Audience Research 2

What I Found Out

I went into the local area on a busy Saturday and into an area slightly further one Wednesday during the Christmas period. I had my surveys to hand and I asked people to fill them out, some people were reluctant to give their time but others were more than happy to help. Whilst being among the local demographic you can see which institutions most spend their time investing in. Its usually the larger named brand stores whom retail nationally. This could be useful when deciding who to consider as "investors" into the magazine. 

From just watching you can see the demographic will almost be reassured by a big name institution/brand. This can provide powerful propaganda to help my magazine reach its audience. Whilst out it is evident that the main demographic is E, D and C2. 

The Survey

I gave out a total of 17 surveys which were returned on the two days in the two area's. The answers as stated follow a very close pattern on some aspects. However they were also very different on others. This could be down to the dominant population of people classed as E on the social grading scale. On the Isle Of Wight, we have a large population of elderly and young dependants. This means you have two large groups with contrasting opinions.

On the survey the genre Pop was rated top on 6/13 of the surveys. Then Classical came close with 4 and Indie was rated top on the remaining 3. So the Local demand seems to be for Pop music but is this down to the large population of young dependants classed as E? As a business move it would be considered that pester power(The act of the young constantly bringing something up to their parents) would have to be present to turn a profit if I selected this genre of music... Whereas the other part of the E demographic is the pensioners whom like Classical and actually have capital to spend at their own choice. So whom would you rather appeal to.

The rest of the answers on the magazine came back as you'd expect. Stating that an affordable price is necessary and that a front cover that looks appealing will attract a reader in more. The most indifferent answer received was down to the genre and what can be assumed to be the generation gap between the two dominant groups in our demography. The people I asked also like too see vouchers as opposed to anything else in a magazine. My focus group also prefer to subscribe to a magazine rather than buy individual issues as it gives them reassurance, however they'd ask that the magazine is released every fortnight. And as for the content it needs to be interesting and a lot of the surveys returned the verdict of they wanted recaps of the years music, as well as budding local artists and comparisons of today's music and that of the past. 

Audience Research

The Survey.

To better suit my audience, I created a survey so that I could tailor my magazine too the needs and preferences of the masses. By doing this I'm able to appeal more to people and therefore extend my reach and gather a larger audience. This enables me as an institution to benefit as I now have a better understanding of what people want.

By using a mix of questions that require both quantitative and qualitative answers. I'm able to get answers on the main topic whilst getting a more personal opinion at the same time. The answers to the questionnaire followed a particular pattern and are rather similar on some questions but then very broad on others. 

Billboard Double Page Spread Deconstruction

Double Page Deconstruction

                                
The camera is facing the model from a distance and slightly above her, to get her full body in the image. She is laid looking down as if the camera wasnt there and her photo takes up one whole side of the double spread. The image sexualise's her. The photo is also in gteyscale/black and white, This image effect combined with her position, looking down it gives the reader a feeling that she isn't happy, This puts her into a negative light. Above the writing it says "Amy's Ink House" which gives the reader a breif insight about what the articles about. The model is also in the pop genre, so from this. This double page represents the promoting of the model, and her album which was coming out at the time that this magazine was published,

 The style is unique and it also represents a pop genre, which Amy is. The typical audience for this double page spread would be the target audience for the main magazine however the insight on this specific may bring in another type of audience. She is dressed in just a bra and lounge shorts, with her hand tucked into her shorts, with one leg up which shows her posture is that of someone who doesn't care and once again acting as if the camera isn't there and she doesn't really care but more importantly sexualising her as sex sells. There is also minimal text so the main focus is aimed on the model herself rather than the information.

