Font Adjustment

After some consideration and feedback from teachers about the font I used for the subheading and strap line on my front cover and on the double page spread, I have decided to try different fonts to see if there was a different style font that would be more suitable and appropriate for my magazine. This font, 'Edition', is the best font that I found as it is bold and works well over the image, however does not distract the readers' attention from the masthead. The style of the font is also modern and links with my hip-hop/urban genre of the magazine, as it's different, simplistic and isn't the 'cheap' style of font that can sometimes be found on pop magazines etc.

What I Hope to Achieve

Front cover

• Cut out the shadow made by the model's left arm
• Slightly reduce the size of the masthead
• Change the size of the barcode
• Experiment/change the font of the subheading and strap line
• Show a stronger sense of the hip-hop genre through the design

Contents page

• Change the image at the bottom of the page/possibly add a mirror effect
• Page number must be added
• Reduce the size of the text
• Move page numbers into the middle
• Reconsider layout
• Include more models

Double page spread

• Change the size of the opening paragraph
• Increase the margin on each side of the text and the top and bottom of the page
• Increase length of article
• Credit the writer and photographer
• Experiment/change font used over the main image

Class and Teacher Feedback

Class
My second draft has recieved comments containing feedback from my peers in my class, stating what they like about my draft and what could be improved.
Firstly, the fonts I have chosen were praised by my peers and the contrast between the bold font for the masthead and the italic font for the sub-headings were highlighted in particular, as it was said that the two fonts compliment each other really well on the front cover.
The photograph's that I used for my draft were also praised as looking "high quality", "striking" and "professional" which is what is expected from a magazine that the reader is paying £4.20 for.
The colour scheme was also highlighted, as it makes the magazine look modern and adds to the simplistic style, therefore I feel more confident with my colour scheme and I will most definitely keep it as that throughout my future versions of my draft.
Improvements that have been suggested by peers in my class are that I could use a whiter background for the images of the model, and perhaps remove the shadow created by the models left arm by using photoshop, to make the shadow appear deliberate - which I did create on purpose.

Mr Nicolle
One of my teachers also stated his opinions on my draft and gave feedback also including what he liked and what he felt could be improved.
The front cover main image was praised as he felt that it was striking and powerful, which built the character of the artist really well. However, he said that I should attempt to cut out the shadow that is created by the lighting from the model's left arm. This looks accidental, unlike the shadow created by her face and on her right side.
On the contents page, he suggested changing the image at the bottom of the page because he felt that he didn't know what the image was saying about the artist's personality. As well as this, he mentioned adding an effect such as a 'mirror effect' to reflect the layout of the contents page as a whole. He praised the layout of the text on the contents page as it works well and is different to most magazines, which gives it a modern style.
Finally, on the double page spread, my teacher was concerned about the size of the paragraph's - especially the opening paragraph. In comparison to the following ones, the opening paragraph looks significantly long and does not look right on the page, therefore I should slightly chnage the layout of the text. However, he praised the image and the font used for the heading as it worked well together and created a persona for the artist. The shadow on the image creates a three-dimensional appearance of the magazine.

Mr Ford
After recieving feedback, my second draft is an improvement and a step in the right direction towards a final product.
Feedback on the front cover was: The masthead is slightly too big on the page, as well as the barcode being the wrong size. The font could also be changed as it doesn't look 100% right. The genre of hip-hop also is not clearly shown on the cover.
Contents page: A page number is needed, the text is also too big and the layout needs some more attention. To improve on the layout I could move the page numbers into the middle so that they are justified.
Double page spread: The margin on each side of the text and the top and bottom of the page needs to be bigger. The article also looks brief so needs to be of a greater length. As well as this, the font works less well over the main image than it does on the cover, so I should reconsider the font that I am using. I also need to credit the writer and photogrpaher on the double page spread.

