Supporting Artists- MISE-EN-SCENE PLANNING

Supporting Artist #1:

 Mica XO - Mise-En-Scene Planning

Setting and props

I plan to shoot my photography for the artist Mica XO outside in front of a worn brick wall. The concept of the wall being 'worn' links to the background story of Mica who has quite bad experiences; it suggests she has been through a lot. No props are needed for this shoot because her article doesn't require any - the article is more focused on the artist herself and her previous experiences that have shaped the kind of celebrity/artist she is now.

Brick wall setting for photoshoot with Mica XO.

Costume, Hair and Makeup

Makeup: To contribute to Mica XO's individual look I will apply either a blue or green eyeshadow on her eyelids which is something hardly anyone would dare to do - it suggests Mica as an artist is confident and independent. I will focus on mainly the eyes as part of Mica's makeup look which means the eyebrows will be subtle and accompanied with a nude pale lip.

Hair: I want Mica's hair to be straight but with a few thin plaits throughout - plaits are highly associated with individual (indie) looks and would look good on Lauren due to her dirty blonde hair.

 

Costume: I believe that the eye makeup will look out of place if Mica XO's costume isn't equally as outrageous and quirky. I want Lauren to be wearing a black toto with a patterned shirt to complete the loud look.

 

Facial Expressions and Body Language

I want Lauren's (Mica's) facial expressions to be quite blank to allow full concentration on her costume and loud makeup look. There will be enough personality going on throughout her physical looks (bold appearance of her costume and makeup) so having certain facial expressions aren't necessary. Her body language will be quite open to communicate how she is going to be honest about the events she has experienced- it will make her seem like a much more approachable person with genuine aspects to her.

This photograph has a particular focus on the facial
expression and communicates in-depth emotion.

Example of the blank facial expressions I want to capture
Lauren posing with.

 Lighting and Colour

The lighting of the photoshoot will be natural due to being photographed outside. I will shoot in the morning where the light isn't too harsh to too dull which allow the quality of the image to be it's best. The colour of the shot will consist of the brick wall which will be the background of the image. The brick wall will make the setting look a lot more urban with it's rustic colour.

Positioning of characters/objects within the frame

For this artist, no objects are needed within the frame. I just want the artist in front of the white wall, to again, allow full concentration on the artist and to also make the images visually appealing - too many things going on in the background/around the artist can easily confuse what is going on in the photo and therefore communicate the wrong message about the artist.

Camera Angles

Potential camera angles:

• Close-ups
• Medium close-ups
• Long Shots

Supporting Artist #2

Isaac Clarke - Mise-En-Scene Planning 

Setting and props

I plan for the background of Isaac's shoot to be simplistic - this is why I want it to be in front of a white wall.  The white wall will contribute to the professional look of Isaac due to it looking as though it's been shot in a studio.

 

Costume, Hair and Makeup

Costume: I want the costume for Isaac to be quite plain - this will communicate with the readers that he is a normal person like them, which in turn will make him a lot more appealing. It also suggests he's not fashion conscious and is confident within himself, which is quite aspiring to younger males/general readers.
Hair: I want Isaac's hair to be styled in a current/modern way, with quite a lot of volume  

Makeup: No makeup is needed for this artist.  



Facial Expressions and Body Language

Ideally, I'd like the facial expressions of Isaac to be quite plain. It suggests that there's more than meets the eye, which is quite an enticing element to the images. It will encourage people to read the article/page Isaac is featured in, reinforcing my target audiences appeal.

I want Isaac's body language to be open, with his hands by his side to suggest he's honest in what he says and genuine through what he does.

 

Lighting and colour

The colours within the images will consist of white - this is because the colour white is associated with light and goodness, communicating that Isaac is a good person. It (white) is considered to be the colour of perfection. White means safety, purity, and cleanliness. As opposed to black, white usually has a positive connotation. The lighting will be coming from a window which will be in front of the wall, meaning the light should be of a good standard as opposed to too light or dark from lack of light.

 

 Positioning of characters/objects within the frame

There should be no conflicting objects within the frame considering the plain location (the white wall) this is so that full concentration/attention is on the artist. 

Supporting Artist #3

Callum Spencer - Mise-En-Scene Planning

 Setting and props

Again, like Isaac Clarke, I want the background/setting for Callum Spencer to be a white wall. This adds to the professional look of the artist, whilst also using quite a minimalistic location that still adds effect to the image.




 Costume, Hair and Makeup

Costume: The costume for Callum includes a leather jacket and simple plain polo top. I feel the leather jacket in particular will contribute to the indie rock feel of the magazine/fit the genre. A lot of rock stars wear leather jackets so I feel dressing Callum, a rebellious and confident artist, in a leather jacket will contribute to his image.