The camera is looking down on her, which shows that because of the way she is dressed and the way she is laid, she is quite laid back. possibly giving off a negative attitude towards her without intending too? It makes the reader look as if they're looking down on her for perhaps her attitude and the ay she dresses. The camera shot is a full body shot. As stated the page is in greyscale/black and white. this means its designed in a way so that she can't show lots of emotion, This is as it would conflict with the 'laid back' appearance. I have seen the continuity through-out the magazine, to up keep the genre of the magazine, 

Kerrang Double Page Deconstruction

Double Page Deconstruction 1

The camera is facing the model from a  short distance and is probably level with the bottom portion of their chin, This allows us to get a mid shot of the model and means we can see the props/objects in his hands clearly. He is stood facing the camera giving us full attention as the article is based around him. This is evident as the image takes up one whole side of the double spread. The image is deigned and planned to make you feel as if the model is happy, This puts him into a positive perspective.  Above the writing it says "I wanted to be a history teacher" in full block capitals. This gives the reader a brief insight about what the articles about. The model is also in the pop/rock genre, This double page represents the promoting of the model, and his life story/ ambitions which were obviously a big thing at the time that this magazine was published,

 The style is unique and it also represents a rock genre, which Corey is. The typical audience for this double page spread would be the target audience for the main magazine however the insight on this specific article may bring in another type of audience. He is dressed in dark colours which contrast with the bright red and the white background, This creates a binary opposition, With his hand clutching letters he appears to be in a dominant position and shows that he is the main feature. He is stood with good posture and is looking directly at the camera as opposed to away from it. There is also minimal text surrounding him so the main focus is aimed on the model himself and then the separate  information.

The camera is directly level as stated making it seem as if you're engaged in conversation with the model. This also makes the article seem less formal? It makes the reader look as if they're his equal and this creates a sense of inclusion within the institution.  As stated the page has contrasting colours causing binary opposition. This means its designed in a way so that text somewhat detracts your attention from that of the model, This is as it would conflict with the dark grungy rock appearance given off by the rest of the magazine.

Kerrang Contents Page Deconstruction

Contents Deconstruction 1

This contents page for kerrang is divided into two. There is the main image depicted in the top proportion of the page and then the more detailed explanation with comments of the articles as well as their respective page numbers.

The main image for this page is rather unusually placed. I've already spoken about the norms/the codes and conventions of magazines. This image is placed in a whole half of a page, normally this image would be centered in the middle. There are also other images within this image,this is a risky move as usually you wouldn't want to detract your audiences eyes from the main images by subjecting them to other smaller images. As stated this is rather risky in terms of what the institution have done. This main image is of a guitarist and is rather interesting as its an action shot taken from a concert rather than a pre-prepared image that's been staged.  The image has predominantly darker colours, there are the highlights of red that add the brightness and life to the image. This however can stop the risk of the audience's eyes being detracted from the main image.

The masthead is positioned in the top left in its own little black box. The font used is the generic title font used on the masthead of the Kerrang magazine. In a smaller font written beneath is the information that is also located on the front about the date and issue of the magazine. Its effective but pretty small considering that its a masthead. however this is proof that a masthead doesn't have to be huge to work well on a page.

If we now pay attention to the text and necessary information in the lower proportion of the page. This is rather interesting. There are images collated with the text. The titles for each part depicted uses the same Kerrang font as most of their titles, just like the on the cover. The text is key information too the contents of the magazine. The text is in a smaller font so once again you take notice of the pictures around it. this is appealing to look at and attracts readers into the magazine. Each small paragraph details a certain part of the magazine and explains what will be inside. The white background and the black text creates binary opposition once again and works well.

Overall the layout is really quite pleasant on the eyes and is functional yet stylish. This works well with the impression/vibe that the magazine gives off too its readers. The layout is slightly more complex and this could push readers away due to the fact it isn't simple and in your face. However i feel that it works and is very effective in keeping my interest and attention.

Research On Billboard

Billboard

Billboard is another music magazine, however Billboard is an american music magazine. The company has changed management since it was originally started. It has also in the recent years had a revamp in the effort that the magazine's logo/masthead has been updated. The Wikipedia article for Billboard reads "Billboard (stylized as billboard) is an American music magazine, originally head quartered in New York City and now owned by Prometheus Global Media. It was first published on November 1, 1894. It is distinguished as being among the oldest trade magazines in the world. The magazine originally focused on bill posting and outdoor amusements before specializing in the music industry in the 1950s."

