Wednesday, 20 November 2013


Planning the house style

Use of colour: I have chosen to use the colours red, black and white for my front cover. I chose these colours in particular as they don’t sway to be associated with a certain sex. For example, these colours are all associated with males and females. I chose to use the colour red against the white and the black as I believe that it would stand out well and attract the audience’s attention. Red also holds connotations of danger and death which is well associated to my chosen genre and meaning to the music that is produced. I believe these colours would also work well together as all of the information that is important and ‘exclusive’ could be placed in red so that they will stand out against the other two colours. This will also highlight what information on the page is important and will attract the audience’s attention. Yellow will also help to reinforce the chosen target audience of males and females as it is a colour that isnt associated with either males or females.















Font: I have chosen to use a font that is simple and bold. I have chosen this particular style in particular as the bold element to the font will emphasise the shouting that is associated with punk rock music. This will also make the magazine seem dominant and superior to other music magazine as the font will be eye-catching and bold.


I believe a font such as the one above would work well on the front of my magazine. I think that a font like this would work particularly well as the bold and dark font relates well to the chosen music genre.  This font is also easily read which works well for the teenage target audience as they can just read the puffs by a glimpse and do not have to read the front cover in detail. This style of font is also dramatic through the use of block colour and capitals; this makes the font appear dominant and loud as the words are making a statement in catching the audience’s attention.

A font such as this would also work well as it relates back to the cracks that have previously been incorporated in my masthead. This works well as the readers are constantly reminded of the genre of the magazine and the cracks in the lettering connote the emotion well-known to the music genre. This particular style also makes the magazine appear edgy and includes elements of danger which is well associated with the punk rock genre. This style also emphasises to the audience what the music is about within the genre as the cracks within the lettering connote shattering glass, this could suggest that the music within this genre is based on shattering and things disruptive.  

Wednesday, 13 November 2013

Looking at other rock magazines



I particularly like this front cover as I believe it shows the genre of music really well. Elements such as the cracking in the masthead represent that the genre of this magazine is punk rock. This cracking in the text relates well to the genre as it suggests that the music is disruptive and loud. The use of colours within the front cover represents the mixed target audience of male and female as they are light-hearted pastel colours. The layout of the magazine works well as its striking. The main image makes the magazine striking as it stands out over the masthead. This works well as it makes the reader instantly look at the image, this also tells the genre as fans would know who he is. The masthead is covered but still looks effective as it is the biggest piece of text on the page and is well-known to the audience. The use of different colours besides white make the layout seem effective as they stand out to the audience and make the puffs more enticing and exciting to read. Overall, I believe the layout is effective through the use of colour and font styles.





This issue of Kerrang is a bit more hectic and relates better to the genre. I believe that this is due to the layout of the front cover and all of the conventions used. The colours used in this layout present the chosen target audience of males and females through the use of blue and pink. The tattoos on Oli Sykes represent the genre as it shows that he is daring and has a dangerous/edgy personality. This layout works well as all of the conventions such as main image, puffs and sell lines overlap other elements on the magazine, this further emphasises the hectic and busy associations to the genre. I overall believe that this particular kind of layout would work best for my magazine as the genre of the magazine is emphasised more dramatically. The colours also indicate the chosen target audience of males and females and make the magazine more attracting and eye-catching. 


Wednesday, 23 October 2013

Final three brand names
Final three brand name ideas: Breathless, Raze & Fulmination.
Came to the conclusion that Breathless is too much associated with other genres rather than just punk rock. So overall it wouldn’t relate to my chosen genre as it is too general.
I am still undecided between Fulmination and Raze as they both have similar meanings and are both effective and catchy words. Fulmination is slightly harder to understand and pronounce which may not suit the targeted audience of young teens as they would prefer something short and snappy that they can remember easily. I believe that Raze would be more easily remembered as it is short. I also believe that this word has a strong association with punk rock as the pronunciation sounds like a noise involved within the punk rock genre. It is also a fairly harsh sounding word which symbolises the feeling and meaning to punk rock music. Many people would associated this word with ‘Razor’ which holds connotations of pain and getting rid which could be the meaning behind the music in the punk rock genre.  


Below shows some masthead ideas in my final 2 chosen brand names:


 
Each of these designs appear edgy and unusual. I have chosen 3 slightly different designs so that i can get an idea for which work the best. I believe that the first 2 are fairly similar but the 3rd relates slightly better to the theme of music chosen. The third design relates to the genre of punk rock better as it's design looks like it has cracks in, this could relate to the pitch and volume of the music but also what meaning the music has to it. I believe this is a good masthead to use as the word is snappy and to the point but also attracts the audience's attention as it is unusual. 'Raze' is popularly associated with the word 'razor' and and holds connotations of pain and blood. This could relate to the genre of the music as music has deep meanings which are generally depressive and death associated.