Hair: I want Callum's hair to be styled simply. Not messy and full of volume like Isaacs - but quite "flat" to allow full concentration on the costume and general image.

Makeup: No makeup is needed for this artist.

 

 

Facial Expressions and Body Language

The facial expressions for Callum will convey confidence within himself, I want him to look comfortable and open to viewers/readers. Again, like my other artists, I want his body language to be open to communicate a positive message. If his arms were crossed, he would look enclosed and may not be trusted by fans, who may assume he's dishonest etc.

 

Lighting and colour

The lighting for this photoshoot will be artificial with the use of lamps due to the time of the shoot. I feel if the lights are slightly dulled it will suggest Callum has a bad side (his rebellious one) due to dark tones of the images. This will in turn fit with the indie rock genre due to his rebellion.

 

Supporting Artist #4

Alesha Marks - Mise-En-Scene Planning

 Setting and props

The setting of Alesha Marks photoshoot will be in a house, with some of the elements of the house in the background. Due to the back story of Alesha being deceived by her fellow band members, shooting her in her house suggests she has feelings of isolation because of this, but is recreating her image due to the confident facial expression/body language she emits.

 

 Costume, Hair and Makeup

Costume: I want Alesha to be wearing a simple back top accompanied with a necklace or two. This will suggest she has a distinctive style and is confident in what she wears and her general image.

Hair: Alesha's hair will be straight with some volume. Makeup: I plan for Alesha to have a simple coat of foundation accompanied with a cat eye flick and mascara to make her eyes 'pop'. This will also compliment her natural good looks by extenuating her best features.

 Facial Expressions and Body Language

For Alesha's photoshoot I'd quite like the model for Alesha to be captured with her hands touching her face, even concealing part of her mouth. This will link with the fact that she's been deceived by her band members and she is still trying to come back from it.

Lighting and colour

The lighting will be natural due to the use of conducting the shoot near a window where the light will compliment her face.

 

Supporting Artists- PLANNING

Additional Artists

Having concluded that the music genre for my magazine is ‘indie rock’ I feel the visual layout of my magazine’s front cover should be quite cluttered with different artists advertising the large, fulfilling content which would prove enticing to readers. I have taken time to consider my supporting artists, selecting people who are confident in front of a camera (for photography) to ensure the right messages are conveyed in photographs, for example if I chose someone who is perhaps shy/self conscious their body language and facial expression may make this obvious to viewers, who in turn won't feel aspired by these potential celebrities/artists they're reading about.

 Model no #1

April Brophy modelling for solo artist ‘Alesha Marks’

April has always been recognised for her alternative style and would prove aspiring to readers due to wearing things out of choice, not trend. I feel April is an appropriate representation of the type of ‘indie’ celebrity that would be featured in my magazine due to her quirky style.

Background information of Alesha Marks: Alesha Marks has recreated her image after leaving her band 'Clear Path' and kick-starting her solo career. Her solo career wasn't planned but after discovering the two-faced acts of the fellow band members Alesha made the conscious decision as the lead singer to leave and begin a career of independence. Clear Path soon found a new lead singer and the competition for fans and fame between Alesha Marks and Clear Path is greater than ever. Alesha now plans to tour after releasing her debut album so including her in my magazine would advertise this effectively as she is being put back into the public eye with a new image.

Model no #2

Sam Roberts modelling for lead singer ‘Callum Spencer’

of a band named ‘Revolver’.  

I feel Sam has a rebellious look about him and therefore fits a very “rock” category as individuals within the rock world tend to be quite impulsive and ruthless. A loud character such as Sam (Callum) would entice readers to see what this wild celeb has been up to. . I believe Callum Spencer has similar characteristics to all time madman Ozzie Osborne. Being the lead singer of Revolution a lot of pressure naturally falls on Callum, who welcomes the challenges with open arms and extreme wit.

Background information of Callum Spencer: Callum Spencer was always the 'bad boy' type when he was at school; being more interested in the music culture than his education. Callum would regularly be found in the music rooms when he was meant to be in a maths or English lesson, and would refuse to see the significance of core subjects when music was his true passion. At the age of 16 Callum left school after completing his GCSE'S, he went onto a music college in London where the band 'Revolver' was formed. 5 years on, Revolver has had 8 number one hits, released 5 albums including their debut album, and have been frequently positioned in the top 20 album charts. Revolver's success has enabled a massive fan base and (so far) 3 international tours. Callum Spencer is recognised world wide for his crazy acts that land him on the front page of news papers and magazines, this is an element of the band Revolver that fans love because they're so genuine and live for what they love.

