 - Black Eyed Peas - I've gotta feeling
32 - Girls Can't Catch - Echo
33 - Pitbull ft Akon - Shut it down
34 - Jason Durulo - Whatcha say
35 - Cheryl Cole ft Will.I.Am - 3 Words
36 - Florence and The Machine - Dog days are over
37 - Cheryl Cole - Fight for this love
38 -  Young Money ft Lloyd - Bedrock
39 - Alexandra Burke ft Flo Rida - Bad Boys
40 - Jay-Z/Bono/Edge/Rihanna - Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour)

I have search for the latest top 40 downloads of January. There is a mixed genre set throughout theses songs. Most of theses songs are RnB, Pop and Hip-Hop this shows they are the most popular genres and there for will make sure they are included in my music magazine.

Research - Questionnaire and Results

Research - Beyonce Knowles CD cover

This CD cover makes Beyonce as the main focus. The image is very powerful. It shows a point of natural beauty and a sense of strong sexuality. The image is bold and shows a strong sense of emotion. The image is grey-scale and is quite plain.

Research - Lady Gaga CD cover


  • I have chosen this CD cover in which displays Lady Gaga looking very seductive. The image is quite bizarre and quirky, however very unique. The colors used midnight blue, white and black make it look mysterious, also as the big crystalized sun glasses as you can't see her face. Her glasses are covered in crystals, which are midnight black with white hand writing which reads 'The Fame' which is the name of her album. The font used in the words “Lady Gaga” – even though feminine in colour, the letter-style isn’t feminine and is almost a brave and bold statement. This CD cover makes the artist the focus point of the CD. This shows that she wants to be known as important and wants her music to be known. It also shows a fashion statement is trying to be made.

Research - Analyzed feature article

This feature article has nothing to do with either Music however in 'Skin and Threads", Peppermint Magazine takes a look behind the scenes at a local label which is taking steps towards a more sustainable future in style. Skin and Threads use only natural and organic fibres in their effortly chic designs and throughout the clothing and simple layout it connects really well. I would like my feature article to come across like this. 
 I really like the simplicity of the page. I feel that the more simple it is, the more attention will be on the feature musician. The subheading is lager then the other as it makes it stand out and lets you know.

Feedback 2.2.10

Poppy,

This is very good research - very detailed! I am getting a clear idea as to inspiration for your magazine. You need to complete the audience research and get planning. I would like you to be able to take all your photos by half-term so that you are ready to get working on your pages straight after. Continue to work through the checklist at the things we've spoken about and see me if you need any further advice.

Mrs A

Research - Contents page

Mainly on a contents page you find more images then actual words. They are just a single short sentence to let you know what you will find, on each pages. You usually have yet another lager image of the main featured in the feature article which is the person in which appears on the front. Each short sentence begging with a number to let you know what number page it will appear, or there is a number on the picture in which page that is featured on.
The contents page could be either bright or bold or like the one below I looked at could be just simple and glamorous. The numbers should be easily read and easy for the audience to consume. 

Monday, 1 February 2010

Research - Content pages

This a feature article, however I really like the layout of the page and would be looking for something like this for my actual contents page. I think it looks simple, yet glamorous and stylish. I like the simple layout, however as I am including fashion as a part of my music magazine the outfit on this page is a massive issue. Their for I would like to put my Artist/Model into something like this, which trails on the floor for maximum effect. I think it looks like she has just been to a music awards and I enjoy that mood which it gives out. Even though the font is small, you can still clearly read everything in which has been written.

Research - Inspiration

http://www.billboard.com/#/ :- Includes all music types which attracts men and women.
http://www.clashmusic.com/ :- Various different genres however the singers arnt as popular
http://www.elleuk.com/ :- This inpirses my fashion side

I cannot find anything based on Music yet with an insite into fashion and celeb gossip. This shows the magazine I’ll be doing is unique, and thats what i want.
Music Idols in which will inspire my music magazine:- Beyonce Knowles, Leona Lewis, Lady GaGa, Cheryl Cole, Rihanna, Jay-Z and may other well known artists.

