EVALUATION - QUESTION 7

The feedback I recieved form Jodie, one of my peers contributed to me being able to complete my music magazine to the highest possible standard:

 I devised a set of questions to ask Jodie relating to the progression of my material, they are as follows...

Looking at my preliminary task, do you feel as though my music magazine is of a better standard?
Jodie highlighted the fact that I was unaware of the software I would be using with my preliminary task ,which is true. Everything was new to me therefore I had no existing knowledge of the programmes to adapt to my own work and had to start from the basics and progress from this.
Jodie also stated that I am more considerate to my target audience and the needs they have that need to be gratified, this is a positive aspect of my production as it suggests that my audience research has been effective in addressing the right audience and is successful in making readers aware of the content within my magazine.

What in particular do you think I've improved on?
Jodie addresses the fact that the quality of my image on my music magazine has improved in comparison to my preliminary task. This is a massive compliment with regards to the fact that photography and image manipulation is not one of my strongest points, therefore a clear improvement in quality is something I can hold on to and incorporate into next years work and potentially improve it further.
With regards to mise en scene in my music magazine image, I tried very hard to ensure it conformed to the stereotypical outfit that individuals within the Pop Rock/ Indie Rock genre would often wear. This consisting of a typical 'grungy' attire with black tank top, black skirt and maroon nail varnish. These also work in combination to maintain my house style, consisting of maroon, black and grey.

What do you think could still be improved?
I agree with Jodie on this particular point in relation to the unprofessional aspect that the background appears to contribute to the magazines production. The reason behind me using a grey background on the front cover is due to the fact that I thought it would contribute more to the 'grungy' and 'raw' ethos I was trying to portray. However, this appears to be misunderstood with regards to the fact that it potentially makes the product appeal rather dull. However, it contributes to me wanting to create a unique magazine, I thought this would help to secure its iconic image with regards to the fact it is unconventional; making it different to every other magazine we see in stores that happen to have a brightly manipulated background. I was striving for originality.

Technology used:

• Standard Camera
• SlideShare (www.SlideShare.net)
• YouTube (www.youtube.com)

EVALUATION - QUESTION 6

I devised a Prezi for this particular element of the evaluation as it enabled me to go into depth regarding each programme that was used for production and the reason behind using them. I also highlighted the ways in which my skills had developed and how the production of my music magazine took place with reference to photoshop layering/tools and other technology that influenced its production. 

At the beginning of my AS year I was completely unaware of the majority of software that I have used throughout the course, if I had knowledge on any - it was only baseic. As the course progressed I have learnt to adapt my skills to alter or create specific pieces of my work effectively and develop these skills further along the way

Technology used:

• Prezi (www.Prezi.com)
• Google Images (www.google.com)

EVALUATION - QUESTION 5

How did you attract/address your audience?

I used a focus group to gain audience feedback on my final product, the information I collected was based upon questions relating to the relevance of some of my magazines elements. It also consisted of feedback which gave me an insight into the opinions my target audience had on my product and how effective it was in appealing to them.

I decided to interpret Jodie's feedback in more depth, enabling me to dissect the information further and incorporate it into the production of my product regarding how I attracted my audience:

Do you feel as though as though £2.50 is a reasonable price to pay for a monthly released magazine?

Jodie agreed with the fact that this price was reasonable, which makes me positive that the majority of the demographic I am aiming at will do too. This is due to the fact that Jodie is a prime representative of my target audience and her answers are likely to be generally similar to the rest of the group. This reinforces the fact that I have chosen to release the magazine on a monthly basis, as I am aware that the predominant demographic for my magazine are in the DE section so £2.50 every 4 weeks is likely to be not too strenuous on a students budget.

What would you expect to see in a magazine based around an Indie Rock genre?

Jodie highlights the fact that she would expect to see a grunge effect to my magazine, i feel as though this is clearly portrayed on the front cover due to the fact that the artist is shown wearing a black tank top with black skirt, the connotations of black are somewhat grungy therefore maintaining the indie rock genre throughout my magazine. Similarly, in the video Jodie is wearing a leather jacket which resembles the one that 'bean' is sporting on the contents page of my magazine, reinforcing the fact that my representations within the style I have used to portray the artist in are accurate.

