OCR Media Studies – AS Level

Unit G321: Foundation Portfolio in Media

Planning & Research

Name: Patrick CollCandidate Number: 1102Center Name: St. Andrew’s Catholic SchoolCenter Number: 64135

Set Brief - Print

Music Magazine – Production

Preliminary Task Progression and Planning & Research

Section 1) – Preliminary Task

Preliminary Task Progression– EvidenceFront CoverStep-by-step

For the background of my preliminary task front cover, I wanted to use a plain colour that reflects the house colours of the magazine. The St Andrews school logo is made up of a dark blue and yellow so I thought it would be appropriate to have a dark blue background. I added the school house colours from the St. Andrew’s school logo to my swatches pallette so they could easily be selected. I then selected the background layer and added a colour overlay and selected the blue colour I had added to my swatches.

For the masthead of my school magazine I wanted to use the yellow banner previously given in my template in an interesting way so I attempted to incorporate into the masthead, creating a more proffessional looking “banner.” To create the rectangle I used the rectangle tool and selected the yellow colour from my swatches. I additionally used the character window to edit the text, adding line and character spacing as well as adjusting the height of the text. I thought I would incorporate the school logo into the masthead by replacing it with the “U” and giving it a black, thin stroke effect.

Next, I decided to add the strap line, I originally placed it below the masthead, however this meant that the main image would cover it and make it unreadable. I experimented with character spacing to make it the same length as the masthead. I then added two puff promotions, one being circular shaped and one being a rounded rectangle. Fro the “tick” in the promotion featured on the right, I had to place it and erase the background using the magic eraser tool to make it look good against the yellow background. I chose to have the promotions overlapping the masthead, as it made them look more important and I thought they would stand out on the cover. I then additionally added the price and Issue number in the top corners of the page. I chose to use a white font colour as I hadn’t used white and it looked good against a dark blue background.

For the next stage of my school magazine production I added the barcode to the bottom right hand corner of my magazine. I created a white box using the rectangle tool and placed an exemplar barcode to the bottom section of it. I then added the social media icons to the top section of the white box, making sure that the padding was equal on each side of the bar. I then added a price, date and website link to the barcode using the text tool. I resized each layer of my magazine using the free transform option and used the shift key to prevent myself from skewing the picture. In the bottom left hand corner of the front cover, I added yellow text with a drop shadow to make it stand out against the background of the magazine.

Next, I edited the main image in Apple’s picture editing software, Preview. I used the lasso tool to delete areas of the background and then I used the eraser tool to smoothen the edges of the photo to make it look more professional. I then placed the image into the Photoshop Document and applied a drop shadow and inner shadow, to make it stand out on the front cover. I chose this picture as the subject, Lucas, was wearing a hoodie featuring the St Andrews logo to create brand identity.

Next I added the Main headline and subline using the text tool and added a drop shadow, so it could be seen more clearly against the grey hoodie featured in the main image. I tried to make it the biggest text on the page to make it stand out and catch the readers eye. I chose to only use three words to prevent the reader form having to read too much information.

The net stage of the magazine production ,was adding the “Coaches Excetera” ident to above the main headline to give the reader an idea of what the headline is about. I added a white stroke effect to the logo as it could not be seen against the dark blue background. I also added a quote below the logo to make the story sound more believable and to offer both sides of the argument.

In the next stage of my magazine production was advised to fill the empty space with promotions and sub stories, so I added four sub stories using the text tool and “Guides” to align them, and then added two additional logos to give more context to the stories. I placed the images in, deleted the background using the magic eraser tool and placed them with the appropriate story. Furthermore, I added an image of some revision guides to the bottom of the page and added text, saying “CGP revision guides” with a black stroke effect so it could be read.

Preliminary Task Progression– EvidenceContents PageStep-by-step

The first stage of producing my contents page was to replicate my masthead and Colour scheme. To do so, I used the same Colour as my front cover background, Using my swatches pallette. I then duplicated the layers over to the new contents page document, and added a yellow box using the shape tool. The dark blue on yellow, stood out on the page and complimented the brand identity.

