Friday, 14 February 2014

Plan of Action

After reviewing my draft feedback, I have decided to make the following changes:

Cover:


  • On my cover I will add a new image as the current one is not strong enough and the quality is not very high. The new image will be an improved version of the existing one, so will look similar.
  • I have chosen not to change the layout of the artist's name and the issue number, barcode, price and date greatly because they are bold unusual, making the magazine more memorable. I have not found any other magazines that present their issue number, date, barcode and price this way, which is what I wanted as this means my magazine will be unique, conforming to the 'indie' genre by breaking away from classic magazine conventions. The large sized barcode, issue number, date and price are easy for the reader to see so they will not have to search the page for them, and the large price text as appose to a small sized price text suggests that the magazine has nothing to hide, giving it a more honest feel.
  • I will edit the text on the page so that they are all aligned and the text on the bottom all fits into and fills a rectangle shape. 


Contents:

  • My contents page contained errors with the page numbering so I will correct this by renumbering them.
  • The image used is weak so I will replace this with a better one. It will still be of my artist. I have chosen to do this as it informs the reader what the main feature of the issue is and the title of the page and number of the page can be displayed near the image. As the image on the contents page is of the same artist featured on the front cover, this offers consistency throughout my magazine. Only including one image on the contents page conforms with the simple, minimalist style I have adopted. 
  • I will collect further feedback to add other improvements to this page as I would say it is my weakest. 


Double page spread:

  • On this page I will again add better images of my artist.
  • I will add the correct page number and magazine branding to the page.
  • I will remove or relocate the title as it would be caught in the binding of the magazine, so it could not easily be read and would look unprofessional. 
  • I will add another paragraph to my text, providing methods of following my artist's work etc.
  • I will make the contrast in colours used for the interviewer and artist's speech greater so it is clear who is talking.
  • I may add more details to the page that make it look like a real magazine, without making it 'just another music magazine' and without adding the usual marketing/self advertising ploys. I'm considering adding a 'feature' tag in one of the corners. 

Draft Feedback from Mr Ford

Cover


  • A better image is needed
  • A good idea- needs a bit of work though
  • You need to justify these size choices
  • Needs work


Contents

  • A better image is needed
  • A nice idea
  • Something is missing though
  • We need to talk this idea through 


Double page spread

  • Images again
  • This will be the fold of the page
  • Page numbers
  • More text needed


Overall 

  • A great house style
  • We'll talk about the next steps
  • Level 2 top/level 3 low
  • A very good draft

Monday, 10 February 2014

Draft Feedback from Ms Abrahamson

What went well-

  • Creative image on front with mirror.
  • The minimalist design works (but shrink price/issue/barcode).
  • Adheres to Music Magazine Conventions.


Even better if-

  • Page 4 on contents says ones to watch but it is page 4.
  • Is con-tents designed following a style influence?
  • Image is rather conservative. Is this the look you want?
  • DPS layout is symmetrical and neat; shadows on images need removing.
  • Article is appropriate in style but needs a stronger ending and details of where to get hold of 'Bills's tracks/ Twitter feed etc.
  • DPS needs page numbers and Phon branding.
Level 3

Saturday, 1 February 2014

Photo thoughts





Black and white









Colour 
Colour photos appear to have been taken with pale filters which add another layer of sophistication to the image. 

Poses 
The faces of people in these photos normally feature thoughtful looks, half smiles, or eye contact. The poses are tame; natural looking, and the artists do not look like they're 'overacting' for a shot. The images are bold without being 'in your face', so they are subtly eye-catching and more intriguing or thought-provoking than 'loud' with bright colours or any complicated features.


Covers




  






















Indication of magazine features