Carrying out test shots has helped me decide on how I want to take my photos for my final magazine and what what I should avoid when taking my images.

Badly framed image; here is a badly framed image, the model is not looking at the camera and you can't see her full face, the image looks disjointed as the corner of the wall is appearing in the image and it makes it look armature and wouldn't look aesthetically pleasing on a magazine.

Two Shot;  if I had feature artists of more than one a two shot would be vital for this, I like the look of the two shot as it gives a different look to an image and is good at establishing a relationship between the two having them both centre shot makes them look equal in the frame. If there was one dominant artist in the band one could stand further in front and have more of the frame than the other artist.  

Good lighting; here is an example of good lighting, the lighting is focused on the models face which is what I want to achieve in my final image. I did two different types of good lighting; the first image the lighting is just on the face of the model and the surrounding background is dark making the model stand out. The second image the lighting is focused on the main body of the model and makes her stand out.  

 Long shot; a long shot is something I will want to achieve in my magazine for my contents page, I like the look of having the whole of the body of the model and to show the whole costume idea for my artist. 

Medium close up; I like the look of the medium close up as it allows the reader to see the expression and make up of the model, I think this type of shot will fit well for my double page spread or my final front cover. The shot shoes the face clearly without be too uncomfortable.

Bad lighting; here is a badly lit photo and framed image, you cant see the artist well and there is a glare affecting the lighting of the image. it's not framed correctly and looks amateur. I wouldn't use this for my main images as it would not attract a reader to pick up the magazine with an image like this on the front cover. 

Consequently for my final photos for my magazine, I want to use a well lit environment may that be using lighting in the green room or natural sunlight. I will be using the long shot, medium shot and medium close up for my final front cover, contents and double page spread. I will also ensure my artist is looking at the camera or just off the camera so you can still see their whole face clearly and ensure it doesn't look disjointed. 

Photography Research

I am going to research into different images used for a front cover, contents page and double page spread of a magazine; I will be doing this to help me take images for my own magazine.

FRONT COVERS;

Here is an NME front cover, they have used a medium close up image for their front cover. I particularly like the way artist Liam Gallagher  has his head tilted to the right of the page; this gives room to add the additional magazine conventions such as feature stories and the main story. Liam is looking directly at the camera which will draw the reader in as he looks like he is looking directly at them. The magazine corresponds to the image and uses colour which will stand out against the image. The costume they have chosen fits with the genre of their magazine and will appeal to their target audience.

This has helped influence my own choices for my magazine has it gives me an idea to make my own artist to tilt their head to make the image look different and for room on the magazine for me to add my feature stories and main story. 

Here is a MOJO front cover, they have used a medium long shot of their chosen artist. I like the way the artist is positioned on  the page and he is pointing towards the audience and also looking directly at them. The type of shot allows the feature stories and main stories to positioned around the image. The costume is also iconic to the indie genre and this will reflect the genre of the magazine and will appeal to their target audience.  Also the image has been taken so the lighting has been focused on the face of the artist this makes him stand out a lot more on the magazine.

This has helped me influence my own images as I like the idea of using lighting mainly on the face of the artist has it brings central focus to him. Also the image allows for feature/main stories to be added and not have a lot of over lap. 

Q magazine have used a close up on their magazine; they have used the artists hair as a type of background. They have positioned the artist to place her hands on her face this gives a more Vogue type of shot where the focus is on the face and the make up. They have used the hair as a type of background which makes the feature/ main stories stand out on the magazine. The image also reflects the main story which is "I feel so alone" her expression shows she looks lost and alone. 

The image has influenced me for my own image by using a close up of my artist and to use her hair as a background of the magazine as this looks unique. 

CONTENTS PAGES;

On this NME contents page they have used 11 images in total. They've made the main story image the centre of the page so the target audience knows the page number and pull quote to entice them in, the artist isn't looking at the reader and is looking off the page this image will correspond to the main image on the front cover. The smaller images also show the reader who/ what the stories are about, the images of the artists are not looking directly at the audience. The "subscribe" section have used 4 older magazine front covers to show the audience what the magazine publishes. All NME magazine contents look the same and are iconic to the magazine.

This has influenced my images for my contents page as I want to add plenty of images to break down the text on the contents page and to look appealing to the reader.

