Conventions
Images:
A multitude of conventional elements have purposely been
incorporated into the magazine pages that I have produced; one aspect of the
alternative music magazine that I produced that is conventional is the images
used throughout. On the front cover of ‘amp’ magazine, a mid shot of a
seventeen year old woman has been used. From researching the genre and holding
a keen interest in it myself, I have discovered that the majority of
alternative and Indie artists and bands consist of young adults; this is
because the genre is most popular to listen to and play for this age group.
Examples of young alternative artists include Jake Bugg and Lorde, both of whom
are regularly included within the pages of alternative magazines such as ‘NME’
and ‘Q’. Kate Whinnett, the artist that features on the front cover, is in
actual fact the same age as alternative newcomer Lorde. Also a conventional
image is that of the artist Ashley Riley, which is situated on the contents
page. Like Kate whinnett, the artist featured on the cover and double page
spread of the issue, the artist is seventeen years of age. This is conventional
again because the genre is most popular to listen to and play for this age
group.
I chose to use a
female model on the cover and double page spread of ‘amp’ magazine because the
majority of alternative artists are male – this gave me a chance to break the
boundaries and set my magazine apart from the others by not conforming. This
decision does in fact correspond to the theme of originality and rebelliousness
connoted with the genre. More and more female musicians are becoming popular in
the music industry, however, so the magazine will be seen as current and will
remain recognisable as belonging to the alternative/indie genre. Unlike
Whinnett, however, Ashley Riley is a male artist. This is conventional because
most alternative and indie musicians are in fact of this gender. The type of
music played by the artist, therefore, will be slightly more apparent because
this is what is expected. I feel that it
was a good decision to include both male and female artists within the magazine
because it will appeal to readers of both genders. It is conventional because
both male and female artists are popular within the alternative genre. I know
this because the entire sample of music magazines that I examined included both
men and women.
 |
| Alternative artists 19 year old Jake Bugg and 17 year old Lorde are of similar ages to Kate Whinnett and Ashley Riley, both of whom are included within 'AMP' magazine. |
Costume is another element that was considered when planning
the photoshoot. In the photograph that resides on the double page spread, the
artist is wearing a fashionable outfit of a simple black shirt, dark jeans and
classic black Dr Marten boots. The dark colours of the clothing appear moody
like her music and many other alternative artists’ music; they also add style,
which is conventional because a large part of the indie genre is the
accompanying fashion. Alternative artists are amongst the most fashionable of
young individuals and are looked up to for their style – Kate Whinnett’s outfit
holds these qualities so is conventional in that sense. Also adding to the
trend setter’s style are the popular brand of boots that she is pictured
wearing. These shoes are in fashion at this moment in time and are being worn
by countless celebrities, young adults and adolescents. This means that the
musician appears current, which is conventional because alternative music
magazines are considerably involved in the music industry so that new and
exciting music can be shared. The boots also exaggerate the rebellious attitude
the model exudes as they are associated with non-conformers and rebels alike,
of whom often listen to alternative and rock music. This makes the woman’s
style conventional because it promotes the same ideals as those felt by many
artists and listeners of the genre.
In the image used on
the front cover, the model is photographed wearing a casual grey jumper. This
style of clothing signifies the musician’s carefree attitude and is
conventional because alternative artists often possess an unkempt appearance.
The harsh grey colour compliments the ‘snarl’ displayed in her face that
suggests that she is tough and possesses an attitude. Artists are often photographed with
aggressive expressions on their faces, an example being famous member of Foo
Fighters and Nirvana, Dave Grohl. This means that the model used in ‘amp’
magazine is showing a conventional facial expression on the front cover. In the
photograph used on the double page spread, the model is shown to be staring
into the distance; this creates an assumption that she is in deep thought. Many
of the lyrics to songs of the alternative genre are meaningful so relate to the
thoughtfulness suggested by this expression. Also connoting this common wild
attitude is her long, naturally curled hairstyle; this further causes the image
to possess this vibe that is conventional to the alternative genre.
