Evaluation for music magazine

Final Evaluation


Personally, i feel i have completed my music magazine to the best standard i can. I have thought about the connection of the colour scheme, the typography, font size, use of images and features of a music magazine. In addition, i have connected my magazine to the thought of the potential audience, (age 16-19 years), while designing my music magazine.


The front cover...

The front cover is bold and is full of colour that connects to both the male and female gender. As well as this, a range of font styles have been used, such as upper case, lower case, bold italic and regular. The colours of the font stand out against the background. The background is plain and simple, which allows the vibrancy of the text to stand out. Especially the light colours such as the white, blue and pale greens. The image also connects well with the colour scheme as it has a bold lighting to it. As for my planned flat plan for my front cover, my magazine cover has turned out slightly different, having a alternative layout. So, in this case, i plan to add another flat plan to show my changes i have made and why i have made them.

As for the name of the magazine, i have named it "Devotion". This is because it suggests that the magazine is for people who have their hearts based around the music world and industry. So, it is another word for passion and love. I liked this title, as it is simple but explains a lot. So, when the audience first glance at the magazine, the first thing they notice is the title, so i have made it bold and intense. This is why i have made the title white as it is strong against the dark background. Plus, it is the largest font on the page so that it is easy to notice it is the title of the magazine.

I have used the phrase, "Life created by sound" as a main caption. This is because it links back to the title of "Devotion". The idea of having a strong passion of music. Moreover, i made this blue in a different font to the other features on the cover. As well as this, it is positioned just below the magazine title, so that it connects the two together and to show that it is an explanation of the title.

The features included on the front cover link to the features and pages inside the music magazine. Furthermore, statistics and catchy words are used to capture the readers attention and are used as a persuasive technique to make the audience want to read the music magazine.

A banner has been used to add extra information to the front page, plus it looks good against the other features on the cover. The banner talks about the features inside the magazine, although, i have made it 2 separate colours, black and red, this is so the information is separated and it is easier for the audience to read. Plus, it makes the banner unusual and bold. Another feature on the front cover, is the puff. I have positioned this to the centre, bottom, of the page. This is so that the bottom of the page does not look empty or over spacious. As well as this, it tells the reader that there is an exclusive interview inside with an artist. Again, persuading the audience to read inside the magazine. Additionally, i made the puff gold to show that the 'exclusive interview is important and it is about a successful person. The colour gold is used to show success and power.

A website address, issue number, barcode and price are included, as they are features of an official music magazine. Also, i have added a twitter and Instagram logo as an advertisement for the audience to keep up with 'Devotion's' updates and gossip, as well as an advertisement for social media networks. These features are located in the left bottom corner so they are not the main focus of the front cover. As they are not as important as the other features on the cover should be eye-eyecatching.

I love the image i have chosen for my music magazine front cover, as the pose shows confidence and determination. The chocolate box like pose, shows simplicity but also shows a lot. The main image is the focus of the page and is of the artist i discuss in the exclusive interview on my double page spread inside of the magazine. However, the image does not make the text less bold. It still allows the text on the cover to stand out and capture attention. Small and large font is used which shows experimentation as well.

Using google images, i have included a logo for 'Devotion magazine'. This is so the magazine looks professional and official.The use of a logo also means experimentation of typography and font.

Finally, the layout of the front cover is taken from research of music magazine covers. My intentions were to make sure that the text surrounds the main image rather than covering it and i wanted the text to allow the cover to be spacious without making it look overcrowded. I think the magazine cover will grab readers attention and i feel confident that it will attract my potential target audience as i have thought about the colour scheme and how it is presented.

                                    The Contents page...

The content page colour scheme links back to the front cover, using light colours against dark. My plan was to keep the colour scheme to red as it connects to both the male and female gender. The colour green and red text looks good against the black background. It gives off vibrancy and makes the text stand out. 

