Final double page spread

Final Jungle contents page

Final music magazine front cover

Final double page spread analysis

The black stand first navigates the audiences eyes in the direction of reading from left to right, I decided that a horizontal stand first was a bad idea as it is not conventional and would look like a newspaper article, therefor standard columns have been introduced, the colour of the boxes create a layering effect as well as indicating the difference in tone and topic.
The photographer and journalist has been credited at the bottom right on page 7, the drop capital is also very professional as it shows the audience where to start reading from. The green font on the page 7 indicates the interviewers questions, whereas the black font is the responses.
The pull quote breaks up the text in the middle of the interview separating the gruesome story from the music orientated focus to breath life back into the interview.

Final contents page analysis

 

The outline colour of the images correspond with the artists iconic colours which adds authenticity. The addition of the photo of Dj Katy really completes the page as there is no more empty space, the presence of a female destroys the male orientated front page and background colour scheme representations, overall a good balance of stereotypical colours have been used all over this page.

The subscription by-line is another added convention as it is positioned where you would expect on a magazine with the font taken from website 'font space'.

Double page spread text analysis

I want my text to be filled full of information about The Creep as this is the first interview he has ever done so not many people know much about him. I decided to use the intimate image of him on page 6 with the information on his background as it think they correspond well with each other considering the vulnerability of both features. The interview was a tricky feature to organise as I wasn't sure what questions to ask, but in the end I decided I needed to include the musical side of The Creep as well as getting to know him, because after all it is a music magazine.

The interview.

I started off with a question that would set the tone of the interview, "so you've come a long way since your departure from the Artful Sinners haven't you?"
This puts the artist at ease as I have asked him a question that infers that I think he has come a long way, so he feels relaxed, this communicates with the audience making the atmosphere feel informal but professional. The interview was not a set of set questions as the next question is a reply to the response of the Creep, this again shows the relaxed nature of the interview, it's these questions that delve in deep that intrigue the audience. These response questions also make the audience feel an air of unpredictability as they do not know what is going to be said next because the interview is not a set of strict generic question. It also makes the audience feel as though they are in control as they are the voice of the interviewer that is putting The Creep on the spot.
The creepy story had to be brought down a couple of levels as I included the details of the gruesome ordeal, which after consideration was too much for a music magazine, although it represented my magazine well because garage music is for people with a street life lifestyle which many of these people will experience the reality of the harsh realities of life.
There are a lot of revelations about Artful Sinners as the questions involve comparing the band to solo life, however some of the revelations are controversial as the questions didn't involve an answer that detailed about the ins and outs of the bands doings. This could provoke a response from the remaining members of the Artful Sinners which could lead a future issue of the magazine, keeping the audience interested.

The double page spread text

The former leading band member of UK garage artist Artful Sinners, Callum Ruane, has released his first solo album ‘Intentions’. Many radio stations that have played songs off the album have received texts, tweets and more about the rise of ‘The Creep’.

Due to his success in the UK club scene and the charts, Jungle wanted to be the first magazine to get the exclusive on the upcoming artist.

In Callum’s early childhood he had a rough time growing up in a single parent home on a council estate in South London. Due to the fact that he never knew his father Callum didn’t have a male role model in his life apart from his Granddad Billy who he idolised throughout his childhood.

His Granddad was the one who supported Callum to go for a music career even though his mother was against it. Callum took his Granddad’s advice and joined the upcoming garage band Artful Sinners in 2008 where the group made a name for themselves with top tracks such as ‘Latch’ and ‘Stimulation’.  However as the band was preparing for the release of their second album, there was a fallout within the group between drummer Christen Stewart and mixture Martin Harrison, so that’s when Callum decided to take his destiny into his own hands and release himself from the self-confessed “immature group” and start a new solo career.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

So Callum you’ve come a long way since your departure from Artful Sinners haven’t you?

Indeed (chuckles to himself), I know I made the right choice as I felt it was the right time for me to move on. I felt like I was the only one who had ambition to push forward instead of being immature, I thought to myself ‘I love the music, these people love the fame’

That’s quite a harsh comment to make considering that was the band who gave you a platform don’t you think?

Don’t get me wrong Hollie, I have the upmost respect for my ex band members but I’m telling you the truth and I want my fans who read your magazine to understand that I left the band for them and to give them my passion through the music instead of giving a half-hearted production in an immature band.

So then, this new album, tell us about it.

