1. Personal Learning and Reflection

2. Personal Learning and Reflection on Front Cover Analysis For my front cover research, I analysed 7 different front covers of music magazines in detail. I learnt that covers such as ‘NME’ and ‘Q’ used a conventional layout for their front covers. Also they were consistent in the way their magazine covers were set out for every issue which created a recognisable cover for their readers. They had distinct logo which anyone can name if they saw it. This created a magazine that was easy to recognise, nice to look at and clear to read. This is how I intend my front cover to be because I want my readers to be able to recognise the logo and find it easy to read when picking it up. Front covers of magazines such as ‘Vibe’ and ‘Kerrang!’ tended to be quite busy and although they weren’t over-crowded with images, they could sometimes be uneasy to look at and read. I decided I do not want to put too many images or too much text on my cover. I also don’t want to use garish colours, like ‘NME’ tend to because I want my magazine to look sophisticated and modern.

3. Personal Learning and Reflection on Contents Page Analysis For my contents page research, I analysed 7 different contents pages of music magazines in detail. I have learnt that the page needs to be set out well to be used and understood effectively. The contents list needs to be clear to read and the page numbers need to be seen clearly by the reader. It needs to be obvious which articles are on what pages as some consumers may buy the magazine for a certain article and they will want to go straight to that article. This means they will use the contents page, therefore, it needs to look attractive yet still be neat and easily understandable. I have also learnt that as well as the front cover, the contents page should also include a main image, or a variety of images to associate with the list of contents. For my magazine, I will ensure that my contents page has a clear structure in order to ensure that readers can understand it and find exactly what they are looking for. I will also include a main image and a couple of smaller images which will represent my magazine and show what is included in the rest of the magazine.

4. Personal Learning and Reflection on Double Page Spread Analysis For my double page spread research, I analysed 5 different double page spreads of music magazines in detail. I have learnt that the use of a large main image on one side of the page of the featured artist or band is popular as it shows an image of what the article is about. Also having the title in a large font with a subheading just above the article is often used as it gives readers additional information before reading the article. Therefore, as these techniques are popular and work well for most magazine, I will apply this to my product by using a large image to cover at least one page with a large, bold title to make it stand out to my readers. This will also make my magazine look much more professional and sophisticated. I may also include a range of smaller images such as a stream of photos of my featured artist as well as my main image as most magazines also tend to do this. However, this will depend on the quality of the images I produce.

5. Personal Learning and Reflection on Audience Research Questionnaire and FindYourTribe Analysis I carried out an audience research questionnaire and I also did a personal questionnaire on ‘findyourtribe.co.uk’. From doing my audience research questionnaire, I learnt what my audience are interested in, why they buy magazines and what genre of music they listen to. This increased my knowledge and helped me understand what I need to aim for when producing my magazine. Its showed me what I need to include, such as competitions and free merchandise, and the genre I need to base it around in order to gain reader’s interest.Knowing this information allows me to provide my consumers with what they want. I carried out the Find Your Tribe Analysis on their website and I answered a range of questions. At the end of the questionnaire it told me I was a ‘Smart Urban’. I feel that this is an accurate analysis summing up my likes and dislikes as I answered the questionnaire completely honestly yet still keeping an open mind. I am prepared to base my magazine around this analysis as initially I wanted my magazine to have an urban feel, with some individuality.