Final Cover Page - Music Magazine

Final product for my Contents Page - Music magazine

Final product for my DPS - Music Magazine

Update Cover Page - Music Magazine

For my final product I have changed alot on the layout and font of my font cover for my music magazine. I decided also to re-arrange the placement of some of my text and icons as I wanted to replicate the professionalism of real authentic music magazines. I also added in more cover lines to correlate with my contents page.  

I started off by deleting all my previous editing at the bottom half of my cover page. I then went on to DaFont.com where I searched for alternative, funky typefaces which would stand out for my main artist image. I then found a font called "Visual" - I then edited the text because of it's certain layers consisting of black and white into my colour scheme of red, white and black. Immediately this made the text stand out as well as run with my house style. This is an element of my cover page which i really like. I then began to add in more text and cover lines so my cover page looked fuller and more authentic, they are all in the same typeface of "Euphemia Ucas" which i used for all the text on my cover page. I highlighted these by making them different colours, adding in shadows and highlighting them. I also added in a plus sign ( + ) - I had seen this used in some magazines which I analysed and thought it was a cool concept which my target audience would appreciate.  

I then began to highlight the main feature text "Luna Ford" with a white background, again to make it stand out predominantly. I then rearranged the positioning of my barcodes, one simple for payment in retail, and another which could be accessed through smartphones, this was an element that I believe must be included to keep up with new advancing technologies, also in small print i added in four social media icons, again to gain more readership and make my readers feel more involved within the magazine. 

This is my final design for my COVER PAGE for my Music Magazine.

Update of my DPS

For the update of my DPS, I added in a grey sparkle effect for the background of my pages, this makes the DPS different and more eye catching to my reader without breaking the strict colour scheme throughout the magazine because i did not want it to effect my house style. I then went through all my text and double checked for any spelling, punctuation or grammar mistakes.

Update of Cover Page

The only thing I changed for my cover was the font for the artists name. I also changed the rotation of the barcode but that was generally the only adjustments I made. 

Update of Contents Page

From my feedback I have made a few changes to my Contents page.

I decided to put all my text into one large text box so it would look more organised and I could keep all titles the same size without it looking messy. I then added in a different feature for my page numbers. I took inspiration from Q Magazine who simply line out the page numbers, I then changed the colour to black to make it stand out, I believe this looks much more professional and clear which is that I have intended from the beginning. I then resized my images and the layout so the images
 would correlate with the text it relates to, this I done to make the eye flow for my readers easier.

I then simply transferred my contents title and other text from my first draft. i have also added in slight borders around certain parts of images and text, I used the deep red colour just as I believed it makes your attention more drawn to these parts of the page, I purposely put them around the images and text of what I see as important stories. I think the look of my contents page is far more organised and easy to follow. 

Audience Feedback on all three products

I printed out onto A4 colour all of my three products I then asked my fellow media classmates to comment and give me feedback on my cover, contents and double page spread. 

1. Love the cover page. Barcode is cut out at the bottom, can’t see part of the bottom. Make an issue number. Love the masthead on the contents page. Spelt changes wrong on DPS. Large image should be on the other side and the intro should be in a different colour to make it stand out. Another image on the DPS to show variety. But its unreal, well done!

2. Cover page is good. Maybe add another colour into contents page to make it stand out. Add another image into DPS. Overall it is really good.

3. Cover page- very good use of photo editing, picture is amazing with the use of the bright red lips really stand out

Contents- perhaps have the arrow more clear, the number on the top of the image is hard to make out.

Dps- nice use of different colours that match well with the colour scheme, very easy to navigate around.       Well done very professional looking magazine.            

4. Too much white space across all pages possibly more text and colour

Front cover – make barcode more visible

Contents – change black font

Dps – love it, wouldn’t change anything

5. Clear house style, good quality images

Love the layout of DPS, clear to follow

Cover: make barcode more visable

Good front cover, good colour scheme, lots of infor good images

6.Really nice images! And I like the pull quote but I think the question font on the dps should be different to separate the question from answer even more.