Second Draft Self Review

Front Cover

What went well

• Costume/style of model
• Colour scheme (Black, white, and red)
• Models place on the page
• Title of magazine and the font it
• The lighting which created the shadow falling onto the backdrop from the models right hand side - This gives it a three dimensional look

Even better if

• Experiment with different fonts for the heading and strapline
• Cut out the shadow that is made from the models left arm, as this looks accidental

Contents Page

What went well

• There is consistency with the font of the masthead on the front cover with the title 'contents' and subheadings, linking the pages together
• The 'mirror image' layout of the subheadings and description
• Colour scheme is consistent (Black, white, and red)
• Classic font used works well with the 'Lemondrop' font that is associated with the magazine 

Even better if

• Change the image at the bottom of the page
• Incorporate different models into the layout of the page

Double page spread

What went well

• The main image reflects and builds a representation of the artist's character/personality
• The faded 'L' in the background of the article creates an interesting feature
• Colour scheme is consistent (Black, white, and red)
• Font works well against the image and assists in creating a modern/simple design
• The shadow, deliberately created through the use of lighting, creates a three dimensional appearance

Even better if

• Change the size of the first paragraph of the article as it is significantly long for an opening paragraph and looks out of proportion in comparison to the following paragraphs

Second Draft - Major Magazine

After receiving feedback from my teacher about my first draft that I created for my magazine, I have decided to create a whole new second draft and make some drastic changes, especially to my contents page and double page spread. The main concern about my first draft was the major layout issues that I had not considered when designing it. For example, it was said that my contents page did not reflect that of a realistic music magazine and the way the list followed the slanted angle descending along the page was irrelevant. As well as this, major changes were needed to be done to my double page spread as I had not taken into consideration where the spread would be cut in half by the fold of the magazine (the font would be cut off in awkward places and the models face needed to adjusted so that the line cut her face directly in half). My contents page did not need drastically changing, however the models place on the page needed to be more central and the fonts to be resized, e.g. the masthead needed to be bigger and the headings/strap-lines to be smaller. 

I had a second photo-shoot with my model, however kept the same style of costume as this was praised by my teachers and by peers, and got some new shots for the second draft. My main aim was to capture a more central image of my model for the front cover and to also gain more 'energetic', 'attitude' shots, which I feel I managed to capture quite well. The masthead was resized to a larger font, so it now goes across the width of the page, and the headings/strap-lines were resized to a smaller font. Along with the other small changes made, I believe this version of my cover is a more realistic, clean-cut, and modern layout than previously. 

I completely changed the layout of my contents page. This layout is a more realistic representation of what a music magazine contents page would appear like, however I kept the fresh, modern appearance of a hip-hop/urban magazine genre. I still need to find a way of incorporating another model into the contents page to show a variety of artists, and so I will discuss this with my teacher in the next couple of lessons and will find a solution to this. 

My double page spread was also drastically changed from the first draft. I went for a more classic layout in this draft, contrasting to the 'different' approach I attempted in my first draft. My idea was to use the classic, original layout and execute it perfectly to suit my genre of magazine, rather than try to do something 'unique' and it not pay off in the long-run. However, I still used a technique that I saw used in my double page spread analysis in the beginning of the course in the Lady Gaga article. The bold 'L' in the background of the article puts a twist on the design and hopefully differentiates it a little from others. I feel that this layout is a lot more flattering and is more aesthetically pleasing than my previous design.