Research - My Magazine

Genre: All Types of music.
Target Audience -Age: 16-25 -Gender: Female
Aim: to make it look classy, sharp and stylish. I want it to be aimed at all types of women. I will include an instinct into fashion as fashion is a big part into a women’s life. It will inform everybody on the Number ones, new artists and upcoming glamorous events.
Ideas for names: Pop, Pops, Clash, Glam
, Soul,  Harmony, Platinum. This will be places at the top, in a bold, modern and sharp font and attracts my target audience. 
I will have a direct addressed image on the front cover in wich conveys the contents. This image will be slick, fashionable and attractive. The leading caption will be about my main article and about the artist on the front of my magazine.  I shall have little staplines and subheadings of inside information to attract the audience. I would want this magazine to be a glossy monthly one and to be very unique

Research - Beyonce Knowles


Again I have chosen a billboard music company magazine, due to the fact I think both relate to fashion in a way also and for my final piece I wish to include an insight into fashion as well as the music industry. The mode of address yet again is direct address, as she is looking straight into the camera. Yet again the logo of Billboard is quite simple, yet the simple colour in it makes it stand out and is original. Also the title is partly covered up by the models head; however it still stands out on the midnight blue backdrop. The model Beyonce’s name dominates the bottom half of the page to catch the audience’s attention that she is the main feature in it. On the right and left hand side it also gives you a little more information in which will be found inside of the magazine. The image used features Beyonce Knowles who is well known and is admired by millions. She is well known for her natural beautiful looks, curvy figure and amazing voice. Her body language shows she is confident, she’s stood up right and shows a natural feel. Even though she is posing, it’s more natural this gives a definite appeal to males for her appearance, but also females for her fashion. The colour scheme chosen is mysterious, sharp and bold. The dark backdrop and pure white makes a good contrast. The white dress makes it feel that Beyonce is pure and innocent. I feel this magazine and image would appeal to both men and women. I would also say that the age range for this type of magazine about 18-25.

Research - Lady Gaga


I have chosen this front cover of Billboard, as it is very appealing. It is quite simple yet very bold. Firstly the mode of addressed used in this magazine cover is direct address, which means the model in the image is looking straight out of the magazine, as though she is looking directly at you. The logo of Billboard is quite simple, yet the simple colour in it makes it stand out and is original. The title is partly covered up by the models head, however it still stands out on the grey backdrop In this front cover their isn’t really a dominating caption; however Lady Gaga is the biggest writing as she appears on the front cover. This indicates she will be in the feature article. On both the left and right hand side, there is quite a lot of appealing information in which is inside the magazine, this will appeal to the audience. The image used fits the contents of the page and the negative space gives a good back drop and makes you focus on Lady Gaga. I feel this magazine and image would appeal to both men and women. I would also say that the age range for this type of magazine about 18-25. I feel that it would be this age range due to the information on the front appeals to that age range. Information on the front would allure men as well as Lady GaGa as she is seen as a sex symbol. Some women may wish to buy this magazine due to Lady GaGa one of the world’s biggest inspiration, style icon and singer/songwriter, who is also admired by millions. She is well known for her quirky outfits, outrageous song lyrics and abnormal behaviour. Her outfit is very slick and the black gloss gives it an intimate feel, also her opened lips and hand slightly uncovering her dress add to this feeling. Her hair is outrageous and bizarre.  This would appeal to men and the subheading on the side ‘’Why she doesn’t wear pants’’ would get men thinking. The colour scheme used is mainly black, grey and Violet. However the heading consists of red, blue and yellow. This colour scheme makes it feel girly, dark and erotic. The magazine cover contains two website addresses so the audience may use them to get deeper information etc. 

Research - Cheryl Cole


I have chosen this front cover for the UK’s biggest music magazine as it is very detailed.  Firstly the mode of addressed used in this magazine cover is direct address, which means the model in the image is looking straight out of the magazine, as though she is looking directly at you. The logo of Q magazine is extremely big and bold, and easily recognisable. The leading caption dominates the front cover, this anchors the cover story showing the feature article is about Cheryl Cole. Also, the on the left and right hand sides of a magazine cover is the subheadings of other main stories that are wished to be addressed to appeal to the audience and also the strap line placed at the top of the page is highlighting to the audience that they are UK’s biggest music magazine.  The information on the front has to be extremely appealing to its audience as if it isn’t interesting nobody will want to purchase it. The image used is very appealing to its audience and age-range. The image fits the contents of the page extremely well and is very effective not only to audience but the colour scheme also. The colour scheme used is Red, White and Black; I think this fits in incredibly with the image due to the main picture being grey and dull. The red used is bright and bold; this makes it very eye-catching and attractive.  Having the back ground makes the contrast of Red and White stand out even more and is really effective. The contrast of her pale complexion, shady eyes and rouge lips gives a hint of mystery and make the image looks quite sexual, this would appeal to men. Not only does this give an indication into an erotic feeling but her pose does also. The black and red also gives an indication that the genre is Rock, as Rock is associated with theses colours. For these reasons I think Q music magazine is mainly aimed at men nevertheless it’s not to say that some women might not buy this music magazine also. I would also say that the age range for this type of magazine about 18-25. I feel that it would be this age range due to the information on the front would not appeal to a younger audience as well as the image. Some women may wish to buy this magazine due to Cheryl Cole one of the world’s biggest inspiration, style icon and singer/songwriter, who is admired by millions. 

