Blog 10 - Feedback.

Feedback about my final product.

I interviewed secleted individuals and produced a questionaire to find out; if the magazine suited my inteded readers, If they were dissapointed with the out come, whether they would buy the magazine in a speciazed shop and if they found the front cover eye catching.

Blog 7 - Photo Editing

This is the finished image which was edited using photo shop. This picture is going to be used on my front cover of my music magazine. I erased the background of the image so the model is the focus point in the picture. However I left the sculpture above the models shoulder in the background because it adds to the personality and eccentricity of the image. Furthermore the art work enhances the British theme to the image. The background is white to enhance the colours within the composition. The different shades of red makes a big statement, it amplifies the passion and confidence of the model and gives a British feel to the image. The picture of the model is designed to capture my intended buyers attention. The image will have this affect on the intended readers for many reasons: the individuality of the model is apparent, which makes the readers curious about the artist, the median age of my intended buyers are 23 yrs of age, this composition will grab their attention as the model has attitude, in the way he is serious about his work and confident about himself and the way he is presented. Because my target audience is predominately male, the model is a figure easily admired by the self assurance the artist has. The artist is highly fashionable and is interested in different forms of art, therefor because the artist has similar features to Marilyn Manson, I have enhanced the connection between the two artists. I want the readers to compare the model to Marilyn Manson, because the model is the present Marilyn Manson and hopes to became just as successful. I have made the connection Between the to artists as the model has the same hair cut as he once has famously, plus the model has the same expression as Marilyn Manson does when photographed.

The print screen demonstrates the process of editing the picture. I erased the background of the picture by: clicking on the pipette icon, sampling the desired colour, maximise the image by clicking on the magnifying glass, then click on the paint brush icon which will erase the background with the desired colour ( white ).

Blog 3 - Front cover of Kerrang.

The colour scheme is black white and red which gives a dark appearance to the cover. This colour scheme is usually seen on the case/packaging of a horror film. This draws the buyers attention, because the coloures gives a sense of passion and darkness to the cover. The lead singer whom is positioned slightly in front of the other two, forming an identification for the reader with the band members status. The band members are looking into the camera however the lead singer is holding an extra-diegetic gaze, which immediately makes the readers feel a connection with the image as the singer is looking at the subject- the buyer. The three other pictures, featured below the main sell are using the same technique. The band looks intimidating, the black and white imaginary gives the sense of good and evil. The singer is wearing a hoodie, this garment of clothing is known to attract prejudice in society, as it is hard to identify the person. The garment of clothing expresses attitude and rebellion as some town centres have band the piece of clothing. The font is in bold using a sans serif typeface, the mast head appears to be damaged, this could be interpreted as the font is damaged by the loud and notorious music which is featured in the magazine. In the rules of the thirds the band, Biffy Clyro will be the first thing the reader will notice on the front cover. This will attract the reader to the main sell and be lured into buying the magazine. To add to the horror like theme to the front cover, the subheading underneath the band name Biffy Clyro 'unfold the puzzle of life' gives a subtle indication to the reader that life may not be what we think it is and their are truths about life the reader donsn't know. This idea could come into the theme of fictional horror characters or that the subheading is advertising the bands unexpected and exciting lifestyle as a musician, it for the reader to interpret for themselves. The language is factual and simple which is easy to read, for example ' massive download ticket give away' entices the reader to buy the magazine, by using bribery.

Blog 9 - Evaluation of the finished Magazine

https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B1BO-FWOJbyLMTJjNTIxODctYTgyYS00MDkzLWFhNzUtZWFlNWNmZTIxM2Ew&hl=en

https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B1BO-FWOJbyLMDIzMGNkMDctNGIwYi00ZTBkLTliOGUtMzk3MzlkZmMwZjJl&hl=en

https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B1BO-FWOJbyLMWZjNzc5OWMtMTE2MC00YmYwLTkwNTMtMDhjYzQxMWVkMjQx&hl=en

I have followed convention in designing my magazine to a certain extent. However this is inevitable as my intended buyers are similar to thous whom read NME. Despite the similar intended buyers of NME, my magazine will attract those whom are Servants to music and want to know a well rounded knowledge on the artists which i feel NME lacks. Different media's of art is a fundamental feature in my magazine, this means that whenever an artist is involved in a project or pursuing another career path, the readers can still keep track on what the artist is doing. Mainly the feature will talk about how an artist is designing a clothing range, or if an artist is having an exhibition in an art gallery and discuss why they diverted from music and how they feel connected with that particular media for expressing themselves.

