Evaluation

In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and convention of real media products?

Before designing my magazine, I looked at a few other student magazines; I found that the magazines I looked at, all had some similar features and themes. Most student magazines featured a central image of a student, who would have been around about the same age as the target audience.  Most commonly, three colours are includes to generate a vibrant colour scheme, which would connote energy and youth. The mode of address should be informal in order to relate with the target audience of students. The layout and masthead were plain, which connotes maturity, but it is easily recognisable, which would help it gain popularity.

In response to what I found, I chose two main colours to use, blue, and black which were used to create my house style which were in keeping with the convention of student magazines, and I also used red for some of the coverlines. I also took photos of some students, who were the same age as my target audience. I used a medium close up shot (which was part of the brief) I think this added some more detail and character to my front cover. I chose the name of The Student Circle for my magazine this made it certain that the magazine was designed for students. I used a simple font for my masthead as I wanted to connote maturity.

How does your media product represent different social groups?

I chose my target audience of both male and female students, from the ages of 16 to 18. From completing my research I found that students didn't want to pay much for a student magazine, or that they didn’t want to pay anything at all. So taking this in to consideration I chose to make my magazine free. My colour scheme and house style represented students of both genders, as it is quite simple and fun, the blue makes it look fresh, and the black is bold and attention grabbing.

What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?

I thought that the magazine would be available in college, and possibly universities; as the magazine would contain useful information about student life. The magazine is free, meaning it would appeal to most students who are interested in revision help, music charts, and student life.

 Who would be the audience for your media product?

The target audience for my magazine would be students between the ages of 16 to 18 who are interested in social events, tips on student living, and the latest gossip.

How did you attract/address your audience?

I attracted my audience by using a large image on the cover page, which is relatable to students taking exams. I used a bold font for the masthead, so that the magazine name would be clear, and recognisable, I used black text outlined with blue, which looks fresh and simple. For my cover lines I used a different font which was slightly bolder, and I outlined it in red, this helped highlight each cover line, so that the reader can see what coverline goes with the image. I used the same fonts on my contents page which added continuity to the magazine. The fonts used are clear and easy to read.

What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

To create the magazine cover and contents page, I used InDesign. InDesign was a completely new programme to learn to use, but after a while playing around on it I found it quite easy to use, and effective for what I wanted. I used different layers to add single images, and text boxes to allow me to move, delete or add new things as my magazine started to develop. I have learnt a lot about how to use InDesign which will be very helpful when producing my music magazine for the main task.