Tuesday, 26 January 2010

Research - Sarah Chang

The header of this music magazine, is quite bold and stands out. The image itself isn't anything special. The mode of address is direct address, the women is gazing out of the magazine as though she is looking at you. The image fits the contents of the page quite well. Her name ''Sarah Chang'' dominates the front cover, this anchors the cover story. Bar the Header and Subheading of her name, everything else is a lot smaller. This makes the main features stand out more then the others, showing this is what they are advertising and what the majority of the magazine is about. Also just above her name, it says 'exclusive interview' which means it would not be seen anywhere else but in this magazine, also drawing people in to read it. The strapline on the magazine cover is advertising it due to it being ''The world's best selling classical music magazine''. The image is very appealing to the audience, especially violin players due to her holding a violin, which suggest too me that she is a violinist herself. The could scheme used suggests innocence, and delicacy. Also the red and pink in the dress shows girly colors. Her pose is quite natural and it fits in well with the genre classical music.

Monday, 25 January 2010

Research - Conventions of a Music Magazine.

Each individual magazine follows the same rules, whether their fashion, lifestyle, computer or music. All of them must have an Image and Logo/Header. The image chosen should appeal to the target audience and fit the content. Theses are both usually at the top of the magazine cover and the Logo/Header will created the 'brand image' of the magazine, this will instantly make the magazine recognizable to the audience. Sometimes a slogan is used beneath the header, usually to explain the content of the magazine.  The leading caption usually dominates the front cover, this should anchor the cover story. Usually appearing on the left/right hand sides of a magazine cover is the subheadings of main stories that are wished to be addressed to appeal to the audience and also strap lines are normally placed at the top of bottom of the page highlighting small information in which could be found in the magazine. Color is yet another important aspect also, it should be appealing to the target audience and creating a 'house style'. Mode of address is also a big issue to look at, the most common used MOD in magazine is Direct Address, this is when the person on the front cover is looking straight out the magazine, as thought it's inviting the reader in. However other MOD's would be indirect address, this would be when the person is looking away, this isn't commonly used however it has been used on magazine covers. MOD is also refereed to the writing in the magazine and how it is addressed to the reader. This is usually wrote in a friendly, informal way. Each individual magazine generally include a Star or Celebrities on their front cover, to increase sales and profit. Stars are admired and are aspirational for the audience. The cover of each individual magazine is the main advertisement, because of this the whole has to the representative of the magazine. It should be very appealing, eye-catching, bright and interesting to entice the audience to buy the magazine. The colour scheme should also not just reflect upon the target audience but also in a music magazine  the genre of the music. For example: Red and Black for rock magazine's. Every magazine also includes a date and barcode, and usually now with a web address provided to entice audiences to the magazines' website. Depending on the magazine, depends on the prices. They tend to usually be expensive monthly 'Glossies' (Q, Marie Claire Fhm) or cheaper weekly magazines (NME, Zoo, Nuts)

Thursday, 21 January 2010

Research - Preliminary Task

This is my first results of a magazine in which I did for my Preliminary Task, I based it on a college magazine. Overall I'm quite happy with the result, however I intend to change many things to make it a whole lot better for my Final piece. The picture in which I've used is very sharp and of good quality, it also fits in the page perfectly. I think the font of the magazine fits okay with the style of the magazine, yet its quite bland and I will make sure the one I have for my final one is more to my style of magazine and suits it. The layout in which I have used is appropriate for the type of magazine as you can view things clearly and I will make sure I make everything clear on my Final Music Magazine also!

Research - Initial ideas and Targets

For this piece of coursework I am going to create three parts: The front cover, contents page and two page spread. My initial idea is to forces on a balanced mixture of genres. I will aim to research many different aspects of a music magazine looking at fonts, layouts, color schemes, images and the types of things in which you would find on the front cover. After the research I will find out what my full intention for the magazine is. I know that my target audience will be for women, aged 16 to 21.