Wednesday, 26 January 2011

Treatment sheet

Treatment sheet Music magazine

Target readership: STOMP is a new magazine that is aimed at individuals aged 18-25. However this age could vary slightly as some older readers that have a passion for music could also read this magazine. In some cases 16 and 17 year olds may enjoy the magazine. All of the readers will have a particular interest in house music and mixing music and may even mix themselves. The readers of STOMP will often be interested in going to events where their favourite DJ’s are playing. They are often students that rely on their parents for finance or minimum wage, therefore looking for good deals; the price of the magazine is reflected on regarding this. Readers are often interested in socialising at music events, having a good time and making memories that make their life interesting to look back on; often incorporating the consumption of alcohol.  

Form and style: STOMP is a full colour magazine that includes celebrity news, gossip and interviews artists from that genre. It also contains reviews, track listings, novelty articles, advice and free posters/photographs for the readers to keep. The colour scheme reflects the genre of music and the readers themselves as it is lively and individual. The magazine often has dark backgrounds so the bright, neon colours stand out off it. A bright pink and green are used throughout and also white as it stands out remarkably off the dark backgrounds. There are also bold fonts and striking images that catch the eye of the reader. STOMP will always feature a famous celebrity on the front cover to attract the target audience. The magazine will feature dates of sets and where, gossip about celebrities and competitions to make it information and an enjoyable read. It will sell at £2.50 monthly to be affordable for the target audience to pay on their budget and even desirable.

Themes and Typical features: Stomp will contain many of the typical features of a music magazine including: interviews, news, dates, reviews, and posters. It will also have pages that promote up and coming artists and also encouraging budding DJ’s to further their skills and follow their dreams. There will be a slight comedy aspect to some of the articles and articles related to issues that the target reader will come across. A large element of the magazine will be based on getting to know world famous artists in their personal life and not just their music career. The target audience will like the fact that STOMP is offering something free for them also as it will often feature a free CD or a chance to win tickets to an event or both.  Language used in the magazine will be fairly informal to appeal to the target audience and create a trusting relationship with STOMP and its readers.

Potential Advertisers: Many brands will be advertised in STOMP every month. These will be particularly associated with the genre such as HMV, Creamfeilds festival, Brands of decks, websites for vinyl, clothing sites for special rave events and fancy dress, neon paint brands, Soundcloud, artist’s albums etc.

Editorial team: The editorial team for STOMP will be comprised of experienced designers and writers, both male and female. This means that the magazine will appeal to both genders. The team will be around the age of 25, this means that they are up to date with what readers want and maybe issues that 18 year old readers may face. However there will also be feedback from younger readers.  




  

Fonts


 

7. Trash Toys - Dafont
6. Simulata - Dafont
Impact label - Dafont
Infected - da font

Monday, 24 January 2011

Readership Figures

Music magazine: percentages represent change from one year to the next
Mojo - 91,678 (-6.2%)
Q - 89,450 (-10.7%)
RWD -78,867 (1.7%)
Classic Rock - 70,323 (0.0%)
Metal Hammer - 44,034 (-4.3%)
Kerrang! - 44,013 (1.8%)
New Musical Express - 33,875 (-17.3%)
The Fly - 108,207 (0.4%)
Uncut - 74,067 (-3.2%)
Kerrang! - 44,013 (1.8%)

Friday, 21 January 2011

Questionnaire

What is your favourite genre of music?
Hip-Hop
Indie
Drum + Bass
RnB
Pop
Alternative

how much would you be willing to pay?
£1.00
£1.50
£2.00
£2.50

How often would you buy the magazine?
Weekly
Fortnightly
Monthly
Quarterly

Are you male or female?
Male
Female

How old are you?


What music magazines do you read?

Do you have any ideas for names of a music magazine?


Please fill in and comment :)

Textual Analysis Double Page Spread

This double page spread is taken from the magazine, Kerrang. The photos used on these pages make the article special. This is because it shows pictures of this group in every aspect of their musical life; recording, performing and making decisions in the studio. This gives an insight into their lives for the reader to feel that they have learnt something about the group and might feel as if they know them. For fans, this is important as they can relate further to a group's music. 
The font used for the quote is in the same style as one of their album covers. This makes the article seem even more authentic and aesthetically pleasing. Fan's would pick up on this aspect. The colours also contrast from the black background making the text stand out from the page. If someone was to flick through a magazine, the way this page is laid out with the pictures and text, it would be hard not to stop and read it. This is why i think this is effective. 

