Pitch and Peer Results

Project Pitch
I designed a Pitch which involved talking about my proposal for a new Lifestyle programme with prompts from a slideshow. My peers rated the pitch and gave feedback in comments on how I could improve on my idea.
I created the slideshow on Microsoft Powerpoint:


Results
I created a table of Microsoft Excel to hold all the data which I received from my pitch. This allowed me to view the data more clearly than on the sheet which the audience had written their comments on.












Analysing The Scores

Idea has potential as a media product:
From these results I can see that overall my idea does have potential as a media product because it was rated more than 3/4 of the total. However I was given a 3 by one peer. I think that I should act on this by evaluating my idea so far and see how it relates to existing media products.

Correct audience:
The results show a strong agreeance that I have chosen the correct target audience. The questionnaire which I have sent out will hopefully confirm the target audience and provide evidence for the two peers which didn't agree as strongly.

Appropriate research:
Overall I was given a total of 34 out of 40 for my research so far. This shows that my research relates to the project plan. However as I continue to research I should keep in mind the appropriateness of it in relation to the project and do more research on areas which I haven't covered yet, such as institutions.

Effective blog:
To boost the effectiveness of my blog I should have a clear structure of the journey which has taken place and ensure that post titles are clear. Also I should make sure that it contains all the research, planning etc that I do throughout the project.

Media concepts have been considered and applied:
The total score for this was the lowest. In order to make sure that I consider media concepts I should write about a range of media theories when considering target audience for each media product. Also I should rite about how my idea relates to certain media theories and concepts.

Comments from Peers:

• A good idea! Show some more research about how you got your idea.
• Think about what crafts you will include to plan out the idea in more depth.
• Research into institutions or if you have done so upload to your blog!
• Good balance of media analysis, consider media theories in audience justifications.
• Ensure that blog is effective by showing the journey throughout your project.

With this information which I have received from the peer results, I will act on the comments that they have given me and use the scoring to improve certain aspects of the project. For example I shall begin research into different institutions which are involved in print and broadcast media and then upload that reasearch to my blog. Also I shall talk about media theory to in my research and add it to where I may of missed out on before. Furthermore I will start a more in depth plan as well as ensuring that my blog shows the journey I have taken throughout this media project.

Print Media: Essentials Magazine (Research)

Print: I decided to look at a magazine with a different production company because it allows me to see how house styles differ among different genres of Lifestyle and institutions.

Essentials Magazine

Content Type
'Essentials' Magazine focuses on female Lifestyle. It covers a variety of topics which relate to the female life from appearance to living. It's content is made up of seven main topics of which are:Beauty, Fashion, Food, Health, Shopping, Things To Do and Tips.

Readership/Target Audience

The primary audience is females, which is not only suggested by the content but also the feminine colourings and the female image on the front cover- which suggests female dominance. However a male may pick up the magazine if they see it lying around the house and read it. Due to the fact 'IPC Media' (the magazine institution) created the magazine to contain ways of living an affordable yet stylish lifestyle, the magazine is likely to be aimed at the demographic category of B and lower. This is because in the category of B, professionals are likely to want to show of their wealth and position but may not have the large amount of money that those in the A category do. So, 'Essentials' allows for those in the B category to be stylish but at an affordable price. Similarly this applies to those in a lower category who may want to live a stylish life yet cant afford it. Furthermore the content relating to shopping, food and tips suggests that the magazine is aimed at busy woman who are in the range from 30- middle aged. 'IPC Media' also back this up by stating that the magazine is aimed at 'modern woman with busy lives'. In terms of the 'Uses and Gratifications' theory the audience is likely to use the magazine for personal identity. This is because the magazine's content could be used to create an identity in that it gives information on how to live a stylish lifestyle such as how to follow fashion and achieve beauty looks. Also the audience may gain pleasure from reading the magazine because they may enjoy the content or because of familiarity in the genre such as identifying with some areas of the content in the magazine.

House Style
Essentials Magazine always features a woman on the front cover, it is never a man. Also positive language is always used, not just on the front cover but in subheadings of articles, such as 'Amazing', You can do it!' and 'Beautiful You'. This connotes that the magazine is cheerful, supportive and positive which may attract an audience because it creates a sense of acceptance. Colour themes run throughout every page which creates a well thought about look to the structure of the magazine and looks organised. This suggests that the content of the magazine is reliable and so the audience can depend on the information which is provided. Images adorn the articles and add colour to the pages. The theme is quite often simplistic which relates to the audience being busy woman because it is easy to read, and so it can be read quickly.

