Coursework - Contents Page Analysis

After completing my front cover for my music magazine the next stage in the coursework process was to begin looking at and studying contents page's of magazine's, in particular music magazines. The image I have selected on the left, I believe, is a good example of a contents page. The reasons for selecting this image would be because the title "Contents" is displayed in a varied way, yet one that is still easy and clear to read. The use of colour blends well together and the overall silver colour scheme really gives the page an edgy look which leads to an increased interest from the reader.

I also like this contents page due to the simplicity of it, the text layout and text type is kept to a minimum, which may decrease the interest of the reader but on the other hand is less off putting than a large chunk of text.

The image, of course, is eye catching and sets of a 'glamourous' tone to the overall page. I believe having a stricking image will allow for the reader to be less threatened, as such, and want them to read on to the rest of the magazine.

Just by analysing this contents page, It would be a good example to lead from, however previous research has taught me that in order to get a full understanding of magazines it is important to analysis various aspects of certain pages including different styles, such as rock to indie. However I really am drawn to this style and may find myself returning to it in the future when it comes to planning and producing my magazine contents page.

Coursework - Front Cover Analysis

The image above is an example of my finished front cover for my music magazine. 

It is clear to say that the front cover image has been altered to a professional standard and the image is not pixilated in any way. The overall look of the front page appears professional and sophisticated with boxes (puffs) to make certain information stand out and the "20 page special" to really attract the readers eye.  All aspects of my magazine have been used and taken from inspiration from magazines such as "Billboard", where my central image idea was taken from yet altered to create my own style. The use of colour within the front page is kept to a minimal amount which allows those items in colour to really stand out, such as the puff which reads "Confessions of a rising star". Through previous research I knew this would be a successful factor to have on a magazine front cover, too much colour would overcrowd and dominate the central image and more important information / news wouldn't stand out as clearly. As well adding my own factors to my magazine front cover, it was essential to make it look realistic therefore all the obvious features had to be added as well. These were features such as the price of the magazine, the date and the barcode. The masthead of my magazine is called "Outspoken" and I have chosen this for the reason that it is a music magazine and it makes the magazine sound dominant, as if it would 'out-talk' everyone. Again a lot of this is explained within my media pack. Including key names in the music industry within my magazine, such as "Adele, Madonna, Sheryl Crow and Stevie Nicks" really sets the tone for the magazine and highlights my aim to focus on a laid back but sophisticated audience of music lovers. Overall all the features of my front cover have been carefully planned and with the help of my flatplan I was able to produce a magazine front cover in which I was happy to present. 

However, if I had the chance to do this task again I would focus on putting the title of the magazine, "Outspoken" behind the central image as this is what is common for most magazines. I also would try a different effect, prehaps going for a rock magazine or a more specific indie magazine, but I am happy with the work I have produced and I think it works successfully.

Coursework - Image For Front Cover

After completing a successful photoshoot I was able to choose my deciding image to be placed on my front cover of my music magazine. I chose this image for several reasons. My previous research has suggested that all magazine images show direct eye contact, therefore this image shows this and is suitable to use on my front cover.

I also like the pose shown in the image as it is simple and represents that of previous magazines I have researched, particulary the one featuring Adele.

Using this image creates a slight sophisticated effect, a theme I would like to continue to use throughout my magazine. Although the hair hanging down on the right hand side loosens up this effect. Alongside this the plain background allows for all the typography, masthead and puffs to be added to my final front cover. Having the simple 'pose' or postition of the model allows for more interesting and varied images to be added within the contents and double page spread of my magazine.

Overall the use of photoshop has allowed me to alter and change the contrast / brightness of my image in order for it to be presented with a professional standard, and this will be seen within the evaluation of my final front cover piece.