Another feature of this double page spread is the "lowdown" of new tracks. This gives extra information in a small space so the page is not only just information about the band. The way it is set out makes it easier to read as there is not just one chunk of text. this means that people are not daunted by the amount of reading and they are less likely to get bored half way through. It is also something that you don't usually get when magazines are talking about a band therefore it is an added bonus.  

Textual Analysis Contents 2

The Kerrang contents is extremal effective in my eyes. It is clear that it is the contents page due to the text and background of the texts at the top of the page saying "Contents". The fact that it is yellow makes it extremely eye catching and especially as it is on a black background. The rest of the page is white making it even more effective. The caption below, a quote from Robb Flynn would be seen almost straight away and would be a huge incentive for the reader as the quote is intimate information. It also states the page number making it quick and easy.


Having clear headings splits up the content so the reader can scan the page for what they want to read rather then having to read it all. The Text is in bright yellow which also helps this. The use of pictures on this page is extremely effective as it shows the reader how many famous people are featured. It would make the reader want to find out more about their favourite groups ad artists. Also, the "albums" section, gives the reader advice and makes the reader believe that they can relate to the editors of this magazine as they have the same taste in music. This would create a more loyal audience and the reader would believe they're getting their money's worth of information and advice. The pictures are also nice to look at. 

The comment from the editor of the magazine creates a more friendly vibe as he is speaking out to his readers. More people will trust in the magazine and feel as if the editors are there to please them.

Texual analysis Contents

Q Magazine has a simple and neat layout for their contents so it is easy for the reader to navigate. The Mast head is written in bold, light text and stands out off the dark background of the strip at the top of the page. It clearly states that it is the "contents" so the reader is not confused.


This Contents page is split into sections making the page again even more easy to navigate. The reader can go straight to the section they are most interested in and find an article which catches their eye. These headings are bright and stand out also. The "features" would draw the reader in as they are different in every issue. The audience would want to go to this part of the magazine to see what exciting features are in the issue. For the Loyal readers there is a section for articles that are printed "every month". This could be something that creates trust with the reader as they know what they are getting every month. Reviews are clearly a main selling point and favourite of the readers of Q magazine as the heading is done in the same wayt as the main one at the top. This means that it is an important feature of this magazine. The picture used in the "reviews" box, shows someone famous to appeal the the reader. By using a different colour for the background of the "reviews" box suggests that it is seperate to the rest of the magazine or extra special.


The main feature on this page which jumps out of the page is the picture of "The Courteeners". The audience of this magazine would be drawn to the magazine because of this. The caption under the photo gives off the impression that exclusive information about there lives and personalities will be revealed in this issue; to a fan, this would be a must read issue. The members of the group also look friendly and inviting, almost inviting the readers into the magazine.


Another main feature which would stand out from other music magazines is the "Oasis Special". The text is in a different colour to the rest of the text showing it is defferent to all the other features in the magazine. the Mention of Oasis would definitely draw in an audience. 

Friday, 14 January 2011

Textual analysis 3

The main feature on this magazine front cover is the free mix CD from "Boys Noize". The font used jumps out of the page as it is the most bold out of all the fonts used. By drawing attention to this exclusive feature the niche audience would definitely be tempted by this. The colours used are extremely bright, making the offer very hard to miss. 

The general colours used across the page are bright, exciting colours. This could reflect the content as it says "Ibiza" in a large eye-catching font and Ibiza is renowned for being lively. It suggests that this magazine is also about the lifestyle that comes with this kind of music and the interests of the people that listen to it. The fact it says "Drink cheap! Dance for free!" next to it would appeal to the audience as it is helping them out and hints that there may be offers inside.

Using a picture like the one on the front of this magazine suggest it is exciting. The girl looks like shes having fun in the sun and could reflect the content. More people would want to buy it then if there was a sad person on the front. There are many printed feature in colours that stand out from the background. By letting the reader get a peak into the magazine and it's content, they are more likely to buy it.

Textual Analysis 2

This magazine front cover is extremely eye catching; mainly due to the fact it has a picture of Katy Perry, a role model and idol to many young people. Next to the picture is says her name in a big font, drawing the reader's eye to this detail. Underneath, the caption saying: "Kiss 'N' Tell with pop's Bi-curious babe". This suggests that intimate secrets are going to be revealed and the target audience would want to find out more. Katy Perry's pose, attire and expression also suggest personal content. The whole front cover has famous names scattered all over it in bigger font to the rest of the text. For buyers, this would be a key selling point as they would be intrigued by the names.

