Below is an screenshot of the progress I am making within my flat plans and rationales work. I am sure this will be posted on to my blog very soon.
Friday, 11 December 2015
Time Management
This lesson I have done as planned. My photoshop practice post is completed and I have completed a lot more of the flat plans and rationales post than I had planned to. Outside of the lesson, I hope to have this post fully completed by next less in order to swiftly move on with the production element of my coursework.
Below is an screenshot of the progress I am making within my flat plans and rationales work. I am sure this will be posted on to my blog very soon.
Below is an screenshot of the progress I am making within my flat plans and rationales work. I am sure this will be posted on to my blog very soon.
Practice Photoshop Task
In order to experiment with my skills within photoshop and develop my technique of editing, I have committed part of my time to creating a practice magazine cover, similar to what I have done with my preliminary task, but this time I have altered the theme to create a magazine of the music genre in order to create a good base of knowledge and skills for when I create my final product.
To also prepare myself for the creation of my final product, I stuck with an artist from one of my genres, of 'R&B'. This creates a more clear idea of how my final product will appear with an artist of that genre.
I have used tools such as the eyedropper tool to collect colors that I used within my masthead and main cover line. I haven't used a large amount of cover lines within my cover other than the main cover line 'the Queen of R&B'. This is because I have noticed that a various high end, popular magazines use a lack of cover lines due to their popularity guaranteeing monthly/weekly sales. This creates an element of prestige within the theme of the magazine and also allows the audience to focus on the model in question. I believe this fits my practice magazine very well as I'd like the audience to focus on Nicki Minaj (the artist in question), and immediately relates the singular cover line to her, informing the audience that the magazine is speaking of her as 'the Queen of R&B'. All of the colors used around the main image are taken directly from the main image itself in order to display a running color theme. This isn't the same color themes as my final product but I wanted to experiment my use of color theme and how to create a theme that links in with the image and creates a professional look.
I also used the text tool in order to print a price onto the barcode that I embedded into the cover, in order to keep the magazine looking professional and to assist anyone who wishes to purchase it, as then they will be aware of the price of the magazine and the shop in which they purchase the magazine from can scan the barcode.
I also used tools such as the rectangle shape tool in order to create the lines that run behind the masthead. The masthead itself takes up the whole left third of the cover, which is convenient for the way in which magazines are placed within shops (displaying the left third only). This is informative to the audience but also gives the magazine a different look, differing to the normal masthead which is typically placed at the top of the page.
Overall, I am very pleased with the outcome of my practice magazine cover and I am satisfied with the skills and techniques that I am confident with on photoshop, leaving me feeling more confident to begin creating my final product.
To also prepare myself for the creation of my final product, I stuck with an artist from one of my genres, of 'R&B'. This creates a more clear idea of how my final product will appear with an artist of that genre.
I have used tools such as the eyedropper tool to collect colors that I used within my masthead and main cover line. I haven't used a large amount of cover lines within my cover other than the main cover line 'the Queen of R&B'. This is because I have noticed that a various high end, popular magazines use a lack of cover lines due to their popularity guaranteeing monthly/weekly sales. This creates an element of prestige within the theme of the magazine and also allows the audience to focus on the model in question. I believe this fits my practice magazine very well as I'd like the audience to focus on Nicki Minaj (the artist in question), and immediately relates the singular cover line to her, informing the audience that the magazine is speaking of her as 'the Queen of R&B'. All of the colors used around the main image are taken directly from the main image itself in order to display a running color theme. This isn't the same color themes as my final product but I wanted to experiment my use of color theme and how to create a theme that links in with the image and creates a professional look.I also used the text tool in order to print a price onto the barcode that I embedded into the cover, in order to keep the magazine looking professional and to assist anyone who wishes to purchase it, as then they will be aware of the price of the magazine and the shop in which they purchase the magazine from can scan the barcode.
I also used tools such as the rectangle shape tool in order to create the lines that run behind the masthead. The masthead itself takes up the whole left third of the cover, which is convenient for the way in which magazines are placed within shops (displaying the left third only). This is informative to the audience but also gives the magazine a different look, differing to the normal masthead which is typically placed at the top of the page.
Overall, I am very pleased with the outcome of my practice magazine cover and I am satisfied with the skills and techniques that I am confident with on photoshop, leaving me feeling more confident to begin creating my final product.
Lesson Plan
This lesson I am planning on completing my post about my photoshop practice and also completing more of my flat plans and rationales. I am fully aware of how much work I have to do and how much detail I am planning on putting into the posts so I am wary of the fact that I amy not complete the flat plans and rationales post.
Friday, 4 December 2015
December Plan
In my previous month I did struggle to complete my targeted posts, therefore I must complete them to ensure I am up to date. This is my December plan:
- Take feedback from my lecturers in order to create multiple drafts
- Edit and update product to professional standard
- Update all time management posts
- Evaluation Question research
- Take feedback from my lecturers in order to create multiple drafts
- Edit and update product to professional standard
- Update all time management posts
- Evaluation Question research
Friday, 6 November 2015
Flat Plans and Rationale
Front Cover Flat Plan-
Colour Usage: I have themed my flat plans with my actual color theme. I have chosen black, white and red to fit in with my color theme of the magazine. Black and white is used in order to create a classy and professional feel, with the element of red added to give a feel of importance, high class and strength (referring to the artist as strong), connoting importance within my magazine therefore encouraging people to buy it. The red area of my magazine will maintain a three shade color scheme, with three different variations of red being see throughout the magazine. This creates variation within the small number of colors I am going to use, and expands the opportunity to include different colors, whilst only using 3 main colors. The contrast between the red and the black/white, will ensure that the more important elements will stand out. This contrast will be used in areas such as the masthead, which will be printed in red, and within other red elements, such as important words in the cover lines, in order to make them jump to at the audience. Also, areas of the image will be red against this black and white background, in order to make areas of the image jump out at the audience, causing them to take a closer look, therefore striking their best interest and encouraging them to buy a magazine.
