Final Draft

I have used the colour red because it portrays passion and the love for the music genre (R&B). This colour is also bold and will attract the audiences attention. Personally, I think the use of different fonts and colour's effects the emphasis of the sell lines. For example 'Living the dream... and the nightmare', the use of the bold font '.. and the nightmare', suggest to the reader that it is crucial information so makes the audience want to read on. The next step I need to do, is to improve the sell lines by adding different fonts and more sell lines to my front cover. This will make the cover have a bigger impact on the audience as there will be more sell lines to attract their attention. I feel that my magazine front cover shows the R&B effect as some people stereotype this genre, by having a edgy look. I have done this by my choice of costume and make-up, for example the bold eye make-up (eye liner and mascara,) the bright lipstick choice links with the colour scheme and a unique hairstyle. Although this look portrayed in this image is edgy it is also portrays a relaxed, professional artist and is a trendy image.

This is my second improvement, as I have added more sell line and different fonts to add emphasis on different word. The next step is to improve the cover image, so the mast head is behind the models head, this will make the front cover look more professional. I have also changed the price, so this will attract my targeted audience more as I have decreased the price so the younger audience will be able to afford the magazine on a regular basis. 

I have edited my front cover again to make it appear more professional as the image is in front of the masthead which allows the audience to view the model clearly and attract their attention further.

Unused Images

Unused images

I have not used this image as I feel there is too much of a gap at the top of the photo, which distracts the audience from the main image, the shadow has a big impact on the photo and the models hair colour blends into the back ground far too much. However I could crop the image to make it the right size and edit the colour, as I feel the image could be lighter and more eye catching.

This image is brighter and stands out better as the red lipstick and hair band is closer so makes the photo bolder, because this shot is a medium close up, it shows more of the models facial expressions. Also the brown wall edging is shown directly above the models hair which may give the illusion that it is somehow attached to the models hair.

Personally, I think this photo has too many colours in the background which takes the effect off the model and makes the audience look at the surrounding area rather than focusing on the model and sell lines. This photo has too much detail surrounding the model and looks too busy, which would take impact off the sell lines.

I feel that all the backgrounds above are unsuitable for this project as they all distract the readers attention away from the main aspects of the front cover.The photo I have chosen for my final front cover on my magazine is brighter so it will allow the writing and sell lines to stand out, and I think it shows different features on the model that without the editing the audience wouldn't see.

Mock Up

This is one of the example shots I have taken, that I am going to use on my mock up. This is the photo before I edited the colour to a black and white shade, added sell lines and added my title. I decided to change the colour to black and white, as it makes my mast head stand out/ contrast from the photo and creates emphasis on the mask the model has used.

This is a mock up of my music magazine, however I will not be using this image as my final cover. This has allowed me to choose the right colour for my mast head and it has enabled me to get a rough idea where the main focus/ sell lines will be.

This is the same image again but I have included the sell lines, price, date, and the bar code in different fonts and in more information to make sure I find the right font and colour for my magazine.

This is the final mock up of my music magazine as I have included sell line, the date, bar code and the price. I have also included a tag line, which is found underneath the mast head, 'when words fail, let your music speak.' This is important on a magazine as it conveys attitude, personality and allows the audience to connect with the magazine.

Ideas for Mise-en scene

Different types of shots

Posed shots

It is important in a posed shot that the model is portraying the correct style and body language to create the required image/ reason for taking the photo. Lighting is also very important as the wrong shade will not give the desired affect. For example in a studio the lighting will focus on the main feature of the photograph, the surrounding area of the shot requires careful consideration to ensure that it is in context.

Group shot

A group shot allows the audience to see lots of figures in detail. It is important that each individual can be clearly seen and portrayed in the required image/ specification, for example individuals placed in the right order for the shot (height, body language.)

Medium shot

A medium shot is taken in middle distance allowing some of the background in the shot. Medium shots contain a figure from the waist up and is normally used for  dialogue scenes and to show detail of the subject.

Close up bad framing

This is a badly framed shot as the models head has been cut off, it doesn't show the full potential of the picture, for example the model could be wearing something on her head which might be part of the photo shoot, e.g. the product.