Q magazine center all 6 of their images into the left hand side of the page other than the subscription information in the right hand corner. The images will draw the reader straight into the page and it's evident that people will look more at the photos rather than the text. The images are comical to fit the magazine and are positioned to over lap slightly; the images are not all centered and are overlapping the page and on a angle. They have used an old magazine front cover to attract the reader to subscribe to the magazine. 

For my magazine I want to have the subscribe elements on my contents so my reader can see past issues of my magazine. 

MOJO magazine only ever use one image for their contents page, this may be because their target audience is an older adult who doesn't mind reading texts. the image is positioned right of the page and is looking off the page not at the reader, the image is in black and white which helps the text stand out on the page. The shot is a medium close up and shows the artist expression, the camera is positioned low down so the artist is positioned higher in the frame which leave more background evident in the image for text to positioned on.

I particularly like the idea of having my image of the side of the page and having more background exposed than having my artist take all of the room. 

DOUBLE PAGE SPREADS;

Now looking at NME double page spread they have used two images involved with the story. The main image takes up one page and is positioned next to the main story, the artist is looking directly at the reader to draw their attention in he is looking stern faced and serious. They have used props such as alcohol and jewelry which is iconic to the artists. They've used a brick orange coloured background which is then set the colour scheme for the double page spread which is orange and white. The second image is positioned in the bottom right hand corner and is an image of the artist on tour. 

I like the idea of bringing a colour from the initial image across onto the main story as I feel it brings continuity to the double page spread. I also like the idea of having two images on the page to break the text up.

Q magazine have also done something similar to NME's contents page. The image is on the left hand side of the page and takes up a full page, the artist is center frame and they have used a medium close up of this face. They have used lighting to split the artist into red and blue which gives a complete different look to the image. They have used props such as sunglasses which most celebrities would wear if they don't want to be recognized, the costume is generic of an R n B artsist. The red colour on the main image has been used for the drop cap and pull quote on the main story. 

I like the idea of the medium close up shot being used so the artist isn't lost among the rest of the double page spread.

MOJO magazine also have their main image positioned on the left hand side of the page which seems to be a magazine convention. The image is in black and white and is a medium shot of the artist and he is looking directly at the camera to draw the reader in. The background is dark then switches to a light section which also represents the artist himself as his face is white and the rest of him is black. 

I like the idea of using the lighting element to give my artist image a different look.

Social Class and Demographics

Looking at the demographic table of social classes I will be aiming my magazine at the working class/ lowest grade workers. I chose these particular social classes as students come under lowest grade workers; and this is who my target audience is for my magazine. Demographics help see a measurable characteristics of my consumer such as age, gender, race, education, and income to help target my magazine well to my audience. 

To adhere to their needs I will chose contents for my magazine which will incite my audience, I will  use more images than text so my reader wouldn't lose interest in my magazine and continue to buy it on a regular basis. I'll do this by shaping my  magazine around what will best appeal to my  target market.

My price for my magazine will be £2.20 the reason for this price is it is affordable for my target audience which are students and will aim at the lower social classes rather than the upper class. I chose the price by looking at existing magazines such as Kerrang who also sell their magazine for £2.20   unlike Q who aim at a higher target market and sell theirs for £3.99; this price would not be suitable for a student as they don't have an income in some circumstances

The free gifts/ prizes I will advertise for my magazine for things involving gigs/festivals as the age of my audience will be young and interested at these elements as my magazine will be a music magazine these gifts fit best. Looking at the demographic table it seems best fitting that I allow for prizes as the lowest grade workers 'depend on the welfare state for their income' meaning they don't have plenty of money themselves to be buying tickets for gigs/festivals.

The social class table has helped me with my feature stories and understanding my target audience by allowing me to shape my text to appeal to D/E classes by knowing their viewing habits. By looking at these characteristics of my audience it helps me understand how to aim my magazine; it consequently helps to differentiate how to appeal directly at my audience. I will use reviews, Q&A and short stories for my audience as it's best fitting to use shorter stories as seen in NME/Q to keep my audience interested. 

Questions For My Focus Groups

Here are seven different types of questions I will be asking to a focus group to help me understand what will be best for magazine; I will be referring to music genre and the different types of conventions an audience likes to see in particular. 

