Research, front cover analysis, 12.

Compared to my front cover analysis number 11 this is a much more stereotypical representation of a female artist in the classical music genre. Richard Dyer suggests that the media uses stereotypes to communicate to the audience what genre they are seeing, this helps them to make sense of the image and the text. One typical code and convention of a classical music artist is the elaborate ball gown, which the model is pictured wearing in this image. Stereotypes of a woman involved in the classical music genre is that they wear beautiful, expensive and high end fashion which appears very elegant. The deep red dress is a very rich colour which could connote the deep and beautiful sound that classical music is usually associated with. The model is showing a considerable amount of skin however i don't believe this is to attract the "male gaze" as Laura Mulvey would suggest but her pale skin contrasts with the red and allows it to stand out and become the main feature of the magazine, she appears very beautiful and attractive, however her make up is very natural and her pose is very relaxed and casual. The dress also has sequins and embroidery making it appear very feminine and the model very beautiful. I love the image that has been created by the photographer on this front cover. The model is holding her violin with both hands, grasping it at the top, this could connote her love and protection of the valuable instrument and its importance in her life. 

A house style is created through the repetition of the deep red colour, in the font and the dress, i believe this will be represented throughout the magazine. 

 The masthead is in san serif black which is synergetic with the text on the front cover. The masthead occupies the top quarter of the page.

There are 4 cover stories. The cover lines are displayed in the deep red and larger font whereas the text beneath the cover lines are depicted in black and are a smaller font. 

The model is not looking into camera and is therefore breaking convention, the shot is a medium long shot and no parts of the image are being covered by text. The model is situated in foreground and in the background pillars and marble floors have been blurred to add to the classical representation, by placing the model in a classy, sophisticated area. 

The image to the left connotes the quality of this magazine, it is an expensive issue ans also it is dispatched monthly, this means each issue has a lot more contents in it because it has to fulfill the expectations of the readers for a month therefore it is more expensive and time consuming to produce suggesting it is of a high quality.

How this post has inspired my creativity: 

I love the image that has been created by the photographer on this front cover. The model is holding her violin with both hands, grasping it at the top, this could connote her love and protection of the valuable instrument and its importance in her life. I may use this representation of a model and their instrument on my front cover.

Research, front cover analysis, 11.

A serious and professional man is being represented here, this is created by stereotypical symbols of classical music, for example the smart and sophisticated outfit with a neck tie. This therefore represents a code and convention of classical music which is being smartly presented in a suit or something highly regarded in a similar way, in this way he is made to look professional. The model is made to look serious by being directed to make eye contact with the camera in an engaging way, this supports Richard Dyer's theory 'a star is an image not a real person' because the model has been instructed to look this way to create a certain image for the public, by looking at this image we as an audience become aware that the magazine is for enthusiasts of classical music (by his attire) and that it will probably include serious and topical articles and conversations. However this does not support Stuart Hall's theory 'Representations cannot be a fixed unchangeable notion' because this star has been created in the image of a stereotypical classic artist, his outfit isn't particularly extravagant in any way and he looks quite normal, in this sense the representation is being made to seem true and commonsense. This is what the representation is to me although to others it may be different i believe that most people will receive the same ideas about this man being a classical artist and not a pop artist or extravagant performer for example. The magazines target audience is a range of people who are learning or want to learn how to play the piano, a possible symbolic sign could be the necktie, it has a silky and smooth appearance which are words we would associate with the piano sound. 

Genre is defined by Steve Neale who suggests that genre is about "repetition and difference" in this case that statement is true as usually a smart dress code is represented like on this image however a different aspect has been added with the colourful and shiny neck tie. 

The main colours situated on this magazine are mostly white black and grey, i believe this could represent the house style which runs all the way through with the occasional appearance of the light blue colour. 

The most outstanding feature of this magazine front cover is the light blue necktie, it is synergetic with the two blue box-outs containing the banners and the same of the artist shown above and below. This use of the same colour in the center, left corner and right corner of the magazine brings the front cover together connecting all of its features together allowing the audience to see the magazine as one product and creates a house style that will be represented throughout. The chosen colour also connotes feeling of calm as it is a cool and colour however still bright to keep the audience interested in what they are looking at. The front cover as a whole is quite dark so this splash of colour adds interest and depth. The banner below is semi transparent as it begins to fade towards the end.