• Billboard costs around £6.90 per issue(based on basis that you purchase through WHSmith with no additional extra's)
• They offer various subscription packages including Digital, Print and All Access
• Digital includes daily newsletters, news updates and the iPad version of the magazine
• Print includes the iPad edition and also a print copy
• All Access includes all of the above as well as access to the Billboard Archives

Back issues of the magazines are also available for purchase making it easier not to miss an issue. This again allows Billboard to reach its audience even if they don't manage too initially. They also endorse the Billboard Touring Conference and Awards, which is an annual meeting sponsored by Billboard magazine. This honours the top international live entertainment industry artists and professionals. 

Research On Kerrang

Kerrang.

As I've already stated, Kerrang is a large institution that produces a high grossing music magazine. The magazine is rather successfully and has a certain "hype" about it. The intro of the Kerrang Wikipedia page reads "Kerrang! is a UK-based magazine devoted to rock music, currently published by Hamburg based Bauer Media Group. It was first published on 6 June 1981 as a one-off supplement in the Sounds newspaper. Named after the onomatopoeic word that derives from the sound made when playing a power chord on a distorted electric guitar, Kerrang! was initially devoted to the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and the rise of hard rock acts.In the early 2000s it became the best-selling British music newspaper. " So brief history aside we must consider how the magazine actually sells.

• The magazine currently sells for £2.20 in the UK. 
• They offer various forms of subscription, this covers print copies as well as digital copies that can be viewed on phones and tablets.
• They also offer subscriptions to the magazine. £17 for 3 months, £33 for 6 months and then £67 for a year.

Kerrang also has various other ways besides its magazine to reach its audience. for example they have Kerrang Radio, Kerrang TV and Kerrang Tour. Three more ways in which the institution has expanded and two of which have been able to use media in an effort move away from print but still reach its audience. Kerrang TV is run by EMAP a British media company, The company was once a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index but is now owned by Apax and Guardian Media Group. EMAP is part of  Top Right Group.

Billboard Deconstruction

Deconstruction 2

This magazine has a very dominant main image. The subject is facing the camera as if he was looking directly at you. The colour scheme also seems rather unusual. The contrast between the warm purple and red highlight of the subjects with the white and pink text works well as the text begins to stick out significantly. This allows our attention to be drawn to it. The The purple and red create the sense that the subject is at a concert or live show and is under these conditions..  This warm purple combined with the other colours on the cover, red, pink and white, create a warm and passionate effect and put emphasis on the mood that the cover is trying to convey. The colours used as highlights and form text are all basic however they create a sense of creativity in the darkness that is present. Just like in Kerrang there is binary opposition. The bright white wording and masthead contrasts with the warm purple on the page.

The cover uses only one font. However it is very bold and clear, it's easy to read and easily identifiable. This could be a clever denotation, the magazine is called Billboard. The text and masthead are both very bold and clear as well as straight ot the point much like a billboard. At first it doesn’t really look like a magazine cover, it comes across as more of a poster or flyer. It doesn’t follow many of the conventions that are the norm for music magazines. However “Ed Sheeran” has be placed and designed in such a way that it is the first thing the reader sees. This helps a reader click and realise that despite the lack of normal conventions on behalf of the institution this is still a music magazine. The pieces of text around the page are significantly smaller than usual and are all away from the main image. This is probably to prevent it from subtracting effect from the main image.

The image itself has mood lighting placed upon it rather than the normal well lit photo’s we have on magazine. The subject is a close up and allows us to see a lot of the detail present on the cover. We’re able to see the deep blue in his eyes and the subtle stubble present on his face. The subject almost pops out from the cover with the contrast between the background and the foreground. Thus far the detail is proving the image is of high quality and that it has been planned well. We’re able to see that the lighting has created red highlights on the border of his head and in various other places around his head adding again the warming effect.

By having a large main image the institution are broadening their audience as they have the subject bold and present on the cover meaning he is easily identifiable and therefore more appealing. A rolling term with magazines is to have a single subject rather than a group. You will often have just one subject rather than a group. Even for bands, an institution will create variants with each member on. This is in an effort to stop the magazine becoming too impersonal. With this magazine especially, they’re able to do this as the subject looks to be staring directly at you on a personal level. The masthead on this cover is to the side and inverted. This could be enforcing the idea that the subject and institution are two separate parties with no devout connection?