‘Intentions’ is based on my tracks as they each have an intention to portray a story. MY passion for the music and what I’ve had to go through in order to get where I am today, and yes there is one or two creepy background stories to a couple of my songs (laughs as I roll my eyes). What do you expect I am ‘The Creep’ after all (winks) There are 15 tracks that tell my journey from the start, track 1, till my new beginning, track 15 , the early tracks are inspired by my late granddad who was my only supportive figure in my life so I’m dedicating my success with this album to him.

(LAUGHS, can you tell one of the creepy background stories then?)

Alright then but prepare yourself. Track 6 is called ‘Zoë’ featuring my pal on vocals Sam Smith, she was my best friend on my estate growing up as a kid, I used to play out every night, we would play football, listen to garage and house music together, we were soul mates. But one day she never came to school and I went straight to her house to check if she was ok, I knocked and knocked but no one answered so I peered through the letterbox and saw a human foot that was separate from the leg. I threw up but I knew I had to get in so I got my older brother too kick the door down. I’m not going to tell you the rest of the story as I don’t like to talk about it, you find out in the track anyway, but that night I lost my soul mate and that’s what inspired that song and my desire to make it in the music industry as Zoë would have wanted me to.

Oh wow, you’ve been through a lot haven’t you, and you’re only 23, it’s amazing how you still have the desire to succeed as most people would of broken down.

Yes but I’m not like other people, bad things that happen to me just give me a bigger drive to make it, I drawn inspiration from my experiences and in my opinion separates me from the rest.

Considering that you are a solo artist now, how different is your pre performance ritual compared to what it was like in the ‘Artful Sinners’?

Well in the band I used to get high a lot before a performance because of obvious peer pressure and I didn’t want to seem boring, but now I just prepare myself extremely thoroughly because when you are in a band if you make a mistake it can go unnoticed, but when you’re on your own it can be daunting so I just say a prayer and get on the stage.

I went to your live performance on the last arena of your tour in Birmingham’s O2 arena, how did you feel when you came off stage after such an energetic performance?

Well first off all I’d like to shout out to my Birmingham fans as they really do understand my music, I can always feel that the audience are on my wavelength every time I go there. I like to put on a show for them in Birmingham so after I come off stage I didn’t have energy to lift up a cup of tea I just fell onto the couch and slept for 15 hours, and the recovery was complete with a lovely brummies’ breakfast.

So ‘intentions’ has been released, have you got any surprises up your sleeve for the next UK tour?

Well let’s put it this way… ‘A Creep’ never tells his secrets (winks).

Development

Structured text/layout

The inclusion of a photo of The Creep in action has been included on the right page to break up the text, it is also positioned by the section of the interview focused on his music with corresponds well making it easier for the reader too navigate through the page.
The difference in colour signifies the difference in topics, (e.g. the grey text box is where the creepy story is told, the black box is the introduction)
The light toned grey in the background is a fresh change from the black backgrounds of the front page and the contents page, the grey also represents the 'grey area' in The Creep's history that he doesn't like talking about, he is a very mysterious character.

Development

The black front page, contents page AND a black double page spread is too much in my opinion, even though it electrifies the colour of the font, the black background just ruins the magazines style as it is too dark and monotone, also it is a very male colour so I cannot use this on the 4 main pages of my magazine as this gives off the wrong representation.
Also there is too much text on the double page spread, I plan on reducing the text and structuring the page into columns and breaking the text up with a picture or another pull quote or sub-heading.

A possible double page spread photograph of The Creep

As The Creep is a new artist that has burst onto the solo scene I want to show my audience the intimate side of him as in my opinion it will intrigue the audience more into reading about him. This photo presents The Creep as having the same style as on the front page (e.g. the hat) however it shows him being a true artist as the beauty of the image looks like a piece of art that is giving him inspiration. The reflection on the water represents The Creep reflecting himself in the double page spread. Above all I think this is a superb and beautiful shot that deserves to be shown on the double page spread as it is intimate and emotional. I took this photo at dusk where the lighting was dim but still enough to capture the beauty of the nature and iconic outline of The Creeps hat and face and street wear, this photo represents him well as it shows The Creep being inspired and taking time away from fame and enjoying his street life. It also shows the audience he is a real human being and isn't constantly his stage character which will connect with the audience on another level.

