Evaluation: Introduction

In my music magazine project, I made a front cover, contents page and double page spread. I named my magazine "Rock Sound", therefore the genre I chose rock. My demographic was college students who are into all different kinds of rock music. I used different kinds of software programs to construct my product:
. Photoshop
. Illustrator
. InDesign
. Word
This evaluation is the analysis of my whole product, including the build-up and construction.

Sample Contents Page

This is the contents page I based mine on.

Front Cover Feedback

People said my front cover looked "Professional" and exclaimed that it was a good photo. They also added that  it had a nice font and that 'It looks like a real magazine". A few of them said that the picture looked slightly small but most said that the picture was good.

Interview For Double Page Spread

The Dogends are a new band on the scene, bringing a folk style to popular rock! We have an interview with Melissa Lynch (Fiddle Player, Singer and Part Percussion) from The Dogends and No Small Thing.

1.     How did your band form?

Roger and Bowler were in the Showdogs; who broke up and reformed, so these two joined forces with Steve to form the Dogends. Richard soon joined (friend of a friend) then I was introduced 4 years ago as they were looking for a fiddle player.

2.     Tell me about the music

We play a mixture of folk, rock pop, traditional etc. Whatever we feel like really, and we always dog-end it! We have a varied selection of instruments – Banjo, Fiddle, Mandolin, Lead Guitar, Bass, Drums, Whistle, Bodhran, Percussion, Ukulele and Acoustic Guitar.

3.     What Are The Plans For The Coming Year?

Massive promotion – just rendered a new demo. We’re busy promoting it around pubs. We’re also developing a new website to include wedding and party market. We’ve also got a new drummer so we’re developing lots of new material for future performances and we’ve got another album in the making!

4.     How Do You Promote Yourself?

Through our website, leaflets, word of mouth and performing in pubs, clubs, parties and festivals etc.

5.     How Did People React To Your Last Album? Was It Successful?

It had modest success; it’s on iTunes and in most major retail shops. It has had great reviews, hoping for more distribution of the next album.

6.     What Do You Do To Get Inspired?

We listen to lots of music – get ideas from each other, bringing ideas to the studio and working on them together.

7.     You Are Also In A Smaller Band Called “No Small Thing” With Steve (Another Band Member); Tell Us About The Difference Between The Two Bands.

No Small Thing is Steve and Mine’s acoustic outfit, focusing in on Jazz and folk music at smaller venues; the music is quite different to the Dogends.

8.     What’s A Day In The Life Of Melissa Lynch?

I spend most of the day practising, composing, working on new material, rehearsing and sometimes doing photo shoots for the new album.

NEW ALBUM COMING SOON!

Photo From Double Page Spread

I edited a photo to get this effect and add it to the left side of my double page spread.

Sample Double Page Spread

This is the double page spread I based mine on.

Sample Front Cover

This is the fron cover I used to base mine on.

A photo from my contents page

I named the band "Fly By Night".

Pictures Taken For Double Page Spread

Development Of Front Cover 3

With this development, I added more coverlines and other little bits, such as the price, issue number and the date and also, I changed the sizes of writing and positioning.

Development Of Front Cover 2

This is my page after I changed from my original cover, there is a bigger band title and the band I had on the bottom left are at the top. I have also added a coverline into the mix.

Development Of Double Page Spread 2

This is another development, where the big picture on the left is coming into play a bit more and the title is bigger.

Development Of Double Page Spread 1

This was when I was deciding on a picture and I looked over other double page spreads and decided to have a picture for the left hand side, covering the whole page and a title at the bottom. With text on the right.

Textual Analysis - Contents Page 5

5. Q Magazine

It’s laid-out over two pages in a few columns that have close together wording but both columns are spaced out. The main image is in the top middle, this is to make it stand out and give room for other important images. The smaller images that relate to certain articles are still quite big but they are all on one side of the two pages. The layout is structured into most of the information being on the right but the more important information on the left. The page numbers in the images are quite because it makes them stand out more. At the top of the page is the issue number and the word contents. The colours are related to a colour scheme that the magazine keeps to. The actual content is divided into two sections called the features and the regulars. On the bottom, as footer, are the page number, the date, the website and how to subscribe. Overall, the page is big and brash to attract the reader and keeps to a certain colour scheme to give it its identity and the idea that it’s a general genre and target audience.

Textual Analysis - Contents Page 4

4. Acoustic Guitar Magazine

It’s laid-out over two pages in a few columns that are close together as there is a lot of information being given. The main image is in the top left corner of the left page, this is to make it stand out over the other stories but also make room for them on the page aswell. There are other smaller images which relate to certain articles but they are all on one side of the two pages. The layout is structured into different a couple of groups, relating to the different contents in the magazine. The page numbers are medium sized and are in an image if there is an image relating to the story. At the top left of the page there is the issue number and the word contents to give more information to the reader. The colours aren't really related to a colour scheme, it’s just soothing, mellow colours that make the reader feel relaxed as it’s an acoustic magazine. The actual content is divided into three different categories with the main story on its own and a few other images to go with some of the stories. On the bottom, as footer, is the page number, this appeals to normal magazine conventions. Overall, the contents page is quite tranquil and calm to relate to the genre and the specific target audience.