Body language has been chosen to relate to the aggression often found in the sounds of alternative music, just as it has been demonstrated through facial expressions. Through my research, I have found that body language is often used in music magazines to signify attitudes of the artists and their music, too. In the photograph used on the double page spread, the artist is seen to be sitting on the ground casually; this is conventional because alternative and indie artists are often shown to hold a carefree attitude such as this. The musician’s stature is powerful as she stares directly at the camera in the image used on the front cover; this gives her edge and makes her seem powerful and aggressive, just like the sound made by the guitars and drums apparent in many alternative bend’s music. Ashley Riley's posture on the contents page is similar to this because he is standing directly in front of the camera, yet he is looking away; this conveys a conventionally 'moody' attitude. Many alternative artists use similar poses in publications such as 'NME' and 'Q' to the ones used within 'AMP' magazine.
Camera work has been used effectively and conventionally for the images of the featured artists, Kate Whinnett and Ashley Riley. On the front cover, a mid-shot has been used. This allows the impactful facial expression to be read with ease and is conventional because from examining a number of other music magazines, I have found that this, along with the close-up, is the most commonly used shot type for the main images of front covers; a reason for this is so that the artist is instantly recognisable as a musician of the genre and so that those who appreciate their music may purchase the magazine in order to read more about them. A mid shot has also been used on the contents page for the photograph of Ashley Riley because again, it allows his conventional facial expression and body language to be observed.
The shot type used for the image on the double page spread
is a long shot. This was used in order to capture Kate’s body language, which
holds significance in that it allows for her conventionally tough, carefree
attitude to be observed. Many magazines’ articles are accompanied by a long
shot because of these reasons, making the double page spread inside ‘amp’
conventional. A high angle shot has been used to show the artist’s power, as is
present in many alternative artists’ personalities and music.
As well as costume, body language and shot type, the
settings of the photographs are also conventional. Rough and untidy areas have
been used as the backgrounds for all images of musicians included within the
magazine. Behind the artist in the photograph used on the front cover is a
graffiti covered wall. This is conventional because this ‘rough’ area relates,
once again, to the musician’s conventional rebelliousness. Behind the young
woman in the photographs situated on the double page spread is a rural area
that appears to be run down and deserted; a rural area is also used as the
setting behind the image on the contents page. This is also conventional
because it gives the artist a cool and mysterious vibe that is conventional to
many alternative artists.
Text:
The fonts used throughout my magazine are conventional in
several ways. The font ‘Impact’ has been used for the headings on the double page
spread and contents page; it has also been used for subheadings on said pages.
This font is sans serif so is bold and loud. These types of font are commonly
used in alternative music magazines because they are easy to read and are simplistic
and stylish. Many listeners of alternative and indie music are rather
fashionable and up to date so will appreciate this aesthetically pleasing
typeface. The font is cool and current to correspond to the music featured
within the magazine and is conventional . This font has also been used as subheadings to differentiate sections of the magazine on the contents page and for the list of bands on the band index.
The coverlines on the front cover are also written in the font ‘impact’. These pieces of text are written over a white box so as to contrast with the background image. This is a commonly used technique and features on several issues of magazines such as ‘NME’ and again appears easy to read and aesthetically pleasing.
Text:
The coverlines on the front cover are also written in the font ‘impact’. These pieces of text are written over a white box so as to contrast with the background image. This is a commonly used technique and features on several issues of magazines such as ‘NME’ and again appears easy to read and aesthetically pleasing.
Serif fonts are also used across my magazines in areas such
as the article on the left hand side of the double page spread, along the top
of the cover and throughout the contents page. This font is ‘Century schoolbook’,
which is easy to read and aesthetically pleasing; this font is often used in
many areas of music magazines for these reasons. Dates and website/social
network information is also written in a serif font because it needs less
impact than other text and does not need to appear fun. For these reasons, this
information is written in serif fonts nearly all of the time in music
magazines.
The text that the article included on the double page spread consists of has been written in columns; this is conventional because almost all magazines follow this style. This breaks up the text, making it easier to read. It also causes the text to immediately be recognised as a magazine article too. The Interview has been written in a question and answer format for these very reasons and to make it more fun and interesting to read; it also allows the reader to read the interviewee's individually in the event that they only wish to read 'AMP' casually or skim over it. The content of one particular answer or question may also attract a reader's attention so will encourage the article to be further read. Had the article not been written in columns, it would appear to look more like a book than a magazine, which would confuse the readers; for these reasons, the use of columns was a wise and effective one. This convention is a particularly vital element of the publication.
