1st draft of Article

This is the first draft for my double page article 

1st draft of Contents Page

This is the first draft for my contents page 

Editing of Chosen Images (Contents Page)

This is evidence showing how I have edited my images and the tools that I have used

I used the auto tone tool to correct the tone of the image

Then, I auto contrast the image to change the lighting-making the image brighter

Afterwards, I cropped the image in order to get rid of unwanted parts of the image and to make the image more compact to fit into my contents page. 

For this image, I am going to add a filter and to make it represent the genre of my magazine I have chosen to add a black and white filter to the image

After the filter is added into the photo, you can see that I am able to adjust how dark or light the black and white filter is. Also, you are able to change which areas you would wish to be darker than others

I have adjusted the light settings and you can see that in some areas the lighting is brighter than others. This is the final product of my image.

Photographs for Contents Page, final chosen photographs

These are the images that I have taken for my contents page

 I have chosen these images as I felt that they best represented the rock genre, with the use of bands and concert footage it is what the genre is most known for. Typically music magazines in this genre normally go for the ‘in the moment’ effect instead of staged photo shoots for their as most rock artists are known to be passionate about music and its audience being the same by going to live concerts. I have chosen this image for the editor as I felt that she looks very trendy and looks like someone who knows about the genre and also enjoys listening to it, her costume creates a good relationship with the reader as it is a simple and casual band shirt.

1st draft of Front Cover and Article Pages

This is the first draft of the front cover and article pages

Editing of Chosen Images (Front Cover & Article Pages)

This is the evidence showing how I have edited the images for my front cover and article pages

Used the auto contrast tool to automatically change the contrast that fits the image

 Used a burn tool in order to make the background dirtier as it looks too clean and also to suit the genre of the magazine.

Changed the size of the brush and making it bigger in order to save time as a bigger brush covers a larger part of the image.

This is the final product of my image after editing 

I used the magic wand tool to remove the background

Using the quick selection tool to get rid of the rest of the background

After the background is fully removed, I will be using the paint bucket tool to colour the background in white

This is the final product of my image after editing

Front Cover Chosen Images

 I have chosen these images as I felt that this best represented my artist as I hope to be able to challenge some of the stereotypes of rock artists, these images show my artist as down to earth and friendly. It shows her strong and independent for the front cover, but cheerful and young in the article pages showing the contrast and dimensions within her personality. I felt that a range of expressions and feelings in the images from the artist would be able to help my readers to understand and get to know my artist better.

All photographs taken for Front Cover & Article Pages

These are evidence of the photographs taken for the front cover and article of my magazine.

Planning for Photographs

Improved draft of pages (with internet images)

These are the improved draft pages of the music magazine with the use of internet images

Peer Assessment of pages

This is my peer assessment results, it shows the areas where I need to improve on in my front cover and contents page. 

Original article draft and article pages with internet found images

This is the article draft using internet images 

Pandemonium’s Fire

She is the 18 year old up and coming solo singer from her number one album Pandemonium born and raised in the bay area of San Francisco but currently resides in London. She was approached by her current record label Interscope Records at the age of 17 when they found her busking on the streets outside a Starbucks with a cardboard sign displaying the message that she needed money for a bus ride home. As we enter the her studio apartment we immediately hear the screams and laughs of girls having a blast and enjoying their time, almost hard to believe that its coming from an artist that has had a chart topping success in most of the songs released this year.  As we approach inside the apartment, we are immediately met with Harley Rose, an image completely changed from the strong all black wearing girl in the photo shoot. Instead we are with an average teen wearing ‘sweats’ as she likes to call it ,looking very comfortable and cosy for the fall season.

So how is life different from here in London to the bay area?

Well, the bay area is very sunny… sunny spells all the way! (laughs) but British weather is so insane! You get the sun… and the rain, you get clouds of doom and rain would find its way here (laughs) But you know it’s great, in a way that its different. I mean I’ve come to find a way to make peace with the rain, and as of now London is home for me.