In conclusion, this magazine is very appealing for its aesthetics. It has a very well presented main image. This magazine is probably more for collectors or people who favour the subject depicted. Simply for the lack of information on the front. However this is simply my opinion on the layout, in my opinion it has been laid out well but could be considered undercrowded.

Kerrang Deconstruction

Deconstruction 1

The first thing that stands out about this magazine, is the very bold main image. There is a mid shot of man stood screaming and holding a crucifix. The colour scheme also comes across as very powerful. The contrast between the bright red and yellow with the dark and mopey background of black creates a sense of importance and binary opposition. This allows our attention to be drawn to it. The dark black fits with the gothic theme dominant on the page, however the red and yellow text clashes with the norm.  These colours combined with the other colours on the cover, blue and white. add dramatic effect and emphasis on the cover. the colours used as highlights and form text are all primary colours and create a sense of creativity in the darkness that is present. Connoting perhaps that people assume music in this genre has no meaning but upon inspection it does?

This cover uses multiple fonts on it. The font used for the masthead sticks out the most, Its rustic and bold. Its able to catch your eye very easily. However the font and colour used for the caption "BLACK VEIL BRIDES" is also very appealing and does a good job of catching your eye with the subtle editing placed on it. The magazine has been designed so that this is the first thing you see. It's evident by the contrast between the red and yellow. By overlaying these colours one sticks out and is able to grasp peoples view immediately Personally I think that with all the text and captions that the cover is a little bit too overcrowded.

The main image itself generally speaking has very good lighting. Its of high quality and you're able to see al the detail. There are no spots where the subjects skin looks any different, the lighting has been carefully used to give you all the details. This also allows us as the audience a clear view of his tattoo's. Something you wouldn't have if the lighting was poor. This also makes the subject stand out more in the foreground as his light skin stands out on the black background. This makes the subject stand out significantly more, this means its easier for fans of the subject to identify him when looking for a magazine.

This magazine doesn't have the image completely taking up all the space, there is still room for the captions and images scattered around the page. The magazine uses's one single artist as opposed to a group, perhaps the group creates a sense of being to impersonal. This one subject allows the audience to feel more engaged with the magazine. The image also overlaps the masthead, this would insinuate that the subject is therefore more important than the institution. Or perhaps that the institutuinon is so well known that it doesn't need to be fully visible.

Generally the layout of the magazine has been well thought out and is effective. For example all of the key features are presented in a way that makes them appealing and easy to identify. then when you look closer and pay more attention you can see that there are more articles and extra's that aren't evident through the initial glance. So overall the magazine is rather appealing and works very well.

Plan For 9/12/15

Scheme Of Work

Period 1:

• 2 Deconstructions
  I aim to complete two deconstructions of front covers for research into the covers of magazines

Period 2:

• Audience Research
  I want to create a survey as well as investigate the gaps in the market

Period 3:

• 1-2 deconstructions of contents pages
  This is to further my understanding of what a good contents page needs

Introduction To Music Magazines

Music Magazines

Music magazines are a large part of life for some people. They're a staple and people persist on spending their time and money on this hobby/luxury. It is apparent that there is high demand for these products when you look at the audience they have. Kerrang is one of the most famous music magazines to date, and has and estimated audience of  . It also gathers around 60,000 viewers on its website per month! That's around 720,000 a year.

There are many other institutions who offer products to consumers. There are magazines like Vibe and Billboard. These are also similar too Kerrang in that they are both also grossing magazines. However it could be considered that Kerrang has set the bar. As stated music magazine is just one type of magazine. However within this category there are many sub-genres and even some sub-genres within them. We're able to see the broad spectrum of types just through the internet alone.

We are subject to hundreds just by using a search engine. You walk into a shop the likelihood is that in this day and age you'll find a music magazine among the shelves. So overall there are many types and choosing a particular sub-genre within the category could prove difficult.

Music Magazine Timeline

I cant lie.

I cant lie, I have no idea how im going to plan out my time for this set of work. It will probably consist of various late night sessions with no intention other than too finnish the work. Mixed with various day time sessions in a hope to complete the work. 

