CLOSED BLOG NOTIFICATION

Centre Name: Norbury Manor BEC
Centre Number: 14343
Candidate Name: Maleeha Khan
Candidate Number: 1114
Unit: G321

Final Front Cover

Final Contents Page

Final Double-Page Spread

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?

EVALUATION: Question 6

What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product? 

EVALUATION: Question 5

How did you attract/ address your audience?

EVALUATION: Question 4

Who would be the audience for your media product?

EVALUATION: Question 3

What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why? 

Companies like Immediate Media Company are a good source which would distribute my media product, as they also distribute 'Top of the Pops' magazine. As pop magazines are mostly found in a variety of places e.g. supermarkets and corner shops. 

Music stores such as HMV can also distribute my magazine, as they are found in very popular areas or high streets. This would attract my audience because it would mean that my target audience are easily able to access the product. However, as many HMV stores have closed down in the UK, technological convergence and Web 2.0 have played a massive part, as music and magazines can be found online. Therefore, I can make my magazine available to be downloaded, so my audience is easily able to read the magazine on their devices. As the magazine is portable, it is easier to carry around, as compared to carrying a magazine. The customers can also buy the magazine online, rather than buying it from a store. 

EVALUATION: Question 2

How does your media product represent particular social groups? 

EVALUATION: Question 1

In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?





Initial Layout:                                                   Final Layout:

DPS Layout

DPS Layout from Maleeha17

Artist Interview

Hannah Kay is the next big star of the pop music industry, as she plans to make it big with her upcoming debut single, ‘Superman’ Find out how she made her dream come to life...

Why did you use the platform of social media to get heard?

“I feel that social media plays a big role in our lives nowadays. I don’t consider media to be regarded as ‘private’, because it’s not. We can keep up-to-date with one another using it, and find out what’s going on around the world. The number of users of the internet made me think that using social media would be a good way to get my voice heard, and hopefully get fans.”

As your an upcoming star of the pop music industry, I’m sure your new followers would want to know about your personal life...are you in a relationship?

[Laughs] “No, I’m not in any relationship at the moment and to be honest, I don’t want to be in any. I just don’t feel like it’s the right time because I want to focus on making my career. Being in a relationship means that I would have to give that person time as well, which I don’t think I can do. I don’t even have time for myself! Relationship means commitment, but then again, you never know what could happen. When I feel like I’ve found the one, I would get committed to him. Only time can tell. But right now, I’m not in any relationship!”

Which pop artist do you admire the most, and would want to become like them?

“That’s a really hard question because I don’t really have any one specific person I look up to. I feel that every successful pop artist currently, have their own unique characteristics which make them who they are and help them stand out. But if I really did have to choose someone, I would probably say Katy Perry because she adds her own unique touch to everything she does, be it her singing, music, her fashion sense or anything else. I idolise her the most because I feel like she is a person who knows what she wants out of her life.”

What inspires you to write your lyrics?

“I just consider life in general, and write my lyrics according to that. For example, my upcoming debut single, ‘Superman’ was based on my mate’s relationship with her boyfriend. I use real life situations to write my songs because I feel like it makes the song sound realistic and relatable to people.”

Who would you love to work with in the future?

“There are loads of artists who I would love working with. Artists like Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez and Katy Perry are just some. But I would really love working with Jessie J because of how versatile she is and also because of her experience in the music industry. I feel that collaborating with her would not only increase my fan base, but also, she would help guide me through the process of becoming successful.”

What are your plans for the future?

“I will be doing much more tours and concerts to get to know my fans better, and for my fans to get to know me better too. Also, my debut single is coming out, and hopefully that will be a success. Make sure you guys download my single from iTunes and keep up-to-date with me, through Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat.”

Research: Interview Writing

DPS Image Decisions

This was the final image I decided to include in my DPS. I chose this image due to the fun way, in which the model was posing. As the model is looking towards the left, I thought it would be effective to place the text on the left side of the double-page spread. This would result in the reader getting intrigued and not distracted by the image, or the text. To make the image look more appealing to the reader, I used Photoshop to brighten the red colour of her lips, and also changed the colour of her top from burgundy, to purple. 

