Props that were used on the photoshoot

Mood Boards..

Research on established magazine covers

These font covers will help me produce a creative front cover page for my music magazine. It is vital to produce something that appeals to the audience. Taking the risk of making something totally different to the one's that are around may be a risk to take.

Magazine Names and Fonts..

I have researched the logo's and the fonts of well established magazines. This will give me an idea on what is out in the market and how I would like my logo to me. The "Rolling Stone" logo is bright red with a tint of grey on the sides to bing it together. It is wel recogised logo as it has been around form generations.

The next magazine logo is "Q". This is simple, attractable and raeder freindly. The colour theme is brillant as they contrast togethr nicely.

The "Vibe" logo is bold, suggesting power. The black fill on the font bring the logo out. It is nice and simple. Male dominated.

Lastly, the "Cosmoploitan" magazine's logo is matriachal as it is very feminin. The bright pink brings my attention to the logo. This is the main aim of the logo.

Name Questionnaire..

Firstly the name is the most important part of a magazine. It should be relevant to music but crabbing the person's attention. The name is make or break for the magazine to hit it's readers will the bust of passion. For a music magazine I came up with a few name's. I liked them all saw I thought making a questionnaire is the best solution for me to get a name that the audience accept. The questionnaire was given to 20 people from the target audience. The results are:

• Turn it on-0
• Turn it up-6
• Flava-5
• Beat-2
• Rhythm-2
• Base-4
• Lush -1

My Music magazine name is "Turn it up". This is a good decision made by the people that filled in the questionnaire as the name belongs directly to music and it's a phrase that I havn't come across before as a heading or  title.

First Draft of my Double Page Article..

Like any other 16 year old girl Alyssa started of making towards her future. The outlook was bright as promising prospects in the hairdressing industry . However life was about to change beyond her wildest dreams. This Essex girl went from being a trainee hairdresser to a international worldwide superstar.
This Young lady is a form of inspiration for all young girls .“Following your heart and everything else will find it’s place”
Working in her local hair salon, which eventually led to her life changing dramatically after a very short period of time. As she was prep-ing a customer hair do; straightening his hair , on the radio playing ‘We belong together,’ a iconic song by Mariah Carey, one of Alyssa’s idol from a young age, She sang along. Little did she know where this would lead ‘Straight to success’.
Only to find her customer was one of the music industry’s most glamorous and powerful produces. Instantly he realised that this young hairdresser had star quality, something that caught his eye. This expected meeting was a start of a chain of events, that would change Alyssa’s life forever. Christian signed her up to his record label ‘Turn it up’ records and within a matter of weeks she launched her album‘My Prerogative’.
This was based on her own life experiences and includes modern upbeat sounds. Music critics have quoted: “Should be the sound of the future.”
 The album is currently number one in the official UK chart, comely with the likes of Rihanna and other well established artists. Alyssa has maintained her roots and remains the same girl she was before she became a superstar. Her lifestyle has changed exceedingly, from “ Primark to Prada.”

“You can take the girl out of the city but you can’t take the city out of the girl”

 Manicures and pedicures instead of giving them to clients, now she’s the one receiving these lavish treatments.
“The life of princess” She laughingly describers this fairy tale has become reality and lead to a born of new star.

RnB Genre Research..

RnB Genre

RnB genre of music is mainstream as it is listened by thousands of people worldwide. The name RnB is abbreviated from Rhythms and Blues. It has thirty four sub-genre's. There are combination of jazz, gospel, and blues influences which developed
 within African-American communities in the 1940s and achieved mainstream popularity in the 1950s to 1960s.

It was moderate since 1980s worldwide. It started of in 1980's by new generation which added new beats such as drum machine to African American music called "Disco". The popular post-disco musicians were "Micheal Jackson" and "Prince". The main developer of this genre was Janet Jackson, as she created new sounds for her third album named "Control". New sounds contained rhymthmic element of funk and disco.
RnB genre was concluded of solo artist by 2000. For example Ashanti, Ciara, Beyoncé, Usher, Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, Rihanna, and Trey Songz. 

Musicologist identify many characteristics that are part of the RnB genre.

