Magazine Conventions

Masthead - The name of the magazine displayed in the typeface in which it is designed. This is the visual branding of the title and is usually done in a unique typeface to be recognisable.
Main Image - In the case of this cover there is a shot of the band 'The Last Shadow Puppets'. It is used in a classic way, their faces are big enough to make an impact on the news-stand as Alex Turner and Miles Kane are making full eye-contact.
Cover Lines - 'NME' uses a lot of cover lines, which are distributed down the left hand side of the main image without distracting from it too much.
Main Cover Line - This is very large - taking up nearly half of the cover area - and comes in three layers; the name of the band members, their band name, and a quote from the interview inside. The main cover line is shown in white and red text up against the black of the jackets, helping it stand out and ensuring that it shows up clearly.
Selling Line - Short, sharp description of the magazine. In this case it is 'New Musical Express' which also stands for the magazine name NME.
Left Third - The left third of the cover is vital for selling the issue in shops where the magazine is not shown full-frontage. The title must be easily recognisable in a display of dozens of competitors. The start of the masthead is important here.
Bar code, Price and Date - Standard on a magazine, put there by retailers. Included for shop owners to scan and to let the audience know how much the magazine is and what issue it is.

Music Magazine Double Page Spread Analysis #3

The third double page spread is one of 'Echo and the Bunnymen'. This double page spread features a main image of one band member covering one side of the spread and text on the other. However, overlapping the text are also other images; one of the band as a whole and the other of the single members.

The main image is a medium close, showing the facial features clearly but also a microphone, linking with what part the member shown plays in the band and also showing music/band iconography. The pose he (Ian McCulloch) is pulling looks quite spacey which links with the title of the article and also the song the article is focusing, The Killing Moon. These relate to each other due to the fact that the moon is in space and also quite mesmirising, which links with the pose that Ian is pulling as he not only looks spacey but also as though he is mesmirised by something.

The colour scheme running through the double page spread is a gold and black theme connoting wealth and class. The title of the article is also written in a font that is used when a band gets a gold disk of their song. This links with the caption of the title, "Oh, and it's also 'the greatest song ever written'" due to the fact that if the song was the best it would have been successful and therefore, the band will have recieved a gold disk. The main image also has gold undertones as it is shot in a sepia effect therefore complimenting the gold and black theme of the double page spread. The use of the 'Oh,' in the caption makes it feel as though it is an underthought due to the fact that it is so obivous that 'The Killing Moon' is 'the greatest song ever written' that it was almost not mentioned because everyone already knows.

On the far left of the page is a single shot of 'the key players' who contributing to making 'The Killing Moon' video and are also the peopl to speak in the interview. These include the vocalist, the bassist, the guitarist and the video director. This shows each individual clearly whereas in the group shot, featured in the middle of the text, the band memebers are not as clear to make out.
As the interview is centred around the making of the video it provides the audience with a behind the scenes view, making it more interesting and making the audience feel special.

Music Magazine Double Page Spread Analysis #2

The second double page spread features the band 'Traffic'. The majority of the double page spread being taken up by a low-angle, long shot of the band giving them an image of empowerment connoting importance and strength. The shot is placed down on the ground making grass visible close to the lens. This, and the fact the band are also appearing through trees compliment each other and give a sense of mystery, showing that there are private elements to the band.

The title of the double page spread is 'Getting it together in the country' which links with the image as the band are surrounded by trees and wildlife, complimenting the idea of countryside and nature. The band are also dressed in a hippy style, linking further with the idea of nature and giving the band a recognisable image. The font of the title is also printed in a font style links with the idea of the countryside and nature. It is written in a way that looks like tree stumps and wood joined together, making each individual letter/word. This also links with the main image as the band are emerging from trees.

On this double page spread there is no article; only the introduction to it. The introductory paragraph ends with "so much for the hippy ideals..." which gives connotations of a rebellion and a further side to the story, making the reader want to know more and read on. Complimenting this fact is the rest of the paragraph which mentions a 'power struggle' between two band members that 'rumble on to the day'. As the magazine investigates this point, along with others about the band, it makes the content seem exclusive grabbing the readers attention immediately.

The colour scheme of the double page spread also compliments the nature element running throughout the double page spread. The colours are very neautral such as cream, brown and, running predominantly through the image, green. These are all the colours you would find in a countryside landscape and therefore compliment the idea of the double page spread well.

Compared with the previous double page spread analysed this is very different. The previous one was very harsh and used darker colours, whereas this one with 'Traffic' include a much more neautral and peacful theme therefore aiming at different people.

Similarly to the previous double page spread analysed, this one features the band name in a bold font both at the top of the page and within the intorduction paragraph making the audience recognise what band is features in the article.