Using a band index means the reader of the magazine just has to look at the contents page to know what artists feature int he magazine instead of flicking through the magazine pages. This is an easier way. Plus, the band index has the page numbers next to the artists name's so that the reader just needs to turn to the page they are looking for. I have thought carefully about the artists to include in the contents page, as i wanted both male and female artists names to be featured. Therefore, researched the top artists for the younger generation and the UK official Top charts and a list of artists names appeared. So, i have took these names and used them in my contents page as i know it will attract the audience to my music magazine. As well as this, i have included bands as well as solo artists to make it more interesting and to suit all types of audience of my potential target age range.

Below the band index is the features list. I have tried to add features that are exciting and use persuasive ways into making the reader want to read the magazine. For instance, i have added the phrase "Upcoming tours" in upper case letters as it is important and 'must' be read.

For the title of the contents page i have used the 'Devotion' logo that featured on the front cover. This connects to the 2 pages together making the magazine refer to it's recent front cover page. I thought of doing this because the logo is bold and the font is unusual and has style to it. Therefore, it almost links to the idea of music being full of style and upbeat. As my magazine is a charts magazine. It also gives the audience some excitement and creates a positive atmosphere.

I have included a date, website and Instagram and twitter name so that the readers, again, can keep up with 'Devotion's' news and gossip. This is shown on another banner to make it eye catching. The main purpose of advertising this more than once in the magazine is so the reader does not miss it and it persuades them to follow 'Devotion' and purchase future magazines. In that case, i have added a publishing date so that the public know if the magazine is recent or old. Wether the gossip is new or off a while ago.

The image i have chosen to use is completely different to the one on the front cover, which is why i chose it. like how the model shows a different expression and uses a prop ( a hat). This sort of links to a fashion theme, as she is also wearing a checked red shirt with red lipstick. The colour red is bold throughout the whole magazine, suiting any audience gender. The fashion theme suits the age range of audience as many teens like fashion. Plus it links to the type of music the magazine discusses. The red background of the image which i added on photoshop, stands out against the colours of the band index and feature background. As well as the typography and different fonts used on the contents page.

There are a range of images of artists at the bottom of the contents page, these are successful artists which are included in the band index. So the images and index connect well. Plus, the images are in black and white which shows change of colour theme from the rest of the page and adds a noticeable contrast.

Lastly, there is a quote placed on the image of the model with the page number next to it. This reveals a part of the article on the double page spread as another persuasive technique to get the reader to want to visit the double page spread. The line in-between the number, the colour red and black, both quote separates the quote from the number, although they are still connected as they are in the same white box. It is positioned on top of the photograph of the model to show that this quote is mentioned by the model on the contents page. She is the main focus of the magazine.                                                     
  The Double page spread...

The double page spread goes into a lot more detail than the contents page and front cover. I created the article using Microsoft word and then i added it to my magazine in photoshop. Red is used again in the double page spread text. Therefore, throughout the magazine, the colour 'red' is a main focus. There are questions and leading phrases used in the article to get a good response from the music artist, ' Karolina Moskal'. This persuades the reader to want to read the article. The red questions stand out against the grey background. This shows it is grabbing the readers attention as the responses are in a smaller, plain, black font. 

The main image is different to the other 2 images with a different pose. Showing experimentation. The model is looking straight ahead at the camera, giving an eye contact connection with the audience. Leaving a positive affect on the double page spread. Also, the image is large and takes up one whole page, making it a main focus.

I like the composition of the typography. For example, the artists name 'Karolina Moskal' down the side of the page proves that the layout has been thought about. Plus, the name is in large capital letters, making it stand out and linking the name to the model and who the double page spread is about. Below, the name, is the phrase "Exclusive interview, referring back to the front cover's puff. It is in red font to capture attention and connect to the article as the questions are also in red font.

The main headline at the top of the article is, 'Reaching for the top'. This proves that the article is about a successful artist so it will persuade people into reading the article.This is also in uppercase font so it is classed as an important feature. Underneath, a quote from the article is used, "i'm only human". I love this quote because it tells the audience and fans reading the magazine so much. The phrase is strong and shows confidence of the artist being a human being just like everyone else. Lastly, the final quote below this is, 'Karolina announces her upcoming tour...'. An ellipsis is used to show that the article discusses this. The purpose of this quote is to make the audience want to read on as tour information is exciting and creates a positive mood.

