Thursday 19 December 2013

Magazine Cover (1st Screenshot)

I have decided to start on my cover page, and here are the foundations.



Contents Page (12th Screenshot)

I have now just about completed my contents page.

I have changed the image of Alex, and have now used an image I took of her in a forest like place. I have also put in the background of Callum, as well as making the image shoulder length.

Contents Page (11th Screenshot)

I have now added all of my images. I have also chosen a font from my previous post. I really like this font, as it gave off a nice indie vibe; perfect for my magazine.

Next, I need to arrange backgrounds for the final photos, and finalise the details.


Deciding on a Font

As I mentioned within several of my many contents page screenshots, The "TREBLE" original logo was never to remain that way in the first place.
Although I like that font (fun fact: It's the same font as the "Drive" logo), I have found others that are even better.

I think I am going to choose one of these fonts for my magazine.





Wednesday 4 December 2013

Contents Page (10th Screenshot)

I have now added another photograph; a photo of my model, David. I have also reduced the text size, in order to make it look more appropriate for a contents page, with the smaller text size.
 
Next, I am to take the photos to fill the last three empty spaces. I also need to take photos of background appropriate sceneries, for behind the models.
 
 

Thursday 28 November 2013

Contents Page (9th Screenshot)

These are the current additions to my magazine.
I really like the black and white photo of my model (Josh), as, in my opinion, it looks quite professional and of a good quality.



Contents Page (8th Screenshot)


I have been taking some photos over the past few days, and I've now began to add them into my contents page. This is the beginning of the photo additions.

Thursday 21 November 2013

Contents Page (7th Screenshot)

I have added the background colour to the subscribe section, and the download section, which includes the magazine website, introducing a new media platform to the contents page.
I have also added the magazine name, "Treble", to the top. I might not keep this font and I will most likely change this colour, however, for the mean time, I am happy with it.


Contents Page (6th Screenshot)


This is my 6th screenshot of my contents page.
I have changed the text and numbers to white, as I feel that the white looks better against the blue than the black.
I now only need to touch up on a few aspects, before inserting my photos.



Contents Page (5th Screenshot)

I have now added my background colour to my contents page. I have chosen this gradient blue, as it is fairly easy on the eye, and gives a nice, laid back feeling to the magazine.
 
 

Contents Page (closer look at 4th Screenshot)

I noticed that although I have mentioned the addition of colour, it was hard to see, and so I have cropped the work so that you can only view the contents page.


Contents Page (4th Screenshot)

I have now added the text to my contents page.
I have also added the first colours, being red and blue within the subscription box.
I am soon to add in colour for the background, and then I will have to add in my photographs, once I have taken them.


Contents Page (3rd Screenshot)

Here is my third screenshot of my contents page.
This is the design I would like to stick to, as I do like it.
I am now going to add text to some points.


Contents Page (2nd Screenshot)


Here is my second screenshot of my music magazine.
I have added the date, and a few more boxes. These are the outlines and perimeters for my images, which I will be taking within the next week.


Contents Page (1st Screenshot)

 
Here is my first screenshot of the creation of my contents page.
Currently, I am creating the boxes with the page numbers. I like this design, and it follows my style model from NME.
I am not a big fan of the font used for "THIS WEEK". To overcome this issue, I will try looking for other, more appropriate fonts online.
 
 

Commencing the Design

From this point on, I am going to begin my designing and creation of my magazine. I will begin with my contents page.
I will most likely change my magazine as the designs go on, as I find more appropriate fonts, pictures and layouts.

Monday 18 November 2013

Media Publishing Companies (2)

I have studied into another media publishing company. I have decided to look into Bauer Media Group.