Model no #3

Lauren Stacey modelling for solo artist ‘Mica XO’

Lauren is very petite but has a loud personality to make up for it – a few plaits in her hair, a carefully selected costume and we’re good to go for an indie/alternative look. Lauren is confident and able to obtain a role, and deliver this role in such a way that it is believable.

Background information of Mica XO: Mica XO has been in the spotlight since the age of 15 but didn't have a break down like Britney Spears that involved the shaving of her hair. Mica XO is fiery as she battles the media who are always looking to stir things up and give her bad publicity. After the death of her sister Mica XO soon turned to drink and would be snapped falling out of nightclubs and stumbling into taxi's at 5 in the morning. Thanks to her publicist, Natasha Grey, Mica XO's image is now on the journey of being built back up, after a noticeable wardrobe change (black, tight dresses to skinny jeans) a sudden love for charity work, raising money for the homeless and children in need, and going to restaurants for dinner rather than early morning tea in a club Mica's fans have come flooding back thick and fast.

Model no #4

Jack Pozniak modelling for drummer ‘Isaac Clarke’  

 from the band 'Brides vs Bullets'.

 I feel Jack has the 'look' of an indie male band member due to his unique hairstyle and particular wardrobe.

Background information of Isaac Clarke: Isaac Clarke is a self-taught drummer, teaching himself how to play since the young age of 11. Music has always been an interest for Isaac, growing up around his fathers rock and roll obsession - listening to the likes of The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, The Who, AC/DC, Bon Jovi, etc. Isaac has grown up to become a cool head, with sharp thinking being injected into his creative ability to turn normal bands into phenomenal bands. Isaac spent a lot of time with upcoming bands, assisting with promoting their image and creating their music, writing a lot of songs and even pitching in with the musical instrument side of things. Isaac has worked with All Time Low, My Chemical Romance, Bring Me The Horizon, You Me At Six, Bullet for my Valentine and Mumford and Sons. After realising Isaac wanted to settle down in a band of his own himself and four other musical mates created the band 'Brides Vs. Bullets' which have had two UK tours sell out. Isaac likes to follow trends that are current to appeal to fan bases, including lyrics that our society can relate to.

Main Feature Artist Development- MISE-EN-SCENE PLANNING AND SHOOTING PLAN

Mise-En-Scene Planning for Zara Leigh

Setting and Props

Example of subject in front of a white wall. 

I feel the location (setting) of the photoshoot for Zara Leigh should be in front of a white, blank wall that would make the shoot look like it was shot in a studio which contributes to her professional look - if I were to shoot in the woods or a field however it would take away the feel to her career and make her look less of a celeb and that she's not a big deal - the audience should receive the message that she is a professional in what she does, even if she's an upcoming artist. I plan to photograph Amber both inside and out but still want to obtain/follow through with the idea of Amber being in front of a white wall. Being outside would enable me to capture Amber (Zara) in the most natural and best lighting, to incorporate the white wall element I will upload a selected image (once the shoot has been done) onto InDesign and cut the image of Amber out- this will get rid of any conflicting objects within the frame of the shot and will also allow me to have Amber against a background that makes her image look professional and heading towards established (upcoming artist).

Costume, Hair and Makeup

Above: Rock n' Roll artist Taylor Momsen -
demonstrating the 'smokey eye' look.

Above: Megan Fox with the

intended berry lip.  

Makeup: Females that have careers in the music industry, particularly the rock music industry, typically have quite heavy eye makeup that creates a really bold, upfront look. It contributes to their rebellious look and loud personality and suggests they do what they want, despite negative opinion. Due to heavy eye makeup being quite a conventional feature of a ‘rock chicks’ look I plan to give Amber a very prominent eye makeup look- with liquid eyeliner on the upper lid sitting on top of a very smokey grey or purple covering the entire upper lid accompanied by a smudged, pencil eyeliner below her waterline. This not only creates the appropriate look for an artist in the indie rock music genre (the genre of my magazine) but will make Amber’s eyes appear bigger and attractive which could contribute to Amber being aspirational to female readers due to her looking appealing. To accompany the smokey eye look I plan to apply a layer of foundation on Amber’s skin to make her appear flawless and celebrity-like (minus the photoshop) followed by contouring (highlighter and bronzer) to define the structure of her face. I will fill in Amber’s brows to make them appear defined but not to the point where she begins to look artificial – I want them to look natural but compliment her face. Lastly, I plan to give Amber a bold lip of a berry colour which will correspond well with her eye makeup; creating a very indie and rocky kind of style.

Above: Image of Charlie XCX with potential hairstyle.  