The masthead on the front cover of my magazine is similar to the on KERRANG! The damaged font gives an indication the the buyers that KERRANG is a heavy metal based magazine, as the font is damaged by the loud music, which gives the magazine attitude and a sense of rebellion. However the masthead on the cover of my magazine is a different take on KERRANG's title. I have challenged the qualities of the font, as the un tame title brings a sense of originality as it appears to be hand written. Because the font is in a different context to KERRANG the font is no longer aggressive but accentuate the creative aspect of the magazine.

The main pictures included in the magazine, are photographed and composed to bring out the personality of the artist and accentuate their style. Mostly the Artists are looking into the camera, making a connection with the readers. The extra - diegetic gaze builds a relationship with the audience and most photographer's use this technique. However it is unusual for a band photo shoot, to all hold this gaze, as the lead singers doesn't have higher status. This is demonstrated in NME, the main picture along side the article in the double page spread. However i choose to go against convention and in the main picture for my double page spread, both the lead singer and the musician are holding the extra - diegetic gaze. I wanted this affect to show equality amongst the duo, as the duo come up with ideas together and work on projects as companions not just as professional musicians.

My product is presented particular to; savants of music meaning music fanatics, art students with a high interest in music and people have a thirst to know more than their peers on indie music. Indie music ( independent music ) is a music genre in its own right not necessarily meaning that the band isn't with a big label. Additionally, the music genre was responsible for giving birth to the term Indie kids, meaning that people would starts dressing in a way to indicate that they favoured this particular genre. Therefor fashion is a high interest of those whom listen to indie music. The visual stimuli's in my magazine captivate how an indie fanatic would aspire to dress like, the individuality of the artist makes the reader feel excepted, as it is fashionable to be different from mainstream society. The language used in the magazine is easy to read and informative, which makes the article a quick read. However the buyer will have an in depth knowledge of the band, from what art work has inspired the artist, to where they live in the country. Because my intended buyers are predominately male, this influences what features to include in the magazine. For example i wouldn't have a girl band as my main sell as this wouldn't interest a male audience as much, as they cant spire/idolize them.

My magazine would be be sold in a specialist record shops, the magazine would be be worth distributing as the intended buyers are very particular and it would create revenue from this bases. Because the magazine is well thought out, and the content of the magazine is what the buyers would want in a magazine, there is a reason to sell it to the public. However, not as many copies of the magazine would be distributed as a mainstream music magazine, as they are for usually for a wider intended audience.

I have research in thorough detail whom my intended buyer are for my magazine, click on link below for the reader profile which i have created and the analysis of KERRANG and NME's intended buyers: http://innamanapettyll.blogspot.com/2009/11/target-audience.html

I addressed by audience by creating a facebook page featuring my magazine, i included a questionnaire asking what image would they prefer for the front cover, contents and double page spread. I posted general questions on facebook to a selected audience whom were into indie music. The Language is very important part in connecting with your intended users. The median age of a reader of LIMITED would be around the age of 23. This is an excellent indication to whom I am trying to write for. I used a formative and creative tone to my writing which will captivate my readers . This quotation 'I came across an archway, which has been disintegrating slowly through time and it triggered an idea' gives a clear image to the reader, of what kind of person I'm interviewing. I try to enhance their personality to make the artist seem individual so the reader has someone to look up to and idolize.

I have learnt a great deal by constructing my magazine. I learnt how to use InDesign a software which i was not familiar with. It took me a long time to get used to the icons and I still am fairly overconfident on using the program, as the layout is hard to get familiar with. There were problems accessing the program outside of class time, as only a certain about of computers feature the program. Therefore when i was unable to work on the software, I was able to advance on my work as their is not a substitute for the software and is expensive to buy. However it was a great success working with PhotoShop, as many computers have the software installed and the layout of the program is easier to learn than InDesign. I found that I became familiar with Photoshop and I am confident editing my picture on the program.