Image Usage: From my target audience research, I gathered that my audience would prefer a cover that maintained one image only. I also believed that this would be a good idea and was glad that my target audience interviewee preferred this factor within a magazine. My main image will take up the whole of the front cover with no blank spaces, as this will leave the cover looking sparse and dull, I will not be using more than one image to prevent crowding and to fit my target audience. This image will be of my main artist who will also be the feature artist that my main article will centralize itself around. There will be no props included within my image, due to use of props causing a crowding feel. However, I am using the colour of red within the image to add connotations of strength and importance within the artist and within the magazine itself, leaving the audience to question where the artist has gained this strength from, encouraging them to purchase the magazine and read the article they are featured in. The model's body language will also add to these connotations of strength and importance in the way that their facial expression will give these feelings as they will maintain a serious and stern expression. The make-up the model will be wearing will consist of red glitter surrounding the eyes due to an inclusion of red in one area of the photo to contrast against the black and white photo. This will draw connotations of importance to the eyes of the artist, causing the audience to look at the model's eyes which will be directly staring at the camera, therefore at the audience, inviting them to buy the magazine. Apart from that, harsh contouring and prominent brows will be featured within the model's make-up in order to create a fierce and strong feeling. The camera will be at eye level with the model in order for the audience to feel at level with the model. This portrays a feeling of equality and suggests that my magazine is breaking the barrier between the famous and non-famous, i.e. giving insight into their lives so that the readers feel less of a fan and more of an acquaintance. This barrier may encourage the reader to buy further issues in order to receive this with other artists.
Text Usage: For use of text within my magazine cover, I have decided on obvious aspects of text such as the name of the magazine in the masthead and cover lines down the left and right third of the page. Cover lines will feature am omniscient narrative, meaning, for example, that the main artist will be spoke about in 3rd person within the main cover line. I also chose to use a puff for one of my cover line, which will most likely be a quote from one of the articles, meaning it could possibly be in a different narrative, for example, first person from an interviewee. This also adds a teaser effect, due to the puff including a shocking statement, leaving the reader wanting to know more, encouraging them to read the magazine. Within the cover lines, I will be printing some of the more important words in a separate, more eye-catching font, in order to draw the readers attention to the important and exciting words. The main cover line will be focused on the main artist that is pictured on the front cover, meaning that the emotional connotations of the cover line must match the image. As I'm planning on creating a fierce portrayal of the main artist, my main covering will feature emotional connotations of strength and fierceness, which will link to the factor that draws the audience in (what made her so strong?, will be added to by the puff that is used). This main cover line could include many literary elements, for example alliteration (e.g. 'fierce and fighting back'). Other than cover lines, text usage will appear within the sell line above the masthead in order to draw the audience in and strike them with a fact that will encourage them to purchase the magazine, for example, 'The Hits Of Today And Tomorrow'. The masthead will also be a use of text within the cover, being one of the key points of the magazine due to it informing the audience of what magazine this is. The masthead will also be used as the logo for the magazine, creating a recognizability surrounding the magazine.
Layout and Font: Within the font element of my final product, I will be using professional and understandable fonts that aren't gender specific. I believe non-gender specific fonts will fit better with my target audience, so I am considering using a Sans-serif font within the masthead and cover lines of my magazine. I, however, am considering using a completely different font for some of the more interesting words of the cover lines, in order to create a diverse feel and to make them stand out as they will also be printed in red. This immediately highlights the key focal points within the text. The layout itself creates a professional style and assists readership within the way it doesn't appear sparse, whereas in is not too crowded. This means it is enjoyable to look at, whilst also being inviting, meaning the audience will happily be able to read the cover lines, which will hopefully strike their best interest, therefore encouraging them to read the magazine. when observing the flat plans, it is evident that the puff and cover lines are all placed in diagonals in order to create an energetic layout and to avoid a boring and square looking layout.
Contents Page Flat Plan-
Colour Usage: Again, with my contents page, I have stuck with the black, white and red colour theme, that my magazine is going to have in order to create a more realistic feel around how my final product will appear. I believe these colors will maintain the same connotations of strength and high class on the contents page, also. The title of the page will be in red as that is a main focus of the page and I'd like the title to dew attention so that the audience immediately knows what page this is. As well as this, the page numbers and article titles will be printed in red in order to catch attention and be portrayed as a vital area of the page. The editors not will also be in a white font with the background in a shade of red in order to draw attention to what the editor has to say about this issue. The images used within the contents page will also be in black and white with areas of red featured.
Image Usage: The main and largest image that will be featured on this page will be an image from the main article in order to give a short insight into the article itself. Other larger images I am going to use will include those of other articles in the magazine, in order to give a sneak preview, and also pushing the reader towards those pages, that I will have selected as the best pages of the magazine ('putting the best foot forward', striking best interest). I am also considering adding a small caption at the bottom right of the images in order to inform the audience of what page the image has been taken from. I believe that will provide a brief insight into these specific pages and will allow the audience to decide what articles they'd like to read, encouraging them to read the magazine. I have also chosen to place an image of the from cover itself into the contents page. I believe this adds a personal feel and also makes the reader feel familiar with the magazine, providing a more comfortable feel, whilst creating a close bond with the audience. I also believe that if my magazine was a realistic, monthly magazine, this would create a regular feel due to the front cover being printed in the contents page of each issue. It would also create a consistent portrayal of the magazine itself. Another example of the images would be using the logos from several social media sites in order to create a social platform for my magazine and creating an environment that cognacs the readers to my magazine. It also makes it easy for the audience to receive more frequent updates due to the magazine being issued monthly, whilst also making it available for the audience to opt for notifications to their phones/emails etc. These logos may include Facebook,Twitter, Instagram etc. I have taken this idea from other popular magazines for example, NME, a music magazine maintaining their own social media platforms to keep in touch with their readers (e.g. Instagram, Twitter).