Industry & Where It Fits In
The magazine covers a broad variety of subjects which relate to a female lifestyle. It fits in with the fashion and health industry because it covers areas such as beauty, fashion, food and health. These are widely considered topics, especially in the growing interest of fashion as people conform to what is desired and popular at the moment. Also 'Essentials' magazine has a respectable reputation. This is because it hit the news when dropping cover models for 'real woman' which suggests the magazine receives good publicity and relates well to the feelings of woman.

History/Traditions
The first issue of 'Essentials' magazine was published in 1988, and has been published monthly ever since by 'IPC Media'. Recently the magazine has launched a new feature where the reader can download an app called 'Blippar' on their mobile phones, take a photo of the cover and then themselves which generates an image of the reader on the front cover of the magazine. This may appeal to the audience because it gives them power. The magazine is English and has it's own webpage where readers or the general public can sign up for a 'Life's Little Essentials' weekly e-mail as well as subscribing to the magazine. The magazine is also available to download on e-media platforms: iPad, Kindle, Google Play and Nook, with international editions available.

Evaluation
Through the research into the history and traditions of 'Essentials' magazine I have learnt that as technology develops, magazines are appearing on different media platforms. I think that this is important to consider as I create my magazine because I may be able to include features which incorporate the different media platforms. For example this magazine is accessible on e-media devices such as iPad and Kindle. I could advertise this feature in my magazine which shows how my magazine can be accessed via different platforms. Also the magazine is aimed at woman with a busy lifestyle and so a simplistic and sophisticated layout is used. However my idea is one which will require a reasonable amount of free time and dedication and so I think that the layout of 'Country Living' (collage) is more suitable because it suggests the uniqueness and effort put into each craft. The research into the layout allowed me to see how things are set out depending on the purpose and audience of the magazine. Furthermore, although my idea doesn't involve health and  beauty, I think that the positive language used in the house style on 'Essentials' magazine is an appealing feature. It suggests that the magazine is positive and happy which will attract a dedicated audience. I think that I should use similar language on my front cover to attract and audience and create a positive look to the magazine.

Print Media: Men's Fitness Magazine (Research)

Print: I decided to research an alternate Lifestyle magazine because it may give me different ideas and shows the differences in target audiences, which is important when it comes to justifying my target audience choice. I decided to look at Men's Fitness because it falls into a completely contrasting Lifestyle genre to the other magazines which I have evaluated.

Men's Fitness

Content Type
'Men's Fitness' make focus is on the health and fitness of males and how to incorporate it into a daily lifestyle. It contains nutritional information, weight loss, and workouts. In addition to the health at fitness content, the magazine also has content on 'Woman and Sex' and 'Style and Grooming'. Furthermore professional and expert opinions on health and fitness are included in the magazine, which may be a selling point because it boosts the reliability of the information. Furthermore recipes, sports and surveys are included in the content of the magazine.

Readership/Target Audience
The target audience gender is men- which can clearly be seen in the title. Also the colour blue is always used on the front cover which connotes the male gender and so suggests the magazine is for males, showing that a gender stereotype is used. Furthermore an image of  toned man is featured on the cover of every issue of the magazine. This suggests that the target audience is fitness involved males, or those that idealize a healthy and toned body. Masculinity is stereo-typically portrayed as muscly, toned and handsome. The image of the male on the front cover also contains these stereotypes which suggests to a male by buying the magazine they can achieve the same, desirable look. The age of the target audience is from 20-40. This is because the image on the front cover is of a male from around this age range which suggests that not only is the magazine for that particular age, but that people of that age can achieve the same status and fitness.

House Style
Masculine-associated colours are used in the articles and the front cover. These are often blues, reds and blacks, of which blue is more often used. The page layout is less extravagant than in a female targeted magazine, and the information is simply presented accompanied with fitness-orientated images. Headings are enlarged and a different colour to the rest of the text, but use a less exaggerated font to the headings in the magazines such as 'Country Living'. Titles are dark and bold and often in capitals which creates a toughness to the magazine, whereas female magazines use a lighter and smaller style. Celebrities are mostly used to attract and appeal to the audience.