I am amazed at how I have improved, since I completed the preliminary task. I did not prepare as i should of in the previous task for example, I drew my flat plans after creating my content and front cover for the College magazine. This was due to a lack of confidence and organisation skills. My use of terminology has advanced giving me confidence to analyse a product using the right language; so i feel I can go in depth about a product which i hadn't the confidence to do in the previous task. I managed to avoid the mistakes I made on the previous task, and learnt from them. Making this task a success.

Blog 8 - Article for the double page spread.

Sensual Anarchy. The name says it all, this exceptional duo never fail to surprise us again and again. The multi-talented duo not only play a wide variety of instruments featuring keyboard, harp, guitar, bass and produce outstanding vocals; they also design their own sets which include silent movies which compliment their performances. The black and white film projections mainly present the interior of run down buildings, walks in the woods, and females bathing in dark lakes, all contributing to a sinister ambiance, thus enhancing the atmosphere created by their potent lyrics.

I met the band in a quirky cafe in Kemptown, Brighton on a snowy day in January. They were fashionably late, but it is uncertain whether this was due to rock n roll or icy conditions. We got chatting over endless cups of builders tea.

How are you both?
Jamie: Yeah we're great thanks, just been sledging on the snow, some things never get boring with age.
Misha:Yeah. Despite the snow i managed to visit an art gallery in Brighton before coming here. I love when random things stimulate you to keep creating. Like this morning i came across an interesting archway, which has been disintegrating slowly through time and it triggered an idea for a photo shoot. I'm really excited about it.

So are you both from Brighton?
Misha: yeah, I've lived in Kemptown since i was a child. I couldn't imagine living outside of Brighton, I love it here; the music, the sea and the gay scene make it such a great place to live. Jamie:Nah I'm not from around here actually, i grew up just outside of Leeds and then later on my family moved to Sheffield when i was a teen. But i recently bought my own flat in Brighton by the sea, it's such a great place to live.

How did you two meet each other?
Misha: Well, we meet at BRIT School and were great friends but never really worked together on material. However when Jamie dropped out, that's when things really turned around, and suddenly we united musically.
Jamie:I found BRIT School very inpersonal, they were only interest in making the students mainstream. We are all so delicate at that stage, I didnt want to be lured in. I just wanted to be living the life as a musician straight away, free of conforming my music to what they wanted to hear. But now i have accomplished that, I didn't fantasise that my flat to be as small ( laughing) but I'll get there.
(Jamie starts singing Rockstar by Nickelback jokingly.)

What is the first album you ever bought?

Misha: Probably one of David Bowie's early albums.

Jamie: Rain Dogs by Tom Waits. I adore Tom Waits, i was ecstatic to see him perform in Paris last year, the gig was intimate which made it even more special.

Which track do you wish you had written in the last ten years?

Misha: Fuck! There are so many. White Chalk by PJ Harvey is a song very close to my heart.

Jamie: I'm hooked on the song U.R.A Fever by The Kills at the moment, I can't stop listening to it, it's so addictive.

What inspires your installations which you create for your performances?How did you think your fans would respond to the silent films which are played in unison to your music.

Jamie: Well, we are both interested in different forms of art. If i have an idea i will express it in a media which will expose the creation to its full potential, i wont always express myself through music. Because of the lyrics me and Misha wrote together, we got into similar mind sets, which made it easier for us to do projects together. Finally, we produced many short silent films which coincidentally complimented the album 'Rebecca' perfectly.
Misha: Rebecca is an extraordinary album. Both me and Jamie have had similar experiences, which we could relate to. We had both met women with certain characteristics which have bewildered us and have tried to captivate her personality in our short films and lyrics. The sinister ambiance which is created in our performances in a visual aspect, the lyrics and the atmosphere we create by using a wide array of instruments, to convey to people what we have experienced.

Blog 5 - Fonts

The font is called VTKS ANIMAL, I am using this font for the following reasons:

1. The font looks hand written which makes the magazine appear to have a personal touch or identity which makes it easier for the reader to feel a connection with the magazine.
2. The hard brush strokes look un tame, which mirrors the artists featured in the magazine, as they are all connected with their primal persona.
3. The font looks damage as if the loud my included in the magazine has damaged the title.
4. The font rejects convention, as the title is meant to be clear and bold, the font is a rebellious version with its over exaggerated thick letters.
5. I felt the font was creative with attitude, because art is discussed in the magazine I thought their should be a connection between the two.
6. The full stop creates a statement, it enhances the meaning of the word limited and makes the title stand out.

