Evaluation

Question 1:
In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

My front cover reflects real media products because it has one main image conveying the main headline. This image also shows direct address which means the model is looking at the audience and conveys attitude. Another way it reflects real media products is by having other headlines aside it. The barcode/issue date/price is always on the front whereas advertisments are always on the back. A stand first is also shown underneath the title.

My contents page reflect real media products because it follows a consistent colour scheme which is the same as a front cover. The title is alway repeated and it has a website for the audience to access online. Also, it shows main images and smaller images to reflect the articles. Headings divide up the articles and the arrangement page number is - text (1 or 2 words as the main line then sub line). Finally contents pages sometimes show editors letter.

http://www.kerrang.com/

http://www.qthemusic.com/

My double paged article reflects real media products because the standfirst is always by the headline (largest font) and starts before the article. This introduces the article. Double page spreads are usually 3 or 4 columns. There is a bold quote that stands out from the article. The article will have a creative use of imagery and shows limited use of colour. One large image on the side of the page should mirror the article and the photographer is also credited. Headlines are creative and eye catching. Finally it reflects real media products because it shows the drop capital at the start of the article

Question 2:
How does your media product represent particular social groups?

My media product has helped me represent particular social groups by the model I used. attempted the Indie Chick look with my model. Her style of clothing, for example, would help the reader ackowledge that it was a Music Magazine. Also, the type of language I used on the front cover would indicate it was a Indie/Rock genre by the articles I used and the standfirst I created which was: 'The Voice of Rock'. Moreover, the images on the content page would have presented Indie/Rock social groups as I took images of band gigs.

Overall, the language, style of photography, contents, headlines and implied knowledge have helped my target audience to represent particular social groups such as Indie/Rock bands.

Here are videos that represent the style of the genre:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzfzMF8zzc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ev5cb_wwHSg

Question 3:

What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?

Bauer Media Company - The production of my music magazine would suit this company because firstly the audience profile is aimed for people who are musically experienced and the audience should be defined with attitude. Also, Bauer Company brings the best out in the music target by producing online, TV, Radio and Magazine which would help construct my magazine, Volume, for its target audience. This company own the best brands in the UK and delievers audience feedback whenever and however they want, which would make profit for my magazine.

Question 4:
Who would be the audience of your media product?

This is Jade Ireland, she is 17 years old. She lives in Wallasey and is currently studying A Levels at Weatherhead High School. She has a younger brother who is into the same interests as her. She lives with her mum and her step-dad. Her boyfriend is called Tom whom she has been with for a year. Her favourite thing to do is hang out with her friends and her boyfriend on the weekend. She enjoys partying and listening to a variety of different bands. She's part of the typical rock social group and despises girly stuff. The latest gig she went to was Papa Roach. She is more of a tom-boy and enjoys doing boy things although her favourite TV programmes are Desperate Housewives and 90210. However, her favourite music channel is Kerrang.

Question 5:

How did you attract/address your audience?

I attempted to attract my audience through many ways for example the use of articles I chose. I chose artists/bands that I knew the audience would like. I have done this so the audience would be interested in buyin the magazine, therefore earning more profit. The use of colour is another way I tried to attract my audience with; I have used a consistent colour scheme which my audience chose during the questionnaire. I chose the colours they wanted because it shows that I've listened to the input they had. Finally the use of model - I used someone who had an experience and interest with the genre Indie/Rock. I also chose someone who was in the same age range as the target audience so they could relate to them.

In contrast, I done this for the contents page too. I still used a consistent colour scheme as mentioned before as this is what the audience selected. I have used a variety of images for example; instruments and gigs. This would attract the audience as they have a visual image to the gig of their favourite bands. Throughout the text on the contents page, I have used the word 'you' which instantly involves the reader/audience which makes them feel part of the project.

Finally, the headline on the double paged spread reflects what the article is going to be about which gives the audience an insight already. The use of image is very basic on this article, there is no model. However, it could attract the audience in a different sense as it shows realism towads the band and refers to some people in society today. The use of text I have used could attract the audience because its a biographical article, therefore, people who are interested in the band would buy this magazine and find out more information about them. Also, it gives a personal tone of the journalist.

Question 6:
What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

Desktop Publishing:

Photographer - Throughout both productions (preliminary and the main task) all photographs were taken by myself. We were told at the beginning not to take copy right pictures, therefore every picture we used came from our own creative ideas. Although I took many pictures I did not use most of them. I picked out the ones which most reflected the genre of my magazine. Whilst taking pictures and coming up with my own ideas I have learnt a lot and learnt from my mistakes which produced my work to be at the best of its ability.

Journalist - As a journalist writing my double paged article gave me creative ideas on my style of writing and how I would catch my target audiences attention. It took me many drafts and changes to get my article at a higher standard from the beginning. Also, as a journalist, I took a look at other magazines that were the same genre to get inspiration. I followed the codes and conventions for this to get the highest mark I possibly could.

Proof Reader - During the whole process of my production the best way I thought to make my work better was to proof read. However, I thought this helped because going through my work I noticed odd things that needed to be altered. Another way I got my work to be better was to get other people such as my teacher and friends to read over my work so they could give me advice on what to change and what to include.

Graphic Design - Another thing I have learnt so far on this course is graphic design such as designing graphics. For example; titles, headlines etc. I can produce a professional looking media text from the desktop at home or in school. It is important to make the graphics stand out and look creative to attract the audience. You can use software such as Photoshop and Quarkxpress to create graphics. This is what professional magazine companies use so therefore it produces the best achievement.

Question 7:
Looking back at your preliminary task what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

Main Task

Rough Sketch - Front Cover.

Screen shots of progress: