Evaluation 7: Looking back at the preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt that in the progression to your full product?

Preliminary Task Evaluation

As you can see, I haven't included my double page spread. This is because, I didn't undertake a DPS in the preliminary task because, it wasn't required. Above is a link to the blog post where I evaluated the preliminary task and you can see the contrast from that to my media product now.

In relation to the front cover, I have learnt that an image in which the model is looking at the camera is used on most front covers because, it is as if they are looking at the reader personally. This would immediately draw the reader into the magazine. I have also learnt that a clear colour scheme is an important way of demonstrating what type of music magazine it is. For example, if a colour scheme was pink, purple and yellow, then that would likely mean that it would be a teen pop magazine. I have come to find this through extensive research.

In relation to the contents page, through extensive research, I have learnt that its background plays little part in making it look noticeable to the target audience. I have learnt that it is important to stick with the colour scheme so that the reader isn't confused and can focus on the content in hand. It is also important to advertise loads of features to fill the space and keep the target audience interested enough to read further. If the space isn't filled, then the contents page looks lifeless and uninviting. I have also learnt that it is important to feature an advertisement for a competition for free concert tickets because, the reader can feel like they can benefit from spending money on that magazine.

Evaluation 6: What have you learnt about technologies from the process of conscructing this product?

I only learned about software, whilst constructing my magazine. There are two software programmes that I used heavily during magazine production; Photoshop and Facebook.

In relation to Photoshop, I learned that it is incredibly effective in producing professional magazine front covers of high quality. Photoshop is able to do so because, you are able to use a variety of different coloured boxes (i.e. various shades of one colour). Also, you can use any shape to insert text into, as well as pasting images over one and other. There are also a variety of fonts available, many of which you couldn't use on a Microsoft programme. You are also guaranteed high quality images, no matter how much you increase its original size. I also learned that, with Photoshop, you can create a full magazine within a day, meaning that more can be produced. Many decades ago, it would have been far more difficult to produce copies of one issue, let alone several copies of different issues because, of limited technology back then.

Prior to this task, I didn't have a Facebook account. Subsequently, I have learnt that Facebook is crucial in allowing people from all walks of life, all over the world, to communicate with one and other. This is important because, it allows a range of opinions to be expressed. Without social networking, I have learnt that it would have been difficult for a magazine to gain popularity. This is because, without technology, the message would have been far more difficult to get across to the entire country. This is because, there are areas within the countryside that are effectively isolated from the outside world. Nowadays, Wi-Fi can be accessed anywhere, meaning that information about music magazines is available to anyone, anywhere.

Evaluaion 5: How did you attract/address your audience?

Evaluation 4: Who would be the audience for your media product?

Evaluaion 3: What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?

www.nme.com

Evalution 2: How does your media product represent particular social groups?

The postures of both people are slightly similar because, we are both sitting down and it appears that Mark Ronson is looking directly at the camera. However, the positioning of our arms is different. My positioning suggests that I am more serious, whilst Ronson’s suggest that he is carefree. Our facial expressions suggest the same thing. Also, our gestures are differing as well. My gesture suggests that I am ready to face the questions that I was going to be asked. Ronson, on the other hand, appears to be uninterested in answering questions and appears to insist that the interview happens on his terms.

We are both wearing dark clothing, which suggests that the music genre we specialise in is similar (i.e. if I was wearing bright clothing, it would suggest that I would specialise in pop music). Also, my positioning suggests that I am very serious about producing good music for my fans, keeping them interested or perhaps attempting to attract more fans. However, Ronson appears to simply enjoy making music and isn’t actively seeking a fan base. Instead, he appears to allow the reader to make a judgement on whether they will follow him or not and that he wouldn’t care either way.

In conclusion, I think that both images possibly represent the ‘emo/hippie’ social group because, of our dark clothing, the genres of music we specialise in (rock, jazz and funk) and our facial expressions (serious and carefree). The reason why I brought two different social groups together is because, they are both associated with individualism. Both are unique, stand out and often challenge social norms.

Evaluation 1: In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?