Image ideas

Here I’ve used the internet to gather picture ideas for my magazine. I hope to re-create some of these images using my own photography, editing skills and my own model. I think these images best relate to the genre of classical music as the pictures consist of typical features such as the piano and violin. When re-creating these images, I will try not to overcrowd them or use very bright colours as the classical genre is very elegant and clam.

Mise-en-scene

Here I have gathered images, either from the internet or using my own photography skills. I hope to use some of these ideas/props within my classical magazine, to make it look professional and in order for it to attract my target audience.  

Double page spread plan

Here is a sketched plan of my double page spread. I have included some typical conventions that were consistently seen on the double page spread of the magazine ‘Classic Fm’. Some of these conventions are; an image, article title, page number and the copy. I have tried to keep the double page spread simply as over-loading it, may make it look un-professional and messy.

Content page plan

Here is a sketched plan of my contents page. Some of the typical conventions I have included in my sketch are; an editor’s review, images, date/issue, features, ‘every month’ and an email/website address. Conventions such as features and ‘every month’ attract the reader, as they will want to read the articles stated under ‘features’. As for ‘every month’ readers who buy the magazine regularly will feel part of the magazine, as it will be content continued through each issue. This may also encourage people to buy the magazine frequently in order for them to feel part of the ‘every month’ section.

Front cover plans

Here I have sketched two plans for my front cover. Although both have the same typical conventions of a magazine front cover; masthead, date/issue, sell lines, key image, price and barcode I have tried to make the layout different for both.  I decided to use the typical conventions as these attract the audience and encourage them to buy the magazine to read on the further content, from what they’ve read from the sell lines.

Colour choices

Different types of fonts for my magazine name

1) Symphony

2) Symphony

3) Symphony

4) Symphony

5) Symphony

6) Symphony

7) Symphony

8) Symphony

9) Symphony

I have picked a range of fonts and written the word Symphony to help me decide what typography I should use for my masthead.  I have decided to use number 4 (Symphony) as I believe it connotes the word Symphony the best.

Name planning

Ideas of suitable Classical music magazine names:
• Classical
• Piano
• Concerto
• Rhythm
• Harmony
• Symphony
• Pianissimo
• Mozart

I came to a conclusion that Symphony would best suit my magazine name for its genre. I think this because the name Symphony has connotations of classical music.

Focus group

Here I’ve used a Dictaphone in order for me to record my focus group interview. I’ve asked several questions to gain information, so I am able to produce a classical magazine that best suits my target audience.

Graph analysis

Questionnaire

As part of my Media Coursework, I will have to create a music magazine. In order for me to do this, Ihave made a questionnaire as part of my primary research. Please complete this questionaaire ascleary as possible, so I am able to produce the best magazine for my target audience.
        1.       What gender are you?

Male£     Female£        

2.       How old are you?
30-39£     40-49£     50+£                 

3.       What type of music do you listen to?
Jive£     Rock£     R&B£           
Classical£     Cultural£
Other ______________

4.       What music channels do you listen to?
MTV Classic£     MTV Rocks£     VH1£     Q£                              
Vintage TV£     Kerrang!£     Smash Hits£        
Other ______________

5.       How much are you willing to pay for a magazine?
(£)   2-3£     3-4£     4-5£ 

6.       How often do you buy magazines?
Weekly£     Monthly£     Yearly£     Never£

7.       Do you view magazines online?
Yes£     No£
(if yes please state the name of the magazine)  _____________________

8.       What features do you look for in a music magazine?
Album reviews£     Concert/event reviews£     Musicians profiles£
Competitions£     Photos£     Upcoming concerts/events£
Other ______________

9.       What type of freebies would you prefer with a music magazine?
Posters£     Music guides£
T-shirts£    CDs£     Other ______________