Eventually the work will be completed and handed in. However as of this moment there is no rush to create an organised timescale for the work, it will get done in my own time. If this fails I'll have to invest in some time management classes.

Flatplan For Contents Page

Contents Flat-Plan.

My contents page, has inspiration from various existing institutions. This has aided me in creating an effective but also stylish deign. Each component has a reason and specific choice behind it.

For example by adding the image I'm able to attract people to this page and then maybe they'll look at what the magazine has too offer and subsequent choose to red my magazine. This creates more "hype" for my magazine.

Each section depicted relates to a certain factor. For example, some people may only want to read the special interviews. By having this on the contents its easily accessible. This will be apparent with most of the contents page.

This allows the ideologies of the institution to be put forward in the way in which that the audience can understand.

Final Magazine

The Final Product

Plenary.

My final piece of work is finished. Its a basic take using conventions from a normal sixth form magazine. The framework is dependant on parts from various other magazines. This has made it easier to create as I've had creative input from previous magazines, as well as constructive criticism from the teacher and fellow pupils.

The magazine uses a house style that uses the school's colours. Blue and grey. These two work well together as they create a good contrast where the blue test stands out on the faded grey background. The background is made from layering various images on top of each other to create the blurred grey finish on top of the original image. This is done through consistent editing on Photoshop. This has created an effective background to my magazine.

The text articles all work in well with my main image. The main image portrays natrrative image is of a pupil in the library reading the "Oxford" university prospectus. He is semi formal in his dress code and is seen to be taking an interest into the prospectus to give us the assumption that he has hopes and desires within education. This connotes that the sixth form is a healthy environment for people whom want to learn and further their career choices/in their chose profession.

The Mise Un Scene as stated is very simple. The lighting was enhanced to help make a better image, this helps is stick out from the background at this point. as stated the text articles around the image that all relate back into the main focus of "universities" this is really pushing the educational aspect of this magazine. In lay mans terms where you have tabloids and broadsheets when it comes to newspapers. This would fall under the category of broadsheet as it is more academical focused.

Overall i believe I've attained a good end result considering how my coursework started off in regards to motivation and effort. The final product should speak for itself and i think that it does. I believe the effort and skill that has gone into this magazine is an accurate representation of me as a student of the media.

My Audience

Niche or Mass

For my magazine I need to consider more closely how I represent the magazine to suit my audience. For example should i go for a niche audience or a mass audience. For example do I maintain the idea of keeping the small audience for example Ryde 6-Form or maybe the Islands 6-Forms in general. However I could go regional and branch out throughout the country. This would allow me to bring somewhere like Portsmouth into the equation. This would allow me to bring interesting surveys and statistics referring to the amount of people aged 16-18 in education based on the fact they're a naval town. This could also include 6-Form centres from the Midlands and possibly the north.

Masthead

Another aspect of gaining audience is my masthead. For my original flat plan I had copied a pre-created masthead. However that concept is somewhat out dated. by creating my own and more appealing masthead I have the chance to draw in more of an audience. I chose the title Sixth Life as it is simple and very self explanatory. My masthead isn't the conventional type, however it works and add's aesthetic pleasure to the magazine. 

Flat Plan *Update 2*

Flat Plan.2

I changed my flat-plan. I decided my old layout wasn't very original.Therefore I updated my style to fit with the house style I use for most of my magazines. This is a conventional and modern style and is rather appealing when completed.

The magazine overall is picto-centeric with various pieces of text around the image. My masthead is challenging the norms in some ways. Mastheads are usually very specific and joined, whereas mine has two separate parts to it.

It also contains the usual conventions of a magazine. With the elaborately large masthead protruding on the page. As well as the issue number and date on the header. and also the bar code. These contribute to making it a real magazine. Another great concept is that there is no Juxtaposition present. All my stories coincide and are relevant.

Selection Of Shots Continued..

Images from the Sixth Form Campus

These images were taken of a pupil in the 6Form block at Ryde, These are more practical and are freeze frames. They're more practical and realistic than the previous images.

 Close Up:

Long Shot:

These shots have more meaning and understanding too them, rather than having pupils sat down at their computers I have an action shot. When considering the mise-en-scene these images have more in the frame. There is the library in frame connoting learning and knowledge.