I chose fulmination to be designed in a more faded effect as it would relate well to it's meaning of being disruptive and loud. This word works well as it makes a statement but is also a fairly unknown to the target audience of teenagers, this could furthermore make the masthead more appealing as they will want to know what it means. I believe the final design works well against them all as the occassional letter is faded compared to the others which re-introduces the disruptive manner of the meaning and emphasises the genre of music.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Monday, 21 October 2013

Photograph Ideas



Black skinny jeans which shows trend but at the same time represents the deepness of the music through the colour used. Dark brand tops such as ‘Macbeth ‘which are brands worn by well-established bands such as Blink-182 and shows the genre of the music. Serious facial expressions which show the seriousness of the songs and the lyrics included within the band’s music. 




I think an image similar to the one above would work well as it shows a fun side to the band. It suggests that the band isn’t as serious as they make out to be and have a fun side to them. It also takes the edge off of the seriousness of the genre and warms people into having potential interest. An image like this is also engaging as they appear normal like any other person and presents that they let loose from the band. The image also suggests that they don’t take things too seriously and that not everything about the band is hard-
core and hectic.




An image like the one above would work well for my magazine as it shows the serious side to the band but also that they don’t take things too seriously. The other band members looking in other directions shows the eccentric and crazy side to the band and shows that they don’t like to be taken too seriously despite the music that they create. The use of black and white further reinforces the genre of their music and that it is fairly heavy and depressing.




A serious looking posing and standing format similar to this would work well as it would inform the fans and readers the importance of people in the band. This format would make it clear who the lead singer is and become the ‘face’ of the band.  The background of this image is simple but still appears edgy due to the worn paint. This emphasises the rough appearance and edge to the band.









Sunday, 20 October 2013

Location/Setting ideas

I chose both of these settings as i believe that they would both individually bring out the artist and bands personality. I believe these settings would do this well as they both demonstrate a daring and edgy prospect to the image that would be displayed infront.

Feature article artist idea


Saturday, 19 October 2013

Main music artist, front cover & feature article

Artist: Band-    Genre= Punk Rock
Band of males and one female = 1 Guitarist & Lead vocalist- Henry (Brother of Katie) aged 22
1 Guitarist= Katie (Girlfriend of Joe) aged 24
1 Basest= Joe (Boyfriend of Katie aged 22
1 Drummer= Jordan, aged 26

The band formed through Henry and Joe being best mates at high school. Met other band members at university where they all studied music. Got together and formed as a band in 2009.  

Interview: taking part in the interview due to 2 new album releases called Twisted Illusion and Waking Dead, trying to promote and advertise the new albums and let fans known of the new releases. Also taking part in the interview to discuss the new band member Katie who recently joined playing the guitar, informs the fans the real reason to her joining and makes females more interested in the band and magazine. Discusses why the new the new band member joined to replace old, previous band member passed away through drug use; discusses how Austin was in rehab and his fight to become clean.

Appearance: some band members have sleeve tattoos which are well-known with punk rock bands. All band members are wearing dark colors which symbolize the deep meaning of their music and the punk related element. Dark make-up used on Katie and touches of eye make-up on the males in the band, relates to the punk rock theme of the magazine and the music included.

Location: An urban background such as graffiti walls which represents an edgy and daring element to the image relating to the theme of punk rock. Plain background with a cracking design which represents how the music and genre is simple in making a statement but is still bold, hectic and loud.


Band name ideas:
- Fearless of Farewell
-Fearless of the Myth
-Calling the Devil
-Twisted Ellusion
-Waking Dead

Friday, 18 October 2013


Feature Artist- Idea



Readership Profile


v  My chosen target audience will be teens and young adults. These people will specifically be between the ages 15- 25. I chose these ages as I believe they would be most effective in reaching the main interest in the genre and would be more interested in a magazine.
v  The typical reader of my magazine would be someone interested in festivals and who crave adrenaline rush. These typical individuals would be teens who attend school/college rather at GCSE or A Level and listen to these bands daily. These individuals would be in relationships and attend festivals with their partners. These individuals would have interest in shopping with similar companies to the bands they listen to. For example, Macbeth where Tom Delonge shops from Blink-182.

Client Profile:

v  Name: Tom
v  Age: 16 years old
v  Gender: Male

v  Occupation: Tom is a 16 year old A Level student who loves creative subjects such as Music and Art. He’s keen on fashion that relates to his favourite genre of music, Punk Rock. He has a weekend Saturday job in Topman which relates to his quirky taste in fashion.
v   Disposable Income: He listens to artists and bands that have a distinctive style and voice which makes Tom’s style unique. Tom spends his money on gigs and festivals where he sees his favourite bands and seeks an adrenaline rush. He also spends money on albums of Punk Rock bands and buying single songs on iTunes. He also purchases a lot of items from Macbeth Footwear store where artists such as Tom Delonge (Blink-182) shops from.
v  Interests: Attending band practice with friends where he can perform punk rock music so he feels as though he is involved within the music genre rather than just being a fan. He enjoys working where he can learn about the latest fashion trends and communicating with new people.
v  Relatable Brands: - Macbeth Footwear, Topman, Urban Outfitters, Apple, Atticus clothing, Calvin Klein.

