Front Cover Magazine Designs

Design 1

This is my first idea for a front cover design. The main image would be a long shot of the model/artist situated on the right hand side of the magazine. This leaves space on the left third to place all the coverlines and tag lines for the content of the magazine. The long shot is quite an unconventional choice for a usual magazine, however, in this case it is useful because then the reader is able to see the way the model is styled, gaining a bigger response to their personality from what they are wearing to the props they may be using. placing the image on the right hand side leaves space for the cover lines on the left third, this results in leaving the focus on the main image instead of it being obstructed by writing. The masthead is situated in the top left hand corner, which is one of the few places most magazine titles are placed, it would depend on the font and size of the masthead to make it stand out from any others, but it will be easily identified once placed in a cliche position. Next to the mast head would be a puff containing another sub story which isn't as important. Above the masthead would be a strapline containing names of artists that are in the content of the magazine, this can reveal to the reader whats inside so they can get a taste of what they may be interested in. The last small elements that would be on the front cover are a pug which would contain the price of the magazine, and a barcode which would be in the bottom left hand corner of the magazine, slightly hidden from the reader.



Design 2


This is my second idea, the main image is a medium close up shot of the model/artist, this is shot is useful because the models face is still close enough to express their emotion and the eyes are still centered to captivate the readers attention which is important to draw the audience in. The mast head is situated across the top of the magazine however, placed on the layer behind the image of the model, this highlights the importance of the model and their story, however, this also shows that the magazine is so well known that it is still identifiable when being obstructed with an image. The main headline story would be in the left third of the magazine, which is a common place to be, however, it may overlap the main image considering that the story is based on that model, it also makes the cover seem slightly busier to fit in with the indie genre, this will attract the audience. Underneath the main headline will be the other coverlines in a neat column, with colour filled text boxes behind them, this makes it clearer and easier for the audience to read, instead of struggling to read off of a busy background, this also makes it easier to the eye and may introduce extra colour to add vibrancy to the magazine. other elements that will be included are; a banner at the bottom of the magazine, on the top layer to advertise a competition that the readers can get involved in, this attracts the readers in because they have a chance to win a potential price. There will also be a pug placed on the top layer, next to the image to highlight the price of the magazine.Another selling point for the magazine will be the strapline at the bottom of the magazne, which will say something like 'your indie fix'. Underneath the mast head i will place the barcode in the corner, this will be done because it isn't a pleasant sight on the cover and would be well hidden underneath the more interesting masthead.



Design 3

This is my third idea, the main image is a close up shot of the model/artist, using a close up is useful because the reader can be drawn in by their facial emotions and connect with the model, this makes them feel more of a part of the magazine. However doing this means that the audience can't see the models clothes or pose, which is a big influence on their personality and hints towards the story as well. The masthead is situated in the top left hand corner of the magazine, again this is a very cliche position, so would be easily identifiable to an audience. The main headline will be situated on the left third of the page, but not overlapping the image in this case because the image is a closeup, any part it would cover is an important part of the models face. Underneath the main headline will be an explanatory line for the story, this gives the reader a quick insight to what the story is about and the formality of the story, so they are able to decide whether their interested or not. below this will be a list of  the other sub stories and coverlines, with a few Polaroid images associated with the stories beside them. On the right of the image would be a list of artists within the magazine, this give the audience a chance to see what stories are inside the magazine, and if any artists they they listen to are featured. Other elements would include a barcode in the top corner of the magazine to be hidden away without obstructing any images. \also a banner at the bottom to highlight a competition with a chance to win, which will appeal to the readers, and a pug to highlight the price boldly, this means they would be able to quickly see the value for their money.

Initial Image Ideas

On the cover

• For the image on the cover, i think the most eye catching option would be to use a close up shot of the model, this has been shown to be effective on Q magazine for example, however this shot would only be successful if the artist is well known and is based on a story you know for sure the audience will want to read about. The close up shot would need to be centered on the middle of the cover so that the eyes are the main attraction, leaving your audience drawn in by the intensity they give off.

