Saturday, 27 March 2010
Thursday, 18 March 2010
Evaluation Question 4 - "Who would be the audience for your media product?" and Evaluation Question 5 - "How did you attract/address your audience?"
Evaluation Questions 4 & 5 @ Yahoo! Video
As both questions link together, I used one video to answer them both.
Additional Comments:
When I asked my audience for their opinions about my product and how it attracted them, many people commented on the images; words like "edgy", "cool" and "different" appeared in lots of people's responses. One person said that it was "so different from other magazines and that makes me want to buy it". Most people commented on how the people in their magazines were "attractive, but not like normal attractive magazine models".
One or two people said that it "seems hard to say it's indie, when it just looks different." But I don't think they were right because the true, original indie ethic is about being different. I think the fact that it must look so different to some people backs up that it is in fact indie; the indie genre shouldn't be generic, it's about being an individual, as my earlier research showed me.
Evaluation Question 6 - "What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?"
This is a screen grab of using the text tool which applied the same effects to other pieces of text.

This is a screen grab of using the re-sizing tool which was extremely useful as it enabled the images to be re-sized to the box you had created around them proportionally, instead of having to go back to Adobe Photoshop CS4 to edit the sizes.

This is a photo of me using Adobe Photoshop CS4, which I used for making my cover. I made the document in a 300 pixel per inch ratio, which made all of my images clear and detailed. This program was beneficial when arranging text, changing the main image to grey scale and creating logos/ text. Adobe Photoshop CS4 was a lot easier and less complicated to use than I imagined it would be. At first I had a bit of difficulty with resizing the images, but after that I found all of the tools in genius and helpful. Possibly the most helpful was the colour sampler tool which enabled all of the colours to match and made a successful colour scheme. I also liked the greyscale tool and the tool which makes the gap between letters in text bigger and smaller, making them close or further away. In addition to this, it was useful to be able to increase the contrast in the image, as it made it bolder and helped it to stand out more.
This is a screen grab of increasing the distance between the letters.

This is a screen grab of using the transform tool, which enables you to re-size and rotate text.

Technology has been important in this project and without it, it would have been a long and arduous task. Each letter and image would have had to have been cut out by hand and arranged carefully, then stuck down. It would have been virtually impossible to line them up correctly and it wouldn't have been accurate or neat at all. Technology made the task much easier.
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Final Copies
I changed the page number on the contents as someone pointed out that contents pages are never on the first page.
Thursday, 11 March 2010
Construction of Contents Page
I inserted a title, headings and page numbers first because I thought that these hold up the structure of the page. I used black and pale green to continue the colour scheme that I used in my front cover and used the abbreviation of Heart and Soul - H&S - in the headings, because I thought it would make it look more informal and quirky. I also wrote everything in capital letters to give it a bit of an edge and make it look hard-hitting. I kept everything within the guides to make it level and look professional. The headings are pale green with a black outline to make it stand out more and look a bit more interesting than just plain black text.
I then started to insert images and plan where I wanted them to go. I tried to keep them in line with the guides and headings. I used the same image of my main subject that I initially planned to use and I was pleased that it worked well and I think it fits in with the layout/ image of the page.
I then added the actual contents, which lines up with the corresponding page numbers. I added captions to the images (keeping the same font) and I added the date in the top right hand corner, because this is usually included on a magazine's contents page. I tried to make the captions on the images quite witty and informal, like that of a real music magazine. I think this will appeal to my target audience a lot.
I inserted my other image and after fitting the image proportionally to the size of the frame, I moved it further down the page, leaving gaps to the right hand sides of the headings. After asking a person who fits the criteria of my target audience what they would do, she suggested maybe including some block colours in the background to make the page look a bit more exciting and not so plain.
