Typography

 Typography is the art and technique of  to make written language most appealing to learning and recognition. The arrangement of type involves selecting typefaces, point size, line length, line-spacing, letter-spacing , and adjusting the space within letters pairs. Type design is a closely related craft, sometimes considered part of typography; most typographers do not design typefaces, and some type designers do not consider themselves typographers. In modern times, typography has been put in film, television and online broadcasts to add emotion to communication. There are two basic fonts, serif and San serif used for magazines, the use of the fonts vary from different magazines, serif is more formal and harder to read, where was sans-serif is more blocked and easier to read. 

Social Media Opinions

For more advice, I asked my instagram followers which possible titles, in their opinion, they thought was best. I thought this method would be most useful as my instagram followers are aged between 15-18, which is the typical audience age of an indie rock magazine. The results I got back, were once again at a majority based on 'IRM', therefore I will be using this title when creating my music magazine.

Interview

For further information and advice on my music magazine. I interviewed an level media student, Yasmin Osman, on thoughts, criticisms and ideas about the ideas on I had for my magazine.
The questions included:

1. What is your opinion on creating an indie rock music magazine?
2. Would you personally buy a indie rock music magazine?
3. What are your opinions on the title 'IRM'? What does it suggest?
4. Have you got any suggestions on what the main features should be based on?
5. Have you got many more suggestions?

My opinion on Indie magazines is a alternative and different idea to typical music magazine ideas. This magazine will need to provide an alternative and unique approach as these types of magazines are extremely different compared to others. However, the idea of creating an indie rock music magazine is a good idea as you can be creative with this magazine and there are many ideas. This idea may be good also because this can relate to many audiences and is a very popular type of music currently.

Personally, my interest in music is very basic and I enjoy chart music. However, from your ideas with you expressed with me, this sounds like this magazine will result extremely well and does sound appealing to me, therefore it may be a possibility that I would a buy a indie rock magazine if it including artists I like or a feature which sounds interesting.

I believe the title 'IRM' is very basic, but it is a very relative idea to the type of magazine that you are creating, as indie rock music magazine have very basic titles. Also, i know how difficult it can be choosing or creating a title for your magazine, therefore I believe this is a good title to use as it sounds like a indie music magazine and would be very recognisable for the audience.

The main feature should be based on a famous indie rock artist as this would be more appealing to the target audience and would possibly sell more copies. The main feature should include something interesting and would stand out to the target audience. The main features also usually include interviews or an exclusive, which you should use within your magazine as this will be more interesting towards the readers.

I have no more suggestions as I believe you have everything in order and have a clear idea of what you want to create within your magazine. Good luck!

Answers To Questionnaire

Below are my answers to the questionnaire which I sent out to 120 people via social media e.g. twitter, only 100 people replied. These answers will help me when making my music magazine as i can take into consideration when creating my indie music magazine, as this helps me know what will attract buyers and interest the audience.

Questionnaire

This is a copy of the questionnaire, which was sent out to 120 people aged from 16-30 year old's. which is used to get final ideas on how my music magazine should be and what would attract a certain audience. 

Demographs

The audience demo-graphs of indie magazines, such as nme, are usually between 17-35, at a average of 25 years old. 73% of audiences are men of such indie magazines and are between the social grade ABC1, the audience are well educated and 34% are working full time, 18% working part time and 26% full time students. The readers of such magazines are modern, trendy and young, who typically interested in films and technology. This shows that there are readers, market and an audience for indie music and indie magazines:

Magazine Analysis (2)

The front cover is successful as the magazine has included all the artists included within the favorite bands theme in this issue, Dave Grohl has been placed forward and at the front as this emphasises he is the favorite and most important. The magazine is also successful as there are various strap lines, for example three posters and competitions. The puff of 'foo fighters' also relates to the text talking about Dave Grohl, making the puff line stand out to the audience, this will attract the readers as the magazine has used famous artists, which the readers will be interested in. The text is good as it has a 'rock' effect, as rock is seen as old and loud. However, the bar code is placed in an unconventional place which is different and looks out of place.

The contents page is successful as it has used a range of images and used the same theme throughout, following the conventions of a magazine. Also, the contents page is successful as it has been arranged into sections, such as news, gig guide, albums and ultimate rock star test, which makes the contents page clearer and easier to the reader to locate what they are looking for. However, there is no image of the artist which is featured on the front cover, therefore the reader will have a harder time to find the artist they are searching for.

