QUESTION 1: FORMS AND CONVENTIONS

In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge

forms and conventions of real media products?

MastheadMy masthead was derived from a unique design, which I believed would reflect the word ‘reverb’ itself; the shadow to represent the ‘echo’ associated with reverb from a guitar amp. It is located in the primary optical area and is therefore the first thing that the reader encounters. This emphasises the importance of the title in comparison to the other text. It also reinforces the general use of the primary optical area for the masthead, such as NME.

Main ImageThe main image features the character gesturing towards the headline/anchorage text, which allows the reader’s eye to drift toward the anchorage and headline. The undeterred, but slightly intrigued expression on the character’s face infers and aura of interest and so the reader is pulled in. The image itself is a medium shot, involving more than just the head and shoulders and this gives the reader a further insight into the story in which the image represents, sitting in the centre of the page with and imposing nature over the kickers/cover lines. This follows the general trend in music magazine, with an exception to direct address which isn’t used.

Headline + AnchorageThe headline, is underneath the anchorage, which is unusual, but as I was imitating some parts of the NME issue above, it is clear that the same structure applies. The white contrasting with the black, mirrors the clothing worn by the character in the main image. The opacity translucence in the box behind the anchorage/headline adds some emphasis to the black and white. The anchorage being above the headline works due to the leading text ‘learn to understand’ and how this is less significant in size to the headline ‘The Keystones’.

Selling Line/SkylineIn this instance, my skyline mimics the

above example for style, and advertises an ‘extra’ to feel the privilege the reader, for mine the ‘free earphones’. As well as this, it introduces things which may appear in the magazine, such as ‘The Killers’ in an interesting font and ‘New bands emerging this year’. This gives the reader an extra insight into the content of the magazine without revealing too much to jeopardise reading enjoyment and this is fairly common in any type of music magazine, mainly pop.

Kickers/Cover Linesx

The kickers and cover lines are located in the left top and middle thirds. The white and dark blue colour scheme is derived to stand out against the blue background. The overall colour scheme is used in order to appeal to both sexes, despite the stereotypical association of blue with masculinity. Blue also connotes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence; these qualities may appeal to the reader. Using colour connotations helps the reader associate with the audience and NME tends to follow this trend, as in the above magazine, the colour relates to the main image.

Title of ContentsInstead of using the general ‘Contents’ title, I have taken a more direct statement which addresses the reader straight away. ‘Find out this week’ causes the reader to feel intrigued by the content listed. This challenges rival magazines because it is a unique factor. It’s bold appearance reflects its significance and it appears at the top centrally. The font is maintained throughout the page in the leading text ‘and..’ and ‘news’.

Section HeadersI have included three section headers which are titled ‘News’ and ‘Reviews’ and ‘And’. These headers are a navigational aspect for the reader to be able to categorise the content of the magazine and pick out certain pieces of information. It fits the house style of NME in respect to the boxed columns, which suggests organisation.

Main FeatureThe main feature appears in the centre of the page in a larger box, and featuring a larger inset image to reinforce its importance. The central position makes the reader feel as though the other stories revolve around it, and it is the most exciting. The direct address of the characters also helps to add to the effect of emphasis. Most magazines use this effect to create significance in a prominent part of the contents

Inset Images

Editorial

I have used inset images around the stories on my contents page to give character to the stories and help signify their meaning. They give an overall view into what the issue holds which will determine its potential interest for the reader. These are very common and are almost always used.

My editorial includes a medium shot of the ‘editor’ with a quote and signature. The addressing nature of the editorial shows the editor looking at the camera, and mainly, the audience; to make the reader feel important. The editorial is used to capture a sense of involvement so they are common, and I have developed it to a unique way which complements the magazine.

Pull QuotesI have used a number of pull quotes to carry the reader further into the story and help them understand the story better when they read it. By putting these in italics, they are intriguing and display a subtle significance in a sophisticated manor. Whilst mirroring NME, these catch attention efficiently.Categorisation of areasBy categorising each part of my contents page the reader can differentiate between the stories and feel a sense of organisation whilst reading. Each picture is made the clear centre of attention within each box, followed by leading text. Again, magazines like Q and NME may use this design for the same reason and I have made a link between genres here.Page Numbers

Each inset image has a page number, which is bold and imposing. They are significant to accompany the importance of the story, so, if he reader is interested in the story, they navigate easily to the page. Such as many rival magazines do with this technique, I have used bold black type to identify between the inset images and where to find where they are relevant in the magazine

Feature Article Photo

The feature article photo features three models overlooking a picturesque scene with connotations of nature and purity. The idea of the models facing the same way as the camera gives an aura of involvement to the reader, whilst also distancing them by not directly addressing them – creating a sense of mystery. The use of thirds demonstrates the importance of the sun in comparison to the characters in the image. This hierarchy gives the characters modesty. Section HeaderThe section header reminds the reader (in the primary optical area) of the magazine masthead whilst also demonstrating its significance as it is the first thing the reader sees. In magazines, it’s a way of asserting authority.HeadlineThe headline is made bold and important by the underlying appearance of the sun emerging from behind it. It reflects the colours and font used on the contents and so the reader can relate between the story and the magazine identity easily.Article Columns

The article columns are aligned in front of a translucent background to enhance their visibility . This is unique as it is not a common feature in indie magazines. The text inside is pushed away from the revealing sun in the feature article photo to show its emergence.

Page NumberThe page number is essential for navigation and appears at the bottom right hand corner of the screen (tertiary optical area). This allows the reader to identify the page number whilst leaving the page. All music magazine use page numbers in different positions depending on the layout.

Pull QuoteI have used a pull quote which is located above the models in the photo to present their relationship with the text. The quote helps the reader gain a prior insight into the story, and also bonds the reader with the characters included in the story, like most magazines (such as MOJO and their renowned use of direct address) try to achieve. This connection creates fan-bases and interest.

Bottom bar (alternative side bar)I have used a bar to separate the page number from the rest of the text/content in order to help the reader differentiate between the information on the story and the navigational aspects. It also helps give the page an organised look and (as most magazines use a sidebar) gives it a unique look.