Industry & Where It Fits In
'Men's Fitness' is in the Health and Fitness industry and is one of largest titles in the category. It fits in with the male lifestyle of those who want to diet, improve health or those who are personal trainers as well as being a platform for advice for men. However controversy surrounds the nature of the magazine. This is because it published an article which was titled  "NY Comic Con: Flabby Versions of Your Favorite Superheroes!' and featured unflattering photos of attendees at the New York Comic Con compiled with mean captions. This article was written by Jordan Burchette. Burchette appears to have written an equally negative article for 'Maxim'. Bad publicity followed this bad article for 'Men's Fitness'.

History/Traditions
'Men's Fitness' was first published in 1988 by American Medic Inc. and featured Michael Pare. The slogan of the magazine is 'How The Best Man Wins' and 10 issue a year are published. Due to the magazine's popularity, British, Russian and Australian editions were also published. In 2009 the British edition was bought by Dennis Publishing who now acquire complete publishing rights. The 'Men's Fitness' website offers a newsletter through e-mail and subscription to the magazine for iPad or print. The magazine has an annual 'Men's Fitness Look Good Awards' where products which the magazine recommends are talked about in more detail and commended to the audience.

Evaluation
As this research was to provide an alternative view of how Lifestyle magazines are produced for different audiences, I can use this research to help me to understand what is not expected from my target audience. For example from this research I have learnt that the use of dark and bold titles features mainly on male targeted magazines rather than feminine magazines and so I shall avoid using this style. Also, the content of the magazine is different because of the audience that is intended for. This means that I can use this research to  guide me on what not to include in the magazine. Controversy surrounding the magazine (as well as the other magazines which I have researched in to) also guides me on what areas to tread lightly on and what to not include or avoid. This is because the inclusion of matters which may trangress taboos or offend society will result in bad publicity, offense and criticism of my production.

Broadcast: Gok Wan; How To Look Good Naked (Research)

Broadcast: I decided to look at another area of Lifestyle TV- fashion. This programme is shown on Channel 4 and I have chosen a small clip to focus my analysis on.

Gok Wan: How To Look Good Naked

Location
When the audience is first introduced to Gok Wan- the presenter, the location is outside a high street shop which establishes the theme of the programme. The programme is then located in a large, expensive looking shop.

Camera Shots and Angles
A 'Low Angle Shot' is used at the beginning when the audience is introduced to the presenter. This suggests that the presenter is powerful and knowledgeable in the show that he is presenting. The shot transitions into a CU of Gok Wan which shows he is the focus and lead of the programme, which again shows his importance as the presenter. BCU and CU shots of the clothing show detail and emphasize on elements of the clothing which the presenter or guest is commenting on. VLS show the interaction between the presenter and the guest and also allow the audience to view what the guest is wearing before the 'makeover'- which shows the contrast between Gok Wan's ability in fashion and the guest's ensemble. Also these type of shots show the clothes which are on offer in the store and may invite the audience to interact by picking out clothes which they like or would like to see the guest try on.

Lighting
Throughout the programme clip, the lighting is bright. At the beginning the lighting is natural because Gok Wan is filming outside, however the rest of the programme is indoor where the lighting is artificial. The bright lighting adds a cheery and enjoyable atmosphere to the programme, whereas if it was the dark the audience may see the programme as dull and boring. Here, the lighting adds to the cheerful character interaction and setting.

Costume
When the audience is first introduced to Gok Wan, he is wearing a long black coat, black baggy jeans and white sneakers. This casual outfit suggests that the programme is laid-back which may appeal to the audience when they are watching the programme as leisure. Also a chain on the jeans accessorizes the presenters outfit and gives him a sense of originality- which may appeal and feel exciting to the audience. The guest female wears a black t-shirt and light blue baggy jeans. In some shots she also wears a grey jumper. This casual outfit is accessorized with a black bandanna around her head, a black belt and to lobe piercings. This edgy look distinguishes her from the presenter and her 'tomboyish' outfit may intrigue the audience because the aim is for Gok to find a feminine dress to suit her.

