My Final Contents Page

I then took some photographs of guitars and incorporated them into the blank space at the bottom of my contents page. I then added text to turn this in to an advertisement.

Progress Of My Contents Page Cont.

I then incorporated six other photographs that I had taken from the concert I had previously attended.

Progress Of My Contents Page Cont.

I decided to make some changes to my contents page as I was not happy with the way it was going. I went to a concert and took some photos of the band that were playing and decided to incorporate the photos in to my contents page. First, I changed the background colour to white from grey using the fill tool. I then went on to add in more text and stories into my contents and I then rearranged the placement of the text and subheadings. I then included a photo from the concert to make it look like a realistic magazine contents page. I kept my social media logo images at the bottom.

Progress Of My Contents Page Cont.

I carried on creating my contents page today. I carried on using Photoshop to create it. I incorporated the Instagram, Facebook and Twitter logos to the bottom of the page. I used the magic wand tool to get rid of the white background so that the logos had a transparent background. I then used the text tool to add page numbers to the band index so that the target audience know where to find each band within the magazine. I made these numbers red to match my house style. I now plan to incorporate two pictures I took myself from a recent concert and I also want to include an image of fall out boy. I will get this image from a photo I have taken from my own tour t-shirt.

 

Progress Of My Contents Page Cont.

I carried on using Photoshop to create my contents page. I included a band index on the left hand side using the shape tool and the text tool. I also included a picture of the my model as the artist for the main article. I used the magic wand tool to cut out the background and I edited the image slightly to make her less red and I used the blur tool to soften the edges of her hair as it looked too sharp and squared. 

Progress Of My Contents Page Cont.

Today I carried on creating my contents page on Photoshop. I used the text tool to add the text. I also added the subheading shapes by copying the layer of the red shape from my cover so that the recurring theme continued, but I decided to make them black as it stood out more.  

Progress Of My Contents Page

Today I began creating my contents page using Photoshop. I began with the paint bucket tool and made the background the same colour as my cover and double page spread in order keep a recurring theme. I then inserted the title and used the shape tool to but a red bar behind it to give it a pop of colour - using the red from my cover and double page spread to keep the house style running through.

My Final Double Page Spread

Progress Of My Double Page Spread Cont.

I then went back to my original photos. Once again, I used the magic wand tool to cut out the images. This time I kept them in full colour and incorporated them throughout the two pages. I also moved around the text slightly to accommodate these images. Also, I used the shape tool to create red boxes, that fit the house style on my cover, to incorporate key quotes from the interview with the artist to make it like a real double page spread in a magazine.

Progress Of My Double Page Spread Cont.

Once again, as I progressed through creating my double page spread, I decided to change the layout and alter the colours slightly, yet still keep them with the house style. I changed the background from grey to white, I altered the colours of the layers of the title from black and white to black and red. Also, I increased the length of my article as I have changed the layout of the two pages.

Original Double Page Spread:


New Double Page Spread:

Progress Of My Double Page Spread Cont.

As I was working on my double page spread, I realised I was not really fond of what I had created so I decided to change it, still following the theme from my cover and my contents pages. I kept a grey, black, white and red theme. I picked some fun photos of my model to give it a more fun, less serious feel to it. I used Photoshop to make the images greyscale and then included a camera reel film strip to border some small images.

Progress Of My Double Page Spread Cont.

Today I carried on with creating my double page spread. I used the text tool make my font smaller, from 11 to 10. I then moved the third column to the top rather than the bottom and included three of my own photos. I decided to put them in a cameral reel to frame them as without it, they looked as though they were out of place and just floating, which I didn't like. 

 

Progress Of My Double Page Spread Cont.

Today I carried on inserting the text from my article from a word document to InDesign. I used the text tool for this as well as copy and paste. I also inserted a separate piece of text from the article and enlarged it, changed the colour and placed it in quotation marks so that it would stand out on the page.

 

 

Progress Of My Double Page Spread

Today I began creating my double page spread using Adobe InDesign. I began with the colour of my background. As I wanted to keep the colour scheme running throughout my work, I used the same percentages of cyan, magenta and yellow so that the background of my double page spread and the background of my cover matched exactly. I then saved the red shape form my cover on Photoshop as a JPEG and placed it into InDesign so that the theme is recurring through my magazine work. I then began copying and pasting my article from word into my double page spread and I changed the font to suit the style of the magazine. I also kept my black, red and white theme with all of the text and shapes.

