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Hello Moderator,

Below are the posts that I have created for the production of my media magazine. This I have been working on from September 2014- April 2015. You will find my "Research and planning" posts, Evaluation posts (1-7)  and my completed music magazine. I have attempted to present my blog with a clear layout so that it is easy for you to read and understand the information. 

I hope you enjoy reading through my blog!

Many thanks,

 Aisha.

Research and planning: final edition based on teachers ways to improve

There was nothing to improve on my front cover.

Keeping with the house styles color scheme, I have added additional features such as embellishment. Where there's an editorial note, I have added a blue box so that it keeps with the house styles color scheme. In addition, this has created easier navigation for my intended target audience due to the editorial note standing out on the page like the other aspects however, I have lowered the opacity so that the brightness isn't too intense and the typography is still legible. The coverline "Top hits," has also got a new embellishment  style with a concise pattern that fits with the color scheme. This makes the "Top Hits" coverline stand out more. 

To create a star power edge, I have created a drop shadowed, middle opacity effect. The low key lighting effect has connotations to mystery which will entice my intended target audience as it relates to finding out about the band.

Research and planning: Rising Star magazine (final) considering audience feedback

Research: Social media feedback on final production

Overall, I have received positive feedback. There are multiple changes that I will take into consideration such as changing the typography color to create a clearer layout.

Evaluation question 7: Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

Below I have created a Voice Thread to explain how my media skills have progressed from my college magazine and my music magazine:

Evaluation question 6: What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

Throughout my pop music magazine production, I have developed my knowledge on how to use a variety of specialist technologies.

To communicate with social networking websites and my models, I used my iphone 5C. I have also used my phone to look at my blog and upload notes to self to help develop my posts ideas.

Above is a DSLR camera. I have used this brand/ make of camera to take my photographs for my magazine. This allowed me to develop camera operating skills using the dial that focus the camera lens for certain shots e.g the head icon is used for close ups. The camera is better than my iphone camera so the use of technology is more appropriate for photography purposes.

I have used this technological software known as "Ishowu" to explain further technologies. In addition I have used "Ishowu" has helped me create voice over updates of my media blog progression. 

The technologies I am going to discuss are:

-Photoshop

-Blogger

-Prezi

-Flickr

-Iphoto

-E-maze

-Powerpoint/slideshare

-Voicethread

 Presentation on E-Maze of all the technology I have used.

Evaluation question 5: How did you attract/ address your audience?

Click on the prezi start button for my response.

Evaluation question four: Who would be the audience for your media product?

My stereotypical target audience:

Here you have a teenage girl which represents the stereotypical association to people who listen to pop. This shows that my intended target audience would have similar interests to Katherine. Points that I believe to be most relevant in this piece are:
- The age demographic: Katherine is 15 years old which shows that she's in her high school years. This is the time were she and her peers will need a release from studies and would want to be entertained which brings her to my magazine. Rising star will have a conventional quirky, fun edge which will be a release from daily activities whilst keeping her in the social media loop. By being in high school, viral marketing will make my magazine popular. People like Katherine and her peers  would follow the trends and listen to the artists in my magazine if appeal is created. The appeal will be created with audience involvement e.g competitions and offering exclusives which makes my magazine stand out from competing pop magazines. This will mean that for people like Katherine to act, i'll have to create interest for Rising star to become a success.
-Gender demographic: The approach of conventional gender connotations would be why I need to limit the magazine based on gender. I have chosen female because this allows Rising star a quirky, fun edge which provides exclusives through using celebrity female role models and every teenage boy band crushes.

Favourites
Film: Divergent
TV show: The 100
Book: The fault in our stars
Song: Blank Space by Taylor Swift
Genre: Pop
Social media: Facebook, twitter, instagram

Evaluation question three: What kind of media institution might distribute your product and why?

 Click on the image to reveal my response.

Evaluation question two: How does your media product represent particular social groups?

My social groups is young pop fanatics. The context is based fundamentally around the artist themselves and their passion for music. There are aspects of a fashion conscious social group due to the front covers coverline, "Whose eye liner game is the strongest?" In addition the coverline still represents the interest of my intended target audience age demographic. Conventionally, the pop genre appeals to young teenage girls ages 11-16 so I have created a product that adheres to conventions.

Facial expression: To adhere to my genre, my models are all pulling different facial expressions. Each individual creates an expression and as you can see, the spice girls have a similar approach. All the Spice girls have created a different persona approach which helps endorse and differentiate their pop group. My target audience are those who want to feel a release from their normal life and indulge into lighthearted entertainment. Moreover, the stereotypes of my age demographic social behavior includes factors such as taking "selfies," in which humorous facial expressions are pulled which has been achieved in my magazine production.

Posture: The posture of my band (Young Parody) and Only the young both have a natural/ carefree posture even though the image is compacted. This means that the posture hasn't be highly constructed which creates a natural/ simplistic look. This creates a lighthearted edge to my magazine which represents my age demographics desire to spend leisure time having a good time. Therefore, My bands posture still keeps the, "Strike a pose," edge with the use of props: hat and guitars. The bass guitar reminds my intended target audience that my band challenges conventions but still produces pop music with understanding of connotations of their posture. The slight tilt makes the image more animated and implies aspects of band characteristics which will appeal to my intended target audience. They would also expect that there are different dynamics to my magazines content which is symbolized in my main image. 

Shot type: I have taken a medium long shot in order to get every band member/ model in the compact frame. My shot type creates the same impression of the Only the young main image due to invoking the idea that the group members all have a close relationship.

Aspects of "Mise en scene" (hair, makeup and costume):
Conventionally, pop magazine genre have models who apply simplistic makeup so I made sure my models did. A stereotypical view of my intended target audience (young teenage girls) have a sense of interest in fashion. There are two types of styles my band members are wearing, the casual look and the quirky look. These two different styles don't just show band member individuality but also demonstrates two types of styles that my intended target audience would be interested in. The quirky look is more brand conscious. This will appeal to my intended target audience strive towards designer brand luxuries. My pop magazine fundamentally doesn't look at fashion trends but the style is noted. In addition, Only the young band member Parisa wears a hat which creates a quirky edge so the hat is used as a prop but also a valuable style item. Considering hair styles, my models, the Spice girls and Only the young have simple styling. These styles are easily achieved by my intended target audience.

Extra: This includes the dynamics of the niche type of groups being a gender neutral group. The type of group has only been done before with ABBA and Only the young (UK X Factor band).

Evaluation question one: In what ways does your magazine use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products.

My evaluation has been uploaded to Slideshare, to share to others how I have evaluated my front cover, contents and double page spread. The embedded link is shown below:

Research and planning: final edition (before audience feedback)

Research and planning: Production progress 15

When I asked for audience feedback, I was advised to change the numbers color from black to white so that it was "noticeable." I have also been playing around with positioning of the double page spread story. The little details but big details like how to wrap the text closely to the main image but keep a paragraph touch was what I was debating over. I've spent time thinking about positioning of questions and to create a repeated layout, where consistency is presented. I've also changed the tour name to "While we are young," so it creates association with the band name and could be seen as an album release name. I've added what I like to call a ripple effect along the page. This has been done with other double page spread stories to create an extra/ another intricate detail. These still adhere to the house styles color scheme. I have also changed the summary text to the color schemes blue to create consistency and so that I was still adhering to the pop genre's conventions. The color is alerting and pops out of the page so it creates another edge.

The posters looked too clumped up around the lower tier which created a less professional edge. I have taken away some of the images and aligned them. I have also added a contour to each poster. I've brought forward Liam's head and changed the mastheads color to fit the house style whilst making it vibrantly stand out. The corner exclusive covorline has only been made smaller because the bleed lines indicate a cut off point.

Here, I have begun to add additional posters but I haven't yet taken out the background. This will be my final step of publication.