• The next option would be to use a medium shot of the model, this exposes more of the body allowing the audience to see more of their personality, however, this shot would still be close enough to see the intensity and expression on the models face therefore still attracting the audience in by it, this shot would probably be the best option because the idea of my story is to show how our artist has changed in the way she acts and the way she looks therefore this shot would be able to show how she is styled and the expression on her face.

• The last option would be a long shot, this offers the audience an insight into the full body of the model, revealing everything she is wearing. This shot doesn't allow you to see facial expressions as well as the others, however, it offers the chance to use props which could accentuate the models personality more.

On the contents page

• As research shows, a typical convention on a contents page is to use another image of the model used on the front cover, this keeps the attraction of the story, so the audience are compelled to read it.
• Also, i will have to include secondary images for sub-stories in the magazine, this is to promote reading the whole magazine which would show i contained many more interesting headlines. These images could include -pictures of new album covers-pictures from artists live tours-pictures of the audiences at gigs and festivals-or pictures of other artists.

On the double page spread

• On the double page spread i will use a larger amount of images previous to the other pages, most probably one main image, and then 2/3 smaller ones, some of which could be poloroids or thumbnail layouts. This gives the reader a variety to look at, aswell as, decorating and keeping the page interesting.

Initial Font Ideas

One of the most important elements for a front cover let alone the whole magazine is the mast head, the masthead of a magazine distinguishes it from all others, and needs to be noticeable enough to attract your target audience and any other consumers in general. So, here i have analysed 4 possible fonts in the name of my magazine:

This Font is called 'God of War'. It is a very simple font and lacks any major design elements. It can fall under the genre of Rock in a more mature status, because it is structured, however, it seems to hold quite a gothic style, which wouldn't really fit in with my magazine.

This font is called ' Wc Roughtrad Bta', this font fits in more with the alternative rock theme because it looks as if its been drawn on looking slightly more rebellious. However, with this font, i still think it looks too structured, and even slightly comical, also, i dont see a sense of design elemets which could be used to carry a theme throughout the magazine which is important.

This font is called '28 days Later'. This font is alot better than the last two, because it fits in with the indie/alternative theme because it looks worn away and slightly ruined in a sense, this gives off a rebellious look, i also think it's very eyecatching if it was placed next to other magazines on a shelf, which is good because it will attract the consumers. However, even though this is almost perfect i still don't think there is any element of Style which could be used in a theme, the font is still all very structured.

This font is called 'Stenstreet'. This font is similar to the last one in the way it looks worn out and ruined, however, i feel this one looks like a stencil of graffitti, which is more rebellious than the last, it is still structured, however offering a style element with the splats that can be carried on as a theme. If i was to see this on a magazine i think it would catch my attention, as it would with my target audience, even though i am going for a more glossy sophisticated look, it needs to broken up with elements that look more 'off the rails' such as the mast head. It would be dependant on the the way the rest of the magazine is styled to see if the look can be achieved.

Initial Colour Scheme Ideas

The majority of the magazines i had analysed previously show me that the colour scheme of a magazine is very important to attracts the audience's eye firstly, and then is used to associate the genre of music the magazine is aiming at with the colours used. here are the possible options:

BLACK:WHITE:PURPLE:This colour scheme follows the conventions of any rock genre magazines with the main use of black and white, and then the highlights of a contrasting colour. The colour purple could be a good option because it is a slightly more unisex colour so can appeal to both men and women, feel the colour scheme would appeal slightly more to women which is the same as my aims for my target audience, however i don't feel the purple is as bright as i would like to actually stand out and catch a consumers eye when its present on a shelf with many other brightly coloured magazines.

BLACK:RED:YELLOW:this colour scheme is along the lines of NME magazines, the black and red is another typical convention that can be used for rock genres, however i feel the yellow contrast is slightly to bright and exciting, just like NME magazine itself i feel that colour scheme appeals more to teens, which doesn't necessarily fall under my target audience description.