• The music is produced to be played in many places such as clubs and parties. Whearas it also has emotional music for people who are going through an emotional time.
• Every artist has it's own formula that it follows to create successful music. They will use this over and over again to get same result.
• This music appeals to a large audience as it is not produced to cater for a niche audience. This allows all races, different age groups and sexes to listen to this genre of music.
• Every song last up to three to four minutes. The title of the song reflects the song or it is present in the lyrics. This brings it altogether.
• When recording the song different musical instruments are used varies on the differnt type music that is being created. For instance a party song will require high beats that are played by the drums.
• The song has to be at it's best before the offical release saw it is practised till perfect. This may include using the best technology and equipment possible.
• The main catergory of RnB genre music are about relationships, Love or issues in society.

There are many instruments that are used:

• Drums
• Microphone
• Bass
• Keyboard
• Piano
• Guitar (Electric/Bass)
• orchestra
• and many more

In the picture above Rihanna is using a microphone. This is an instrument that is very important when singing as it helps project the artists voice.

In the picture above, Beyonce's performance is using a electric guritar and a microphone. Many artists use a electric guitar to produce unique sounds to match the lyrics.

In the above picture, Ne-Yo is using Drums, electric guitar and a microphone. This is a package that is very popular for artist to use when they are performing live.

Costumes

Artists don 't have a common style they all follow. Every artist wants to look differnt and set a trend for there fans. Also having something differnt on attracts people that have never heard your music. In this genre costume's reflect the music the artist is singing, such as a party song will follow with funky dress that is differnt to everything that is present. Whearas an emotional song the artist will be dressed in a unique flowless dress will simple hair.

The picture above is taken of Nicki Minaj. She is a classic example of a unique trend setter for the younger generation. She is unique as in the RnB genre, no solo artist coem up with costumes that are appealing to the younger generation. Through her costumes she expresses her creativity that is also added on to her music.

This is Katy Perry. She brings ideas that were thought to be impossible into her costume. It is a very good way on keeping the fabs proud and happy. The theme of the prestentation matches with the dress. As you can see above a funfair has been bought to light in Katy Perry's dress. Looks amazing!.

For a complete costume the right colours are required to fit in with the music, performance and theme.  Many artist keep themselves bright and colourful with unique twist to make it differnt. Rihanna has showed this in her new video featuring Drake, What's my name. She has gone bright red with the hair, keeping up with trend along with bring her african background into her clothing. This represents a romantic atmosphere with alot of love and happiness.

Beyonce was wearing thsi white dress when performing one of her songs called Halo. The colour of the dress is white which is purity. Also dhe is looking very innocent as she is dressed very simple but her pretty is showing perfectly.

Music Magazine Circulation Figures..

These are the current music magazine circulation figures for first six months of 2010. Magazine's analyse these figures every 6 months or yearly. This looks at the increase or decrease in percentage of purchases.

Music magazines (percentages represent year-on-year change)

Mojo - 91,678 (-6.2%)
Q - 89,450 (-10.7%)
RWD -78,867 (1.7%)
Uncut - 74,067 (-3.2%)
Classic Rock - 70,323 (0.0%)
Metal Hammer - 44,034 (-4.3%)
Kerrang! - 44,013 (1.8%)
New Musical Express - 33,875 (-17.3%)

These figures were found from this source: http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/story.asp?section code=1&storycode=45844&c=1

These figures suggest that Kerrang increased its average per-issue circulation by 1.8 per cent to 44,013. Along with them, RWD who also followed behind with an average per-issue circulation of 1.7% per cent to 78,867. This suggests that there is still a market present for magazines as people are still purchasing magazines. However, Classic Rock stayed the same; no loss or profit gained.

The remaining magazines had increased the level of losses which varies from -3.2% to -17.3%. Over time technology is changing as this may be the effect of smaller number of purchases as magazines are able to be viewed on the Internet. Also the magazine figures that I have presented are not from my music genre but they still suggest people are not appealed my magazines. Another effect could be the pricing of the magazine, as it may not give the reader as much information as the price tag. Target market are more alert on were they spend their money as recession has left a huge effect on people's luxury items. The pricing tag of the magazine may only meet the higher wage earners pockets than the low income ones. These effects will help me when producing my magazine because it is important for me to prevent these risks and attract everyone in my target market.

