Front Cover:
By using the initial research into existing print media products I was able to produce the front cover in correspondence with the typical codes and conventions used in the designs of the magazines. I altered the initial flat designs of the front cover, merging what I liked from both of the designs. By doing this, the front cover suited the conventions of lifestyle print better.
Adhering to the conventions my research noted, I used brief headings with description of the contents and situated them as a border around the focal point of the front cover image. I also incorporated the popular use of a colour scheme into the front cover by picking out the main colours of the images and using the same colour on the text and headings. This can be seen by the use of light pink (in text and text boxes) which corresponds with the light pink in the image and the use of light blue and white which also corresponds with the dominant colours of the image. The title of the magazine, however, flouts the colour scheme by taking on a darker red. I decided on making the title darker because, after looking at the magazine covers which I had researched, I noticed that the title was always the boldest colour on the page (another typical convention). It also appeared that the generic conventions for the title was for it to be enlarged and easily readable, thus I applied these conventions to my own print production. Further applying to the conventions of magazines which I have researched, I used capital letters and enlarged or different colour fonts to highlight text which is likely appeal to the target audience. I also created a theme to the magazine (Spring and Easter), after noticing the a few of the magazines used a theme as the basis of their issue.
Taking into account the further generic conventions I had noted from my research of any magazine, I also added the bar-code, price and month to the front cover. This is because the front cover holds key information about the magazine, therefore my production requires the inclusion of such material. I situated the bar-code at the bottom of the magazine and the price and month at the top, following the layout of two magazines which I had put a large focus on, as both applied to a similar target audience as my own.
Country Living and Good Housekeeping together formed a large basis for the design of my front cover. I noted from both that the word 'Plus' in a bold, different coloured font was used and incorporated the use of this into my design. This is because it appeared to be a convention used by lifestyle magazines, thus I thought it would be fitting to apply to my lifestyle print production. I also incorporated other elements of the magazines into the ideas for my own front cover. The use of the green label in Good Housekeeping inspired my idea to have a gold label on the front cover of my magazine which reads 'BRAND NEW MAGAZINE'. I used the idea of a slogan before the title and further subheadings ('Hello Spring' and 'Explore the world of Craft'), taking into account the design of 'Country Living's front cover. The image on the front of Country Living's issues (as I has noted in my research) is never of a person but of something applicable to the magazine's theme. I decided to incorporate this particular element of Country Living's house style, and used an image of items associated with the contents and theme of my magazine. This is down to the fact Country Living has a very similar target audience to mine.
Applying to the Target Audience
I noticed in my research of magazines that colours were manipulated to suit the target audience. In consideration of this I decided to use light pink as one of the theme colours on the front cover. This is because light pink connotes feminity, thus applying to my primary audience of females. The title is a darker pink, in order to attract females whilst also standing out, as it is bolder, from the rest of the front cover. This allows the audiences attention to be directed to the title of the magazine in competition of other magazines. The font style of the title and headings also holds importance in attracting the intended audience. For the title I chose to use a basic, but slightly unique, font in order to be easily readable (as something difficult to read is likely to deter the audience whereas something effortless is likely to attract) and apply to the target psychographics of 'explorers'. This is because the uniqueness of the title may suggest something other than a mainstream approach, thus enticing a psychographic of 'explorers'. The subheadings of 'Hello Spring!' and 'Explore the world of Craft' use a italicised font which looks handwritten. This connotes individuality, but also has a sense of regality to it, applying to the target audience demographic category of 'B' who may desire something more up-market. The connotation of individuality,too, applies to the psychographics.