Bauer Media Group are the publishers of Q, the versatile magazine, who focus mainly on music, but have recently began to write about film and TV. This fits in well with Bauer Media Group, as they are also fairly versatile with their publishing, from publishing "Mother & Baby" to "Trout Fisherman".
Due to Bauer's high amount of magazines and radio's involved in their business, ti goes to show how successful the company is. It also publishes a few other music magazines, such as "KERRANG!" and "Planet Rock". This also shows that the company has a fiar amount of experience within the musical field in magazines, which would be extremely beneficial to any music magazine, including my own.

Bauer Media Group could offer me a place alongside these other music magazines, giving my magazine a very high chance in being noticed by readers of the other music magazines.
My magazine could offer Bauer Media Group another music magazine to enhance their magazine profit, due to a wider audience crossing over several magazines between one publisher, Bauer.

Bauer Media Group would be very beneficial to any music magazine.


Media Publishing Companies (1)

I currently looking into media publishing companies.
I decided to look into who publishes the indie rock magazine, NME.

The publisher of NME is IPC.
IPC is known as the UK's leading consumer magazine and digital publisher, conoting that IPC is an extremely successful publishing company, and to have a successful magazine such as NME must mean that together, they gain a high profit.
A company such as IPC could offer me several factors. Firstly, they work with a wide amount of magazines, from "Soaplife" to "Good Recipies", showing that they're an adaptable company who would accept many magazine genres and would most likely consider any possibility. They also state that they can add a creative aspect on to a magazine during publishing, which would be perfect in order to attract an audience and readers. IPC also separates off into smaller segments, includign the IPC Lifestyle section, which includes NME. The fact that they publish NME, my style model and extremely similar to my magazine, reflects that they would be extremely beneficial towards my magazine.
My magazine could bring them even more viewers who show interest in the indie and rock lifestyle. This would also bring in readers towards NME, due to the discovery of NME from my magazine and the same vice versa. My magazine could also bring in profit for their company, as another magazine means a larger potential profit.

I feel that IPC Media would be an extremely appropriate publisher for my indie rock magazine.

Main Feature Article Draft



Last week, Treble had the pleasure of interviewing award winning artist, Caleb Ryder. As he sat snuggled up on the “sofa of artists” drinking a cup of green mint tea, we asked Ryder all about his rise to fame; from the good times to the rough. Not to mention, we even asked all about his brand new album, Harmony.  Also, thanks to your submitted questions, we may or may not have asked about his favourite type of sushi, too.


ABOUT CALEB

Background

Caleb is an indie/alternative artist in his mid-twenties. Born in Oxford, he showed an artistic flare since his first music project back when he was six. He’s been singing since he was a kid and playing guitar for the past twelve years.

Musical History

Back in the year 2009, Caleb made his first appearance within the major side of the world of music. He appeared on MTV (yes, an artist, on MTV!) when supporting Mumford and Sons, alongside four other supporting acts. The audience screamed and cheered as he played his first EP, “Walking On the Wild Side”, and Ryder was bathing in fame by the next morning. Two months later, Glassnote Records had spotted and signed him up, and before long, he’d released his very first album with Glassnote, “Conversations With Myself”, which sold an outstanding 340,000 copies in its first week. From his first album, he was nominated for “Best Upcoming Artist” by the MTV awards, and won it with flying colours.

In 2011, Caleb was invited to join The Killers on their year long, worldwide tour. After great succession in that, Caleb has big album plans for 2012, however, after his role model, his dad, passed away in April, Ryder developed some nasty problems which made him fall into the darkness, and postpone his album release.

Hiding away in the shadows for eleven months, Ryder eventually returned and doused himself in song writing and guitar playing. This led to the completion of his newest album, “Harmony”, reflecting the darkness, the struggles, and his amazing comeback.

That’s right; he’s back, and he’s better than ever. It’s time for that long awaited interview with ‘Indie King’, Caleb Ryder.