Textual Analysis - Contents Page 3

3. Bass Guitar Magazine

It’s laid-out over two pages in a few columns that are quite spaced out to produce a roomy feeling for the reader. The main image takes up most of the left hand page because it’s the first thing the reader sees, it relates to the feature article and tries to attract the reader. There are other smaller images which relate to certain articles, this is to give the reader extra information. The layout is structured into sections of the contents, relating to the different contents in the magazine. The page numbers are small and have a synopsis of the content next to it and either anchors the image or is bellow. At the top left of the page there is the issue number, the date and the word contents to give more information to the reader. The colours relate to the front page and give it its identity and show the genre. The actual content is divided into five different categories with the main story on its own. On the bottom, as footer, are the page number and the name of the magazine. Overall, the contents page is giving information to the reader about what’s coming up in the magazine and it tries to look roomy and spaced to give it a homely feel.

Textual Analysis - Contents Page 2

2.  Metal Hammer

The layout is structured into trying to make it look good, so there isn't much explanation for each title, just a little synopsis which is to keep the readers interested and wanting to read on. There isn't one main image; it’s just lots of different images referring to something next to it. The other smaller images give the magazine its identity as a heavy metal magazine. At the top left of the page there is the word “Contents” in the magazine font and underneath is the date and issue number. The colours represent the genre, red and black give the magazine its identity and also tries to interest the reader. The contents is divided into sublines with a bigger font for the story name and then a smaller font for the synopsis. There are pictures with the different information to make the page interesting. There is also a story next to the contents to get the reader started straight away with reading. Overall, the contents page is used to show the reader what’s coming up in the magazine but also it gives the magazine its genre and shows the reader this.

Textual Analysis - Front Cover 5

5. Rolling Stone Magazine

The masthead shows the magazine name “Rolling Stone”, which is a very iconic and well known magazine. The dateline is in the top right above the masthead. The main image is of the actor Robert Downey Junior who is very iconic. Model credit is shown in front of the image as the main coverline. The coverlines are all to the left to give the cover depth and so that the reader can see all the stories. The main coverline is to the bottom left of the main picture. The left third if full with the coverlines and half of the masthead, this is to attract the reader to the magazine. The person in the main image is a very well known celebrity, this will also attract the reader to the magazine and the stories it contains. The target audience is for the more general population as it contains a variation of stories. The clothing is an orange hoodie which is saying that the story is going to be cold and dark; this is to subliminally tell the reader that the story is going to be interesting. The background is white to show that the person is more important than the background. The language used is quite informal to make people feel like a friends talking to them so that they’re more interested in the magazine.  The main image is slightly to the right to give the cover a stylish look and to give the picture more presence. Overall, the magazine has a more general style and appeals to a wider target audience and you could also say that because it’s very popular and iconic then it almost sells itself with its quirky, generic style.

Textual Analysis - Front Cover 4

4. Acoustic Magazine

Acoustic Magazine

The masthead shows the magazine name “Acoustic”, which is quite a popular magazine and everyone knows about acoustic things anyway. The dateline is in the barcode which makes it less distracting. The main image is of “The Proclaimers”, who are a popular band. Model credit is in front of them as the main story with the shot story of why they’re on the cover. The coverlines are around the main picture to give the cover style and depth. The main coverline is big and bold to stand out to the reader. There is puff in the right corner, underneath the masthead that suggests that they are “The UK’s only dedicated acoustic guitar magazine”. The left third of the magazine contain a picture of two acoustic guitars, the name of an acoustic player “Jason Mraz” and a bold “AC” all suggesting to a buyer that this is an acoustic magazine. The barcode is in the bottom left corner to keep it prominent but also to put it out of the way of the main image. The people are quite iconic as they are a popular band. The target audience is quite a general range, people of all ages who like or play acoustic guitar. The clothing is very calm and stylish which appeals to a target audience that listens to and plays acoustic. The background is a very calm, blue colour that gives the cover depth and serenity. The language is a little informal but not so much as to put the reader off.  The main image is slightly to the left to give the magazine a quirky look. Overall, the magazine easily appeals to its ‘chilled-out’, acoustic-loving, target audience and also, it generates even more readers with the puff they use the name of an acoustic player “Jason Mraz” and a bold “AC” all suggesting to a buyer that this is an acoustic magazine. The barcode is in the bottom left corner to keep it prominent but also to put it out of the way of the main image. The people are quite iconic as they are a popular band. The target audience is quite a general range, people of all ages who like or play acoustic guitar. The clothing is very calm and stylish which appeals to a target audience that listens to and plays acoustic. The background is a very calm, blue colour that gives the cover depth and serenity. The language is a little informal but not so much as to put the reader off.  The main image is slightly to the left to give the magazine a quirky look. Overall, the magazine easily appeals to its ‘chilled-out’, acoustic-loving, target audience and also, it generates even more readers with the puff they use.