It seems that you have made friends (looks towards them). Have they inspired you in any way towards your music?

Of course, definitely. I mean I am thankful for these girls because they seem to tolerate me, especially with my American attitude towards things, you know everything in London is definitely smaller and cosier I should say. In terms of music, they have definitely inspired me as the stories behind my songs and music are not always about me but about other people as well. I believe that it helps to keep my music relatable and that’s what music is about, sharing people’s experiences and stories to the world. It’s a form of art.

How did you feel when your debut song  Calamity topped the UK Charts?

We were in a daze where you feel alive cause your walking fine and people are seeing you, but inside we felt like a bubble about to burst and fly away into space. (Laughing) It sounds like I’m on drugs but that is the only way I can do justice in describing it. Maybe it’s like mothers when they give birth, it was hard work but once you see that little baby everything feels all right with the world. In a state of Euphoria maybe? Funny thing is that the first thing we did to ‘celebrate’ was to call the local pizza shop and told them who I was and that my song is number one right now, and they were like of course, my song’s number one too (laughing). They didn’t believe us for a second.

Why have you chosen to call your debut album ‘Pandemonium’?

Normally, for an artist it would be a self-title album with their name or something. But I felt that this is the album that shows the beginning of my career in music, so why not call it something that is just out of this world or memorable I should say? Pandemonium means creating wars, disorder and chaos; I just felt that my entrance into this industry should be loud and chaotic, almost as if I’m telling the world ‘Hey! There’s a 17 year old girl who would like for you to listen to her songs’ (laughs)

I know you write songs, and your debut album is self-composed. How does it feel knowing that your own written songs have topped most music charts worldwide?

I mean yeah, it’s surreal and most of the time I feel like I’m dreaming. You know it’s hard to believe my achievements, I mean now I can actually go tell people that I wrote the song that’s currently number one right now, not a lot of eighteen year olds can actually say that.

Now, how has the success been for you?

I’m gonna be honest with you, it has changed me. Fame has changed me. I always used to look up to those artists you know, thinking they had the best job in the world because they would sing in front of thousands of people who love their songs and create that connection with them. But I realised that it wasn’t all that, because that was just the front of it all. There were producers, managers and the label to impress, you couldn’t just play any music you wanted to- you had to get the permission to do it. I mean, I feel that I learnt it the hard way, because I was so persistent in what I wanted that everything would end up being back to square one and the same thing would happen all over again. But it turned out to be a part of our label’s big plan for me, training me to be able to face the world and being able to live under the pressure of this business and still keeping the you intact. It has helped me to mature. But at the end of the day I’m just a kid having the time of her life.

Do people treat you differently?

If by people you mean my family, NO. They still order me around the house when I visit home, one time I was really lazy and woke up late and I remember my mum saying to me “I know you may have a number one song right now, but it doesn’t mean anything different in this household. I’m number one around here” (laughs). I do get free food from time to time, the fans are increasingly getting larger and more people are spotting me from the streets. Some of those in the older generation are kind of shock to think that I’m famous because their grandchildren would want pictures with me and they would be ‘I don’t know who you are, but during my time we wouldn’t see Michael Jackson on the streets”.

Any plans for a new album?

My debut album is currently being promoted right now so my focus would be on that, but I will be returning to the studio in the New Year to get creative again. You know I feel that’s the best part about being an artist, the creative process.                                                                                                

Any upcoming world tours?

Yes! It’s in the making and I don’t think I should be saying this (laughs). but let’s just say it’s a world exclusive right? I am so excited for this, there are plans of it happening and I just can’t wait to meet all o the fans. It will definitely be happening sometime next year, let’s just cross our fingers its sooner.

What can we expect from Harley Rose in the future?