Text Usage: Within the text element of my contents page, the page will feature a large title/headline in order to inform the audience of what page they are viewing. The title will also employ the name of the issue (e.g. March 2016) so that the readers are aware of which issue they are in possession of. The contents will feature a selection of articles from the magazine due to it only being a mock of product of a full issue magazine. These articles will feature a title, a page number and a small insight as to what is in the article. In the bottom left corner, my contents page will have an editor's note, allowing the magazine editor to speak directly to the audience about the current issue, as well as life itself in terms of the time of year and whatever is occurring in the music industry. In the bottom right corner, I will place social media links, email and website links to create an online platform and life for the magazine, allowing my audience to reach my magazine on the internet, where they are constantly discussing and researching into elements of music etc, as found in my reader profile. Hopefully, in some area, I will be able to place a subscription option/link in order to allow my audience to buy the monthly issues in bulk and have them automatically posted to their home, creating a guaranteed income for the next few months to my magazine.
Layout and Font: Like my front cover, I will be using professional and understandable fonts that aren't gender specific. however, in terms of layout, I would like to fit a considerable amount into my contents page, without it looking too crowded. Therefore, my articles in the contents will be fairly spaced out. I want the images to have a scrapbook-like effect to create a personal aspect, therefore I have placed them together in the centre as if to overlap each other.
Double Page Spread-
Colour Usage: To follow my colour scheme, my double page spread will be black, white and red. This will be fully used to emphasise the important areas of the image, for example, the areas of red in the make-up, to highlight prominent areas of the image and make it visually attractive and attention-drawing. This will add these strong, high-class connotations across to the model and puts forward ideas about her and her music. The background will preferably be dark, in order for the text to be white, with the name of the artist in red in order for it to stand out.
Image Usage: As there is only one image in the double page spread, it will cover the majority of the spread, or more specifically one full page, as preferred by my target audience. I will use the contact sheet tool on photoshop to decide between the image. The image will be of my model, as I want her to appear, fierce, bold, strong and classy, so to fit with the colour theme and its connotations.
Text Usage: The text is the main aspect of the double page spread, and will be used to print the whole article, as well as the title of the article. I will also be using text in the website link, the page numbers and the pull quote between the text. I am using the pull quote in order to strike the audience's attention and encourage them to read the article
Layout and Font: The article text will maintain a traditional column layout. I believe this looks very classy and is visually pleasing, as well as easy to navigate. The image to text ratio is around 50/50, with the image covering one page like the target audience prefer. The font will be easy to read within the actual article, with the pull quote being larger, and the name of the artist will be an attractive font that fits the artists and connotes feminine ideas about her character.
Colour Usage: I have themed my flat plans with my actual color theme. I have chosen black, white and red to fit in with my color theme of the magazine. Black and white is used in order to create a classy and professional feel, with the element of red added to give a feel of importance, high class and strength (referring to the artist as strong), connoting importance within my magazine therefore encouraging people to buy it. The red area of my magazine will maintain a three shade color scheme, with three different variations of red being see throughout the magazine. This creates variation within the small number of colors I am going to use, and expands the opportunity to include different colors, whilst only using 3 main colors. The contrast between the red and the black/white, will ensure that the more important elements will stand out. This contrast will be used in areas such as the masthead, which will be printed in red, and within other red elements, such as important words in the cover lines, in order to make them jump to at the audience. Also, areas of the image will be red against this black and white background, in order to make areas of the image jump out at the audience, causing them to take a closer look, therefore striking their best interest and encouraging them to buy a magazine.
Text Usage: For use of text within my magazine cover, I have decided on obvious aspects of text such as the name of the magazine in the masthead and cover lines down the left and right third of the page. Cover lines will feature am omniscient narrative, meaning, for example, that the main artist will be spoke about in 3rd person within the main cover line. I also chose to use a puff for one of my cover line, which will most likely be a quote from one of the articles, meaning it could possibly be in a different narrative, for example, first person from an interviewee. This also adds a teaser effect, due to the puff including a shocking statement, leaving the reader wanting to know more, encouraging them to read the magazine. Within the cover lines, I will be printing some of the more important words in a separate, more eye-catching font, in order to draw the readers attention to the important and exciting words. The main cover line will be focused on the main artist that is pictured on the front cover, meaning that the emotional connotations of the cover line must match the image. As I'm planning on creating a fierce portrayal of the main artist, my main covering will feature emotional connotations of strength and fierceness, which will link to the factor that draws the audience in (what made her so strong?, will be added to by the puff that is used). This main cover line could include many literary elements, for example alliteration (e.g. 'fierce and fighting back'). Other than cover lines, text usage will appear within the sell line above the masthead in order to draw the audience in and strike them with a fact that will encourage them to purchase the magazine, for example, 'The Hits Of Today And Tomorrow'. The masthead will also be a use of text within the cover, being one of the key points of the magazine due to it informing the audience of what magazine this is. The masthead will also be used as the logo for the magazine, creating a recognizability surrounding the magazine.
Layout and Font: Within the font element of my final product, I will be using professional and understandable fonts that aren't gender specific. I believe non-gender specific fonts will fit better with my target audience, so I am considering using a Sans-serif font within the masthead and cover lines of my magazine. I, however, am considering using a completely different font for some of the more interesting words of the cover lines, in order to create a diverse feel and to make them stand out as they will also be printed in red. This immediately highlights the key focal points within the text. The layout itself creates a professional style and assists readership within the way it doesn't appear sparse, whereas in is not too crowded. This means it is enjoyable to look at, whilst also being inviting, meaning the audience will happily be able to read the cover lines, which will hopefully strike their best interest, therefore encouraging them to read the magazine. when observing the flat plans, it is evident that the puff and cover lines are all placed in diagonals in order to create an energetic layout and to avoid a boring and square looking layout.
