Evaluation - Question 1

EVALUATION ACTIVITY 1
In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

Title
 The title for my music magazine can be seen as typical of a real music magazine as it connotes various meaning, and is not just a random word thought up. The word 'vantage' is actually defined as "a position, condition, or place affording some advantage  or a commanding view." - source Dictionary.com. This could mean that this magazine believes that is has the advantage over other competing magazines as it is better than them, attracting readers to the magazine purely because of what the title connotes. I also chose this name as it sounds good, as the 'V' sound holds power, as well as the fact that words starting with Vs in modern culture are quite popular as they look good (the V festival, Virgin company, etc.)

Contents

 When creating my contents page I looked at several other magazine contents pages including Q and KERRANG!, and the thing I found most with them was that they didn't offer enough information about the magazine contents, rather going for having pictures take up more space than text. So I decided to have lots of text on my page so as to inform the reader more of what was in the magazine. My contents page can be compared largely to Q (image right) as it shares similar ideas of style and structure, such as the colour scheme, the title at the top of the page and the numbering style. The thing that I didn't like about this contents, however was that the picture took up two columns of possible text, whereas I made my page to cover 2 & 1/2 columns, thus information the reader more about the magazine.

Title font and style

 For my school magazine I wanted the title to portray formality and education that broadsheet newspapers present in the style and font of their titles. Thus, I used serif, formal and eloquent font that wouldn't look out of place on broadsheet newspaper. I embossed and beveled the font to give it a look that would suit a magazine more than a newspaper, along with the school badge enclosed around "inquirer" and "6th Form Edition" to make the title one with the badge and the other piece of text and so that it can be easily identified as a Wilmington Grammar School magazine.

People
 At first I chose to use a friend of mine to appear on the front cover of my magazine, but after taking several photos I realised he couldn't be seen as a representative of the music genre that my magazine was based around (alternative rock) So I decided to use my brother, as I thought he could easily pass as a front man for an alternative rock frontman. My main aim for photographing him was that he would look out of his mind, as if drunk, which is what a lot of his personality is based around. This can be compared to many other great musicians such as Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse and Johnny Cash. A similar looking front cover featuring a drunk-looking artist is an NME issue featuring Florence out of Florence and the Machine (image left), which is representative of her character to be a bit kooky and slightly odd, similar to the way my artist looks on my front page

Layout

 For the layout on my school magazine I wanted to display 6 key sections, which I displayed in popular contemporary forms often displayed by other magazines. I displayed the 4 main ones along the right hand side where they didn't take up any important areas of the picture and the 4th one at the bottom on the left. The other 2 I placed in a sticker-like circle which can be seen on many popular magazines (image right), and I put the 6th story at the bottom in a different style to the other stories, being vastly different from the other story types.

Music genre

 My music genre was clearly displayed on my front cover by the list of artists I had, namely most of them being alternative rock bands or artists that could compliment the majority of the other artists in a concert or a music track. This can be compared to Q's anniversary edition front cover (image left) which listed a number of various mainstream artists that have always been extremely popular to all music genres over the last 25 years. This is a representative of their open music genre, mainly concentrating on popular new and old artists, similar to how my magazine presents readers with popular and up-coming alternative rock artists.



Props & Costume

 The props and outfit I used for the student on my school magazine front cover are what most people would expect to find on a front cover as it portrays the school's ethos and eloquence that emanates from the smart suit and the student reading a book, showing committed studies and what is expected of a model student at a grammar school. This can be compared to other magazines of a similar type (image right) as many other will have students dressed smartly in a suit or a school P.E outfit and doing something that reflects the nature of the school in question, perhaps studying in a library (My front cover), painting some art (image right) or doing some work in a D.T lab.


Mise-en-Scène
 I chose to use a library for my mise-en-scène as it reflected the newspaper house style of my magazine; a student studying in a library is what most schools would consider to be an ideal working place, surrounded by knowledge and learning resources.

Written content

 As my written content was meant to be used as propaganda to advertise my magazine it needed to portray my main focus on school life and what interesting topics were in the magazine. I made my stories snappy, topical and interesting, so as to make the reader want to get the magazine, and know if this particular magazine was for their 'Tribe' - source uktribes.com, or in more simpler terms: what the magazine was based around (e.g sport, books etc.). I included a chance to win a signed copy of the popular book 'Bravo Two Zero' as well as story that almost seems unreal (Erik Meilak - 12 A*), so as to draw the potential reader in. This could possibly be compared to the unrealistic headlines published by newspapers such as 'The Sun' (image left), where words have been twisted to form an almost unbelievable headline.

Construction - Double Page Spread

 As we had to use the program 'InDesign' for our double page spread, I started off by using an A3 size sheet of paper with 6 columns going across landscape (image right)

The first thing I did for my double page spread was my text, which I decided to place on the right side of my spread (image left).

I then made the title for my spread on photoshop (image left) using various Paint Brushes to create a smoky effect. I then made the name 'Kudos' using the Horizontal Text Tool and the font: 'Bleeding Cowboys'.

