Double page spread research.

Once I had completed my contents page research I began to research into the one piece of the product that I had not researched, that was the double page spread that would contain my main article. I looked out for the conventions featured with in double page spreads.

I found that all of the double page spreads I looked at had around 40% of the double page spread covered by a main image. The remainder of spread is used for the text which is divided into columns  The body of next is not limited to one box but can have boxes contain text around it. These extra boxes are used to display more in-depth information that may not be directly linked to the main article.  

Contents page research.

To follow up from my research into the conventions of magazine front covers, I decided to research the conventions of magazine contents pages. I paid attention and noted some of the different lay outs and why there were effective yet different.

The text with in the contents page used different colours and effects (e.g. bold) to separate out all the different elements to the contents page. The page numbering was a different colour to the article head line. The head line its self is in bold compared to the small sentence of descriptive text.    

Music magazine front cover research.

I decided to follow up my initial research of magazine front covers by looking further into them. This time I orientated my research around music magazine front covers, looking at genres of music that reflected that of my chosen genre of Metal-core.

From this research I have found out that magazines around the Metal-core genre conform to the standard conventions of lay out of the front cover. This includes the position of the mast head, as well as use of cover lines and subheading. The key image is also used similar. However these magazines also use a similar style of font. They seem to use fonts that look worn and used as well as rugged, this is to reflect the genre of Metal-core as it is rugged and loud.

Initial front cover research

To begin this unit of work I researched the conventions of magazine front covers, the content's pages and double page spreads. I looked at a selection of magazines from several genres for my initial research to pick out any general conventions that may run across genres.

This is my initial research into the general conventions of magazine front covers.

After analysing these three front covers a number key conventions relating to content and the placement of content on the front covers were identifiable. 

The key image on all of these magazines has been given a sense of depth and make to stand out by the use of layers. The key image will be behind some of the text of the front cover and yet in front of other pieces such as the mast head.in these cases. The mast head is always at the top of the page where the reader starts to read from conventionally, it also allows quick and easy identification of the magazine. The mast head is in a large font to make it stand out as the most important text. The subheading which can also be referred to as a splash, which tells the reader the main focus of the issue is positioned towards the middle of the magazine cover and towards the bottom. This allows space for the key image to be seen. Cover lines on the front covers are positioned towards the side of the magazine and can also be found at the bottom below the Splash line. Banners are also employed to display content, and they are positioned toward the top of the magazine by the mast head. They are placed there as it is the first place that the readers eyes are drawn to. There is also a circular box used to display special features or awards won by the magazine.

I will continue my research by looking at content pages as well as double page spreads. 

Brief for the music magazine production.

In this unit of work I will be producing a music magazine of a genre of my choice. I will have to produce a front cover, a contents page and a double page spread of an article which I must create. To produce work that fits in and conforms to the conventions’ of a music magazine I will first analyse magazines in general to pick out conventions across the print media of magazines. Then I shall look at music magazines to pick out more specific conventions that apply to the music magazine and in particular music magazines that specialise in my chosen genre of music. Using the conventions that I have identified in my research I will create a template on which I can base my products off. This will ensue that my products look more professional and more like actual music magazines that are sold today.

I have chosen Metal-core to be my music genre. It is considered a fusion genre of extreme metal and hardcore punk. I chose this genre as it is one that I am interested in and there are not many magazines that specialise in this genre. However there are many magazines that cover the broader spectrum of rock and metal.

Preliminary task final products.

These are my final products for the pliminary task of makeing a school magazine.

The Front page.

The contents page.

Whilst a number of magazine conventions are present in my work I believe that my execution of these conventions was not to the highest standard that I could have potential produced. This is due to my poor time management during the production process. This has highlighted the need for time management during the foundation production. This preliminary task has also given me a chance to use the software that I will be using in the foundation production giving me a chance to develop and enhance my skills.  I hope to use the lessons that I have learn from this production to aid me in the foundation production which is to create a music video of a genre of our choice.

Overview of preliminary task.

In my preliminary task I was asked to create the front cover and contents page of school magazine. This was to help us develop ideas for our foundation production as well as indentifying  the conventions of magazines and any conventions unique to  music magazines. I began with researching magazines that there produced by companies for the general public and comparing them with magazine published by schools. I identified the conventions and mocked up  some drafts before producing my production pieces. However this task highlighted the need for time management in the Foundation production as I believe if could have produced a product of higher quality if i had managed my time more thoroughly.