XXL & Q Magazine Media Kit

 

First attempt at Adobe Photoshop

Today in lesson we began to look into adobe Photoshop. This is my first attempt at creating something using this software did not try to include a lot of detail or essential magazine conventions as this is only a rough draft. As I learnt to use Photoshop I became more familiar with the software and found it easier to create certain things. The source of the Kanye west image is from google images and tried to make it look as authentic as possible using correct placement to make it look like an actual magazine front cover included cover lines, masthead, and a sky line also tried to stay within a 3 colour scheme, similar to a house style magazine.

Double page spread analysis XXL Maagzine

The title for the article is basically none existent. This article is clear it is about Kendrick Lamar because the second page shows a full body shot of him, allowing us to see clearly. The article begins with a pull quote in bold which has been said about Kendrick Lamar. Through out the magazine we get the impression that he is very prominent as he is has been the main feature within the issue. The article which is solemnly about him looks particularly plain and boring and doesn’t go with the eye catching image of him on the left. It lacks creativity and a modern look. The layout is not eye-catching; it is almost the exact opposite. It is a white background with white text which clearly doesn’t follow the running theme through out the magazine-It consists of 2 columns and a larger text paragraph and the beginning which include an include interview with Kendrick carried out by an interviewer. The two pages do not consist of much to intrigue to the reader to continue to read-meaning it lacks a sense of interest and individuality. The layout almost gives it a feel of a newspaper article due to how basic it looks. Compared to other articles within the magazine or even other issues of XXL Magazine. The full body shot of Kendrick even seems basic-his pose seems to be common. The simple hands in pocket and looking at camera pose also bring down the whole DPS.Overall,this section does not compliment the rest of the issue due to lack to relation and creativity.

Contents page analysis XXL Magazine

The merging colours of purple and green still continue onto the contents page. Throughout the magazine we see the unusual 4-colour scheme repeated.most commonly you would find a magazine follows a typical 3 colour scheme (typically red, white & black) but in this issue we see purple, green, white & black.

 Kendrick Lamar is still the featured cover star of the contents page, telling us he is the main sThe contents page consists of only one page; this could mean it lacks detail about the articles within the magazine. The content is laid out into one column with minimal information about the featured articles; again telling us there is not much detail within this page. The limited information entices the reader to know more, making them read on. There is no specific indication that this is the contents page, however the layout and information shown tells us it is -this could confuse some readers as it is not clear and easy to spot. Instead it is called the ‘The A-side’-this could have gang connotations, this could also relate to Kendrick himself and his personal life or even highlight the background theme of the music magazine itself and wanting to be ‘cool’. The use of another title instead of the common ‘contents page’ shows creativity and could be seen as comical to some.

tar within this issue. His image is shown to be fairly large and takes up most of the page; again emphasising he is the main feature. His constant appearance shows how significant he is. The information provided on the side of the image give the reader an insight to what is inside. It provides page numbers for certain articles and snippets about that certain article. Through the magazine, page numbers are shown on the bottom left and they also show the magazine website; this is constant through out all pages-this is a way of publicising there website.

The season and year at the top right of the magazine are helpful for the reader, especially loyal regular readers of the magazine as it helps them keep track and updated with the magazine issues.

Front page analysis XXL Magazine

The Cover star, which Is Kendrick Lamar seems to be making contact with the camera,enticing the reader.This is not as common as the cover star looking away trying to seem mysterious and serious. Most music magazines would show the cover star trying to look cool and intriguing by making them look at camera, almost saying there too good to be making eye contact with the camera, giving them a sense of superiority. He is covering some of the masthead; this could be connotations that he is very significant and is well known. The large close up of him is eye catching and pulls people in to buy it, especially his fans. In the image Kendrick Lamar does not seem to be giving off this vibe. His stern, emotion less facial expression projects his powerful personality and his fans perceive and expect from him through his music.Additionally the lighting creates shadow from his hat, making him look even more mysterious. On the front cover his name is stated in bold, also stating’ In My own word’-this comes across as a very over-powering statement. This could imply that he is a diverse person and everyone perceives a different message from this music but at the same time we strive to display a specific message to his fans through his music. The sharp, bright multi coloured background could also be used to catch eyes. The gradient affect of the purple and green background gives a soft but yet mysterious affect to the page-adding to the feel of a typical music magazine of seriousness and seeming ‘cool’. The purple juxtaposes the green as they are two very different colours.Kenricks brown skin highlights the contrast between the purple and green within the background, almost making his face stand out even more.

The cover lines on the side of the page do not relate to the cover star as most magazine front covers would. The cover lines on the front page are about other featured artists within the magazine, (e.g. French Montana-Living the life). This is a snippet of what the contents page would provide.The different font’s makes the page look creative and modern. The barcode on the bottom left also shows the magazine website; this could be used as promotion to increase page views. The page doesn’t include a skyline; this could show a lack of detail or information for the page.

Double page spread analysis Q-Magazine

The title of this article is bold, eye catching and gives an insight of what is being talked.

The content is layed out into columns and is a Q&A format.An interview with 50 cent is included and the the questions and answers are distinguished through text and front as the questions are in bold and the answers are in italics.The questions asked are from fans received through social media.This could be a way of 50 cent connecting with his fans and also promoting himself.The title is ‘Cash for questions’ this is ironic as his name is 50 cent and could be used for comical reasons –again used to relate to the young readers.

The pages still include conventions such as the issue date and page numbers.The photographer and writer name is also included in the article.