I created the tag line for my spread using the Type Tool on Indesign and placed it below the title (image right)

For the page no. and date I used the Type Tool, the Rectangle Tool and the Line Tool, and placed it at the bottom of the story page (image left), using the same style for the number as I used for the contents page

I then added in my pull quote (image right) in the centre of the page.

 Next, I added my edited picture to the page on the left (image right). Original picture (image below right).

The last stage of my construction was putting the text that accompanied my picture in (image below left). I chose to use the font: 'Marcelle Script' for the text.

Double Page Spread

Magazine Double Page Spread Analysis

NME
Layout- I liked the layout of this double page spread as it was different from all other spreads I had seen from NME and other magazines. This is mainly due to the size and positioning f the picture, it is larger than most are in a double page spread as it covers both pages and is right in the middle, whereas other spreads generally have their picture over a whole page or little ones spread out at the sides. I also liked the small inset picture, as it looked like it had just been thrown on there, using an actual photograph. The pull quote in the middle of the text on the right page doesn't break up the text that much and is clear enough to read easily. The way the main text borders around the image is very well done, it is simple to navigate from one column to the next and it is spread out over 5 columns, which are all the same size.

Text- The main text is a simple Times New Roman which suits the formality of the magazine, the large M which starts off the story is to a suitable size and font. The font above the first column which is presumably for the band is simple, perhaps presenting the simplicity of the band, and the size makes it the first bit of text that the reader will look at. The bit of text below is the next piece that the reader will look at, explaining what the story concerning the band is about.

Q
Layout- Having chosen to cover a whole page with a picture, the photograph needs to be a good one, and this one is. A medium shot of the artist in black and white, it looks like its from the 80's, fitting in with the rest of the spread, as it is generally keeping with a black and white style, the left side of the left page looks like actual paper as it has smudges of black on it, making it appear more real and keeping with the style of the spread. Although the story only covers 2 columns, it still looks good and is clear and easy to read, broken up by the pull quote and the second part of the story (WHERE ARE THEY NOW?). The extract on the left (THE FILE) looks good as it looks as if it has been clipped on by the paper clip, again making the spread look more real.

Font- The thing I like most about this spread is the use of the pull quote, featured in a black background and slightly slanted, it stands out really well from the main story. The 'GENERATION X' looks great and the distorted feel again adds more realism to the spread. The font for the main story is simple, formal and easy to read, similar to NME.

KERRANG! 

Layout- Like Q, this double page spread's picture covers the whole of one page. This is because the picture is a very good one that shows the band as a whole and has some good ideas and elements to it. The story is split into 3 columns and covers the whole width of the page. The name of the article is stretched across the top of the second page, highlighting what the feature is about and giving the reader a little insight into what the band featured can be compared to. The small section at the bottom breaks up the two last columns and gives the reader something else to read other than the main feature. I also liked the colour scheme as it was consistent and the colours: red, black and white fit contrast rather well with each other.

Font-I think the best piece of text on this double page spread is "TEEN SPIRIT", as although the name is given a distorted look it is still clear and goes together perfectly with the slanted red background. The text below the name also goes well with the title, as it is of a similar if not the same font and has a similar style in the way of background and colour. The pull quote in the middle of the page also fits in well with the title and the subtext, but a problem I noticed with it was that you couldn't see all of "dancing", which made it less clear and meant the reader would have to stretch the double page quite far so as to be able to read it. I liked the font for the main piece of text as it was less formal than NME's and Q's font, portraying a sense of carelessness that fitted in well with the band featured.

Construction - Contents

 I started off the construction of my contents with the title (image right).

 I made this using the Rectangle Tool and the Paint Bucket Tool to make the black box. I typed out 'CONTENTS' using the Horizontal Text Tool with the font: 'BlairMdITC TT'. 

 I then moved onto the main picture (image left). I made this by inserting one of my pictures of my original cover artist in the top right hand corner of the page. I then placed a white box over it using the Rectangle Tool and put some text to go with it using the Horizontal Text Tool over the box. I used the fonts: 'Blackoak Std' for the number, 'BlairMdITC TT' for the "At home / Evil hideout" and BIRTH OF A HERO for "Rykanen".

 I then focused on setting the layout for my contents (image right) using the Rectangle Tool and the Move Tool to move them into place, adding titles where necessary. I used the font 'Blackoak Std'.

 Using the Rectangle Tool and the Paint Bucket Tool I created backgrounds for page numbers and used the Horizontal Text Tool for the numbers (image below). Font: 'Blackoak Std'






















 I then added in the stories I had selected to use in my contents (image right), using mainly BlairMdITC TT for the normal text. The other fonts (THIS WEEK, V AWARDS) I used were Bernard MT Condensed and Gunplay respectively.






















The last thing I added was the 'Free Posters' picture (image below).

Construction - Sticker

As I had seen on many other magazines, I wanted a sticker to go on my front cover. I started off by using the Ellipses Tool to create a circle (image below).

 I then opened up the Blending Options Window and gave it a Drop Shadow and Bevel and Emboss (image right). 

I then added in some text that I had specified for the sticker (image bottom left)

Construction - Barcode, Price and Date

I now had enough space to put my artist name and elsewhere, so I moved it down to make room for a barcode, a price and a font.