 The double page spread is attractive as the pose and clothes of the artist relates to the star image of a rock star, the artist looks cool and this will attract the readers more, specifically because the artist is making eye contact with the reader. The double page spread is also successful as when the reader is browsing through the pages, it will become clear straight away who the feature is about as the image is large and the feature name is large and bold in the corner of the page. There is a theme within the double page spread which relates to the contents of the article, which makes the magazine more attractive, as the article uses the colour of the american flag, the artist is dressed in american colours and the text is decorated in american flag and colours, making the magazine article more interesting and attractive to readers.

Magazine Analysis (1)

The nme is an indie rock magazine, standing for new musical express. The theme is red and black which runs throughout the magazine. The image is successful as the band ‘kasabian’ looks cool and the magazine has used direct eye contact, interacting with the audience. The nme is placed in the same position as every magazine and used large bold writing at the corner of the page, standing out to the audience and making the magazine easily recognizable. The magazine front cover is also successful as they have used a range of artists, which would attract the audience more, such as Eminem, catfish and the bottlemen and kasabian.

The contents page is successful as it has a good use of the layout of the contents page as the magazine has laid out the magazine in sections and index, making it easier to locate sections of the magazine easily. The use of the page numbers is good as it is easier to find, rather than at the bottom of the page, it is different and doesn't follow the normal conventions of a magazine. The use of advertising at the bottom of the page is uses a comedic side, interacting with the audience. However, there is hardly any image which goes against the conventions of the contents page, as normally there is half of the page used by images.

The writing on the page is cool and harmonizing with the theme of the magazine as it is indie and different. The pull quote and section of the information about the artists is good, as it is laid out and stands out as it is large and been highlighted. However, there is not a theme which usually runs throughout the magazine, this goes against the conventions of the magazine. Also, the use of the bright yellow page is unsuccessful as it is hard to read and stands out when browsing through the magazine negatively, perhaps the magazine should have placed the artists more to the side, so then when browsing you should have seen the artists. At the top, it should say feature or the artists name bigger therefore the audience would be more aware of the band featuring. The double page spread is also unsuccessful as the band have not have a change of clothes, this makes the magazine more boring.

Indie Music Magazine

A music magazine is a magazine that aims to provide its audience with the latest news, gossip, reviews and tour information. There are many different genres of music magazines due to all the possible audiences. The genres I am particularly interested in are indie rock or indie pop.  

Indie magazines promote independent music (often shortened to indie music or indie) is music produced independently from major commercial record labels or their subsidiaries, a process that may include an autonomous, do-it-yourself approach to recording and publishing.  They also promotes manufactured music too. 

The audiences of indie rock are  There are different style images for indie music magazines, for example Arctic Monkeys is a perfect example of a Indie type style of music, the band wear leather jackets, black skinny jeans. white t-shirt and sunglasses, this is an example of the English type of Indie music. An example of the American type of indie music star image would be the kings of Leon, who have a messy look with beards.

 Indie magazines are becoming increasingly common as the music is becoming more current and popular. An indie magazine will often include such a simple masthead and the this would typically be large and take up the whole top section. This is so it is easily noticed on the shelves of the shop amongst its other competitors. 

The main image would usually have a current band or musician as most indie music is aimed at the younger generation. The musician won’t be extremely famous however will be well known by the younger generation. 

The conventions would include a lot of puffs with other band names and current news regarding the indie industry. The images used would be graphic and abstract. The idea of indie is being independent and original and not conforming to the stereotypical music ideas. This is shown through their photos, for instance they are never usually happy however connote a unique seriousness. The colours would be dark and natural as indie is considered rock music however not as heavy and serious. This also reflects the magazine as it would be quite simplistic to show that indie music focuses solely on the music rather than the gossip or stories behind the musicians. It would not be crowded or cluttered as other magazines such as pop. 

Initial Ideas Of Music Magazine

The genre which I will be using for my music magazine is indie rock or pop as this is the genre of magazine I am personally interested in, therefore would have more experienced when creating the magazine itself and have a various amount idea I already want to use, The star image of the magazine would stereo-typically be a boy/man as this is usually the gender which is used within a indie rock magazine. The person should be wearing black jeans, indie clothing e.g. funky t-shirts or a white shirt, with the look of messy hair or a messy look. A perfect example of this star image would be someone such as Alex Turner (Arctic Monkeys) or Matty Healey (The 1975).