The actual content of the text on the front cover is designed to attract the lower demographic categories and the age range. The use of 'Plus!' may intruige those in a lower category than 'B' who are likely to desire additional features for the price (being in lower paid occupations). This is the same for the used of '5 BRILLIANT MONEY SAVING IDEAS' which is in capitals to attract the attention to the money saving', attracting those in the lower categories. This also applies to the Uses and Gratifications in which the audience may use the magazine to spark ideas for a cheaper alternative to an expensive hobby. The use of 'Krafts with the Kids' plays on the word craft to add that sense of individuality to the magazine (attracting the desired psychographics) and also aims to attract the age range of 21-35 year olds who are likely to have younger children, thus harboring a desire to share their hobbies with their children. I decided to colour the label gold because gold connotes wealth and quality, which accompanies the text of 'brand new magazine', suggesting that the magazine offers both. This may attract the demographic categories who both desire quality and wealth, and want to show off that they have wealth. The text in this gold label is capitalised to stand out, 'brand new' connotes rejuvenation which people thrive for, thus attracting the audience.
The image holds a key part in attracting the audience. As already mentioned I decided to use an image of a scene rather than of a person because of the similarities in target audience with Country Living, so the use of such image may also attract my target audience. I used natural lighting for the image, however ensuring that the lighting was light rather than dark. This is because a lighter image is likely to attract an audience who enjoys crafts because it gives connotations of simplistic enjoyment. The actual content of the image has the sole purpose of revealing what the issue contains whilst attracting the targeted audience of craft lovers. This is because the images uses props involved with crafts: paintbrushes, flower arrangement, baking and sewing. The props also apply to 'Uses and Gratifications' as those who enjoy crafting may gain gratification from identifying with the connotations of the props (of crafts, hobbies etc), and may use the magazine for crafting ideas (applying to those in the B category who may be professionals in a craft area). I also ensured that the image had a dominant colour of pink (connoting feminism, and so attracting the female audience) and blue (the colour associated with Easter and so tying in with the Spring/Easter theme). For the image I used a Medium Shot in order to encompass the scene whilst also focusing on the props, and perhaps making the audience feel as if they are there due to the closeness and encompassing nature of the shot. This has the aim of showing the craft, attracting the target audience of those who enjoy crafts, and creating a sense of belonging, thus attracting the audience who desire to belong (Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs).
The language used, such as 'The ultimate craft magazine', has the purpose of attracting a audience of craft lovers by providing competition with already existing magazines. The conventions in which the magazine front cover follows (talked about previously) are used to attract a general audience who purchase print media.
Contents Page:
A typical convention of the content pages, which I discovered from research and annotations, is to have a basic, bold title for each contents description. I incorporated this convention into my own design in order to fit in with the original conventions of the print magazine industry. Differently, the descriptions (which are a few words, basic and short) are not bold, thus I adhered to this convention which I had noted, ensuring that the description for each of the contents title was simple, short and unbolded. I also noticed that the text on the contents pages was structured in short columns. This was to take a systematic approach to the contents by grouping it into themes. However my magazine, being the first issue, does not yet have any traditional or expected contents to group it under. Therefore, I simply applied the convention on laying the text out in columns. One of the main conventions of the contents pages, which I gathered from my research, was to put the corresponding page number next to the text. I used this convention in order to direct the reader straight to the described contents. This also allows for the producer to glance over the scheduled layout for the contents, ensuring that all of the correct contents has been included in the magazine issue. Additionally, images appeared to be used on all contents pages which I researched, with a corresponding page number. This allows the reader to visually glance over the contents and immediately be directed to the corresponding page. After annotating contents pages, as well as looking at other magazines, I noticed that credit to the photographer was always given in a small, capitalised font down the side of the page of one of the images. Therefore I added credit down the side of the top right image, in order to fit in with the generic conventions of magazines which allow for recognition of other contributors. Adding to this, I put the magazine name, issue and month in the 'header' of the contents page which appeared to be another convention used by magazines. I also added the page number in the bottom left corner, which is a generic convention of all magazines to guide the reader. I started the magazine with the contents on page 5 to allow for advertisements on the previous pages which usually take up the first few pages of lifestyle magazines.