My Final Magazine Cover

 

Progress Of My Magazine Cover Cont.

I carried on creating my cover on Photoshop. I carried on using the text tool to add cover lines to my magazine. I alternated the colour of the text to match the theme of black, white and red that will run throughout my magazine as my target audience requested mainly dark colours. I also added a puff to my cover using the shape tool to attract my audience as they wanted prizes such as VIP passes. I also added the edition and the price using the text tool.

 

Progress Of My Magazine Cover Cont.

Using Photoshop, I carried on creating my front cover. I used the shape tool to create the red shape behind my main cover line and the banner across the top of my front cover. I also used the text tool to include the words on the banner and name and cover line. I then included a barcode in the bottom right hand corner.

  

Progress Of My Magazine Cover

Today I began creating my magazine front cover, I started with the one of my original photos of my model and used various tools on Photoshop such as the quick selection tool to get rid of my background and crop my photo, the bucket fill tool to fill the background of the cover and I used a website called 1001fonts in order to find a font that matched my theme. I picked the font and chose black, I then inverted the font on the website and overlapped it with the black font to make it look more interesting and draw the eye of my target audience. 

Example Photos Of My Model

On the 12th of November 2014 my model came over to take the main photos for my magazine. I was pleased with the outcome of the majority of my photos but at times, the camera would not focus so some of my photos are unable to be used.

Photo Plans

I plan to take my photos for my magazine in about a weeks time. I will be using a friend outside of school as my model.

 

What would I like my model to wear?

I would like my model to wear dark clothing, I am not too bothered about what as long as it is black/grey/dark purple/dark red. A leather jacket, black skinny jeans and black boots would be the ideal outfit but I may not have access to that outfit and my model may not have access either.

 

What would I like my model to have her hairstyle like?

The model I have chosen has light brown/blonde hair that is quite long so there is a wide variety of styles I could choose to go with for my photos. I would like to either have her hair in a loose fishtail plait, hanging down the front left side of her body so it can be seen as my model really suits that hairstyle. If I decide to go with her hair down, I'd like it be wavy as she also suits this hairstyle. Both of these hairstyles match the style of my artist so whichever is used on the day of taking the photos will be fine for my magazine.

 

How would I like my model to have her make up?

I would like my model to have a decent amount of eyeliner on as this is what my artist would wear. I would also like my model to have red lips if possible, and if not, a more subtle colour.

 

Where would I like to take my photos?

For the main cover image I would like to take photos against a white background to make it easy to crop out. However, I would like a photo taken outside to use on my double page spread if possible. I may not be able to do this if I am only able to schedule a time to take photos on an evening due to my models working hours as It would be dark and I would prefer it to be in the light.

 

Magazine Flat Plans

Below, I have drawn out a flat plan for my front cover of my magazine, my contents page and my double page spread.

 

 

 

Analysis Of An Image Two

I analysed another image before taking my own photos. Once again I used Prezi.

Analysis Of An Image One

Before taking my own pictures for my magazine, I analysed an iconic image of a person using Prezi. I did this so that I know how to take my images so that they will successfully have an effect of my audience.

My Article Draft

Below, I have posted my draft for my article. I based it on the ideas from my article ideas podcast.

Article -

Here at Fall Out magazine, we're big on change, and a massive change we've noticed in the music scene lately is Spencer and her radical musical and style transformation. Spencer has been through a lot and last year she was forced to take a break from performing after a drunk driver collided with her car. She has spent the past ten months in recovery, learning to walk again after the crash caused spinal injuries. We decided to catch up with our pop punk princess turned rock star after her first performance back on stage last week in London.

What was it like performing to a live audience for the first time in almost a year?

I don't think I can find the word to describe the way I felt stepping back on to that stage and rocking out to the best fans a girl could wish for. They were so supportive of my new style and even asked for an encore. The concert was a hit, being able to perform songs like I used to plus my new songs, was amazing. I can't wait for my next show. It was so different, standing in front of a crowd unaided instead of standing in front of nurses with walking sticks - I felt invincible.

What was it like recovering in hospital?

Don't get me wrong, I love that hospital. I wouldn't be here today without it. The doctors and nurses became some of my best friends, they were exceptional at their jobs and I owe them so much. But it was not the best time of my life, It was hard and there were a lot of tears. Learning to walk again was the hardest part, I used to live in killer heels and I'm still not at the stage where I can wear them again, I feel short now! I'm still going back there regularly for physiotherapy and I'm determined to walk in heels!