To make it look a bit more interesting, and follow the wants of my target audience, I added some black blocks of colour behind the headings, which I think gives more of a bold image and creates some definition in the page. I also added a page number and name of the magazine at the bottom of the page, which will create continuity as it can be seen along the bottom of the pages in the double page spread. I made the title bigger and moved the small details like the date and page number closer to the edges of the page so that everything wasn't cramped in the middle. Thursday, 4 March 2010
Construction of Double Page Spread
Using InDesign, I set up my double page spread and inserted the image that I wanted to use at a rough size, because I decided it would be better to play around first.
On the facing page, I put in my text and created a text box. The colour of the text box was taken from the lips of the subject in my image and I thought the colour worked.
I then put in page numbers along the bottom. I also wrote the name of the magazine along the bottom of both pages because I noticed that this is what real magazines do, and I did this in the font that my front page consists of to create continuity and give the idea that the pages all belong to one magazine. I then wrote an opening quote to my article above it in a text box. The font I used is like that used in a circus, which could possibly hold connotations relating to the music industry and performances being like an act or show, which my magazine could skim past to show readers the real article. In the same colour as the text box, I put "in the land of Tuesday..." on the opposing page. It overlaps the subject and I like the placing of it because I think that page could look like a real magazine, but I don't think it looks quite like a real music magazine.
To try and overcome this I put my article into two columns. I kept the font as "Times New Roman", despite it being quite a plain font because this is what I liked about it. I wanted the text to look as though it had come off a typewriter, or from an older music magazine where the text was plain and simple because it is of the most importance. I also made the image bigger so that it covers a whole page, as I thought the border round the edge didn't look very effective. I'm not sure if it's really exciting enough, however, because although I wanted it to be quite simple, I'm not sure if it just looks boring instead. Although, to try and solve this problem, I held a focus group of 10 people, to ask them what else they would do to the double page spread, or if they would change anything about it. 9 out of 10 of them said that they liked it the way it was, with the only small suggestion of playing around with the font of the bulk of the article and moving around the text on the left hand side of the page to see if it could look better anywhere else. From this, I think my double page spread will appeal to my target audience and I will play around with the placing of things.Thursday, 25 February 2010
Alterations to the Front Cover
I still really liked this image and thought that pale colours could work well with it, especially in reference to text that may be added. When I did this however, it was too pale and didn't stand out enough. When I asked people, they said that this one didn't really look like a magazine and although it is a nice image, they wouldn't buy this if it was a magazine.
This is the image that I originally was sure that I wanted to be my cover image. However, I soon realised that it was very hard to make text/sell lines readable magazine the dress the subject is wearing, and it was hard to find a suitable colour against the mixture of pale and dark colours in the background. None of the people who I asked preferred this cover to the other two because they said it didn't stand out enough, and they wouldn't choose this one when faced with other magazines to choose from.
This was the last cover I showed people and everyone said they preferred this one. When I look back closely at my planning this is the kind of thing I wanted at the very start of the project and for this reason it became my favourite as well. Although I wasn't sure if I would be able to add colours easily because it can be hard to add even subtle colours to grey scale images. The people I asked said this one was boldest, and suited the font most and for this reason 4 out of 5 of them said it was the best, so I chose this as my cover image.
I also changed the font that I originally wanted to use. I ideally wanted a handwritten font to be in the masthead and sell lines, but when I placed it on the cover image, it didn't seem to fit the kind of genre it was appearing to be, and looked as though it would suit an R'n'B or dance music magazine more. For this reason I decided to choose quite a simple yet bold font that would be easy to read from a distance similar to that of someone looking at a magazine on a shelf in a shop.
Construction of Front Cover

