Anyone still checking Blogger that wants to follow my other blogs? If so, here they are:
Thanks if you decide to have a look! :)
Wednesday 25 May 2011
Tuesday 10 May 2011
Blogger
One thing I've noticed about Blogger is that sometimes you'll edit something and it'll publish it totally differently to the way you've formatted it. This is just to explain that some posts come out differently on different browsers, (and I hope this is irrelevant and its all working just fine!)
:)
:)
Thursday 5 May 2011
MCR Special Evaluation (Concise)
I've decided to do another very brief evaluation of my MCR Special.
I used very little conventions when designing this OFC (for the whole construction, see earlier posts beginning with http://beckytyeas.blogspot.com/2011/02/main-task-ofc-problems.html)
It is very unusual to have an OFC so centered, with more than one main image; where the logo isn't even that visisble. However it does still fit in with the house style as the record-type symbol is present in the bottom left corner.
I have continued with the contents in an unconventional style, however I am not entirely happy with it; I like the design, but I doubt it would do well in real publishing. The OFC is more conventional, using columns and images.
Overall my target audience for this edition consists of predominantly MCR fans. It is hopefully aesthetically appealing to other cosumers, who may see the brand name and then buy in the future. I have used the MCR Danger Days Spider to grab the attention of passing fans, who will immediately know what it is and hopefully make a beeline for my magazine.
I used lots of computer programs to create this, the main one being FotoFlexer - without this I wouldn't have got the spider cut out so clearly.
I hope this would be distributed by IPC Media, as "NME" and "Uncut" tend to merge together to create specials (Muse special!) which is exactly the type of thing I've created here. If not, then Bauer Media would also be great.
I used very little conventions when designing this OFC (for the whole construction, see earlier posts beginning with http://beckytyeas.blogspot.com/2011/02/main-task-ofc-problems.html)It is very unusual to have an OFC so centered, with more than one main image; where the logo isn't even that visisble. However it does still fit in with the house style as the record-type symbol is present in the bottom left corner.
I have continued with the contents in an unconventional style, however I am not entirely happy with it; I like the design, but I doubt it would do well in real publishing. The OFC is more conventional, using columns and images.
Overall my target audience for this edition consists of predominantly MCR fans. It is hopefully aesthetically appealing to other cosumers, who may see the brand name and then buy in the future. I have used the MCR Danger Days Spider to grab the attention of passing fans, who will immediately know what it is and hopefully make a beeline for my magazine.
I used lots of computer programs to create this, the main one being FotoFlexer - without this I wouldn't have got the spider cut out so clearly.
I hope this would be distributed by IPC Media, as "NME" and "Uncut" tend to merge together to create specials (Muse special!) which is exactly the type of thing I've created here. If not, then Bauer Media would also be great.
Evaluation Pt 7: Progression
Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
This are examples of my progression throughout this project from my prelim task to the final task (plus the little ones I made too):
I have learnt so much from this project that have helped me to create these products. I have learnt to use typical conventions, as I have learnt to subvert conventions when I feel necessary. Learning all the technical terms have definately helped, as I've been able to feature spot, and then go on to use them to my advantage in terms of attracting my target audience. Here is my Terminology Quiz: http://www.sporcle.com/games/Bexfactor31/MediaMagazineTerminology
I made this so I could properly learn the terms, without the dull habit of just reading and writing them.
As well as learning all the technical aspects of media; I feel the research has been invaluable. Without researching existing magazines I probably wouldn't have been able to develop my ideas as thoroughly. For instance, there is a fine balance between a good contents page and an overcrowded contents page. This is something I have learnt from practice; I began with too little on the contents, then ended up with a reasonably accurate one.
This are examples of my progression throughout this project from my prelim task to the final task (plus the little ones I made too):
I am suprised to see how much my work has changed. Whilst I've been making these, I didn't really notice as I learnt new things and begun to incorportate them into my work. Looking back now, I can see lots of things I would never have thought to do when I started this project.
I have learnt so much from this project that have helped me to create these products. I have learnt to use typical conventions, as I have learnt to subvert conventions when I feel necessary. Learning all the technical terms have definately helped, as I've been able to feature spot, and then go on to use them to my advantage in terms of attracting my target audience. Here is my Terminology Quiz: http://www.sporcle.com/games/Bexfactor31/MediaMagazineTerminology
I made this so I could properly learn the terms, without the dull habit of just reading and writing them.