BLACK:WHITE:GREEN: This colour scheme once again, follows the black and white convntions with a contrasting colour, and in this case the contrasting colour is green which although is bright, and stands out from other magazines, i do not feel it would attract women as much, because when looking at colours in a masculine and feminine context, i feel green falls under the masculine group. Therefore, this would not attracts the majority of my target audience.

BLACK:WHITE:RED:This is another example of the black and white conventions, however, its a better example of the use of a contrasting colour. The red is a bright colour which resembles passion, in this case, the passion for music. This colour scheme follows the one for Q magazine, the fact that a magazine already uses this doesn't effect me because the style elements used will distinguish the two magazines from eachother. This colour scheme i feel attracts the target audience of both men and women, as well as the more mature teens and young adults with a slight sense of sophistication.

Initial Magazine Title Ideas

VERSATILE:Versatile in the sense of music means that a person is able and enjoys listening to different genre's and that they do not stick to one obvious one but varies their choices. In my opinion, i feel this title is relevant to the magazine because when describing my target audience, this would be a key term i would use. It can also attract a wider range of people because the title gives the essence to anyone that it would contain many stories varying to different tastes, therefore are bound to find it interesting.

RIOT!: This is my second idea, it relates to the magazine in the sense that it can fit in with the indie/alternative genre as an action taken by young adults, however, i feel this title is a better fit for a rock magazine, it provides a rebellious adrenaline pumped feeling, which for my target audience and genre is a bit too far out of range. Another reason, is that with a title like 'riot!' a quick association can be made to a messy, scattered look which unfortunately my magazine would not portray, seeing as i am targeting slightly older consumers, and not teens who it may appeal to more, unlike the more ssophisticated slightly neater approach.

A.M.N:This is an acronym which stands for 'Alternative Music Now' this is influenced by the magazine NME, it is a popular magazine and the bluntness of the title i thought is effective, which is why i came up with A.M.N. If i used this title the name simply tells the audience straight away what genre of music the magazine is associated with, which would consequently then attract that audience, using the word 'now' would also tell the audience that the news given in the magazine is exclusive, and they would be the first to hear it.

CLASH: This title can be associated with rock magazines in the sense of the sound effects made when acting in a rebellious fashion, however, i feel it would be a perfect word to use as my title because it does not connote any specific genre of music and even better it can mean that the contents inside may 'clash' with each other, giving that appeal of the versatility in the magazine with the more mainstream artists being highlighted as well as the indie/alternative ones.

Initial Story Ideas

Story lines are the key element needed in any magazine, they are what the reader will look at and then decide if they are interested,  if the reader  loses interest, they would have no reason to buy the magazine again, here I have thought of 3 different story lines I could  possibly use for my magazine, the stories would have to contain a typical indie/rock convention of having an edgy story,  however because my magazine will contain more mainstream artists I will have to include elements which are typical in a any kind of music magazine.

Story Idea 1

Is Faye’s Solo a NO NO?!
This story would contain Faye(the music artist) who has now realised herself she no longer wants to be a solo act, but wants to be in a group, it would be laid out as an interview asking her questions on if the rumour is true, and why she has decided this. This story would appeal to the target audience because they would be interested to know if she is going to join a band, why she wants to, when, and if the music will be the same. Having an exclusive story like this will also attract the audience because they would be intrigued by anything new, that no one has heard before.

Story Idea 2

Faye's Frills to Thrills!
This story would be based and discussing how much Faye has changed since she has entered the music industry, she has been transformed from a cute, innocent girl producing music, to a rock sex icon. The article would be based on a interview with her discussing the how she felt before and after the transformation, and the reason behind it, the story would show a comparison of the 'two different people'. This would appeal to the target audience because it shows the rebellious side of an artist being revealed and how she did it, Faye could then be an influence on many people who don't feel comfortable with themselves. This article would also attract a wider audience because her original 'pop' fans would want to read about her transformation as well.