10.   How often do you attend concert/gigs?
Never£     Occasionally£     Frequently£

Double page analysis 2

This double page spread is again from the classical magazine ‘music’ and sticks to the typical conventions you are likely to see in a music magazine. Although the magazine spreads over four pages, I will be concentrating more on the second double page spread of this article. On this page we see the main image which is of Jacqueline Du Pré, this image relates back to the main image on the front cover and in the contents page. This allows the audience to identify with her and suggests she’s an important feature for the month’s magazine. The main picture of her on the double page spread is very casual, and shows her when she was young. This suggests the article may almost be a biography of her life. The mise-en-scene shows she’s wearing a comfortable striped top, the fact that the picture is in black and white reinforces the oldness of the picture. However, on the second page of the article we see her at her current age playing a cello in a dress, which is more formal and fits into the classical genre. The font on the first page is very elegant this again fitting the genre. Helen Wallace is the name of the interviewer, her name is highlight in a bolder black font and is slightly italic, and this is a typical convention and makes the name stand out. The first letter of the article is bigger than the rest of the written content and is in a different colour this is known as a ‘drop cap’ and is typically seen in magazine articles. The floating quote ‘she walked in with huge strides, yet she was actually very shy’ attracts the audience as they want to find out more about what is said. On top of this floating quote is a close up of a male, this could connote the quote is from this male. Typical conventions such as additional images, formal style of writing and the copy written in paragraphs and in columns is used to attract the targeted audience, it also allows the readers of the magazine to be draw into reading an article as the page is not bombarded with too much information. A separate box with a greenish back ground on the right hand side of the page stands out from the rest of the article. Its titles ‘Recording the Elgar’ this suggest it’s about one of Jacqueline’s recordings, once reading the article its clear it’s about Edward Greenfield talking about being at the sessions of her recordings. This allows the readers to know what it’s like being around Jacqueline and what she’s like when doing what she does best. Again an interesting floating quote is used, in order to attract the readers into reading the column. The use of page numbers, the name of the magazine and the title of the article are usual conventions.

Considering Jacqueline Du Pré’s age, she is stereotypically represented. In the main picture where we see her as a young girl growing up in London, the picture is black and white which emphasize how old the picture is. As she is seen as a young girl in this picture, it’s conventional that she’s smiling and very causal. However, the picture of her at her current age in the smaller picture looks like she’s now grown and mature. She looks very concentrated in her conversation. Same goes for the larger picture taking up one whole page on the second page. She has an intense face, whilst playing the violin, showing she takes pride in what she does. The music genre classical that she specialises in is also stereotypically represented. I say this because, the pictures are black and white and this connotes a calm atmosphere, as the pictures are not overpowered by many colours. A calm atmosphere is conventional for the classical genre as most of the music is normally peaceful.

The target audience who are both males and females of an older generation are attracted to the magazine by the interesting formal written text and the images. The relaxed articles make them easy to read without the page looking overcrowded, as normally there are only a couple of pictures featured.

Double page analysis 1

 

 

The double page spread from the classical magazine ‘Music’ adheres the typical conventions seen in magazines. Some of these typical conventions are; the main image which is of the person featured in the article, the written content is paragraphed in columns, there’s use of additional images and for the target audience the content is written in a formal style of writing. The layout doesn’t make the double page spread overcrowded and this draws in the audience to read the information. Although the key image of Maurizio Pollini does not relate to the main image on the front cover, he's name is stated under the title: 'Also in this issue' on the front cover. He is featured on the contents page where a smaller image is shown of him. This allows the audience to identify Maurizio Pollini, and makes him stand out from the rest of the featured articles. The article is continued onto a third and fourth page (my main analysis), on the first page there’s a bit of written content and on the second page we see a black and white medium close up of Maurizio Pollini which takes up the whole of the second page. Pollini is looking at the camera and the direct mode of address enables the audience to see who the article is about. The mise-en-scene shows he is wearing a suit with a shirt and tie and the target audience are able to identify with him. A ‘drop cap’ is used at the beginning of the first sentence with the letter G. This is where a letter is bigger than the rest of the copy and is a typical convention of articles. On the first page ‘IVAN HEWETT’ is highlighted in a different colour, this is the name of the interviewer and stands out. A floating quote – a quote taken from the body of the text to create impact is used. This again is another typical convention seen in magazine articles. This allows the audience to see what information is featured. Interesting and appealing quotes are used in order to grab the audience’s attention. Some of the other typical conventions used on this double page spread are; use of page numbers, the name of the magazine nearby to the page number and website address and the title of the article on the top right hand corner.  Between the text a box containing a timeline of Maurizio’s life is featured. This is not seen as a typical convention in a magazine, however, allows the audience to find out some back ground information about who they are reading about. This box stands out as its in a different colour compared to the rest on the page. Its titled ‘MAURIZIO POLLINI A LIFE IN BRIEF’ this allows the audience to notice what it’s about. The picture at the top is in black and white, this is ironic as its when he was young, however following the timeline down we see a recent picture of Maurizio which is in colour.

