Evaluation

In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions

of real media products?• My media

product uses the style of writing and style of photography of music magazines already on the market. Although it doesn’t follow the conventions of one worded magazine titles, such as ‘Vibe’, I feel it still has its ‘edginess.’

The common conventions of magazines are:

-Bold colours

-Eye catching pictures

-Consistent colour scheme

-Manipulation of images

I feel that my magazine contains all these aspects and they are more developed and unique. To ensure that I used, developed and challenged real media products, I did some research.

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The title is all in lower case writing which could suggest that it is less formal and that the picture is more important.

The central image of the bowl and the background are the same colour which makes the food in the bowl stand out.

It’s niche market could be mothers because it says ‘essential cookery course for kids’

The writing in the left side third has simple font and the cover lines are in capitals and then a bit more about it in lower case.

Very basic colour has been used (blue, white and red).

Example of the conventions of a magazine

How does your media product represent particular social groups?

• I feel that my magazine does represent a particular social group, (17-24 year olds) as mentioned my planning. My magazine achieves this through language used and the design style. This language is commonly used among this social group (young people) so it is understandable to them and also representative. I also think that the images are representative of the target audience.

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I think that the pictures are representative of the target audience as they are normal people.

The models used are not the conventional glamorous and perfect people that are always portrayed in print media. I think that this challenges the magazines that are already on the market and conveys something new and fresh.

The models stance and facial expression show a symbolic code, as she looks carefree and relaxed.

What kind of media institution might distribute your product and why?

• I think a music/media company such as HMV would distribute my product. This is because they already distribute similar products, such as CD’s, poster and clothing on the music market. I think that my product would do well on this market and I don’t think there is a magazine like mine currently on the market.

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• This is an example of existing products related to music, that HMV currently distribute. I feel that my magazine could be sold alongside products like these.

An example of an institution that might distribute my product

Who would be the audience for your media product?

• The audience for my media product would be young adults to adults (17-24). This is quite a broad age range and I feel the content of my magazine would be representative to all in this bracket. This is because it would talk about issues and topics in the Hip-Hop/R&B and fans would be able to relate to this. To gain a deeper understanding of my audience, I created an audience profile.

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Audience profile

• This gave me a clearer idea of who I was catering to and what I would need to include and develop.

How did you address/attract your audience?

To attract my audience, I did a survey asking them what they would expect to see. With the results I was able to determine what to include in my magazine. Along with this I also produced prototypes showing them what they could expect. To do this I used survey monkey, which enabled me to generate my own questions and answers. I posted the questionnaire on ‘Facebook’ so that people could answer it. I then displayed the results of the questionnaire on my blog.

What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this

product?

• From the process of constructing this product, I have learnt how to take effective pictures and use different types of software. I struggled quite a bit at first, but overcame my struggles and I now feel extremely confident in using it. I am still learning new things and experimenting.

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Methods of technologies used to create my product

Adobe InDesign

This is the main software I used to create my magazine.

Adobe Photoshop

I used this programme to manipulate and edit images.

Digital Camera

I used a digital camera to take all of my images and I made sure they were of high standard of quality.

Blog

To record my progress and developments, I create a blog. This included pictures and PowerPoint presentations.

Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the

progression from it to the full product?• Looking back to the

preliminary task, I feel that I have learnt a great deal of things. I have learnt what some people like to see and I have learnt how they would respond to images and pieces of information. In addition, I have also learnt how to use different types of software and I have learnt how to manipulate images, as well as using new methods of displaying information.

Preliminary task<<

Final Product>>

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Eye catching title and interesting font

Information of things inside, draws the reader to want to purchase it. The picture in the star also shows use of special effects

Model has an edgy, hard look. Direct eye contact means that it conforms to the rule of thirds

Image relates to the genre of music

The left hand third includes information on articles and current issues, this is appealing as some information is not revealed and it makes you want to know more

The price is clear and visible and has the same colour scheme as the rest of the magazine. This shows continuity

The bubble shows development in the use of special effects and the information inside it is persuasive and would be appealing to the target audience

Image effect

Use of a different model shows a range in style as well as making it look edgy. The shot is a long shot, and it is taken from an angle making it different and interesting

Continuity with colours and styles

Experimentation with style

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Continuous colour scheme and a clear title showing what/who the article is about.

Extra information adds realism

Mid shot – also includes the models clothing, which relates to the genre.

The image effect blends in with the background showing use of special effects

Quotes and pictures draw the reader in and add realism.