Currently, I am busy promoting my debut album Pandemonium but I will be back in the studio in no time. There are already plans and ideas for the next album, so things should get exciting soon. I am currently working on a secret project (winks) and I can’t tell you anymore or they’ll tell me off! I’ve already said too much (laughing)

Any hints on this secret project?

I have a feeling this will be first and last solo interview. You guys keep on making me spill things (laughing). But I think… I think I should be able to say that it’s a collab? Maybe? Maybe not? (laughing) Who knows, I didn’t say anything. 

Mock up of cover, contents (with internet images)

This is the mock up front cover 

                                                       This is the mock up contents page 

Front Cover Analysis

Mojo, is a music magazine that mainly features the genre classic rock. Through the front cover, we are clearly able to see that it focuses on classic rock icons that were known purely for their music as one puff says ‘manufactured pop music is sinful!’

The target audience for this magazine is 30-55 years old, with particular interests listening to music that is meaningful and pleasant to hear.

The central image uses an indirect mode of address where the main cover artist- Johnny Cash seems to be looking away from the camera instead of directly at it. This tells you that the relationship the magazine wishes to have with the reader is to be an informer, who would just be able to inform you news on these artists compared to having a close and personal relationship. The body language shows a dominant and superior image towards the audience, which can be referred to his ‘legend’ status. Apart from having this title, he is also known as ‘The Man in Black’ showing you the reason why he is dressed in all black. The background shows that he is in a field of flowers, representing his death and the possibility of this being heaven. The fact that he is clearly dominating over this ‘field of flowers’ gives you the idea of him being dominant even in heaven, showing you his legend status once again.

The artist on the main front cover is Johnny Cash, a well-known country singer who is considered to be one of the most influential musicians of the 20^th century. This would be reason on why he was chosen to be that artist on the main cover for the magazines special anniversary edition issue as his reputation is the type of image, a magazine would wish to present on their anniversary edition-iconic.

The anchorage text says ‘CASH, THE BIRTH OF THE LEGEND & HIS LAST DECADE’, by only having his surname used to advertise him shows the type of icon he is in the music industry and how well-known he is as only using a surname or one word for the artist indicates the height of their status and popularity an example for this would be Madonna, Beyonce and Elvis who are all well-known singers just from their first or last name. Being nicknamed as a ‘legend’ shows the impact he has over the music industry, as not every artist is called a legend. We are clearly able to identify through the anchorage text that this artist is already dead yet he is still remembered in this way and having been on the main cover for a special issue indicates his legacy and what he left behind, having not been forgotten. It also tells you what type of article to expect from the anchorage text, which shows that it would mainly cover his life and the highlights of it all, into becoming one of music’s icon.

The design of the title block is very simple, big and old style in terms of using shadowing effect on its font. The use of shadowing could tell you that they feature artists who are the backbone and shadows of the music world as they have all come and gone.

The title ‘mojo’ means a magic charm or magic power. The style of the magazine tells you through this that it would mainly focus on artists who have made it big and became iconic through time as they are artists who have accumulated these ‘magic charms or powers’ to draw its audience and fans. The image the title gives you seems to be very mysterious and makes the audience curious, especially because the magazine covers artist who are dead and alive, it would it unpredictable for the audience to know who would be on the cover for the next issue, which could indicate is one of the unique charms of this magazine as other music magazines mainly focus on artists right now.

The puffs ‘there was unfinished business…’ suggests you inside scoop on these artists, that may relate to the reader in a personal level especially with ‘manufactured pop music is sinful!’ as it gives the artists opinions on current events such as the use of auto-tune. This tells you that the type of audience the magazine wishes to get are those who love classic rock music, old school style. The type of music where you are able to feel the hard work and time it took in order to make this,  a big comparison to music produced nowadays in this internet-era.

The colours used are mainly black, white and red. I found the colours attractive as it is very old-school black and white back to basics theme for a magazine. It uses red, which a pop of colour that can be found from a far distance and the use of black and white contrasts to the neon and bright colours that are used in other magazines today, making this magazine only appeal towards its readers easily and clearly. The fonts used are very simple, white and red bold and capitalised fonts that is readable and directly appeals towards its audience of 30-55 years old.