 The masthead is at the top of the page and occupies  a small section of it, however in my research i have not yet analysed a magazine cover that keeps to the convention of not covering the masthead with the model, this magazine keeps to this convention and places the masthead just above the models dark hair. This also helps it stand out as the masthead is depicted in white, which is synergetic with the smaller text on the page which explains each subheading. The font is in san serif, i would not use this style for my subheading as i believe it doesn't symbolize the classical music as i usually think of fancy fonts representing the classical music genre, for example written music is represented in curly lines with extensions (eg. music notes)

There are 5 cover stories on the front of this magazine. They are not all the same font, there is a mixture of san serif and serif, they are also a range of sizes, with larger font being used for the cover lines.  I think this magazine is intended to appeal to a male and female TA as all genders can be interested in learning to play music. However because of the dark colours and the models lacking in attempt to attract a 'female gaze' (which Laura Mulvey suggests females only pose or dress the way they do on magazines or in the public eye to attract men, but this can be applied in terms of men and rejected in this case) i would suggests it is mainly directed at men. The image relates to the headline as it is depicting a pianist through the model. The shot type is a medium shot and the model has his arms crossed, this representation could connote unwillingness to share his life stories with the public and therefore a closed off character that is only in the public eye to share his music. The image is sharp and clear and very little of him is covered by text.  The hair and makeup is quite simplistic and minimal this will appeal to the target audience as mostly it is suggested they will only be interested in the music that the star is playing and not their appearance, which opposes someone in the pop genre like Lady Gaga for example were the image she creates attracts the majority of her fan base.  

The text appeals to the target audience because they are advertising the piano lessons they will receive inside of the magazine and what they will learn. There is also a suggestion they will receive a guide to the summer courses and festivals inside, which will appeal because people who are interested in classical music will want to listen to it live and will also want to know where to find courses that they can advance their classical music capabilities and understanding in.

This is a pug it has a buzzword 'FREE' which immediately draws the attention of the reader, as they become interested in what the magazine has that will benefit them, which is therefore an incentive to buy the magazine. 

There is a free CD included on the front cover, this is another incentive to buy for the audience because people are more inclined to buy if they receive something in return. The CD helps people learn the piano, this will appeal to the target audience as they are buying the magazine to further their piano skills. This is a feature that i could possibly include on my magazine front cover especially as i am introducing a new artist to world, it would be useful to give potential fan bases something to enjoy and therefore create a stable fan base for the artist before an official album has been released. 

How this post has influenced my planning and creativity: 

This post has given me the idea to possibly include a free CD in order to acquire a fan base for the artist i am introducing to the industry. 

Research, front cover analysis, 10.

This is an unconventional magazine cover as the representation does not match the iconic signs represented by the masthead which would suggest the magazine is of a classical genre however the models image including hair, make up and outfit suggests an edgier artist perhaps of the pop rock genre. This is done by using a range of very dark colours for example: grey, black and dark blue.

The models black eyeliner is very dark and breaks the typical codes of a classical music magazine, stereotypes are usually used to create an image, whereas to imply to the target audience that they were buying a classical magazine, a light coloured dress would usually be worn, possibly a pastel colours, with a sleek up do for a hairstyle and natural but attractive make up, which would prove Laura Mulvey's theory of the "male gaze" which suggests women dress the way men find them the most attractive in order to acquire their approval, however this magazine represents the complete opposite. This dark eye makeup would not be for the approval of men but for her to look different and unique, especially because she is a classical artist, she breaks a convention here as the dark eye make up is usually symbolic of the rock genre. 

Her make up has obviously not been applied to attract men but to make a statement, as does her hair. It is not in a sleek up do but is flowing onto her shoulders in a messy but still controlled look. For this reason i also believe the main target audience is mainly women, 

Her outfit also breaks the codes and conventions of classical music, as she wears a black leather jacket which is again, symbolic of the rock genre. Her hands are placed across her body, pulling her jacket in to cover herself, this once more disproves Laura Mulvey's theory and shows the image has been created not for the gaze of men. The pose however is not particularly powerful which softens her appearance and therefore makes the image relate to classical music fans, this is also achieved by the polka dot dress which symbolizes femininity and also connotes a childlike appearance again making sure although she is represented as an edgy rule breaker who younger classical fans can relate to and idolize she is still not a rock artist, this also represented through her jewelry. "A star is an image not a real person" - Richard Dyer. I believe in this case that statement is true, although i like this image that is being represented, it appeals to a younger target audience by making classical music a lot more modern. 