Draft Article #3

Libby Zarong. The name that’s been circulating the office here at Major Magazine for weeks, and the one that would be unfair not to share with you. Libby Zarong, the 20-year-old Londoner has proven to be one of music’s most intriguing new shape-shifters since she started posting songs and videos online a few years ago. Fast-forward to today, and her fiesty single “Did You Know?” has amassed more than one million-plus YouTube views. What’s fresh about Zarong is how she combines ludicrous charisma with lyrical naughtiness, and groundbreaking bass lines whilst spitting unforgettable rhymes in the process. “I’m aware of the negative audiences I’ll reach through my music. Hip-hop reflects the truth that society tries to conceal, and that is what I intend to voice,” says Libby, who studied fashion before she took to the music industry. Her honesty and attitude fully emerges once she steps in front of a camera, as proven today at the photo shoot for Major. Zarong oozes with confidence, not phased by the racial comments being made and stereo- typical views constantly being preached to her that white women should not rap. “I don’t want to talk about this anymore, why can’t a British girl rap?” Libby groans, “I guess it’s just another thing to set me apart from other artists.” Understandably, Zarong doesn’t want anything to affect her speedy, flawless victory that she’s accomplished so far. She’s already collaborated with Pharrell Williams - American rapper, singer, record producer, composer, and fashion designer - and signed a major record deal with Def Jam Recordings, which is yet to confirm the release date of her debut album later in the year. Not to mention that she’s already got her hands on a Brit Award for the Critic’s Choice of 2013. With Def Jam Recordings managing her every move, it’s not surprising that Zarong has already began to crack America, starring and performing on the Ellen Show, “Featuring on the Ellen Show has been a great experience of mine. To be in America and to be doing these shows is just unbelievable,” says Libby. It’s about time that a British girl crashed onto the hip-hop scene and became more than just a one-hit-wonder, and it looks like Libby is about to do exactly that. It’s been quite a journey for Libby Zarong, whose current fame-filled and chaotic lifestyle contrasts to her tough beginnings in life: Her mother died when she was twelve, and so she was raised in London by her father. “I get noticed, even when I’m underwear shopping... It’s weird,” Libby says. “It’s all came at once. For me, a 20- year-old girl from Camden, it’s like... You know... How does this happen?” Libby Zarong has already performed at Coachella festival alongside Azealia Banks, V Festival, and Glastonbury, with massive turn outs at each performance, shaking up the hop-hop scene and changing the conventions of the typical rap artist. We asked her if she has any festivals or gigs lined up already for this year, but all she revealed was, “I like to surprise... All I’ll say is that I am very excited about one festival in particular!” Alongside her unique lyrics and beats, her style makes her stand out from the rest. She’s been praised for her daring outfits that come to her so effortlessly yet look outstanding on stage and has been the talk of the fashion blogs for the past month, Zarong even made an appearance on Jessis Holeva’s “Trend Hungry Blog”, a massive blog in the fashion world. But try calling her a fashion icon and prepare for a woman in denial, “I don’t see myself as some sort of fashion icon... I wasn’t brought up with materialistic things and this hasn’t changed, I just make do with what I have and throw an outfit together.” We asked her to describe her style in three words and she responded quite confidently, “fiesty, bold, and chic”. All of these accomplishments from one woman in one year is extraordinary, let alone for a British girl from Camden. Libby Zarong has a laundry list of boldfaced fans, including Kanye West, Gwyneth Paltrow, Karl Lagerfeld, and Nicola Formichetti, who will direct Zarong’s next video. However, Zarong seemse almost aggressively unastonished by the attention. “I definitely have more money and shit,” she admits, “but that’s all virtual stuff.” And if you ask her about meeting the likes of Kanye? “It’s cool, but they’re just people. The skies don’t part and glow orange.” An attitude like this from someone that’s been thrust into the spotlight is refreshing, and is an attitude that the music industry so desperately needs. We’ll keep you posted on the release date of Libby Zarong’s highly anticipated album “OWN” and her debut single “Did You Know?” is available to download on iTunes now.

Shots for Second Draft

Second Draft, a set on Flickr.

These are the best shots from my second shoot that I organised with my model on the 11th February, for my second draft. I decided to keep the costume of my model bold but simple, and decided to stay away from the chaotic clothing that I initially wanted to use, as this costume was at risk of looking 'tacky' and not what I intended it to look like. Therefore, I came to the conclusion of using a black, white, and red colour scheme with gold accessories for a hint of the hip-hop genre. The model used poses that showed attitude and personality, to try and recreate the attitude of a hip-hop female artist, for example, the like of Azealia Banks. I got a lot of inspiration from images from magazines such as HighSnobiety and i.D. Magazine, and also looked at the photographer Terry Richardson, who captures the personality of every individual that he photographs.

Inspiration for Double Page Spread Shot

This is a photograph taken by photographer Terry Richardson of Amber Heard. Here, Amber has similar qualities to my model, e.g. blonde hair and blue eyes, and she also has red lips which is part of my costume and make up for my main model also. This picture caught my attention as the pose here is striking and the facial expression is full of attitude. This is something I aim to recreate as an image for my double page spread, as I feel an image such as this would effectively represent the character and persona of my artist as a female rapper. 

Front Cover Image Idea for Second Draft

This is an image taken from the same HighSnobiety magazine that I focused on in my previous 'Inspiration' blog post. Initial feedback from my first draft suggested that I changed the image on the front cover as the models position on the page did not fit that of a typical magazine cover. I feel that the pose used in this shot would be a solution to this issue and it is still full of attitude that I wanted my model to show. My model will still be against a plain backdrop, however I will try and recreate this pose as I think this will improve my front cover and make an impact on the page.

