Alterations to the Front Cover

When I came to make my magazine, I still wasn't completely sure about the image I wanted to use on my cover. I roughly placed the same masthead on each of where I initially thought it should go and I asked 5 people who could be in my target audience to pick which one they preferred.
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.

Second Photoshoot Images

I think I'll use this image in my contents page because I like it the most. They both look quite stern and I think it gives them abit of an edge because of this.

I tried taking a photo of just one model on his own, to see whether or not it would look better. I think it does look good, but I think it would be better to use an image with more than one person in because my other images only contain one model and it may look to sparse, or more like a fashion magazine than a music magazine, so I think I'll choose to use another image.

Second Draft Article

"You don’t choose to be indie, indie chooses you”

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”

Photoshoot images

I think I will use this image in my contents page because it contrasts to the close-up image I would like to use for my cover, which will hopefully make the reader feel as though there is some variation in the images, so they could feel as though the content will be more interesting. Also, I like the stance and I think it does make her look quite edgy as it looks natural rather than forced. For this image I used my photo shoot plans to set it up, but I don't think it looks as good as it could.

I took some images in doors because it started to rain. The lighting isn't as good as I would have liked it to be, even though I tried using lots of lamps to make it brighter.

I like this image, I think it gives the artist a friendly and approachable image, giving her a "down to earth" look which could be good.

I like this image and I think I will use it in the double page spread. I quite like the space in the image and it has room to place some text as I hoped. I also like the stance and think the positioning is good. It won't give that hard-faced portrayal, but it will still hopefully make her look edgy and possibly easier to relate to for the reader. Also, this problem can be overcome with my article as I think I have made her appear to be quite a soft character.

I really like this image because I think it looks quite edgy and makes her look fun.

I think this is the image I will use for my front cover because I like the light in it and I think the wall behind looks quite good. There may be some issues in placing the masthead so that it doesn't cover her hair and fact too much, but I think I can overcome these when it comes to making the magazine. Also, this image fits my initial plan and I think there will be enough room for a couple of sell lines, as I didn't want a lot of sell lines on it initially because I think it will look more sophisticated with less.

First Draft of Article

"You don’t choose to be indie, indie chooses you”

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”

Journalism Skills Development

Charmingly inoffensive, "Toothpaste Kisses" by The Maccabees safely establishes itself into indie romance history. With amusing, although slightly predictable, harmoniously-sung lyrics the song becomes more endearing second time round. Soft yet strong acoustic chords are politely greeted with a soothing and simple bass line after the first verse to join smooth, delicate drums. Clean, effortless guitar solos conclude the last chorus and are met with a captivating whistling outro. A mild yet bewitching track from the Brighton indie group.

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.

Paragraph Planning

1. Introduction to the article. Start with a quote from the artist, then who, what, where, when, why. Describe the appearence and actions of subject in 1st person.

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

MODEL : Ruby Sommer
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

MODEL: Tom Norgrove

MODELLING AS: A member of the band "Robert's Roses"

SHOOTING DAY: 2

TIME: 12.00

DAY/DATE: 16/02/10

COSTUME: Black and yellow Fred Perry polo with jeans and jacket if cold.
LOCATION: Saltburn sea-front

PHOTOGRAPHER: Josie Sommer

MODEL: David Stobart

MODELLING AS: 2nd member of "Robert's Roses"

SHOOTING DAY: 2

TIME: 12.00

DAY/DATE: 16/02/10

COSTUME: White shirt, jeans, sunglasses

LOCATION: Saltburn sea-front

PHOTOGRAPHER: Josie Sommer

Article Planning

The main focus of my article is going to be an artist I have made up called "Ruby Tuesday" who will be an up and coming solo artist on the indie scene. The style of my article will be an interview and the main purpose of it will be to entertain, as well as informing people about the artist at the same time (this will be in the form of likes/dislikes and about the history). Despite being an interview, I would like it to be in continuous prose rather than question and answer, as I think it will make for a better read. It will be written informally in the first person and I have chosen to do this as I think it will be more entertaining and make the reader feel a part of the interview. This will therefore be more engaging and hopefully more appealing to my audience. The language that I will use in my magazine will contain some colloquial words or terms during the interview, as I want my artist to appear to be local and down to earth so that she will be more appealing to my audience. I want to write the interview as they've said it, in the dialect that my artist would speak as I think it makes them seem more human, and it makes readers feel like they are actually talking to the artist themselves; there is a kind of personal connection.

Recce of Location

This is the bars on the sea-front at Saltburn beach. The location is easily accessible as it is open to the public and it is only a short train ride away from where me and my models live. I think I could use this for my artist/s in the secondary image on the contents page as I think it will look quite good with the harshness of the barriers and the sea in the background. Also, it would look good if I could get the lower structure of the pier in. Indie artists are often photographed at beaches and I think if one of my models leaned against the bars or sat on them it would look quite good and edgy. It will be good if it is sunny when I take the images, but if it isn't I think it could add a gloomy "northern" effect.

This is a location that I found which is quite accessible. It's an old football ground which is now overgrown and there's a wide entrance to it, just off a nearby back lane, meaning there is no permission I need to ask for. As long as the weather is good and sunny, it will be suitable for taking photos of my subject amongst the overgrown grass or sat on the steps next to it. Indie artists are often pictured in run-down and derelict places and it always seems to look successful or effective, so this should hopefully look just as good. Above the field is a stone platform that is warn away, which looks quite good, and leading up to the platform are some stone stairs, which might be good if my subject sits on them. The rough and ready image that these worn down places will make will hopefully appeal to my audience of young people as it looks a bit edgy.

Another location which I picked out that could be useful is some streets around the area that I live in, which means they are easily accessible and I won't have to travel far from the other location. The brick walls and pavement, or back lanes, might give quite a gritty edge to my images if for some reason the old football ground isn't as successful as I would have hoped. This will hopefully look interesting and intriguing to my target audience.The white paint on some of the walls could make a good, plain and bold background for my subject to stand against and won't draw the attention away from them too much. I think brick walls could look quirky and interesting and will hopefully grab my audience's attention, and could give the artist a down-to-earth, "local" image, which could give them an edge and will hopefully make my magazine look edgy.

Photo Shoot Plans

This is a photoshoot plan for the secondary image on my contents page. My subjects will be sat on or leaning against the railings with the beach in the background. It will be a mid shot, aiming from the waist up and the light source will be the sun, which will hopefully be behind the camera, so that the light shines onto my subjects. I am not sure whether I will take the image straight on or slightly from one side. If it is too dark I may have to rethink the exact location, or perhaps a darker image will give a more gloomy and "edgy" effect.

I have placed my subject, which will be the main artist, below where I will be standing for this image, and the subject is also placed far away from me, to make a long shot. As I will be taking photos on location there isn't an artificial light source, so I am relying on the sun and will have to pick a good weathered day. I'll have to take the photos in the morning when the light is better. Perfect lighting won't be vital to my images however, as my I intend my magazine to have a rough and ready image, which perfect lighting would not fit in with.

This is another photoshoot plan for my main artist. I will also take other photos at a different but similar location where my subject will be sat down and I will again be slightly lower. For this image I need the light to be hitting her sides and a slight shadow on her face. This will make the image have contrasts between light and dark which I think will look effective.

I will take another image similar to the previous one, but where my subject is standing against a brick wall and I am slightly lower down. Here, I will need the light to be hitting her front. If I chose a brick wall that is painted white, it should reflect the light and make my subject stand out more.