 

Q. So Caleb, how does it feel to be back in business?

A. Man, it feels great! I’m back from the darkness, and I’m ready for action! –laughs-

 

Q. November was the release of your new album, Harmony. What would be your favourite song on the album?

A. Well, I’m the artist, so I mean I like all the songs.  –laughs- But nah, if I had to choose a favourite song, it’d probably be “The Inevitable End of Mr Mulgrew”. It’s a tongue twister, but it’s got a really neat mood to it. The lyrics tell a story about a grumpy, mean old man who looks back on his life over the years and realises what he’s done wrong. So he goes around making up for as many mistakes as he can. It’s really sad but really sweet. Just a warning, some of you guys might cry.

 

Q. The rise to fame. How’d you do it?

A. It wasn’t easy, I’ll give you that. I started out busking on street corners. That went on for like, 2 years before I was even noticed. This guy gave me his business card, and it turned out that he was actually from Glassnote Records (Caleb’s current signing) on his way to a meeting, who happened to like my style. I mean, what are the chances? So, we talked for a while before he got me signed to them on a smaller deal. I played a few gigs with their help, before releasing an EP 6 months later. It gained way more listeners than we thought, so they took me in on a more serious deal. 1 year later, and here I am.

 

Q. So, obviously you had that dark patch in your life last year; looking back, what does it feel like?

A. Well, before the release of Harmony, I was kinda just falling into that dark place, and it was just getting to the point of no return, so this album really saved me, you know? I mean, last year was tough. I had my passing of my dad, the mental problems; it was insane. Looking back though, I always had music there with me, and that was where it all started. I began working on some rough ideas, which became drafts, which turned into songs that were eventually performed in the studio. That was the birth of Harmony, the best thing that ever happened to me.

 

Q. Okay, time for the fun stuff. We heard you like sushi, what’s your favourite kind?

A. Damn guys, I can only pick one? If I had to choose, I guess it’d be maki rolls. They’re just too good. But then again, California rolls though! No, I can’t choose! Gah!

 

Q. What are your top two films, Caleb?

A. Well, I really love all those Japanese animations. My favourite animation has gotta be The Cat Returns by Hayou Miyazaki. It’s the cutest film, like, ever. So watch it. My favourite film physically acted though? This may surprise some people, but I really love Drive by Nicholas Winding Refn. It’s just so perfect. I’m usually not one for all that action stuff, but Drive is an exception. The soundtrack is also wonderful.

 

Q. Favourite artist/band?

A. I have quite an eclectic ear, so I like most music, but if I had to choose? Well, then I’d say I’m a huge fan of Florence & the Machine and Alt-J. They’re both so chilled and cool. Their music always makes me feel so relaxed. How can anyone feel anger when there’s beauty like that in the world? I don’t get it. Personal opinion though, I guess.

 

Q. So, back to Harmony, give the readers one good reason why they should buy your new album.

A. Well, it’s filled with songs with real meaning and lyrics that tell a story. If you enjoy chilled and indie music, then it’s at least worth a listen. I hope you guys all enjoy it.

 

You can purchase Caleb Ryder’s new album, “Harmony” on sale in stores now. You can also catch Ryder on his “Album Release Party” on November 21st at the London Academy, which will be streamed on our website on the night. Go to www.treblemusic.co.uk for the stream, album sneak peeks and more now.

Alfonso CuarĂ³n's "Gravity" (2013)

On October 4th 2013, director Alfonso CuarĂ³n released his masterpiece of a film, "Gravity". In my own personal opinion, Gravity is competing to be quite possibly the greatest film of the year. From the marvellous leading lady, Sandra Bullock and the leading male, George Clooney, to the flawless CGI represented on screen, Gravity is a film with little to argue against.
In the beginning, we experience possibly one of the longest and most confusing shots within the history of cinema. We, the audience, are thrown into the silent yet terrifying space above us, alongside Bullock, Clooney, and their co-star astronauts. We are treated as if we are spectators inside of a bubble alongside them, due to the twists and turns of the samara angles. Perhaps, the dizziness caused could be something for few to complain over; however, I feel that such creativity cannot be criticised; just how many films use angles like these?