House Style:
Colours heavily used throughout ‘AMP’ magazine include black, white and red; these colours comprise the house style of the publication. They are conventional colours to include within this genre of music because they are often used in similar magazines such as ‘NME’ and ‘Q’ and match these popular brands’ logos; the masthead for ‘AMP’ is red and black for these reasons. The colours complement each other and are associated with passion and anger; these emotions are often conveyed in the sounds of alternative music.
Layout:
The layout of the pages produced for this issue of ‘AMP’ magazine are conventional in several ways. For example, all follow the route of the eye. The majority of music magazines take this into account when considering page design because it makes the magazine easier to read and ensures that the text and images are seen in order of importance so that attention is sustained.
On the cover of ‘AMP’ magazine, for example, the masthead is situated in the top right side of the page. This is conventional because all alternative magazines that I have examined have theirs here too; this means that my magazine will instantly be recognisable as a music magazine of the alternative genre. Directly underneath the masthead is the date and price of the issue. Most magazines have this text placed here because it will make the issue easy to reference and the price will be clear. This means that this is conventional.
Much of the other text on the front cover is conventional in its placement aswell; for example, the cover lines descend the side of the page, which is common in many magazines. This is because it ensures that this vital information can be read without difficulty and means that the text does not become unorganised or of a cluttered appearance. Alternative music magazines, I have found, do not often appear cluttered; this is because they need to remain stylish to satisfy the trendy young readers that it targets. The cover line for the cover story is the largest text on the page and is sprawled across the middle over the main image. This placement is usually used by other music magazines to attract attention to the main feature and encourage consumers to purchase the magazine to read the article. Because of this, I chose to use a bright, bold font so that it stands out as other cover lines do across similar magazines. A small barcode is included in the bottom right hand corner of the cover because these are required on all publications; this has been placed where it has because according to the route of the eye, this will be read last so will remain insignificant; for these reasons, this is where the barcode is placed on other magazines for the majority of the time.
The contents page also follows the route of the eye, with the heading, which is placed in a banner, being situated at the top left had side of the page. This is where this text is expected to be because this is where the heading for contents pages usually is in alternative music magazines. The heading is rather plain and simply reads “This Week”, because its only purpose is to the reader which page it is that they are reading. It does not need to be inspiring because the page is functional rather than for entertainment purposes, so headings such as this or even simply the title “Contents” are often used.
Like the cover, this page also follows the route of the eye, with the heading being read first, then the image, then the text used for page navigation. Lastly, the editor’s note and ‘band index’ are seen. The heading is read first to establish the purpose of the page, with the 'AMP' logo following it to reinstate the brand identity.The image of featured musician Ashley Riley is placed below it so that interest is captured abruptly afterwards. The information is then seen so that the reader will know where to find certain pages and after that is the editor’s note; this is to introduce the reader to the issue in a welcoming and informal mode of address, thus encouraging them to keep reading and feel like the magazine was written for them. For these reasons, many magazines include this feature, meaning that the use of this is conventional. Almost all contents pages that I have examined have followed the route of the eye, therefore this layout is very conventional.
Lastly, the double page spread also follows the conventions of a layout which is similar to that of a music magazine. Like the front cover and contents page of ‘AMP’, the spread also follows the route of the eye. In the top left hand corner of the spread is the ‘AMP’ logo, which before the article is even read reminds the reader of the magazine that they’re reading so that the name ‘AMP’ becomes imprinted upon the reader’s mind. Briefly after, the heading, which reads “I’m living and breathing music” is read. This is placed at the top of the page and is spread across the two pages. This is a conventional place for this text to be situated because almost all articles from other music magazines that I analysed during the research process follow this pattern so it is expected to be situated here; this makes the article simple to recognise and read immediately. The heading consists of a direct quote from the interview itself to give the reader an idea of the content straight away and intrigue interest as they may become curious to discover the context of said quote. This is often the case in interviews for these reasons, and has been included within several double page spreads that I examined earlier, therefore this placement is conventional. Next, the standfirst is read. This gives the reader further context around the quote so further encourages the reader to read the magazine due to curiosity and excitement. This is smaller than the heading because it is very much used to accompany the heading rather than take it over; again, this is the case in almost the entirety of articles within music magazines so is conventional.
