Contents mock up

I have done some small changes due to feedback I have gained from peers that I have shown my current projects. The first change was to put an effect onto the headings, to allow them to stand out and catch the eye of the reader. i have also moved the images to the edge of the page, to allow the page to look more aesthetically pleasing.

Front cover mock up

I have made some small changes to my front cover, as I was unhappy with the last as some of the layout just didn't work. I have moved the image slightly to the left to allow a small article to be placed there, this then allowed more space fore articles on the left. There allowing the cover to look less crowded. The article on the bottom left has been changed as, the last one didn't sit on the page, how I wish it would. The issue number has also been moved as it looked unprofessional, therefore was moved to the right in a horizontal placement.

My current projects

This is my front cover, I like the look of the page and believe that it works well, however do understand that there are some changes to be made.

This is my contents page. I like how this page looks professional, also allowing it to look aesthetically pleasing with a simple but effective look. However I do understand that improvements may need to be done.

This is my two page spread, although it looks effective and allows the page to flow with the contrasting pages, which also have aspects to allow them to flow, I do understand the changed may have to be made.

Spread mock ups

The point of the spread it to interest the readers into the music of R&B and its artists and bands. The spread that I created had to be eye catching and different to allow the reader to be interested in reading it.

My first mock up followed the layout that I had selected. I love the way in which the text is set in

the middle, however its the surrounding images and text that look out of place. The main image is

too small, therefore doesn't have any effect when the reader first looks into the page. Although the title is compact in its current position doesn't look as effective as it could do. The left side is untidy therefore will have to be completely changed.

My second mock up looks a lot more tidy than the

last, however it is know the left hand side that looks, unprofessional. On the other hand the right

hand side is simple but effective with the one strong bold image that will draw the reader into the article. Although there are aspects that work in these tow page spreads, I believe that the best thing to do is to change the layout of the spread to one of the other layouts, to allow the page to flow and look tidy and aesthetically pleasing.

Contents mock ups

The contents page has to have similar aspects that the front cover has, to allow the magazine to flow. The contents has to give the information, but also look aesthetically pleasing.

I made a contents page, by the layout that I had chosen. However when looking back at it, the layout left a lot of empty space, which made the contents page look too organised, making the page look unprofessional. After looking back at the research, I haven't included enough text, which doesn't allow the page to give all information that it could. However the title and the images used, fit the purpose, looking professional and aesthetically pleasing.

This mock up is a lot better than the first, as there is no open space which allows the page to look professional. However there still is a problem with the amount of text on the page. I have changed one of the images, as I know have another purpose for this image, however like the new image as it is different to the others that I have got, and will be able to reflect that of the storey about her. Although I do like the different angled images, it makes the page look untidy, therefore will need to be changed.

Front cover first mockups

Although I have posted the problem that occurred when I was making this front cover with the image, there were also a few aspects of the front cover that had to be changed.

As seen front the image on the felt, there were many problems that I had to over come when creating my front cover. As seen when doing the slash across the image, it didn't give the impact in which I had wished for therefore new some sort of an effect would have to be put onto the text. At this point I also didn't have a banner at the top of the cover, however when looking back at my research I saw it was critical that one had to be placed on. A bar code, a price and some sort of hint where the splash can be found in the found, therefore I realised that they would have to placed carefully placed correctly. The headings, containing the articles also need some sort of effect to allow them to stand out. The image doesn't have the impact as I wish it would, therefore needed to be changed.

When experimenting with the image, I knew that the first image was not as good as quality that was needed. Therefore when adding the image, I know it had to be slightly off centred, as it could reflect that of the artist and her past. To try and allow the front cover to flow, I decided to get rid of one of the headings to allow the page not to be so crowded. However this ha caused to much empty space, therefore doesn't allow the page to flow. I have added a banner onto the cover, with contrasted colours being used, which works efficiently and allows the page to professional. On the other hand effects still need to be put on the text. The headings still have to be moved from in front of the image, to allow it to stand out on the page and draw the target audience to the magazine.

These are some of the photos that I have taken for my front cover, contents and spread. On all of the images, I have taken the background off them and on some have put an effected background on them. On the third image I didn't like that slight part of my models stomach was showing, therefore i had to use the rubber and stamp tool to fill that area, however this had to be done carefully so the effect wasn't noticeable. On most of the image I cut off the natural shadows and added a drop shadow to allow them to look more realistic.

mockup - front covers

I knew that the front cover was one of the most important pages within a magazine, therefore I knew I had to create a good design for the front cover, that would work well and be eye catching. I followed the basic layout that I had created, which helped a lot to put things together on the page.