Clooney brings quite a vast amount of laughter to a film revolving around life and death, which (you will assume), isn't an easy task. Bullock reflects the true feelings that an astronaut may also feel, such as the obvious panic, stress and confusion. Both actors bring an extreme sense of realism and tension to the film, leaving us all (and I'm sure I can vouch for most) on the edges of our seats.

UPDATE

I am currently about to look into different magazine marketing companies. Once I have completed that, I am planning on preparing to take my photos.
I will take a vast amount of photos so that I have a wider selection of photos to choose from.

Thursday 7 November 2013

Flat Plan for Feature Article

 
These pages are for my feature article.
 
 
 
^ I like this feature article cover, as it is not too over cluttered. I also like it because the model will cover the quote and name, giving it a more authentic, magazine feel, as many magazines do this.

 
^ This is my feature article. It is harder to see due to the bad scanning; however, you can still see my design. I will have the two photos of "Caleb Ryder" (this is my first design, so this may change), with the article written mainly in the middle. I have also included a quote that will be within the article.
At the bottom of the page, there is an advertisement for the new album that the artist is said to be released, along with the magazine website.
I like this feature article, however, I feel that this design is most likely to change in comparison to the rest of the designs for the other pages.

Flat Plan for Contents Page

 
This is my contents page for my music magazine. It is inspired by my style model NME, as this is extremely similar to one of their content page setouts.
I like the picture previews with the page numbers, as the numbers ar einconsistent and dont increase or decrease in a particular order.
I also like the boxed theme that I have, as it allows me to add more to my page, without the page looking too overcrowded or cluttered.
 
 

Flat Plan for Magazine Cover

 
 
This is my first flat plan for my magazine cover. It has been scanned so it is slightly harder to read, however, you can still see my design.
 
I like this design, as it isn't too overcrowded, but it isn't too empty either. My main model (who will be "Caleb Ryder") will take up more space on the page, and this design isn't final, not are fonts or the "Treble" logo.
 
 



Monday 4 November 2013

Final Pitch

What am I going to do?
I'm producing a music magazine. This includes a magazine cover, a contents page and a feature article.

- Genre - Indie.

- Target audience - Mainly males within the age group of 15-30. However, while I understand that the indie genre is typically followed by males within this age group, I also understand that this can change, and that there will often be a mass amount of females (such as myself, for example), that are also heavily interested and involved within this genre.

Thursday 24 October 2013

Questionnaire Results for "Public Profile"

These are my results from the "Public Profile" questionnaire, set out in the form of pie charts.
 
Your Gender:

 On average, how much do you roughly spend on music in general?
 
 On average, how much do you spend on music magazines monthly?

On average, how much do you spend on general consumer products weekly?

What is your current occupation?

If in work (either full time or part time), under what field is your employment?

 

Questionnaire Results for "Magazine Wants"

 
Here are my results from the  "magazine wants" questionnaire, in pie chart form.
 
 
 Your gender:
 
Your age:
 
On average, how much do you spend on music in general monthly?
 

On average, how much do you spend on music magazines monthly?

How often do you illegally download music?

How often do you legally download music?

How often do you buy music magazines?

How do you listen to music?

How much would you be willing to pay for a music magazine?

How often would you like a magazine release?

Thursday 17 October 2013

My Photography Blog

I have created a photography blog that I will use to upload photos (both general and subject related) and, often, analyse them.

This should also be updated regularly.

http://www.edensphotography.blogspot.co.uk/

Monday 14 October 2013

Questionnaire for Public Profile


Questionnaire

Please circle your answers

Your gender:   Male   Female   Other

 

Your age:   12-14   15-17   18-21   21+

 

On average, how much do you roughly spend on music in general monthly?

£0   £1.00-£2.00   £2.01-£3.00   £3.01-£4.00   £4.00-£5.00   £5.01+

 

On average, how much do you spend on music magazines monthly?