I adjusted the colours of both the model's lips and the top, to make them seem more vibrant. The colour of her lips is the same shade as the colour of the text I used on my front cover, contents page and my DPS. I chose to keep the same shade of red to make my magazine look consistent , and also to brighten the image itself. I also adjusted the colours of my model's top, to match the colour I had used on my front cover. By changing the colour from burgundy to purple, resulted in the image, as a whole, to look more eye-catching and not dull. 

DPS Market Research

DPS Stand First

Dps stand first from Maleeha17

Contents Page Feedback

Contents Page Text and Features

Contents Page Image Choices

Contents Page Colour Choices

Contents Page Layout

Contents page layout from Maleeha17

Contents Page Research

I took inspiration from this 'We Love Pop' magazine contents page, in order to get a basic idea of how I want my own magazine contents page to. From the research I carried out, by looking at different pop magazines on the internet, I found that this was the main style of contents page that most of the magazine consisted of. As I wanted to follow conventions, I used a similar structure to that of the contents page above, however, I rearranged the images in a different order, and made the conclusion of using 5-7 images, of different models posing as pop artists. I also thought that the way the numbers and features were laid out on the contents page was very effective, as it resulted in the contents page looking neat and not too over the top. Therefore, I decided to include this on my magazine contents page. I initailly had not considered including an editors note, as I thought it would make the contents page too wordy and cluttered. However, I am now thinking of adding an editors note as I feel that if I want to follow conventions more closely, I should include all the things that a genuine pop magazine includes, to make my magazine look more professional. 

Front Cover Feedback

These are responses I received from my target audience about my magazine front cover, and whether or not it met the their expectations. 

Response 1: The magazine front cover is fairly attractive, due to the use of the colour red, which makes the magazine stand out as a whole. As there is not too much text on the front cover, the main image catches the eye the most, from the whole magazine. 

Response 2: The banner at the bottom of the magazine acts as an incentive for readers like me, to buy the magazine. Also, the font used for the artists' name is very effective, as it makes it obvious that she is the main focus of the magazine. 

Response 3: The way the model is posing is attractive because it makes the magazine fun and entertaining to read. The masthead font is also very effective, mainly because of the heart incorporated into the text, making the magazine stand out. 

Front Cover Linked to Research

Front Cover Features

Cover Layout Decisions

Cover layout decisions from Maleeha17

Example of Photograph Manipulation

This is an example of a photograph manipulation in which I have adjusted the colours of my main image. When I had initially taken the picture, the colours were not too bold and did not stand out. I then adjusted the colours of the image, which resulted in the picture becoming quite vibrant and popping out. I am also thinking of brightening my model's lipstick colour, as I would like to follow conventions and make my magazine look as realistic as possible. 

Final Test Shot

I decided to choose this image as my final shot for my magazine front cover, as I feel that this image suits the pop music genre very well. Many pop magazines include images like the one above, as their models are posing in very fun ways. I asked my model to imitate some of the models we saw on pop magazines, and finally, thought that this image was the best captured one, as compared to the rest.  I chose this image to be taken as a mid-shot, as I wanted to  follow conversions of real pop magazines, in order to make my own magazine look of a good quality. I asked my model to ensure that she wears bright lipstick and fairly girly clothes, as pop magazines are mostly targeted towards young, teenage girls. My final image is different to my test shots, because in those images, my model was not wearing clothes which were suitable for the front cover of my magazine, as the colour of it was quite dull. 

Masthead

I initially decided to call my magazine, 'Rave' as I thought it fitted in well with the music theme of the magazine. However, this name did not appeal too much to not only my target audience, but also to the teachers, as it did not sound like a pop magazine. I then reconsidered the name, by looking for words related to music in general. This is when I came across the word 'Encore' and decided to finalise this as the name for my pop music magazine. 

This is the initial font I decided to choose as my masthead, from 'Dafont.com', in 'Sans Serif, Lemon milk'. I liked this font because it stood out to me the most, due to its boldness however, as my chosen genre for my magazine is pop, the font looked quite formal and plain. I then looked for more styles of fonts, and came across the font below, from 'Dafont.com' in 'Love Song'. According to me, I thought this font fitted quite well with my chosen genre, as many pop music magazines these styles of fonts. By including this font as my masthead, I thought it would make my magazine seem more professional.  

