Codes And Conventions Of Music Magazine Front Covers...

I decided to research and refresh my mind on the codes and conventions of a magazine front cover as I haven't really gone into detail about it. This is what I found out:

(I will also do this for contents pages and double page spreads)

- Most music magazines have a colour theme of 3/4 main colours, these colours are usually from a limited range as this makes the magazine stand out more to its audience.

- The masthead is at the top of the page and it's main job is to draw in the audiences attention as it suggests the genre and target audience, for example a children's pop magazine like "Smash Hits" has bubbly font which appeals to children.

- Buzz words are used in order to attract attention for example "plus" and "free", these words both get the reader to want to buy that magazine.

- Around 5 cover lines are used which also link/relate to the genre of music.

There is always a main image used which is of the main band or artist, when it is a band it's usually a long shot however when it is a solo artist it is usually a mid shot unless it is a solo artist who is looking at the camera in order to connect to the audience where their body language reflects this audience and the genre of music.

- Subsidiary images are used which may also get you to look at the magazine, especially when well known images are used. These images may be used as a back up if some of the others do not appeal to the audience.

- There is an organised layout which suggests a more mature audience as it is formal, this is then appropriate to the genre and the target audience an example of this is Q magazine as it looks more serious.

- A tag line is used which also is there to attract attention and give the magazine an edge for it's audience.

- There is also normally a plain background used as this makes the other features of the front cover stand out more and make it look more formal.

- Basic information is also featured on the front cover; which is needed for most magazines in general like a bar code, price and issue date. If the magazine is more expensive then this price tends to be smaller so that it isn't the first thing the audience see and get put off by. On the other hand if the magazine is cheap then the price is usually bigger and bolder in order to quickly draw in the audiences attention.

Using My Inspiration...

Because I've just analyzed the double page spreads below and said I would use them as my inspiration, I've decided to create one as a draft. I am pleased with the result of this double page spread. This is because:

• I gave used different elements from the initial double page spreads below i.e. I have used a big letter for effect.
• I kept the black and white font theme which makes it easy to navigate and read; there aren't any distracting colours or "too much going on".
• I've used 4 different pictures using one main one. I think the 3 little sequenced pictures look good and professional. The audience are given more of an insight into the artist because of this.
• I've used different quotes which would be in-bedded in the content of the double page spread. These quotes are the ones of most significance and show the audience what is available to read inside.
• My main artist is fresh faced, natural and looks elegant which fits the "Pop" genre perfectly.

This is what it looks like:

(Obviously the word "content" would be replaced with actual words) 

Further Double Page Spread Analysis...

Moving on from the AS Student's work on Double Page Spreads, I've decided to look into real music Double Page Spreads and analyze them to use them as inspiration:

I like this Lana Del Rey double page spread featured in Q Magazine. Although this magazine is created for and Alternative type of music, I can still use the ideas from it to suit it to my magazine. What I liked most about this is the simplicity. It's so plain and simple but still really stands out. The black and white font looks classy and elegant, it is also easy to read. I also like the photo of Lana Del Rey. There has been an effect put on it to make it look darker and there is circle shapes surrounding the edge of the photo. This contrasts with the elegance of the text as she looks mysterious and seductive - especially because she isn't looking into the camera, she is looking towards the ground. I The giant "S" shape also adds effect too. I will try and create something like this because i think it looks really unique. This is what the double page spread looks like:

Double Page Spread Research...

Because I have done a lot of studying and analysis of Front Pages and Contents and what looks effective etc. I have decided to look into different double page spreads and what I would like to use as inspiration for when I come to create my own.

I have come across these two double page spreads that have been created by an AS Media Studies student like me. I think they look really professional and effective because:

• The font is really small and there is lots of it so it looks realistic 
• There are different pictures of different sizes which attract the attention of the readers
• There are different quotes around the page to look at and read
• There is no negative space
• The colour scheme is effective because it is classy and easy to read
• It's simple so there isn't too much to take away effect of the main content

These are the two from AS Study Students that I will use for inspiration:

Photograph Editing...

Taking on board what I said previously about making my magazine have special effects around the main picture of my main artist, I have practiced doing them myself. This is just an ordinary picture of me edited to look distorted and unusual. I have added different shapes and colours of hearts to give it a Pop Electro effect:

I like this because it looks different and looks like it should be on the front of a magazine cover which music genre is Pop. I will do something like this on the front cover, contents page and/or double page spread to add effect and catch the eye of the customer. I think it's important to make a magazine look different because there are so many of them in general so you have to make your own stand out so people but it over anyone else's. I am pleased with the outcome of this editing.

Magazine Content...

I have already blogged about my support artist, Betty Perry. After looking at different Pop magazines, i have spotted one young lady called "Marina" who took my attention straight away. This was because she looks so much different to all of the other Pop artists i have seen. I said previously that i wanted Betty Perry to have a different edge; this is why i am using Marina as inspiration. This is here and the sort of look i will give Betty Perry:

Her look is almost old fashioned, but modern at the same time. She looks very natural whilst wearing make up. I think her style is different and outgoing, like i want Betty Perry and her personality and music to be. You can tell the sort of music she would produce is Pop through her style and smiles. This is her posing on magazines:

Magazine Inspiration...

Because I am creating a Pop magazine, I thought it would be beneficial for me to look at other magazines that are sold within the Pop genre segment. These magazines below are the ones i personally found most appealing and will use for my inspiration:

As you can see, these magazine covers all have similar colours. I like the bright colours as they take my sttention away straight away. All of the artists featuring on the front cover are fresh faced and beautiful. They all have little effects added on to them as well like for example: flowers and little hearts drawn on their face. I want to do something like this on my main artist because i think it's unique and different. 

The magazine covers in general look effective because they aren't particularly cramped and over full with different details. You are aware of the main story inside and still informed about other articles that will be inside without being overwhelmed with everything on the page. We are able to see, especially on the first image, what is available for us to win - everyone loves a good competition! I think these really are ideal Pop magazines for me to use.