Music Magazie Double Page Spread Analysis #1

The double page spread featured is of the band 'The Undertones'. The title on the double spread is 'Teenage Dreams So Hard To Beat' which relates to the band as it is a lyrics from their most famous song, 'Teenage Kicks'. The title is written in a bold, large font, making it stand out and ensuring that, excluding the images, it is the largest feature on the page. The title is also written in a graffiti style, connoting the teenage stereotype of vandalism, linking with the hit song once more. It also relates to the image featured to the right on the text as the pose of the band has cheeky and rebellious elements such as certain band members pulling faces at the camera and one, not looking at the camera at all.

The image is shot from a high angle, connoting that the band are small and intimidated by the media and surrounding industry. However, the rebellious pose connotes how the band are acting against what people think of them and just doing their own thing, consequently making the audience feel intimidated, despite the high angle and due to 'The Undertones' free spirit. The image is also shot in a black and white edit, connoting a sense of mystery and also adding to the elements of the bands misunderstood image.

The band are also dressed in casual clothes, connoting a relateable element, making the reader connect with them more, due to the fact that the clothes worn are those that anyone, outside of the music industry, could wear.

The caption running underneath the title shows and adds to the normality of the band, "For 'The Undertones', living the Rock'n'Roll dream meant visits to church and McDonald's, and adopting pigeons when they could have been partying with 'The Clash'", it then goes on to say, "Going to war with their front man ... over who sat in the front of the van," which compliments further the down to earth vibe the band have, making them more relateable and therefore, more popular.
The use of the '..' prolongs the caption and makes the reader think, after having such a normal image of the band painted in their heads, if the band actually were rock 'n' roll and fought over everyone. However, as we read on we discover and 'The Undertones' reclaim their relatable image as the text shows that the only thing they argued about was 'who sat in the front of the van'.

At the top of the page and also featured in bold is the bands name which stands out to the audience and let's them know who the article will be on and with, either drawing them in to the feature or pushing them away due to the fact that they might not like the band.

Music Magazine Contents Page Analysis #3

The contents page of 'MOJO' magazine features, at the top of the page, the word 'MOJO', as appose contents. However, the reader can tell that this is the contents page due to the typical conventions such as page numbers, feature headings in a bold text, information under the heading about that feature and also, images relating to one, or more, of the features in the magazine. The title text ('MOJO') is bold, large and in a simple font, making it stand out and catch the readers eye.

Featured down the left hand side of the splash are the content listings, telling the audience and letting them know what will be featured in the magazine that issue. The page numbers which, along with the feature heading, are in bold, standing out and showing the reader clearly what the feature is and where to find it.

Placed under each sub-title is a italicised description of what will feature in that certain article. The descriptions vary from long to short, still, in each case, not giving too much away about the content, pulling the reader in and urging them to read further.

Despite having a main story featured on the front cover, 'MOJO' magazine does not concentrate it's contents page on this one feature. Instead, different images of things related to the features down the left of the page are shown. By doing this it shows the reader more of what is featured in the magazine and not just the one main feature on the front cover as the reader are already aware of this feature due to it being the first thing they notice when they see the magazine. The images are also arranged in a collage layout, making the reader relate to the magazine more due to the layed back feel it is connoting as it gives off a vibe that they have just placed the images wherever and not given too much thought into it, giving the impression of being effortlessly cool.

The page numbers and text relating to the title are also featured on top of the images. Helping this text (page numbers and text relating to the feature) stand out and making it obvious to the reader, is a bold red background placed behind the text, on top of the image.

Some of these images, however, do not link with the text to the left, some have been put there instead of text. This not only gives the page a good ratio between text and image but also leaves the reader intrigued as only an image and title is being revealed and no explanation as to what the feature will contain is included. This leaves the reader in suspense as to what the article is about, making them want to read on and discover more.

Music Magazine Contents Page Analysis #2

'Contents' is shown at the top of the contents page of 'Uncut' magazine, showing the reader what the page is and what it will contain. However, the text is only averaged sized, not too large to draw the readers eye away from the main features on the splash, but also big enough for the reader to notice and recognize that it is there.

The main content of the contents page is split into five sections; the 'regulars', 'features', 'reviews', 'the editor' which is a not from the editor about the issue and a section titles 'in this issue', making is easy for the reader to navigate their way around the page.

The section titles 'regulars' lists features that are in the magazine every time it is published therefore the section is smaller than the one titles 'features', which includes things that are only featured in the magazine that one issue. The page numbers on all sections are not bolded, whereas the title of the feature is, meaning that if the title of something catches your eye, the reader can look further and register what page number the feature will be shown. This is more important than featuring and noticing the page number first as alone, they don't mean anything.

Also featured under the 'regulars' section are sentences under each title informing the reader of what that specific feature will include. However, because these articles are features every time 'uncut' is published the reader already knows what the feature is and therefore only a little amount of information is needed.