Maurizio Pollini is stereotypically represented considering he’s age. In the three pictures we see of Maurizio two of them are recent, as you can see he is aged. However, one of them is of when he was about 18 even though he’s wearing a suit in all three pictures, you can tell he is young because of he’s causal smile and hair cut which was typical of that time. From the pictures we can see he also conventionally connotes the music genre, as we see him wearing a suit. The classical period is all about elegance and males dressed in suits with a shirt and tie can be seen as elegant. In he’s main image he is also playing the piano in a relaxed atmosphere, I say this because the back ground is plain and the image is black and white. From reading the text the copy is in Standard English, giving the copy a formal appearance. This is also stereotypical because the magazine is aimed at an older generation and Maurizio himself is elderly. The pianists’ representations are not stereotypically subverted in any way.

This classical music magazine, targets an older generation of both males and females. The audience are engaged through the pictures as they are appealing and the written text which is formal. The magazine is also set out clearly and is not overcrowded this attracting the audience to buy and read the magazine.

Contents page analysis 2

The contents page is used to allow the readers to know what is featured in the magazine. ‘Music’ uses images on their contents page; this is a typical convention seen on content pages. Images are used to help the reader familiarise themselves with the people who will be appearing inside he magazine. The use of limited colours allows the magazine to look organised, and the copy can be read clearly.

Although on the magazine content page it doesn’t mention the magazine name or the date, these conventions are seen on the front page. However, the name of the magazine is mentioned in the website address and is written in the colour red, different to the rest of the colour of the website address. Some of the typical conventions found on this content page are; the use of image and the amount of colour used.  The images used help to draw attention to the reader and attract them. The images say who they are and what page they are featured on. For example, ‘Page 48: we talk to composer George Crumb’ this attracts the audience as they are able to see who is featured and if they are interested can quickly see what page they need to turn to. The use of two colours (red and black) under the word Contents which is written in white on a red back ground helps the information to stand out. Each heading is written in red, however, underneath is a sentence written in black summarising the point in red. This attracts the audience as they can see what each article is about and encourages them to read on. The use of limited colour makes the contents look well structured and helps the different key information to stand out. The titles every month and features, are conventional on a contents page. Every month suggest the typical things you’d expect to see in this particular classical magazine, and if you’re a regular reader allows you to familiarise yourself with this section. This also creates a unique selling point for the consistent buyers of the magazine ‘Music’. Under the features, it states the different kinds of articles that are written in this magazine. This persuades the readers to buy the magazine, or if bought to read on.

‘February Reviews’ gives the magazine a unique selling point. This suggests the magazine does different reviews each month, and may attract more readers. ‘Reviewed by the world’s leading critics’ connotes the featured information is done by professional people, and this may attract the buyers to read the reviews. As this section of writing is based on a creamy colour it stands out from the white and appeals to the audience as they are able to easily see it. The editor’s review is also based on another colour (grey); this helps for the section to stand out. The floating quote ‘Which are the discs you’d like to see win a BBC Music Magazine Award?’ draw the readers in to read the editorial. The website name of the magazine is displayed twice in this section; once in bold and in brackets within the text and once right at the end and in bold. As mentioned before the name of the magazine is also written in the top left hand corner of the magazine. This repetition helps the readers remember the website url especially as it has changed (as stated in the left hand corner).

