Thomas Knapp- AS Media Blog: January 2010

Below are the two finished ideas for what my magazine front page could look like. Both are very similar, layout and coverlines. However, the images are completely different. Personally I prefer the picture with the mask although some may find the layout of that cover as over crowded, to much going on. I do also really like the othr front cover which I believe looks like a real magazine front cover and the stance of the artist is different to the normal pose which I really like.

One of these could be the front cover for my music magazine. Once I decided on a main picture for my cover out of the ones most recently posted I began to add aspects to it that would make a music magazine. I also added text about the cover girl and also about other bands that will appear inside the magazine. As well as this were components essential for a magazine, such as the barcode, the date and the price. One can also see that I used the masthead that I decided upon earlier.I will talk later about the different processes involved in the cover's creation in detail, along with pictures showing the different stages I went through and choices I had to make.

Below I am going to go through the stages of progression to enable a better understanding of how the final product was achieved.

These different images show the stages of progression I took on the way to coming to a final decision for my magazine front cover. This first image clearly displays the picture I want to use for my front cover with roughly the correct placement and proportions. The plan of action for this image is to use the magic wand to get rid of all the white surrounding the image. I will then be able to mount the image onto a coloured background (grey). The affect I am aiming to achieve by doing this I to give the image a shadow (by using the drop shadow tool). After doing that i will then be able to use the spotlight tool to enable the image to look as if it has been done at a photoshot and to also generate a more impressive image for the front cover. 00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

Here I have done what I said above. I mounted the image on a grey background before I drop shadowed the picture and used the spotlight tool to highlight her face more. I then incorporated my main masthead. I knew I to have it behind the image of the artist otherwise it would have cut off the top of her head. The font styles came from the website 'dafont' (link below)*. I used the font 'Abite' for the main part of the masthead however, for the 'A' I used 'celtic' and then fused the wings to it on photoshop. From my research I decided i also wanted a banner at the top of the cover. I created a simple red box with the shape tool and then typed my chosen text on top. I also used the same method for the issue number and date. I then came up with my on slogan which I placed under the masthead, overlapping the image so it is easily displayed. 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

Here I have further developed the front cover by incorporating a web site address and price. I created this in the same way as the previous banners but changed the colours used. I chose to value my magazine at £3.50 as that price range is similar to other magazine cometitors. I have alsoput a barcode I found on google in the bottom left hand corner, as this is a common position for music magazines to put their barcodes. below that I added another common feature on magazines. This 'base-banner' design was inspired from 'Kerrang' showing other features in the magazine without overcrowding the page. The bold 'PLUS!' sign was created via using the text tool on top of a simple shape. I decided to create a bordered circle on the left side away from the image in which later I could have another coverline inside to add a bit of variety to the layout. 000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

This final stage of development I have added all my coverlines. I chose to stick to the same colour scheme used in my masthead to let the cover flow. The main masthead is in the bottom right clearly displaying the models name in bold writing. I also added and 'Exclusive' to attract interest and also adding to the story being the main feature. I also added some basic phrases and which are linked to the artists persoanl story which will be revealed in the double page spread, That same attribut goes aswell for the quote used, which itself is large to draw the reader and support the story.
There are two other coverlines on the front cover. The first being in the circle shape is stating a competitions inside which is intended immediately to attract the readers attention. The other cover line describes artists backed for success this year. I decided to use this as it creates the realisation of a new start, new year and people would want to know whats going to happen in the near future, which is what a magazines main aim is to do.

http://www.dafont.com/.*

The Article

Posted by Thomas Knapp | Posted in Development | Posted on 16:06:00

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Music Magazine article, first draft.

The very brief life and career of Isabella Vaile has held an entire continent captive for the last year - especially the U.K. the British audience has been infatuated by this thimble-size Londoner since her incredible start on the stage, playing the lead role in ‘Whispered rumours.’ This unknown teenage sensation immediately became a recognisable figure through her amazing vocals on the stage, backed for stardom. Segueing smoothly into a singing career, Bella has been likened to ‘Kylie Minogue’ and is believed to match, if not better the Aussie. Rising Pop-soul sensation Bella deems to continue career’s on both fronts despite the challenges, believing that this tact will fulfil her full potential and give something back to her fan base. Reporter Tom Knapp went to visit Isabella before her opening performance of her tour here in London.

