Evaluation - Question 3

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

Distributors play a vital role in the manufacturers and users operating smoothly. Their main aims are to further response times, enhance a company’s research and even create value-added packages. The main stages of production for my magazine are: design, distribution, editorial service and digital magazines.

The media institution I have chosen to distribute my music magazine is Times Inc. UK. This is because they are responsible for two of the countries biggest music magazines ‘Uncut’ and ‘NME’. The latter of who was an inspiration for the creative process of my magazine. NME specific in Rock music, which is why I felt Times Inc. UK, were the appropriate and obvious choice. They are regarded as having one of the largest media production companies that the UK have ever seen which would provide my magazine with a good base in terms of security of the magazine.

NME and Uncut’s target audiences are 16-35, which coincides with my primary target audience, which is 16-21. This reassures me that this company will be effective with this age demographic as they would be able to cater to their needs. My music magazine is similar to NME’s but differs in the sense of price range being cheaper which would attract a younger age range. The main features such as reviews, articles, interviews and statistics both are used within NME and my magazine Oblivion. As a mainstream rock magazine, Oblivion will be suited to this company due to its pre-existing relationship with NME and Uncut. Who share similar values in that their audience needs are very important and their aim is to satisfy them across the board.

Due to the age demographic of my magazine being 16-25. Social media will have a big part in the promotion and advertisement. I will use websites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to advertise my magazine as teenagers specifically spend a large amount of time online. Due to this reason, I will also be selling my magazine online as this is because of how media such as music and film are consumed, it is only time for magazine’s to follow suit. However, I am not forgetting about how the ‘old fashioned’ way of selling magazines via local supermarkets and news agents as this is still popular among young adults.

Evaluation - Question 2

Evaluation - Question 1

Music Magazine (Draft)

The three images below are all drafts of my music magazine, that were taken at the time of uploading this post.

At the time of posting, I have completed quite a lot of my music magazine. I have so far successfully chosen and applied the appropriate font and texts. I had selected the majority of my images and successfully edited them on the software Photoshop.

The next thing I will do is re-take my front cover image as I felt my image previously didn't come across well on a camera due to bad lighting. Once that is completed, my front cover will be almost complete. I will then align my text so that it looks professional and not amateur.

On my contents page, I will next add the final version of my front cover as part of a subscription plug to attract readers to my magazine on a long term basis. Likewise to my contents page, I will edit the headlines to ensure they are aligned appropriately. I will reposition arrows to make them coincide with my front cover as they are titled 'on the cover'.

For my double page spread, I will remove any unwanted lines around the edge as I was unable at this time to do so. By reverting back to Photoshop I will solve this problem immediately. There is also a few errors regarding spelling and punctuation which I will change once I improve my magazine. I will also reposition my pull quote as it look's segregated from the entire spread.

Feedback - Double Page Spread

My teacher has assessed my double page spread in numerous ways. He has graded my work entirely in the level 4 section. Level 4 would equate to Grade A/B.

A strength of my assessment was that I had used great conventions and a good image use. He also added that my magazine had a clear representation.

Areas to improve included moving my pull quote so that it would be more noticeable and easier for my audience to read and to possibly add a box entailing Elijah's new album.

Feedback - Contents Page

The image above shows the feedback I have received from my class about my contents page. I received positive and constructive criticism in order to improve my final product.

The good feedback I received included the use of a band index as this is quite a conventional way of displaying bands/artists that my magazine will feature. A popular response from my magazine was that layout of my contents page looks professional due to the fact I have taken inspiration from a similar house styled magazine - NME. Someone also felt that the use of arrows was a clever feature as it directs the reader instantly to what articles that have interested them on the front cover.

I have also received constructed criticism from my peers. A suggestion within my feedback included inserting an image within the subscription box at the bottom of the page. This is something I intend to do when my front cover is complete. Therefore, I am happy that this was picked up on. A critique included that the text size within my article descriptions were too small. Therefore, I will edit this to make the text bigger so a wider audience will be able to read it.

I am happy with the criticism received as I feel this is exactly what I would change in order to improve my magazine.

Feedback - Front Cover

My teacher has assessed my front cover in various ways. He has first graded each respective point with a level between 1 and 4 (level 4 being grade A/B). I received a high level 3 for each section which would equal to a grade B. I have proficiently produced material which is appropriate for the target audience. I have clearly shown an understanding of conventions of layout and page design. I have also been able to manipulate photographs which are relevant to the context.

Specific strengths my teacher noted was that I have included a clear representation of a music magazine. He also mentioned that my layout was set out well.

Targets I have been set in order to improve on my front cover are to remove a subheading or two. This would to allow my front page look less busy as this can sometimes be too overpowering. The incorporation of a website at the bottom of the page would increase the realism of my magazine as this a convention.