Double Page Spread Second Draft

This is my second paper draft for my double Page Spread.

Contents Page Second Draft

From my follow up research I have created a second Paper Draft of what I want my contents page to look like.

Front Cover Second Paper Draft

 From my follow up research I have created a second paper draft of my magazine, better suit to my mainstream genre and house style.

Interview Plan

I have researched and came up with a list of possible questions to ask my artist for the interview on the double page spread:

• Is it true your new album is about your ex who cheated? Answer: inspired by what's happened 
• Has the albums success helped you moved on?
• Have you got your eye on anyone new? 
• Would you ever date a fan?
• When did you first know you wanted to be a singer?
• Can you give us any hints for who your support acts will be on tour?
• What's the weirdest gift you've ever received from a fan?
• When did you learn guitar and who taught you?
• How do you keep yourself entertained travelling on the bus on tour?
• Is it true you write all your own songs?
• Who inspired you to become a songwriter?

Model make up

Today I photographed my model (Phoebe) for my front cover and double page spread. Phoebe and I did her make up to match the front cover colour scheme. 

Further Front cover research

I will use these front cover poses as inspiration to direct my model how to pose.

Double Page Spread draft

Today I can drafting my double page spread, this is what I came up with.

Model/Photograph plan

In a recent blog post I discussed the images I plan to use as inspiration for my front cover image. In the half term I will be taking the photograph of my model. I plan to curl her hair and do her make up similar to Taylor Swift/Nina Nesbitt's make up in the images; bright pink lipstick, dramatic eyelashes and dewy foundation. From my audience research I know that the photograph for my front cover should be a mid shot, so it will be of her shoulders up. I want a posey look, with the models mouth open and her looking directly in to the lens to draw the reader in. This pose represents the mainstream genre and will attract a young female audience. It will be a studio shot using a white background, as my colour scheme is white, black and pink. In addition, I will make sure my model is mainly wearing white, black and pink make-up/clothing so the photograph fits well with the magazine.

Further contents page research

This contents page attracts me because it has a similar house style to my magazine with the page information the left and the images on the right. I have used the page information on the left as inspiration for what to put on my own contents page.

Further double page spread research

From the 5 double page spreads I have analysed the only issue I have found has been I don't like the way the name of the artist has been positioned. From further research I have found these double page spreads and I find the artist names positioning more appealing to my magazine genre and house style. Therefore, I will use these articles as my inspiration for my magazine.

Contents draft

Today I began drafting my contents page on IN Design, I have stuck with my paper plan as it matches my research well and meets the needs of my target audience.

Photoshop for Front Cover lips

I found an image of lips from the internet and wanted to use it for my front cover. I edited it to be bright pink instead of red. Here are the three stages of my editing.

Target Audience Conclusion

My magazine will be aimed at mainstream/pop singer song writer fans. My target audience will be females aged 14-25. I will use a three colour colour scheme which will be pink, white and black, however I will use elements of light blue as well. This will be consistent throughout my magazine. My double page spread will have a photo on the left hand side and an interview on the right hand side. The front cover photo will be a mid shot and the double page spread will contain a long shot. I will have a range of different images on the contents page.  My magazine will be called Hype.

Magazine Design Sketches- Draft 1

These are my initial magazine design sketches, after all my research I have designed my magazine to suit the mainstream singer songwriter audience, using a blocky look as my house style.

Front Cover Draft

Today I drafted my front cover, here is what I came up with.

Audience Research Questionnaire

The majority of my audience research came from females and 100% came from my age range target audience, therefore I will take all of the results in to consideration. Only one person said they didn't listen to the singer/song writer genre, so I have decided to still count their results as relevant, Pink, white and black was the most popular colour scheme chosen to suit my magazine, therefore I will use these three colours consistently throughout my magazine. The survey showed that the audience wanted an interview with the artist on the double page spread, therefore this is what I will create for the article. From the results I have decided to have a mid shot on the front cover of my solo artist, have a range of different type of images on the contents page and a long shot on the double page spread. The most popular magazine names were Pulse, Encore, Replay, Backstage and Hype.
Hype received over 50% of the votes therefore this will be my magazine name.

Target Audience Research (initial ideas)

I have came up with some questions which I could ask in my questionnaire. I plan to make the questionnaire on survey monkey and use multiple choice questions.

• Age : I plan to aim my magazine at 15-25 year olds therefore I know to ignore irrelevant data that comes from another target audience.
• Gender : I plan to aim my magazine at females so I will take this into consideration when looking at the data from male participants. 
• Do you like singer/songwriter mainstream music? : If the answer is no, then I will take this in to consideration because I know that this person is not a part of my target audience, so their data won't be relevant. 
• What font would be most appropriate? This will help me establish my main font style. 
• Which three colour colour scheme would suit a magazine aimed at females aged 15-25? This will help me establish an appropriate colour scheme.
• Which articles would be appropriate? The most popular choice will be taken in to consideration for my main article.
• What type of images would you like to see inside? This will help me to take appropriate images for the contents and main article.
• What type of image would you like to see of the female artist on the front cover? This will help me take an appropriate picture for my front cover. 