Brand Name Ideas

·         SMASH!- symbolises the sound of a drum and represents the chosen genre of Punk Rock. Is an onomatopoeia and is catchy and short which will become well known and remembered with fans.

·         SCREAM!- associated with the signing that is included within the punk rock genre. A lot of people suggest that the artist is ‘screaming’ rather than singing. Relates to the genre of music and is short and catchy.

·         PR. – short for punk rock. Would be well remembered and stand out for teenagers as its only 2 letters and has a simple meaning.

·         Fulmination- relates to the theme of punk rock being disruptive and loud. Suggests the music has a lot of energy and that the songs are of an aggressive nature.

·         Shatter- symbolises something broken such as glass. Represents how the music is heavy and loud which could potentially hold elements of shattering.

·         Raze. - represents how the genre and artists could completely destroy all other genres and artists. Holds elements of the magazine being superior to others and will put them out of business.

·         Wreck- suggesting that the artists within the genre are usually left in a wreck due to drug abuse or addiction. Attracts the audience as they will believe the articles are associated with the title.

·         Expired- showing something out of date and gone beyond return. Has an edgy catch and deep meaning that can make it snappy and unique.

·         Perished- A word that is not as well known by targeted audience of teens. Make them feel as though they are more sophisticated. Has a meaning of death and being gone which still relates to the genre of the music.

·         Breathless- Associated with the after feeling of the artist after ‘screaming’. Reinforces the genre of the music through mentioning emotions rather than words associated with the genre of music. Relates to how the teenagers may feel about the music if they are passionate.

Monday, 7 October 2013

Initial Ideas


My music magazine- initial ideas

1st initial idea: Genre- R&B

-          Main image- Neyo

-          Target audience of a more female base, artists and articles that would attract females as they are known to be ‘eye candy’ and ‘famous crushes’

-          Use of purples, greys, yellows, white & black. – Masculine colours feature such as black which highlights the potential male interest

-          Yellow brighten the magazine cover up and highlight that the genre is upbeat and fun

-           Puffs consisting of exclusive articles which feature, free gifts such as CD’s, posters

-Target audience of young teens who enjoy the R&B genre, teens who aspire to be ‘cool’ and idolise the artists





2nd initial idea: Genre- Indie Rock
-    Main image- All Time Low, well known band within the genre and popular with audience
-         Target audience of teens- young adults, more sophisticated genre and not as popular
-         Popular with teens who attend festivals and crave
a firm beat
-         House style of beige and black colours, bold and slightly swirly fonts which reinforce the unique genre
-         Feature artists such as Mumford & Sons, Kodaline, Bastille.

My chosen genre: Punk Rock
-          Name of the magazine- Smash. – Reinforces the loud and hectic music associated with this genre, highlights the manic appearance of the bands who produce this particular type of music
-          Main image- Blink-182, familiar band associated with this genre of music and reinforces what kind of articles will be included- A band that both males and females enjoy listening to
-          Aiming to make the magazine a split sex appeal, 50% Male, 50% Female
-          Use of pinks and blues on the front cover and a constant house style which reinforces the mixed target audience- Also colours which relate to the band and are included in their logo
-          Feature artists such as Bring Me The Horizon, Angels & Airwaves, Greenday etc.- Relate to the genre of the magazine and are well-known within the genre
-          Cracked fonts included through house style which reinforce the genre and connote the loud and abrupt music


Wednesday, 2 October 2013

BIG CHEESE TARGET MARKET


Wednesday 2nd October 2013

BIG CHEESE- MUSIC MAGAZINE


Big cheese targets an audience of young adults who enjoy alternative and punk rock music. The magazine aims to target individuals who enjoy bands such as Greenday, Blink-182 and My Chemical Romance. This group of people will enjoy attending gigs, watching live music and going to festivals. The magazine is aimed at a younger audience as it features music that old school rock people would like. The audience is of a young age due to bold statements being made of the front cover and the clothing worn by artists which feature on the front. The bands play an important part in attracting a particular audience because that is what the magazine is about and if they are good bands then it will attract an audience. For new readers as well as regular there are the free posters which attract the audience to the magazine.

Friday, 27 September 2013

Music Magazine Analysis 3


This certain phrase acts as a sell line as it encourages the target audience to buy the magazine and entices them. ‘Murderer’ instantly catches the readers’ eye and makes them want to know which rock star this is. By making this certain word red, it holds connotations of death and blood which could be associated with the article. This certain phrase suggests this magazine is quite edgy which again highlights the older aimed target audience.
 
The layout of this magazine is effective as it informs the reader of the targeted readership. It does this by the composition being fairly jumbled which would be hard for a younger audience to follow. The main image covers some letters on the page of the magazine which emphasises that the magazine is aiming to make the band well known again and raise awareness that they have returned. Sell lines are placed over the main image which suggests that the magazine is also aiming to sell the stories inside the magazine and make the sound exclusive.
The mode of address of this magazine is direct and fairly informal. The text on this magazine is mostly chatty but informative. Phrases such as ‘It’s the comeback story of a lifetime’ makes this magazine appear personal and as though they are being told this information directly.