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When creating all products, the key factor that I had to consider was the audience and how I could achieve maximum appeal. The front cover is a determining factor into whether the audience member will buy the magazine however I am avoiding being overly dramatic with conventions. I wanted to use a simplistic but modern style and I feel this is reflected throughout all products and will be most effective in appealing to my specific audience. My billboard will be my biggest advertising influence and therefore I feel this needed the greatest effective on the audience. The billboard would be seen by not just my primary audience of 18 – 25 year olds but also secondary audience members belonging to the region. This means that it will be the most popular product which is why I had to ensure all the conventions of my other products were combined into this simplistic piece. The content of my entire magazine is summarized on my billboard using the sub-genre mastheads and I feel the image choice reflects the quirky and uniqueness that is present in all products. In terms of industry, I had to take into consideration that society is extremely modern and in an age of digital reliance in which new multimedia platforms are constantly being produced. Due to this, I have incorporated social media links and URLS in all products to appeal directly to  my audience age group. This clear connection of media also allows the reader to switch between products and to discover the other products from new platforms. The social media links I provided were for some of the biggest and most used platforms available including Facebook, Snapchat and Twitter. Not only will this help to appeal to my primary audience, but the digital world is accessible by all ages and therefore opens further opportunity for a secondary audience. I have used my research and planning of similar and existing magazines to understand the professionally that is needed in my products. I therefore feel that combined, my products will be successful in the industry as they create a unique brand image and identity which will be accepted by the audience and by the region.

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As the brief indicated, the products I have created range over three different platforms and therefore variety within my images was essential. I also had to ensure that each image I produced would reflect or interest the needs of my target audience to be successful. To attract my audience, I took into consideration feedback I received from my surveys including their age and fashion style. I then kept these in mind whilst choosing my models to ensure that those featured on my products would reflect the audience as accurately as possible. As my chosen genre is culture, I feel I had a lot of range in what photos I included as the numerous sub-genres allowed objects, landscapes, places and people to all be suitable. I feel that I have showed diversity in all my products through my images. For instance, I haven’t used the same image more than once in my magazine which looks a lot more professional than my AS work which was very repetitive in terms of imagery. The image gallery on my contents page and then the image mood board on my website link together in suggesting my brand is full of content and diverse in topics. I choose to present the images link this as it is a much more creative and modern way therefore reflects the audience well. I also used a range of imagery from each sub-genre so that combined, the products are more likely to appeal to everyone. For instance, the front cover image is art related, the double page spread is events and film and then the other products feature images from all sub-genres. This clearly shows that throughout all tasks, my images successfully identify both the audience and region which is most important when combined to aid my success.

Moreover, I tried to incorporate a graphical and quirky style to my images which I feel is present throughout. On my front cover, I used Photoshop to create a double exposure effect which combines two images together. On my contents page, I edited certain photos such as the first image of the seafront wheel which I added a patriarchal pop art style to as well as the 6th image of myself which I edited to give red eyes and lips. On my double page spread, all of the film posters I created were digitally edited for instance one uses double exposure, one liquidify, one black out and one paint tools. On my billboard, the image I chose is quirky due to the model’s pose and behavior. On my website, I have used similar creative graphics on all pages. I feel this shows a creative and unique style of images throughout which are all interlinked due to their variety and unique style.

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My main aim for the typography of my magazine and ancillary tasks was to ensure that the design was attractive but would also be clear and easy to read/understand. For my masthead font, which appears on all products, I took a build sans design from dafont.com, changed the widths and sizing and then created my own drop shadow. This achieved a much bolder and defined logo like masthead which is the most dominant form of typography on all products. I decided not to use this font on another other aspect of my magazine as I want the masthead to be seen as not only a font but also an image and identity of my brand. I therefore wanted to keep this aspect unique to the masthead alone. The strapline font remains the same on all products and therefore is a good contrast to the Masthead.

The style I wanted to achieve was quite contemporary and modern and I feel I have achieved this through my typography. Each page offers a minimalistic look due to the way I have increased the width between letters. I also feel each page is quirky due to the design typography types that appear and are unique to each page. For instance, I used a “fancy” style font from dafont.com for my double page spread header but due to the use of colour and border, it still looks familiar to that of other pages even though it is a unique design. Also, certain text I have manipulated to achieve a quirky look such as on my billboard the subheads have been warped. This warped text was the same font used on my contents page heading however because I have slightly adjusted it, I have been able to make it unique to the page. This implies that my products typography all combine to create the achieved style and design on my magazine however slight changes also allow each page to work individually and still stand out.