Does my magazine create an identity that makes you feel as though you want to be involved in it?

the fact that Jodie identifies the use of the editors note shows that it is effective in creating a good relationship between the editor and the audience that are reading the magazines content; making them feel as though they are part of something. It also gives new readers a warm welcome into what the magazine entails and what to expect within its content. It also unites all readers on a common ground with regards to the fact that everyone is reading the same editors note, giving them each something to relate to.

Looking at the 3 front covers, which of these already existing products would you say was like mine?

During question 5 I showed Jodie 3 front covers of existing products which were these shown above. She stated that mine was most similar to the NME magazine featuring Florence and the Machine, I was satisfied with this answer in relation to the fact that m,y magazine is based around roughly the same genre of music and is aimed at a similar demographic, therefore ensuring me that my product would potentially be successful in attracting my target audience as a result of the way it looks.

Do you feel my reader profile appeals to my specific target audience?


I  agree with Jodie's response in relation to the fact that i feel as though I have captured an accurate representation of the typical target audience that would be interested in a Indie Rock magazine such as mine.

Due to the statistics being somewhat balanced in relation to gender, I ensured that I have incorporated enough variety in the products used to cater for both ends of the spectrum.

I feel as though I have conformed to the conventions of 'grunge' and made it clear what both artists and fans would were if they were to be associated with this particular genre.


Looking at the NME reader profile, do you feel as though mine would attract the same audience?
Jodie stated that mine is likely to attract the same the same audience in relation to the fact that it reflects the same style and audience interests. This is helpful with regards to the fact that my main intention is to appeal to and audience that is similar to NME as I feel it reflects the same ideologies.

If you could change one thing about my magazine what would it be and why?
Jodie suggests to change the demographic so it leans more to one particular gender. Despite the fact that I feel as though this would make my product easier to present with regards to an obvious colour scheme and interests, I decided to make it as close to 50/50 as possible to ensure I attracted a wide range of customers as opposed to one type. i wanted to make males feel as though they can read my magazine just as much as females can.

Technology used:

• Standard Camera
• YouTube (www.youtube.com)
• Google Images (www.google.com)

EVALUATION - QUESTION 4

After making this video I decided to develop my product further, as highlighted throughout my blog. After reviewing and interpreting peer feedback, I decided to create a whole new product to show further development in my material.

 As shown to the left, each of my three products conform to a house style with the colour scheme being maroon, black and grey. This demonstrates the use of continuity throughout my material therefore making them a lot more industry standard in comparison to the first pieces I created shown in the video above. Another difference between the two products is the fact that the final pieces conform to a lot more conventions, this makes the product a lot more appealing in the eyes of customers as it gives healthy competition to those willing to compete.

I am a lot happier with my final products that are shown to the left in relation to the fact that I believe they look a lot more sheer and professional, suggesting they would be a lot more successful if they were actually going to be in the music magazine industry.

EVALUATION - QUESTION 3

EVALUATION - QUESTION 3 by s0015108 on GoAnimate

Animated Presentations - Powered by GoAnimate.

Transcript for GoAnimate video:
"Bartender: Hey Barack, I heard you've made a new music magazine. What genre have you based it on and what identity does it portray?

Barack Obama: That is true, it is based mainly on the indie rock genre with elements of the pop rock sub genre. It creates a grungy identity, perfect for lovers of alternative rock.

Bartender: That's cool, in relation to distribution, which industry would you like to publish your magazine?

Barack Obama: Well, my magazine could be compared to NME due to it being a big influence in the source of inspiration for my magazine. They are published via IPC media which would be the perfect industry behind the publishing of magazine sue to the fact they are a diverse instituition which will appeal to the target audience for my music magazine due to seeing it previously on other similar magazines such as NME.

Bartender: Is there any advantages or disadvantages to being distributed by IPC media?

Barack Obama: An advantage is definitely the fact that this institution is already familar with distributing magazines similar to mine. Although a disadvantage is definitely the fact that it would result in constant competition with similar magazines, such as NME which are already being published by these sort of institutions.

Bartender: Good thinking. See you later Barack."

