Coursework - Music Magazines Graphics

What is a graphic?

A graphic is a representation of an image used to convey visual information. Most graphics come under photographs, clip art, line art, digital art, icons and many more.

This image is an example of a coloured graphic. Although it may not be specific to music magazines, it represents a good image of a graphic. The use of colour allows for a chaotic look to the piece but surprisingly they work well together. The parallel lines and symmetrical shapes make for a good graphic because it doesn’t make the image a subjective thing. The difference between a rich textured design and a clean modern design allows for the variation of emotions as well as using eye popping colour or soft pallet colours and occasionally a combination of the both. I think this image portrays this well.

The image of 'Kerrang' music magazine masthead is often shown as the image above. It creates a slight shattered effect which often bodes well the band being advertised on the front. This is a good example of representing what the magazine can offer, a slight rock band effect, promoting rock bands such as 'Metallica'. I really like the graphic used within the title because it isnt instantly noticable but gives the magazine a different outlook.

Overall from the research I have uncovered, I have found out that there are no guidelines as to what makes a good graphic, it is simply using your knowledge of your given task and applying it to the chosen audience. When completing my music magazine I will consider using graphic designs in order to add differentiation between my photo shoot photos and my text type.

Coursework - Music Magazine Typography

‘Panic At The Disco’ are a well known band. I have specifically picked out this advertisement of the band in order to comment on the typography. I really like the colours presented within this media extract, they all compliment one another and blend cleanly with the background. The graphics used within the text allows for a diverse effect, different than if writing the text normally, giving off a worn texture, floral patterns mixed with a vintage style. When looking at advertising on my final music magazine I will look at using the effects of this piece shown above, I particularly like the vintage style of the extract alongside the floral designs, it seems to give off an unexpected effect.

In contrast to the media typography used above, this piece is strictly simplified. The plain grainy white background really allows for the graphics of ‘Stag Dagger’ to stand out. Whilst the text type is closely dense allowing for the reader to want to stop and analyse what is being advertised. Although the graphic is slightly explicit, I like the way vector shapes are built up to allow for a more varied and indifferent style. The main information such as ‘tickets £4’ are written in a vibrant pink mainly for it to catch the reader’s eye. Therefore I really like the desing on this typography because it has a mixture of depth and simple uses of colour.

This music magazine poster became a quick inspiration for me, acting as the basis to extreme and successful uses of typography. The interface between the graphic and the text type really allows for a perspective effect on the words born out of discipline.  The sparse area of the text type really gives the overall presentation of the piece a fresh look, making it easy to read. I especially like the text that is written back to front, although still accessible to read, it makes the whole poster interesting and the effects really add to the unique style.  When thinking about producing my music magazine coursework, I will look into collecting ideas from this media extract as I think it portrays the best typography.

In conclusion, the typography in a media extract, particularly those trying to represent an upcoming feature, places an important emphasis on the overall presentation of the piece. Having background knowledge of typography terminology after carrying out research and having analysed pieces of typography, both in general cases and in music magazines, I feel that I am comfortable to move forward and allow my very own coursework to have good and successful typography.

Coursework - Music Magazine Typography

Often, all that’s needed to create a killer music magazine is unique and inspired typographical elements. There are various examples of both great classic and modern music magazine typography already released by music magazine producers.  

Here are seventeen examples of typography which could eventually be used within music magazines. I first began my research by looking at different styles of typography on a general scale before moving it specifically to music magazines. This image allows for different effects and styles to be used rather than just altering the font type. I specifically like the research into typography because most typography’s will include a graphic or altering of the word somehow. I have concluded that is the texts which include graphics that attract the most attention the readers eye. This simple image is one that can be used as a template to the wide variations of typography within the world, which can then later be put forward and concluded with music magazines.

After a brief conclusion of the typography shown above, I went on to carry on with research on specific terminology used in typography, these being the definitions of a typeface, point size, line length and leading. All of which are described below;

Typeface A typeface is an artisitc representation or interpretation of characters. It is simply the way the type looks. Typeface can also be classified as the size of the letter or character of the block type.

Point Size In typography the point is the smallest unit of measure, however it can also be known as the size of the type being used in typography.

Line LengthLine Length is simply the width occupied by a block of typeset text. A block of text or a paragraph has a maximum line length that fits a determined design.

LeadingLeading refers to the distance between the baselines of successive lines of type. Research shows that this term is still used in modern page layout programmes.   

Coursework - Music Magazine Research

Now that the Prelminary Task has been successfully completed we are able to move onto studying, analysing and comparing music magazines. After careful research I have produced a music magazine board of particular magazines which have immediately caught my eye, be it because of colour, the central image, the text type, graphics or its successfuless.

Here is a printscreen shot of all the music magazines which have caught a general audiences eye. After doing the research on this particular part of the course I have notably recognised the average criteria needed in order to attract specific audiences. on an overall basis colour is essential, however the colours tone in which are used are dependant on who the audience aim is. I have also noted that using successful people who have easily risen to fame helps the selling point of the magazine.

Overall this image board has allowed me to see the differences and make comparisons between what attracts a music magazine reader and what allows for a greater impact to be made on the audience. I will take forward this research in order to allow for an overall professional finish to my completed music magazine.