Next seen in an image of the musician interviewed; this image is A4 in size so takes up an entire page. This means that it can accompany the text and be appreciated fully; the image is a large factor that draws the reader into the article, after all. Rather large images often accompany double page spreads in music magazines, as is demonstrated in all of the magazines examined in the research stage of the portfolio because it adds impact and makes the spread more aesthetically pleasing; it also appeals to the target audience of young readers, many of whom possess a short attention span due to their age. The large size and placement of the photograph used is therefore conventional in its placement. It is also conventional in that the subject of the image is a musician that relates to the article; this is almost always the case, as it supports the content of the article and visually demonstrates to the reader who the article is about.
The text that the article included on the double page spread consists of has been written in columns; this is conventional because almost all magazines follow this style. This breaks up the text, making it easier to read. It also causes the text to immediately be recognised as a magazine article too. The Interview has been written in a question and answer format for these very reasons and to make it more fun and interesting to read; it also allows the reader to read the interviewee's individually in the event that they only wish to read 'AMP' casually or skim over it. The content of one particular answer or question may also attract a reader's attention so will encourage the article to be further read. Had the article not been written in columns, it would appear to look more like a book than a magazine, which would confuse the readers; for these reasons, the use of columns was a wise and effective one. This convention is a particularly vital element of the publication.
Colours heavily used throughout ‘AMP’ magazine include black, white and red; these colours comprise the house style of the publication. They are conventional colours to include within this genre of music because they are often used in similar magazines such as ‘NME’ and ‘Q’ and match these popular brands’ logos; the masthead for ‘AMP’ is red and black for these reasons. The colours complement each other and are associated with passion and anger; these emotions are often conveyed in the sounds of alternative music.
Layout:
The layout of the pages produced for this issue of ‘AMP’ magazine are conventional in several ways. For example, all follow the route of the eye. The majority of music magazines take this into account when considering page design because it makes the magazine easier to read and ensures that the text and images are seen in order of importance so that attention is sustained.
On the cover of ‘AMP’ magazine, for example, the masthead is situated in the top right side of the page. This is conventional because all alternative magazines that I have examined have theirs here too; this means that my magazine will instantly be recognisable as a music magazine of the alternative genre. Directly underneath the masthead is the date and price of the issue. Most magazines have this text placed here because it will make the issue easy to reference and the price will be clear. This means that this is conventional.
Much of the other text on the front cover is conventional in its placement aswell; for example, the cover lines descend the side of the page, which is common in many magazines. This is because it ensures that this vital information can be read without difficulty and means that the text does not become unorganised or of a cluttered appearance. Alternative music magazines, I have found, do not often appear cluttered; this is because they need to remain stylish to satisfy the trendy young readers that it targets. The cover line for the cover story is the largest text on the page and is sprawled across the middle over the main image. This placement is usually used by other music magazines to attract attention to the main feature and encourage consumers to purchase the magazine to read the article. Because of this, I chose to use a bright, bold font so that it stands out as other cover lines do across similar magazines. A small barcode is included in the bottom right hand corner of the cover because these are required on all publications; this has been placed where it has because according to the route of the eye, this will be read last so will remain insignificant; for these reasons, this is where the barcode is placed on other magazines for the majority of the time.
The contents page also follows the route of the eye, with the heading, which is placed in a banner, being situated at the top left had side of the page. This is where this text is expected to be because this is where the heading for contents pages usually is in alternative music magazines. The heading is rather plain and simply reads “This Week”, because its only purpose is to the reader which page it is that they are reading. It does not need to be inspiring because the page is functional rather than for entertainment purposes, so headings such as this or even simply the title “Contents” are often used.
Like the cover, this page also follows the route of the eye, with the heading being read first, then the image, then the text used for page navigation. Lastly, the editor’s note and ‘band index’ are seen. The heading is read first to establish the purpose of the page, with the 'AMP' logo following it to reinstate the brand identity.The image of featured musician Ashley Riley is placed below it so that interest is captured abruptly afterwards. The information is then seen so that the reader will know where to find certain pages and after that is the editor’s note; this is to introduce the reader to the issue in a welcoming and informal mode of address, thus encouraging them to keep reading and feel like the magazine was written for them. For these reasons, many magazines include this feature, meaning that the use of this is conventional. Almost all contents pages that I have examined have followed the route of the eye, therefore this layout is very conventional.