Tom Knapp: Well; Isabella Vaile, the remarkable thing about your success is how much of it has been inadvertent. I don't think anyone in the world imagined that Britain would grind to a hypnotized halt every time you are mentioned. Now your fans have your singing career to be infatuated by.

Isabella: ha, really? Well I was so fortunate to get the lead role in the play and I live for singing so you could say it was basically the perfect job. I didn't have the hunger for success in the music business, but I must admit, after the first couple of performances someone said, "Oh, that was great. You should make a record," I did have stars in my eyes, now I’m determined to make a combination of the two careers work, if I can.

TK: So modest, you have our best wishes from here at ‘Ascent’. The idea of making the album was probably more important to you than how it would actually turn out.

IV: Yeah, probably. Making your own album is something that you dream about as a kid, but I never had that burning ambition so many artists talk about: "I knew when I was two that I was gonna sing for the rest of my life." But now, well I can’t get enough of it.

TK: You are doing ‘Whispered rumours and the singing simultaneously. Don’t you think you should continue with just one career?

IV: No, not at the moment. Doing theatre is difficult during the best of times, but trying to start a recording career on the other side is very challenging. Maybe I should stop doing one, regretfully. We shall see.

TK: Back to your pouting evolution. Natural or calculated?

IV: I would love to take the credit and say it was calculated, that I was clever enough to do all that, but it was really part of growing up and exploring and experimenting. Fortune favours the brave they say, well; I was dedicated to my drama and singing all through my time at RCM (Royal College of Music), it felt like I never rested for the years I spent there. A mixture of both I think, natural ability would be a major contributing factor (laugh) not to boast.

TK: And plenty of it. How did that transition from melodrama to melody affect the people around you?

IV: Well, some of them were very nervous and some of them were very pleased. I think the men in suits were probably more nervous. But I probably also gained more respect, because even if they thought what I was doing was reckless, at least I was doing it. All that vampy stuff had been brewing in my head, and it just reached the point where I had to let it out. I was just so tired of flashing the pearly whites and feeling like I wasn’t expressing my full potential. What’s life without risks?

TK: Absolutely. Now, your career seems to be taking precedence over life for you right now.

IV: At the moment, tell me about it. I just don't seem to ever unpack my bag. But life's too short. If I have any philosophy that I try to stick to, it's to live life to the fullest, you won't believe how fast the time passes. And I can't believe that the older I get, the faster it's going to go. It's not in my character to sit around and watch the days go by. As soon as I wake up in the morning, that's it--there's no going back to sleep.

TK: Bella the philosopher, maybe another career path. So, tell us about your first album.

IV: The album, right. Well I named the title of it ‘Forgotten Future’. It’s also the name of the first song on the album. I think it’s great as it symbolises my life. It sort of means, living in the moment, not planning what’s going to happen later in life but just stepping into the unknown. Sound’s impressive huh, or just weird (laugh). Anyway, February the first is the date to remember, it’s out on general release then, but I think you can download it now if you want.

TK: Yes you can. Well Bella best of luck with the album and career on behalf of the mag and our readers and we hope you have a successful career on both stages, maybe we can interview you again in the very near future.

IV: Absolutely, I look forward to it. I will drive myself to live up to your high expectations (laughing).

Magazine images

Posted by Thomas Knapp | Posted in Main Task | Posted on 18:09:00

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The image above is a print screen of a bunch of images I took for possible front cover ideas. I tried lots of different poses and I also used both a female and male model to broaden the variety of choice.
I want my images to look impressive, focusing in on the model in great detail. Below are the selected images that are my favourite pictures which I feel will be best suited for the magazine.This image is a medium close up of the upper body. The use of the mask contributes to express the characters identity; her mysterious nature by the masks concealment. The 'point of view' shot immediately creates an intimacy between the image and the reader, her gaze from behind the mask provides this probing, affectionate sensation. You also get the same impression with the jacket hung over her shoulder.