My first mockup, looked and worked well, with an unusual image and bold text that woul dinstantly catch the eye of the target audience. I used linking colours between the picture, text and background to allow the page to flow. I also wanted to ensure that the front cover looked preffesional and simular to those that were I the market, but for it to have an original feel

that would draw people into the magazine. However the image that has been used on this mockup, is slightly blurred, therefore can not be used as it makes the front look unprofessional and untidy. There knew that I had to chnage the image, however this does mean that different aspects of the front cover will have to change.

The second mock up, is extremely similar to the first, but as said before the picture had to be changed. The image I have used is effective, and allows different aspects of the singer to be seen. The model looks relaxed and the image is clear. However the wording of the articles seen, had to be changed around, to allow it to flow. I took the shadow effect from the middle article, as I felt that it didn't been the effect for it to stand out. The texting following the image, to allow the page to flow look professional and aesthetically pleasing. A positive about this page is that there is no unused or dead space.

planning - double page spread

The double page spread will show the article which is advertised on the front page. There are many ways in which a double page spread can be presented, but it is critical for the the twopages to flow, as they are two pages not one.

This is my first mock up for my double page spread. The background image like the contents page and front cover use a black and white effect, however I am uncertain of this effect, as it doesn't allow the page to flow as it outlines the define between the two pages. The over sized image that goes over the page helps the page to flow. However the over sized image, may pixelated and loose the impact as if the picture were smaller. The text is put into 3 columns which looks professional and aesthetically pleasing, I like the quote which is within this text which is the slim white box, however I am unsure that having anther image will look too much on the page. The title spreading across the two pages also allows the pages to flow, and allow the title to be eye catching due to its size ans colour.

My second mock up uses the same background,

which I doubt that I will be using. The title goes across both pages to allow the pages to flow and join together. It will also allow the title to be big size and which will be eye catching and draw the reader eye. The image is in the middle of the page to allow the two pages to flow. The text is split into two sections which looks professional and esthetically pleasing, I also like the quote which is within this text which is the slim white box, I also like the image that may be placed at the bottom of the first text boxes, however I am uncertain if I want to use the smaller image, as it will not have the impact in wish I would like it to have. I do not think I will use this layout however as I do not like the idea of the picture being split down the middle.

My final mock up is slightly different to the first mock up, however the changes I have made improvements to the mock up enable the double page spread to work. As before the text has been split into 3 columns, which go across two pages to allow the spread to flow easily and links the pages together, it also allows the spread to look aesthetically pleasing. I like the quotes which are within this text, which is the slim white box, as they will split the text up, and allow the spread to have an original look, but also allow the text to look smaller and therefore not as much of a read for my target market. The title like the other two mock ups, goes across both pages to allow them to flow and links them together. Therefore I am going to use this one for my final double page spread.

planning - contents

The contents page is a reference point within the magazine, therefore it has to be clear, to allow people to navigate throughout the magazine. If it is over complicated, then people will not go any further into the magazine as it will be too complicated to find the part they wish to read about.

My first contents page, is an extremely common design that is seen in a lot of magazines. It is a simple, yet effective and allows easy read to what articles are

where. It also allows you to have 3 different pictures, which could give me target market an insight into other articles within the magazine. The title is at the top of the page to allow the reader to see it easily. The back ground is made by an effect, as I new what the colour scheme I wanted to use, but also wants something similar to the front cover, to allow it to flow. However as this is used so much, I have decided not to use it, as I want my contents to be different to allow it to be eye catching and original. I also think that the design could be more aesthetically pleasing, therefore is another reason I will not be using this design.

The second mock up like the first, has the title at the top of the screen to allow the visual hierarchy to work as it should be the first thing the reader should see, to allow them to realise what page they were on. On this mock up there is a lot of text, which may be a problem as with a contents page, there is only so

much that can be put on, in text form. Another bad point about this mock up is that there is only one image that could be placed onto the page. This therefore means that the main storey will be placed on this page, meaning that other articles within the magazine, would be hardly mentioned therefore the reader would find it hard to to get an insight and engage into the other articles. The back ground is made by an effect, as I new what the colour scheme I wanted to use, but also wants something similar to the front cover, to allow it to flow. However due to the design being to complex, I do not think it will allow the contents page alone to flow.