Magazine Playlist

I have composed a playlist of songs that, I feel, best represent the influences, ideas, style, genre, mood, aesthetics, vision, and so on, for my magazine. This further defines the style of my magazine overall and will help me as I develop in my planning for my magazine.

Reasons for Improved Draft Article

On the post of my original draft my teacher commented that it was no way near long enough for my magazine double page spread. Therefore I have extended and developed my article to 644 words so that it is a more substantial amount for my article, however, my teacher then suggested to develop this further for my final draft of my magazine to at least 1,000 words. Then, this would give me the option to edit my article to fit the layout of the double page spread and would give me the opportunity to cut sections out or move it around etc. to fit the magazine, rather then having to make the magazine fit the article.

Draft Article #2

Libby Zarong. The name that’s been circulating the office here at Major Magazine for weeks, and the name that would be unfair not to share with you. Libby Zarong, the 20-year-old Londoner has proven to be one of music’s most intriguing new shape-shifters since she started posting songs and videos online a few years ago. Fast-forward to today, and her feisty single “Did You Know?” has amassed more than one million-plus YouTube views. What’s fresh about Zarong is how she combines ludicrous charisma with lyrical naughtiness, and groundbreaking bass lines whilst spitting unforgettable rhymes in the process. “I’m aware of the negative audiences I’ll reach through my music. Hip-hop reflects the truth that society tries to conceal, and that is what I intend to voice,” says Libby, who studied fashion before she took to the music industry. Her honesty and attitude fully emerges once she steps in front of a camera, and this was proven today at the photo shoot for Major. Zarong oozes with confidence, not phased by the racial comments being made and the stereotypical view constantly being preached to her that white women should not rap, “I don’t want to talk about this anymore, why can't a British girl rap?” Libby groans, “I’m judged twenty-four hours a day for the colour of my skin alongside my passion. I guess it’s just another element that sets me apart from competition.” Understandably, Zarong doesn’t want anything to affect her speedy, flawless victory that she's accomplished so far. She’s already collaborated with Pharrell Williams – American rapper, singer, record producer, composer and fashion designer – and signed a major record deal with Def Jam Recordings, which is yet to confirm the date of her debut album later in the year. Not to mention that she’s already got her hands on a Brit Award for the Critic’s Choice of 2013. With Def Jam Recordings managing her every move, it's not surprising that Zarong has already began to crack America, starring and performing on the Ellen Show, "Featuring on the Ellen Show has been a great experience of mine. To be in America and to be doing these shows is just unbelievable", says Libby. It's about time that a British girl crashed onto the hip-hop scene and became more than a one-hit-wonder, and it looks as if Libby is about to do exactly that. It’s been quite a journey for Libby Zarong, whose current fame-filled and chaotic lifestyle contrasts to her tough beginnings in life: Her mother died when she was 12, and so she was raised in London by her father. “I get noticed, even when I’m underwear shopping... It’s weird,” Libby says. “It’s all came at once. For me, a 20-year-old girl from Camden, it’s like... You know... How does this happen?" Libby Zarong has already performed at Coachella festival alongside Azealia Banks, V Festival, and Glastonbury, with massive turn outs at each performance, shaking up the hip-hop scene and changing the conventions of the typical rap artist. We asked her if she has any festivals or gigs lined up already fpr this year, but all she revealed was, "I like to surprise... All I'll say is that I am very excited about one festival in particular!" Alongside her unique lyrics and beats, her style makes her stand out from the rest. She's been praised for her daring outfits that come to her so effortlessly yet look outstanding on stage and has been the talk of the fashion blogs for the past month, even making an appearance on Jessis Holeva's "Trend Hungry Blog", a massive blog in the fashion world. All of these accomplishments from one woman in one year is extraordinary, let alone for a British girl from Camden. We'll keep you posted on the release date of Libby Zarong's highly anticipated album "OWN" and "Did You Know?" is available to download on iTunes now.

Double Page Spread with Draft Article

This is my original draft double page spread, however I have included my draft article into the page as well to create more of a realistic image of what this spread will look like. Also, I removed the 'blended' image seen previously before in my first draft as the text was hard to read over it and therefore I felt that it needed to be removed. I have blended the 'L' for the same reason, so that the text is able to be read over the top of this, and so that it is not too predominant on the page.