I then added a blue rectangle using the shape tool and placed a picture of the school on top of it. To fit the image into the blue box, I used the rectangle select tool and chopped off the ends of the picture.

Next I added the text “St. Andrew’s school Leatherhead” and applied a white colour overlay and black drop shadow using the fx window. I then added a rounded white rectangle and placed it over the school picture. I then added the Editorial text and made a drop capital effect on the W by increasing the font size. I did this because it draws the reader’s attention to that text and it stands out on the page. Next, I cropped my face out of an image I had imported using the ellipse select tool and applied a black stroke tool to it. I positioned the image over the editorial for effect.

Following this, I then added my signature to the document, instead of using a scanner I used the brush tool to paint the signature using the computer’s mouse.

I then added a yellow box to the image using the guidelines I had previously created and the rectangle shape tool, and added a white rounded rectangle over the yellow box for artistic effect. Over this I added a large yellow circle using the shape tool and used the ellipse selection tool to erase a portion of the circle to reveal the white rounded rectangle behind it.

Following this, I placed a picture of Sean Wayne and used the quick selection tool to remove the background. I then added a drop shadow and positioned him to the right of the section. Next I added text and used the spacing tools to make it look more artistic and appealing.

The next stage of the magazine production process was to add the features. I started to add the sub line headings in uppercase and had the page numbers on the left. I then added the sub line content underneath the headings and aligned them using the guidelines I had previously created.

For the “main features” section of the contents page I wanted to use the new-styled NME layout so I added a white text box underneath the features box and added lines using the rectangle tool to section off each section. I then added the text “Features” and “Sections,”on top of the white box as this is how the features box is presented in NME magazine. I chose a different shade of blue to make it stand out on the page and to make the page look more colourful.

Next I added images, duplicated over from the front cover as these are the main features of my magazine. Next I added the page numbers next to them in chronological order moving horizontal. I used different colours so the reader can distinguish between the different features and sections. For the “sections” part of the features box I added text as opposed to images. The features box stands out on the page and is easy for the reader to read and digest.

To finalise my magazine contents page I decided to add the contact details of the editor in the bottom right hand corner of the page using the text tool. Below this I added the page number using the shape tool and text tool and added a social media bar I found on the internet, for brand promotion. To the left of this I added a yellow box and put it behind the social media bar and added more advertising for CGP revision guides. To add the revision guide I placed it in the document and erased the background using the quick mask mode tool on Photoshop. I then added text to the left of this using the text tool and aligned it to the left.

Section 2) – Log Book

The latest print figures are in, and they’re not pretty. New Musical Express is down to less than 15,000 copies sold a week, with Q Magazine seeing a 21.8% year on year decline, and now averages 46,096 copies per issue. Kerrang! and Mojo have also seen their print sales decline. The Guardian 2014

MUSIC MAGAZINE RESEARCHPoll By The Guardian 2014

Bauer Media's classic rock magazine Mojo had an average monthly circulation of 98,484 in the second half of last year, down 2% year on year but up 0.8% on the previous six months.It overtook fellow Bauer title Q, which fell 8% year on year and 5.4% on the first half of the year to 94,811. The Guardian 2010

http://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/feb/11/mojo-q-nme-kerrang-abcs

http://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/aug/14/have-you-fallen-out-of-love-with-music-magazines

ESTABLISHED MAGAZINE FOR MY RESEARCH

Masthead

BarcodePriceDate Issue

Main Headline

Cover Lines

Puff Promotion

Main Image“Star Appeal”- (Richard Dyer)

Customer Intrigue

ESTABLISHED MAGAZINE FOR MY RESEARCH

Masthead- The square shaped, red masthead in the top left hand corner stands out on the page and the use of one signature letter to represent the brand, makes the masthead visible to the reader and easy to read what it is saying.