The strategy used to attract the audience is the addition of a cover mount, having this attracts the readers who are fans of the main cover artist who would wish to receive an album of their greatest hits. They use a variety of artists who are very well-known that younger generations would have heard their names; this is the magazines strong point as they know that they will never run out of an audience as they mainly feature the royalties and changers of the music industry. 

Moodboard Analysis

Moodboard from kenyamendozaaa

Title Block Poll Response

The poll results show that the title block they liked best was number 1 which is the title block shown below. This would mean that this is the title block I will be using for my magazine cover. 

Potential Designs for my Title Block

These are the potential designs for my title block and I will be choosing them according to which font is voted the highest in my poll

1

2

3

Title Block Analysis

Final Completed Proposal for Magazine Idea

Evolution of Taylor Swift (Star Image Analysis)

This shows the evolution of Taylor Swift and how she is represented differently according to the type of magazine it is and its target audience. This analysis would help me to construct my cover star for my own magazine as I am able to see how the cover artist is represented which would help me to know what I would like for my cover artist to be portrayed which would differ depending on my target audience. 

Denotation (what you can see)	Connotation
Setting/Location: white background	This would be used in order for the artist to stand out more.
Body Language/Facial Expressions: she is sitting down looking straight at the camera, at a side angle. With one hand holding her hair, in order to not cover her face and the other in between her legs. Her legs are angled sideways showing her bare legs as it’s crossed over.	The facial expression shows direct mode of address, looking like she doesn’t care making her seem like a rebel. This could be used as a stereotype towards teenagers, who are very mysterious and secretive in what they do especially with how she is positioned.
Costume/Props: Very thick, smudged black eyeliner and black and gold sports jacket	The costume tells a story within the image, as the jacket laid over her shoulders are what sports students usually wear in American high school films, typically named as the ‘jocks- who are represented as the popular kids. Taylor swift’s makeup seems to be run down, possibly indicating that the scene could be from a late night party.
Camera Shot: medium long shot	Used in order to see the character in their setting
Lighting: high key lighting	The effects of the high key lighting on  Taylor Swift shows that she may be tired of the spotlight being  on her all the time as she seems to just stare directly at the camera with an expression that she is bored.
Anchorage text: ‘The heartbreak kid’	It reflects on the stereotyped idea of being dumped over a ‘popular boy’ with use of the jacket still draped over her, shows the lingering feelings she has over him. Her facial expression is also able to explain the mysteriousness of it through this text as you are able to see a hint of sadness within her expression.

Denotation (what you can see)	Connotation
Setting/Location: most of the front cover is taken up with the artists face-Taylor Swift	This shows a more intimate and close-up image of her as her raw emotions are clearly seen in the image.
Body Language/Facial Expressions: Blue-grey eyes, staring straight at the camera with her lips slightly open to show her teeth and a strand of hair covering her lips.	The facial expression shows she is very scared and is almost at breaking point, where she could break down to tears especially with her eyes in the colour of blue and grey it reflects her emotions as blue and grey tend to represent sad and stoic feelings, almost as if she is numb and the only gateway to see her emotions is through her eyes thus the quote ‘eyes are the gateway to the soul’.
Costume/Props: seems to be wearing a white turtleneck shirt.	This would show that she is not comfortable with herself as she is covered up. It could also mean that she is defending herself, as various forms of defence is by wearing layers of clothing in order to feel safer.
Camera Shot: Close up shot	To show facial expression and emotion, able to give a sense of vulnerability to the audience.
Lighting: high key lighting	High key lighting to clearly see the details of her face also showing her flaws as some may see her as perfect.
Anchorage text: ‘New look & love’	The image shows her physical change, from being a curly haired artist to being straight haired, this could be her way of showing her new self, having gotten over her old love and finding a new one with the scars of the old still present within her as you can see in the frailness of her eyes.