First draft of my DPS

Construction for my first draft of Double Page Spread

To create my double page spread I decided to use a different software other than Photoshop, I moved on to a software called Adobe InDesgin, It can be used to create works such as posters, flyers, brochures, magazines, newspapers and books. InDesign can also publish content suitable for tablet devices in conjunction with Adobe Digital Publishing Suite. Graphic designers and production artists are the principal users, creating and laying out periodical publications, posters, and print media. Also I wanted to learn a new skill whilst doing this task. First I opened a new document, changed the settings to have two facing pages with three columns for interview. I then began to add in text using the text box tool, I used the type face of Times New Roman throughout. This is a different font from which I have used in my other pages such as my contents, therefore I will go back and change that aspect. I then added in the image of my model, this close mid shot is different from my other two close ups I have used as my feature cover and contents image, I then added in a high angled long shot of the artist practising on the lower right of the second page. I wanted the flow of my readers eyes not to be confused therefore I created a simple convention of magazine double page spread style to achieve this.

 Previously I had written out my interview on word so I was then able to simply copy and paste it into a text box and into the column. After I changed the colour of the text questions so again it would be easy for my reader to read through. Then I was able to add in more conventional features of a double page spread such as the pull quote which I placed at the top right corner of the piece. I chose the same text style and colour from the title so they would correlate and a house style would shine through. I then simply added in the correct page numbers and a little subscription tag line at the bottom of the page with the font 'rezland' which is the same typeface as the masthead again, creating a flow and a dominant house style. I also at the top left of the dps included a 'News' head liner. I had seen this previously on magazine such as Kerrang and I liked the idea, so I took inspiration from it.

Construction of my Second Draft - Contents Page

First I created a blank A4 canvas, then began to add in all the elements I wanted so my cover would correlate with my contents page creating a house style for my magazine. I again chose to stick with the main colour scheme of red, white, black and grey. I then added in my heart rate icons and the title Contents in the typeface of "rezland' this again is used in my front cover giving my magazine a smooth flow and sense of professionalism. I added my slogan to the top left of my Contents title - for this I used a different LCD font which also correlated as the same on my cover.  I then took my images of my models and placed them either side of each other; however I enlarge one as she is the feature of my front cover therefore I want her story to be the focal point of my contents page. I then began to add text using the text tool on Photoshop - I used the font Helivicta for the titles in a deep red colour and the anchoring text in the font of ST Song in black.

I then began to add in the rest of my cover lines and their blurbs. I used both fonts of Helivicta and ST Song throughout and also added in black boxes with white numbers to highlight the pages which the stories related to. I did this to make the reading of the magazine easier on the eye. I continued the process of adding in text until the page was complete. 

Update on my Contents Page

For my contents page I wanted to slightly follow this layout of this Q Magazine Contents page. I liked how the images were used and I thought it was very professional looking which is the look I want to go for. 

By using this as inspiration I created another re-draft of my Contents page.... 

Target Audience Feedback - Contents Page

Again I gathered my audience feedback from my fellow AS Media classmates as I knew I could trust their opinions as they know as well as me what is needed and what should be included in a Music Magazine contents page. Majority liked the over all contents page, the colour scheme and the images. However some believed the layout to be slightly 'messy' and 'hard to find the information they are looking for' also some suggested that 'some colours of the fonts should be changed as they are slightly hard to read.' I am going to take all this feedback on board and redesign the layout of my magazine, to make it easier on the eye and a lot more organised. 

First Draft of my Music magazine Contents Page

This is my first draft of my Contents Page for my music magazine. I want to now get more audience feed back so I can get more ideas to improve this draft.

To make this magazine contents page I again used Adobe PhotoShop CS6. 

 I first got the image of my model and inverted the image into the Background layer, this meant that I could start off with something concrete and work my text and images around it. Again I altered the image to be in black and white with splashes of colour (eg - lips) as this is my USP. I then added a red box border across the lower middle section of the A4 and used this as a background for my title the 'PInterview" which is for the main feature on the front cover "luna ford.' I then began to add in text and anchors for the contents. I put all of my text in serif font 'Euphemia' I chose this as it was easy to read but continued to use the masthead font 'rezland' for all titles and feature titles to keep a good flow of continuity throughout the magazine.  I then began to add in page numbers and colouring to try and achieve a seamless look. I simply added text using the text tool, I also added in lines using the single row marquee tool to highlight different section within the magazine.