Audience
The target audience is likely to be people who are interested in the fashion industry because the programme focuses on clothing and accessories. Although females feature in all of the episodes of the 'How To Look Good Naked' series, the male presenter adds a masculine passion to the fashion industry which may attract males to watch the programme. Also fans of Gok Wan from other programmes which he has presented may be attracted to the programme, especially as Gok Wan is known as an iconic presenter as well as an idol. Furthermore the age range of the target audience could be anywhere between 15 and 50. This is because teenagers often worry about how their figure looks and are pressurized to look a certain way by media and expectations and so 'How To Look Good Naked' may appeal to them. Also the ages up to 50 face the same problem, especially when facing getting old, body changes after pregnancy or changes in self esteem. Therefore 'How To Look Good Naked' may appeal to an older audience because it can inspire them and give them more confidence in themselves. Although knowing how to look good naked may not be a priority in the demographic group of A and B's agenda because the focus may be more professional, the programme is often set in high-end shops. Those in the A and B category may be attracted by this because they can see the latest fashions in the more expensive clothing industry- which they will be able to afford. Also the programme may appeal to those in a lower category such as D and E because these are categories which teenagers are most likely to fit in and the programme also provides inspiration for those who are normal workers, like the guests.

Sound
At the beginning there is non-diegetic music playing over the presenters diegetic dialogue. It is quiet background music and has a funky, medium paced rhythm which contributes to the fun element of the programme. When the dialogue stops the non-diegetic music becomes louder and is faded again when the presenter or guest begin to speak. The music changes when clothes are being tried on to a techno-beat sounding backing tune. It adds pace and excitement to the process of the trying on clothes which could be tedious to watch without. When the problem of what dress the guest will wear has be resolved, the music begins to sound triumphant and changes back to a slow paced beat when Gok Wan is describing his choice to the audience. Non-diegetic dialogue from the presenter is also used to add extra information.

Evaluation
The research into this genre of Lifestyle television provided an intreresting view on how the topic is presented. I like the idea of the triumphant sounding non-diegetic music when the problem is resolved. I think it may be a good idea to use similar music when the craft that the presenter has created is completed because it connotes a sense of achievement. Also, the accessories which are added to the costume of the presenter connote originality. I think that I should use quirky accessories in the costume of my presenter because, being a programme involving crafts, it suggests unique and creativeness. The feature which stuck out was the introductory shot of the presenter being a Low Angle Shot which suggests that the presenter is powerful. Although this fits into the context of this particular programme as Gok Wan is a fashion guru, I don't think applying this shot to be programme would be suitable. This is because I want the presenter to be viewed on the same level as the audience, therefore the shot should be at face angle.

Print Media: Good Housekeeping (Research)

'Good Housekeeping' is a similar magazine to 'Country Living'- both of which are produced by the same institution. However it covers different aspects of Lifestyle to 'Country Living', as well as having a different style and audience. This research may give me new ideas for my print production.

Good Housekeeping

Content Type
'Good Housekeeping' covers a variety of aspects of the Lifestyle genre. These are: food, money, fashion, health and beauty, as well as a news section. It also has a section named 'Lifestyle' which contains ideas for things from home interior to holiday destinations. Unlike, 'Country Living', the content of this magazine focuses on cheaper ways of living and provides articles such as 'Spend a Little, Give a Lot'. Each issue also has a large focus on health and often features real life stories. Images relating to an article accompany the text, which often feature people, unlike 'Country Living'.

Readership/ Target Audience
The target audience for this product is females with the age ranging from 30 to 60. This is because the focus of the topics in predominantly on matters which concern or interest this age range. For example the issues regularly focus on health techniques and how to master food recipes- both of which  someone from the age of 30-60 is likely to be more interested in because it is at that age that females are cooking for families, have a house (which relates to the title of 'Good Housekeeping') and focus on their health. A teenager or young adult is more likely to be interested in music or celebrities than food ideas and healthy living and are less likely to own a house. Also the front cover mostly features a 'homely' dressed female which suggests the magazine will hold more interest to females than men. However a male occasionally features on the front cover which may have an attractive appeal to a woman and give the magazine a more masculine look which may attract a male.
The demographic category which the magazine is likely to be aimed at is C and above. This is because the magazine features a 'Money' section which may appeal to those in the lower category because they will live on more of a budget that those in a higher category. The fact that the 'Good Housekeeping' often features a celebrity as the cover image connotes wealth and admiration. This may attract those in the A and B category because they are well paid professionals which are likely to want to display their wealth and buying the magazine will give inspiration of how to do so. Also the featuring of celebrities may attract other people that are fans of a particular celebrity. For example Miranda Hart is featured in one issue which may appeal to a fan of hers, rather than a fan of the magazine.