I decided to incorporate the layout of Country Living into my design for the contents page, again due to the similarities in contents and audience. I framed the contents with the images, adjusting the images so that they were positioned at an angle. Accompanied with the rose page border (which applies to the rose-inspired contents) and the borders of the images this gave an effect of a scrapbook. I decided to make the theme of this page almost like a scrapbook because it fits in with the topic of craft. I also used the idea of the page title in small, lowercase font because it creates a welcoming tone rather than I large title being emblazoned over the first page of the magazine. In terms of the font, I kept it basic for this page. This is because after looking at the font used on the contents pages of other magazines I noticed that the generic font was something basic with a slight twist. Therefore I added this to my design in order to adhere to the conventions of existing contents pages.
I chose a light purple page background appeal to the female audience and in consideration of the fact a white background made the page look empty and unfinished, thus I chose a colour slightly of white. The paleness of the background also allows the text and images to stand out (one of the corrections I made from the feedback). The images I used relate to the contents, I used a variety of camera shots for different effects. For the image of the presenter I used a Medium Close Up to create a personal relationship between the reader and the presenter, inviting them to watch my broadcast piece, for the other images a combination of Close Up and Very Close Up shots were used to allow for sole focus on the craft productions. Each image as light in order to add to the cheery vibe of the magazine.
Applying to the Target Audience
I adhered to the convention of a colour scheme, which I chose to be pink and purple. This is because pink was the dominant colour in the images, and purple complimented the connotations of the pink. Pink connotes femininity, thus applying to my primary target audience of females. I ensured that a basic font was used in order for the audience to glance at the contents which may intrigue the audience in itself. This leads onto the choice of contents. The contents relates to the Spring/ Easter theme, to the psychographic and the demographics of the audience. By relating the contents to the theme, a sense of community is established in the fact that a seasonal change and festival is being celebrated together. Thus, this may attract the target audience in terms of Uses and Gratifications- the target audience (whose hobby is crafting) may gain gratification from identifying with other individuals who share in their passion. This also goes for the content such as 'Memoirs of Master Crafters' and 'Scrapbooking Frenzy!'. When considering the audience demographics, I chose contents which which apply to the range of categories from B to lower. 'Really Brilliant Money Saving Craft Ideas' and 'Treat Yourself' applies to the audience demographic category of C and below, who look to save money. Additionally, 'Blueberry & Lavender Muffins' has connotations of something more upper-class, with the unique twist on the traditional blueberry muffin a sense of individual style is created. In terms of psychographics, 'Unique Cookery Gifts' applies to those who want to 'explore' new things and 'Memoirs of Mater Crafters' applies to those who 'aspire' to go forward in the crafting industry. As mentioned before, 'Krafting with Kids' applies to the 21-35 age range who ar likely to have children and share their passion for crafting.
The images alone are also used to attract the desired audience. I chose to use images of crafts that look 'girly' and has feminine connotations, this is because the primary audience is females. The images along with the corresponding page numbers allow those who may have a busier work life (such as professionals in the B demographic category who are likely to have extra work, and the age range of 21-35 who may need to cater for the needs of children or complete university work) to take a quick glance at the contents and visually see what the magazine offers, and be immediately directed to the pages which draw their attention. The use of a scrapbook style layout (positioning and sizing of images and borders) relates to the main interest of the target audience- crafting. Thus, this may appeal to the audience who may notice the association of the layout and crafts. In addition to this, the page border adds to the idea of a scrapbook, but also contributes to the feminine look of the page with the pink flowers, aiming to attract females.
Editor's Note:
The design of the editor's note for each magazine differed, however I did find some generic conventions which were used among them. For one an image of the editor was always used. In the two which I annotated, the image of the editor was quite a focal point. For this reason I decided to make a collage of images, however positioning the image of the editor on top of the other images, so that it holds more importance. I also noticed signs of convergence on the editors page. In Good Housekeeping, the magazine's website was advertised at the bottom, similarly in Country Living all the magazines social networking sites were arranged in a row at the bottom of the page. I incorporated this convention into my magazine, considering the E-media platform (which I have not chosen to do for the brief). I created three social networks (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and a webpage for the magazine, positioning them with the network logo in the footer of the page. The layout of Country Living inspired my choice of layout for this.