Another banner is used on the double page spread to show the website address, so it can't be missed as it is given on the front cover, contents and double page spread. Plus the phrase ' Ranked as one of the UK's top artists' is used. This maybe to advertise the artist to teens who are not familiar with this artist and it makes them want to look into them more. so, they decide to read the article and find out more.

Throughout the magazine, persuasive techniques are used. This is because the main purpose is to seek attention from the audience so that the magazine can succeed and become popular. Personally, i am pleased with my music magazine, as it has all the features i planned to include and the images i have used are different in their own way, such as the poses, composition etc...

Complete Double page spread for music magazine

This is my complete double page spread for my music magazine. In my opinion, the spread is vibrant, bold and the colors contrast well. Enabling the spread to stand out. Plus, the colour theme links to both a male and female audience. Which was my intentions when i designed my magazine. The main focus of the cover is the Image. This is because the colors used in the image are deeper than the colours used in the text, as well as the grey background. It is easily noticeable by the audience who the article is about because their name is in large uppercase font along the side of the page. Plus, it is positioned next to the image of the model. The captions used are persuasive as they catch the audiences attention and make therm want to read the article. The questions of the article are red which connects to the phrase down the side of the page, "exclusive interview". This shows that the questions are part of and linked to the interview. I have made the font of the responses/ article, small and basic, this is so the audience can read it easily as the magazine is targeted to mainly a teen audience.I have also included features such as the magazine website for more details and extra information about the audience such as "ranked as one of the UK's top artists". I included A large 'K' which is behind the article. This is because it connects to the name 'Karolina' and creates a positive affect on the magazine.

Photoshop tools used...

The colour chart tool allowed me to change the colour of the typography, so that the colors could contrast and bring out vibrancy on my double page spread.

The magnetic lasso tool enabled me to select around a round or curvy shape. For instance, my photograph of my model, i was able to select around the model without including the background.

The edit copy edit paste, again allowed me to copy the selected area of an image to my double page spread.

Finally, the opacity tool meant i was able to adjust the boldness of the capital 'K' behind the article. I adjusted it to 39% so that it was faded and the article can still be read. However, the 'K' can still be seen.

Beginning to design my Double page spread

I have began to add features to my music magazine double page spread. i have added an image with a different style and pose to my other images used on my front cover and contents page. Plus, i have stuck to a colour scheme that will make my article stand out when i add it. Again, the colour scheme connects toy both male and female audiences. I intend to add more features like a main headline, the article and general features of a double page spread to the page, in order for it to reach a high standard. I will ensure that the page is bold and shows contrast, colour tone and texture in order for it to stand out.

This article above, is what i plan to include on one side of my double page spread. I have used colour and uppercase letters at the start of questions in order to make the article stand out and contrast well. Plus, using upper case letters at the start of questions makes the work look professional. Furthermore, i plan to use a grey background on my double page spread so the article is bold and gives a positive impact on the magazine.


Original Image i have used from my magazine photo shoot...

I intend to use this image for my double page spread because i like the composition, the angle it has been taken from and the pose. The pose is different on every image i have used In my magazine, so this shows experimentation of imagery. However, i may decide to alter the background colour as my target audience is for both male and female. The purple connects more to a female audience than a male. Therefore, i will use the image and change the background colour to a colour that suits both male and female audiences.

Inspiration from Vibe Magazine

Vibe magazine...


Vibe magazine is a National music magazine that has themes of pop, Hip hop, charts and more, with a targeted audience of young adults and teens. It includes news and articles on the world's latest top artists. As well as the latest popular music and singles. Pop stars such as Chris Brown, Drake etc... feature in this magazine. So, the magazine mainly focuses on successful artists. Vibe also includes features such as upcoming events and concerts that are happening world wide. The magazine also has a website.


