Target for friday 10th February

For friday I will need to complete the drafts for my cover page, contents page and double age spread. After I have done this I will need to print the pages out, sign them and hand them in to the english office to have them marked.

I will also have to make sure that everything else is finished for my magazine include photos, the article, design ideas and annotation.

Article for magazine

The article for my magazine will include the topics of:

• The origin of Blink 180
• The best and worst moments for Blink 180
• The release of their first album
• Touring across the country
• Future plans

When I have completed the article I will post it on here.

Magazine double page spread example - NME

This is a double page spread from NME magazine. When I first look at it, I think it looks a bit dull with the colours but it may be these colours because it matches the style of the band. The text for this double page spread is on the right page instead of the left page. The name of the band is clearly visible on the double page spread since it is large, bold and black on a white background.

There are two letters at the start of paragraphs that have been increased in size and are in blue. There are is also a few lines of text that have been written in blue which may make the text stand out. I have also noticed there are a few small blue lines on the double page spread. This may be the style of the magazine or could be associated with the band.

The colours that are used for this magazine do look a bit boring in my eyes but that is just my opinion. The colours may have been used to show a western theme to the picture. It could also be used to match the clothing worn by the band.

I think that I could use the layout of this double page spread for my magazine. However I think it will be better if I have the text on the left page and the image on the right page.

Magazine double page spread example - Q

This is a double page spread from Q magazine. What I like about this double page spread is the layout for the text. I also like the idea of having a section of the double page spread for the image instead of having pictures in the middle of the text. The layout is nice and tidy so it will be easier for the reader to navigate around it.

The colours used match the main colours of the magazine which are white, black and red. The background is white with a mix of red and black text. I like the way the colours have been used for the article. I can have one colour for my questions and another colour for the rest of the text.

I think I could use this example to decide how my text will be placed on my double page spread. I will need to make sure that my picture does not overlap the text and also my picture is clearly visible and not covered by text.

Magazine double page spread example - Kerrang

This is an example of a double page spread for the Kerrang magazine. There is a mix of colours used which match the colours worn by the people visible on the pages. There are multiple images on the double page spread with the biggest being in the middle of the pages.

The background for most of the double page spread is black which makes it easier to see the red and white text. The main heading for the page is bigger than any of the other text so it is more visible and stands out. It also has its own font style compared to the rest of the text. This is so it interests the reader and does not make the text look plain.

The pictures used are mainly on the right side of the double page spread because the left side is filled with most of the text on the page. The colours used in the pictures match the colours used for the rest of the magazine. The clothing for the man in front of the other three men is the only clothing that is easily visible to the reader. This may be because he is the most popular member of the band. His clothing also looks different to what the other members are wearing which may be usual for him.

I think that this magazine could be very helpful when it comes to making my magazine. Since my magazine is going to be of the rock genre and this is from a rock magazine, it would give me a possibility for my double page spread. I can use this to draw my design ideas for the double page spread and I can also use Adobe Photoshop elements to create the double page and test it to see if it will look good for my magazine.

Magazine contents page design example - Kingsize

This is a contents page for the magazine Kingsize. Just like the other two magazines this one also uses red and black text. What I have noticed about this contents page is the pictures go around the text. All the text is still on the left like the Q magazine but it is all squashed into one area of the magazine. This maybe so there can be multiple images for the contents page which will interest the reader when they see it.

What I like about this magazine is the use of more than one image on the page. I think that it makes it more interesting to the reader and it also shows that the issue is not based on just one music artist. I also like the idea of having the text in one area rather than spreading accross the page.

What I do not like about this contents page is the way the pictures have been placed. I would prefer it if the picture had all be place on the right side of the page so the text is not cramped. This conents page could be useful for my magazine because it looks like it is also a rock style magazine so I could use this example to create my own design for a contents page.

Magazine contents page design example - Mix

This is the contents page for Mix magazine. I have chose this contents page because it looks familiar to the Q magazine contents page but the image and text have been switched over. I can use this contents page and the Q contents page and compare them to see which one I prefer.

I have noticed that this magazine uses roughly the same colours as Q magazine. All of the text is written in bold with the letters written in black and the numbers have been written in red. I think the white background for this magazine is a good idea because it lets the bold text stand out. It also allows the image to be seen more clearly because readers will be more interested in the image than the background of the magazine.

I do not like the idea of having the picture on the left side of the page because it is not something you see very often on the contents page of a magazine. From looking at this I have decided that I am going to keep my text and the left side of the page and my images on the right side of the page.

Magazine contents page design example - Q

This is an example of a contents page from Q magazine. There is a header with the name of the magazine, the issue number and the name of the page. It also has the month and year on the top of it. All the text for the contents page has been alligned to the left. There is an image covering the right side of the page. The image is of the singer James Blunt which shows that this magazine is a music magazine.

What I like about this magazine is how neat and tidy it looks. I also like the idea of having all the text on one side and an image or two of my artist on the other side. I also like having the header on the contents page to separate the name from all the other text. What I do not like about this contents page is the size of the image. I feel that it is to big for the contents page. It will look better on the cover page but it would be better to have more images on the contents page.