Blog 6 - Photos

This picture is intended to be used on the contents page. This picture will attract the readers attention, on the contents page to the exclusive interview of the duo. Attitude is pouring out of the models facial expressions, their confident body language also gives a sense of superiority and importance as artists. The eye contact makes a connection with the buyer and the artist, which will make them more interested in the interview.

This close up of the model captures a passionate singer in a performance. The green lighting enhances the punk artist and the shadows created by the lighting is very effective and visually stimulating. This atmopheric image will be used on the front cover of my magazine to contrast with the main picture on the cover. This will be a small picture to attract the readers to the article about secret gigs.

I took this picture at the flee market in Kemp Town, The back drop is made up from vintage curtains hanging from the wall. I used the Kemp Town flee market as it had the ambiance to the one similar to which i was trying to recreate, it had the mixes of modern vintage furniture and clothes, music and books which gave the feeling of eccentricity.This picture has a dynamic use of texture, which empathise and highlights the models skin and clothes. The model is around the age of the intended buyers for the magazine limited. The intended buyer is from the age of 15 -44, however the median age of the readers of LIMITEDis 23 yrs . The plain grey V- neck which the model is wearing complements the skin tone of the model, his blue eyes and gives a casual yet fashionable look. The style of the model was inspired by the two singers; Peter Doherty and Tom Waits. These artist have influenced many and are style icons in there own right. The bowler hat worn by the model, gives a subtle messages to the viewer, giving the impression of maturity and gives an artistic flair to the outfit. Both Peter Doherty and Tom Waits have been photographed wearing a bowler hat and now is a fashion trend. The festival bracelets seen in the picture gives the impression that the model has performed at festivals and attends them, this is an advantage as the fans will go to festival, this gives the viewer a connection with the artist. The tattoos makes the model more individual and distinctive with a youthful flair. However i have not included this picture in my magazine.

This is a great picture, the viewer gets a real feel of the mood which the model is emitting. His body language gives the sense of reflection as the model appears to be thinking, this gives the viewer a feeling of personal connection with the artist. The model looks casual as if he is not aware that he is being photographed, this is powerful because the fans can feel that they are getting a sense of the artists personal life. The curtains in the background gives a great affect, the different textures and colours enhance the model. Furthermore, the background is open to interpretation which the viewer can decide upon themselves, for me i interpret the curtains as flags intertwining in the wind at a festival such as Glastonbury. I have included this picture on the front cover of my magazine, which draws the readers attention to a feature in my magazine.

In this picture the model has direct contact with the viewer, as his eyes are looking straight at the camera. Usually photographs taken for a cover of a magazine will have the artist looking straight at the camera. This is a technique to grab the buyers attention, and hook them into buying the magazine. Because the model is looking at the camera, there is a certain contact with the viewer which will hopefully compel them to buy the magazine to know more about the artist. The models upright pose gives a sense of confidence and power which will draw buyers to the magazine, as the artist is confident in himself that he is the next big thing in the music industry. The models eyes in this picture suggests that the models has great self- importance, which additionally will attract buyers, because they will be curious to find out what is so great about this artist. This could be a great option for the front cover of my music magazine Limited.

This picture was taken in a quirky cafe in Kemptown, the cafe is known to have had scenes filmed for TV dramas, as the cafe has eccentric furniture and modern art work. This picture was taken under the intention of having a small array of pictures to compliment the article on the double page spread. However i have edited the picture without success, not only does the models skin look unhealthy, he looks sinister and older than his age. The colours in the image compliment each other; the flat cap with the top, the scarf with the red arm chair and the leopard print stool. However the picture is visually disappointing. I will not be using this picture, the models shoulders are tense, which could be interpreted as being self conscious which is going against what image I'm trying to create for the artist.