Contents Page Flat Plan-
Colour Usage: Again, with my contents page, I have stuck with the black, white and red colour theme, that my magazine is going to have in order to create a more realistic feel around how my final product will appear. I believe these colors will maintain the same connotations of strength and high class on the contents page, also. The title of the page will be in red as that is a main focus of the page and I'd like the title to dew attention so that the audience immediately knows what page this is. As well as this, the page numbers and article titles will be printed in red in order to catch attention and be portrayed as a vital area of the page. The editors not will also be in a white font with the background in a shade of red in order to draw attention to what the editor has to say about this issue. The images used within the contents page will also be in black and white with areas of red featured.
Image Usage: The main and largest image that will be featured on this page will be an image from the main article in order to give a short insight into the article itself. Other larger images I am going to use will include those of other articles in the magazine, in order to give a sneak preview, and also pushing the reader towards those pages, that I will have selected as the best pages of the magazine ('putting the best foot forward', striking best interest). I am also considering adding a small caption at the bottom right of the images in order to inform the audience of what page the image has been taken from. I believe that will provide a brief insight into these specific pages and will allow the audience to decide what articles they'd like to read, encouraging them to read the magazine. I have also chosen to place an image of the from cover itself into the contents page. I believe this adds a personal feel and also makes the reader feel familiar with the magazine, providing a more comfortable feel, whilst creating a close bond with the audience. I also believe that if my magazine was a realistic, monthly magazine, this would create a regular feel due to the front cover being printed in the contents page of each issue. It would also create a consistent portrayal of the magazine itself. Another example of the images would be using the logos from several social media sites in order to create a social platform for my magazine and creating an environment that cognacs the readers to my magazine. It also makes it easy for the audience to receive more frequent updates due to the magazine being issued monthly, whilst also making it available for the audience to opt for notifications to their phones/emails etc. These logos may include Facebook,Twitter, Instagram etc. I have taken this idea from other popular magazines for example, NME, a music magazine maintaining their own social media platforms to keep in touch with their readers (e.g. Instagram, Twitter).Text Usage: Within the text element of my contents page, the page will feature a large title/headline in order to inform the audience of what page they are viewing. The title will also employ the name of the issue (e.g. March 2016) so that the readers are aware of which issue they are in possession of. The contents will feature a selection of articles from the magazine due to it only being a mock of product of a full issue magazine. These articles will feature a title, a page number and a small insight as to what is in the article. In the bottom left corner, my contents page will have an editor's note, allowing the magazine editor to speak directly to the audience about the current issue, as well as life itself in terms of the time of year and whatever is occurring in the music industry. In the bottom right corner, I will place social media links, email and website links to create an online platform and life for the magazine, allowing my audience to reach my magazine on the internet, where they are constantly discussing and researching into elements of music etc, as found in my reader profile. Hopefully, in some area, I will be able to place a subscription option/link in order to allow my audience to buy the monthly issues in bulk and have them automatically posted to their home, creating a guaranteed income for the next few months to my magazine.
Layout and Font: Like my front cover, I will be using professional and understandable fonts that aren't gender specific. however, in terms of layout, I would like to fit a considerable amount into my contents page, without it looking too crowded. Therefore, my articles in the contents will be fairly spaced out. I want the images to have a scrapbook-like effect to create a personal aspect, therefore I have placed them together in the centre as if to overlap each other.
Double Page Spread-
Colour Usage: To follow my colour scheme, my double page spread will be black, white and red. This will be fully used to emphasise the important areas of the image, for example, the areas of red in the make-up, to highlight prominent areas of the image and make it visually attractive and attention-drawing. This will add these strong, high-class connotations across to the model and puts forward ideas about her and her music. The background will preferably be dark, in order for the text to be white, with the name of the artist in red in order for it to stand out.
Image Usage: As there is only one image in the double page spread, it will cover the majority of the spread, or more specifically one full page, as preferred by my target audience. I will use the contact sheet tool on photoshop to decide between the image. The image will be of my model, as I want her to appear, fierce, bold, strong and classy, so to fit with the colour theme and its connotations.
Text Usage: The text is the main aspect of the double page spread, and will be used to print the whole article, as well as the title of the article. I will also be using text in the website link, the page numbers and the pull quote between the text. I am using the pull quote in order to strike the audience's attention and encourage them to read the article
Layout and Font: The article text will maintain a traditional column layout. I believe this looks very classy and is visually pleasing, as well as easy to navigate. The image to text ratio is around 50/50, with the image covering one page like the target audience prefer. The font will be easy to read within the actual article, with the pull quote being larger, and the name of the artist will be an attractive font that fits the artists and connotes feminine ideas about her character.
Monday, 2 November 2015
November Plan
In October, I successfully completed my targeted blog posts, and even added more posts surrounding feedback on my magazine proposal and the way I've progressed from that. This is my plan for November, focusing majorly on my photoshoot:
- Location scout
- Photoshoot 'Recce'
- Photoshoot Planning
- Photoshoot Practice Images
- Contact Sheet
- Flat Plans and Rationale
- Article Draft
- First Practical Draft
- Location scout
- Photoshoot 'Recce'
- Photoshoot Planning
- Photoshoot Practice Images
- Contact Sheet
- Flat Plans and Rationale
- Article Draft
- First Practical Draft
Model Poses (Millum and Ferguson)
Marjorie Ferguson: Female Poses
Recently in my Media Studies lessons, I have learned about model poses within a front cover and their effect on the audience, in order to give me an enhanced understanding of them and also to give me ideas and reasonings behind the choices I will make when I shoot my magazine's central model in the upcoming weeks. I am very pleased with the knowledge I have gained and really enjoyed learning about the way in which different poses can have several connotations and can fit specific genres of magazine.