Textual Analysis - Front Cover 3

3. Kerrang Magazine (Recent)

The masthead shows the magazine name ‘Kerrang’ in big yellow letters that look like smashed glass. The dateline is in the barcode so it isn't distracting for the reader. The main image is a picture of the lead singer from Green Day, Billie Joe Armstrong. Model credit is used but only the name of the band the person is in. The coverlines are quite small compared to the main image; this is to help not distract people from it. The main coverline looks like it’s the written on a piece of paper that the model is holding, this is to make the reader laugh and get interested in the main story. The cracked K in the left third of the magazine shows that it is “Kerrang” magazine as it’s an iconic symbol. The barcode is out of the way to help not distract the reader; also it is a very standard barcode. The person in the main image is very iconic as Green Day is a popular band and therefore it will make more people buy the magazine. The target audience is for teenagers who follow rock music etc. The clothing is very rebellious as the model is wearing a skull ring and his hair is very messy. There is a metallic background to suggest that he is anti-establishment, goes against conventions etc. The language used is informal, for example it says, “...rock harder than ever before.” Which sounds like something a friend would say to you. The picture is in the middle and centralised, which clearly shows that it’s about the main story. Overall, the front cover appeals to its target audience and, as the man on the front is in a very popular band, this makes the magazine more popular too.

Textual Analysis - Front Cover 2

2. NME Magazine

The masthead shows the magazine name in bold, red and capital letters. The dateline is underneath the masthead with the price because the cover isn't very wordy, it’s just the picture with the main coverline and 2 others. The main image covers the whole front cover and it’s of a new band called “Palma Violets”. Not many people would have heard of them but they would be iconic now, since they are on the front of a popular magazine. Model credit is in front of the image as the main coverline. There are 2 coverlines to the right of the main to show simplicity which will draw the readers in more. The main coverline is large with slang, “Comin’ Up”, and puff, “Best new band in Britain”, this will make the reader want to get to this story to see if what they are saying is correct. The “NM” of “NME” is shown in the left third which makes it obvious that the magazine is “NME” as it is an iconic symbol. The barcode is standard but had date, price and website too. The people on the cover look very rebellious and look like they’re in a small flat which suggests uniqueness, because not many people have a gig in a flat. The magazine has done this because they are trying to promote them, as people like uniqueness. The target audience of this magazine are for people who enjoy all kinds of rock music but are a bit older than “Kerrang” readers as it is more like a newspaper inside. The clothes the band is wearing are quite smart but the clothing is undone, which suggests that they are not conforming to conventions which the target audience would like. The language used is very informal, for example “Comin’ Up” is a slang term so therefore the magazine is speaking to the audience very informally. The cover image is a medium-shot of a couple members of the band playing their gig. The picture covers the whole magazine, this means that the magazine is trying to show the how big this band can become and also, this magazine’s front covers are usually like this. Overall, the style is very “Rock n’ Roll” which makes the magazine draw in a specific target audience as it appeal’s to their style of music.

Prelim Evaluation And Conclusion

Introduction

A college magazine front cover and contents page from a magazine that students can read in their frees.

Audience

This is for students between 16 and 18 for any gender and ethnicity.  This magazine is for the social and arts loving students, with music offers etc. It doesn’t appeal to a certain segment of college it’s just for students to read. Also, it appeals to general social events and the arts, such as music and movies.

The magazine is mostly for just the student population. The model I’ve chosen appeals to the normal student, it looks rough so it shows the gritty side of college life.  The guys will be attracted to the magazine because the models an attractive girl but the girls will also be attracted because it’s almost like the model student. The clothes and location are gritty and like the underbelly of college, it makes people think of social life and graffiti street walls. The dress code is very Indie so the students can relate.  The content and design appeals to the normal, independent student because it shows a normal student giving the magazine some depth to students.

Technologies

Before I started I knew basic things about using a digital camera, a Mac, Photoshop etc. I had used them before but this prelim task has helped me develop my skills in Photoshop etc.  And the skills I now know like using Photoshop and learning about what magazines contain are needed in later tasks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the overall success of my product was great, the cover worked well and the content was well thought out.  The feedback was good, they said it was done well, the title and the picture worked well and the contents appealed to students. But, on the other hand, they said that a little more explaining on the stories was needed and maybe a little more depth to the writing. All in all, this prelim task has helped me to get ready for my main task.

Prelim Task Evaluation Video

Evaluation Video

Pre-lim Evaluation Video

Prelim Contents Page

Contents Page

Finished Double Page Spread

This is my finished Double Page Spread.

Finished Contents Page

This is my finished Contents Page.

Finished Front Cover

                                                 This is my finished Front Cover.

Development Of Front Cover 1

This is what my original cover looked like but in my feedback, people found it slightly confusing so I changed it and also some of the titles weren't big enough and didn't make sense.