Clothing and Pose

Posted by Thomas Knapp | Posted in Research | Posted on 17:19:00

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For my main task, creating the front page and a double page spread of a music magazine, I decided to use Cheryl Cole for inspiration if i use a female model for my front cover.

In these images I like the poses she is using. They create a more dramatic image and also makes the theme more realistic. From these images you can clearly see that Cheryl Cole has a major designer feel. Her clothing emphasises her major presence in fashion which would be a good choice in style to follow for the clothing of my model.

I also like the use of accessories incorporated in the image such as the sunglasses in these images. The use of these also contribute to a much more impressive, realistic image.

Cover Layout

Posted by Thomas Knapp | Posted in Research | Posted on 16:47:00

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Now that I have an idea for the name of my magazine, I now need to decide what image I am going to use for the front cover. It must asct as the main focus point for the magazine, to lure customers interests. I have decided that I want my image to be of just one person (not a group), and I would like the image to be a close up of that person, so it is dominating the page.

Here are some images of other magazine covers I have used for inspiration.

Masthead development

Posted by Thomas Knapp | Posted in Development | Posted on 14:20:00

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When studying magazine covers I liked the idea of having the masthead in a corner and not stretching the width of the page, examples- Q and Spin. I feel the style of cover layout maintains the same eye-catching effect as the other magazines, but also allows more room on the cover for more criteria. I will experiment with this style of layout when developing my own front cover.From the six name ideas I chose to explore earlier I have finally come to a decision and have chosen 'Rundown' or 'Ascent' as possible names for my magazine. Here I will develop the ideas further and come to a final decision.

With 'Rundown' I think the font used complements the name well, with its worn, broken effect. I feel colour is definitely needed to define this possible magazine name.

1). On the original 'Ascent' design for the magazine name I chose to apply wings to the name as it gives the impression that this magazine is able to take you places, superior to its competitors.

2). This is a developed design from the one above. This creation surpasses the previous as it is much more graphic and realistic, gives the impression of it leaving the page. I designed it so it looks as if the ‘A’ has wings and is leaving the page. I believe the design will be easily recognised, broadening the public awareness of the new magazine.

3). This is an idea for the first issue of the magazines front cover. By having this ‘paint splat' effect as a corner background, drawing the readers attention even more.

4). This is another idea for the main masthead. This one looks more like an ordinary magazine with the name stretching the full width of the cover. However, I feel it has a major sense of originality by incorporating the winged 'A' with the other text. I also experimented with the idea of a slogan to see it's effect combined with the masthead.

Masthead ideas

Posted by Thomas Knapp | Posted in Planning | Posted on 12:51:00

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Music magazine- name ideas:
Allegro
Anthem*
Ascent*
Maestro
Energico
(Unsung)*
Unplugged
Audio-Vibe
Cadenza
Encore
Espressivo
Requiem
Juke box*
Rundown*
Euphoria*

I have chosen six names from the list above and have developed them more below to gain a better impression of what they would look like bigger and in different fonts.

To come to a final decision for my magazine name I decided to construct a survey of the six shortlist possibilties to see how others rate the suggestions. I asked 30 individuals (15 of each gender) between the age of 16-18 to chose thier favourite from the list.

Results:

Anthem- 5

Ascent- 9

Euphoria- 3

jukebox- 5

Rundown- 6

Unsung- 2

Overall a mixed view of opinions on the magazines name ideas however, I decided to go along with the survey and I will develop the top two further, 'Ascent' and 'Rundown'.

Questionnaire

Posted by Thomas Knapp | Posted in Research | Posted on 12:33:00

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Age:

Gender: Male /Female

Musical Interests:

Favourite Genre’s:
Rock
Metal
Indie
Pop
RnB
Hip Hop
Acoustic Trance

Favourite Artist:

Do you read any music magazines? Yes /No
If yes, which ones?

Price you spend on music magazines per month:

£_____._____

What features do you enjoy of a magazine?

What features do you think are missing from any current magazines?

Is there any genre of music you don’t think is covered at the moment?

Final Magazine Cover idea's

Posted by Thomas Knapp | Posted in Finished Work | Posted on 20:28:00

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