I think that for my magazine, this contents page has given me a good starting point when it comes to the design of my contents page. Since my magazine is going to be focussed on the rock genre, I am not sure that having the text alligned to one side will make it that appealing for a rock magazine though.

Magazine title design 2

Magazine title design 1

Rock magazine examples

These are some examples of magazine covers of the rock genre. The magazines are Kerrang, Rolling Stone and AP (Alternative Press). From this I can tell that my cover will have lots of text and colours on it.

Magazine name

The magazine name World of Rock is available therefore I will be using it for my magazine. What i will need to do next is choose the style and size of my magazine name.

Naming the magazine

I will have to give my magazine a name that has not been used for an existing magazine. This means I will need to research magazine names and see which names will be available.

I am going to name my magazine World Of Rock (W.O.R) if it is available.

Information on the band

When it comes to writing stories about the band for my magazine, I will need to create some stories of my own and do some research in my own time. It would be best to research first so I will know what to do when creating my own articles for them.

For the cover, I will make sure that there are headlines for the main articles so it will interest the reader. I could also write headlines for minor articles or stories on the cover but in a place that does not cover my image up. I can also put a unique font style for my text so it will interest the reader.

The topics for my articles will all be different and will have to relate to the band. Some examples that I can write about for the band are:

• The history of Blink 180
• The ups and downs
• Life changing moments
• The fans
• Best and worst moments
• Favourite songs
• Inspirations

All I will need to do afterwards is write the articles so there is something to read in the magazine.

Why I have chosen the rock genre

I have chosen the rock genre because it is a popular area of music for teenagers who are my target audience. It is also because most of my favourite songs are of the rock genre so I will have a better understanding of what to do for a magazine. I have also watched music videos for songs in the rock genre so I know how rock bands act and the style of clothing rock bands wear.

How I am going to create the band

If I am going to create the band for my magazine, I willl firstly need to make sure I know which band I am going to do. I will also need to make sure I have the correct amount of people for my band. I have chosen to write my magazine on a band called Blink 180.
Therefore I will need to have three people dressed in their clothing. I also need to find the clothing that the band wears. I will have to make sure that I have the right equipment for when I have the band together such as a camera (obviously) and a stand to put the camera on if I plan to have an image from a certain distance.

I will need to ask certain people if they want to be a member of the band for my magazine. Once I have enough people for the band, I will need to make sure that I have a date and time for them to be ready for the photo. I will also make sure I keep informing them of recent activity within the project so they will know if any changes have been made. It would also be useful to find an area where the photo can be taken and will make it easier for me when I put the pieces of the magazine together.

This will be an example of a shirt worn by my band. I will need to make sure that I can get access to shirts like these. I can ask the members of my band if they have shirts that are similar to this. I do own shirts like these at home so if my band members wear the same size shirts as I do, then they could borrow the shirt for the photo. It would not matter what their lower clothing is like because I will be taking a mid-shot of the band. Therefore the only thing visible in the photo would be the head and most of their upper body. Every band member will be wearing a shirt that is similar to this.

One of the members will be wearing a hat and sunglasses like these. This is so the reader will be able to recognize the band member when they see them in different images. It could also be helpful for readers to identify the band. It will not be difficult to get access to this type of clothing because they can be found in different stores and are not expensive to buy. If I am lucky enough, a member of my band may already own clothing like this.

One of the other band members will be wearing a leather jacket like this one. I own a black jacket like this so I can lend it to one of the band members. The jacket will be open so the reader will also be able to see the shirt they are wearing. It could be useful to bring more than one jacket to test which one will look better for the photo.







I will need to test the clothing on all the band members before the day the photo will be taken so everything will be set up for the photo. It would not help if they were tested on the day and some of the clothes do not fit.

Getting the correct clothing

If I want to get the correct clothing for my artist when I take the photos I will need to research more about the artist. I can look at other magazines they have appeared in. I could also watch some of their vides to see how they dress in them. This will be very useful because it will give me a clearer idea of what they wear. It may not be helpful when it comes to watching the video because they may just wear the attire for the video only.

Mark scheme and self planning

Research & Planning mark scheme

Music magazine

3 front covers
3 contents pages
3 double page spreads
These will need detailed analysis

If I want to achieve a level 4 grade I must use my own time to analyse other magazines matching the genre of my magazine. I will also need to provide evidence of my research and how it has helped me with my magazine idea. I will also need to have an absolute decision on who my artist will be and the genre of my magazine. Once I do that, I can then set the target audience for the magazine.

Magazine cover - Fall Out Boy

This is the band Fall Out Boy. This is another choice for my magazine cover. This one however may be more difficult than the Blink 182 idea. The reasons why it will be more difficult is because I will need to find four people instead of three and I will need access to different props. Their clothing is also alot different to Blink 182 and I will need to take a long shot to get all of the members onto the front of the magazine.

The reason I chose this image was because I liked the idea of having the image of the band on the cover and then placing the text around the picture. I do think that it would not be helpful to have this image if I was going to have the band name written in big bold text. It will not be hard for finding the clothing and matching the pose of the band but it would be difficult getting access to certain props e.g. the guitars.