The third and final mock up, is different, but does go against the visual hierarchy, as the title is at the bottom of the page instead of the top. However the title will be the same font of that of the masthead and will be a big font, to allow the eye to be dawn to it. This mock up allows an original design to be used, which not only looks professional but also aesthetically pleasing. Like the first design it allows 3 different pictures to be seen, which could give the reader an insight into other articles. It also allows the text to be split up into different sections, which may allow the text to be easily read. Like the other backgrounds, I am using an effect which will allow the pages to follow each other, however I will be putting the title back to the top of the screen, as I do not think it will be as eye catching as if it was at the top of the screen.

Planning - Front cover

For my front cover I new where I wanted certain aspects, sue to the research I did on front cover magazines. therefore when planning my front cover I new that only slight changes would have to be made.

As seen on the left, this is my first layout plan. The masthead is at the top to ensure that it will be easily seen, therefore recognised by my target market. The image will be big and take up most the page to ensure that it is the first thing the target audience will see. The slash is going across the image to ensure that it stands out from all other articles on the front cover. Although it can not be seen, articles will be placed around the image, however I am unsure at this point exactly where they will sit on the page, therefore this is the reason that they have not been placed on the mock up. The date and time is in the bottom right and corner, and in a dark colour. This is a negative against this page as it will be hard to see and readers may not even notice it.

As said before this mock up is not much different than the first, as I new where the main aspects, were going to be placed. The only major differences on the second mock up is placement of the splash. Instead of being across the picture at a slant, it is at the bottom of the picture, straight. I did this as I thought that it would enable the front cover to appear more professional, however I found that it made the front cover appear boring and didn't catch the eye of the reader, as the first one did. However the positive, of this mock up is that the date, issue and price is at the top and would be more noticeable than in the first mock up.

Therefore for my finial decision, I have chosen to use the majority of the first draft but the placement of the date, issue and price from the second mock up. The article will surround the image but depending how long they are will depend on where they will go.

Planning - aritcles

The splash and articles seen in a magazine, are one of the most important elements, which consider if the magazine will be a success or a failure. Therefore the article and splash types and names I chose would have to entice my target audience to the double page spread, but engage them into the front cover and the contents page. I had a few ideas of which my splash would be :



Kayt's fighting for number one
"I'm back and not going down without a fight"
Kayt's smashing the charts
"I'm back... and here for GOOD!"


When asking 30 people what they thought, these were my results:


Kayt's fighting for number one - 10%
"I'm back and not going down without a fight" - 30%
Kayt's smashing the charts - 5%
"I'm back ... and here for GOOD! - 55%


Therefore on my front cover I will be using the last splash idea, as it will not only catch the eye of the audience, due to the good in capital letters, but is simple but effective.


When thinking for article name, I new that they would have to relate to the main story and relate to the R&B industry, but also by eye catching and engage the target market into the magazine. The idea that i had with the articles are below:


Chuckie lives the life "in Miami girl"
Is Calvin really "ready for the weekend"
Could Rhianna be number one
Phil the Badger or feel about you ?
Should Chris Brown be back in the charts ?
How to look like Akon himself?
Top ten tips on how to shake it like Beyonce
Who's top, who's not
Is Cheryl fighting for her love?


Out of these, there are many in which would entice my target market into my magazine front cover, therefore I will be using all 'Chuckie live the life "in Miami girl"', 'Who's top, who's not' and 'Could Rhianna be number one?', I am using these as they are well known, or will be something a reader will definitely want to read about. However the others will be used on my contents page with the articles seen on the front cover

Planning - Target audience

The target audience, when planning a magazine is crucial, as if the magazine doesn't appeal to them, then they will not engage, or even take notice of it. When planning something like aspects of magazine, the target audience has to be defined, as different target audiences will want different things.

My target audience is multi sex, and aimed at the younger generation. However there is no impurticular class in which my magazine will appeal to, as I believe that it should be able to be viewed by anyone that enjoys R&B music. I will be taking inserpation from the music magazine 'Vibe', and how they appeal to there target audience.

Planning - price range

A price range on a music magazine can be varied depending on the poularity and how much profit the magazine would like to make also the location of the magazine and where it is beign sold and depending how much people are willing to spend, die to their income. These price can vary from £2.00 to a stagering £11.00. However this would also depend on what the magazine could also offer, such as posters and gifts. On the other hand I do believe that the price, should be available and affordable for my target market. Contrastingly, the magazine would have to make some sort of profit, even if this is small, otherwise if this is not done, there is no vailable income to be able to produce the magazine. Therefore the price that I have decided to use for my magazine is £3.00. I have decided this amount, as it is an easily affordable price for those that are earning some sort of income, but will also cover all costs allowing the magazine to be realisticly priced.