Below, I have created a Prezi on these poses and some examples to remind me of/give me an idea of how they appear. If you cannot view this Prezi, please click the link below:
https://prezi.com/1gglhvlctax2/model-poses-female/#
Trevor Millum: Male Poses
As we did not cover any male poses within the Media lesson, I decided to take on some independent research, and look into studies on the male poses. I found some research completed my Trevor Millum, who studied various advertisements featuring males, within women's magazines. He found five variations of poses:
- Carefree: within the carefree pose, the models appeared healthy and active looking and were also looking happy and smiling
- Practical: the practical pose embraced a serious, engaged look, in which the models had their mouths closed and often maintained a small frown in order to portray a look of concentration
- Seductive: the seductive pose exuded confidence, with a possible slight smile and eyes that were never quite fully open
- Comic: these poses were centralised around humour and were obviously deliberately funny and slightly exaggerated
- Catalogue: within the catalogue pose, the model was vacant looking, with an artificial appearing, blank expression portraying elements of emptiness and lack of personality
As the model I am planing on using is female, I have taken a larger focus into the female area of model poses, but I found it important to consider both sexes within model poses.
Recently in my Media Studies lessons, I have learned about model poses within a front cover and their effect on the audience, in order to give me an enhanced understanding of them and also to give me ideas and reasonings behind the choices I will make when I shoot my magazine's central model in the upcoming weeks. I am very pleased with the knowledge I have gained and really enjoyed learning about the way in which different poses can have several connotations and can fit specific genres of magazine.
Below, I have created a Prezi on these poses and some examples to remind me of/give me an idea of how they appear. If you cannot view this Prezi, please click the link below:
https://prezi.com/1gglhvlctax2/model-poses-female/#
Trevor Millum: Male Poses
As we did not cover any male poses within the Media lesson, I decided to take on some independent research, and look into studies on the male poses. I found some research completed my Trevor Millum, who studied various advertisements featuring males, within women's magazines. He found five variations of poses:
- Carefree: within the carefree pose, the models appeared healthy and active looking and were also looking happy and smiling
- Practical: the practical pose embraced a serious, engaged look, in which the models had their mouths closed and often maintained a small frown in order to portray a look of concentration
- Seductive: the seductive pose exuded confidence, with a possible slight smile and eyes that were never quite fully open
- Comic: these poses were centralised around humour and were obviously deliberately funny and slightly exaggerated
- Catalogue: within the catalogue pose, the model was vacant looking, with an artificial appearing, blank expression portraying elements of emptiness and lack of personality
As the model I am planing on using is female, I have taken a larger focus into the female area of model poses, but I found it important to consider both sexes within model poses.
Sunday, 1 November 2015
Time Management
As I have fallen behind recently, I have been trying my hardest to catch up within this area of the coursework (Research and Planning). As several of the most recent tasks have been fairly detailed they have taken a larger scale of time, and I hope to be fully up to date within the next week or so.
I am really enjoying this course so far.
I am really enjoying this course so far.
Saturday, 31 October 2015
Magazine Proposal 1
Describe your idea for the brief:
I am creating magazine based around the Contemporary R&B and Indie Rock Genres, of the name of Velvet. I have chosen this name as music can often be described as of a velvety texture. This creates a feeling off class and beautiful music, which is how I want the music and their artists to be portrayed through my magazine. Velvet will aim to provide it's readers with various information, on areas of the music world, such as new and upcoming artists, up to date charts and typical interviews with current artists who fit into the genres that Velvet is based around, whilst also adding an element of professionalism and class. I will add this element by ensuring that the artists I use are dressed in a way that fits to my magazines theme.
My magazine will take on a theme of red, with the majority of it of its pages in black and white. I believe the back and white will add a fresh new look to the presentation of music rather than churning out the all too often normal coloured photos. This will stand out against other music magazines, with the black and white theme portraying feelings aimed at the dark side of human nature, for example pain and depression. This connotes the way that my magazine will aim to give the audience every aspect of an artist that it interviews, due to their stories of rising to fame often being slightly dark, The addition of red paradoxically creates a sense of joy, symbolising the way music can bring a lot of joy into people's lives. I have chosen red due to it's connotations of power and prestige (e.g. the 'red' carpet), as that is the element of class that I want my magazine to have. Another reason for my choice of red, is due to it's association with being alert (e.g. code 'red'). The music world is all about being alert and finding some great new tunes/artists. This colour will portray my magazine as a magazine that is alert and will provide the audience with up and coming stars that they will be sure to love.
Genre/Sub-Genre: List similar texts which have inspired your thoughts throughout
As mentioned, my genre will be based around Contemporary R&B and Indie Rock. I believe that my main genre out of the two will be Contemporary R&B, with Indie Rock being left as more of a sub-genre, but I will make efforts to ensure that one genre does not fully dominate the other. I believe that more than one genre will give my magazine that extra something, creating a variety within the magazine and also bringing in a wider audience. Inspirations in terms of theme include billboard magazine, through the way in which their front cover image also portrays whatever artist they have chosen in such a good light. The image they use is more than likely always eye-catching and flattering towards the artist. I would like to use an image in my front cover that is attractive, eye-catching and portrays my artist in a positive light, even if it is particularly dark due to my black and white theme. In terms of contents page, I really like the magazine 'Vibe', especially it's contents page of Kanye West because they have a similar colour theme to the one I aspire to have with a black and white image of West, along with a red heart, as the only area of colour, pressed to his chest. I aim to have a contents page of this quality and colour scheme.