Working in photo shop, this is the image I finally chose for my magazine cover, after a lot of comparing and considering other images. I made it larger, using the transform tool, changed it to grey scale mode and increased the contrast to make it stand out more, as the screenshots I took show below:


I then added a guide to measure my text against. I made the page size 20cm X 26cm, which is smaller than A4. I did this because I thought it would be interesting to have a different size page and I think smaller is better and similar to, but not the same size as "Clash" magazine which I think looks good.
I then decided on the font Poplar Std, because I thought the text looked bold as well as a bit quirky, as it has flicks round the edges and I think it will appeal to my target audience. I originally kept the masthead black and white to keep it in keeping with the palette, but later changed the "&" to a mint green colour to make it look more interesting. I gave the text an outline using the stroke tool and I made it closer together to keep it in one corner, as well as matching up to the guides I had set. I then inserted a bar-code and a date and price, all in the same font as the masthead, which will now be my magazine's font. I added a dark grey bar (to match the grey scale of the cover) across the bottom, white has "ALSO..." written in it, and I will add lists of band names here to act as sell lines.
Lastly, I added the sell lines along the bottom, with each title alternating between black and white. I also added the sell line "RUBY TUESDAY" with "exclusive interview with Indie's biggest new star". (Exclusive is a buzz word which I think will make the reader want to read my magazine) This text is in the same mint green colour as the "&" in the masthead and I made the gaps in between the letters wider, so that they spread across the width of the page. I thought it looked a bit hard to read over some of the texture of the dress in the image beneath, so I again added an outline with the stroke tool to make it readable. I kept the smaller text on the left of the page, matching up with the guides I had made. Tuesday, 16 February 2010
Second Photoshoot Images
Friday, 12 February 2010
Second Draft Article
Sat in a cafe up north, before reconvening for a photoshoot in a disused football ground, I prepare my thoughts for the interview as the enigmatically charming Ruby Tuesday seems to blend into the mismatched surroundings with an unexpected ease on this cold, crisp morning. I watch her eyes flash to the outside scene of passers-by and then flash back to her hand stirring unsweetened coffee. Maybe the harsh exterior runs deep. She takes a sip and slightly squints at the strength of the beverage. Maybe not.
So why all the hype? How do you become indie’s “next big thing”? It’s a hard title to live up to, many have failed. Why this northern lass? “I used to sing all the time. Just at me Nan’s house. I know, not cool, but she loved my singing. Played me all the greats from the good old days. Then it got bigger, got into other music types, found a new world out there. You can’t fight that thirst you get to wanna hear things. Hasn’t been quenched yet... and I don’t think you’ll get a cheesier quote for the rest of the decade (laughs)” True.
Another sip of that bitter brown stuff and we’re on to career highlights so far. “Just getting the chance to record, I guess. When you get spotted, then thrown into this studio where you get to sing your own material, not sing covers in local pubs every night of the week. It feels unreal, really”Her eyes still flicking back and forth between that coffee and outside, I wonder whether there’s a message behind her music, or is it just another musician churning out the mediocre. “I think I’m just like everyone else – fed up with stuff. I know it’s not on the same scale as punk where everyone was fed up, singing about politics; we’re all so safe now. There’s nothing to be unhappy with... and that’s what I’m unhappy with I guess. It feels like there needs to be something new, different... shocking because we’re all so cosy with the masses of rubbish that people make. I wanna be able to get that message accross in my songs, make something abit quirky that will stand out to people. We aren’t shocked or provoked anymore... deeper than you imagined from a scrawny Northern lass ey?”
With her debut album predicted to be chart-topping, Ruby Tuesday has been on tour in the UK for the last 3 months, racking up outstanding reviews from critics all over. "The tour's been amazing. The fans seem to love the single ["Raining in London Town"], apparently it's become a bit of an Indie anthem." This seems to be abit of a given after reaching number 1 in the charts. "But I love to make the gigs like a show, have abit of banter with the audience and talk to them afterwards. It's great to meet fans."
Feeling myself fall under her renowned “spell”, I ask about artist influences. “The Clash” Ah, the punk influence we were all waiting for. “(laughs) yeah something like that. But you know, Morrissey has to be up there... The Libertines, The Rolling Stones... but also wider, more varied stuff. Toots, Bowie, Holiday, and MacGowan.” After a few minutes nodding and mulling over her last thought she continues, “MacGowan is an idol of mine. His lyrics are so vividly descriptive, you know. Especially in The Pogues, “If I Should Fall With Grace From God”, what a song! The emotions he writes about -- he’s a poet”
Previously reading about Ruby Tuesday, it was hard to imagine an artist with as much charisma as they described, but sitting at a table facing this rising star, it’s easy to see how people become entranced watching her perform live. It’s easy to see how she got her name; she does hold that mystery that makes it impossible to capture her in writing. “Yeah, when we got into the Stones that became my nickname and it just stuck. I don’t leave as easy as in the song though (laughs)”
As we stand to say goodbye, she shared a few inside jokes with the passing waitress and shook my hand politely. “When’s the long awaited debut album coming out?” “Thursday 19th in all good decent record shops (laughs and gestures towards her coffee) bit strong wasn’t it?” She smiled, turned and sank into the cold northern air outside. “Goodbye Ruby Tuesday”
Thursday, 11 February 2010
Photoshoot images
Monday, 8 February 2010
First Draft of Article
Sat in a cafe up north, before reconvening for a photoshoot in a disused football ground, I prepare my thoughts for the interview as the enigmatically charming Ruby Tuesday seems to blend into the mismatched surroundings with an unexpected ease on this cold, crisp morning. I watch her eyes flash to the outside scene of passers-by and then flash back to her hand stirring unsweetened coffee. Maybe the harsh exterior runs deep. She takes a sip and slightly squints at the strength of the beverage. Maybe not.