However, the 'features' section is slightly different. Firstly, the amount of space taken up is larger as these features are only shown once and are therefore more important, therefore the reader will be more interested in this section. There is also more text featured underneath each heading which tells the reader more information about the one off articles that are throughout the magazine. The 'cover story' is also indicated in this section so the readers can see clearly where the feature that made most of them buy the magazine is, without having to search the page.

The 'review' section, although smaller, stands out due to the red background, as appose to the white on the previous two. The text has the same elements as the 'features' and 'regular' sections in the sense that the page number is not as bold as the title, however the text underneath is both short and also in-depth.

The editors note runs down the right hand side of the splash. The text size is small as it is the least important feature, however, still noticed due to the large space it takes up on the page. However, due to the space being to the side of the splash, it doesn't take the attention away from the main content.

An picture of a band that are in 'UNCUT' are shown in the top left corner of the splash. This image also features the page number, where the band feature in the magazine, at the bottom which links with a feature under the 'features' section and also lets the reader go straight to the page if they like the band in the image, meaning they don't have to read through all the text to find the article matching the image. The band also have musical instruments assisting them in the image which links with the music iconography and also the idea of the magazine.

The final section and towards the bottom of the page is 'In This Issue' which features three men who are linked to music in different ways. As these men are all ordinary it connotes realness and relate-ability, linking with the theme of 'Uncut', and showing how anyone can do something they want and be successful.

Music Magazine Contents Page Analysis #1

The contents of 'Q' magazine feature a bold title along the top centre of the page. This shows the audience what the page will contain and also shows the magazine's logo and issue number. The text 'contents' has been brought forward of the 'Q' logo as it is more important and needs to be recognised more. Also, if the audience have bought the magazine the awareness to what it is will already be there and therefore, the logo is not as relevant to the page as the title.

Featured down the left hand side of the contents page are the features, the main feature being in a larger font and also more bold that the ones below. To the right and contributing to the main feature are a selection of images of 'Kings of Leon' which links to the 'on the cover' section. This features backstage images of the band preparing for the photoshoot which gives the audience more of an insite to the bands life, and also makes them feel more involved in the shoot and leaves them with a greater connection to the band.

The main feature tells the story of 'Kings of Leon' and engages the reader by linking the story onto pages throughout the magazine, "full fighting story on page 58...", making the reader want to know more. The text also links with the shoot, "if only the followill caln would stop clouting one another with bottles... full fighting story on page 58," as 'clouting' and 'fighting' have the same tough connotations and also connotes the rugged feel that Kings of Leon portray.

However, the other features are shown different. The name of what the article is concentrating on is featured in bold and below, instead of background information about the band/artists, is information about what will be featured within the article, and also 'Q's views on the feature as a whole. By including a personal thought this makes it seem more personal and draws the audience in by making them either agree or disagree with the comment made. The title of each feature is in bold, helping it stand out from the paragraph underneath.

Featured in the bottom right of the page are two double page spread images, giving the audience a more clear idea of what is featured in the magazine, as appose to just writing which is not as clear and doesn't give the audience an accurate image of what will be featured.

Towards the bottom half of the page are smaller elements which include 'Q's website, the issue month and also a website where you can subscribe to the magazine. This, subconsciously, makes the reader want to visit these websites and find out more about the bands featured and also the magazine.

Music Magazine Analysis #3

'Vibe' magazine follows typical magazine conventions, however differs from those such as 'MOJO', 'NME' or 'Q'. 'Vibe' is more of an unknown magazine and therefore the masthead is placed in front of the model, as appose to behind, to ensure the name is in full view of the audience. The masthead is also placed central to the splash and is bold and bright, contrasting against the black and white theme of the main image, ensuring that it stands out from all other conventions.

The institution of 'VIBE' is Vibe. 'VIBE' magazine is a commercial magazine with it's own website, it's main purpose being to make money. The main contents of 'VIBE' are music related and there to entertain, however, as it is a commercial magazine adverts have to be included to ensure money is being made.

The main image of T.I is large, covering a large percentage of the splash, and is shot straight on in a close up, guaranteeing all facial expressions are clearly seen. The strong eye-contact and narrow eyes make T.I look in power and, in turn make the audience feel intimidated. This connects well with the feel of the magazine and also T.I's image; a dominant male character throughout music. This pose also makes T.I look as though he is in control of himself, knows what he wants and as though he is confident with himself and also his position in music. The black and white element of the picture adds to the classiness of not only the magazine but also the model, along with the clothing he is wearing. The shirt and tie combination gives T.I a classy edge, which contrasts with the bad boy image that is partly associated with him. However, by adding casual glasses this shows that he is not all work and that he is also layed back, connoting that T.I can be relatable despite his position in the music industry.