Long shot

Is the full length of the photo that the shot is focusing on, which enables the full image of the picture to be displayed. Long shots are generally one which shows the image the image as approximately 'life' size. This category includes the full shot showing the body, with the head near the top of the frame and the feet near the bottom. While the focus is on the character, plenty of background detail still emerges.

Close up

This is where the photograph focuses on eg a person’s head. Close-ups are useful for showing detail for example it could emphasize a persons emotional state/ make up detail or the colours and textures of a flower head. Whereas a mid shot is more overall detail.

Ideas for sell lines

Interview with...

• Rita ora

• Rihanna

• Jason Derulo

• Jay Z

• Cee Lo Green

Kayne West- Total exposure

Reasons behind latest release


Rihanna exclusive interview

Beyonce Knowles
15 years of triumph and tragedy


Living the dream.. and the nightmare

Uk's No.1

Quote lyrics



The reasons I have used these sell lines, is to draw the readers attention to new information/gossip about R&B artists. New 'exclusive interviews' always draws the attention of the readers as the information is likely to be quality information that has never been read before. Exclusive photographs are also a popular form of media, readers always like to see behind the scenes of the artists private and professional life. The article about 'living the dream' is always a popular sell line, as the reader can dream about life been in the spot light. On the flip side of 'living the dream', readers also like to learn about the down side of been famous and the draw backs that it can sometimes bring with it.

Tag lines for my magazine

• Body of music

• When words fail, let your music speak

• Bring music to life

• If it matters, Its here

• let the music speak

• Make music your religion

These are some ideas for my final magazine tag line. I personally like all of these as they are very much about music and the impact it has on the music lovers and the readers of this genre of magazine. The second suggestion 'When words fail, let your music speak' is particularly strong and is the one I have chosen to use in my final draft. This tag line suggests that music could help people to get through difficult times by listening to words in a song. This tag line has impact and because of this I feel that it would help to draw the readers attention and would help to increase sales of this magazine as it is applicable to a large range of age groups

Hand drawn drafts

These are my initial ideas which I have created, I have designed this draft as I feel it has a edgy effect which will attract the the targeted audience. Although the costume is casual adding jewellery to the model enhances the look to make it appear smarter and well turned out. 

This is my second draft, which portrays a different effect as the model is sat inside a car and again will attract the audiences attention as some people stereotype the R&B genre with this type of costume. For example the model is wearing a suit which represents the old classic style of the soul and Motown era. R&B music has changed from that which was heard in the 60's, from this style/genre. It started in the 60's with Motown but the up to date version of R&B music is more Hip hop. The model shown above in my second draft is also seen to be wearing a necklace which makes the costumes up to date. 

Social Class & Demographics

For my R&B magazine, I am aiming to attract young adults aged 16-25, both male and female as the main consumer/readers. Most of the majority of my targeted age are students in education who have a little amount of income to spend, due to this not many students will  be likely to subscribe monthly. My magazine price was originally set at £4.50 which may be too high for students to buy.
This magazine is unlikely to attract people older than 25, as it doesn't feature the things that are stereotypically associated with people over that age, although readers of all ages are interested in fashion, R&B fans are highly interested in their fashion as the artists that they follow are fashion icons. 

Adding competitions and free gifts such as a free CD/download or wining tickets to a festival, will attract more potential buyers, this will help to increase the profit margin for my magazine, if the reader feels like they are getting more for their money they are more likely to buy the magazine more frequently.

Although this style of music was originally followed mainly by the black communities, of which a large percentage were male, this Genre now has a large percentage of white followers of mixed ages.
It is generally believed that R&B has helped to break down more racial barriers than any other social developments over many past years. R & B is no longer limited to just its initial target audience, its fan base has expanded and changed, just as much as the music itself.

After looking at this table, I now know which class my magazine is targeted at. This will be group E as it is targeted for students in education, so my pricing range has to be as low as possible to allow students in my targeted age group to be able to afford the magazine.

Different fonts for the Masthead

I have chosen the font which is the second from the bottom as it is bold and adds a different effect because the 'F' suggests it has been spray painted and also the letters are joined together which gives the impression of them been 'fused' together. The colour I am going to use for the mast head is red as it indicates the passion and the love of the R&B culture. The colour red will help the magazine to stand out and make the mast head eye catching as I am going to use a bright shade of red.