As well as learning all the technical aspects of media; I feel the research has been invaluable. Without researching existing magazines I probably wouldn't have been able to develop my ideas as thoroughly. For instance, there is a fine balance between a good contents page and an overcrowded contents page. This is something I have learnt from practice; I began with too little on the contents, then ended up with a reasonably accurate one.
Evaluation Pt 6: Technologies
What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?
I used several different technologies to make my magazine, including computers, cameras, phones, and various programs.
Here are the computers I've used:
ACER Aspire One D255
This is my personal netbook. I get on really well with it as it has lots of features perfect for making my blog, like Windows Movie Maker.
I also used my shared home computer, a Dell Dimension 4600, when mine was being slow. This is also quite good although it is a lot more temperamental, but sufficient for the actual blogging. For the creative side, I preferred to use my netbook as it was more reliable.
I used the school Apple iMacs as well. I liked the simplicity of them, however it was too simple in some ways, that I couldn't find all of the features I wanted to, and had problems uploading and editing without frustrations.
I used my Epson Stylus RX620 to print my work out. This is a decent printer, however as all printers, can be a bit dodgy, but it worked fine in the end:
I used my sister's camera - a Panasonic DMC-Z51- to take all of the photos I actually used (I did use a school SLR one for my test shots, but wasn't able to borrow it at the times I needed it for the actual shoots) This camera is excellent for an average digital one. I really liked the features it had, although I preferred to take them with no effects, then edit them at a later date. It's a really good camera:
I also used my phone for my Recces, and any other technology I could lay my hands on at the time. I used a variety of editing programs including: Picasa, Picnik, PhotoFlexer, LunaPic, GIMP, Paint etc. These all had different features that I required, so I made my magazines in stages, saving each layer inbetween, then adding more over the top in another program.
For my Consumer Survey video I used a combination of the most recent Windows Movie Maker and the older Vista version (for the timeline, the new one is all about self-timing judgement)
I loved using all of these programs as I find it really rewarding to be able to make such things as magazines and videos. I would definitely recommend these, especially Picasa, Picnik and Windows Movie Maker.
I used several different technologies to make my magazine, including computers, cameras, phones, and various programs.
Here are the computers I've used:
ACER Aspire One D255
This is my personal netbook. I get on really well with it as it has lots of features perfect for making my blog, like Windows Movie Maker.
I also used my shared home computer, a Dell Dimension 4600, when mine was being slow. This is also quite good although it is a lot more temperamental, but sufficient for the actual blogging. For the creative side, I preferred to use my netbook as it was more reliable.
I used the school Apple iMacs as well. I liked the simplicity of them, however it was too simple in some ways, that I couldn't find all of the features I wanted to, and had problems uploading and editing without frustrations.
I used my Epson Stylus RX620 to print my work out. This is a decent printer, however as all printers, can be a bit dodgy, but it worked fine in the end:
I used my sister's camera - a Panasonic DMC-Z51- to take all of the photos I actually used (I did use a school SLR one for my test shots, but wasn't able to borrow it at the times I needed it for the actual shoots) This camera is excellent for an average digital one. I really liked the features it had, although I preferred to take them with no effects, then edit them at a later date. It's a really good camera:
I also used my phone for my Recces, and any other technology I could lay my hands on at the time. I used a variety of editing programs including: Picasa, Picnik, PhotoFlexer, LunaPic, GIMP, Paint etc. These all had different features that I required, so I made my magazines in stages, saving each layer inbetween, then adding more over the top in another program.
For my Consumer Survey video I used a combination of the most recent Windows Movie Maker and the older Vista version (for the timeline, the new one is all about self-timing judgement)
I loved using all of these programs as I find it really rewarding to be able to make such things as magazines and videos. I would definitely recommend these, especially Picasa, Picnik and Windows Movie Maker.
Evaluation Pt 5: Audience Attraction
How did you attract/address your audience?
I tried to attract my audience by using things they could relate to and like. I used the colour palette and the easy-to-read layout to stop it looking too heavy-going. The mode of address I used was relatively informal, to put the reader at ease, and to begin to form an attachment to my magazine and its style. I wanted my magazine to become familiar, so I focused a lot on the house style and consistency of the layout.
I was interested to see if the things I'd planned to attract my audience actually were the things that did. Therefore I conducted an interview with Sarah Tye and Sophie Oliver to find out.
I tried to attract my audience by using things they could relate to and like. I used the colour palette and the easy-to-read layout to stop it looking too heavy-going. The mode of address I used was relatively informal, to put the reader at ease, and to begin to form an attachment to my magazine and its style. I wanted my magazine to become familiar, so I focused a lot on the house style and consistency of the layout.