Similarly, the black and white theme of the magazine connotes class and gives the magazine a more high profile look. Putting the red against the running monochrome theme helps important elements stand out to the audience, making conventions such as the masthead and cover lines become more noticeable. Also featured in a red font is a quote from T.I in the main cover line. The quote, as appose to T.I's name, has been written in red to ensure that it stands out to the audience and gives them awareness as to what is included in the interview. T.I's name is not in red and the audience already know who the article will be about, due to the main image and therefore is less important, whereas the quote has the ability to draw the reader in more as it shows T.I speaking voice, making the interview more personal.

The cover lines, placed down both the left and right side of the splash draw the reader in while also giving them an idea as to what, and who will be included in the magazine. The main cover line is the largest and therefore directs the readers eye straight to it. The cover line relates to the main image and also includes the caption "The untold story behind the deal", which urges the reader to take an interest in the magazine as the article is 'untold' and therefore gives the idea that it is exclusive. The opposite cover line titled "50 cent, prince, lauryn hill, dr. dre, jay-z and biggie. 51 LOST ALBUMS" is a further contributing factor towards the reader wanting to buy the magazine. As 'VIBE' is aiming towards people who are interested in the hip-hop and grime music genre, this gets their attention well by listing artists key to the specific genre. As the cover line also mentions 'lost albums' this makes the reader want to know more, as yet again the content is exclusive because the albums have been 'lost' and therefore no one has even seen or heard them before. This connotes that by buying the magazine you will be the first to know about the albums and therefore know more about that specific music genre.

The bar code is placed in the bottom right hand corner of the splash, ensuring that it is away from the main cover line/cover lines, thus keeping the attention towards the main features. Placed under the bar code is the website of the magazine, http://www.vibe.com/, which lets the readers know where they can find out more about the magazine and therefore broadening the amount of information they can receive about the magazine as a whole.

'VIBE' magazine is around £2.50 ($4.99), showing that the target audience are average people with an average amount of money. However, as 'VIBE" is not as well known as 'NME' magazine the price has to be a little higher to ensure that, because the audience is not as broad and therefore not as many people are buying it, a profit is still being made.

Music Magazine Analysis #2

Similarly wise to 'Q' magazine, 'NME' uses typical magazine conventions. Placed in the top left hand corner of the splash is the masthead, 'NME', which is, along with the selling line, covered by a member of 'The Gossip's' head. As 'NME' is a popular and well known magazine the editors are able to cover some conventions with main images and other text because they are recognisable to the target audience and therefore there is no need to fear the magazine becoming unrecognisable to anyone, due to the fact they are a mainstream institute.

Featured in the main image are the band 'The Gossip' a band who, until recently, were virtually unknown until their hit 'Standing in the way of control' smashed into the charts. This factor compliments the idea of the magazine as it is a magazine aiming to advertise new bands and artists which is shown by the selling line, 'New Musical Express'.

The shot of the main image is slightly low angle, giving the band a sense of empowerment, in turn making the audience feel insecure and vulnerable. The facial expressions and pose of the band also contribute to the element of power as they look in control, posing with strong eye contact and a confident stance. The idea that Beth Ditto is peering over her glasses gives an element of mystery to the band and connotes that there is more to them that meets the eye. This is portrayed due to the fact that her facial features are in full view but part of her face is still being covered by the glasses.

The main cover line, 'The Gossip. Sex, Skins and Standing in the way if control. How three punks smashed the mainstream' not only cleverly includes the bands hit song title, 'Standing in the way of control', but also leaves the reader wanting to buy the magazine and discover how the three band members 'smashed the mainstream'. This attracts the audience as it shows that anyone can become big and the mainstream scene is not only for stereotypical 'pop stars' and there is room for different people with a different sound and image. The way the band are dressed also contributes to this element as Beth Ditto, the band member most clear to the audience, is wearing an off the shoulder dress, a piece of clothing that everyday people are not seen wearing. The band member to the right of Beth also contributes to this as he is wearing glasses in the style of sunglasses but with a clear lens. 'The Gossip' also have tattoos, an assisting factor to the independent image, as more people are without tattoo's than are with. Despite having a hard look, Beth Ditto breaks the stereotypical look further with the use of diamonds both on her glasses and in her hand. This immediately adds glamour to the band and breaks the stereotypical image that when you wear plain colours and have tattoos that you are boring and do not take an interest in being glamorous and taking pride in how you look.

The remaining cover lines run predominantly down the left hand side of the splash. These help draw the reader in and make them want to read on more as they give the main outline of what the magazine contains, without giving too much away so that the audience and buyers have to buy the magazine and read further to discover the true story. One cover line includes Noel Gallagher, a band member who is known for his confidence when abusing other bands and artists without care. This cover line reads "Sorry, i was wrong about klaxons", and straight away makes the reader want to read on more as he is showing a more moral side. Another cover line reads '"Green Day offended me..." The killers sink their teeth in'. The use of '...' makes the reader think there is more to the story and therefore, helps urge them (the audience) to buy the magazine and find out the true story and an explanation to what has happened.