I noticed on thee magazine editor notes which I had researched, that the editors signature was printed at the end of the editors' writing. I used this convention, and added the signature of the editor for my print production to the end of the editor's introduction. Along with the image of the editor, other images were always used, therefore I incorporated other images relating to the content of the editor's note. I also ensured that I had included the page number (in the footer), magazine name, month and issue (in the header) as I had done with other pages, following the conventions of other existing print products. I also noticed that some of the editor's writing was bold or italicised. I applied this convention to my on magazine in order to highlight key information or draw the reader'r attention to specific parts of the text. For the same reasons are enlarged some text, whilst keeping other parts at a basic font. Once again, I included credit to the photographer after seeing that it was an important convention used in recognising other people who had contributed to the magazine. Furthermore, I noticed that the language style of the editors note pages always had a personal tone and was welcoming, thus I applied this concept to the language style of my own piece. This can be seen in the enlarged page title: 'Welcome!'.
The layout of the page, however, varies between each magazine. I decided upon a simple 2 column layout. This is because it allows two topics which the editor's note addresses to be separated into two basic sections, thus being easier for the reader to glance at. The columns also adhere to the generic style of print productions which most often use columns in order to collectively relay information over to the reader. To separate these two columns, I used a thick dot border. Together with the pink framing in the collage of images (I noted that uses image collages was a popular house style used by Country Living) and the transparent background of the roses, the border goes along with the scrapbook effect which I aim to achieve in the layout of my magazine. This applies to the theme and content of crafting. The background, I decided on using a pale green because I deemed that white made the page look unfinished. The pale green allows for the same light effect as white, whilst also complementing the green/pink colour scheme (another convention) of the page. The colour scheme also fits in with the editor's piece on roses which enhances what the editor is writing about.
Keeping in line with conventions of magazine pages, I used a short introduction under the title and two small headings in order to summarise the content of the page. The font varies throughout the page. I applied a basic font to the actual bulk of the contents in order for the reader to be able the clearly read it. However for the title and subheadings I used an italicised font. I used this for the subheadings because it looks as if it has been handwritten, applying to the personal tone of the page, and the fact that the pages is the editor's 'note'. For the title I used a large italicised font to emphasise on the welcoming nature of the magazine.
Applying to the Target Audience
Convergence from print to E-media is shown at the bottom of the page. The promotion of social networking sites may appeal to the target audience age range of 21-35 who are more technologically savvy. This is because it means that the magazine can be used (Uses and Gratifications) for social integration by talking about it through the capabilities of social networking sites and joining the communities on social networking sites. This follows the water cooler theory: that in the workplace, topics are discussed in breaks. I have used images which are likely to appeal to the female target and the interest of the target audience in craft. Again, pink is used, connoting feminism to apply to the primary audience of females. The use of one primary figure and the welcoming tone of this figure (the editor) creates a feeling of a personal relationship between the editor and the reader, who may gain gratification (Uses and Gratifications) from identifying (interest of craft) with the primary figurehead. 'Welcome!' also creates a sense of community and belonging, a common desire of any reader (according to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs). The layout, as before, is designed to appeal to the target audience with the look of a scrapbook. In relation to the audience psychographics, I chose to use the heading 'Step into our spring-time offering...' because it may evoke a desire to explore the issue with the coaxing language of 'Step into' and the use of ellipses. The language choice also serves another purpose (to the one previously mentioned in terms of conventions). Being more of a simple language choice and using colloquial terms such as 'soo' and exaggeration on exclamation marks ('!!') this may apply to a lower demographic category (C and below) who prefer to read something with less complex terms, equally the easy reading may apply to the B demographic category who want to escape from the complexities of professional work (Uses and Gratifications: escapism).
The research which I had done prior to creating my print pieces formed an essential part of my ideas for each design. From this research I was able to apply the correct conventions and purposely use elements of the design to attract the target audience.
