Photo selection

Raw images

These are the raw photos which I took for my final magazine cover. It links well with my target research and I feel shows the theme Rock well.

Format Research Evaluation

What I learnt from creating a format research is how to convey the aesthetic of ‘Rock’ successfully.

The house-style in ‘Rock’ magazines expresses a pattern of direct and ‘in-your-face’; fonts, colours and headlines. For example, in NME the vigorous colouring and large titles is a paramount feature in all Rock genre magazines, this is important because the impression of a ‘Rock’ music image is loud and expressive, as a result, the aesthetic would not be harmonious it will connote a big and bold statements. Specifically in the ‘NME’ contextual study it indicates ‘Rock’ in an audacious statement. The magazines colour scheme of ‘blue, red and white’ is a very ironic way of how ‘Rock’ is usually exhibited. Correspondingly, ‘NME’ magazine portrays how there are many aspects of ‘Rock’ that may appear controversial to the stereotypical one, however does not defy the objective of Rock, they still have a strong presentation of the genre. Unlike the contentious analytical view of Rock, the magazines where I had gained more precise knowledge according to the conventions of a rock magazine, is the more classic versions. For example, ‘Classic Rock’ and ‘Rock Sound’. Both these magazine make obvious links within their editions, firstly they typically put their main image on the centre of their front covers.

This bull’s eye-composition produces a focal point, which means the element in the shot that the viewer’s eye is naturally drawn to, and also adds a sense of scale to your pictures. In addition to this, the clarity of the photo suggestively indicates that the magazine is centralized on that enhanced figurative focus. Furthermore, ‘Classic Rock’ also included the band’s name “GUNS N’ ROSES’. This furthers aids the audience in what the focus of the magazine is.  As well as this, rock is signified through its association with colour and it is evident that these foundations are black, white and grey. In contrast a pop of colour is still an effective element as it displays the energetic expression that Rock has. However I must ensure the colours are not random and relate well so the theme is recognizable.

Overall, the media conventions used are very specific to their target audience. I will ensure to use these as much as possible to allow my audience to recognize this magazine visually as a ‘Rock’ magazine. If I am to follow the knowledge from these techniques it will allow me to produce a well-executed final piece. 

Format research

Music mood board

I have created a music mood board which will inspire me to create a music magazine which fits the theme "rock". I will make sure that I use existing content as I want to make sure that I am creating a final edit which will suit my target audience, using key conventions which have already been used and have been successful.

Final magazine cover

Evaluation

Evaluation

I believe my magazine cover challenges other schooling media’s because I have considered taking inspiration from other formats; then re-inventing them in my own way. For example, I emphasised content like my headline, I used a banner. As well as this I deliberated on the ‘Misbourne’ colour scheme and reasonably applied it into my work to create an identifiable house-style.

In addition, the product was aimed towards 6^th Form students and parents. According to my peer assessment I achieved this successful, Holly articulates the words ‘sophisticated’ and ‘current’ and Anna follows by saying ‘erudite’.

However, despite these advantages there are definite rooms for improvements: as specified from my peer assessment and other verbal feedback.

One of the main criticisms of my original design was that it was not enough variety of design features. This decreased the attraction level when it’s key I accentuate on these elements. So taking this point into contemplation I added a puff a pug.

Moreover Anna states that my text ovals gradually became too dark against the black background. This became an issue as the text does not stand out enough: ‘Iceland’ and ‘£1500’. It’s important the magazine catches the eye of the audience and with buzzwords not popping out then there is no chance my aimed social group wouldn’t be drawn in.

 As divulged from the format research it was a frequent consistence that magazines promoted school activities. The appeal was striking to myself a (6^th Form) and to parents too. Having this in mind I used the Iceland trip for year 12 students as well as the year 11 prom and most importantly the GCSE and A-Level results. This gives the school an interest.

 To carry on an interested mind set I added caption underneath the main image as well as a Thomas Edison quote. This highlights that student’s display an enjoyment during their schooling experience that is inspiring and motivational for the up-coming students and parents that wish for their child to attend Misbourne.

Furthermore my peer assessment enunciated consistently there was a creative flow running throughout. By successfully ensuring the cover was engaging it defies from the typical school front cover to be ‘fun’ and ‘unique’.

To further improve I should add extra/ sub images. Although I have added in the school’s logo and the ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat’ theatre production poster they were not my own images. The extra photographs will give the audiences a visual clue to the overall content of the magazine. Likewise it adds interest to the cover with more colours and encouraging the reader to take more information in effectively.

 In conclusion I believe that the magazine cover was a successful despite the improvements I have now learnt from.