The colour scheme throughout the whole of 'NME's splash is red, white and black. As these are the colours of the logo it makes the magazine, as a whole, more recognisable to audiences. Red is also a bold colour, therefore, not only helps the magazine become recognisable but also helps important features stand out and become more predominant over those that are less crucial to the splash such as the barcode and price.

The price of the magazine, £1.99, shows that 'NME' is affordable, therefore anyone can buy it and enjoy discovering new artists. As 'NME' is low is price it welcomes a selection of different people into buying the magazine and, in turn, makes it become more popular. As 'NME' is so popular it can afford to be low in price as so many people are purchasing it in the first place, and therefore making a profit despite the lower price.

The main target audience for 'NME' are those younger than of 'Q' magazine as younger people aged 15-25 are more interested in new artists and the current popular music scene, which is what 'NME' specialises in, than older people who are most interested in reading about their favorite artists as appose to discovering new ones. The predominant gender for 'NME' magazine are males as a large percentage of the bands features are male dominanted. However, bands which females may be interested in are also included such as 'The Gossip' and 'The Killers'.

The institute of 'NME magazine' is 'NME'. It has it's own website and also TV channel, it's main purpose being to make money, making it a commercial magazine. The contents of 'NME' are mainly music related and therefore put there to entertain, however filling up the spaces are adverts, put in place to ensure the magazine is making money. However, these advertisements are related to the target audience, and include things such as gigs and album releases.

Music Magazine Analysis #1

‘Q’ magazine follows the typical conventions of magazines. Featured in the top left hand corner of the splash is the masthead and although it is partly covered by the main image and a tag line, ‘196 page bumper issue’, it is still recognisable to the audience as it is from a mainstream institute and therefore well known.

The main image features Madonna, a well known pop icon around the world, which contributes to the well known vibe the magazine is giving off along with the sell line, ‘Britain’s biggest music magazine’. Part of this text is also covered and contributes to the well known attitude the magazine is portraying. As the text is cut off the editors are aware that the magazine is successful and therefore know that they are able to cover some features with images and text.

The way that Madonna is posing makes the audience feel as though, despite her hand covering part of her body, that she is in power. We get this feel due to the strong eye contact Madonna is making with the camera, and therefore the audience, and also due to the shot of the image. The shot is a medium close up, showing her expression more clearly and showing the audience Madonna’s exact facial expressions, therefore making her feel more powerful and making the audience feel intimidated.

Madonna is also dressed quite controversial, contributing to the feel of the magazine; Q concentrates on music that is quite mainstream but also has elements that are not heard of or not as well known. The image therefore connotes this as Madonna is a well known singer but she is dressed in more edgy clothes which relates to the independent elements of the magazine. The juxtaposition of old and new is also shown. 'Q' includes musical stars that are both old and new and this is also shown through the main image as Madonna is quite an old pop icon but she is wearing clothes that a younger person would wear.

The cover lines on the magazine are all featured in the top right hand side of the splash. They include 'Rolling Stones, at the movies' and 'Arctic Monkeys, in a pub.' This helps the audience feel more involved with the magazine as the things that the stars are doing are everyday things such as, going to the movies and going to the pub. Featured as another cover line is, placed under the bar code, a feature titled 'The 50 Best British Albums As Voted By You', which also contributes to the element of audience involvement especially as the word 'you' is in bold.

The target audience for 'Q' magazine spreads across a wide range due to the magazine featuring both new and old music. 'Q' magazine targets peoples aged predominantly 20-35 and of a male gender due to the bands featured being more masculine such as 'Rolling Stones' 'Kaiser Chiefs' and 'Arctic Monkeys'. However 'Q' also features bands and artists who appeal to females such as 'Girls Aloud' and the cover star 'Madonna'.

Placed directly underneath the cover lines is the bar code, price, date and website. The price of 'Q' magazine is stated as £3.90 which tells us that the audience have to be quite wealthy to be able to afford the magazine. This also shows that the magazine is popular and has earned the ability to become an expensive magazine with the reassurance that people will still buy it.

A banner runs across the bottom third of the magazine's splash which advertises a free 70 page special honouring the most influential women in music. This assists the urge the audience have to buy the magazine because, as 'Q' magazine is already quite expensive the audience feel as though they are getting a bargain with the magazine. The cover line also lists off some of the women included in the special, such as Debbie Harry, Goldfrapp and Courtney love as well as 'lots more'. This makes the audience want to read on as the cover is giving the right amount of information away while still leaving the reader wanting more.