EVALUATION - QUESTION 2

Q2 - How does your media product represent particular social groups?

EVALUATION - QUESTION 1

FINAL DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD

Final Double Page Spread:

Double Page Spread Production:

This slideshare shows the production of my DPS using new images from beginning to end, highlighting the steps taken at each point.

4 DPS DRAFTS USING OLD IMAGES

Once again I created four drafts that contained previous images to help me gain an insight into the different techniques and structures I can use when it comes to creating my final draft.

FINAL CONTENTS PAGE DRAFT

My 6th draft is the one i would consider looks most industry standard and professional. The reason being is due to the use of new photos and colour scheme. 

I changed the colour scheme on the contents page to compliments the one used on the front cover to create continuity and maintain a house style. However, I feel as though the overall look of this particular draft is somewhat dark and dreary therefore I will identify ways to avoid this and make changes accordingly.

Technology used:

• Standard Camera
• PhotoShop

Contents Page Production:

I devised a slideshare to show to the production of my product from beginning to end, step by step.

CONTENTS PAGE CHANGES DRAFT 5

TEACHER FEEDBACK

PEER FEEDBACK

Peer Feedback From Jodie Winter-Brook

Strenghts

• I like the images on your  contents page, I think they indicate you're indie rock genre very well.
• The colour scheme compliments the first image however I think you could possibly edit the second image to make it duller and then it will look more professional.
• I like how the title is placed at the top.
• I think another colour on your contents page is needed due to the fact that the page titles look a little dark.

Improve

• The rounded corners look misplaced with the square borders on your photo and page titles so I think you should choose on or another.

Peer Feedback From Rachel Bower

Strengths

• I like the way you have  separated regulars, features and fashion into different columns using backgrounds and background for the heading this makes it look tidy and conventional.
• I like the images used although the image with two people in needs to be less bright to match your other image.
• The title is bold and catches your eye, I like the font you have used as it stands out.

Improve

• You need to add a few more stories to your contents to make it look busier
• brighten up the wording a little bit more so it stands out.

THESE WILL LOOK A LOT BETTER WHEN YOU USE THE SECOND LOT OF IMAGES YOU TOOK TO CREATE YOUR FINAL CONTENTS PAGE

4TH CONTENTS PAGE DRAFT

3RD CONTENTS PAGE DRAFT

2ND CONTENTS PAGE DRAFT

CONTENTS PAGE DRAFTS CREATED USING OLD IMAGES

I created a set of four drafts using my already existing images to help me experiment with how different images can be used to create an effective contents page.

Technology used:

• Standard Camera
• PhotoShop

FINAL FRONT COVER

Final front cover:

Front Cover Production:

This slideshare highlights the production of my final front cover step by step to show the additions i made at each stage of the process.

5TH FRONT COVER DRAFT

Due to the problems I encountered on my fist leg of production I decided to completely re-shoot and start again from scratch. This consisted of taking new photos and starting from a black document and proceeding from there. 

The 5th draft, created using new material is as follows:

With regards to changes from my first attempts at creating a magazine front cover I have obviously re-taken my shots to ensure that the lighting effect is a lot more effective and beneficial to the photos as opposed to being dull and lifeless. I have also chosen to include a slight maroon accent to the colour scheme as opposed to the yellow i had previously. The reason I chose to incorporate maroon is due to the fact that I feel as though it still appeals relatively neutral in relation to gender and created a more sophisticated ethos to the piece

CHOSEN IMAGES

After taking anew batch of photos I looked through them and created a collection that I thought were of the best quality and would be most relevant in relation to my product. These are presented using a SlideShare:

NEW IMAGES

Here is a collection of new images I retook as a result of my first collection being not up to scratch

Technology used:

• 
  
• Standard Camera
• Microsoft Office - PowerPoint
• SlideShare (www.slideshare.net)

PROBLEMS

PROBLEMS from holbeau

This particular SlideShare identifies a major problem in my material and how I will go about ensuring it does not happen again as it has severely delayed my production.

Technology used:

• Microsoft Office - PowerPoint
• SlideShare (www.slideshare.net)
• Google Images (www.google.com)