£0   £1.00-£2.00   £2.01-£3.00   £3.01-£4.00   £4.00-£5.00   £5.01+

 

On average, how much do you spend on general consumer products weekly?

£0.00-£5.00   £5.01-£10.00   £10.01-£15.00   £15.01-£20.00 £20.01-£25.00 £25+

 

What is your current occupation? (State more than one if necessary)

School   College   University   Employment (Full Time)   Employment (Part Time)

 

If in work (either full time or part time), under what field is your employment?

Science   Mathematics   Media   Music   English  Languages   Other (please state):_______

 -------
This is my second questionnaire. I composed this questionnaire in order to gain an understanding of the public, so that I can understand their lives outisde of the magazine, including their everyday purchases and occupations. I feel that this will help me add more to the magazine that the public can relate to, as well as being affordable, working with their weekly costs.
 

 

Questionnaire for Public Magazine Research


Questionnaire

Please circle your answers

Your gender:   Male   Female   Other

 

Your age:   12-14   15-17   18-21   21+

 

On average, how much do you roughly spend on music in general monthly?

£0   £1.00-£2.00   £2.01-£3.00   £3.01-£4.00   £4.00-£5.00   £5.01+

 

On average, how much do you spend on music magazines monthly?

£0   £1.00-£2.00   £2.01-£3.00   £3.01-£4.00   £4.00-£5.00   £5.01+

 

How often do you illegally download music?

Never   Rarely   Often   Always

 

How often to you legally download music?

Never   Rarely   Often   Always

 

How often do you buy music magazines?

Never   Rarely   Often   Every Issue

 

How do you listen to music?

TV   Radio   MP3 Device   Phone   Computer   Internet   CD’s

 

How much would you be willing to pay for a music magazine?

£0   £1.00-£2.00   £2.01-£3.00   £3.01-£4.00   £4.00-£5.00   £5.01+

 

How often would you like a magazine release?

Weekly    Monthly   Fortnightly
-------

This is one of my two questionnaires. This questionnaire is in order for me to gain knowledge regarding the preferred choices of the public within the magazine industry.
I have also created a second questionnaire in order to gain knowledge regarding the public. I would like to create a public profile so that I can add certain sections to the magazine that will attract the public. I will be posting this shortly.

Thursday 10 October 2013

Feature Article Analysis



This slideshare presents all four analysis's of the feature articles.

Monday 7 October 2013

Thursday 3 October 2013

Magazine Cover Analysis



This is my first analysed magazine cover. I am to analyse three more in the near future.

Magazine Contents Pages (2) Plus - Final Decision



I have analysed four contents pages altogether with the NME contents pages included. In this Prezi, I have decided which contents page I have decided on, with my reasons for each decision explained.

Magazine Contents Pages (1)




These are the first two contents pages I have looked into. I found them from my main magazine style model, NME. However, I am also going to study two magazine contents pages from the magazine, Q. This is with the intention of gaining a wider idea of different style models that I could consider.

I will choose one of the four contents pages, and I will declare it as my style model for my contents page.

NME Magazine Research


Indie Magazine Research



I have looked into three different magazines of the Indie genre. I have analysed them, and decided on which magazine would be my main style model.
I have decided that NME will be my style model, due to my background knowledge on the magazine, familiarity of artists, and fondness of the layouts.

Monday 30 September 2013

Magazine Genre

I have decided that my magazine genre is going to be Indie. This is due to my knowledge towards the artists and style of music within the genre.
The genre of indie is usually based within the age group of 14 - 24 year olds, and so I will base the questionnare that I intend to create around readers of that age, and will also ask 14-24 year olds to answer it.

Thursday 26 September 2013

Commencing The New Project

I have begun research regarding my new project; creating a music magazine cover, contents page, and double page spread. This will require a mass amount of research, including both online research and physical reading of music magazines. I will study my chosen genre in depth and take appropriate images to match the house style of my magazine, including the perfect models.