So what inspired you to write new music?

Hospital can be a really boring place at times. I needed to kill some time; I was perfectly fine in hospital because they were a great help, I just couldn't sit and do nothing every single day. I tried to write music as I always have but the lyrics were just - different. They were just spilling out on to the paper and when I sang them back, they sounded so different to my usual style and I really liked it. So I wrote some more and it all just happened really, I hadn't planned to change.

What about your new look?

I figured my usual pop punk princess look just wouldn't cut it with my new sound. I wanted a more edgy look so I went heavier on the black eyeliner, invested in a black leather jacket, dark skinny jeans and killer boots - flats of course! I think you're probably seeing a trend here, I really like black. I still always have a pop of colour on my nails like I always have - Nail polish is and always will be my weakness.

Which of your new songs do you like the most?
That is a really difficult question. I wrote so many, some are just still words on a page. I've been in the studio most of this week recording, so far I've fully recorded eight of them. There are a definite two that are my favourites because they're rocky and fun, but have real depth and meaning but I want you and the readers to decide for themselves, I don't want to sway anyone's decisions.

Have your family and record company supported these changes?
Yeah, they're all one big family really and they like the changes and they're being really supportive. There hasn't been one bad word about my style or my new music. They have been amazing in the whole process.

Lets go back a bit, what made you want to sing in the first place? 
I've loved singing for as long as I can remember. I used to perform in my own little concerts in my bedroom as a kid. It's a passion that will 'burn inside of me forever' - to quote one of my new songs! But yeah, it is my actual one true love and rocking out on stage makes me feel so alive.

Have you ever felt really scared to perform on stage?
Yeah I have, in fact, to say I was scared to perform my new songs would totally be a massive under statement, I was absolutely terrified. I had no clue how my audience would react to my changes and I was scared of the reaction I would get out of them. I was so thankful that they stayed loyal. I genuinely expected some people to get up and walk out, it felt like a huge risk but no one did. I truly love my fans, they reassured me and after that, I didn't feel afraid and had a blast on stage.

Got any tips for any aspiring rockers out there reading this?
Yeah I do, this might sound ridiculously cliché but here it is - Always try your best, follow your dreams and NEVER give up. You need to remember that it won't be easy but if you really want it that much, you CAN do it.

Have you ever written a song about a particular person?
Yeah, loads of times. Not all of these songs have been recorded, but I have written them to get some things out of my system, it really helps! I've written songs about boys, about friends, about family, its up to you and the readers to decide which of my songs is about who!

How long would you say it usually takes to write a song?
Erm, the time it takes it takes to write a song depends on my mood, what is inspiring me to write at that time and really, how emotional I am, when I'm writing it etc. I can usually write a song in one night if I'm feeling motivated and inspired, in the right frame of mind and I start writing late at night. I'm not sure why but I write better at night when it's dark as opposed to in the morning or afternoon.

Any news on your upcoming album?
I can't say much but we are working on it right now. It has a combination of my old style and new style but they're all new songs and I hope everyone loves it, you all have to wait a couple of months but hopefully you all think it's worth it. I'm really excited about it and I love being back in the studio.

Who would you say are your role models in the industry?
I have quite a few, one of them is Taylor Momsen. I've only thought of her as a role model recently, she started out sweet and cute and now she rocks out on stage. Michael Jackson is also a role model, I've just always loved him, despite his style and my style being very different. Hayley Williams is another of my role models, she is amazing.

Article Ideas Podcast

I used Soundcloud to record a podcast containing my ideas for the article in my magazine. This podcast is embedded below.

My Reader Profile

I have created a reader profile for my own magazine using Photoshop. I have included images of things my target audience like and enjoy. For example, clothing in the styles they would wear, items they would be interested in like guitars, other similar magazines and products they would like.

Reader Profile Research

Before creating my own reader profile, I carried out some research and provided some examples. I used Prezi to present my research. The background music is Peace by Kids In Glass Houses.

Marjorie Ferguson - Use Of Facial Expressions

As part of my research, I looked in to theories surrounding media and magazines. The final theory I looked at was the use of facial expressions by Marjorie Ferguson.




In order to apply this theory to my own music magazine, I intend to make my model/models use the invitational pose. I want to use this as with my genre of music, a mysterious look would suit my magazine well, whereas sensual or super smiley poses would not look right with a theme of dark colours on a pop punk magazine.