By looking at the features of the magazine from the front cover, it seems that the main audience buying this would be those who had an interest in music. This is because all of the names used are artists or groups and other features are music related.

This kind of magazine would appeal to it's audience as it is offering free downloads and tells the reader straight away which page this offer is on. by doing this the audience would believe that they are getting their money back and it also might build up trust with the actual makers of the magazine. There is an emphasis on the "186" songs that apparently the readers "must have", this would be eye catching and gives an even bigger incentive to buy.

Using white as a background colour is very effective on this front cover. It means that all fonts and colours stand out of the page and the intended key features are easily noticed. The Masthead is extremely clear as it uses the biggest font, it is also bolder then the other text, meaning it is the most noticeable. By doing this the magazine is recognisable to it's readers.

The colours suggest that it is trying to appeal to a female audience as pink/purples are stereotypically "girly" colours. The fact that Katy Perry is wearing the same colours makes the finish of the front cover professional and stylish.

Wednesday, 12 January 2011

textual Analysis

Thee Mast head on this magazine cover is large in comparison to the majority of text on the page. This will enable the title to stand out and draw the readers eye to the name of the magazine and therefore recognising it. The font used gives off an extremely contemporary and modern vibe. This hints as to what age group the magazine is aimed at. It would appeal the younger generation as it seems streamlined and generally more with the times.


The lime green colour used for the background on this issue suggests what type of music the magazine is about. The colour gives off a lively and fun vibe which could suggest a lively upbeat type of music. it also allows a huge contrast between the white of the main headline and mast head; making both stand out on the page.


Graphics are well used on this magazine front cover. Firstly, the use of the image would encourage the intended audience to buy this magazine. This is because they recognise the famous artist and want to read more. The fact that the eye-line of the guy in the picture would match up with the reader's gives off a friendly and welcoming vibe. The audience would feel as if the magazine was on a more personal level and want to see more. The font and size used for the "high contrast" would be hard to miss. By using a different font it would draw the reader's attention to it. High Contrast is a well known artist in this genre of music, therefore the mention of this name and the promise of information it gives off would entice the reader into buying this magazine.


The use of "15 years of ATM" would make the magazine appeal to the audience even more. It has a boarder around the bold text, making it one of the focus points on this front cover. further more, the fact that this is stated would make the reader have faith in the magazine and assume that it has good content and is worth buying; as the magazine had been successful for fifteen years with loyal customers.

Wednesday, 5 January 2011

Magazine Comparison

Q Magazine

Price: £3.90
Pages: 162
Sections/ no. of pages: Features- 20
                                               The song writers- 42
                                               Every Month- 10
                                               Review- 52
Advertising: Hard-Fi new album
                          Head and Shoulders
                          Shock Waves hair gel
Typical Articles: Interviews
                                   Cash for questions
                                   Reviews

Kerrang

Price: £2.20
Pages: 63
Sections/ no. of pages: Feedback - 2
                                                News - 9
                                                Swag - 1
                                                Interviews - 14
                                                Poster Special - 27
                                                Gigg Guide - 6
                                                Quiz - 1
Advertising: Play.com
                           Kerrang Radio
Typical Articles: Info about groups
                                    Interviews
                                    Reviews

Top of the Pops

Price: £2.30
Pages: 38
Sections/ no. of pages: No contents
                                               "Gossip to go"
Advertising: Nentendo DS games
                          Sky HD- Dance programme
Typical Articles: New albums
                                   Interviews
                                   Gossip (Celebrities)

Action Plan for main task

I am now going to start my main task of creating a music magazine. I have been asked to design and make the front cover, contents and a double page spread of this magazine. This is my action plan of how i am going to manage my time in order to get it done:

3rd Jan - Action plan
                   Magazine comparison

10th Jan - Textual Analysis

17th Jan - Questionnaire
                      Poll
                      Internet research on readership figures

CONSTRUCTION

24th Jan - Treatment sheet
                      Font and colour analysis

31th Jan - Photo Shoot

7th Feb - Page Layouts and drafting

14th Feb - Final Pages
                     Feedback

21 Feb - HALF TERM - Final pages feedback

EVALUATION

28th Feb - Evaluation

7th March - DEADLINE