Test Shots

These are some of the images I am considering to use for my magazine, as I feel that they meet the theme of the pop genre. I have used a variety of shots in order to create my test shots, and came out with a good selection. I have included in these images, different postures of the model, as I feel that this plays an important role in intriguing the reader. However, I am thinking of taking more pictures with the model wearing brighter clothes, as I feel that would be more effective and would catch the eye of the reader.

 

Flat Plan Feedback

These are responses I received from my target audience about my initial ideas of how I want my magazine front cover, contents page and double-page spread to look like. 


Syeda Kazmi: 

The overall design for the magazine appears to be eye-catching and appealing. The front page was very neat and visually appealing, as the display was suitable for a pop magazine. The content was well layed out and the placing of certain features, such as the images, was well thought out and planned. 


Alina Khan:

The magazine, so far, appears to be attractive and intriguing to purchase as the design of the front page consists of all the required features that I would look for in a magazine. The contents page isn't overloaded and gives a professional look. 


Hasena Mohamed:

The designs for all the pages is displayed suitably according to the audience and purpose. Also, the first double-page design is eye-catching. The use of a large image on one of the two pages is effective as it captures the attention of the reader and sets the scene for the article, on the following page.

Flat Plan Draft/ Deconstructed

These are my initial ideas of how I want my front cover, contents page and double-page spread to look like. I took inspiration from various pop magazines by analysing which features stood out the most, for each. I then put these features together, to create my own design. 

Front Cover:

The masthead for my magazine front cover took inspiration from this 'Q' magazine, as through the audience research I had conducted earlier, I found out that this style and layout appealed to my target audience the most. However, I decided to position my masthead differently, as my magazine name is quite long, therefore, it would not fit in one corner of the magazine.  

Contents Page:

My contents page was inspired by this magazine, as I thought it stood out a lot. I liked how the images and text was placed and thought it was very effective and eye-catching. This, therefore, was the reason why I designed my own contents page to look similar to this.




Double-page spread:

This is the double-page spread from which I took inspiration from, in order to create my own double-page. I thought this was effective due to the image of the model used, and also because of the way the text was laid out. The use of a long-shot of the model intrigues the reader to focus on the model, as the reader concentrates on what the model is wearing and also because of the angle of gaze; this makes the magazine seem personal towards the reader. 

Shot List

These are my initial ideas of what poses I would want my model to do, as well as props and how their appearance would look like. 

Shot list pres. from Maleeha17

Visual Moodboard

This is a visual moodboard I have created for my pop magazine.

Reader Profile

Reader profile from Maleeha17

Artist Profile

Hannah Kay is the next big star of the pop music industry, as she plans to make it big with her upcoming debut single, ‘Superman’. Hannah, who started singing at the age of 7 for a well-known talent show, started uploading her music on YouTube and became a singing sensation on social media, in a matter of time.

Hannah Kay was born in South London in 1994, and listened to a lot of pop music, which persuaded her to become a singer herself. She was heavily inspired by artists like Beyonce and Shakira, who she would now like to collaborate with. Hannah Kay is a highly versatile artist who writes her own songs, as well as plays more than 10 instruments, including the guitar, drums and piano. Her family have always encouraged her love for music and singing, and always told her to follow her dream to become a successful music artist. 

At the age of 19, Hannah was noticed by many indie and major labels, due to her increasing popularity on social websites. She was later approached by Lava Records, who she is now signed with, and is releasing her first single. As she already has a large fan-base due to the million views on her YouTube videos, her new single will hopefully increase her followers and help her become the star she desires to be. 

Audience Research - 2

                  1                                                            2                                                              3

These were the three magazines discussed in the interview, to see which one appealed to my target audience the most. 
                       