Naomi Wolf - The Beauty Myth

As part of my research, I looked in to the theories surrounding media and magazines. The second theory I looked at was The Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolf.


I will not be applying this theory to my own music magazine as with my chosen genre of music, a sexually appealing woman will not be on my cover, I am aiming to use a band of three or one person, using mainly facial expressions to attract an audience.

Uses & Gratifications

As part of my research, I looked in to the theories surrounding media and magazines. The first theory I looked at was the theory of Uses & Gratifications.



In order to apply the ideas of this theory to my own work, I plan to include up to date information on my band in my double page spread so that the audience can get a detailed insight into the lives of their favourite artists. I will make the double page spread article interesting and gripping so that the reader can use it as a diversion and has the chance to escape their everyday life for a short while. Also, I will promote a competition to make them feel included and gratified.

Magazine Publishers

To find out more about magazine publishers, I carried out some research and put together three pages of information on three different publishers.

Questionnaire Findings Podcast

Using Soundcloud, I recorded a podcast to conclude the findings from my questionnaires. This podcast is embedded below.

Questionnaire Results

I collected my questionnaire results and produced the pie charts below using Kizoa. The quantitative data shows clearly what the readers want in a music magazine and I will take these results in to consideration when creating my own magazine.

Pie Charts - Video Maker

Questionnaire

In order to find out what readers would like my music magazine to be like, I produced a questionnaire using PollSnack to see what they like. The results from the questionnaire will be used to finalise my ideas and start creating my magazine. I have embedded the interactive questionnaire below.

I had the choice to use a qualitative or a quantitative questionnaire and because I wanted my results as statistics to create my pie charts easily, I used closed questions as opposed to open questions so that it was quantitative. The advantage of using closed questions meant that I could easily quantify my results, but the disadvantage of using closed instead of open means that I couldn't get a very detailed insight in to the views of the audience.

My Music Magazine Brief

Using Emaze, I created a presentation for the brief of my music magazine & I have embedded this below.

Improving My Research & Analysis

After completing my original research and analysis, I noticed that I had failed to include substantial information on the target audiences of each magazine that I analysed, So I decided to improve my research and analysis by creating a new Prezi that included that information in detail. The song is White Coats by Foxes.

Magazine Analysis

Using Prezi, I have analysed two magazine covers, contents pages and double page spreads. I have embedded these below. The music playing in analysis one is Parachute by Cheryl Cole & the music in analysis two is Ain't It Fun by Paramore.

Magazine Cover Analysis

I have annotated six magazine covers and uploaded them via Slideshare. They are embedded below.

School Magazine Cover & Contents Page

Magazine Cover

In order to make my magazine cover, I took photos around the school of pupils working, the school building itself as well as a medium close up of a sixth form student to use as the main image on the cover.

I used Photoshop to create my magazine cover. To include the text, I used the text tool and chose the font 'Vladimir Script' for the masthead, as well as the date of the issue and the price of the magazine. I also used this font for the main cover line and then for the straplines I chose the font 'Vrinda'. I used a theme of white, blue and yellow as these are the school colours.

I also found a transparent of the Heworth Grange logo on the school website (www.heworthgrange.org.uk) to use in the top right hand corner.

The main cover image I used is a sixth form student. I slightly edited this photo by simply using the eraser tool to give the edge a scalloped look as I did not like the look of the photo with straight edges and it I used this as a theme throughout my contents page too. To alter the secondary images I used ctrl + T to transform the image. I dragged the corners to angle the photos in different directions to make it look slightly more interesting than just having them straight and flat.

I also included a Twitter and Facebook logo and I used the Magnetic Lasso Tool to delete the white edges.

Magazine Contents

In my contents page I used the same font theme as I used on the cover so there was a constant theme throughout. I also used the same colours of blue, yellow and white like on the front cover. 

To get the background the same colour as the magazine cover, I used the colour picker tool and the paint bucket tool. Once again I did this so that there was consistent theme throughout the magazine. 

For the bottom image, I decided to use the eraser to create a scalloped edge. The bottom image is a photo taken in the school. 

About Me

Hey!

My name is Amy Oughton & I'm 18 years old. I attend Heworth Grange Comprehensive and I am currently in Year 12. I am studying  Psychology, Sociology, Extended Project and of course, Media Studies!

Enjoy my blog!