Story Idea 3

Faye's Change of Heart
This article would be based on our artist Faye deciding she no longer believes she belongs in the music industry , it would be an interview with her discussing her exclusive  news on why she doesn't feel welcome in the music business anymore, and offering a special personal farewell in this article, this means the audience would be her fan base, as they are intrigued in why their icon is suddenly leaving, as well as it being an interesting read for any other fans that are interested in the music industry.


Other potential story cover lines for the front cover and contents page:

·         Katy Perry's live London tour exclusive

·         Top 100   songs at the moment

·         New band formed; will they be a hit or miss?

·         2 music icons are hitching up, and moving in?!

·         revealed duets

·         upcoming festivals

My Initial idea

So far in my process of creating a media product, i have analysed existing magazines and audiences to determine the type of magazine i would want to create. I have come to the conlusion that i would want to create a music magazine with an indie/alternative genre of music, this would consist of many artists that fall under the genre of 'rock' however, the difference for my magazine which could offer a more unique selling point is that it will contain alot more mainstream artists who are also well known and influencial. In my opinion, doing this would mean that my magazine would appeal to a much larger audience, giving the magazine a higher rate of success. The age range i am targeting would be between 17-25, this isn't a specific category split, but i believe it is a reasonable aged audience of young adults, this means that the way i portray my magazine would still be alternative in a sense, however, slightly more sophisticated in the way everything would be layed out.

Uses and Gratifications theory

Uses and gratifications theory is a way of approaching mass communication to an audience. The theory places more focus on the consumer or audience, the theory tries to embed the idea that consumers have an active roll in interpreting media into their own lives. The theory also claims that audiences are responsible for choosing media to meet their needs, for example if the audience like indie/alternative or Dance/Pop magazines, they would obviously choose a magazine that consisted colours, fonts, images and models that attract that type of people. This theory suggests that consumers use the media to gain specific gratifications.

Audience Demographics

In order to produce a successful media product, you must be able to understand the audience demographic and this is determined by assessing  many socio-economic factors such as the level of income,the area in which they live in, age, gender, occupation etc. Doing this is a vital part in production, marketing, and distribution for a media product because it gives the institutions a better and more detailed insight into what their target audience expect, and therefore are able to create a product that fulfills their wants and needs, this is an essential for a product to become successful.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Need's

This is Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of needs's, it is a psychological theory relevant to many subjects, such as, psychology, sociology, economics, and business. In this case i am relating his theory to marketing in media. Maslow believed that  the stages going from physiological towards self-actualization are the steps an individual must take to be happy within themself at their job. The bottom of the pyramid are the essentials where everyone would begin such as breathing and sleeping, and as you climb the pyramid higher the elements become more of a luxury, until you reach the top where you have everything that can make you happy in yourself and the people around you. In a marketing sense, the marketing department of a business would place their product in a  section of this pyramid in order to establish, the rate at which it would sell, the consumers, the price, the quality of the product, and even the location at which it would be sold. My product is a magazine meaning it isn't an essential, and is a product that people can easily live without, therefore, it would be placed at the top of the hierarchy and be labelled as a luxury not a need.

Audience Profiling

This is Skye, she is 20 years old, and is an example of my target audience. At the moment Skye is taking a music course at university, she has been for 1 year now and currently has 2 years left of her course, when she isn't at uni her and her friends share an apartment in London, they enjoy going to live gigs, and festivals, as well as clubbing in central London, they take any opportunity to go out and relax. Her ideal genre of music is indie/rock, and she enjoys listening to bands, such as kings of Leon and bowling for soup, however, Skye and her friends are more versatile in the music they enjoy listening to because they listen to most mainstream artists as well, such as Rihanna, Katy Perry, Jessie J, and Lady Gaga, these artists are also inspirations in the quirky, alternative ways in which they dress. Skye loves keeping up with trends and being one of the more fashion forward young adults, the most common places for her to shop would be Topshop and Urban Outfitters, even though they can be quite expensive for a student, the pieces she buys are timeless and so would never be a waste of money, on the other hand, it isn't an unusual sight to see her rummaging through her local charity shops, for those original vintage one of a kind pieces.

Analysis of double page spreads

Analysis of Double Page Spreads