Target Audience: gender/age/class/characteristics/behaviour
My primary audience are teenagers ages 16-25, and will be both male and female. In terms of the audience code, readers of Velvet will fit into the E bracket due to the majority of them being students. I believe that students are the the perfect target audience for my music magazine, as they are generally the type you'd see living their lives with their headphones in. They are the majority of those who build up statistics that decided which song is #1 in the UK. This means they will be wanting to know the up and coming artists and the hit songs, and are generally those who are interested in the contemporary R&B and indie rock genres. I'd imagine that my audience generally goes to festivals, studies (whilst listening to music), hangs out with friends, for example at parties, and also goes shopping due to my high class, more expensive aspect of the magazine.
This leaves my secondary audience, being those outside of this age range. This means that I must fit various attributes of my magazine to that age range, for example, the language used and the price range and it's affordability. I also believe that a main secondary audience could include an audience below 16, who are interested in my genres and can afford this magazine. Although, I have not included an age below 16 due to the use of language by some of the artists I incorporate into my magazine and some of the songs that are featured.
Major Conventions: I will use...
...an effective main image, within my front cover, of a celebrity within my genre. This celebrity will be generally popular and recognisable. The image would be printed in black and white but I would make small details in the photo red, but only a small amount of areas to prevent it from looking unprofessional. An example of this could be making the model's lips red (female celebrity) or covering the model in blood that would be coloured red (male celebrity) and leaving the rest of the image black and white whilst the headline is also red along with the various words in the cover lines. This means that the audience's eyes are immediately drawn to important details of the cover; the image, the name of the magazine, and the words that will strike their best interest in the cover lines. My front cover will employ the typical qualities, such as a price, barcode, along with the main story's cover line being enlarged and slightly covering the model in the front cover image. This makes it clear that this is the main article whilst the other cover lines are worked around the model, but never in front. This main article will also link to the image as the main article features an interview with the model in the image. The image used on the cover will also portray certain feelings and perceptions of the model. For example, their facial expression may show sorrow along with a high camera angle in order to make the model look small and belittled by the world which gives ideas as to what their feature article may include and what they may have been through in their lives. The clothing they will wear should be something they would normally wear, or something that relates to the music they create, as this creates a certain mood in the same way their music does and portrays them in a way that allows the audiences to figure out their character. Also, the celebrity endorsement on the front cover will bring in a wider audience from the celebrity's fan-base meaning more magazines sold and more that could be potentially sold in the future if those who have purchased enjoyed the magazine.
Within the double page spread (main article) I will continue to stick to the theme of black and white, but this time I will add more red into the images and into the article itself. As my article is a double page spread, I will be using one page to place an image of my artist which will be printed in black and white, with additions of red. The other page will be filled with the article but I will add the first initial of the artist in the background of the text, filling the full page, in a faded shade of red so that the text is still visible. I will also use puffs once or twice throughout the article. These will be in red and in a bolder, larger text in order to stand out and draw the reader’s attention into the article. The puffs will be extracts from the article that are interesting and will encourage the reader to read the full length article. The celebrity I will use will also be the celebrity that is on the front of the magazine cover. This is because the main article celebrity will be the celebrity that I am focusing in this issue, and most likely will bring in a wider audience due to celebrity endorsement.
In terms of images,I will try to relate the model's poses/stance/facial expression to the article's feeling, for example, if the article is portraying the artist as a strong fierce woman, who has overcome so much within their life, I will place then in a stance that connotes this. This could be anything from the look on their face (strong, and expression you wouldn't mess with) to the way they are standing (clenched fists, feet shoulder-width apart, leaning forward as if to show they are not afraid) or even the way the camera is angled (lower than the model to make the look larger and better, relating to the article).
Potential Difficulties:
One problem that may arise, is the inability to gain use of the photographic studio at the times I would like. If this problem occurs, I may need to take time out of my own to book the studio and ask my model to spare some of her own time to meet me.
I am creating magazine based around the Contemporary R&B and Indie Rock Genres, of the name of Velvet. I have chosen this name as music can often be described as of a velvety texture. This creates a feeling off class and beautiful music, which is how I want the music and their artists to be portrayed through my magazine. Velvet will aim to provide it's readers with various information, on areas of the music world, such as new and upcoming artists, up to date charts and typical interviews with current artists who fit into the genres that Velvet is based around, whilst also adding an element of professionalism and class. I will add this element by ensuring that the artists I use are dressed in a way that fits to my magazines theme.
My magazine will take on a theme of red, with the majority of it of its pages in black and white. I believe the back and white will add a fresh new look to the presentation of music rather than churning out the all too often normal coloured photos. This will stand out against other music magazines, with the black and white theme portraying feelings aimed at the dark side of human nature, for example pain and depression. This connotes the way that my magazine will aim to give the audience every aspect of an artist that it interviews, due to their stories of rising to fame often being slightly dark, The addition of red paradoxically creates a sense of joy, symbolising the way music can bring a lot of joy into people's lives. I have chosen red due to it's connotations of power and prestige (e.g. the 'red' carpet), as that is the element of class that I want my magazine to have. Another reason for my choice of red, is due to it's association with being alert (e.g. code 'red'). The music world is all about being alert and finding some great new tunes/artists. This colour will portray my magazine as a magazine that is alert and will provide the audience with up and coming stars that they will be sure to love.