Planning - colour scheme

The colour schemes seen on the left, all work well together.

The first colour scheme is simple by effect with the dull and mysterious colours then with a use of blue which would allow text to be seen clearly. This colour scheme would work brilliantly throughout my magazine, reflecting a part of the R&B industry, by being mysterious and doesn't always tell you everything, but leaves its target audience in suspense for the longest time passable, to create a need for the music. The colour scheme is also multisex allowing the magazine to appeal to more customers.

The second colour scheme, like the first, creates a secretive atmosphere, allowing the bold red to be seen clearly. Like the first it also resembles that of the R&B industry, due to the magazine causing the audience to wounder what will happen next. The colour scheme also enables the magazine to appeal to both genders. However, i do worry that the red may stand out too much.

The third colour scheme does go together, however I am unsure if it would work efficiently through the magazine and wouldn't of created the right look, as it wouldn't exhibit any of the R&B industry.

The last colour scheme, uses bold and bright colours, with a contrasting black and white. Therefore would instantly catch the eye of the target audience, but like the third colour scheme I do not think that it would give the same atmosphere, as the first two colour schemes. On the other hand unlike the third it does reflect part of the R&B industry, as it is eye catching as would draw the audience to the magazine, such as R&B music does. Contrastingly, this colour scheme does not give the effect in which I think is needed.

Overall, I think that I will be using the first colour scheme, due to the points given.

planning - headlin fonts

I knew that the article seen on the front cover would have to simple to allow easy reading to the reader, but also bold to allow the readers eye to fall on the articles, therefore engaging them into the magazine.

I liked the first font as it was bold and therefore eye catching. It was also a simple design, to ensure that the reader would easily be able to read it. The font would also work extremely well with the masthead that had been chosen for the front cover. It also the sort of font which other R&B magazines use on their font cover, therefore instantly telling me that this sort of font works well on a front cover. However, I do think that this font can look quite childish.

The second font was very similar to the first, but was a thinner design. I liked this as like the first would catch the readers eye instantly, due to it being a bold font. Unlike the first due to a slight change in the font, it is not childish, but looks aesthetically pleasing and would look and work well on my front cover.

The third font is completely different to the other font I have chosen. I have chosen this font as I thought it was different and would draw the eye of the reader, as well it for it being bold and it being in upper case. However, after looking again and looking at the masthead font I have chosen, I believe that it will not work well with the rest of my front cover.

The fourth font like the other is bold and eye catching, ensuring that the readers eye will instantly be drawn to the articles within the magazine. However like the third font after putting it with my mast head I do not think that it will work well on my front cover. I also do not think that it reflect the R&B industry which is a great negative toward the font.

Planning - backgound

I knew that i wanted i back background with an effect, as I had inspiration from an issue from 'VIBE', which can be seen on my front cover research. Although I haven't decided what colour scheme i am yet using throughout my magazine . However I do know, that I do not want a plan background, therefore I have decided that I am going to use an effect on the background to create a mysterious atmosphere, which is heard through R&B music.

Although I loved this background as it was unusual and not seen on many music magazines, which would allow my magazine to be original and therefore catch the eye of the reader. However after re looking at the effect, I believe the effect would more suitable for a dance magazine.

The second effect, like the first i had never seen on a music magazine before, therefore would instantly draw the idea of the reader. The effect also reminded me of a speaker. Contrastingly, once the image and all information would be placed onto the front cover the effect would be covered and the effect would not be as influential.

The third effect was simple but effective, as it would draw the readers eye down the page. However I believe that the effect would be too simplistic and would not draw the eye of the reader, therefore would not work effectively, or entice readers into the magazine.

the third front like the third is simple but effective, due the readers eye would be drawn to the image of the front cover instantly, acting like a spot light to the image. This effect would draw people to the magazine, but would also still look good with the image and information added onto the front cover.

Planning - masthead

These are the masthead fonts that I thought would suit best for my magazine front cover.

The first one is bold, but makes a statement, therefore links it instantly to R&B music. This masthead would also draw the readers attention to the magazine enticing them to look further into the magazine. The effect used on the font reflects the R&B industry, as the font is disjointed and is not a perfect image, which R&B is very similar as it has such a variety in the media industry.