Barcode, Price, Date, Issue- The barcode layer is very small on the page but includes all the necessary information regarding the magazine.

Main Headline- The main headline is slightly larger than the other sub lines on the page and is directly over the main image so it is easy for the reader to see. The different font and colour shows that the headline is an important part of the page. The language used expresses how it’s almost set up as a fairy-tale which expresses how far he has come as a singer. The also used a made up word, “superstardom” to show just how amazing he is as a artist.Cover Lines- The cover lines are neatly arranged on the side of the page with a bleed and the bigger white text followed by smaller grey text makes the stories much more eye catching. The cover lines state exactly what the article is about and who is producing it, which makes it easier for the reader to digest. The word miracle used hyperbolises the enormity of the situation and engages the reader to read the article.Puff promotion- The promotion takes up a large portion of the page, which helps it stand out to the reader and the idea that it is the same colour as the masthead and it is on top of all other layers suggests that is an important part of the page. The phrase “definite must hear hit list” expresses how necessary it is for the reader to read the magazine which may influence them to buy it.

Main Image- The main image particularly stands out on the page, despite it being under the other layers. The use of the skin glamour effect, makes the artist’s skin colour more shiny and more attractive for the reader. The use of Richard Dyer’s ‘Star Appeal’ will attract readers as Ed Sheeran is a global artist. Also the masthead overlap shows how important the main image is.

Target Audience – Katz, Maslow, Hartley and/or socio-economic needsQ magazine is generally aimed at an older audience of 25, which means they can risk charging £3.90 for every publication. The magazine may appeal to hardcore music fans, especially rock and roll enthusiasts. The magazine may appeal to a more upper class audience such as class A, B or C, as it has a higher price tag and focuses on charting music in the UK. However, it does sometimes focus on Global Music Events and Issues to attract a wider target audience. According to Katz Uses and Gratifications theory, readers may want to be ‘informed or educated’ about a certain topic or issue discussed in the magazine, in this issue of the magazine users may want to know more about Ed Sheeran’s early life “An everyday tale of one man, one guitar and global superstardom”. In addition to this fans of Ed Sheeran may also be persuaded to but the magazine due to Richard Dyer’s ‘Star Appeal’, because they want to know everything they can about the artist. If anyone is currently in the same situation as Ed Sheeran they may want to learn how to be successful like Ed Sheeran or they may feel pity for people in his situation (Personal Identity). Readers may also be able to escape reality through the story of Ed Sheeran’s success, which may influence their decision in purchasing the magazine. According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs ‘care givers’ may feel pity towards Ed Sheeran and his past situation, which may encourage them to purchase the magazine. Whereas ‘social climbers’ may be more influenced by the content and sub stories on a page especially so if their favourite band or artist is on the front cover of the magazine.

What is the USP of this magazine?From the research conducted into ‘Q Magazine’ I have discovered the unique selling point is their reviews and interviews with global artists, not just in the UK. This means it appeals to a wider audience and can be purchased globally. Q Magazine also offer a monthly top 50 essential track list for their consumers and has a programmer in which the celebrities featured answer readers’ questions. They also offer promotional gifts such as CDs or posters with purchases of the magazine.

‘We Think Popular’- connotations• Aim to dominate industry• You gain popularity by reading• Focus on popular music• power in magazine industry• They know what's popular.

MUSIC PUBLICATION RESEARCHFirst Release: October 1986

June 2007 circulation: 130,1792010 readership: 550,000

Magazine called Cue originallyAimed at older audience: age 25

Cost: £3.90 for each magazine

30http://www.bauermedia.co.uk/uploads/Q.pdf

MUSIC MAGAZINE CONVENTIONS

Masthead

BarcodePriceDate Issue

Main Headline

Cover Lines

Incentive

Main Image“Star Appeal”- (Richard Dyer)

https://kerryellenn.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/nme.jpg

MUSIC MAGAZINE CONVENTIONS

Masthead- The masthead is large as opposed to other sub lines on the page and the white headline stands out against the red hair. The masthead is located in the top left of the magazine and the font contributes to brand identity. The phrase new musical express might connote how the magazine is able to provide new content quicker than other magazines of the same genre as described in “express”.