The fonts will be blockly, large and bold as this usually used on the conventions on a rock magazine, for example NME have large, bold font as their title. The colours that will be used are black, red, white, dark colours such as grey, burgundy or purple, this is because these colours are typically used within indie rock magazine themes such as NME, have a black and red theme throughout. These colours will also be used because it is vintage and cool colours which connotes aggression and suits the form of the magazine.

Ideally, my music magazine will be published weekly as this is usually the time period that music magazines get published. The mode of a address I will use is an informal, sarcastic and relaxed as this is usually the approach indie rock magazines use.


My possible titles for my magazine include 'IRM', 'R-M' or simply indie rock. I have found trying to find a successful and interesting title hard, however, these are the titles which I have finally decided. I believe these titles are successful as these mostly relate to indie rock magazines and will be clear to the reader that they are indie rock, as this is what the initials stand for, These titles sound like a professional indie rock magazine.

Colour Wheel

The colour wheel was invented by Isaac Newton in 1966. The colour wheel shows which colours are grouped together and which go well together, whether or not they clash. Within a magazine there should be no more than five colours used as they start to contrast with each other and the human brain does not attract to the idea, therefore this would not attract the audience. The idea of the colour wheel will be useful when making as a magazine as this will show me which colours go and sometimes I may want the colours to clash within the magazine.

Double Page Spread Conventions

Basic conventions of a double page spread

• A large image, this image is usually direct address as the celebrity is looking directly into the camera, which entices the reader and makes the magazine more encouraging to buy.
• A quote/ pull quote, a quote taken from the interview presented as the headline, or positioned by the picture or even used to break up the text. This gives a shocking grip to the reader, making the buyer want to read the article. 
• The use of presenting the celebrities name in a bold font, to make it clear the importance and the fact they are a celebrity. 
• A stand first, which is a brief explanation of who the celebrity featured is, this is useful to readers who are not aware of the celebrity. 
• Text, this is usually a Ariel font and a size 11 pt. However, sometimes different magazine use different fonts to match the genre of the article. 
• Drop cap, this is the beginning letter of the article which is presented in a much larger and bolder font, often in a different font or style, indicating the start of the article.
• The text is usually set into 3 to 4 columns, the text is organized and presented all over the page.
• The page number and name of the magazine is presented in the same font throughout.
• The main image relates to the article and artist, the image is used to present the double page spread as a piece of art.
• Headline of the magazine is always short, attracting the reader.
• By lines are used in double page spreads as this credits the photographer and the writer.
• Double page spreads use a informal mode as this is more relaxing for the reader.
• Colour scheme runs throughout the magazine therefore it does not over power the article. The colour scheme connotes the genre of the magazine, for example red or black is most commonly used in metal or rock magazines, such as NME magazine which uses a red title and colour scheme.

Contents Page Conventions

Basic conventions of contents page

• There should be one main image relating to the feature.
• 50% of the page should be images.
• There should be other 3 to 4 smaller image.
• The colour theme should run throughout the contents page, the same as the front cover.
• The small images should have anchored text, usually a quote or description, with a page number directing you to the page this image relates to.
• The writing is split up to three coloums, each with a clear headline i.e Features, Regulars.
• Some contents pages have a letter from the editor, subscription information and social networking websites.
• The date and issue number should be placed at the top of the page.
• The contents page should use the magazine title or the logo.
• The word 'contents' should be used at the top of the page as a masthead.

Front Cover Conventions

Basic conventions of a front page

• A front cover should one main image, a mid shot and the individual or group shot being looking to the camera to interact with the buy, making it more attractive. 
• There should be a main focus or feature, such as a celebrity. 
• There should be three main sections to your front cover. The main section with a large image and the main cover line. Second section with the main cover lines and the third with a few smaller cover lines.
• The front cover needs a masthead, which should be bigger and bolder than the rest of the text on the page.
• Make sure there is contrast between your colours, if they clash you will not be able to see the writing.
• The positioning of the masthead is not important. It can be at the very top of the page or a cover line can be written above the masthead.
• The background of the image you take should be a solid colour. Patterns will make the cover hard to design when it comes to adding text.
• Photography is more successful and looks better on a front cover rather than illustrations.
• Magazines are stacked in the shops so that the left third of the magazine is visible. The most attention grabbing cover lines and pictures should be on this part of the magazine so that you attract your audience.