The main image is of Jacqueline du Pré, who is playing the cello. She is also seen on the front page and is again playing a cello, however both pictures are different. The one on the front cover is black and white whereas the content page picture is in colour. The medium close-up allows us to see the mise-en-scene; her white clothing which is mostly plain with two strips on the sleeve, this is ironic as she specialises in classical music and classical musicians tend to wear causal and wear light colours. This shot also allows us to see her concentrated face while she’s playing the cello. There are three other images, these showing people who are being featured in this issue. Unlike the main image, the four males within the three pictures are all looking at the camera. This could suggest their trying to appeal to them as they may not be as well known as Jacqueline. With each picture, there’s a sentence stating who they are. On one of the pictures it says ‘Maurizio Pollini grants us a rare interview’ this could be seen as a unique selling point for the magazine, as the word rare connotes the interview is unusual, and no other classical magazine will have this interview. The readers are also able to see the editor image, if they read the editorial and the images of the month’s contributors for the magazine.

Contents page analysis 1

The contents page is used to inform the readers what is featured in the magazine and helps promote the magazine. ‘Q’ uses images on their contents page to notify to the readers who will be appearing inside the magazine. The use of limited colours (black, white and red) allows the magazine to look organised and catches the reader’s eye.

The magazine contents page has the typical conventions you’d expect to find on other magazine content pages. Some of these distinctive conventions are; the name of the magazine and the date. The use of repetition of the magazine name allows the readers to remember the name whilst going through the magazine. The date reinforces how current the issue is. Other conventions are the use of image and the amount of colour used on the contents page. As mentioned before the use of images highlight who will appear within the magazine and attract the readers further once seeing the front cover. The use of limited colours (black, white and red) appeals to their target audience both male and female of an older generation. The white text is based on a black background and the black text is based on a white or red background, this allows the writing to stand out and looks well structured. The colours white and red also link to the colours used to create the magazine brand name ‘Q’ allowing the readers to remember the name of the magazine. The titles (contents, features, oasis special, every month and review), help separate sections, making it easier for the readers to find information they want quickly. The two titles, features and every month, are conventional on a contents page, as they are usually laid out like this. Catching sell lines listed under the titles such as; ‘Bobby Gillespie looks back on his rock’n’roll CV’ which is marked under the title features, grabs the reader’s attention and encourages them to read on to find out the full story.

The title Oasis special, further down the page suggests the unique selling point of the magazine. This enables the magazine to attract more audience as it features information that no other magazine will have. ‘Oasis picture special’ with the word ‘exclusive’ written below it reinforces the fact that this magazine has photos that are one of a kind. The fact that the copy is black and gold instead of the three usual colours used (black, white and red) helps the section stand out and appeal to the targeted audience. The title ‘Every month’ creates a regular and unique selling point for consistent buyers of the magazine ‘Q’, this allows the audience to identify with the magazine.

The main image takes up most of the space on the contents page. The image consists of the band ‘The Courteeners’, who are casually standing on a hill top. The long shot allows us to see the mise-en-scene; all four males are casually dressed in jeans and three of the males are wearing t-shirts and one is wearing a shirt allowing the audiences to identify with them. The band specialise in rock’n’roll and it is ironic that they are wearing dark colours as musicians within this genre tend to dress causal and in dark clothing. The band is not mentioned under any titles which propose the wide range of content in the magazine. Directly below the main image is a section titled Review. Here we see another image which is smaller, of Nick Cave who is leaning against as large white pillar. Unlike The Courteeners, Nick Cave is dressed smart in a suit reinforcing the wide range of content which is shown in the magazine. A smaller caption, alongside the title Review, states ‘The world’s biggest and best music guide’. This connotes, the magazine has another unique selling point, and allows the audience to have a close look at what is featured within the review. This could be another aspect of the magazine that interests and appeals to the audience.

At the top of the page under the issue/date of the magazine, is a website and Myspace address for the magazine. This suggests ‘Q’ have had to become a convergence industry as more and more consumers using the internet to view magazines online. The Myspace web address connotes the magazine is able to provide for it audience by allowing them to listen to music via the internet.