Research, questionnaire for target audience (16 years old) with digital answers

1) Do you frequently read music magazines?

2) Do you read them as a form of diversion, to escape from every day life?

3) Do you want to be able to relate to the text in an article

4) Do you want to be able to be able to emotionally relate to an artist and their stories?

5) Do you like younger or older singers/artists?

6) What kind of colours do you associate with the classical music genre?

7) Do you like to read a lot of text on a double page spread?

8) Do you prefer a busy and full looking contents page, front cover and double page spread or something simpler?

9) Do you use social media to follow artists?

10) Do you play any instruments?

11) Do you go to concerts and gigs?

12) Which type of adverts do you enjoy/find useful?

13) Do you prefer extravagant and fun looking

14) Do competitions in magazines appeal to you?

15) Do you prefer an artist with natural or heavy make up?

16) Would you like a gossip column?

17) Do you appreciate props on a front cover?

18) Do you shop online?

I sent the above questions to people through Facebook messenger and text message, the participants then typed up and sent me their answers. 

Answers below taken from text message:

Answers below taken from Facebook:

Answers below from IMessage:

Research, DPS analysis 3.

There are 3 columns of text, the text does not completely completely fill the page width as there is a border around the edge of the page, about 2 cm wide. There is about 1 cm width of space between each column. The text is left aligned. The text is serif, black. There is quite a large amount of white space especially at the top of the page on the right of the double page spread. 

The headline is serif style, and black, this is synergetic with the entire double page spread as the text beneath the headline is black as well as the main body text. The headline size is about 48. The headline is in a much bolder font and much bigger than the text beneath it and bigger still then the main body text. This therefore means the headline stands out. 

A drop capital appears once in this article it is the same size as the headline font (48) and is also in black, this therefore creates synergy again, throughout the article. The size of the main body text is about 8 this is considerably smaller than the drop capital. 

The shot type is a long shot. This image supports Richard Dyer's theory 'a star is an image, not a real person' because the artist has been posed in a particular stance and arranged by the photographer, in an every day situation he would most probably not be sat on a table in a room that appears to have no furniture in it. In this sense the image is not seem to feel real, true and natural because the background of the image is staged, it is a studio setting however the plainness and lack of colour allows the model in the foreground to stand out and be the main focus point of the viewer. The model is wearing all black, which stands out greatly against the lighter colour of backgrounds, the knowledge that the eye is firstly attracted to lighter colours may have influenced this decision as the black contrasts with the models pale complexion which instantly makes the face more recognizable to readers of this magazine. The model is dressed in very smart attire this is has become a convention of representations of people in the classical music genre. This image however does not support Stuart Hall's theory 'Representations cannot possibly be a fixed, unchangeable notion' as this is a stereotypical representation of an artist in the classical music genre, as he is dressed in smart attire and is an older man, which people tend to associate with classical music, which is also something that i would like to change, making classical music current and appropriate to a younger audience. The image suits the TA for these reasons. 

The article is about a conductor looking back on his successful career, this is shown through this image of the famous conductor over 20 years ago. While the writer looks back on an enjoyable night watching the conductor (Semyon Bychkov) conduct the Philharmonic at the BBC proms. 

This language is specific to the target audience as it is specialized classical genre vocabulary.

This is an example of formal language tenor a higher level of intelligence is required to understand the words used and is therefore more appropriate to an older and educated audience. 

This is an example of a more casual register as the star is speaking from their own point of view, he appears to be free with his words, speaking from his mind and showing to the reader how he felt in response to a situation, a casual register allows the readers to be more connected with the artist. 

This is an example of intimate register, as the star is speaking of a significant moment when he knew that he had reached a commendable  moment in his career.


How this DPS has influenced my planning and creativity:

I like the layout of this magazine with an image between the first and the third columns of text and at the top of the second column, this breaks up the text and makes it appear like there is less. However I think there has been too much white space used at the top of the page.

Research, DPS analysis 2.

The name of this magazine is 'Acoustic'. There are 5 columns of text, the text does not fill the entire width of the page. The text is all left aligned, all of the text is black and in serif font. 

The headline is i a mixture of serif font and san serif. 'Acoustic' has been typed in serif font as it includes extensions in the letters which i believe is symbolic of the classical genre, whereas the 'GUITARS' has been depicted in capital letters and san serif font, this makes it clearer to read and therefore this specific word stands out more than the rest. 

There is one drop capital featured on the left hand side of the page it is a lot bigger than the rest of the body text about 52 compared to the 10 of the body text.