Front Cover Image Research/Inspiration

After a lot of research I have found 4 images which I want to base my front cover image on. Using my model I will create an image using these 4 images as my inspiration as I feel they represent my mainstream singer song writer genre well and will attract the right target audience.

Introduction to Target Audience Research

Double Page Spread Research 5- Vibe

Vibe have used a colour scheme of black,grey and blue for the article. However, their image mainly consists of red, black and purple. But they have also used black and white images in the strip along the top. This creates an edgy look representing the R&B genre. Vibe have chosen to centre the image in the middle of the page, with the text around it. The break out quote is put in capitals to stand out to the reader. The article breaks the conventions of a double page spread as it does not contain a drop down capital. There is space between the columns of text to make it easy for the reader to read.

For my magazine, I want a more organised look, by separating the image from the text which this magazine does not do. Also, I want to use a drop down capital in my article. Furthermore, I want to stick to a three colour colour scheme which will represent my singer/song writer genre. On the other hand, I want to use a break out quote to catch the readers attention.

Double Page Spread Research 4- Total Guitar

Total Guitar use a more unique approach with the layout of their images. Only two rows of texts are used, and more images are used to tell the story. The third row is replaced with a portrait image. The article uses quite dark images, and a white background behind the text to draw attention to the readers eye. They also use captions around the image used in the top right corner, this information is statistical with dates being used. The article very much focuses on the accoustic genre


For my magazine, I don't want to go for this image based approach, I feel the 'simple but effective' design attracts my audience better, where I will have an image on the left and article on the right. However, I will use a title large like this at the top of my article. 

Double Page Spread Research 3- NME

This double page spread has not stayed with the magazine's consistent colour scheme. It has chosen pink, black and white. The bold pink fonts used matches the artists lipstick in the main image. This appeals to the young female target audience. NME have chosen to position the artist in the middle of the text and have shorter columns. A break out quote has been used and put in capitals, "I REALLY TONED DOWN THE SEXUAL STUFF. THERE WAS NO NEED FOR ME TO DO IT." The quote is controversial and appeals to the R&B target audience. The W drop down capital is used to show the reader where the text starts.

For my magazine I want to use a similar colour scheme (pink, black and white) because I feel it represents my young female target audience. However, I don't feel like the layout is not organised and neat enough so therefore it doesn't fit with my house style. I plan to have the image on the left separate from the article on the right. 

Double Page Spread Research 2- Q

This double page spread uses Q's consistent colour scheme of red, white and black. It uses an extra large image of the artist on the left hand side, it is a mid shot and put in black and white to represent the artist's image. This double page spread breaks conventions as it does not feature a break out quote. This may connote a sense of rebellion, which represents the artist's personality and image. Drop down capitals are used to show the reader where significant text starts. There are 3 columns separated neatly.

For my magazine, I want to convey this organised, neat and simple look for my double page spread by using a main image on the left hand side and the text on the opposite page, separated by columns. However, I dislike how the letter L is used across the text; alternatively I plan to have the artists name written across the top of the page over lapping the two pages and the main image. I also plan to use a break out quote and a sub image to link to the article. 

Double Page Spread Research 1- Q

The image on the right hand side is the most dominant thing on the spread because it takes up a full page. It is a long shot so we can see most of the artists body.   The image links to the break out quote in the article, because it says "I don't know what I look like anymore do you know what I mean" which implies that her styles changes a lot. The goth look in the image shows an example of this. The huge C in red and capitals mat and links to the article because it represents Cheryl. The C is in red to match the consistent colour scheme that Q have. There is space between each column of the article to make it neater and easier to read. A smaller image features on the left hand side to link with the article and represent Cheryl. A drop down capital has been used to show the reader where significant text starts.

For my magazine, I want my double page spread to consistent of 2 images like this article, a main image (which I'm likely to position on the right unlike this article) and a smaller image to link further with the text. I will use a break out quote which should link with my main image. However, I want to have the artists name spread across the two pages which this magazine does not do. 

Double Page Spread Research Introduction

What have I learnt from the lesson?

• The image is always bigger and more important. It often spans the centre line. 
• Your picture should tell a story, and this story should link to the image you are building for your star/artist. 
• The page needs to contain an article with lots of text. (E.g. interview)
• The image needs to be planned to suit the story.

For my magazine, my model artist will be based on the singer Nina Nesbitt; her story will inspire my artists interview, image and information in the article. 

Conventions of a double page spread:

• Drop down capital (NME even use it as a page divider)
• Large image (preferably on the left hand side, spanning the centre line)
• A smaller image among the text.
• A 'break out' quote taken from the text, made bigger, bold and capitalised. 
• Spine, the two pages are separated by a gap.
• Artist name/title should be huge and spread over the two pages.
• 3 columns of text, divided by something. (NME use faded dotty lines)
• 3 colour colour scheme, mixed around.
• Consistent fonts from front cover and contents page.
• Article writng is in serif-font.
• Title writing is in sans-serif font
• Large main image covers more than one page.
• Bottom right hand corner, tiny font magazine name and page number. 