House Style
The main focus of the issue is always in bold text that is larger, and often darker, than the other text on the front cover. Also, a lot of text is placed on the front cover which tells the consumer what they will find in the magazine. The background colour of the articles is often white and the text dark which makes the text and images stand out to the reader, and the article easier to read. This may be a selling point of the magazine because consumers are more likely to purchase easy to read magazines than those that require close attention because magazines are often for leisure purposes. Furthermore the magazine uses a range of layouts. For important or large pieces of information, such as health or interviews, a newspaper format is used with a minimal amount of images. However for the fashion and beauty sections, the layout consists of a placement of images and short sections of text (which can be seen in the image). Subtitles and headings are always a different colour to the rest of the text. Images are a main feature in 'Good Housekeeping' and are responsible for adding colour and appeal to a page.

Industry & Where Its Fits In
'Good Housekeeping' is is part of the fashion and health industry because it provides information on the latest trends in beauty and clothing and inspiration for food ideas, as well as incorporating the balance of a healthy lifestyle into the content. It fits in the present climate of the recession because of the 'Money' section which offers tips and ideas on how to save and prevent overspending. It also fits in with the recent large interest in what celebrities wear with the 'Fashion' and 'Beauty' sections, which is a large demand of the print industry. Furthermore 'good Housekeeping' fits in with social activism. It prohibited the advertising of cigarettes in 1952 in the magazine and advocated the pure food in 1905 whilst supporting the 1906 'Pure Food and Drug Act'.  Many people including the Federal Trade Commission complained about the 'Seal of Approval' saying that it was misleading and products were regularly chosen from the companies which sponsor the magazine. However this didn't affect the magazines popularity.

History/Traditions

Good Housekeeping is an American Lifestyle magazine .The first issue was published on the 2nd May 1895 and has been published ever since monthly. Occasionally there are special editions which are exclusive to members. In 1909 the 'Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval' was established- which is now a traditional part of the magazine and marks products which have been tried and tested by the GHRI (Good Housekeeping Research Institute). In 1922, Hearst Corporations published the first UK edition, which has much the same content as the US version, both of which are part of the 'seven sister's- a group of woman's service magazines. There are two individual websites dedicated to both versions (UK and US).

Evaluation
This research into 'Good Housekeeping' allowed me to see how the magazine caters for the target audience. This is important because I have a similar audience in mind as the one for 'Good Housekeeping'. Also I found the idea of the traditional 'Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval' interesting and it has given me an idea that I could incorporate something similar to feature in my magazine. The fact that 'Good Housekeeping' has partaken in social activism also advocates that the magazine works with society in mind. I think that this is important and as I produce my magazine I should consider current social issues. Furthermore I like how the colours on a page are subtle but the images add the extra colour which the page needs. I could use this in my production.

Broadcast:Paul Hollywood's Pies and Puds (Research)

Broadcast: I have decided to evaluate another aspect of the Lifestyle genre, other than gardening, which is food. This will allow me to see if the type of lifestyle area affects the codes and conventions. I have chosen a short clip of the programme 'Paul Hollywood's Pies and Pastries' to analyse.

Paul Hollywood's Pies and Puds- Youtube Link

Location
The main setting is located in a house kitchen. Although the kitchen is vast, well equipped, gleaming with cleanliness and extremely tidy it represents a typical home kitchen. This representation in the setting suggests that anything which is cooked or baked in that kitchen is possible at home but maybe not to the professional extent that the chef manages. The setting changes for a small time to a workplace kitchen which accompanies the dialogue that the guest chef is using to describe a pastry.

Camera Shots and Angles
The audience is introduced the the main presenter- Paul Hollywood- with a MS which focuses mainly on the presenter but as the angle of the camera transitions from right to left the vastness of the kitchen is also encompassed. This establishes the presenter and the setting in one shot. A MS Two Shot is used when introducing the guest which states that the presenter is still the main subject of the programme but also introduces someone of equal importance. MLS shows the delicious looking pastries and cakes as a whole but the use of CU and BCU shots shows the extra detail and craft to each of the creations. These types of shots are also used when showing the method of creating the pastries. LS are used to show discussion between the presenter and the guest, whilst focusing on the method and ingredients involved with making the Apple Strudel. MCU shots are used to focus on what an individual has to say.