Retake of a contents page photo

Instead of StreetSonics being one of the photos on my contents page, I decided to use Dj Katy instead as one of the photos as I think a female presence will be welcomed as there is such a male dominated front page.
The meaning behind this photo is trying to get the 'behind the scenes' appearance by taking a privileged angled photograph behind the shoulder of the 'photographer'. My model (Niamh) is wearing a quirky playsuit to match her quirky style that is portrayed by her pale make up with jet black hair with blood red lips.
To emphasis the paleness of Niamh's skin, I made sure she was facing direct sunlight which helps create a prejudgement in the audiences mind that Dj Katy is very innocent and natural as she is surrounded by nature wearing minimal makeup. The black coat of the 'photographer' increases the effect of the pale skin of Niamh, which also fits into the theme of contrast in my magazine.
(This photo was taken with an Iphone 5 camera)

Heading to accompany this photograph

Behind the scenes at Dj Katy's new fashion range

Development

Influenced by my research I decided to have a plain coloured background as I think having a loud style and a lot of colour takes away the attention from the actual text. Having a plain background allows me to use the bright, electric green iconic Creep colour for the font as it makes a better impact on a plain background, the white background also adds to the theme of contrasting that this story has as the picture is based upon light and shadow. I have also introduced a drop capital at the start of the stand first to indicate to the reader where to start reading.
On the opposite side the pull quote reflects the image on the left page as "I have a point to prove" corresponds to the inferior effect the image gives The Creep. I have also inserted another photo of The Creep in a live performance which will tie in well with that section of text that will surround it as it will be focused on his music and live performances.

Starting to produce the double page spread

I used a green fading into black background colour as it is the iconic colour of The Creep, it also adds a tone of expectation to the page as the audience expect a content worthy of the dramatic style.
The intimate image of The Creep is a photograph I have previously analysed in my blog, however I'd like to highlight the effect on the audience that this great shot has, the high angle creates a sense of hierarchy between the audience and The Creep as the shot looks down on him creating an automatic power difference. The 'eye contact' is obviously there however the eyeballs are shadowed out too create emotional discomfort in the audience as The Creeps intentions/mood is not clear.
I have placed the magazines iconic signifier in the top corner of the page (pink flamingo), most magazines have there masthead in the corner but my magazine is different and will stick in the mind.
The heading of this story is subtle yet effective as the ellipses plants the seed of curiosity in the audiences mind but with the power of obvious hindsight I know that the ellipsis means that the background of The Creep is also going to be revealed.

Ideas for The Creep double page spread

Considering that The Creep is a brand new solo artist that has just burst onto the solo scene, the audience know very little about The Creep so although I want there to be an interview on the double page spread I also want there to be a bit about The Creeps personal life and his background as I think the audience will connect with him on a more personal level if they knew more about him.
Kind of like how the Justin Bieber fans went through Justin's rise to fame with him, the audience will feel a sense of exclusivity of finding out about The Creep on another deeper level at the start of his career so it will create a sense of ownership over him.

I want to take advantage of the vulnerability that the photograph of The Creep puts across on the double page spread by revealing his background and his 'creepiest' moment.

Analysis of a double page spread

This double page spread also has the features and conventions I highlighted in my previous post, I am just developing my understanding and analysis of double page spreads and delving deeper into the meaning behind why it is designed the way it is.

Double page spread text

I have been researching the way text is presented on a double page spread and what sort of tone to write in. I realised that although the text has to be professional it can be informal as the personality of the journalist has to shine though. Usually with witty comments or questions that have controversial answers, the journalist and photographer should be credited.
The text should be structured into 2-4 columns (usually vertical) however a pull quote from the interview should be added to break up the page and make the audience have a bit of excitement by having a different type of text to read instead of constant sized font all the way through, as it will get boring. There should always be a subheading or stand first that stands out slightly to introduce the artist/s and tell the audience what the article is about, then when the actual column starts then a drop capital should be used to show the audience where to start reading, it also looks classy.

The text in my magazine double page spread I have decided will be informal as I want my personality to come though with a hint of seriousness as it is hard to keep The Creep under control and that will come though in my interview.
I have created my stand first,

The former leading band member of UK garage artist Artful Sinners, Callum Ruane, has released his first solo album 'Intentions'. Radio 1 xtra have already played a few of the tracks from the album and consequently received texts, tweets and more about the rapid rise of 'The Creep'.

Double page spread research

Artist representation

Lily Allen introduces her new style with her hair cut short and boyish which is quite a drastic change from her previous image of a sexual, beautiful woman. Too get her new identity across to the audience, Lily Allen oozes self confidence though her photo with the intimate direct eye contact which connects with the audience and also makes the audience feel uneasy as they don't know what Lily Allen is capable of, by the radical change in image that is shown by what she is wearing, she looks like she hasn't made an effort for the photo-shoot which tells the audience she doesn't care what people think of her. Also her hair and make-up do not represent Lily Allen's old music genre as she looks like a rocker with the stereotypical dark, over the top eye make-up and the short spikey, stereotypically homosexual hair. All of this added together creates mystery and curiosity for the audience as it makes them want to read about how and why Lily Allen has changed and if her music is changing. This image corresponds with the image of Lily on the front cover   



 

The masthead

By appearing like a hostage letter, it adds to the mystery of Lily Allen. It advocates a side of Lily Allen that has been trying to escape and now she is releasing her true self. The black and white contrast of the letters represents the contrast of Lily Allen's change.