They convey the narrative of someone's efforts to gain education within the institution.

Flat Plan *Update*

Update- 

Upon reconsilliatoion I've come to realise that my flat plan may not work. I realise thta the shot I intended to use was very basic and was showing the back of someones head. I now realise that I should keep my house style however I should reconsider the colour scheme I drafted aswell as consider changing the image I intended to use. This has brought me new found inspiration for my magazine

Flat Plan

First Draft

I've currently started my flat plan. I took inspiration from a previously published sample. Its very fitting for what I intend to put in it, However it is only a draft and subject to change. This is a very basic design of what i hope to achieve. I've used what I already had in mind from my images I took, and worked around the image with text and other things.

A Selection Of Shots

Image Taking

For this set of coursework, we have to ensure that we use our own original images. This means we have to take various shots in and around school. So start with I took a few images of the Ryde 6-Form As Media class. 

These are only starter shots and more will be added. These will most likely appear as small images on my cover whereas the other images I upload will be used as the prominent feature on my pictocenteric front cover.

A Mid Shot:

A Wide Shot:

A Close Up:

Skills Audit

Introducing Me

My names Kieran and I study AS Media as you may already know. I have many skills to offer when it comes to production in the media. I was able to get an A grade in GCSE Media. I have many talents that can be valuable attributes towards a portfolio.

Skills:

• Photoshop
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Photography
• Descriptive Writing

Weakness':

• Photography
• Keeping Up With Deadlines
• Committing To One Idea
• Working As A Large Group

Magazine Deconstructions

 Magazine Deconstructions

College:

College magazine is an American magazine for college students. The issues contain articles by real students. There are also competitions and questionares. They have a habbit of ranking colleges based on certain things such as "Hottest Boys" or "Hottest Girls". Rather a mysogenistic for of ranking but it works and they have a great number of viewers. They also take advantage of the Emedia platform. This means that they're able to present their product to many people and have expanded from the boundaries print creates.

        Campus:

Im unsure of the direct origin of this magazine. This is as a name used by menay universities in the UK and is very popular. This means many people have created different styles of magazine with different house styles. This leads us to understand that the origin of the magazine is unknown. However the style is very fulfilling. Personally I really like the style and how it is delivered. the colour scheme appeals to me and so does the editing of the image. This is something i will consider when making my flat plan ready for the prequisite task. 

What We Learnt In Class

In the past week, as a class we were tasked to research things about audience to better suit our needs in the media. We learnt about various things by doing stand alone projects as groups of two or three. These allow us to understand the people we're presenting our product too as well as how it can better suit them.

For example one group of the class, did a presentation on the ABC1 demographic. This is the social grading scale that helps the media as well as institutions and day to day businesses. In the scale there are two halves. The bottom half(C2 and below) are considered to be Blue Collar workers. And then above are White Collar workers. These are the big officials and elites meaning they don't do much work and that their white collars don't get dirty.

Its a controversial scale and system. this is as it was made sometime ago when the positions of men ans women were very different. As Well as this we had very different social classes and we lacked a socially mobile workforce. If this system of grading is still in place does that not say something about how society has changed.. We need to consider what this means to an individual rather than the masses.

We also learnt about Maslow and his Hierarchy of needs. This is a scale that classifies people dependant on certain aspects of their life. Its an interesting theory and it proclaims that different things make people different. There is the top level who Maslow would proclaim only 1/100 people achieve in their life. This shows that true happiness is hard to achieve. This would create an aspect of Hedonism.

Then finally my group and I did a presentation on Audience Segmentation. This is a way that the Institutions decide who they manipulate their product too. This means that they use certain factors. Social Status, Income and what they do with the media. These allow these big Institutions to change thier product to suit the needs of certain groups of people.

It was an interesting task, and has made me more aware of what I need to consider when creating and planning for my magazine. This will aid me further when I try for my coursework.

So It Begins

The Start Of The Course

Its been done!! AS Media has started and so has the blog!!! I decided on my design and am almost 100% sure that I'll stick with it. My colour scheme is as follows. White, Black, Purple and Orange. These all compliment each other well and I believe it will be successfull.