I used a variety of other fonts within my magazine and ancillary tasks, to promote an easy to read look due to their thin and small sizing. For instance, my DPS article, cover lines, website articles and contents listings all use similar standard fonts. I feel this is because the information I have provided here is either highly detailed or consists of essential information, page numbers or URLS. Making the text more standard also allowed a greater contrast with my masthead on all pages which was necessary in providing a professional feel. Overall, I feel there is a clea link between each page of my magazine and ancillary tasks as the fonts were all used effectively and in the right consistency.

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During my coursework production stages, I followed the brief of creating the first four pages of a magazine, a billboard and an accompanying website. All of such were created under the brand name CLIQUE which I chose after analyzing connotations, associations and getting audience feedback. My products are all regional and follow the main genre of culture. I then broke this genre down into sub-genres including fashion, art, film , music, tech and events. In my research and planning, I identified that my target audience would be young creatives aged between 18 – 25 years old. This is because I feel most culture related magazines are aimed at an older audience of 25+ due to the family lifestyles and events they promote. I therefore felt there was a gap in the market to influence a more modern group of students. I also identify with this age group myself therefore have endless similarities of interests and appeal which I could reflect in my products. I decided to include a wide range of sub-genres mainly because I didn’t want to alienate any potential young people. Through my research I conducted interviews and surveys which gave me a greater insight into what this age group were interested in and therefore was the final decider of which sub-genres I was to include. All of the influences and feedback I received whilst researching, was combined into every product that I have made. Not only did I want to appeal to the audience however, I also had to ensure my magazine and ancillary products met with industry standard. I wanted my pieces to look professional and not only be successful individually but also work together to create a collective piece. In this evaluation, I will be discussing the different conventions and styles I interlinked throughout all my products in order to create a house image. I wanted my brand to be memorable, modern and contemporary and I strongly feel this is reflected in each product combined.

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Here are all of the products that I have created for my A2 Coursework. This includes my main magazine tasks as well as my ancillary tasks. (Click the images to enlarge)

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Ancillary 2

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Ancillary 2

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Ancillary 2

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Most important in a magazine is the content as this is a major factor that influences whether the reader will buy the issue or not. Considering this, I have ensured that each product was careful drafted out in my rationales and research so that all the content interlinked and utilized the same style. I made the decision to focus my front cover on a different story to my double page spread which is different to what I did in my AS. The main reason for this is because I wanted to show more diversity and therefore choose a range of topics that would relate to as many audience members as possible. I also think that because the double page spread is on pages 3 and 4 of the magazine instead of in the center, it wouldn’t make sense to immediately put the main feature article first as then this would give the reader no reason to continue reading. I have however mentioned the page title for the front cover article in my contents page listings which shows continuity. The double page spread article is also featured in the contents page listings along with articles that I have put on my website. I have also enhanced my double page spread to make it more multimedia by continuing the content on my website. For instance, there is now a video trailer for the audience to watch about the same article. I also took certain things from my contents page and provided images for them on the website homepage. I have included my social media link in the content of all pages to present a modern appeal. For instance, the front cover has the web address, the contents page has the web address and then the billboard, website and DPS all have Facebook, twitter, snapchat and web links. This allowed for further continuity whilst also providing more and exclusive information. Even though I have a diverse range of content, all of it directly links to the region and to the genre of culture therefore I feel this combines all my content on all of my products. Moreover, all the content was chosen according to my target audience interests and therefore I feel it all reflects them really well and reflects the modern style I wanted to achieve.

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Language, Register and Regional Identity

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Language, Register and Regional Identity

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Throughout all my products, I wanted to create a personal, engaging and friendly atmosphere which would help to engage my audience but also show professionality. I also wanted to create a humorous environment that showed my magazine doesn’t take things too seriously and is therefore very lighthearted and easy to read. I feel I have achieved this in both my magazine and ancillary tasks as although I stuck to a more factual tone, I tried to incorporate comedic values. For instance, on the contents page and website I have used witty puns to attract attention. On my front cover, I have used alliteration and ambiguity in my main sell line anchorage as I feel this is a more mature way to create appeal rather than dramatically exaggerating puffs or sell lines. My double page spread is probably the most influential product in terms of language however the same style is present throughout. I opted for a chatty, conversational tone on my double page spread. I decided to remain quite professional in terms of how it was worded as my audience is still quite mature yet the tone of the article is very relaxing and relatable. For instance, the first paragraph creates a hypothesis which the audience can joke about and relate themselves too. I consistently used “I”” and “you” throughout to create a relationship between the editor and the audience which is important for a magazine that is regional. I have used direct mode of address on all my products. All my products are also very factual, short and snappy. For instance, the billboard isn’t too overcrowded and neither is the front cover. The contents listings are short and straight to the point and the website uses more imagery than text. I feel this is because my audience as quite a low attention threshold and therefore all my products can consistently appeal.