 

Other main conventions

• subheading

• pull quote

• bigger font for the first letter

• typical columns with the alignment to the left. 

Basic layout of final magazine contents page

Development of contents page

By adding the StreetSonics photo of Shaun it proves my previous instincts that it does not fit in well with my magazine style.

As you can see, I have cropped this picture too reduce the background space of the photo so Shaun's body length could aline the 'features' box, but even then the photo is too unprofessional as there is too much going on on the page. I am going to change the second main story from StreetSonics too DJ Katy as the photograph of a woman would fit better onto this page as the face would soften the tone and atmosphere.

Contents re-think / re-design

To keep the contrast theme of the front page inside I have made the background black, however it fades lighter down the page to allow for a professional look as the other background colour on the previous creation was not a colour that is associated with Jungle magazine, it also makes the colour scheme flow from the darkness of the front cover to the inner contents of the magazine, by the darkness fading into a lighter colour its destroys the possibility of the colour change being to harsh and dramatic, its softer on the eyes adding a professional tone. I have included 'This week' in another disc font in the typical Jungle green that corresponds with The Creep image outline and the sub-headings of the featured contents lists.

 Featured contents boxes

The main magazine story's are in the 'Features' box. The main story headings are in font 14 in typical Jungle pink, with the extra information about the stories below in typical Jungle white, italic font 11.
The black, thin outline of the boxes gives the contents a classy look whilst separating the contents from the rest of the page.

Basic conventions

The typical disc, white font for the page number in the bottom right corner and the iconic signifier of the pink flamingo to remind the audience that this is Jungle magazine and it will also subconsciously be in the audiences mind which will make the flamingo recognisable and representative of garage music and Jungle magazine.

Contents creation mock up

Recreation of contents page title

Instead of 'Contents' I will use 'inside the jungle' as it is original and unique. The jungle is full of different animals and places, so this title infers `that there are many different things in this magazine that is fun to explore just like an actual jungle. The white disc font is the same colour as the masthead for continuity. The inclusion of the pink flamingo is an ever-present figure throughout the magazine as an icon of Jungle magazine. It is iconic.

Creation and exploration of making my contents page

The positioning of contents is very quirky and would represent the audience well, I have used a disc font to further emphasis the dj element of garage music. The background colour contrasts with the font colour which corresponds with my front cover theme of contrasts between dark and light. The light colour relaxes the audience as the front cover is extremely dark so to open the magazine to a lighter page will put them at ease as the contrasts have rearranged themselves to be predominantly light.
The photographs of the creep I put into circular and square green borders which is the creeps iconic colour that the audience will identify with the artist so there wont be any need for a heading introducing him and his double page spread to the audience as he is the front cover, therefore have to be the main story on the contents page as my audience have brought the magazine wanting to read about the creep mainly.
However, the way the images have been cut off with the print margin is a downfall, and I would not like to manoeuvre them because they will take up too much of the page.    

Reconsideration of StreetSonics photos

After much thought and analysis I have come to the conclusion that I will not be using any of the photos I took of StreetSonics as none of them fit into place on my contents page as they look out of place and too unprofessional, I will retake my photos at a later point and prepare better beforehand by preparing props and I will make sure the mise en scene represents my artists right.
I want my photo to be able to structure/support the 'features' box on my contents page so it has to be a medium long shot, preferably a low angle shot to create a sense of hierarchy between audience and artist.

Photography

I wanted to capture the working class element of my audience by showing them that the duo also work hard by putting them in suit attire, this shows Shaun getting undressed and getting ready to become StreetSonics. By showing the audience that the artists work connects deeper with the audience as they feel on the same level.

The white shirt connotes purity of the work ethic of the duo and also draws attention to the lips.

I got Shaun to face the direction of the tunnel opening so the light would shine on half his face which corresponds with the half work and half artist mode the artist is in.

Im going to use this picture of Shaun as the image too accompany the text that the StreetSonics 'reveal all', that heading is ambiguous and creates mystery.