I then added another image of another model I took a photo of. I also made this image black and white as I wanted the magazine to be matching. I then simply added more numbers and Euphemia text to make it easy for the reader to see. Throughout I stuck to the main colour scheme of grey, white, black and red. I believe this looks alot more professional looking.

Muisc Magazine Cover Construction

For constructing my magazine front cover I used the image that majority of my audience feedback liked the best. I used Photoshop as the software to construct my magazine. This is my first draft...

I took my main image and began to alter her lips and eyes, as these are the features that I wanted within the image to stand out. I did this by simply using a magic wand tool with the shift key to highlight all the area around her lips I wanted to make more vibrant. I then used the same tool for the eyes and made the contrast and brightness a little lighter to make the whites of the models eyes stand out. 

I then went online and searched for LDC Fonts, I was able to find the font I wanted and using the command, alt and 4 key I screen grabbed it and put it straight onto Photoshop. I then altered the colour, out glow and noise of the font and placed it using the move tool top the top right corner of the magazine. I also added in small lines in the form of a heart beat to correlate with my slogan - 'it's all about the beat' behind the red text.

I then added in two barcodes for the magazine which i placed on the bottom right hand corner (smart device code) and the other vertical on the left hand side. I then looked at the LCD Font i used for my masthead and incorporated that into my slogan. I altered the text slightly by using the magic wand tool and the key shift to highlight all and use the FX option to make the text have a slight  outer glow to make it stand out from the image behind. 

I then got more fonts from online and manipulated them to be different colours and set them all around the image. I then decided to make the masthead the whole way across the top of the cover and also add in some social media icons for marketing the magazine. I then continued to get different fonts and add them in. I wasn't completely satisfied with the outcome of my magazine as it did not have the professional seamless look I was going for.    

I then undertook more audience feedback by asking my fellow media classmates on their thoughts. The majority said the image was great however the crazy use of bright colours were distracting and different use of fonts was slightly tacky and childish. I then went back to Photoshop and began re-editing my whole cover design. I decided to go with my feedback and stick to four main colours - white, red, black and grey.

  Second draft of my magazine front cover...

For re-drafting my second cover page, It was much simpler as I only had a few things to change. I decided to make a change within the font of the mast head, I did this because the new font i have chosen 'rexland' is far more professional and slick looking compared to the robot like LCD font I originally chose. I also changed the entire colour scheme to be based on white, red, black and grey. This will help achieve the seamless look I desire for the magazine. 

I kept the same ima but made it larger so it would fit the whole A4 cover page. I then added in my new masthead font and made the text go across the whole page. This draft I also added in a skyline, I received feedback from my target audience that this would grab their attention more if it were stacked in a shop therefore it only seemed appropriate to add one in. I stuck with the 'heartbeat' theme as I believe it correlates well with my masthead title and the slogan. 

I then began to add in more text to fill up my magazine cover. I decided to keep the font of my slogan in the LCD font as in some aspects I wanted to keep to my original plans. I then added in boxes behind my cover lines, I think it makes the text easier to see and more eye catching, I liked this feature as I was inspired by a cover created by Q magazine who also made use of the coloured text boxes. I then added in my barcodes and social media icons on the bottom left hand side vertically standing as I didn't want to follow the normal codes and conventions of having the barcode plain and horizontal at the bottom right hand corner.  

This was my end result. 

Audience Feedback interview

After I gathered my results I devised a questionnaire for to interview my friend Anna on what she thought of the images chosen. These were the answers I received... 


Out of all of the choices for Cover, Contents and Double Page Spread images which would you choose?
Personally I really like cover page one as the model is looking directly into the readers eyes, it's really good... It kinda draws me in more. I also love cover three, its so different and the colouring of the black and white with the dash of colour is really clever! I would also choose contents two as the long shot shows us what type of genre the artist is into. And I really like DPS 2 as it shows the artist at work which is always something a fan wants to see; there fav artists making music!!