                                                               
After conducting both my market and audience research, I am able to put all the results obtained together, and get a sound understanding of the features I need to include on my magazine, in order to meet the standards of my target audience. From the market research carried out, I was able to clearly see the conventions between the colour scheme and the styles used in each pop magazine. It also gave me an idea of how I should set out my front page, as well as the types of coverlines I should include, to make my magazine intriguing. From the audience research, the survey I conducted gave me overall results of the colours and coverlines being the main feature of the magazine, which attracted the target audience the most. From the survey completed, I came to the conclusion that for my own pop magazine, I will give great preference to the colours I use throughout the magazine, in order to make it appealing for the reader. Also, I will further attract the target audience, through the coverlines I  include, as the results from the survey showed that the audience wanted to know more about celebrity gossip and any new songs which would be releasing. The second audience research which I conducted (the interview above), gave me very detailed understanding of what my target audience wish to see in a pop music magazine. Again, like the survey results, I found out that the colour scheme and the text of the magazine had a great impact on whether the reader would purchase the product or not. I also found out that the model's clothing and angle of gaze determined if the magazine seemed interesting or not, to the target audience. From this, I was able to conclude that for my own magazine I will use bold colours and text to make it seem attractive, as well as, pay more attention to the colour scheme and the model itself, to intrigue my target audience. 

Audience Research - 1

For my audience research, I decided to use the Internet to carry out a survey, in regards to finding out about what people think about music magazines. Through the use of Survey Monkey I created a survey and sent a link to 10 people ranging from 12-17 years. I decided to ask these 10 people to complete my survey as they fit into my target audience. 


This is the first question I decided to ask my participants as I wanted to get a basic idea of the sort of music that they normally listen to. 


From the results obtained, I was able to find out that the majority of the participants either listened to pop or other music. This further encouraged me to create a pop music magazine, as I now know that people aged 12-17 years do have an interest in pop music. 







I chose to include this question in my survey, as I wanted to find out what would intrigue my target audience and encourage them to buy a music magazine. 

The results I got mainly said that pictures and and the front cover itself are the features which are most interesting on a music magazine, and the reason why readers may get attracted towards it. However, there was also other features that the participants found would intrigue them, like the colour scheme of the magazine and the stories it included. These results would definitely impact the magazine that I create, as I am aware that the colours used an important feature. 




I was quite aware that people would not be willing to pay a lot of money for a music magazine, however, I still included this question to see whether there are people who would pay more than expected. 

The results clearly showed that everyone would pay below £5 as it is a suitable price for a music magazine. 






This question I thought would be very helpful when writing coverlines on my magazine, as I would be able to find out what people want to read about, in a music magazine. 

The results which I obtained showed that respondents would want to know about different artists and celebrities, as well as, the new songs that would be coming out soon. These results would help me create a magazine which my target audience would read, as the results give me an insight of what they are interested in. 

This question was included in the survey to give me an idea of how many times my target audience would buy a music magazine, and also to see if they were still in demand. 

The responses I received showed that the majority of my target audience don't really purchase music magazines and they don't seem to be too much in demand. However, there are still a few people who do buy magazines. This further motivates me to create a pop magazine of great quality, and meet the standards of my target audience, in order to get music magazines back in trend. 

       

Market Research

This is a screenshot I took of pop magazines on the internet, in order to easily detect similarities and differences between each of the magazine front covers. From this image, I clearly make out that the most popular colours used on a pop magazine are pink and purple, which are quite girly colours. This colour scheme evidently shows us that the target audience for this genre of magazine are young girls. The majority of the main images on these magazine covers are female artists wearing very bright clothes. This suggests that these artists are portrayed as being style icons and someone who young girls admire and look up to. There is also a lot of use of graphics on nearly all of these magazines, which help make the magazine, as a whole, stand out more. The model’s angle of gaze is a very effective way to intrigue the reader, as it makes it more personal to them, which these magazines are clearly doing. These conventions attract the reader as features like colours, angle of gaze and images used are consistent and eye-catching. I will also be aiming to create a pop magazine of this quality, and keeping my magazine consistent, to make it seem professional.

Exploring Artists of the genre

This is a Glogster that I have created on three different pop artists. 

http://khanm17568aae32e761e.edu.glogster.com/exploration-of-artists/

Research of Genre

This is a Prezi made on the research of pop music.