School Magazine Cover and Contents

 
 
For my preliminary task, I was told to create a school magazine cover and contents page. This is preparation for our main project; the creation of a music magazine.
 
I decided that it would be appropriate if I stuck to a colour scheme that remained within the realms of the regular school colour scheme.
The school has recently introduced new colours into their scheme, such as the turqoise which I have used in the background of half of the cover, and for some of the text and borders on the contents page. There is also the gold that has always been a part of the school logo in some way, shape or form.
 
Front  Cover
 
This is my front cover. The house style shown is what would be continued throughout the entirety of the magazine, from a few repeated fonts to colour schemes.
 
Although it is not set out in the regular magazine format (articles around the side, small photos beside them, with a main article photo in the centre), I feel that it is indeed a creative layout, and I personally like it.
I have inserted three article headings on the cover, all of different themes. I've given a small synopsis of the article that would be inside the magazine. Tgis attracts the consumers attention and reels them in, ultimately making them want to read more on the subject.
 
My main article photo is of the "head teacher" and a student by her side. I cut the two out of a photo on a background of two block colours, then using several tools in Photoshop, managed to make them look natural on the background of the cover. I also inserted three smaller photos onto the article, one of which is featured on the contents page. The other two would be inserted on other articles within the magazine, once again, serving the same purpose as the article synopsis's; allowing the consumers to feel the urge to read more.
 
I have also added three images that were taken from the internet. These are the three logos; Twitter, Facebook, and the Heworth Grange Comprehensive logo. Having these three logos on the cover gives a much more realistic effect and feel to the magazine, overall, giving the magazine a large sense of authenticity.

I like this front cover. I feel that it is quite mature for the target audience (those aged from 11-18). There is nothing too mature for younger readers, and it still has a more sophisticated aspect for the older side of the target audience.
However, I also feel that it isn't extremely interesting. Although over cluttering is a negative, I feel that my magazine is slightly too bare. If I were to improve my magazine cover, I would perhaps move the articles around, and add some smaller photos or articles.
 
 
Contents Page
 
My contents page is a continuation of colours that i included in the original house style. I have also added lighter golds and blues, in order for them to stand out, however, still keeping within the realms of the house style.
 
If I was supposed to meet the criteria of, per say, a music magazine, then I certainly would not use the text borders that I have. However, since this is a school magazine, I feel that this gives a more entertaining and interesting feel to the magazine, especially when considering younger readers with possibly much shorter attention spans.
 
 I have also included a background image of the school, and a student to the left of the image, who is partly hidden by other images relating to the contents. I have included the school image because I feel that it adds more interest and attractiveness once again, and also gives a much brighter feel to the page.
 
I have included lots of photos on my contents page. I used appropriate images to match the articles that I 'created'. For example, the "I overcame the bullies" article, matches the photo of the slightly shy looking female; in my opinion.
 
I have also included a "quote of the month", on the gold bar underneath the contents title. My reasoning behind this is because throughout the school, there are actual weekly quotes. I felt that this added a literal sense of realism to my magazine. The quote I used was also one of the quotes, which happens to be my favourite; hence my usage of it.
 
Personally, I feel that this could be much better. I would match this to more of a primary school, rather than a secondary school joint with a sixth form, due to the slight comical "art club" and "anime club" advertisements.
If I were to improve, I would restructure the articles completely. I would make columns with the articles, without the borders. This way, it would perhaps stay within a more similar house style to the magazine cover, giving a better and much more realistic feel overall.

 

Thursday 12 September 2013

Who Am I?

My name is Eden Hall and I'm in my first year of Heworth Grange Sixth Form. I am currently doing my first year of Media Studies. I have created this blog to log in my progress throughout the two years of my course online.

I will use this blog to update works in progress (magazine covers, short updates on my work etc.), and I will record videos of myself explaining which section I am up to on my course.