1. Do you buy magazines frequently?
2. How much would you be willing to pay for a magazine?
3. How frequently would you like the magazine to be published? 
4. What type of artists would you like to see in an Indie Rock genre magazine?
5. What type of features would you like to see in an magazine?
6. Would you enter competitions which are included in a magazine?
7. What is your favourite music genre?

ANALYSIS OF FOCUS GROUP;

From my focus groups I have created an understanding of what my audience will be looking for in a magazine and the question all give me insight in what my audience are looking for. 

Firstly, from the first question the answers where the same that they didn't by magazine frequently, this helps me as I would have to make my magazine itself look eye catching to ensure my target audience would buy frequently.

Secondly, they all gave the same answer again of paying £3 maximum for the magazine meaning my price would have to be suitable for my audience and not too expensive for students and will appeal to them.

Thirdly, I was given two of the same answers of releasing my magazine monthly and even was even given the answer of every two weeks. This helps me when looking at my own magazine as I can decide whether monthly is the better option for my magazine or to reduce the price and have a two week released magazine. 

Fourthly, the artist they expect to see in an indie rock genre magazine are; Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian and Frank Ferdinand. This helps me as I can add features in my magazine which is focused on these artists as I know they appeal to the mass audience.

Fifthly, the features they would like to see or expect to see in a music magazine is album reviews, gossip and reviews which I can now add in my magazine to ensure the contents is eye catching the reader.

Sixthly, they all answered yes to entering competitions which are including in magazines, so I can add this feature to draw my target audience into my magazine and to also read the contents.

Lastly, they all like the genre indie rock which is the genre of my own magazine so these answers from my focus groups will greatly help influence my magazine and how I structure it to ensure my target audience will be attracted to my product. 

Why Audience Research is Important

Audience research is important because it helps you gain an understanding of what your audience is looking for in a magazine which will satisfy the audience. Without the looking into the audiences interests the audience may not find the magazine interesting for them, finding out information about your audience allows you to create stories and contents which will most appeal to the masses rather than a small number of people. 

Costume's Ideas For My Artist

I haven't determined whether I am going to use a male or female or even both for my front cover artist. I'm going to use the internet and create different looks for both genders which I would believe fits my target audience. I've used mainly MissGudied for my female outfits as it's affordable for the audience and they can dress like their favourite artist. For males I will be using Topman.

FEMALE;

1. I have chosen a paisley print wrap play-suit as I feel this gives a vintage look as seen in my research. I would match it up with a wide rimmed hat either grey or black to match the outfit and some knee high socks and  boots. I chose this outfit as Alexa Chung wears similar to this and she is an Indie Rock fashion icon. The leather jacket can be added if I take my images outside so my artist wouldn't be cold but it wouldn't deter from the outfit itself. 

2. My second outfit I have chosen a shift dress; this is similar to outfits seen in my research and it gives a vintage feel. I would match the dress with peep toe boots to give a dressy but still casual feel. The bag would be optional as I don't think an indie rock artist would be holding a bag while at a photo shoot.

 3.After looking at outfits online I thought I should look at casual outfits that I can create without buying any new outfits for my photos. I have used clothing which is my own and pieced them together. I have used a range of footwear from heeled boots to trainers, and my outfits use black jeans/trousers with causal jumpers and dressing hair and make up will create a different look without looking too causal. Using my own outfits I also know what will work and what doesn't, I particularly like the looked with a shirt and jumper ans a statement necklace as it's casual but still dressing. I have matched the outfits with my Vivienne Westwood handbag but I wouldn't have a bag on my magazine front cover as its a unnecessary prop, I took inspiration for these outfits by looking at Alexa Chung.

For make up I have chosen a dark lip and a smokey eye, this will draw the reader into the face of the artist rather than focusing on the clothing. 

For the style of the hair I want it to look messy but still have some tidness to it, I'll do this by adding curls to the hair. These hair styles have been worn by Alexa Chung, Kate Moss and Amy Winehouse.

MALE;

1. I chose a simple outfit for my first choice; I have picked a white shirt and layed it with a dark grey jumper and a jacket over the top. With this I then kept it simple with black jeans and black smart shoes; this looks casual but still smart like most indie rock artists.

