3. The masthead of my media product conforms to the typical conventions of well
known magazine brands. This is because the main image within the cover has been
superimposed over the the title. This is a common feature used on current magazines
such as VIBE, NME etc. It is effective to hide parts of the text as it connotes the
popularity and success of the magazine as it implies that the viewers do not need to
see the full title to know what magazine it is.
For example, when researching other competitor products, the magazine
‘NME’ uses the same convention of a super imposed image. It also uses the
technique of placing the title on the left hand side of page, drawing more
attention to the main image rather than itself. This emphasizes the main
cover story within the magazine, giving the audience an immediate
knowledge, maintaining their gratification.
The masthead, ‘Pulse’ would also always be
displayed in the same text on each magazine
cover. This is to make it easily recognizable and
add to creating a house style.

4. My magazine cover also conforms to the conventions of real media products as it contains
a strap line. In magazines such as NME, the strap line consists of text including the full
name of the product. This is because the well known name is an acronym of the actual
title. As my product does not use this feature, it could be argued that my strap line
challenges the forms of certain magazines. Instead, my strap line displays persuasive
information to encourage the viewer to purchase the magazine. It could be argued that
the title and strapline conform to magazines of my genre (R&B) as I have used the
stereotypical feature of cementing the text.

5. The main image on the cover of my magazine conforms to the conventions of certain
media products that are targeted at a young audience of 18-25. This is because the genre
of magazine is R&B, therefore artists within this genre tend to be represented in a
seductive and rebellious form to maintain the audiences gratification and agree with the
stereotype of their portrayal.
An example of a magazine that chooses to portray their artists in this way is
However, if my magazine was not targeted at an audience of R&B fans, the model
within the main image would be expected to be portrayed in a more sophisticated
manner.
It could be argued that the main image challenges the conventions of real media
products as the model is not using direct mode of address but instead wearing
sunglasses. Alternatively, it could be argued that sunglasses are the artists trade mark
and therefore a USP.
The model within the main image is also wearing shorts consisting with the pattern of
the British flag, connoting the theme of the article and adding a sense of patriotism.
I superimposed the image on top of the title conforming to the conventions of media
products and connoting the magazines success.

6. After researching previous media products such as and
magazine, it is evident that they use the colour scheme of red, white and
black. It could be interpreted that this is down to their mainstream genre
of magazine as the colours contrast and are therefore striking. Due to this,
my media product conforms to the conventions of media products as
previous products influenced my decision on using a similar colour
scheme. The main colour I used was red as it has connotations of
excitement and stands out the most. I used the colour scheme throughout
the whole magazine to add to the house style. Other issues of PULSE
would also consist of the same colour scheme to make it easily
recognizable

7.  I conformed to the conventions of media products as I
placed the cover lines on each side of the page.
However, it could be argued that I challenged the
forms of existing magazines as I added an effect to
make the boxes appear like ripped paper. I did this to
add a sense of edginess to my magazine, connoting the
genre of R&B.
PULSE:
Q: VIBE:
PULSE:

9.  I believe that I have conformed to the layouts of
contents pages in existing media products as I have
split the page into two columns. I have also displayed
the page numbers and information on what is on each
page. The model on the front cover is also expressed
through a large image to the left of the contents page. I
did this to connote and highlight that she is the VIP of
this particular issue.
It may be argued that as I do not include an editors
note and instead images sent in from the public, that
PULSE challenges the forms of previous media
products. However, it could suggested that this is the
USP as consumers would feel a personal connection
with the magazine and would feel inclined to purchase
the magazine.

11.  I have conformed to layout of existing media
products as I have placed a maximum of three
columns per page, this is a common convention
of current R&B magazines. For example, VIBE.

12.  It may be interpreted that my choice of font for the title of the
double page spread is eccentric and different. However, I was
influenced by the title of a double page spread in NME which
used a similar font.
I think that my masthead conforms to the conventions of existing
products as it consists of a quote. This is effective as it would draw
the viewers attention to the article and persuade them to carry on
reading.
PULSE:
NME:

13.  My main image conforms to existing media
products as it has been digitally placed and super
imposed onto the article. The model is also using
direct mode of address which is a common feature
used, helping engage the readers.
As my genre of magazine is R&B, the model is
wearing stereotypical clothes as they are revealing
and seductive, yet casual. It could be argued that
by the model wearing Union Jack shorts, that it is
a USP as it relates to the theme of the article. This
is not used in many magazines.

14.  The article uses a common convention as it consists of
an interview with the artist. This is used in a variety of
magazines such as Q and NME as it gives the readers a
chance to feel close with their favourite artists and gain
understanding on upcoming albums, tour dates etc. I
read articles with artists from the R&B genre to give an
idea on what kind of language to use. Although artists
of R&B appear quite edgy and rebellious, within
interviews it could be argued that they have a
contrasting personality as they come across as very
polite and well mannered. Within my article, I made
sure to mention social networking sites to add to the
realism of the interview as Chloe supposedly has a
Twitter account as a way of connecting with her fans.

15.  As I included icons of different social networking sites,
it could be interpreted that I challenged the form of
existing media products. However, more magazines
are beginning to do this, especially if they are aimed at
a young target audience (similar to my magazine –
aged 18-25). This is because the younger generation are
into the latest technology and tend to communicate via
social networking. Therefore, if they desire for any
extra information on the article or wish to contact
PULSE they can use one of these apps.

16.  Overall I feel that I conformed to the conventions of
existing media products as I created a house style. I did
this by maintaining a consistent colour scheme of red,
black and white throughout, which would appeal to both
genders. I also made sure that the name of the magazine,
‘PULSE’ was expressed through the same font each time
it was mentioned. This is effective as it makes the
magazine easily recognizable for the consumers.