The representation compliments the article as it is all about acoustic guitars and important information which should be considered when purchasing one. The image to the left has been manipulated differently, compared to the other image featured on this page. This image creates an older, retro and more classic effect, this is represented by using the black and white filter.The representation is made to seem true as it has been achieved professional  and therefore looks like a photo that has been taken many years ago. I think the black and white colours are connotations of old which i think is a stereotypical feature of the classical music genre. 

                                                                       

The image suits the target audience because they have bought the magazine because they are interested in the genre of classical music and the instruments involved, more specifically the acoustic guitar. This page has a very large focus on acoustic guitars and therefore the three images representing guitars are appropriate for the enthusiasts. The image to the left is arranged very differently compared to the other photos, the overlapping effect allows the reader to compare the guitars more closely, as this is the purpose of the feature. The reader can compare colours and different features more effectively. The representation of the guitars overlapped together makes them seem true and natural.

The main image is not in a natural setting however it looks as if it has been taken in a studio setting and then manipulated in some way, which could include cutting around the photo with a tool and then pasting this onto the white background of the double page spread. 

There is a puff on this magazine to advertise a feature in this magazine




The medium of this text is magazine print media. The language changes according to the domain that the language is related to, the function of this text is to persuade the reader to buy a particular guitar and also to inform the reader of its positive features.

The language used in the highlighted part of text is specific and specialized language that only guitar enthusiasts would understand and be able to apply to their lives. This therefore means that the text is specific to the target audience as it informs them successfully of a topic that they are interested in which was their purpose for buying the magazine. The language register is quite formal in this section, to convey with conviction the knowledge. It is important to use a formal register when informing,  in order to make the text believable to a reader. The tenor is also very polite.

This piece of text is very descriptive 'sitka spruce top' this use of alliteration and specifically, sibilance creates a soft and silky sound when spoken which has the effect on the reader of creating an image of the guitar in the mind of the smooth and glossy body. 

This text is an example of a casual register as it uses informal language, this is suitable for a younger TA. The tenor however, is still polite.

This is a use of emotive language, it adds feeling and emotion to the piece of text and suggests to the reader the level of excellence the particular guitar possesses, making them want to purchase it.

This is another example of formal register, and language specific to our Westernised culture, this is an example of a phrase only people from our country would understand, this makes it more specific to the target audience. 

How this DPS has influenced my planning and creativity:

I like the use of casual register, which i believe attracts a younger target audience. I also like the amount of text used, as what is written is direct but still informative. The text in the box out (highlighted) is also very effective. 

Research, DPS analysis 1.

This double page spread starts on page 40 and has 3 columns of text and fills the page width. There is about 1cm of space between each of the columns, the text is left aligned apart from the inner column which is center aligned and serif black. The headline is serif and a burgundy colour. 'Violinist unchained' is about 54 font size, they style is very simplistic which reflects the rest of the article, a very large picture taking up the whole of the first page with a black background, black text and a simple headline, there are no extravagant patterns although the 2 pages do contrast greatly as they are black and white which i think looks very effective. There is a lot of white space on the second page of the double page spread although there is also a lot of writing, however it is in very small font. 

The pull quote shown to the left is at the bottom right and is in a completely different colour which is not following the house style however this means it stands out. The purpose of a pull quote is to pick out and interesting quote from the interview to entice the reader into reading the entire article. This unique colour draws attention to the quote. The font for this pull quote is serif font however it isn't as clear as the main body of text, the writing is written is script with curls and has a fancy and sophisticated style (serif), which reflects the classical genre a lot more. The speech marks are the same size as the quote. 

The image is a medium shot. The article is about a young violinist therefore she is represented here holding her violin very close to her, the model mentions in the article that music is 'in her blood' this would suggests the music is a part of her and that she is unable to live without it, this is signified by her strong grasp on the instrument and her appearance to be protecting it because of its immense value to her, emotionally. 

The interviewer also suggests she 'regrets having to leave behind so often to travel for work' when referring to the artists family, this could be symbolized through the fact she is surrounded by nothing. The black colour could have been used to connote sadness because she is away from her family members although her guitar and slightly more colourful clothes represent the remaining happiness in her life as she remains passionate about the music. 

The image suits the target audience because she is carrying a violin which the classical music enthusiasts will be interested in, also the image has a very dark theme which appeals more to the maturer of adults. The photo has been taken in a studio. There have been no effects added from Photoshop. It is clear the house style is the burgundy colour as it is represented on the models clothes and the headline. 