Denotation (what you can see)	Connotation
Setting/Location: on a light and dark grey rooftop	In order to connect with her position as an artist as she has become very successful over the years.
Body Language/Facial Expressions: looking straight at the camera with twinkling eyes, lips slightly open to show her teeth and face angled straight towards the camera, hands stretched and laid on top of each other, on top of her lap.	The magazine represents her as a typical ‘dumb blonde’, with her expression looking guilty and coy by acting modest as her hands are laid on top of her lap but also teasing you through this as she seems to not be doing this seriously.
Costume/Props: Gold, glitter embellished dress with red belt and red poufy garment and red nails. Her hair is loosely curled with lots of volume giving a messy yet neat effect.	This shows Taylor Swift as youthful and charming by appealing to younger audiences and also flirtatious as her dress is very princess styled. Her look seems to give off a fairytale theme especially with the gold glitter dress which is very bright and something that makes her stand out of the crowd. This could also represent her as a youthful artist that continues to shine.
Camera Shot: Close up shot	To show facial expression and emotion, able to give a sense of vulnerability to the audience.
Lighting: artificial lighting	Used to create a dream-like image of her, that kind of looks like a Barbie doll. Clearly appealing to the younger audiences.
Anchorage text: ‘Stuff she only tells her girlfriends’	The anchorage text very much represents her facial expression as she seems to be guilty of something and is trying to gossip or let you in on a secret.

Denotation (what you can see)	Connotation
Setting/Location: plain grey background	This would be used in order for the artist to stand out more and also indicates that the image constructed was a studio shoot.
Body Language/Facial Expressions: Eyes looking straight at the camera, with her hands at the side, hips slightly swayed to the side standing straight.	Her body language is very confident and comfortable especially with her hands at the side; it shows that she is content with how she is through her facial expression.
Costume/Props: gold and black patterned dress	The colour is toned down, as the addition of black makes her look older and more sophisticated. This could represent the idea of her coming out of age from being a young star to being taken more seriously as a woman.
Camera Shot: Taken at a slight low angle	You are able to see the body language of the artist, being able to see more clearly what they are trying to portray. The low angle makes the artist bigger than the audience, showing the higher status of Taylor Swift in comparison to the audience.
Lighting: natural lighting	High angle lighting, mainly highlighting her face.
Anchorage text: ‘Taylor Swift wears Gucci, fashion’s newest golden girl’	This shows her change on becoming a woman and growing up, especially with the use of ‘Taylor Swift wears Gucci’ not just represents her wearing a designer brand dress but being able to mature especially with her straight hair and fringed pulled back, she is shown as a more sophisticated woman

Audience Questionnaire and results with comments

The results show that the most popular music genre people enjoy listening to are Rock, R&B and Indie, showing that maybe my magazine would focus on one of these genres.

 With the question above, the results shows that everyone would like to have an access to the magazine online. This shows that I would need to create a link between the magazine and online by directing my readers to the other online options by adding the website link.

The results show that most people would spend £1-£2 on a music magazine, indicating that this may be my price point for the magazine.

 The results show that 40% wanted the magazine to be weekly but 57% said that they would like for it to be monthly. This shows that the magazine could be issued every month.

The results above state that most people would like to read artist interviews in their magazine, while the  other options  of ‘gossip, exclusive interviews, behind the scenes and tour dates’ also came into consideration of what readers would like to read.   This shows that the magazine could incorporate a variety of these within the magazine in order to appeal to its audience.

The results show that the cover artist was the most popular in attracting the audience towards a magazine, while some said that freebies and cover mounts also attract them to this. This shows that my magazine would feature a main cover artist.

The results above show the options I have given the surveyors on what is the title they prefer most for a music magazine, the results showed that 85% picked the title ‘Encore’ which they thought best represented the name of a music magazine.