The main feature of this front cover and taking up the top quarter of the page, is the masthead it stands out against the dark background because it is in a white font san serif. i like the way 'classical' is horizontal and 'music' is vertical by the side of it, this arrangement draws the readers eye to 'classical' most importantly, but i also like the geometric modern appearance it gives the magazine. 7

The model is looking into camera and therefore keeping to convention, the image is a medium shot and is very sharp and clear. None of the image has been covered by text which again, keeps to conventions of music magazines. The photo has also been taken on location, however from the from this research i have decided i will not use this particular back drop as it has been used much too frequently. 

There are four cover stories, the three pictures to the left and the main cover story concerning the model pictured in the center of the page. The fonts are a range of sizes and with larger and yellow font for the cover lines and slightly smaller white font for the text beneath the cover lines. Some of the font is written in serif, i believe this will appeal to the target audience as stylish writing is usually associated with the classical music genre. I think the yellow and white fonts will also appeal to the target audience because they are light colours which are also usually symbolic of the classical genre. 

The image to the left connotes the quality of this magazine, it is an expensive issue, also it is dispatched monthly, this means each issue has a lot more contents in it because it has to fulfill the expectations of the readers for a month therefore it is more expensive and time consuming to produce suggesting it is of a high quality.

 The main cover story is depicted in the way shown to the left. I think the choice of words is effective because the word 'distinction' connotes she has reached the height of her career and has achieved a high level of excellence in her chosen instrument, the flute. 'Katherine Bryan on going solo' is also implied by using just her as the focus of the shoot with no props etc.. the image also relates to this by highlighting to the audience that by going solo she has also reinvented herself.




How this post has influenced my creativity and planning: 

I will not use a brick background on my front cover because i believe it looks to mainstream, it is not original. I also like the simple layout of this front cover.

Research, slidely containing pictures relating to the classical music genre.

Images related to classical music genre. by Slidely Slideshow

Planning, Classical Word Cloud.

Above is a word cloud containing words that i think relate to classical music. 

Research, Dress ideas for a classical magazine.

I looked through many outfits on the internet and came to the conclusion that I wanted to keep the dress simple but also stylish in order to keep the magazine current and relate-able to the younger audience (16-21 year olds) Therefore I decided to enter 'Kendall Jenner' into my internet search bar because I knew that she could create a classy look however she is still idolized by young girls worldwide, this is the image I wish to create on my front cover. Richard Dyer states that 'a star is an image, not a real person' I believe this is true of this star because this is not how she would appear everyday, it is simply a classical, sophisticated and mature look that her stylists have put together which is appropriate for an event and due to the style of the simple dress, the diamonds and the slicked back sophisticated hair i think they all work together as indexical signs to create the appearance of some one involved in the classical genre which is the representation i want to create on the front of my magazine. The connotations of the light pink colour can also represent calm, which I believe classical music induces. I also really like the accessories included in this outfit, they are simple e.g. a diamond encrusted clutch bag and necklace however it adds uniqueness to the outfit and keeps it young. I also like the way the dress goes against Laura Mulvey's theory of all women trying to attract the 'male gaze' as I believe this is not what classical music is about and should simply be about the music. Although Kendall Jenner does not appear to be showing too much in this dress she is still able to keep it fashionable and fun with her shoulders and arms on display. I think the strapless dress is a classic representation of a young woman.

Research of institutions, 4, Anthem Publishing

Anthem is Britain's fastest growing publishing company by copy sale revenue, this means they are acquiring a lot of profit which will enable me to publish a magazine of high quality. They are also the UK's only publisher of both music-making and music-listening magazine, which makes the publisher interesting and unique with a quality that other published do not have.