Do you think the quality of the images are good?
Yes, they are excellent!


What would you rate all the images out of 10?
A solid 8, as there could have been more experimentation even though you did use a range from long shots at high angles to mid and close ups, it would have been interesting to see what a low angled shot would look like.

Overall thoughts? Anything quick to add?
I really like these photographs and I think they are different and quirkey! I also like the pose of when the girl is lying down listening to the music as it gives a really cool, chilled out vibe which is appealing for someone my age (17). But I think more artists should be included like on the contents page just to make it a bit more interesting.

Main Images for Pulse Magazine

From my audience feedback I was able to receive 8 responses from my fellow classmates who have a deep understanding of music magazines and their conventions. In the end the most popular chose was Cover image 1, Contents image 2 and Double Page image 3. Personally I am not sure on these choices as these are quite normal conventions for any magazine whereas I wanted to create something different, however it was great to find out what people thought of my images. 

Photograph Feedback - Padlet

Created with Padlet

I was able to gather audience feedback by using the online system of Padlet - a easy way to create and collaborate. After shooting and editing my images I put up a selection which I personally liked and asked my target audience of young people to choose which one they preferred.I was then able to post this Padlet onto my personal Facebook page to get a wider audience response.

Photoshoot Plan - Cover, Contents and DPS

Inspiration for main images within my magazine

By researching online I came across these images, I really love the way they are filtered black and white with the splash of colour, i really hope to include this feature for my images within my music magazine.

Flat Plans for my music magazine

 For creating my ideas fro the cover, contents and dps I personally wanted to hand draw my ideas, I believe that over a computer I could not portray these ideas over electronically and thought it would be easier to understand if I did it myself. I have drawn quick sketches to illustrate what I would like my magazine to have as a house style and USP.

Cover Page - The magazine will be called "Pulse" followed by the slogan "It's all about the beat" which has clever connotation of heartbeat but also beasts within music. The masthead will be placed at the top left hand corner in keeping with normal conventions of a magazine. It will be in futuristic font called LCD and another typeface called Urban DJ, this font is quirky and cool which will give a fresh vibe to a never before seen brand which will instantly be locked in the readers mind when they see it on shop shelves. I will add one main image to the cover page of a female artist.  I will shoot her as a close up looking directly into the camera on a white backdrop and the image will be filtered to be black and white, however the artists lips will be altered to be in colour to make certain elements of the image standout.  I will only add one puff, one cover line and one main pull quote as I don't want my readers to be overwhelmed with information on the front. I want my USP to be plain simple to give a vibe of tidy, contemporary and laid back which will suit my target audience. All other text used within the cover will have standard Times New Roman typeface to not over complicate things however they will be put in different colours to make them stand out from the black and white main image.

Contents Page - My contents page will be correlating with my cover page due to the same colouring of text and same typefaces. I wanted my magazine to have some different elements which did not follow the 'norm' when it comes to magazine however I did try and stay close to the usual codes and conventions of magazines as I feel they have a more polished look which I want to achieve within this magazine. Page numbers and sub titles will be scattered throughout the contents as I do want to put a lot more information on this page as the cover is quite bare, images will also be anchored to give visual understanding to the feature. However there will be one large main image on the right hand side of my feature artist which again will be in black and white with splashes of colour. I want this to be my unique house style that readers will find to recognise. The font for the title of "PULSE - CONTENTS" will be in Virtual DJ font and then simply Times New Roman. All other text that follows or anchors will be in Times new Roman but maybe with bold on the first word to make it stand out.

Double Page Spread - Although quite simplistic here my double page spread will be simplistic, chic and very easy to follow. My main colours I will be using is Grey, Coral Red and a colour which is Blue Violet based. The start will be a pull quote and the contents will be an interview and throughout the question and answer session I will have the question either in bold font or perhaps a different colour to again make it easy for my reader to differentiate question from answer. The main image will take up around 60% of the first page, it will be of the artist again in black and white with elements of colour as I want this to be a running theme for the artist and my magazine house style.