Lastly, the double page spread also follows the conventions of a layout which is similar to that of a music magazine. Like the front cover and contents page of ‘AMP’, the spread also follows the route of the eye. In the top left hand corner of the spread is the ‘AMP’ logo, which before the article is even read reminds the reader of the magazine that they’re reading so that the name ‘AMP’ becomes imprinted upon the reader’s mind. Briefly after, the heading, which reads “I’m living and breathing music” is read. This is placed at the top of the page and is spread across the two pages. This is a conventional place for this text to be situated because almost all articles from other music magazines that I analysed during the research process follow this pattern so it is expected to be situated here; this makes the article simple to recognise and read immediately. The heading consists of a direct quote from the interview itself to give the reader an idea of the content straight away and intrigue interest as they may become curious to discover the context of said quote. This is often the case in interviews for these reasons, and has been included within several double page spreads that I examined earlier, therefore this placement is conventional. Next, the standfirst is read. This gives the reader further context around the quote so further encourages the reader to read the magazine due to curiosity and excitement. This is smaller than the heading because it is very much used to accompany the heading rather than take it over; again, this is the case in almost the entirety of articles within music magazines so is conventional.
Next seen in an image of the musician interviewed; this image is A4 in size so takes up an entire page. This means that it can accompany the text and be appreciated fully; the image is a large factor that draws the reader into the article, after all. Rather large images often accompany double page spreads in music magazines, as is demonstrated in all of the magazines examined in the research stage of the portfolio because it adds impact and makes the spread more aesthetically pleasing; it also appeals to the target audience of young readers, many of whom possess a short attention span due to their age. The large size and placement of the photograph used is therefore conventional in its placement. It is also conventional in that the subject of the image is a musician that relates to the article; this is almost always the case, as it supports the content of the article and visually demonstrates to the reader who the article is about.
Next seen in an image of the musician interviewed; this
image is A4 in size so takes up an entire page. This means that it can
accompany the text and be appreciated fully; the image is a large factor that
draws the reader into the article, after all. Rather large images often
accompany double page spreads in music magazines, as is demonstrated in all of
the magazines examined in the research stage of the portfolio because it adds
impact and makes the spread more aesthetically pleasing; it also appeals to the
target audience of young readers, many of whom possess a short attention span
due to their age. The large size and placement of the photograph used is therefore
conventional in its placement. It is also conventional in that the subject of
the image is a musician that relates to the article; this is almost always the
case, as it supports the content of the article and visually demonstrates to
the reader who the article is about.
After this, the article is read. This article also takes up an entire page, however the text remains rather small; this is so that a considerable amount of the interview that took place could be recoded within the magazine. This is often the case in magazines therefore this aspect of my magazine is also conventional. A kicker is seen before the rest of the text to draw the eye and break up the text for the reader; most featured articles within magazines use kickers because of this, meaning that ‘AMP’ follows these conventions and can be considered a conventional and professional looking publication.
Lastly, the page numbers are situated in the bottom corners of the page. This is where page numbers are usually situated, accompanied with the date of the article. They are conventionally placed here because it is where page numbers are situated throughout the magazine, making it easy to locate pages. They are very small because they are of little interest because they do not relate to the article.
After this, the article is read. This article also takes up an entire page, however the text remains rather small; this is so that a considerable amount of the interview that took place could be recoded within the magazine. This is often the case in magazines therefore this aspect of my magazine is also conventional. A kicker is seen before the rest of the text to draw the eye and break up the text for the reader; most featured articles within magazines use kickers because of this, meaning that ‘AMP’ follows these conventions and can be considered a conventional and professional looking publication.
Lastly, the page numbers are situated in the bottom corners of the page. This is where page numbers are usually situated, accompanied with the date of the article. They are conventionally placed here because it is where page numbers are situated throughout the magazine, making it easy to locate pages. They are very small because they are of little interest because they do not relate to the article.
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