I was interested to see if the things I'd planned to attract my audience actually were the things that did. Therefore I conducted an interview with Sarah Tye and Sophie Oliver to find out.
Evaluation Pt 4: Audience
Who would be the audience for your media product?
From the beginnng I always wanted my magazine to appeal to a wide range of people. I had no real preference in terms of age or gender etc for my readers; I simply wanted music lovers to like it. So I tried to stay true to the music and the attitudes of die-hard rock fans.
I know that my main audience within this will be teenagers and young adults. This could be because they have more free time, or access to music news than older generations. So the young people are my main target audience; but the more people like my magazine, the better. I didn't want my design to be exclusive to a certain age-group; I always wanted it to unite people of all differences, brought together by the music.
From the beginnng I always wanted my magazine to appeal to a wide range of people. I had no real preference in terms of age or gender etc for my readers; I simply wanted music lovers to like it. So I tried to stay true to the music and the attitudes of die-hard rock fans.
I know that my main audience within this will be teenagers and young adults. This could be because they have more free time, or access to music news than older generations. So the young people are my main target audience; but the more people like my magazine, the better. I didn't want my design to be exclusive to a certain age-group; I always wanted it to unite people of all differences, brought together by the music.
Evaluation Pt 3: Media Institutions
What kind of media institution might distribute your media product?
From my earlier magazine research, I'd hope that an institution like Bauer Media would consider distributing my magazine, as they already distribute "Kerrang!", "Q" and "Mojo" so it would be of similar interest (i hope!). The magazines they produce are all very high quality and would be the ultimate in professional (in my opinion).
However, if they didn't want to take on another similarly styled magazine, I would then hope for IPC Media who currently distribute "NME" IPC are clearly also a really good distributer as they have "NME", however it is not made as well as Bauer's are; without glossy paper and different sizes.
From my earlier magazine research, I'd hope that an institution like Bauer Media would consider distributing my magazine, as they already distribute "Kerrang!", "Q" and "Mojo" so it would be of similar interest (i hope!). The magazines they produce are all very high quality and would be the ultimate in professional (in my opinion).However, if they didn't want to take on another similarly styled magazine, I would then hope for IPC Media who currently distribute "NME" IPC are clearly also a really good distributer as they have "NME", however it is not made as well as Bauer's are; without glossy paper and different sizes.If neither wanted to distribute my magazine, I'd have to find a smaller institution, or sell it independently perhaps online or in a contract with a music shop like HMV etc.
Evaluation Pt 2: Social Groups
How does your media product represent particular social groups?
My media product represents the social group of rock music lovers. Within that group are many sub-groups that may not be instantly associated with each other, but they all share the same passion for rock/indie/metal/punk music etc.
The main social group within this category is most likely to be teenagers and young adults. The colour palette I chose is bold and bright, which portrays the vivacity and soul of this group. I feel my magazine will represent younger buyers in a more positive and smart light, because unlike some existing magazines, it will not be biased, particularly the OFC, by always having young, good looking bands on display, occasionally despite the quality of their music. My OFC's will display bands with the best music, or the best story from that wekk etc, rather than the typical choices usually made to entice consumers. I suppose this is quite unconventional too, and may make me sound like a self-richeous, martyr-type person(which I'm not!) but I do honestly believe that a lot of readers like the more sophisticated style, for example "Q" readers. I have tried to combine a young style with a sophisticated edge, which I hope will eencourage posisitve thoughts towards younger music lovers (especially those with band apparell and tattoos etc).
My media product represents the social group of rock music lovers. Within that group are many sub-groups that may not be instantly associated with each other, but they all share the same passion for rock/indie/metal/punk music etc.
The main social group within this category is most likely to be teenagers and young adults. The colour palette I chose is bold and bright, which portrays the vivacity and soul of this group. I feel my magazine will represent younger buyers in a more positive and smart light, because unlike some existing magazines, it will not be biased, particularly the OFC, by always having young, good looking bands on display, occasionally despite the quality of their music. My OFC's will display bands with the best music, or the best story from that wekk etc, rather than the typical choices usually made to entice consumers. I suppose this is quite unconventional too, and may make me sound like a self-richeous, martyr-type person(which I'm not!) but I do honestly believe that a lot of readers like the more sophisticated style, for example "Q" readers. I have tried to combine a young style with a sophisticated edge, which I hope will eencourage posisitve thoughts towards younger music lovers (especially those with band apparell and tattoos etc).