2.  I have chosen a simple outfit again as in my research the common theme was a simple outfit. I chose a plain white tee and matched it with a checked shirt and left it unbutton for a casual feel, then matched with blue jeans and dessert boots.

3. I wanted a smarter look to also be an idea, i chose a turtle neck jumper as they're in fashion at the minute and added a black blazer over the top and brown brogues to add colour. Artists such as Alex Turner and Miles Kane wear similar outfits and  I want to reflect this in my own outfits so it would appeal to my target audience. 

For hair I want a slick back or messy style depending on the outfit choice. These hairstyles are all iconic to the indie rock scene and would be noticeable to my target audience and I would want my artist to look iconic to indie rock genre. 

Colour Scheme Research

Looking at existing magazines they use 3 colours to make it look aesthetically pleasing and to continue continuity. This is something I will be developing on my own magazine to ensure my magazine looks the best that it can. I will be researching existing Indie Rock music magazine and looking at their colour scheme to give me ideas for my own. 

Here are 4 of many NME front covers; each cover has a corresponding colour scheme of 2/3 colours. It is also noticeable that NME use red on majority of their magazine colours; this matches the mast head colour which is red but changes for special editions as seen on the John Lennon cover. 

Here are 4 of MOJO's front covers; they also use basic of three colours to use on their front cover. They use a lot of white and black, this also matches the mast and the variation of  colour that it is used in. Red it used also to match NME colour scheme.

Q magazine have also used 3 main colours for their magazine; the major colour used is red as seen in NME and MOJO magazine. They also use black and white which sit well together, white is used over the image or in the plug to stand out on the page, Depending on the colour of the artist costume the colours used for the magazine contrast well with the image. 

From this research I have now developed some idea of the colour scheme for my own magazine and will be using only 3 colours so continuity isn't lost. I'll use red, white and black depending on the background of my image; if the background is white these colours will fit well on the page,

I also looked at some meaning behind the colours I can use; red can mean 'wild, passionate or explosive' which is what I want my magazine to be like passionate for music. This helps me determine if my colour choices will fit with my target audience and my reader profile research.

Font Types

I have used the website 'PicMonkey' to look at fonts for my mast head. I have used a variation of font's to see what works best; I have also used the colours black and red as they fit well with my research I did on other existing magazine mast heads, as I haven't come to a conclusion on which magazine name I will be choosing I used the magazine name ideas to help me represent the fonts.

I used the font type 'SMASH' when creating this mast head, I applied an extra layer of the word '34 years' to make the mast head look 3D. I like the look of this mast head and it looks effective. 

 I used the font type 'impact' it's simple and puts the mast head clearly on any page. It is similar to NME's font type for their mast head. 

This font is 'POETSEN ONE' it is simple but is like a bubble writing effect, it gives a different take on block text and would stand out on my magazine page. 

The font type is called 'EDO' it gives a paint brush type of effect and it gives the mast head a different twist. This element allows me to keep my mast head simple but still look pleasing to my target audience.

This font type is similar to kerrang logo; I like the look of this font and it would reach out to my target audience who are young adults this font type is called 'DOWNCOME'.

I like this font it is called 'ULTRA' it is simple but yet is different from the bog standard block text. I think it would sit well on my magazine.

 I like the individuality of this font type; it looks aesthetically pleasing to the eye and also is clear when representing the mast head. This is a option for my final mast head font. The font is called 'BLACKSPACER'

Again this font is very simple and is called 'CHELSEA MARKET' it is clear to the audience what my magazine is called and isn't over the top.

Looking at different fonts I have chosen to use either 'BACKSPACER' 'DOWNCOME' or 'ULTRA' I believe these fonts will give a different take on my mast head logo and fit well with my music genre of Indie Rock. They also fit in similarly with other indie rock music magazine and think these font types will make my stand out from the rest.
I am going to choose the font 'DOWNCOME' as it's different and will fit well with my indie rock genre. I will also be using the name 'Phoenix' as my magazine name as it's unique and different. 

Existing Magazine Mast Heads

I have researched existing magazine mast heads and specifically looking at the 'indie rock' genre of music magazine. From my research I have developed an idea for my own mast head look; most of the music magazine mast heads (as seen above) use block capitals and are either red, black, or white. These colours stand out on any background and I myself will be using one of these colours so my mast head is not lost in the surroundings. The mast head is shot and snappy so it doesn't look like a poster with a mast head completely across the top of the magazine. 