Hodge and Kress define genre as "typical forms of texts which link kinds of producer, consumer, topic, medium, manner and occasion" in the case of this DPS i believe that is true as there are many words that are specific to the genre of classical music for example in the screen grab to the left the section that states 'when we play the Kreutzer sonata by Beethoven' is specific to the classical genre, people not interested in classical may not be able to identify these musicians or know what a sonata is and therefore this proves the theory that producers of magazines are limited with what they can include in each magazine depending on the genre. 

'Dig her heels in' is a phrase specific to our westernized culture and probably wouldn't be understood by someone living out of this country this implies that language specific to the target audience is being used in order for them to be able to relate. However slightly informal. 

This quote taken from the artist makes her appear to be very, intelligent and sophisticated which is common stereotype of people interested in classical music, this is what educated people want to read, quotes from people with high intellect, like themselves. She also appears very spiritual. The language used is mostly very formal. The tenor is extremely polite and increase the formality. 

The DPS is a print media article and the language is appropriate for this. There is a formal register used by the writer which is quite impersonal, the artist also uses quite a formal register with occasional intimate when she speaks about her family and close relationship with music. 

This influences my creativity and planning as i like the layout of this DPS however i believe the 

register would be slightly less formal to appeal to my younger target audience. 

How this DPS has influenced my planning and creativity:

I like the use and format of the pull quote, and the way it matches the colour of the drop capital, which creates synergy.

Research, contents page 7.

The name of the magazine is 'Music' the number of pages is just over 130, there are 20 different stories. There are also 2 different sections: 'Every month' and 'Features'. There are 5 columns of text and 9 images. There is quite a lot of white space on this magazine as there are not many pictures and a large amount of writing, this is also an indication of the older target audience as they usually prefer to read more text, this is not a feature i will use in my magazine, the contents page will have a higher number of images. All of the text is in san serif font, and all of it is in black apart from the red features (stories) which is synergetic with the box out behind the 'contents' heading creating a banner this repeating red colour which also features on the PUFF creates a house style. 

The page numbers are all the same size (about 8) and all the same colour (black) and san serif font, they are all placed to the left of the feature , but are not placed in side of PUFFS, through my research i can see that to create a more mature appearance and appeal to the older target audience not many of the magazines have included PUFFS as they make features stand out and tend to be very bright colours which attract the younger audience (younger people respond well to bright colours). Therefore in order to break this code that has become a convention in the classical music magazines i will include PUFFS in my magazine to appeal to my younger audience. 

Two of these images have been shot in a studio and one has been shot on location. The larger image is a typical representation of a conductor (of classical music) therefore it relates to the genre. The image at the bottom right is in black and white, often classical music is branded as being old fashioned, this manipulation of the image reflects this, and has been taken advantage of as older audiences may like to see black and white images as this is what they have been used to throughout their lives it helps them relate to the magazine on a more personal level. All images have been captioned.

The puff in the right hand corner is red, this continues the house style of the red featuring prominently on the contents page. The white text contrasts with the red background and therefore stands out and is easily read. Placing the puff in the top right corner means it is always seen as the reader goes to turn the page, and therefore what they are promoting is noticed. 

Above shows the contributors to this months magazine, this is informative to the reader which i believe the educated and more upper class readers of a classical music magazine will enjoy reading. 

The welcome column introduces the reader to the magazine, this is a useful feature as it informs the reader what the magazine will include. This is also useful as potential buyers will pick up the magazines and read a few pages before buying, if they were to read the 'Welcome' column they would perhaps be persuaded that they would be interested in reading this magazine and all of its contents. Welcoming the reader is also very thoughtful and makes the reader more inclined to continue reading. 

To the left is a picture of the front cover of the magazine this helps to create synergy between the contents and front cover. 

How this DPS has influenced my planning and creativity:

The contents of the magazine does not take up much of the page however this is supposed to be the contents page therefore i believe the page numbers and the stories should take up a larger amount of the page. The pages look too busy and full, the layout is confusing, too many contrasting colours have been used. 

Research, contents page 6

The name of the magazine is 'Acoustic' and there are just over 111 pages containing 25 stories in 2 separate sections: 'People & playing' and 'The best acoustic gear'. There are 2 columns of text and 10 images. The page numbers next to the articles are in small (8) bold black serif, however the page numbers next to the images are in white (16) which stand out against the blue PUGS. On the left side of the double page spread the page numbers are at the bottom left of the picture whereas on the right side of the spread the page numbers are on the bottom right of the picture. There is not much white space around the pictures because they have been collaged closely together, the sizes have been chosen carefully to make sure each one fits perfectly. There is a white boarder and quite a bit of space around the columns of text. I really like the layout of this contents page, the way the images have been arranged to fit together on the page creating a block of colour which contrasts with the black writing on the black background. 