So why all the hype? How do you become indie’s “next big thing”? It’s a hard title to live up to, many have failed. Why this northern lass? “I used to sing just at me Nan’s house. I know, not cool, but she loved my singing. Played me all the greats from the good old days. Then it got bigger, got into other music types, found a new world out there. You can’t fight that thirst you get to wanna hear things. Hasn’t been quenched yet... and I don’t think you’ll get a cheesier quote for the rest of the decade (laughs)” True. Another sip of that bitter brown stuff and we’re on to career highlights so far. “Just getting the chance to record, I guess. When you get spotted, then thrown into this studio where you get to sing your own material, not sing covers in local pubs every night of the week. It feels unreal, really”
Her eyes still flicking back and forth between that coffee and outside, I wonder whether there’s a message behind her music, or is it just another musician churning out the mediocre. “I think I’m just like everyone else – fed up with stuff. I know it’s not on the same scale as punk where everyone was fed up for political stuff; we’re all so safe now. There’s nothing to be unhappy with... and that’s what I’m unhappy with I guess. It feels like there needs to be something new, different... shocking because we’re all so cosy with the masses of rubbish that people make. I wanna be able to get that message accross in my songs, make something abit quirky that will stand out to people. We aren’t shocked or provoked anymore... deeper than you imagined from a scrawny Northern lass ey?”
Feeling myself fall under her renowned “spell”, I ask about artist influences. “The Clash” Ah, the punk influence we were all waiting for. “(laughs) yeah something like that. But you know, Morrissey has to be up there... The Libertines, The Rolling Stones... but also wider, more varied stuff. Toots, Bowie, Holiday, and MacGowan.” After a few minutes nodding and mulling over her last thought she continues, “MacGowan is an idol of mine. His lyrics are so vividly descriptive, you know. Especially in The Pogues, “If I Should Fall With Grace From God”, what a song! The emotions he writes about -- he’s a poet”
Previously reading about Ruby Tuesday, it was hard to imagine an artist with as much charisma as they described, but sitting at a table facing this rising star, it’s easy to see how people become entranced watching her perform live. It’s easy to see how she got her name; she does hold that mystery that makes it impossible to capture her in writing. “Yeah, when we got into the Stones that became my nickname and it just stuck. I don’t leave as easy as in the song though (laughs)”
As we stand to say goodbye, she shared a few inside jokes with the passing waitress and shook my hand politely. “When’s the long awaited debut album coming out?” “Thursday 19th in all good decent record shops (laughs and gestures towards her coffee) bit strong wasn’t it?” She smiled, turned and sank into the cold northern air outside. “Goodbye Ruby Tuesday”
Thursday, 4 February 2010
Journalism Skills Development
Arctic Monkeys are the enigmatic local lads from Sheffield. With a charming likeability about them, there was no doubt as to why their debut album "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I Am Not" became the fastest selling debut album in British music history. With influences such as The Clash, The Jam and Oasis, Arctic Monkeys have been dubbed as the nation's favourite indie band on several occasions. The band have now released their third album, which has received some stick from fans; apparently it's not the Arctics they know and love. But to a true fan, the magic is still there, with the poetry in Turner's lyrics being more alive than ever, Helders' pounding drums and Cook's unmistakable strumming. The band have now changed style, too, with singer Alex Turner showing clear influence from Dylan with those iconic Wayfarers gracing every stage with him.
Indie rock is a music genre with roots as early as The Velvet Underground's self-titled album, which was released in 1967. The 1980's is when indie rock started to evolve, and bands such as The Smiths, The Stone Roses, Jesus and Mary Chain, Siouxsie and The Banshees and The Cure came out of the woodwork; Indie had found it's time, and with punk influences like The Clash and The Jam, the genre rocketed. Indie is traditionally based around clean guitars. Unlike some other genres, indie doesn't seem to have a definitive political message, except that of ordinary feelings such as alienation and difference from others that can be experienced as a young person, which is probably why the main audience consistently contains initially young people, but can capture different generations as well. Bands like The Smiths are considered icons for creating songs containing this message, with a humorous edge, which can be seen in indie-rock today as songs always seem to contain elements of light-heartedness and fun. Current indie bands such as The Maccabees, Arctic Monkeys, The Rakes and The Rascals have adopted this in the form of amusing lyrics and have continued the guitar sound that is the indie trademark.
From writing these short paragraphs about indie songs, bands and it's history, I think I have developed some skills of how to write in a journalistic fashion, especially when writing the song review. I quite enjoyed it, but found writing about the history quite heard to compress into a short space. I would like to use the style of writing and language used in my own magazine when writing the feature article, and I think this practise will help me.
Monday, 1 February 2010
Paragraph Planning
2. Beginning of interview, talking about how artist got started and what it feels like to be becoming "the next big thing" and what they've enjoyed most about their career so far. Quotes from artist begin.
3. Talking about what purpose in the music industry is and if there is any message they are trying to portray.
4. Talk about past influences. Let subject do most of the talking.
5. Talk about rumours and gossip that have surrounded artist and what they think of them. Talk about links with name "Ruby Tuesday"
6. Bring interview to a close and sum up plans for the future. End with a play on words linked with song "Ruby Tuesday".
Call Sheets

MODELLING AS: "Ruby Tuesday": an "indie" artist/ focus of main feature article
SHOOTING DAY NO: 1
TIME: 09.00
DAY/DATE: 09/02/10
COSTUME: Pale colours and ruffles. Blue dress/top over tights. If weather is cold, may have to add a leather jacket and wellies.
MAKE-UP: Heavy black eye-shadow, heavy black eye-liner and heavy black mascara. Natural coloured foundation.
LOCATION: Feethams old football ground
PHOTOGRAPHER: Josie Sommer
LOCATION: Saltburn sea-front