Contents Page Research 5- MOJO

MOJO have used an image dominated look for their contents page. Only using one image shows the significance of this artist for the magazine.This theme represents the genre of music that MOJO represents,  The magazine name has a significant amount of space at the top of the page. Then the magazine's contents are listed vertically in chronological order on the left hand side of the image. This makes it simple but effective.

For my contents page, I don't want to use the image dominated look as I don't feel like it represents mainstream music. However, I want to have a column of contents in chronological order. 

Contents Page Research 4- NME

NME have 'INSIDE THIS WEEK' at the top of the page in the centre, with the date written in small font, this is their house style. NME have used 7 images on their contents page, it is still a blocky look however it is not very organised and more scattered about. The images have a quote underneath to give the reader some more information about the story/feature.

For my contents page, I want to use a couple of quotes from the magazine but not from every article. Also, I want a neater more organised looking page, instead of random page numbers scattered about. 

Contents Page Research 3- Q

The 'Q' logo and 'CONTENTS' are put at the top of the page in the centre. Below this 'Issue 306' is centred in a circle over lapping on to the main image slightly. The main image is on the right hand side of the page and is portrait; the page number is in the bottom left corner of it and is in huge font to show the significance of this article to this months issue. There are two sub images underneath the main image to show other important articles in the magazine. This makes the page look organised and neat. On the left hand side is a column with the magazines stories and features in chronological order, with a little description about each feature.

For my contents page, I want to continue with the neat and organised look as I feel it represents mainstream music. I want to use images to tell the reader where to find articles about their favourite artists. 

Contents Page Research 2- Q

Q have used a strip at the top of the page, with the same familiar red and "Issue 297" in white text. On the right of this a small image of the front cover has been embedded at the end of the strip. This is a common convention among some magazines. Below the cover image are the features of the issue, with page numbers placed in chronological order. The article description is short, and in black bold capital letters. The page's main image is portrait and placed on the left hand side, and there are 4 sub images positioned around this page with page numbers in the corner to show the reader where to find the article.

For my contents, I won't be using the convention of the smaller image of the front cover in the top right corner as I don't think this represents my magazine's house style. I will use the issue number on my contents page however I will not place it in a strip because I don't feel it is significant enough. However, I do plan to use the blocky theme, with a vertical column of the magazines contents in chronological order, separated using lines from my colour scheme.

Contents Page Research 1- Q

Q magazine have used a blocky theme for this contents page. As I plan to do a mainstream magazine similar to Q, I plan to set out my contents page with a similar look. 'Issue 307' is placed in a red circle at the top in the centre underneath, this is part of Q's house style. 'CONTENTS'. A range of different camera shots have been used, such as a large close up for the artist, and a long shot for the band. The main image is on the right hand side. Q have kept the same colour scheme of red,white and black consistently through their magazine. They have used images rather than text to tell the reader what page to find the artist's article on, with the page number in the corner of the image.The page numbers are muddled about and positioned and sized based on their significance, rather than chronological order.

For my contents, I want to continue with this blocky theme and I plan to use the issue number positioned in a similar place as I want this to be part of my magazine's house style. I also want to use images to tell the reader what the article will be about with the page numbers in the corner. 

Contents Page Introduction

Magazine Front Covers- helen

The NME logo is used in every edition so it is easily recognisable for readers. The magazine has chosen to use black, blue, white and yellow as their colour scheme. Even the image of the band is colour coordinated with the colour scheme of the magazine because they are only wearing these colours.
This front cover doesn't have much text on the front as it focuses on the featured band.
The use of the emotive language in the speech bubble draws the reader in.
The image dominates the bottom half of the cover whilst the text dominates the top half.
It has a bar code which is a common convention of a magazine.
'VAMPIRE WEEKEND' is in capitals and larger font than the rest of the line.






The Q logo is used on every edition so it is easily recognisable, it is kept in the same position every edition. The  logo's colour red is gender neutral so appeals to all sexes. The magazine chose a colour scheme of red, white and black. The image of the band dominates the centre of the magazine suggesting the image reflects the main article. 'ARCTIC MONKEYS' is bigger than the logo, which shows that the magazine depends on their featured artists to gain sales. It has a bar code which is a common convention of a magazine.

Front Cover Research 5- MOJO

Main Image:

• The image of the artist covers the name of the magazine, implying the magazine represents a certain type of audience and is not trying to gain new readers.
• Black and white is a major colour theme. However red and blue also feature. These are typically masculine colours suggesting the target audience is male.
• Madonna, suggests the main article is about her as she dominates the cover.
• The artist is almost looking down on the reader, showing how powerful she is. This suggests it is aimed at a more mature target audience.
• Choice of colours and images convey quite an edgy feel for the magazine.

The edgy body language links with the genre of music from this magazine as it represents how the reader feels when they listen to this music.  For my magazine, I want to convey a similar image using the same body language to make my artist looking powerful.  However I would use a different colour scheme so that it looked less edgy, as my target audience would be young women.