This fun image, gives a sense of humor to his serious pose. The black coat and grey hat is a fabulous contrast to the vibrant surroundings, in a vintage flee market in Kemptown. The flee market is a popular attraction to shoppers in Brighton and has even been featured in Vogue as one of the top places to get a good bargain. The settings in which i took the picture in, gives a impression to the fans that the artist is highly fashionable and is shopping at a well regarded store for people with quirky taste. This enhances the models individuality, as he doesn't browse through mainstream shops as he is too cool. His big eyes and strong jaw line will attract female admires. I have edited the picture so the model has doll like eyes and brushed over any blemishes, in a naturalistic way as possible. I have done this so the manikin is not just an object, but it comes into perspective visually. More over, society looks at manikins for fashion tips, and even to try to accomplish to look like them, the model in this image has became a live version of what a manikin represents. This is a very powerful, however it is not suited to compliment either the article, front cover or contents page.

I took this picture at a run down art gallery in Brighton, the setting for the picture is very atmospheric. The mid shoot of the model gives a personal persona to the picture, as the artist is holding a casual pose with direct eye contact to the camera. The clothes the model is wearing listens up the dark atmosphere of the image. I will mot use this picture as i have enough for my magazine of this particular model. This image isnt powerful or creative enough to use in my magazine Limited.

This image was intended to be a small picture in the contents page. The painting of the fictional aggressive creature is an interesting background and is very eye catching. I took this picture at the gallery so the image would have a different dynamic of space comparing to the other picture i took in the Flee market and the cafe. The wide open space and the white walls and floor gives a sense of inferiority to the subject which the viewer should be focusing on. However, because the model is mirroring the body language of the creature, it gives a sense of wholeness to the picture. This a possible picture for either the contents page and the double page spread. As the picture suggests the musican is interested in many diffrent art forms, not only music.

The imaginary in this picture is brilliant, taken at the gallery. The two models pose informally, in a relaxed manner in a run down building, which gives a great amount of character to the picture. The dull colours of the building enhances the models clothes and heightens their personality. The setting is intriguing, therefore the viewer will be interested in the subject, which are the two models. The models have both one dominate colour in there outfit, This gives a subliminal message that the model dressed as red , is a passionate singer blooming with emotion which comes to the surface in his appearance. The other model, wearing blue as his dominate colour gives a cool appearance, not trying hard to stand out. Furthermore, the status in this image is Strong as the model sitting higher than the other, makes the distinct from the musician to the singer. As the singer of the band is the focus point to the picture. I will use this image in my magazine as the picture is artistically well constructed for a music magazine. This picture will be used on the double page spread as the proximity of the models are close giving the impression of a strong relationship . The heads are on powerpoint within the rule of thirds. This will draw the readers attention

This is a very eye catching image, for many factors. One being that i positioned one of the models directly in front the art work exhibited at the gallery. The sculpture and the painting behind the musician gives a very interesting composition to the picture. The art work greats a pointed crown or hat with two arms coming out, for the model sitting on the stairs. This composition of mixed media within the photograph gives a creative interpretation of a modern representation of Vishnu, a Hindu God. Another subtle element to this picture is the symbol on the banister, which gives a Pagan undercurrent within the image. However if i use this picture i would have to use photo shop to erase the man in the background, looking around the art gallery. The two models look serious which enhance the curiosity of the viewer. Overall this is a successful image but the image above gives a stronger impression to the reader.

This effectual image captivates a dark ambiance, due to the editing on the background. I used photo shop to create a cave like backdrop, i darken the areas around the edges of the picture and lightened the centre of the image. The centre of the image is lighter because it makes the viewer concentrate on the model ad the cross. Furthermore, the faint painting on the wall are highlighted which make them look like old cave paintings. The picture is primitive as it confronts a certain life style in nature, the painting of the mountains is contrasted with the neon cross hung in the art gallery. The model is stood directly in front of the cross holding a casual pose; head down hands in pockets. His figure is powerful, the cross is hung above the model giving a sense of authority to the image. The cross is a dominate factor to the image, as everyone connects with the symbol in a different way. Religion is confronted in this composition and religion has a strong influence over music too, this is why the image works to well. Crystal Castles are famous for having a neon cross on stage when performing live, the artist above have similar music style which is a subtle hint to the viewer whom aren't familiar with the band yet. This is a great picture and will be featured in my magazine as the picture expresses attitude rather than expressing the personality of the band. To promote a new band successfully, attitude is essential as the the buyers of the magazine want someone to idolize. This image will be featured on the double page spread.