The contents page matches the front cover shown to the left as the black coloured font is continued from the front cover to most of the contents page and also the light blue colour featured on the front is also displayed in the form of PUGS which are placed against the page numbers in order to make them stand out, this creates a continuous house style. The front cover is also featured on the contents page (shown to the left). This is a useful feature as the front cover which first attracted the possible buyer is pictured on the contents to highlight to the reader where the main cover story is in the magazine.  

The name of the magazine is 'Acoustic'and there is an array of acoustic guitars featured on the contents page. 

A range of font has been used, a thinner style of font has been used for the subheadings compared to the stories, from my research i can see that this is unconventional as the subheadings are usually bolder than the story listings however in this contents page it is the opposite. 

10 of the articles have been illustrated with an image, and all of the images have been shot differently. On the right page the images are mostly (shown on the left) the images are mostly of guitars, there is an image on a white background with three very similar guitars over lapping each other pictured. There is a close up of the guitars strings, two guitars, one placed on its side in blue and another standing upwards in brown which displays a contrast against a geometric background and finally a guitar placed next to a wooden chair which compliments the wooden looking guitar.

 The pictures on the left page (shown to the left) are mostly images of the guitars being played or pictured with people, this is symbolic of the instruments that are almost always used in classical music. Many classical acoustic guitars featured therefore linking to the genre. 

The contents page heading is in serif font i believe this style is symbolic of the country genre because it reminds people of the style music notes are written in.

From these features i can see that the magazine has been manufactured for a younger audience because of the bright colours and minimum amount of text on the contents page, however this is still not current enough for the young target audience i want to manufacture my magazine for (16-21 year olds)


How this DPS has influenced my planning and creativity:

I love the layout of this contents page, the collaged effect of the images i think is very effective and i also like the page numbers and the box-outs behind them which make them stand out. I really like the light blue and white house style. 

Research, contents page 5.

The name of this magazine is 'Classical music' and there are just over 86 pages within this magazine, There are 30 main stories and 3 different sections labelled: cover story, opera focus, features and finally regulars. 

The front cover (which i analysed for front cover analysis number 12) in the left hand corner just below 'in this issue' this helps create the synergy as it provides continuation from the front cover to the contents page. This feature is also useful because the front cover image is probably what attracted the buyer to the magazine in the first place and by featuring this image on the contents page, it stands out to the reader so they can find the story. The contents page also features the mixture of san serif and serif font and also continued using black font, to create synergy. However the colour scheme appears to have been changed as they are now using a deep purple instead of the red, although the colours are both dark and rich tones. 

There are 4 columns of text as well as 4 images. The page numbers are consistent, always appearing next to the story they correspond with, the same small size and the same font, they are not placed in PUGS or on banners and therefore don't stand out, i believe to appeal to the younger Target audience this is a feature that must be used in my magazine (the page numbers are in san serif font). There is quite a lot of white space on this contents page, mostly at the bottom of the page, however this does help to make the page numbers and stories stand out. 

The heading is in a serif font and very large (about 28) whereas the stories are in san serif font and are considerably smaller (10) the writing below the stories are even smaller (8). The main section are the same font style and size as the stories however in order to make them stand out a lot more a different colour of font has been used (pink) which compliments the deep purple colour that appears to be the main colour scheme. 

No logos or brand identities have been used on this contents page. Only four of the articles have been illustrated with a picture, however the three at the top are very large and have the page numbers listed in the right of the picture in a semi transparent font. 

This location is in a natural setting, the photo relates to the classical genre as it focuses on the piano making it the main subject of the photo, this is achieved by asking the model to turn away from the camera and not make eye contact, this is unconventional but it works in this situation to draw attention to the piano, as it is displayed in a vibrant and eye catching pattern which greatly opposes and contrasts with the models plain clothes. The representation is very staged as it is clear the model would not be playing a piano in the middle of the woods, however this also represents the natural and beautiful sounds that classical music can create. Many indexical signs are used here to create an autumnal theme for example the browns, grey and dark purple on the models outfit are all autumnal colours and the leaves falling from the trees are all symbolic of autumn. 

This image is symbolic of the classical genre as it is a picture of someone conducting an orchestra which is how a lot of classical music is performed. 

This picture is symbolic of the classical genre as it displays a mature man dressed in a white shirt and blazer which is a stereotypical representation of a man interested in the classical genre and they tend to be shown wearing more expensive and formal outfits to attend such things as orchestral performances. 

Considering all of these features I believe the Target audience for this magazine is middle aged to elderly people. 

How this DPS has influenced my planning and creativity:

The use of three images at the top of the page acts as a border, i like this idea. The font style used on the page numbers is also very effective.