The institute of 'Q magazine' is 'Q'. It has it's own magazine and website and the main purpose of the magazine is to make money. As 'Q's key purpose is to make money the content is affected. Running throughout 'Q' are adverts and features relating to the target audience such as gig advertisments and band interviews.

Key Concepts (LIIAR)

There are five key areas/concepts in media studies:

Language: The specific terminology and technical terms used to describe the subject. Media language is predominantly used on the splash of magazine covers for example, masthead, cover line, bar code, but are also used throughout the magazine.

Institution: The organisation that creates media texts, for example, BBC, Q, NME. If these institutes are well known the name on the magazine may be covered as the magazine is already recognisable. Most institutions have websites and some even have a TV channel. The main content in the magazines, used by institutions is entertainment and as most institutions' purpose is to make money adverts are included throughout the magazine.

Ideology: Values, ideas and beliefs that represent ideas about certain stereotypes. They are represented by either single individuals or groups and are a system of beliefs that we are share that include legal and moral values.

Audience: The audience are the consumers of the product that the institutes aim to target. The target audience are the group of people that an institute specifically aim at, for example, 16-19 or 25+. The predominant target audience for most music magazines are 15-25.

Representation: Institutes re-present ideas back to the audiences about British society and social groups along with people, places, objects and events. They also represent values. Respresentation can be shown in either speech, writing or a moving image.

The first letters of the key concepts spell 'LIIAR'

The Brief

Main Task: Produce the front page, contents and double page spread of a new music magazine. All images and text used must be original, produced by you - minimum of four images.

Evaluation

The name of my magazine is ‘Wyke College’ with the slogan being ‘The Fun Starts Here’. Featured on the front of my magazine are a group of people enjoying themselves and having fun. This relates back to the slogan (‘The Fun Starts Here’) and shows that college isn’t all about work and can be fun too. This also shows that no where else will provide you with the same level and amount of entertainment as this college and magazine will. Shown in the picture are three girls and one boy smiling and enjoying themselves which connotates that college is for everyone and that everyone can be friends together no matter what their gender.

The cover line to link with the picture and main feature is ‘Children of the Revolution’ and features an article about the views of first year students and their thoughts about their first half term in the college. ‘Children of the Revolution’ connotates that despite the stereotype, the youth of today is not all drugs and violence and the majority of teenagers are friendly and not looking for trouble which is what I have shown on my front cover. This cover line title is also a song which will relate to the target audience, college students, as most are majorly interested in music and bands. As the front cover and image is the first thing buyers will see, it will give the readers a clear indication that Wyke College is full of outgoing people who are always up for a laugh. I have placed my main cover line at the top of the page as it will be the first thing people look at, whereas if it was at the bottom it wouldn’t be noticed as much, and contributes further to the idea that the college is filled with welcoming people. Other cover lines include Chlamydia and EMA related one’s titled ‘Sexually Active?’ and ‘Do YOU get EMA?’. As both cover lines are questions this makes the reader stop and think, drawing them in and possibly urging them to read on and find out what the articles are about. The cover lines also relate to the target audience (students of the college) as most are sexually active and will benefit from a Chlamydia screening and most also get EMA so the article about helping make sure the students never miss a payment is sure to make them want to read on more and purchase the magazine. The fourth cover line I used was titled ‘BOO!’, in relation to the Halloween party approaching. This relates to students as a main aspect in their lives at the moment, along side music, are parties and socialising. As the title is short, upper case and uses an exclamation point this automatically draws the reader in, despite being at the bottom of the page.

Contributing further to help draw in the readers is the use of capital letters to emphasise who the article is aiming at. The use of ‘you’ in capitals, used in the cover line ‘Do YOU get EMA?’, makes the reader feel singled out and important as though the magazine has been written for them only.

The text used on my magazine is bright and bold, the font being clear to read and also matching the colour scheme of the college logo and title. The only cover line which does not match to this is the halloween related one, as it is orange, which, because is placed at the bottom of the page, helps it stand out more and gives the students recognition of the cover line despite it's position.

The Selling line ‘The North East’s most successful college magazine’ is used to make the reader feel urged to buy it as they will feel that most people have already purchased it and enjoyed it. This will make the reader feel obliged to purchase it as students hate to feel left out and love to be on top of everything going on and up-to-date with the current trends and interests.

Also featured on my magazine front cover are typical college magazine conventions; the price, issue date, the college’s website and a barcode. The website is included to help the students get more information about the college and the magazine if needed.

Overall I believe my magazine, completed on DTP (desktop publisher) turned out well, targeting the audience successfully and portraying a realistic stereotype of the youth of today without giving the connotation of college being boring and consisting of work only.
However, if i were to produce my magazine again, i would possibly change the magazine name to something other than the name of the college and ensure that i timed myself more productively as some tasks were rushed due to the lack of time and therefore i do not feel as though some of the planning was up to the correct standard. Still, despite the lack of time i believe all tasks carried out where completed to an acceptable standard and therefore I am satisfied with the final production. Therefore for the music magazine and main task i will ensure that all work and planning is completed before the final due date to make sure i am completly satisfied with the final product and all planning work.
The production of the magazine cover was simple and therefore i felt comftable producing the final product, other than if I has completed it in another way, Adobe Photoshop, for example.