From the research I now have an understanding of what will look best on my magazine and what appeals to my target audience. 

Magazine Name Ideas

 INDIE; the magazine 'indie' is clear and shows the reader the magazines name; It represents what my profile reader is interested in which is Indie Rock Music. I think this magazine name would sell to a greater audience as it relates to my genre. 

34 YEARS or 34; These numbers represent how long the indie rock genre has been around, the only problem with the name is it would have to change year by year to meet my concept and would not necessarily reach my target audience as it can be miss interpreted. 

PHOENIX; the word 'phoenix' represents a unique bird, I could use this concept and switch it to indie rock being a unique music genre. 

PLECTRUM; in indie rock bands they will be a guitarist or bass player which will use a plectrum to play with, the name represents a type of genre. It's also a masculine name and wouldn't represent 'pop' genre. 

CASSETTE; Indie rock was established in the 1980's meaning cassette players where still used by the public, Cassette would represent the era if indie rock music. It can also be turned into French for a smaller word 'Vanne'

CHOISIR; is a French word meaning 'pick' as in guitar pick, the English terminology would not necessarily appeal to the indie rock target audience and more reflect a woman's weekly magazine this is why I chose to put it in French. 

IIRM; I like the shortness behind NME and for my own Mast Head decided to create 'Independent Indie Rock Magazine'  this would fit my reader profile as it clearly states the genre of my magazine. Or IRM which removes the 'independent' section as the word 'indie' itself represents independent. 

INVENTORY; in English the definition for this is 'to refer to goods and materials' I believe I could use this to refer too the goods and material which is in my magazine contents.


Consequently I haven't chosen the font for my magazine ideas; I'm going to research Indie Rock magazine mast heads and develop a mast head which my target audience will like and will be aesthetically pleasing. 

Costume Research

I have chosen to look at costume ideas to help me create an understanding of the Indie Rock style. I will be looking into female and male costumes to help me create a range of ideas for my own images. It will help me relate my costume to my music genre and something my target audience will understand.  After my research I want to  have created a full understanding of what needs to be shown in my own costumes for my artists for my own images I need to take for my magazine. 

COSTUME;

I have searched Indie Rock Artists and have come up with the iconic indie rock costume ranging from artists and celebrities. The male costume tends to have a formal feel; suits  are normally worn with a informal top underneath and braces. Artists like Alex Turner, Paul Weller, Miles Kane, Pete Doherty all represent this style; leather/denim jackets are a popular for Indie Rock genre and are frequently evident on Indie Rock artists. Tattoo's are popular for males who represent the Indie Rock genre.

For Females however, the vintage style clothing is what is mostly worn. Alexa Chung represents this by wearing dungarees with t bone styled shoes which where unique in the 1950's on wards. The costume for females use style from 1950's giving a modern twist. Denim and leather is also a popular type of material for clothing on females as well as male.

HAIR STYLES;

I have decided to also research different hair styles which male and females represent who are key in Indie Rock music. The slick back 1950's hairstyle as seen in the film Grease is commonly worn by artists such as Alex Turner. The 'messy' hairstyle is most common in Indie Rock artists this gives them a rough and ready look about their appearance. The short back and sides is not as common as the other two but is worn by Indie Rock artist Paul Weller, Miles Kane and Oasis Noel/Liam Gallagher. 

For females they're many different hairstyles evident; the most common tend to be a beehive also reference to the 1950's onward. The multi coloured look fits with the society of today and shows a unique look to the celebrities/artists appearance. Floral head bands are worn more in summer but are evident in some outfits.

MAKEUP;

I have researched ideas for make up for both male and female to see if there is and iconic 'indie rock' genre make up worn. The females are evident to wear a red lip with simple eye make up or none at all, or even a dark coloured lip stick and no other make up. Also a common look is a smokey eye and little other make up, this is heavy on the face but the eyes are more prominent on the face. Winged eyeliner and big eyelashes is something which an be seen on Twiggy and is still used in Indie Rock females today. 

Music Magazine Name Research

I researched existing music magazine names to help influence my own magazine name and adapt it to fit my target audience.