Magazine cover - Blink 182

This is the band Blink 182. If I want to have a cover like this for my magazine, I will need to make sure I can find three people that will be able to have the pose, attitude and look that they have. Therefore I would need to find clothing that matches their style. I will also need to find people with a similar look and will also need the right props to go with the picture e.g. the cap and sunglasses.

The reason I chose this picture is because it looks like something I will be able to recreate and will not be difficult to get the clothing and props for it. I also like the idea of the various colours that are visible on the shirt which will make the image stand out on the cover. If I am going to base my magazine on this band, I will need to find out more about Blink 182 and brainstorm ideas for what my magazine could be about that will ink Blink 182 to it.

Magazine cover (Kerrang! - Fall Out Boy)

This is another cover for the Kerrang! magazine. This one has a member of the band Fall Out Boy on the front. I decided to look at this one because I like the band Fall Out Boy and I am thinking of using their style of clothing for the people that will be on my cover page. The layout for this magazine is different to the other Kerrang! magazine. I personally prefer this cover layout because it shows a list of band names all alligned to the far right of the cover. I do think that it does a little too much text on the cover for my liking. The amount of colours used is limited also which I prefer. The header at the top of the page tells the reader bands they can find information or articles about and also mentions a free CD that may interest the reader.

The masthead is partially covered by the image of the member of Fall Out Boy because people already know the name of the magazine. They will also recognize the font style and design of the masthead text. The text 'FALL OUT BOY' has a large size to it. This is so people can see what the main article in the magazine is about. The text has a black border so it can still be seen on the parts of the text where it goes on a white background. All of the text that on the covre is white and is clearly visible on the background it has been put on. The text is written on the image of the member of Fall Out Boy.

This magazine has gave me an idea of the clothing and attitude the people I have on my cover will be like. The clothing used will be plain shirts or unique shirts. I will take a mid-shot of the people that will be on my cover so they can all be seen on the cover. I will have the name of the band written across the centre of the cover and will make sure it does not cover too much of the image I will place on the cover.

Magazine cover (Kerrang! Magazine - My Chemical Romance)

This is an issue of Kerrang! with a member of the band My Chemical Romance. One thing that is easy to notice about the style of Kerrang! magazines is the text written all over the cover. The name of the magazine is written at the top of the magazine and tends to have the middle of the name covered by the image of the person used. Since this is a magazine for rock music, the font style of the title has lines through it which makes it look like it is cracked. This will make it easier to identify the magazine. The title is also written in big bold white text on a black background.

The text for the magazine can be seen every corner, the centre and at the top and bottom of the cover. The centre text is the easiest to spot because it is written in the biggest size. The text lets the reader know who the person is or which band they are in. The text in the centre around the name of who the magazine is focussed on is about the main article in the magazine. In the bottom right corner of the cover, their are smaller images of people which tends to show what the reader can find inside the magazine. These smaller images tend to show the posters that can be found in the magazine. This may interest the reader if the posters are of a band they like. The top right corner of the cover has text on other bands with different articles or stories on them. This is so the reader will be able to know more about what they could find in the magazine.

I think that the colours that are used do make the magazine style different to other magazines. The colours have also been used smartly rather than just randomly put together. We are able to see that white text is used on a black and red background. We can also see that black text is written on a yellow background and yellow text is written on a black background. The background colour of the magazine is white which is helpful when it comes to the colours used for the text. However, I do think that too many colours are used for the cover of the magazine because it may take certain readers attention towards the colours of the text rather than the image in the centre of the cover.

I think that for my magazine, I will have a white background so it will make the colour of the image stand out. From this magazine, I will not be using the style they have used when it comes to writing the text on the cover because I think there is too much on the cover. I am going to make sure that my magazine name is clear to see and stands out.

Magazine cover (M magazine - Clint Eastwood)

This is a cover for M magazine. This issue is focussed on the actor Clint Eastwood. This is shown to the reader by a picture of Clint Eastwood in the centre of the cover and his name written on the cover. The font style for the letter M represents how people can identify their magazine. I like the idea of having the name of the magazine in the top left corner of the cover because it will be one of the first things readers see when they see it behind rows of other magazines. The text is the bottom right corner does not stand out as much as the magazine name. I think that the font style for the text 'Clint Eastwood' does could be bolder or thicker because it is hardly visible compared to the other text.

For the colours used on the magazine, the background colour is a greyish blue. The colour of the shirt we can see is a darker blue which stands out from the colour of the background. This is so the reader focusses on the picture rather than the background. The colour of the text is mainly white. This is because white is clearly visible on darker colours. The text under the M is half white and half black. I think that it is not a good idea to mix the colours of a single piece of text but instead have different colours for different text.

The ideas I can use for my magazine that I have gathered from this magazine is having the name of my magazine being written in the top left of the cover. I would also make my logo font style unique so it will interest the reader. I would also have an image of the person or people I am going to use for this magazine in the centre of the magazine.