Vibe magazine inspires me because it connects to the same targeted audience as my music magazine. This music magazine is full of bold colour, texture and typography. So, the features and elements of Vibe will help me with colour, font, style and layout in my music magazine.Therefore, i can take many ideas from this magazine and make my magazine reach the same expectations as Vibe music magazine.


As for the model on the front cover, Vibe uses many styles of pose and body language. So, i can take this idea and have a range of poses for my model when i come to take my photo-shoot for my music magazine. Below are some magazine that Vibe have published.

Complete contents page for my music magazine

This is my completed contents page. Personally, i like the layout of the page because it is not overcrowded making it easy for my target audience to read. I also like the colour scheme as it is bright and focuses mainly on the colour red. Therefore, it isn't targeted to a particular gender. It targets both male and female which was my intentions. In addition to this, the black and white images of the music artists, breaks down the level of bright colour. So it does not look too bright and intense. I have included page numbers next to famous artists names on the band index so that it is easy for the audience to find an article the want to read rather than looking for the page. As well, i have added a publish date so the audience know if the magazine is new or old. Plus, it almost links traditional and modern together. Making the magazine unique. Furthermore, i have included a banner which has the magazine website and social media details (twitter and Instagram). This, therefore attracts more audience into reading the magazine. The typography and 'Devotion' logo gives off a bold affect. This is to make the name of the magazine noticeable. Overall, i am pleased with the outcome of my music magazine contents page because it really links to my potential audience and the aims i am trying to achieve in order for it to grab attention.

Photoshop tools used...

The Horizontal type tool allowed me to add text to my contents page. Without this, i would not be able to add text to my contents page would prevent me from creating it.




The rectangular marquee tool is used to select the area around an image that has been dragged into photoshop. So i was able copy and paste the image across to another layer/ my contents page.

Above, shows the edit copy, edit paste process i used to paste images across to my contents page layer. I used this to get photos of celebrities from the internet, then dragging them into photoshop, selecting the rectangular marquee tool and finally, selecting edit, copy, edit paste. For example, i used this process for the 'Devotion logo' which i took from google images.

Here is the fonts list in which i used to choose different styled fonts for my text. It allowed me to choose some fonts that were uppercase and some fronts that were lower case, separating important information from less important information. There were particular fonts which i have used for my contents page, this was because i wanted particular text to stand out and look bold.

This colour chart allowed me to select the shade of colour i wanted for my text. For example, i wanted a particular shade of red for some of my text (Band index), in order for it to match the background shade of red of the image of the model.

Beginning to design my contents page

I have began to design my contents page using features that stand out and are easily noticed. Therefore, i have included bright colours that look bold against the background. The colour scheme is suitable for my target audience as well. I like how the typography style is different as it shows experimentation. As for the layout, i have decided to include a 'band index', 'features', 'a quote' and 'images'. This makes the page interesting and is the purpose of the page. I used official music magazines to help me with the layout and give me an idea of how a contents page should look like. Here is one example of a magazine i used to give me ideas on layout.

                                              This is an example from NME Magazine

contents page image

 

I intend to use this photograph from my music magazine photo shoot for my contents page. Mainly, because the pose is different swell as the shot. I like this photograph because it has a good composition. Furthermore, the model is looking into a different direction than the image on my front cover. So, this gives off a positive affect on the magazine. As i am using more than a close up shot. Moreover, i like the props and colors in the image as it links well to the idea of my music magazine. It would also suit my targeted audience ( age 16-19). the image has colour, texture and is quite bright. I plan to edit this photograph in photoshop and increase the amount of texture, saturation, contrast and levels. This is so the photograph can look professional and reach a high standard. Furthermore, i will add a coloured background which will be a bright red, this is so the photograph connects to the magazine colour scheme and front page. As well as this, it will increase the vibrancy.

This is the outcome for the contents page photograph. I like it because the colours contrast well and stand out. Plus, it shows a strong intensity and creates a positive mood towards the magazine. Hence why it links to the potential targeted audience. There is a lot of colour tone, texture as well as pattern. This also gives a positive impact on the music magazine.