Lighting
The lighting is artificial and in the house kitchen it is bright which suggests a cheerful and easygoing atmosphere.This contrasts the lighting of the workplace kitchen where the lighting isn't as bright. This may suggest to the audience that cooking in free time, as a hobby is more enjoyable than thinking of it as something that you have to do. It also creates a nicer, lighthearted tone to the programme other than just a cooking tutorial.

Costume
Both the presenter (Paul Hollywood) and the guest chef (Falko Burkert) are dressed in smart casual clothing. Hollywood wears a light blue shirt, un-tucked, and blue jeans. This suggests that the presenter is laid back but adds the shirt suggests the importance of the show because he added a notion of smart attire. Burkert wears black jeans, a white shirt and a brown waistcoat. This is more smart than casual which suggests he has dressed up to come onto the programme. This suggests that the programme is worth watching if someone has made an effort to dress smartly to feature on it. Attatched to the waistcoat is a chain which presumably links to a pocket watch. The rarity of the wear of a pocket watch suggests that he is original which creates an exciting element to him.

Audience
The target audience is people with a passion for cooking and who enjoy it as a hobby. This is because the focus is on a variety of pastries, pies and cakes and how to create them yourself. It is likely to appeal to male and female adults around the age from thirty to older. This is because both females and males alike enjoy the notion of cooking and the enjoyment of the product one cooked. Although cooking is stereo-typically a females job, both the presenters are male which may influence males to watch the programme because it shows cookery isn't just a feminine hobby. The demographic category which this programme may appeal to could be C or above. This is because chefs range from professional to moderately skilled- therefore they will be in a higher to lower category. They will have a passion for cooking alike and so 'Paul Hollywood's Pies and Puds' may appeal to those in C and above. Also quite complex dialect is used which suggests the programme is aimed at a those who speak a higher register- class A or B. The programme is more likely to appeal to those around the age thirty and above because young adults and teenagers are more concerned with interests in music, celebrities and the internet rather than the craft of food.

Sound
Diegetic dialogue is used throughout the clip when the presenter or guest are addressing the audience and in conversation with one another. However non-diegetic dialogue is used when the audience is shown an example of the creation of a pastry in the scene of the workplace kitchen which describes and narrates the action. Non-diegetic music is also added to this scene which sounds jolly and triumphant- suggesting that the creation of the pastry will result in a masterpiece. Calmer, quieter music is sometimes played in the background of Burkert's production of the Apple Strudel which suggests that the process is easygoing and something that the audience can achieve.

Evaluation
Although this programme is specifically food orientated, I intened to incorporate baking into my programme idea. This means that the target audience of 'Paul Hollywood's Pies and Puds' is may find an interest in my programme, and so I can use some of the features which are used in this production in mine. Similarly to 'Gok Wan: How To Look Good Naked' triumphant non-diegetic music is used in the appropriate places. I like this idea and I can use this in my programme for the final craft production which the presenter will show at the end of the episode. Furthermore the research into the camera angles is useful because it has allowed me to see how products are shown to the audience. For example the use of CU and BCU shots of the cakes and pasteries gave me an idea to to the same shots of the finished craft products which the presenter has made. Also I like that the presenter as a casual costume because it suggests that he is on the same level as the audience (unlike Gok Wan where he had a Low Angle introductory Shot). I want to create the same level of interaction between my audience and presenter and so I think that casual clothing would be a good idea. To do this I could ask my presenter to just wear what she would on a normal day.

Print Media: Country Living (Research)

Print Media: I need to choose two of the three briefs, one of which is print media. I have decided to evaluate 'Country Living' which is a specialist magazine similar to my idea of craft making for a home. This may give me some inspiration for ideas involved with the print media brief.

Country Living

Content Type

The front cover of the magazine states that the content focuses on 'Houses, Gardens, Food, Crafts, Decorations, Travel and Health'. This is a broad array of topics and each one is accompanied with a glossy photograph and inspiring information. Each issue is packed with information on seasonal recipes, advice on interior and exterior decor and wonderful craft ideas. The content appears to cover all aspects of lifestyle whilst relating to the idyllic, cozy idea of living in the country and providing 'phenomenal photography'. Each issue also relates to the time of season or popular topic, (for example christmas or vintage), and the content involves the topic in some way.