College Magaine Front Cover

Print Draft

After completing my first sketch draft i realised that i wasn't happy with the final product and therefore changed and added some of the features. The masthead, selling line, logo and main image remained as it previously was, however i moved the barcode, price and date from the top, down to the bottom of the page. This way there is no chance of it drawing any attention away from the main focus, as it is not an important feature of the magazine and only there to give the reader information about what they're buying and can be easily noticed after the main splash features have been taken into consideration. However, i moved the website directly under the masthead, this way the reader is getting to know where they can find any extra information if needed, but because the font will be small, it takes away any distraction the text may have cause.

I also moved the main cover line front across the top of the image across to the top left hand side of the image. This way, despite being further up, the cover line is still noticed first as it is above and more large than any following cover lines. The main image has also been streched so it covers the whole width of the magazine, other than having a plain white border around it. This way the image is more noticed as it is larger and therefore more likely to catch the readers attention.

A slogan has also been added, 'the fun starts here', which will be placed below the masthead as though it is a follow on from the magazine name and indicating that at Wyke College and throughout the magazine is where the fun will start.

Sketch Draft

My sketch draft of my magazine contains two students, a male and female, standing outside the main entrance of the college with books and folders in their hands. The masthead (wyke college) is placed at the top of the page so people are able to notice it more easily and it is the first thing their eyes are drawn to when they see the magazine. The college logo is also placed at the top of the page, in the opposite corner, as a recognisable sign of both the college and the magzine. I have chose to place three cover lines along side the main cover line that is placed at the top of the page, below the masthead and above the main image. I have chose to place it here at it will draw the eye as it is in the centre and therefore a focal point of the magazine and a main thing that will catch the readers eye. This is important as it is the magazine's monthy story and therefore a main spread throughout the magazine.

The selling line is placed in smaller font below the masthead so it is noticed without drawing too much information away from the main image and title.

The barcode, price, date and website are also placed at the top of the page, alongside the masthead so, like the selling line, are noticed without taking attention away from the main focus. I chose to include the barcode along with price, date and website to let the reader know where to go if they need any more information about either the college or the magazine (website), to let the reader know how much the magazine is (price) and also to let to reader know what magazine number this issue is (date). The barcode has been included for scanning purposes.

Contents Page

Here is a mock up of my contents page for my college magazine. I have chose to include images, the content listings and a note from the editor in my magazine including an image relating to the main image on the front cover.
I decided to include a note from the editor to let the readers know what has been going on throughout the past month and other information that may not be included in every issue of the magazine.
The image relating to the main cover story is placed at the top of the contents page as it is the most inportant feature of the month and therefore, with it being placed at the top, is one of the first things people will notice when they open the magazine and look through the contents page.
The second image i have chose to include will be one that relates to a story that has not been shown on the cover but is still included in the magazine. This will give the readers more of an insite into what the magazine includes without them having to scan through the whole thing.
Content listings and page numbers have been included as, other than them being typical magazine conventions, they are there to help the reader direct their way around the magazine and, alongside the second image, give the reader a clearer indication as to what the magazine will include.
'Contents' is shown clear at the top of the page, along with the wyke logo to to let the readers know what page of the magazine they are on. The logo is included as it is shows the name of the magazine, once again, therefore not letting the reader forget it, making it stick in their mind.

Mood Board

The mood board for my magazine includes a selection of images that could be used including the wyke logo and also a selection of own images that could appear as a main feature on the magazine front cover. These images all portray college students having fun while still being academic (shown by students carrying bags and folders).
My mood board also has ideas of the colours i will use on my magazine front cover and also slogans and cover line titles. I have also included possible fonts that could be used on the front cover.

College magazine analysis #2

'College' magazine's predominant feature is the model standing directly in the middle of the frame. Although both this magazine and 'Bounce' magazine are aimed at college students, the type of student differs. The target audience of 'College' are those who prefer more academic activities and students who prefer to study whereas the target audience of 'Bounce' magazine is those who prefer to socialise and go out with their friends in their spare time. We can see this as the model is wearing more formal clothes and is carrying text books for law and business, which are academic subjects as oppose to art or drama etc. The magazine also aims, predominantly, at males, as the colours are black and green, dark colours, which represent male stereotypes as appose to females.

The masthead of the magazine is bold and stands out due to the bold, bright colours. The masthead, although large, doesn't draw attention away from the model as he is partly covering it. If the model was not covering the masthead he would be overpowered by the magazine title and therefore not be the centre focus as he should be. 