Name ideas for my magazine

Reader Profile

Artists within the R&B genre

• Rihanna- Rihanna was signed with Def Jam records at the age of 16 and released her first album, which sold more than 2 million copies worldwide, in 2005. She went on to release more albums and hit songs, including "Unfaithful," Disturbia" and "Umbrella." Rihanna has also won multiple awards including Grammys, MTV Video Music Awards and Billboard awards.

• Rita Ora- Rita Ora is a British singer-songwriter and actress. Her debut studio album Ora debuted at number 1 in the UK. "RIP" and "How We Do (party) singles hit number 1 in the charts. After reaching the peak position as a featured act on DJ Freshs "Hot Right Now",  Rita Ora became the artist with the most number-one singles on the UK single charts in 2012.

• R Kelly- Robert Sylvester Kelly known professionally as R. Kelly, is an American singer-songwriter and record producer.

• Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter, simply known as Beyoncé, is an American singer, songwriter and actress. she performed in various singing and dancing competitions as a child, and rose to fame as lead singer of R&B girl-group Destiny's Child. Managed by her father Mathew Knowles, the group became one of the world's best selling girl groups of all time.

• Usher- is an American singer, songwriter,dancer and actor. He rose to fame in the late 1990s with the release of his second album My Way, which was his first Billboard Hot 100 number-one hit, "Nice & Slow". 

• Mary J Bilge is known professionally as Mary J. Blige, she is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and occasional rapper and actress. Mary J Blige has recieved nine Grammy Awards, eight of Blige's albums have reached multi-platinum status in the United States.

Make up and Costumes

Who are in the charts?

Top 10 Hits - November 2013

1- THE MONSTER
Eminem FT Rihanna

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDXXi19_7iE     

2- TALK DIRTY
Jason Derulo FT 2 Chainz

3- PYD
Justin Bieber FT R Kelly




4- CHILDREN OF THE SUN
Tinie Tempah FT John Martin

5- LOVE THIS TOWN
Dizzee Rascal FT Teddy sky

6- BERZERK
Eminem

7- TRUMPETS
Jason Derulo

8- BANG BANG
Will I iam

9- SURVIVAL
Eminem

10- WHAT NOW
Rihanna

This piece of research has helped me to recognize who is popular with the pubic and the different styles each artist has. This will help me to finalize my decisions on make-up and costumes for my magazine and how to present the my chosen style.

Drawn music magazine mock ups

These are my initial ideas for my magazine that will help me create a better image and outline to work towards; to make my final product stand out and eye catching 

Front Cover mock up

Contents Page mock up

Double page spread mock up

Digital mock ups

Contents page mock up

Front Cover Mock Up

Double page spread mock up

Genre research

R&B Magazines- Although this magazine is classed as a R&B this style of music has changed from that which was heard in the 60's from this style/genre. It started in the 60's with Motown but the up to date version of R&B music is more Hip hop.
                                         
                                         

Pop Magazines
Pop is a popular music genre which originated form in the 1950's, deriving from rock and roll. As a genre, pop music is very eclectic, often borrowing elements from other styles including urban, dance, and rock.

Jazz Magazines- Jazz is a music genre that originated at the beginning of the 20th Century with a regular rhythm, and typically played on brass and woodwind instruments.

Heavy Metal Magazines

Heavy metal developed in the late 1960-1970's. Heavy metal lyrics and performance styles are often associated with  aggression.  Heavy metal music has massive sound, characterized by highly amplified distortion, and overall loudness.

Country Magazines

Country music uses lyrics that tend to describe family life, love, real life issues and loss.Country music often consists of ballads and dance tunes with generally simple forms and harmonies accompanied by mostly string instruments such as banjos, electric and acoustic guitars. Country music is a genre of American popular music that originated in the rural regions of the Southern United States in the 1920's.

Overall, I have chosen R&B for my magazine because I know more about artists and listen to R&B music. I have chosen this genre because personally I think more people know who the artists and bands are because they are in the media and have a high profile. This type of music suits a large range of age groups and has stood the test of time.