The second masthead font is fun, bold and would instantly catch the eye of the reader, but is too simplistic. The font looks like someone has drawn it therefore doesn't look professional, consequently does not look aesthetically pleasing.

The third one like the first reflects R&b through its disjoints in the font. However unlike the first all the letters in the font are the same size. This can look effective, but I believe that this wouldn't suit the R&B magazine as the font can also look more Gothic, resembling that it would be better fitted on a rock magazine. However the font is bold, which would instantly catch the eye of the reader, enticing them into the magazine.

The fourth font is different to the other fonts that I have chosen, as it is not bold and eye catching which is the reason that it will not be used on my magazine. However the effect on the font is original which would reflect to the R&B industry as compared to any other genre, it is different and there is nothing like it.

The fifth font is very similar to the second. I liked the style of the second font, but thought it was too simple. However this is the professional one of the two. It is fun, bold and would instantly catch the eye of the reader. It resembles R&B as it is clean shaped and sophisticated and this sort of masthead is seen on similar magazines.

Like other font, the final font uses a disjointed effect, which would reflect the huge variety in the R&B industry. I also liked this effect as it was bigger than any of the other fonts. Unfortunately there were certain aspect on the font which would not allow it to be seen on a music magazine, such as skull on the M.

Therefore I will be using the fifth font for my music magazine.

Planning genre

The genre I have picked is R&B. I have chosen this genre as I enjoy the music and is my personal favourite genre. It will also enable me to be able to creative when making my front cover, contents and double page spread. My research was mostly based on R&B magazines, ensuring that I know what qualities are expected and what magazines are seen in the R&B genre, that are being produced and sold. I did not choose any other genre as I believed that my knowledge would be too vague, therefore would not be a true representation of the genre. I also find inspiration through the magazines that I read on a regular basis, such as 'Vibe' and 'Trace'.

Planning - titles

I did a questionnaire asking 50 people which of the names on the left would be best suited for my R&B magazine and this is what they said.

Izzit = 8%

Clash = 22 %

Mass = 2 %

Platform= 37%

Saint= 14%

Volume = 17%

I was happy with the outcome of the questionnaire, as it ensures that I am using a title that people like. Also a title such as Platform will aloow me to experiement with different layouts, unlike if Volume was picked.

Planning images

This image instantly gives a positive atmosphere to the reader due to the people in the image. It also gives a positive atmosphere, due to the position of the people. One of the people will also be recognised as Usher so will instantly entice people to the image, as he is well known. However the busy background can put the eye of the two main people in the image. Therefore to improve I believe that more of the models faces should be visible, but also the background should be plain, to ensure that the readers eye doesn't wonder from the main people in the image.

This image instantly entice people to the image, as people will recognise the artist as Rhianna. The artist is focused on with the background being blurred, ensuring that the artist catches the eye of the viewers eye. The position of the artist draws the readers eye, due to being quite a suggestive pose, which reveals a lot of skin. The bright blue background also allows the eye to be draw to the model as it is a contrasting colour, it also gives a very positive atmosphere to the picture as it is bright and bold, which could resemble the artist. However, the artists whole face can not be seen, which is a negative towards the image as this may not allow the viewer to see who the artist is.

This image uses contrasting colours used from the background to the artists, this allows the viewers eye instantly be drawn to them and allows them to stand out on the image. The artists will also be recognised by its audience there faces are easily seen, therefore engaging them into the image. The lads seen in the image are also at all different heights which allows the image to be aesthetically pleasing to the eye and draws the views eye. The dark black background with a slight spot light effect allows the eye to be drawn instantly to the middle of the image, therefore to the artists. The dark background also allows a mysterious atmosphere, to be portrayed on the image, but can also seen on the facial expression on the artists.

Two Page Spreads

Check out this SlideShare Presentation, am sorry that all my analysis has been within power points.

Two Page Spreads

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Contents

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Contents

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Front Cover

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Front Cover

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Work work work

Haven't left a post in a while so i thought I would explain why. At the moment i have beein doing my analysis on powerpoints but as I am doing them in full detail, which i found out i didn't really have to do (not happy), I still yet haven't finished them as I want to post them all at the same time, but my front covers should be on pretty soon. Hope you enjoy. :)

Wordle

This is a wordle that i created to summerise all the ideas i had that reminded me of media a changed the arrangments and colours so that it would look aesthetically pleasing.