At the beginning of the text, there is a drop capital,making the it look more attractive and eye catching for the reader.

The images and typography included relate to the targeted audience as it relaxed and non-formal.

The subheading is used to highlight his accomplishments and praise him.

On the right side of spread we see 50 cent in a happy mood looking towards the camera in a positive mood. The picture is focused directly on to him and he is the centre of attention as he is pointing towards the reader with celebrating an achievement.His hands pointing towards the reader shows he wants to grab there attention and pull them in.the reader will most likely look at the right page first which is a large picture of him,as he is taking up the whole page,this makes him seem very significant and we straight away know he is the main topic of the article.As he is seen an important in society the readers will be intrigued and want to read more as he has a large fan base.The pull quote is in bold and also gives a summary of 50 cent himself and also what is in within the article which is what he has experienced in life. A significant factor of his life is that he has been shot 9 times and has been bottled which signifies that it is a miracle that he still is still alive. This is represented in the pose that he is doing as he is pointing towards the reader, smiling. The celebration in the background implies that due to his past experiences he has learned to make the most out of life.The content included is basically a summary of his life.

Contents page analysis Q-magazine

The contents page has a continuation of the front covers colour scheme. We also see a repeat of this throughout the magazine. The title of the contents page is clearly labelled-making it easy to identify. The images used for the contents page are a mixture of long-shots and mid-shots of the artists-we can see that the photography is professional due to the clean cut looks, making the magazine look formal and interesting.

From the featured artists on the two pages you can see that the artists mostly range from the rock genre,also accompanied my other mainstream artists such as Miguel & 50 cent. This tells us artists of the rock genre are the main focus of this magazine (also including alternative music)

The page numbers are shown on each article which also provide a brief description of what is included in the article.

The released date of the issue is also included on the contents page as well as the front cover.

The tone of the text is informal, allowing it to relate to young readers and adults as it is in a more relaxed tone.

The featured articles shown on the contents are the most popular and most appealing to the selected audience, persuading them to purchase the magazine or to continue reading.

The layout of the page is in columns, making it easy to read and makes it organized and well planned.

Front page analysis Q-Magazine

The magazine logo is the largest text on the page, making it bold and eye catching.The cover stars are covering the masthead which is typically found in most magazine issues. Two of the group member seem to be covering part of the magazine logo. The cover stars are an Irish rock band. They are the main stars shown on the front cover, accompanied by other stars around the page which are also shown with a description of what is being talked about within a featured article. Page numbers are not included, making it harder to navigate through the magazine, also making it harder for readers to find the desired article they’d like to read. Some of the main cover stars from the Irish band are looking towards the camera and others are looking into the distance-this give a mysterious look and making them seem straight forward & aggressive.The way they are dressed give an impression of old school rock. making them stick out more than the other two, giving them a striking, assertive look. In front of them is a quote; ‘On the road’-this could imply there on tour and trying to promote it.

The yellow banner going across the cover stars contrasts the rest of the magazine. It sticks out even more as it is a different colour to the rest of the magazine and it no longer follows the colour scheme-this draws even more attention from the reader. The banner advertises other featured articles about the featured celebrities. From just the cover alone we can see the magazine is diverse as it includes artists of different genres but still has a dominant style; for example, an article about 50 cent is included which is an urban rapper as well as a rock band. This tells us the magazine does not have specific overall genre unlike most music magazines. The main focus of the cover lines are in black bold text-showing a snippet of what the specific article is about-for example the artist name in each cover line is in a larger text, making it clearer and prominent. It encourages the audience to continue reading as they know which artists are included and it might be an artist they like.

The cover consist of typical conventions such as barcode, which would normally include the price and date (essential material to a front cover).The date is helpful as it helps regular readers to keep track of new issues.

The urban look of the front page looks inviting as well intriguing-persuading people to purchase the magazine. To young people this style and use of effects would be visually appealing to the public.

College magazine front cover plan

Today in lesson we planned out our front cover for our college magazine which is being constructed soon.I tried to use the right terminology to make the placements clear.

College magazine example analysis

In class today we evaluated the differences and similarities between a common college magazine with a music magazines.We chose a google image searched college magazine and this was my chosen option as i found there was lot say and analyse.I tried to explain and expand  on different aspects and conventions.

Coursework Schedule

During class, we were introduced to Time Toast,which is a site used to create interactive timelines. I found this was useful to use as a production schedule. This would help to keep track of our magazine pages, due dates and what content is required for my coursework.I find using a schedule will increase production efficiency and will reduce the effort to keep on track of my coursework.

About Me

My name is Ania and my blog will consist of my media coursework progression. So far I have only used InDesign once. I didn’t struggle to create my first DPS as I was assisted my teacher. I completed the feature on Microsoft word and added it to my DPS on InDesign which was designed by me. I have completed my first feature and I have added that to my blog. Every so often I will upload my development and movement within the course.Im doing my first year in college, starting AS media and firstly I will be working on; planning, production/construction and evaluation which all count towards my coursework grade.

Finished Article

This is my finished piece. This is my induction journalism task completed. This was constructed with the use of InDesign for the layout of the DPS and the text was typed up within Microsoft word. My main topic was how we as individuals are ruled by the media without us acknowledging what is really happening and how much media has changed and affected companies and even man-kind. I tried to include the rate of decline for music magazines to emphasise on the destruction caused by the development of technology and media. I also tried to compare the past and how media used to be seen and used to how it is today in our modern world.

Introduction

Welcome to my blog