Genre/Sub-Genre: List similar texts which have inspired your thoughts throughout
Target Audience: gender/age/class/characteristics/behaviour
My primary audience are teenagers ages 16-25, and will be both male and female. In terms of the audience code, readers of Velvet will fit into the E bracket due to the majority of them being students. I believe that students are the the perfect target audience for my music magazine, as they are generally the type you'd see living their lives with their headphones in. They are the majority of those who build up statistics that decided which song is #1 in the UK. This means they will be wanting to know the up and coming artists and the hit songs, and are generally those who are interested in the contemporary R&B and indie rock genres. I'd imagine that my audience generally goes to festivals, studies (whilst listening to music), hangs out with friends, for example at parties, and also goes shopping due to my high class, more expensive aspect of the magazine.
This leaves my secondary audience, being those outside of this age range. This means that I must fit various attributes of my magazine to that age range, for example, the language used and the price range and it's affordability. I also believe that a main secondary audience could include an audience below 16, who are interested in my genres and can afford this magazine. Although, I have not included an age below 16 due to the use of language by some of the artists I incorporate into my magazine and some of the songs that are featured.
Major Conventions: I will use...
...an effective main image, within my front cover, of a celebrity within my genre. This celebrity will be generally popular and recognisable. The image would be printed in black and white but I would make small details in the photo red, but only a small amount of areas to prevent it from looking unprofessional. An example of this could be making the model's lips red (female celebrity) or covering the model in blood that would be coloured red (male celebrity) and leaving the rest of the image black and white whilst the headline is also red along with the various words in the cover lines. This means that the audience's eyes are immediately drawn to important details of the cover; the image, the name of the magazine, and the words that will strike their best interest in the cover lines. My front cover will employ the typical qualities, such as a price, barcode, along with the main story's cover line being enlarged and slightly covering the model in the front cover image. This makes it clear that this is the main article whilst the other cover lines are worked around the model, but never in front. This main article will also link to the image as the main article features an interview with the model in the image. The image used on the cover will also portray certain feelings and perceptions of the model. For example, their facial expression may show sorrow along with a high camera angle in order to make the model look small and belittled by the world which gives ideas as to what their feature article may include and what they may have been through in their lives. The clothing they will wear should be something they would normally wear, or something that relates to the music they create, as this creates a certain mood in the same way their music does and portrays them in a way that allows the audiences to figure out their character. Also, the celebrity endorsement on the front cover will bring in a wider audience from the celebrity's fan-base meaning more magazines sold and more that could be potentially sold in the future if those who have purchased enjoyed the magazine.
Within the double page spread (main article) I will continue to stick to the theme of black and white, but this time I will add more red into the images and into the article itself. As my article is a double page spread, I will be using one page to place an image of my artist which will be printed in black and white, with additions of red. The other page will be filled with the article but I will add the first initial of the artist in the background of the text, filling the full page, in a faded shade of red so that the text is still visible. I will also use puffs once or twice throughout the article. These will be in red and in a bolder, larger text in order to stand out and draw the reader’s attention into the article. The puffs will be extracts from the article that are interesting and will encourage the reader to read the full length article. The celebrity I will use will also be the celebrity that is on the front of the magazine cover. This is because the main article celebrity will be the celebrity that I am focusing in this issue, and most likely will bring in a wider audience due to celebrity endorsement.
In terms of images,I will try to relate the model's poses/stance/facial expression to the article's feeling, for example, if the article is portraying the artist as a strong fierce woman, who has overcome so much within their life, I will place then in a stance that connotes this. This could be anything from the look on their face (strong, and expression you wouldn't mess with) to the way they are standing (clenched fists, feet shoulder-width apart, leaning forward as if to show they are not afraid) or even the way the camera is angled (lower than the model to make the look larger and better, relating to the article).
In terms of the article, I will cover as much of the artist as possible give my readers the best insight possible into the artist’s life. If my magazine portrays itself as one which gets every bit of information possible on its celebrities, more reader will be encouraged to purchase further issues in order to find out as much as they possibly can on their favourite artists. Not only this, but knowing this information can make listening more enjoyable. For example, if you are listening to one of the artist’s songs and you have read the article and you know certain aspects of their life that you hadn’t before, it can make the listening experience a lot more enjoyable as it makes the song relatable to their own problems as well as your own. This could also make readers want to purchase further issues and is also good for the celebrity that is endorsed, as readers who may not have listened to them before may check them out, as well as those who already do listen receiving a better listening experience due to their ability to relate their life experiences (spoke about in the article) to the music they are listening to.
Conventions that I may change/subvert/decide against using:
I think that within my front cover, I will decide against using more than one image/sub-images, and just stick with using one main image. I believe this focuses the attention onto whatever celebrity I choose to use and enhances the features of that image, solely. Also, the main examples I have focused on through my inspirational texts have used only one image, making them more effective. I will also avoid using a interview style double-page spread. Not only have I made this decision because I received feedback associated with this within my target audience research, but because I feel that a story-based double-page spread would add a more elegant and classic feel, making the article slightly more artistic.
Original Images: what/where/when?
When taking my original images, I will be using a professional photography studio. I am aiming to book the photographic studios within the University of Sunderland in the near future. If I do not take all my images then or find I am unhappy/need more images, I will re-book the studio within the University, or book the studios at the college campus in the Arts building. I will vary my shots and use suitable ones for a music magazine, for example, medium shots and medium close-up shots etc. This means I have a range of images to choose from, which are different. In terms of a model, I am going to use a female model in my images as I believe they visually attract both genders through the physical attractiveness to males and through the aspirations of women. Also, the female artist will be generally popular within the genre that my magazine is based around, meaning both genders will view the magazine and pick it up if they are interested in that artist (meaning they enjoy my chosen genre, resulting in the correct audience targeted). The clothing of the model should be elegant and preferably black, although colour doesn't particularly matter due to the magazine being printed in black and white. I will however be using props, such as a rose in order to incorporate areas that can be printed in red. All of my images will follow a certain theme, in order to create a running theme throughout the front cover, contents and double page-spread and to create a recognisable feel, relating back to the feature article and also creating the idea that this is the main article of the magazine.
