Contents page analysis

Duffy, the main cover star of the issue, is also dominating here as the main image. Her playful persona suggest the lighthearted nature of the magazine whilst her pose gives the idea she is tackling an issue and fighting on.

There are other features on the magazine cover, with the page numbers being prominent to allow readers to find any features they are looking for specifically.

The contents page for Q magazine follows the bold and simplistic style seen on the front cover. The main stories within the magazine are listed as the 'features' with some of the more important incorporating images. The lack of colour creates a sophisticated look and also provides emphasis on the small amount of colour that is there.

Magazine cover - WE LOVE POP

Band name research

I decided to research some band name ideas, that i felt would be relevant to the genre and style I plan to make my magazine. From my previous research, I decided I would like to create a band that included a main singer with an iconic style who were supported by a band. Therefore, from the band name research i've carried out so far I like the idea of having a name with 'and the' in. However, memorable and meaningful band names have also been attractive to me, so I have written down a list of the ones I like most so far.

Marina and the Genre-Artist research

The second artist i chose to do research on was Marina from Marina and the Diamonds.

I am starting to like the idea of having a main singer with their own style and fashion sense, who are part of a band such as Marina and the diamonds or Florence and the machine.

Preliminary task

     

This is my front cover for my preliminary task.

I have included some of the features of a magazine such as: 

. The masthead - the masthead is relevant to the type of magazine and I chose the font I did as it gives the impression of being handwritten. As this 

magazine is 'for the students by the students' it creates ability to relate.

. The web address-  due to the rise in online media use, most magazines are now also available on a website 

. The left third - usually the majority of cover lines are in the left third of the magazine as this is where most attention is paid

. Cover star- the cover star draw immediate focus and is also making direct address with the reader which encourages them to buy and read the magazine

. Barcode- all magazines have to have a barcode as this is necessary for purchase

However, some of the features of a magazine haven't been included in my magazine, for example the date. Also many of my font choices are not corresponding with the style of the magazine, especially the one used on the main cover line, as it appears to fierce and harsh.

The preliminary task cemented my knowledge of the features of a magazine so will help in my final product as anything I have left out this time I will remember next time. 

Also, I like the idea of a 'handwritten' style font, so I may carry this through to use a similar style in my final magazine. 

Image for preliminary task

After taking a range of photographs, I decided to use either of these for my Preliminary task magazine cover, as they were taken from flattering angels that complimented the model.
However, i chose to use the top one in the end as i think her facial expression is more inviting and friendly. Also, her body positioning is better as it is more interesting than the straight on image.

Florence Welch from Florence and the Machine - artist research

To gain inspiration, I carried out some research into some of the artists who I felt carried out similar styles to the artist I plan to create, in order to gather information about their genres.

The first artist I decided to look at was 'Florence and the Machine' who falls under the genre of indie/alternative. In particular I looked at the lead singer Florence Welch as she provides the biggest impact on the group, via style, magazine covers and publicity.

I discovered Florence's style often varied between two main styles. The first of these being a soft gentle style often with vintage tones and calm facial expressions (relaxed, smiling) Or the second, and edgy, powerful look, where bright, bold colours are channelled along with sharp angles or serious facial expressions.

A mixture of these two styles can be seen in the collage I made below. 

For Florence Welch I feel the vintage tones work best for her music genre, making the black and white or softer coloured images the most suitable for her work. However, despite them being the overall style working best, my favourite image in the collage is the bottom right, as despite its edgy, modern style, the editing has created a relaxed tone. In a magazine it would be the image I'd choose to use.

Therefore, if my artist is going to be a similar genre to Florence and the Machines, I will be more likely to consider softer tones but with a modern style.

Below are some examples of the magazines Florence Welch has appeared in. Although they're not all music magazines, they give an idea or the image she portrays to the readers of the issue as well as clues to her personality.

In this issue or vogue, we can see Florence in a very powerful stance, showing the attitude we would expect to see from her, but also carrying herself in a very ladylike manner. I like her fashion sense in this photograph, but don't think high end fashion would be suitable for the artist I have in mind at the moment.

Here, her glamorous style is still presented, but in a more relate able way, that allows her to appear like a 'regular person.' This down to earth characteristic often makes an artist more likeable due to more people feeling comfortable in relating to them and looking up to them. However, the mild direct address and blocking causes there to appear to be a lack of her individual style and personality injected into the cover.

 In my opinion, this cover portrays Florence's personality the most accurately. The medium close up with direct address shows her confidence and power immediately, with her fiery hair connotating the expressive part of her personality. On the other hand, the hand shielding her face slightly shows vulnerability and a protective nature, making her seem able to relate to, yet a good role model.