Barcode, Price, Date, Issue- Located in the bottom right hand corner of the page and does not take up much space. This draws the reader’s attention to the rest of the magazine.

Main Headline- is of a comparable size to the masthead which suggests it’s importance on the page and the black stands out against Florence’s white shirt. The one word “Florence” refers to her stage name Florence and the Machine which may connote how this magazine is interviewing her as her normal self as opposed to her stage identity, which emphasises how raw the content is.

Cover Lines- The cover lines are of a Times New Roman font, which contrasts the bold fonts used in the masthead and headline. The stacked affect makes it easier to read and gives a sense of order on the page.

Main Image- The main image takes up most of the page and the colours stand out on the page. This also links in with Richard Dyer’s star appeal as some people are more likely to purchase the magazine with a picture of Florence and the machine on it. Her red hair may connote her passion for music contrasted with the purity of her skin.

https://kerryellenn.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/nme.jpg

Target Audience - Time Inc.’s NME generally falls under the ABC1 category, with an average reader age of 24. The magazine mainly appeals to male readers at 69% however 31% of the magazines readership are female.

What is the USP of this magazine? From the research completed into this media product, I think the USP is the ways in which NME focus on Rock and issues surrounding it, whilst focusing on mainly male artists to attract a male audience. The magazine is quite informal so easy to understand and read with lots of pictures and interviews.

MAGAZINE THEORYUsing Hartley’s seven subjectivities it is evident that this issue of NME Magazine may be aimed to appeal to an audience of any age over 13 due to the audiences appreciation of music and how the music industry works. The verbal code “I would never have got through X-Factor Auditions”, is used to implement Florence’s unique style of music and people have to understand that the X-Factor has a more stereotypical view of singers, in which Florence may not be appreciated. This issue of the magazine may additionally appeal to a more female audience as a result of the female star on the front cover and stereotypically men might not care about music as much. The magazine may also appeal to a White British ethic group as it comes across as more of a pop magazine than a stereotypical Rap or Hip Hop magazine.  Alternatively using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to analyze the front cover, the magazine may appeal to the ‘social climbers’ group as it is hinted that the magazine might show how Florence became famous. They also may be driven by Richard Dyer’s star appeal and be influenced to buy the magazine because of Florence and the machine on the front cover. Additionally, referring to Katz’ Uses and Gratifications theory, for people who may want to become singers they might be able to ‘personally identify’ with Florence and the machine as they may be in a similar position. Alternatively, they may want to be informed and educated about certain topics featured in the magazine especially if there favourite band is mentioned on the front cover. An example of this is that this is the newest version of the magazine as stated introducing the New NME.

PUBLISHER RESEARCHMonthly Global Print audience of over 120 millionIn 2013 NME was crowned Music Media Brand of the year at the Music Week AwardsTime Inc. sells around 350 million copies of their magazine every year. It’s main focus is Rock, Alternative and Indie- NME Time Inc.'s only music magazine.

NME stands for ‘New Musical Express’- as featured on their masthead. Connotations:• A journey to the land of music.• Fast delivery and quick access to content.

Time Inc.’s slogan is featured as: “Open the experience.” Connotations:• First hand view of current issues and events.• Everyone should experience their magazine.• The idea of leaving reality and being diverted.

NME circulation as of February 2015: 15,000Readership of 289,000 adults as of June 201265% of readers are ABC1 69% Male 31% Female

http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/feb/12/nme-magazine-back-on-the-rocks-with-another-fall-in-sales

http://www.statista.com/statistics/381730/nme-monthly-reach-by-demographic-uk/