It was also important that both my magazine and ancillary tasks consistently created a regional identity as this is what was included in my brief.  The language that I have used is related to the North-East area including that of Newcastle, South Shields, Sunderland and Durham. On my front cover, I have made direct reference to regional locations such as “Sunderland” and “NC,” which is an abbreviation of Newcastle and therefore a common colloquial phrase. I’ve used names of local venues which people will recognize such as the Baltic art gallery and the strapline, which is present on all products, makes direct reference to the north-east area. On my contents page, I have again referred to local venues and locations such as “Pop Recs, Blaydon, Newcastle, South Tyneside, The Cluny, Metro Centre and Sage. Phrases such as “Geordie versus Mackem” or “Primarni” are very colloquial and popular in the area and therefore will appeal to the audience on a regional level. My double page spread is centered around an event in Sunderland which shows direct link to the region. I have also included colloquial phrases such as “lads and lasses” in again appeal to the modern, northern audience. My Billboard uses the regional strapline but also makes further reference in the essential information sections that the magazine covers “North East England.” My website is probably what creates the biggest form of regional identity and community of my brand. Not only are all the images and articles featured around the region, but I have created my own regional community page for the audience. This allows them to become active readers and either participate in the creation of the magazine or chat with like-minded individuals. I feel this is an extremely important regional convention as I want my magazine to have a community feel and therefore my social media like page will allow people from the region to come together. I therefore feel the use of colloquial language throughout all products helps to give my brand a regional identity which allows the audience to associate and feel relaxed by.

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I decided to include a strapline on all products of my coursework. I feel straplines are important in immediately summing up the magazine so that the audience can infer whether they will be interested. It also avoids any confusion of what style or type of magazine it may be which could avoid people purchasing if they were unsure. My strapline reads “A VISION OF NORTH EAST CULTURE” therefore immediately tells the audience the region and genre of the products. I therefore decided to put this convention throughout all products that are advertising my brand. On the front cover, contents page and website, the strapline is positioned above the masthead at the top of the page. This immediately indicates that all products are regional and cultural which shows a lot on continuity. On my billboard, I have positioned the strapline below the masthead rather than above it. I made this change as it looks more symmetrical with the other conventions of the billboard therefore having the masthead above was a much better design choice. However, my billboard strapline is still in sync with my other products due to it remaining attached to the masthead. I wanted the masthead and the strapline to be conventions that complimented one another and therefore have positioned them all together on all of my products. As the Masthead was not present on my double page spread, I therefore didn’t need the strapline to accompany anything therefore this is the only product without it. I have also used the same font style and size for all my products that it is featured on. From an audience perspective, the strapline is successful across all products in validating the region and culture. In terms of industry, it makes my magazine look more uniform and professional and therefore successful.

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Through my research, I acknowledged that one of the key features of a brands identity is its Masthead. The Masthead is the forefront of a brands image and is the first thing the audience will make a judgement on when deciding whether to pick up the magazine or not. To be successful, a Masthead needs to be memorable, bold, unique and reoccurring on all issues/products of that brand. Due to the fundamental importance of a masthead, I carried out a lot of planning and research prior to my production to make sure I was creating the most professional but audience pleasing design. My masthead is present on my front cover, contents page and both of my ancillary tasks. I have kept the font, style and colour the same on all products so that it has become a logo brand image rather than just a form of text. The drop shadow allows it to be bold and stand out on each page which is a bonus in trying to compete with other magazines on the shelves. I decided to use the masthead on all products to show they are coherent with one another. The unique font of my masthead was created from scratch on Photoshop and therefore I feel this shows each product is unique and therefore likely to promote my magazine in a fresh light. I have also contrasted the teal and blue design against a white background on most pages. The front cover, contents page, double page spread and website all have a white background which allows the masthead to stand out as much as possible. This is also another key feature each product has in common to work together. I decided to use a teal background on the billboard however because as this is my main form of advertisement, I felt a stronger colour is more likely to stand out than white. The masthead does however still have the same effect as on other pages as the drop shadow remains present.