Anthem has a website for subscriptions, this would ne useful for my target audience, as the younger generation are more likely to buy a magazine if it online and therefore easier. The use of technology to promote my magazine is useful as this is where most young people do everything. Online.

The image to the left shows, anthem publishing is very popular and therefore reaches a large number of people. This would help and increase the sales of my magazine.

Researching institutions, 3, Team Rock LTD

This company was very successful in 2014 and is therefore very current, in reflection of this the link to the left shows at the top of the website links to like the companies page on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, You tube and Google. (Shown below)

This suggest they appeal to a younger audience as they are advertising on forms of technology, in which all teenagers and young adults are involved in. This also implies the company is very large and posses a lot of profits and a large audience as it is able to set up accounts on the internet and prosper from this. Team Rock also has an app on iTunes as shown in this link to the right  Both these features suggests that the company is attracting a younger audience and will therefore be interested in my magazine as these are the people I am trying to reach and attract them to the classical music magazine. I believe this company can help me do it as they seem to not have a classical music magazine already.

The fact they are advertising mobile phone games on their website shows that the institution appeals to a younger target audience. Most frequent mobile phone users are the age group of 16-21 which is the audience i am trying to appeal to. This would mean Team Rock LTD could be a possible institution that my magazine would appeal to.

Research institutions, 2, blaze publishing LTD.

The blaze publishing LTD specialises in niche magazines which would be perfect for my classical magazine as I believe there is a gap in the market for Classical magazines that young classical performers and enthusiasts can be proud to read and be associated with. The editors of the magazine are also said to be experts in their field and therefore the quality of the magazine is guaranteed.

The three pictures above show the three main magazines that blaze has published, these do not include and classical specific magazines although they have an 'Acoustic' they have nothing else similar to classical. The institution specialises in musical instruments and so does the classical music genre, classical is also a niche market. After researching the magazines they appear to be already supporting, I can't see any classical magazines and therefore this could be a possible publisher that would be interested in taking on my magazine as I believe it is niche and what they could be looking for, in order to expand their genre availability and increase sales.

Research on institutions, 1, Seymour.

Seymour is 100% owned by Frontline Group (Immediate Media Company, Haymarket Publications and Bauer). The institution has many shares including a 14% share of the total magazine market and the Frontline Group, with Seymour having a 44% share. This would mean if this institution were to take on my magazine they would have the financial stability to publish my magazine to a high quality and therefore drive the sales upwards. Seymour is also the largest distributor of UK magazines internationally which would also help me increase profits by expanding the market to a global scale of over 90 countries.

The website suggests they are excellent at retail (shown in the screen grab to the left) Seymour can help me to develop my circulation strategies which will aid me in getting my magazine to the attention of many potential readers. The institution is said to have a lot of experience in the market with leading systems and market intelligence which will give me a competitive advantage to succeed within todays market.

The website also suggests they have some of the most leading technology and systems (shown in screen grab to the left) which will allow me to publish a magazine quickly and easily. There Retail National Accounts Team also has an intimate relationship with UK's leading retailers and therefore will be able to get my niche genre (classical) magazine out to the age group that I want (16-21) so for example become in touch with the retailers they know have a young audience.

Planning, initial treatment

Research, contents page analysis, 4.

This magazine contents page contains 19 stories and 19 different sections. The contents page layout

matches the front cover, which creates synergy and a house style. The black writing is in serif font for the cover lines which is also continued on the contents page, the red colour is also a feature of the house style as it is used for the masthead, page numbers and fonts. The theme of vibrant colours on the front cover is also created on the contents page through the repetition of the cover picture (David Bowie) The colours on his face (blue and orange) are represented on the contents page on the Puff (2013 long-range forecast). There are 3 different columns of text and 12 images. The page numbers are a continuous size throughout and also aid in creating the house style as they are depicted in orange. The page numbers are mostly situated below the picture in PUFFS and in the right hand corner. There is not a lot of white space on this contents page as most of the pictures on the left hand side are arranged in a collage effect. There are also a variety of font sizes, the subheadings are consistently larger than the text underneath it. The text on the front cover 'Bowie Lives' is a different font to the rest if the text both on the front cover and contents page and is written in san serif.