One problem that may arise, is the inability to gain use of the photographic studio at the times I would like. If this problem occurs, I may need to take time out of my own to book the studio and ask my model to spare some of her own time to meet me.
Monday, 26 October 2015
The Recce
Are there any potential hazards that could pose a
health and safety risk where your photo shoot will take place (trailing
cables/traffic/other objects )?
When visiting the studio before booking my slot for the photoshoot, I assessed the studio for hazards and found little to none. All cables were kept away so that no trailing cables were visible, creating a safe and professional environment. Due to the road around the studio being a one-way system, the traffic was generally busy in this area.
What will you do to ensure these risks are minimised?
To avoid having to get caught within the traffic, I set my time at 10am, when rush hour (8am-9am) was over, and I decided to travel to the nearest metro station and take a 5-minute walk from there.
Will the time of day/weather affect the outcome of your photos? Have you allowed this?
As my photos will be taken in an indoor photography studio with artificial lighting, the time of day and weather will not affect my photos.
Have you considered the background to your photos, particularly if take outside? How will you ensure you get the background you want?
The background to my photos will simply be a backdrop due to my main focus being placed on the model. I do, however, want the background to be a dark shade of grey, in order to emphasise the pop of colour (red) in areas of the image. To do this, I must use low-key lighting, which I will ask Colin (studio technician) to do for me/help me with.
Have you considered lighting? What about the 'problems' of natural lighting, either outside or streaming through a window? Will you need to use a flash? Have you considered reflective objects that may ruin the effect?
At my chosen studio, they have professional artificial lighting, therefore, I do not need to worry about the problems of natural lighting. The flash used within the studio, will emit from the professional bulbs and shades to create a natural, high quality effect. Reflective objects such as high-shine nail polish, and the glitter used may reflect the flash, but this may depend on the angle of the image, and if I cannot seem to get rid of the flash, I could simply edit the reflection out.
Do you have permission to take photos in the place/venue you have in mind?
Yes, I got in contact with Colin to check the availability and to book a slot that fit around mine and my model's timetables.
Are other people/crowds likely to be an issue for you? What have you done to ensure they will not spoil the effect?
The studio is booked for my use only, and it follows a schedule that notes when the studio is in use, meaning I will have no trouble with the being in my image.
Are you reliant on lifts/props/friends equipment/models? How have you ensured that these things will come together at the appointed time? Do you have a Plan B?
I am reliant on public transport to make my way to the studio, but will be leaving with plenty of time in case of any struggle with this. As my model is a friend of mine who lives nearby, she will be using the same public transport as me, therefore we will be travelling together, ensuring that she too will leave early and be at the studio on time. I have also arranged the time of the shoot around both of our scheduled so that we are both guaranteed to be free. I am not using any props, however, the hair/make-up will be provided by me, so I will carry them with me. The costume as directed, is being provided by my model, however, I trust that she will impress me due to her fashion-conscious character.
Finally, have you thought of every eventuality?
I feel as though I have considered all eventualities through my Recce post, and I am feeling confident and excited about the shoot and it's outcome.
When visiting the studio before booking my slot for the photoshoot, I assessed the studio for hazards and found little to none. All cables were kept away so that no trailing cables were visible, creating a safe and professional environment. Due to the road around the studio being a one-way system, the traffic was generally busy in this area.
What will you do to ensure these risks are minimised?
To avoid having to get caught within the traffic, I set my time at 10am, when rush hour (8am-9am) was over, and I decided to travel to the nearest metro station and take a 5-minute walk from there.
Will the time of day/weather affect the outcome of your photos? Have you allowed this?
As my photos will be taken in an indoor photography studio with artificial lighting, the time of day and weather will not affect my photos.
Have you considered the background to your photos, particularly if take outside? How will you ensure you get the background you want?
The background to my photos will simply be a backdrop due to my main focus being placed on the model. I do, however, want the background to be a dark shade of grey, in order to emphasise the pop of colour (red) in areas of the image. To do this, I must use low-key lighting, which I will ask Colin (studio technician) to do for me/help me with.
Have you considered lighting? What about the 'problems' of natural lighting, either outside or streaming through a window? Will you need to use a flash? Have you considered reflective objects that may ruin the effect?
At my chosen studio, they have professional artificial lighting, therefore, I do not need to worry about the problems of natural lighting. The flash used within the studio, will emit from the professional bulbs and shades to create a natural, high quality effect. Reflective objects such as high-shine nail polish, and the glitter used may reflect the flash, but this may depend on the angle of the image, and if I cannot seem to get rid of the flash, I could simply edit the reflection out.
Do you have permission to take photos in the place/venue you have in mind?
Yes, I got in contact with Colin to check the availability and to book a slot that fit around mine and my model's timetables.
Are other people/crowds likely to be an issue for you? What have you done to ensure they will not spoil the effect?
The studio is booked for my use only, and it follows a schedule that notes when the studio is in use, meaning I will have no trouble with the being in my image.
Are you reliant on lifts/props/friends equipment/models? How have you ensured that these things will come together at the appointed time? Do you have a Plan B?
I am reliant on public transport to make my way to the studio, but will be leaving with plenty of time in case of any struggle with this. As my model is a friend of mine who lives nearby, she will be using the same public transport as me, therefore we will be travelling together, ensuring that she too will leave early and be at the studio on time. I have also arranged the time of the shoot around both of our scheduled so that we are both guaranteed to be free. I am not using any props, however, the hair/make-up will be provided by me, so I will carry them with me. The costume as directed, is being provided by my model, however, I trust that she will impress me due to her fashion-conscious character.
Finally, have you thought of every eventuality?
I feel as though I have considered all eventualities through my Recce post, and I am feeling confident and excited about the shoot and it's outcome.
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