My music genre has not previously had a magazine based upon it in the UK saw I have decided to take a look at women interest magazine's as my magazine is focused mainly on women.

Women's interest: lifestyle /fashion ABC figures, first six months of 2010 (all percentages are year-on-year changes)

Glamour - 526,216 (0.0%)
Cosmopolitan - 401,750 (-9.0%)
Woman & Home - 369,321 (5.5%)
Look - 313,358 (-0.7%)
Yours - 297,231 (-1.3%)
Prima - 289,058 (5.5%)
Marie Claire - 280,021 (-1.9%)
Red - 230,067 (5.2%)
Grazia - 228,770 (0.0%)
Company - 217,324 (-5.6%)
Vogue - 210,561 (0.1%)
Elle (U.K.) - 195,625 (0.2%)
More! - 187,159 (-1.9%)
Instyle UK - 186,251 (1.8%)
She - 144,228 (-3.1%)
Harpers Bazaar - 118,553 (8.1%)
Essentials - 115,432 (12.9%)
Vanity Fair - 102,445 (0.7%)
Tatler - 86,448 (1.6%)
Ladies First Magazine (Wales) - 36,306 (-2.3%)
WM The Womans Magazine - 31,400 (2.1%)
Social & Personal - 17,743 (27.7%)


These figures were found on this source: http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=45841&c=1

These figures show a mixture of losses and profit's made by well establish women's magazines, but they losses vary from -1.3% to -9.0%. This includes Cosmopolitan which made the highest losses at -9.0% as the drop of 40,000 copies per issue resulted a fall from second place to sixth place in the sector. Company magazine followed through with -5.3% losses and the smallest number of losses was made by Yours magazine. This suggest that the numbers are decreasing not only on the music magazines but the specialised in women's are to. However the figures are not as bad as the music one's. As there is alot more competition in the market, producing the unique different magazine that is attractable from all of the rest. As well as backed with information the readers are wanting to hear.
Looking at the market the other magazines like Social & Personal were doing extremely well as they profits has risen to 27.7%. These figures balance the market and suggest there is still market present to purchase magazines. The only way to be successful is to produce what the reader is looking for.

Things that I can use to improve my magazine:

• Keeping updated thorough market research on what the readers like and dislike.
• Improving the magazine and taking on constructive criticism
• Make the font cover amazing as that's the main give away as it should crab the readers attention
• Keep the content page clear but full of information to intrigue the reader to read further
• Double page article should be well presented with no grammar mistakes and user friendly
• Allow people to look at the magazine on the internet as it is easier to access, translatable along with more informatic.
• Also my magazine price purchase will be at a reasonable standard so the target market would be able to purchase it in all classes. The highest losses come from magazine's that have high rates for the magazine.
• The magazine will be a weekly release keeping people updated.

Target Audience..

To assist me with identifying my target audience I have applied GRASS.
Gender- Both genders but mostly girls
Race-  All races
Age-  Teenage to Young adults
Socio-economic Status-  Most my target audience are non-wage earners so there would be put in D or E category's. It is targeted at all readers as the purchase price is going to stable for everyone to afford.This age category starts with people that are reluctant on parents; higher earners than the part time workers that have to provide for themselves. This could be because there parents are working class or can't work; illness that prevents them from going to work.

Producing a magazine for a certain target audience you are required to understand the audience very well as it gives you ideas on how the product should be presented and marketed to attract and interest the audience. Relying upon their interests depends on were promotion of the product should take place, or what channels should advertise the product at certain times saw a mass amount of the readers recognise the product. Also who features in the product is the main intake on interest as the magazine is produced upon that.

For example a children's magazine will be advertised on cartoon channels like Nickelodeon, cbeebies whereas female magazines will be advertised after a beauty program such as Gok fashion fix or reality television programs.

My Reader

• Age range teenage to Young adult
• Living at home with Parent/Guardian
• Enjoys RnB Music
• Has interest in gossip of celebrities
• Attends concerts (optional)
• Purchases CD, DVD & Downloads music
• Enjoy watching films, Reality shows & music charts
• Fashion updates
• Like Beauty Tips
• Spend money on purchasing magazines, merchandises of favourite artists

My magazine reader can be from any ethnicity or culture as it appeals to all females in that age catergory along with the males that have interest in this area.