This magazine is published by Bauer. The Q is featured three times. only 10 of the articles are featured with a picture. Each picture is shot in a different location. There are many pop artists featured on the contents page which represents the magazine genre, however there is also a large variance of genres (for example, rock) displayed which creates a hybrid genre which Q usually represents as it portrays a wide range of artists. I think the target audience of this magazine would be aimed at the slightly older generation because it represents slightly vintage artists for example: David Bowie. Mostly the colours are all quite dull and dark apart from the occasion splash of colour which could attract a slightly younger audience but definitely not children and teenagers as there are no shapes and bright colours displayed, in order to create a more mature effect. 

Representations include, Laura Mulvey's theory of the 'male gaze' however in the case of this magazine the model 'David Bowie' is attempting to attract the female gaze by showing his skin and appearing to be naked. 

Noticeable features on the contents page: 

The use of puffs shown in this screen grab makes the writing stand out against all the images in the background. Against the white background of the puff the writing is able to be read easily and the use of red, blue and black font means it is eye catching and is obviously a feature that the magazine creators would like the readers to see as they have drawn attention to the text effectively. 

 Kerning is the white space between the letters, the title 'headline' has the most white space as it is the largest font (about 24) because it is the name of the page, a slightly smaller font (about 16) is the subheadings for each column. The smallest amount of white space between the letters is displayed in the main body of text, this is because the text is a lot smaller (11) and not meant to be read at first glance by a potential reader  whereas  

the title and subheadings are larger because the purpose is to grab the readers attention as the subheadings may interest them, which will consequently make them buy the article.  

 

The banner allows the text behind it to stand out against the background, this draws attention to the subheading and therefore encourages the reader to find out what is included in the 'Q review'.

 

The caption beneath this picture has the purpose of describing the image and explaining in brief what the article will be about. This may attract the attention of the reader if they are interested in the artist for example.  

The buzzword in this article is in large font and stands out proficiently against the black background as it is depicted in white font. Again this grabs the attention of the reader. 

How this post has influenced my planning and creativity: 

I love the busy contents page, it makes is appear more interesting, i will use this type of format when creating my contents page.  I also like the way the artists that are being covered in the main story have been cut out and standing next to the contents page overlapping it slightly. 

Research, things i am learning.

Through this media project i have learnt how to use blogger, how to post blogs, embed slides, add images, change the format and layout of my blog, embed prezis, reply to comments. I have used all of these things as a base for me to display my work and constructive criticism.

  

I have also mad a flikr account to enable me to share photos easily. 

I have also learnt to use prezi, this is a useful way for me to analyse magazines in a spider diagram style, therefore the development of my ideas are easily seen and displayed in an aesthetically pleasing way. 

I have also learnt how to use slide share, this allows me to share the power point slides I have mad and also enables me to embed my PowerPoint slides into my blog for viewing and commenting. 

Research, comparison of Mojo magazine and Q magazine, analysis of contents page, 3.

The Q magazine contains colourful PUGS to display page numbers and they are positioned above the artist name and pictures that will be found on that page. However Mojo magazine have chosen a different page layout and  listed all page numbers on the left hand side of the first page and on the second has pictures with numbers displayed in box-out to allow them to stand out which is similar to Q Magazine, through my research i have found that most page numbers are placed in either PUGS, banners or box-out as it allows them to stand out and catches the eyes of potential readers effectively. I prefer the Q magazine layout and will use this on my magazine as it appears more organized and is much easier and quicker to read and understand. Both magazines have writing underneath each subheading informing the reader on what the particular sections of the magazine will include. 

In comparison the Q magazine looks like it may attract a younger adult target audience because of the artists represented and the brighter colours, Whereas the Mojo magazine has an older target audience represented by its darker colours (for example the black and white images). 

The colours used on the Mojo magazine are black and white with the occasional red, orange and brown tones whereas the Q magazine contains a wider range of bright colours suggesting the magazine is for a younger target audience as opposed to the older target audience of Mojo. 

Some of the models on the Q magazine contents page are examples of direct address from models posing by themselves and also a number of group shots, as they are maintain eye contact with the camera, this is similar to the Mojo magazine. There are also a range of different sets that the images have been taken on both contents pages, ranging from studio to on location. 

Research, analysing contents page, 2.