The language used is modern and is advertising modern activities and things, therefore relating to the target audience, college students, and, in turn, making them feel more involved with the magazine. 'Make Money On Campus' relates to students as it is difficult for them to find a job easily, therefore this cover line stands out to the students and makes them want to purchase the magazine and read on. This represents individuality; people who are going out to make their own money are willing to be on their own.

Despite predominantly aiming towards students who prefer more academic subjects, 'College' also has features that appeal to those who prefer the more social side of things. 'College Couture' and 'Thank God It's Friday' instantly draw people in as 'Couture' represents clothes and fashion and 'Thank God It's Friday' represents parties and having fun and relaxing over the weekend. This, once again, draw people in and encourages them to buy the magazine and find out how to achieve the things the cover lines are promoting. 

As featured on the cover of 'Bounce' magazine the model is not white. This beats any form of racism and shows that this magazine is for everyone and different ethnicities are seen everywhere. 

The model also makes eye-contact with the camera, connecting with the reader and making them feel more involved with the magazine and the student lifestyle.

College magazine analysis

'Bounce' magazine is dominated by a party theme. We can tell this by the multi-coloured light in the background and also the pose of the model; she is posed as if she was dancing. This relates to the target audience, college students, as parties are a main aspect in students lives and this, therefore, makes the students buy the magazine as they feel more included in the lifestyle the magazine is referring to.

The masthead of the magazine is bold and stands out without drawing too much attention away from the main focus of the cover; the model. The masthead is also in quite a modern font, once again relating to the target audience and making them feel more engaged in the magazine, urging them to purchase it.

The model featured is of different ethnicity to white British highlighting that this magazine is not only for people of all ethnic backgrounds but also that college is for people of all ethnic backgrounds and that no one should feel the minority. The model on the cover is also making eye contact with the audience making them feel more involved with the magazine and the lifestyle.

The cover lines are producing a bias opinion towards students, such as, 'we are the new breed!' highlighting a new type of teenagers/students, oppose to the violent, drug abusing stereotype we are used to. The use of 'we' also engages the audience more as it includes and involves them in the lifestyle, whereas the use of 'I' would make the reader feel more of an outsider and less likely to buy the magazine as they don't feel part of the student group. Another cover line 'culture on the rise' refers to how the student majority is not purely white and that more cultures and backgrounds are being introduced to todays society.

This magazine is aimed, predominantly, towards students who are less interested in extra curiculum activites and more interested in, when they finish college and go home, either just relaxing or going out with their friends. The magazine also aims towards females as the colour scheme is bright, soft and girly with colours such as purple, pink and red being used.

Magazine cover key ingredients

There are nine key ingredients used to make a magazine successful:

Masthead: The name of the magazine displayed in the typeface in which it is designed. This is the visual branding of the title and is usually done in a unique typeface so it is recognisable.

Dateline: Month and year of publication, often with the price. Note that a monthly magazine usually hits the news-stands the month before the cover date.

Main Image: In most cases on magazines covers the images are used in a classic way, the face of the model being big enough to make an impact on the news-stand with the model making full eye contact.

Model Credit: It is unusual for such a credit to appear on the cover.

Coverlines: Most magazines uses a lot of cover lines, which are distributed around the main image without detracting from it too much.

Main Cover Line: This is very large - taking up about a quarter of the cover area - and comes in three layers, each with a different colour. They are ususally positioned against a section of the model's body so it stands out more clearly.

Left Third: The left third of the cover is vital for selling the issue in shops where the magazine is not shown full-frontage. The title must be easily recognisable in a display of dozens of competitors. The start of the masthead is important here.

Bar Code: Standard barcode used by retailers.

Selling Line: Short, sharp description of the title's main marketing point, for example, 'The world's number 1 magazine for young women', or perhaps setting out it's editorial philosophy.

Splash: Every different feature on the magazine cover when finished.

Key Concepts

There are five key areas/concepts in media studies:

Language: The specific terminology and technical terms used to describe the subject.

Institution: The organisation that creates media texts, for example, BBC and Channel 4.

Ideology: Values, ideas and beliefs that represent ideas about certain stereotypes by either single individuals or groups. They are a system of beliefs that we are share and include legal and moral values.

Audience: The audience are the consumers of the product that the institutes aim to target. The target audience are the group of people that an institute specifically aim at.

Representation: Institutes re-present ideas back to the audiences about British society and social groups. They also represent values.

The first letters of the key concepts spell 'LIIAR'

The Brief

Preliminary exercise: using DTP and an image manipulation program, produce the front page of a new school/college magazine, featuring a photograph of a student in medium close-up plus some appropriately laid-out text and a masthead. Additionally you must produce a mock-up of the layout of the contents page to demonstrate their grasp of DTP.