Size played a critical role in the composition and layout of my masthead because on the front page specifically, it needed to big enough to attract someone’s attention. I therefore have made the Masthead the biggest convention on my front cover so that it plays the most dominant role. It titles the top of the page which allows the leading information to be directly associated and therefore links all content back to the brand. I have positioned the masthead in this top third position on all pages of my magazine and ancillary products so that it will always be the first thing the audience will look at and therefore will be the most memorable in generating a brand image between my products. I have however made the mastheads different sizes on each page depending on my layout. On the contents page for example, I have decreased the size of my masthead slightly to provide more space for other conventions. It still however remains the biggest on the page and leading in the top thirds therefore is still a continuity from the front cover. On my website, the Masthead has been centralized in the top header of the page and appears on all navigation links. This shows a direct connection with the rest of my products due to the same size, position and continuous presence of the Masthead.

The only changes I made to my masthead size and positioning were very minor throughout my products. On my double page spread, I decided to create an article header instead of using my magazine name as the Masthead. This is because the pages are supposed to be more factual than advertising therefore I did not find it suitable to use the same CLIQUE Masthead. I have however accompanied for this in other ways to remain consistent throughout my pages. Firstly, the article masthead I have used on the double page spread incorporates the same color same, is the biggest font on the page and is positioned in the top, central thirds. This means that even though the text meaning is different, the style and the design of the masthead remains ever present. Also, I have still included my main masthead, CLIQUE, on the page but in the form of a slug. This is present both at the top of my page in the black color to accompany social media links, and then again at the bottoms of the pages in the teal color to accompany a web link. Even though the masthead has been altered slightly, it is still made apparent that the CLIQUE brand dominates the page and therefore all products are combined in this sense. I have also slightly changed the position of the masthead on my billboard. Instead of putting it central, it is in the top left corner as this was the best position to compliment the rest of my conventions. It remains extremely bold and big therefore will have the same attraction appeal on the audience. It also still looks professional therefore all pages will be accepted as professional on an industry level.

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Colour Scheme/ Continuity of House Style 

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Colour Scheme/ Continuity of House Style 

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I spent a lot of time deciding what colour scheme to use as I wanted it to be simple, bold and attractive. I did research into region associated colours, colour connotations and got feedback from my target audience before coming to a final conclusion. The scheme I have chosen is very simple but effective in connecting my magazine and ancillary tasks together and creating a brand identity. The house style I chose to use predominantly features black, white and grey as base colours. These contribute to being my main contrasting features and are what I used for font, backgrounds and shape tool boxes. My primary scheme also includes a dominant colour of teal which is very unique and bright. I have featured this on every page as I feel it contrasts really well with the colours of black, white and grey. I also feel that because the colour is unique and quirky, it allows all my products to be established as one brand as it is unlikely any regional magazine in my area has the same scheme. This makes easy page even more clearly linked together.

All pages have the same colour masthead (teal and black) which allows my colour scheme to be attached to my brand name. Most textual information on all pages is black for instance the cover lines on the front page, the contents page listings, the double page spread article, the billboard strapline and the website articles. I think that detailed text should be black to although the audience to read it more clearly which is why I made this decision.  I mainly used white font to distinguish more dominant pieces of text as I felt the colour was a lot more dominant in contrasting. This use of white font can be seen on the front cover main sell line, contents page heading, double page spread masthead, billboard subheads and website navigation links. Teal is also predominant on all my pages for instance wherever I have used a border, I have made it the teal shade. This includes on the front cover and on the contents page. At a glance, it is obvious that these 3 colours dominate each page and therefore interlinks all pages together as a combined brand. I feel this is appealing to the audience as a sense of continuity is reassuring and creates a familiar environment in which they are likely to return to.

As for secondary colours, I planned to have a colour for each sub-genre of my magazine. This including green for tech, pink for fashion, red for film, orange for art, teal for events and purple for music. I have kept this secondary colour grouping throughout all my products. On the front cover, I have highlighted the word art in orange due to the article being a part of this sub-genre. On the contents page, each subhead matches the relevant secondary colour for that sub-genre and then the page numbers below are also in that colour. This allows the audience to instantly find the information they need and to distinguish it from the contents list. My double page spread is about an event and therefore the header uses the teal colour. It is also about film however which is why I incorporated red into my posters. My secondary colours are most dominant on my website. The navigation links change colour when the mouse hovers over them, where each group is clearly defined. On the homepage moodboard, I have underlined the subheads with the colour of their sub-genre to show further continuity of the scheme. Each page of my website corresponds to its sub-genre colour. For instance, on the events page, underlines are teal and key subheads are teal. Then on “Our Clique” page, the subheads and underlines are gray to match that sub-genre scheme. I think by using this secondary scheme throughout my products, I have allowed them to all be structured in a much more professional way. It also makes them easier to navigate and therefore each product serves the purpose of creating the best possible reader experience.

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How effective is the combination of your main products and ancillary tasks.

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How effective is the combination of your main products and ancillary tasks.