Research and planning: Production progress 14

Here, I have begun to re-position sections of my double page spread. I'm happy with where I have placed my main image because it's directly in the middle. My models heads also sit right under text without covering any up so the typography is still readable.

Research and planning production progress 13

I have all my double page story on my double page spread. I've added page numbers and a strip to em bevel them. At this point, I've tried to keep the main image to one side but it's not working so i'm going to move it to the middle of the page. The summary will be readable then.

Research and planning: Production progress 12

I've added extra questions and have enlarged the main image. I've also made love heart embellishments with a pop conventional color purple. purple has connotations to royalty which creates value for the questions. The color is also alerting which makes the page stand out more.

Research and planning: Production progress 11

At this point, I have photo shopped the main image by using the pen tool and the graphic sketch pad.  I'm working on the images positioning.  The rest of the interview questions needs to be put up. I also want to try em bevel or a drop shadow on my pull quote. I have chosen this image because the coverline story is called the who hotseat and my model James is sitting on a chair surrounded by other band members. This keeps a tight focused image. The posture doesn't just show a sense of character but by leaning on one another, shows that support is a value of being a band member.
-For embelishment, I may use love hearts near the numbers.
-I need to add a strip/banner along side the main image to establish band name. I may use cartoon arrows to say all the names
-I will enlarge the main images scale

Research and planning: Double page spread middle and lower tier

From this, I'm thinking of adjusting column sizes, adding a gutter line and changing the interview questions colour to fit a conventional colour or the house style.

In the interview I may add a pull quote which has been positioned the same way as this.

The strip which demonstrates the pull quote headline, will most likely be positioned below the image stating the bands name and maybe their CD name.

The enlargement of this image, will probably be the scale I will use.

Research and planning: Top 10 Tips for extra detail for each magazine section

1.I need to put the date on the front cover and contents page.
2.Front cover: maybe take some posters away and add a pull quote
3. For my double page spread I can allocate an area where I can put:
 You've heard them sing, You've seen them dance, You've felt there tiers and joy, You've been with them all the way. Singing with the stars was just the start. We bring you their reactions under the Who Hot Seats fire round!
That box will also be embelved with a slight drop shadow for a 3D affect?
4. Em-bevel: exclusive interview
5. Page number strip at the bottom
6. I will use my Polaroid Taylor Swift photos for the double page spread
7. Double page spread: Gutters have lines full of dots for a clear layout
8. Double page spread: The questions have different colors from the answers.
9. Double page spread: Use love hearts for embellishment
10. Double page spread: My double page spread image can be supported by a banna which has band name or pull quote or words to describe Young Parody.

Research and planning: Production post 10

I wanted to change my headline pull quote so I decided to link it to what I have included in my contents page editorial note. I will also have a Who Hotseat question which relates to singing with the stars and band members personal experience on if this has helped them get to the place to where they are now. I have also included more questions with a certain character flair. The exclusive embelishment has had the smudge tool so I can create a ribbon effect.I have also used times new roman tyoigraphy as I have in the interview because it's a typography type that is clear.

Research and planning: Double page spread photoshoot

I wouldn't use this image because the models positioned within the frame is too disorganized. The posture isn't directly focused at the camera which means that it's defiantly not double page spread material. The model/ Rebecca in the back has a really good posture and it's also conventional to pop. The "shh" gesture has connotations to a gossip coverline.

The image here wouldn't be used because the models aren't close enough positioned within the frame. James at the front facial expression isn't conveying a pop conventional facial expression because it's too pulled. 

Here, I have tried an image which would be classed as "current." This is because the style of the image looks like they are taking a selfie. I may use this as a smaller image for the double page spread story. It creates a fun tone. The models are tightly positioned within the frame and the way that each model is positioned compliments the other. What I mean by this is that you can tell it's a selfie because of how James is upfront in the camera. Rebecca leans forwad, with a smiling expression but creates a tight frame because she's in front of Liam and Alex who are at the same level. They are also smiling.