Readership/ Target Audience

The audience is most likely to be females in the late twenties and older. This is because the magazine's content focuses on topics which a person of this age may find more interesting than a person of a younger age. For example the health content may hold more interest to a late twenties or older person than a young teenager who prefers to focus on topics such as music or celebrities. Also, an adult of this age range is more likely to own a house to decorate or provide food for a family than a younger person would be, and so the content of the magazine would hold more interest to them. The audience is likely to be female because, stereo-typically  females focus on decor, gardening and food more than males do. Therefore the magazine 'Country Living' would hold less relevance to males and they wouldn't buy it. Furthermore 'Country Living' may be aimed at people in the A or B category. This is because it contains rather expensive forms of decoration and fanciful recipes which a person from a lower category may not be able to afford and the language is quite formal and descriptive- which a higher category person identifies with more often. Also the images of beautiful homes, interior and information about travel may be more of an interest to a person from a higher category because they are in a higher, well-paid profession and the magazine content gives ideas on how to display their wealth.

House Style
The language which is used is formal and words aren't abbreviated. For example 'does not' is used instead of 'doesn't', whereas in a different magazine such as 'Kerrang!' abbreviations are commonly used. Also a lot of descriptive language is used which creates a more intriguing and imaginable article- especially in those that inspire the audience. Furthermore the magazine always has a glossy, clear and bright picture to accompany an article. On the front cover, the image always covers the whole of the page. It is never of a person like a lot of other magazines such as 'Woman's Fitness' or 'Prima', but of creative and attractive looking scenes or objects. Also the colours of the headings, titles or subheadings always match in with the colour scheme of the page. For example if the main colour in the images is pink, either the text or headings will be pink as well, this also applies to the 'Country Living' title on the front cover. The magazine always includes articles on the topics which it is known for and the articles, along with the attractive images, are always set out in an imaginative and interesting way. For example a collage of information and images is frequently used.

Industry & Where It Fits In
'Country Living' falls under the home and crafts industry because it provides inspiration for home decor and creativity. It fits in with several areas under the Lifestyle genre because it covers a broad range of aspects in the daily life. This includes gardening tips, food ideas and recipes, DIY projects, crafts and home interior which hold interest to the target audience. As more people are becoming more creative and expanding to cooking a variety of meals,  'Country Living' fits in with that demand by providing ideas.

History & Traditions

'Country Living' is an American magazine. 'Country Living' was first launched in 1978 and in the same year the first issue of the magazine was published by the Hearst Corporation. In 1985 Hurst Corporation published the first UK 'Country Living' edition.The magazine has been monthly ever since. In 2002 the company opened a small store selling country goods and by 2006 the shop expanded and became a huge success. Also 'Country Living' run a website which offers everything country; from 'comfort food' recipes to 'country decor': (http://www.countryliving.com/) The website is regularly updated and follows the seasonal trends with inspiring ideas for crafts, food and decor. On this website the public can become members or subscribe to a newsletter for free. Members can also send in photos of their antiques for appraisal.

In addition to the magazine, 'Country Living' fairs are part of the country life tradition, which started in 1992. They are held annually in top American locations, such as Rhinebeck in New York, around the Summer/Autumn period. The fair provides an opportunity to meet the editors, features special guests and has many wonderful food and shopping stalls.  Furthermore 'Country Living' also host numerous annual awards including the 'Blue Ribbon Bloggers' which was launched in 2011. 'House of the Year' is another traditional feature of 'Country Living' and has been since 2006 .Each year a new house is designed, built and decorated to the highest standard. The process is documented on the magazine's website.

Evaluation
As the content of 'Country Living' and my idea are similar I think that the audience which 'Country Living' appeals to will also similar to mine. This research has given me more of an idea to what audience I shall be aiming to attract and what I need to include to do so. For example the interesting and creative layout ideas such as the collage of text and images is an imaginative and attractive way of presenting the information. I think that I may use this idea in my print publication because of the uniqueness that it conveys. Also the fact that there is a colour scheme for each page or depending on the content of the magazine is another idea which I think would work well in attracting the right audience. This is because it shows appeal and that the magazine has been thoughtfully created. The content of 'Country Living' may also inspire me in what I should include in my magazine.