Double Page Spread Criticisms

This magazine double page spread is successful as it is presented as a piece of art and looks like one page, instead of using the two pages separately, the magazine has made use of both the pages to make it look like one. The use of the backdrop is a good idea as this makes the page more attractive and eye catching and the image is good as the artist is looking straight at the camera, making the buyer feel involved making the magazine more attractive. The use of a border is a successful idea as it makes the page more attractive, eye catching and different. The text is presented as orgainised and nicely spaced out which makes the double page spread more successful. The subtitles are used in a different background colour which makes it stand out and look more attractive. I like the idea of using  the pull qoute as the masthead, as this will interest the readers more and stands out to the readers as this is in the largest font. However, I dislike the way the magazine has presented the mise en scene as the grey colour is boring and doesnt contradict the other colours and the use of the colour pink doesnt go with the other colours or the theme. The photo is boring, as it needs to be more excting as they are trying to present the artist as a rock star, therefore he should look more punk or as an example should be holding or smashing up an insturment to interest the readers more and present the artist of more of a rock srar, the magazine has only used one photo, which I will not include in my magazine.

Contents Page Criticisms

This magazine contents page is successful as I like the use of the sections of the contents page, for example news,radar,reviews and so on, as this presents the contents page to be more organised  and more useful for the readers for them to search for the article they are looking for, it also looks more attractive rather than they are all paged in a massive block. I also like the use of the band index, which I will want to use on my magazine contents page, as it looks eye catching on the page and it is useful to the readers. The use of the colour scheme throughout even onto the contents page makes the contents page successful as well and more attractive. However, I dislike the use of an article on the contents page as it does not follow the basic convents of magazine and goes against the conventions, I also dislike this because the picture is more relaxed making the contents page look unprofessional. This contents page is not very successful as it also does not follow the conventions of the magazine as the page is not fifty percent images. Although, I like the use of the subscription advertised in a different colour scheme to stand out as this will attract many buyers. 

Front Cover Criticisms

This magazine front cover is successful as the masthead is prominent and clearly presented as it is shown in large, bold, blocked red font. The image clearly stands out and is attractive as the background is clearly presented in LA as it is a bright blue background and palm trees. The puff line is successful as it used in a yellow circle which would be more eye catching to customers as it goes against the colour theme. The Arctic monkeys are presented as cool and attractive which will entice more customers.  However, I dislike the fact there are hardly any cover lines as the magazine has taken a gamble with putting faith into that readers will buy the magazine as it features the Arctic Monkeys due to them being so famous and not used cover lines. Also, I dislike the title of 'AM' as it covers the bodies of the band and is too spaced and blocked out and contradicts the magazine, as it does not go well with the rest of the magazine, it is pointless to use this and I personally would not use it. 

Research: Double Page Spread

This magazine double page spread has used both pages therefore it is presented clearly that is it a double page spread. The image is attractive and they are holding guitars clearly stating it is a rock band and a music magazine. However, I dislike the random shapes of blue as they have no use, the magazine double page spread could be better.

Research: Contents Page

I believe this magazine is successful as I like the use of the band index as I believe it is useful and looks eye catching on the page and I like the use of the sections on the contents page. However, I disfavour the arctile used on the contents page as I believe it doesn't follow the basic conventions of a magazine and not enough images are used. 

Research: Front Cover

This magazine front cover is attractive as it follows the colour theme throughout as the black and red contrast each other and is even match to the record and top the artist is wearing. I like this magazine front cover as Alex Turner looks cool and this looks like a music magazine.

Introduction

My name is Katie Bishop, I attend Chislehurst School for girls and currently taking media as an a level relating to why I have created this blog. I have just finished my school magazine, which can be found here: http://katieschoolmagazine.blogspot.co.uk/ and now starting my music magazine

A music magazine is a magazine which is dedicated to music and the culture of music. Music magazine typically include music news, interviews, photo shoots, competitions, record reviews, concert reviews and occasionally have a cover mount with recorded music. There are different genres of music magazine such as indie, rock, R&B, drum & bass, hip hop, jazz, classical, dance and heavy metal. The purpose of music magazine is the inform readers, keeping them updated on their specific interest of genre, the purpose of a music magazine is also to entertain the reader. The audiences of music magazines are individuals who have a interest in specific music by music products.

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