  I found a barcode online and came up with the price: £2.20. I choose this price because my magazine was a weekly one and most weekly music magazine prices ranged from £2 to £3.50. I placed it using the Move Tool just above my artist's left shoulder (image right)

Double Page Spread Article Draft

Waiting in this coffee shop for the man who is supposedly going to rejuvenate modern rock seems like an exciting prospect, but given my first impression of him, this seems unlikely. He appears from the left side of the snow caked windows. Then in true comic fashion, he slips on the ice, cracking his head against the window. He jumps up straight away and pushes against the door, well, not open. It takes him a while to figure out which way the door swings, and when he does he strolls into the shop. He spots me and sits down at my table. With short cropped hair sticking vibrantly to the side, the white snow contrasts against the startling black. With a beard that is unkempt and poorly shaven, it somehow wouldn’t look informal in a suit. Well dressed in a morning suit covered by a jacket that’s not unlike what the Gestapo wore in WWII, his demeanour captivates his eccentric personality in a glimpse. Out of his pocket comes a pipe, which he pops in his mouth and promptly lights. The waitress looks over to him.
 “Uh sir, we don’t allow smoking in here.”
 He chuckles, then replies-
 “Don’t worry sister, this ain’t tobacco.”
 Wow. This guy certainly is something else. He looks at me for the first time.
 “Right let’s get this show on the road then shall we?”
 I start with the first thing that comes to mind:
 “So how are you doing Kudos?”
 “I’m pretty good thanks, got a bit of a headache though, not really sure why.” He looks back at the
window, where a nasty looking crack has appeared.
 “So tell me, what is your great plan to revolutionise the modern world of rock & roll?”
 “Well its quite simple when you think about it really. Me and my band, Kicking it BigTime, go from gig to gig, spreading our music and injecting it into many young people who may be lead astray by that load of bollocks R&B that is
shaping our world today.”
 “I see. And how is this going to change the face of rock?” He takes a long drag of his pipe before answering my question; his eyes look more glazed than my donut.
 “Unfortunately, R&B has become more popular than rock in recent years. And I reckon this is because it can be used in clubs for DJs to mix up easily. Why? Bass. A constant electric beat accompanies every track. And me and my boys are incorporating this with our music.”
 “Sounds like clever stuff.” I gasp with genuine shock and interest. “Could you give me an example of what it sounds like, maybe any albums you’ve got coming up.”
 “Imagine Muse combined with Kings of Leon, Arctic Monkeys and Pint Shot Riot. Then add Deadmau5, The Chemical Brothers and Daft Punk to the mixture. Finally sprinkle a dash of the Black Eyed peas with Pendulum as a cherry on top. All this together makes hard-hitting rock with a rejuvenated electric feel, quote MGMT, and a solid bass line to suit club music. Me and the lads have mashed together 14 of this new, if I say so myself, incredible sound, to make our album: Scientific Religion. I came up with the name myself.” He smugly says, winking at me.
 Stunned, all I can do is sit with my mouth gaping open, looking like a bloody goldfish.
 “To name a few of the singles are: Space in my Closet, Light Filled Black Hole, and Ultimatum, the last two being full of great guitar riffs and heavy drum & bass, although my favourite has to be Space in my Closet, just me, my guitar, and my cat, Pickle.”
 Confused, I ask bewilderedly “Sorry, did you say cat?”
 His face goes blank for a second, then his mouth breaks out into a wide boyish grin “Oh yeah I never considered that, I guess not many artists have used their cats in music tracks.”
 “No I don’t think anybody has ever used any type of pet in their music.”
 “The Beetles used a blackbird in Blackbird, why can’t I use Pickle in my song?”
 Stunned for words, I just move onto another question before I get warped by his deathly stare and hypnotising voice. “So, uh, what kind of name for a cat is Pickle?”
 “Well I don’t like pickles and I thought if I called my cat Pickle then maybe I would start liking pickles.”
  I think to myself: is this guy always drugged up?
 “And do you like pickles now?”
 He looks at me as if I’m an idiot. “No of course not you nutter. What are you, high?”
 “Ha ha, n-no of course not,” I finally stutter out, I’m getting a bit scared of him now “Are there any known gigs you’re playing at soon?”
 “Yeah here’s a few you might have heard of.” He lists about ten venues on his fingers, some of which are Hyde Park, the O2 and the Royal Albert Hall, as well as Toxic Shouts, the spot down the street, capacity: 300.
 “So let me get this straight; you’re playing at some of the biggest venues in England, but you’re also playing at the, pardon my language, shit hole down the road?” I ask, bemused.
 He stands up sharply, knocking against the table and spilling my drink.
 “DON’T YOU DARE TALK ABOUT THAT PLACE LIKE THAT YOU HERETIC!”
 I nearly shit myself, forcing out a scared response “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend.”
 His angry composure suddenly weakens and he doubles over laughing “Gotcha mate! Ahaha! Oh bollocks is that the time?” He glances at his wrist, no watch “Sorry man gotta run, catch you later, yeah?”
 I know I’m never gonna talk to him again. Sadly, I watch him run out the door, and slip on the ice. Again.