Inspiration

Issue 6 of HighSnobiety Magazine featured model Mimi Wade who is style by Lucy Greene and shot by Kimi Hammerstroem. There are two photo's that really stood out to me throughout the whole shoot and that have inspired me to reconsider the shots that I am going to do for my final magazine.

Firstly, I love this side shot of Mimi against a blank white wall. Her bright hair contrasts with the backdrop and her pose is natural, not forced. The side stance gives the shot an interesting edge and is something that I will definitely try with my model in my next shoot.

The next shot that caught my eye was this one. Although this is quite a busy image and contrasts with the simplistic and modern style that I am aiming for, I love the use of the border around the original image. It gives the image edge and differentiates it from the average photo. This is another technique that I could try in the future as I think, with the right border, it could look very effective and make my cover look even more aesthetically pleasing to the reader.

i-D Magazine

I love the covers of i-D Magazine because of the simple, modern layout on almost all of their covers. The models in this selection of covers are all in shot with a mid-shot and are in front of a plain backdrop, which is what I hope to incorporate into my front cover for Major. The colours are all simple and a colour palette of three is used on each, yet again this is what I'm hoping to use in the future drafts/final product, as I think this is more effective and aesthetically pleasing than a front cover which is made up of clashing colours and chaotic settings. i-D Magazine feature so many artists of different genres and even have models/fashion designers on their covers of each issue, however the design and shot manages to capture the energy and personality of each model, which is something that I admire from i-D. I hope to make my magazine reflect the style of these covers and this will heavily influence by final product.

Language Register

Different magazine's use different types of language for the content. Some magazines specifically target one genre of music and therefore will associate the language used in their magazine with the style. However, some magazines do not specify in only one genre of music and therefore the language may be varied considering what genre has been used, or a simple, formal launguage may be used to connect with the broad audience overall. Different styles of language are used to fit the genre of the magazine simply so that the magazine will target the reader more specifically and connect with them as an audience.
Magazines that specify in hip-hop/urban genres (such as Complex or Vibe magazine) use informal/slang language to identify with the reader effectively. Using a formal language register would be inappropriate for a hip-hop magazine.
In my magazine, as it is a magazine of a hip-hop/urban genre, I will use informal/casual language for the content. This would appeal to the audience of the magazine and identify with the audience as the target audience can relate to this style of language. However, I will not use slang phrases in my language as I believe this could create the wrong impression of my magazine and it could be seen as tacky/low quality.

Draft Article

Libby Zarong. The name that’s been circulating the office here at Major Magazine for weeks, and the name that would be unfair not to share with you. Libby Zarong, the 20-year-old Londoner has proven to be one of music’s most intriguing new shape-shifters since she started posting songs and videos online a few years ago. Fast-forward to today, and her feisty single “Did You Know?” has amassed more than one million-plus YouTube views. What’s fresh about Zarong is how she combines ludicrous charisma with lyrical naughtiness, and groundbreaking bass lines whilst spitting unforgettable rhymes in the process. “I’m aware of the negative audiences I’ll reach through my music. Hip-hop reflects the truth that society tries to conceal, and that is what I intend to voice,” says Libby, who studied fashion before she took to the music industry. Her honesty and attitude fully emerges once she steps in front of a camera, and this was proven today at the photo shoot for Major. Zarong oozes with confidence, not phased by the racial comments being made and the stereotypical view constantly being preached to her that white women should not rap, “I don’t want to talk about this anymore, why can't a British girl rap?” Libby groans, “I’m judged twenty-four hours a day for the colour of my skin alongside my passion. I guess it’s just another element that sets me apart from competition.” Understandably, Zarong doesn’t want anything to affect her speedy, flawless victory that she's accomplished so far. She’s already collaborated with Pharrell Williams – American rapper, singer, record producer, composer and fashion designer – and signed a major record deal with Def Jam Recordings, which is yet to confirm the date of her debut album later in the year. Not to mention that she’s already got her hands on a Brit Award for the Critic’s Choice of 2013. It’s been quite a journey for Libby Zarong, whose current fame-filled and chaotic lifestyle contrasts to her tough beginnings in life: Her mother died when she was 12, and so she was raised in London by her father. “I get noticed, even when I’m underwear shopping... It’s weird,” Libby says. “It’s all came at once. For me, a 20-year-old girl from Camden, it’s like... You know... How does this happen?"