Jaime is very good looking and this would be a good image for the female audience, but the collars of the shirt look stupid and out of place, there fore this photo will not be going on my magazine as the duos story teaser on the contents page, the other images I took are unprofessional in my view, I will not be using any of them.

StreetSonics

I have created my own original band, StreetSonics, are an English electronic music duo consisting of Shaun Hansard (4/5/94) and Jamie Grant (16/7/94).

I have compared the duo based on real life garage/electronic music duo DISCLOSURE
, the duo have there own iconography that as soon as there audience see there ghost print face outline, they automatically recognise that it is DISCLOSURE.

Therefore I wanted to create my duo a unique recognition feature that would help my duo become recognised, I chose to use the colour blue to my advantage, I used the piercing blue eyes of my models and painted the lips of them blue, I used white and blue paint to get the right shade to match each other and the background to build up the image of the duo.


Shaun (right) Jaime (left)

 

The setting of one of my contents main stories photographs

 

 

I took inspiration from my school magazine photo as I know the setting is more fitting for my music magazine, however instead of using the green graffiti background, I chose the blue section as this is the iconic colour of my artist duo 'Street Sonics'. This urban environment is typical of what my audience would expect from a garage artist as it is street and fresh.

A different styled contents page analysis

Main common features recognised

I have only analysed two music magazine contents pages but I have already recognised similar features such as that they both have a main image that the whole page is built around, the image structures the conventions and dictates the colour scheme and atmosphere of the page.
Also the actual contents is very conventional, in continuous columns, simple font with page numbers.
Subscription and contact information is also a main convention I have recognised, usually located at the bottom/side of the page. The actual contents is split into features by sub-headings, usually this text is written ambiguously to intrigue the reader.

Analysing music magazine contents pages

Hip-hop is often used by the artist as a chance to show wealth and prosperity, the way this shows this is because they are in a controlled environment, they have designer clothes on are not lively as if they are in a live concert or have just preformed but are looking clean, bold and fresh like they have the same image on stage as they do in daily street life. These are also some of the attributes that the magazine has gone for themselves. There are no effects used on the image as the magazine will want to show the artist in his true light, hence the plain, light background. The image is not just there for no reason, as there is a page number below the image which signifies that 50 Cent is a main feature in this magazine.

Analysising music magazine contents pages

This contents page has one main seductive image who's legs are mimicking the iconic V of the magazine. This tells the audience that the magazine is of high quality as the artists are manipulated by the magazine instead of the artists acting bigger than the magazine, this makes the audience feel as though they are in control of the artists as they are reading the magazine which controls the artists. The fading background colour from dark to light compliments the black/white, classy font which is on a slight slant too give the page a sense of triviality.
The image adds sexuality to quite a plain contents page, however the colours contrast too portray a sophisticated look, the direct eye contact will seduce the audience too want too read more of the magazine, its a huge lure tactic. The positioning of the 'contents' layers over the watermark of the iconic 'v' figure. The structure of the page is built up and around the artists legs which creates a smooth base for the contents to be written against as she provides a foundation to be built around.

Final main image contrast

Since I have made my main image takeover the front page I have noticed that having a 0% lighting contrast has made the photo look a bit unprofessional ,therefore I have decided to edit the image and increase the contrast to 10%.

Before

After

Playing around with the positioning of the sell lines

I am unsure whether too keep the left side of my front cover clear to put more focus on the creep's main story or too position a sell line on that side too give a balanced look.

In my opinion I think that my magazine front cover looks more attractive with my sell lines positioned like this, too prevent empty, useable space left behind on the right side, I will produce another sell line in the same format but it will not interfere with the creeps image.

Sell lines analysis

Sell lines

 

To appeal to all aspects of my target audiences style, I have included a sell line of fashion, the word 'Latest' signifies to the audience that my magazine is passionate about all elements of street life.

It is positioned opposite my anchorage text too not draw attention away from my exclusive with 'The creep'.

I have white font too carry through the house colour and the contrast is also emphasised by this colour font. Ill produce my other sell line with black font too add more contrast as it will be layered on top of the white t-shirt.

Unsure positioning of anchorage text

I want 'The creep' to be quite a large font compared to the pull quote, however I don't want to take away the effect of the shadowing, but by positioning the words around the cave of the eye it enhances the direct address by bringing attention too the eye.

Change of main image layout

Going back to my original plan, Instead of having a main image that is cropped to allow for other story's below, I have decided that my photo is too powerful to be accompanied by other story's and that it should cover the whole main page. My first attempt at stretching the image failed as it was pixelated and looked unprofessional, but I found another way of enlarging the image with the same quality as the original size.