Evaluation Pt 1: Conventions
In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
Overall, my regular edition of RockNote uses several recognised conventions, however it also subverts conventions in areas; which makes it look realistic (I hope!), yet different from the current rock magazine market. It is not totally different, so it is clear which type of magazine it is (music) and which genre within it (rock) from a glance at the OFC. This is down to certain conventions I have used:
I have kept to a palette of 3 main colours, RED, BLACK and YELLOW. This palette of few colours is like uniform to rock magazines, and nearly always includes black and red - ""Q", "NME" etc.
My poster collage on the OFC is typical of existing magazines, especially "Kerrang!", as is the mid-shot I've used. Most magazines use a mid-shot or a long shot to show the model's outfit etc. Similarly I have kept included the bar along the bottom with the cover lines, as is included in many magazines. "Plus" is quite often the word generally used, rather than "also included" etc, so I used it for mine.
Contents Conventions:
I used a "Kerrang!" contents page for my style model. I took the main features and included them in my contents (see my Evaluation Overview), for example the editors note, the byline, columns, split page and subscription box.
I have tried to utilize the space to put as much information as actual magazines have. I used the same methods as "Kerrang!" excepting for changing certain parts to suit my house style, especially the page markers, where I neglected the triangular pointer in favour of my record-type symbol for consistency.
The MCR OFC in the bottom right hand corner (part of the subscription box) differs from usual conventions as it has an alternative layout (see MCR Special Evaluation). I decided to incorporate my MCR Special into the regular edition so I could show all of my work in one place. If I were really to produce a professional copy, I would keep them seperate, and add interviews etc with the band rather than the less conventional way of just live reviews, using my main influences: "Kerrang!", "NME" and "Q".
Despite some of the subversion of conventions, I wasn't particularly influenced by anything specifically, I just designed it how I thought would look good and appeal to my audience. However, realising how much it differed from the usual conventions we studied David Carson, and his magazine "Ray Gun" I was intruiged by his ability to completely change his style each issue, so it always looked odd, but interestingly so; and unknown to be the same brand each issue. Personally, I wouldn't like to deliberately create obscure layouts and designs as I would still prefer a house style to be evident, so my consumers know instantly they are buying my branded magazine. I want to keep the sense of familiarity within my brand.
Overall, my regular edition of RockNote uses several recognised conventions, however it also subverts conventions in areas; which makes it look realistic (I hope!), yet different from the current rock magazine market. It is not totally different, so it is clear which type of magazine it is (music) and which genre within it (rock) from a glance at the OFC. This is down to certain conventions I have used:
I have kept to a palette of 3 main colours, RED, BLACK and YELLOW. This palette of few colours is like uniform to rock magazines, and nearly always includes black and red - ""Q", "NME" etc.
My poster collage on the OFC is typical of existing magazines, especially "Kerrang!", as is the mid-shot I've used. Most magazines use a mid-shot or a long shot to show the model's outfit etc. Similarly I have kept included the bar along the bottom with the cover lines, as is included in many magazines. "Plus" is quite often the word generally used, rather than "also included" etc, so I used it for mine.
Contents Conventions:
I used a "Kerrang!" contents page for my style model. I took the main features and included them in my contents (see my Evaluation Overview), for example the editors note, the byline, columns, split page and subscription box.
I have tried to utilize the space to put as much information as actual magazines have. I used the same methods as "Kerrang!" excepting for changing certain parts to suit my house style, especially the page markers, where I neglected the triangular pointer in favour of my record-type symbol for consistency.
The MCR OFC in the bottom right hand corner (part of the subscription box) differs from usual conventions as it has an alternative layout (see MCR Special Evaluation). I decided to incorporate my MCR Special into the regular edition so I could show all of my work in one place. If I were really to produce a professional copy, I would keep them seperate, and add interviews etc with the band rather than the less conventional way of just live reviews, using my main influences: "Kerrang!", "NME" and "Q".
Despite some of the subversion of conventions, I wasn't particularly influenced by anything specifically, I just designed it how I thought would look good and appeal to my audience. However, realising how much it differed from the usual conventions we studied David Carson, and his magazine "Ray Gun" I was intruiged by his ability to completely change his style each issue, so it always looked odd, but interestingly so; and unknown to be the same brand each issue. Personally, I wouldn't like to deliberately create obscure layouts and designs as I would still prefer a house style to be evident, so my consumers know instantly they are buying my branded magazine. I want to keep the sense of familiarity within my brand.
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