If I have time, I'm going to change this image to my double page spread image. There are slight differences in posture and facial expressions. The importance is how it creates a different professional edge.
James- He's looking more directly at the camera and his put is more subtle and not strained.
Rebecca- Her back is more straight and she looks like she's smiling more.
Liam- Has a more broody facial expression
Alex- Has more of a sassy facial expression

If I put a selfie image as a small image on my double page spread, It will be this one or the other one. This one is more focused because the models are closer to the camera. They much happier facial expressions which creates a more genuine photograph.

I tried to create a double page spread image outside but it didn't work. I wanted to create an octupus type of formation where everyone stood in a single filled line but jumped to the side but it didn't work out.

I have chosen this image for my double page spread because it shows that they are all a tight nit band. The coverline is called the Who hotseat so I have everyone rallied around one member of the band. The facial expressions all show a different expression which is coventional smiles and pouts but also the unconventional "broody" look. I wanted them to have such a look because it shows "sassy" characteristics which creates a new band dynamic.


The following photographs show how I've had to consider where models are placed and how they are placed:

Research and planning: production post 9

I have continued  my double page spread by adding questions from my double page spread story. This has been playing around with typography and typography sizes. I have zoomed into 100% so that I know what it looks like when it get's printed. This has helped me decide on going from typography size 12 to 9 to 8. Once I have my double page spread image, I will decide where everything will be positioned. Conventional to pop magazines, the upper tier states that the double page spread is exclusive so that I must include.

Research and planning: Production progress 8

From my other double page spread progress report, I have made lots of alterations. First of all, I have added a pull quote which may be a quote from the interview but I'm thinking of either changing what it says or adding a headline and a pull quote. The sub heading has been placed as a strip which uses language which is appropriate for my intended target audience. It also have fun/ exciting connotations. I have also kept with the house styles colour scheme. I have started putting interview questions up. This means playing around with appropriate typography and it's size. I have used colours for names so that it creates easier navigation for the reader. They will know what band member said what and the language they use shows individual character. Blue has connoations to the male gender and pink has feminine connotations so the boys names are in blue and the girls are in pink.

Research and planning: progress 7

The differences I've made, is I've changed the covelines color to the same but I still need to get the same typography. I also need to get the hyphenate button off. Positive progression, I have began to include my tour coverline under my editorial note which is why I have used two wide shot images. My post about top ten hits have been included but the neatness persists with 8 so I have kept 8.

Research and planning: Production progress 6

I have changed name of the the band name from "Before our Reign," to "Parody" and finally, I have decided on Young Parody. The reason for the name change is that "Before our Reign" is too indie "Parody," may have connotations to a fun edge but seem's like a mocking name for a band. "Young Parody," has connotations to quirky, spontaneous, unexpected and conventionally fun. I have been focusing mainly on the lower tier in which I wanted to create a busy atmosphere. Using my images from the Christmas Live concert, I have made them overlap and embeveled them in a border. This makes each individual one stand out. What I will need to do is bring forwad the typography entitled, "Fab posters!" The blue strip is something I am currently testing out. I'm unsure if I want to create coverline stories within this area which are supported by my CD images. I will also need to fix my upper tiers image because I want to change one of my model's images into a medium close up.

Research and planning: Poster for my contents page

I have begun to create posters which can go on my contents page. These posters are off my contents page main image star. The original background setting consists off a brick wall. Using photoshop, I selected the background and deleted it. I also have added a signature typography which personalizes the poster.

Research and planning: Production progress 5

At this point, I have been focusing mainly on the upper tier of the magazine's front cover. I have used more images so that it can support the coverline. These have been put on a tilt so that it sits comfortably behind the arrow. I have used an arrow because pop uses abstract shapes and it directs the audience to other magazine features.Looking on Dafont.com, I have downloaded a typography style which adheres to the pop genre. The color used is purple so that it stands out from the color scheme but purple also has connotations to royalty.The star has also been blurred into the mastheads embellishment so that the two layers look as one.

Research and planning: Double page spread upper tier

 The layout of a magazine needs to be consistent and makes it easy to navigate. I want inspiration for my double page spread so I have looked at examples.