Hair: I want a really volumised hairstyle for Amber to reflect the loud and true-to-yourself personality Zara Leigh has acquired through her upbringing. In the music video for the song ‘Boom Clap’ Charlie XCX (the artist) has very big, loose curls that create a lot of natural volume. I will base Amber’s hairstyle on Charlie XCX’s hair as I feel it will contribute to the ‘indie rock’ look. Many girls obsess over straightening their hair but Zara Leigh could demonstrate how you can “rock” a curly style (aspirational qualities for readers).

 

Costume: I feel Zara Leigh should have a look that supports her ‘indie’ qualities and a costume that isn’t too try hard which will contribute to her individual (indie) image. A kimono with a fairly bright colour would be ideal, ideally with same patterning on the sleeves or throughout the kimono. I want this to be accompanied with a patterned top that is perhaps floral to reinforce her femininity. I feel simple black skinny jeans will compliment Zara Leigh's look without overwhelming it and making her look 'try hard' or too made up- having black skinny jeans as part of Zara Leigh's wardrobe will tell/remind readers that Zara is a normal human being just like them which makes her as a celebrity much more relatable.    

Example of the type of costume I want Zara Leigh to be dressed in, her appearance would come across as trendy but quirky and different due to the loud patterns being mixed with simplistic tops which a lot of people aren't brave enough to wear (aspiring qualities from Zara to readers).



  Further Ideas for costume (Mood Board)

My other ideas for costume are more simplistic, such as a checked top with a
black dress or crop top; this type of wardrobe suggests that Zara has the same
experiences as everyone else in terms of everyday life and makes her much
more relatable. Celebrities are often overlooked as normal human beings due
to their fame so adding a simple wardrobe will make it much easier for readers/my
target audience to like Zara and be able to relate to her.

Facial Expressions and Body Language

Subject smiling at camera - example of what I want Zara Leigh

to look like- happy!

The body language from Zara should be open and positive communicating that Zara is/will be/has been open and honest throughout her interview. It suggests she has nothing to hide and as a person is genuine and upfront. Body language like crossing your arms or not making direct eye contact with the camera comes across as negative and makes an individual look enclosed and reserved which in turn wouldn’t prove appealing for readers. I want Amber to make direct eye contact with the camera because it adds a personal element between the artist and the reader; the reader would feel more involved and almost welcome to read the article packed with personal, interesting information about the artist. When a person is looking directly at you it indicates that they are interested. Standing with hands placed on the hips can be an indication that a person is ready and in control which contributes to Zara Leigh’s individuality. Open posture involves keeping the ‘trunk’ of the body open and exposed. This type of posture indicates friendliness, openness and willingness. In terms of facial expression I want Amber to look happy which would convey positive messages to readers about the celebrity’s/artists attitude- if Amber were to look miserable it may take away the enticement from readers who may become discouraged to read the article as they may assume the article has boring content that the artist has delivered half-heartedly.

Subject making eye contact with the camera - conveys positive

message to audience.

 

Lighting and Colour

Artificial light - using lamps to create the right light whilst indoors for the 

photoshoot. 

Half the photoshoot for Zara Leigh will be shot indoors meaning the lighting would either have to be artificial by the use of lights (e.g. lamps) or natural light e.g. shooting in a room with a big window to allow natural light to compliment the images quality within contrast and saturation levels. I don't feel any particular colour is needed when shooting as I will improve the colour within the images of Amber through photo manipulation on photoshop.
I will ensure my model is stood with the sunlight facing her rather than behind her to prevent the model from looking like silhouette with bags under her eyes. The light throughout the day varies considerably and can have a huge impact on pictures individuals capture. I plan to begin my photoshoot at 10am purely because this is after sunrise - sunrise has a warm colour to it with long shadows that can add great interest to pictures but with my photography shadows is something I don't need. This means that capturing photos in the morning (after sunrise) will still leave decent lighting to photograph with. I will prevent capturing photos at midday because this is when the sun is at it's highest point in the sky meaning no direct light is falling on subjects from the side, resulting in frequent shadows. The eyes on portrait often become completely black too- creating an unattractive image.  

Positioning of characters/objects within the frame

This image of Kirsten Stewert (the subject of the

photo) is a classic example of a subject that is 

central. 

I plan to place my model in the centre of the shot (frame); this would mean the shot is a lot cleaner as apposed to having the model to the left or the right of the shot. Positioning the model in a central position will enable the same amount of space to be seen on the left and right of the model- the central positioning of the model could also highlight their significance. Framing this way would mean the shot would be visually neat and organised. I plan to avoid capturing irrelevant objects within the frame - this means that the location I shoot in will have to be quite spacious with little objects around- e.g. the room I shoot with a white wall will have to have no conflicting aspects around such as a picture on the wall, which I will remove before the photo shoot. If any conflicting objects occur I will simply use photoshop or 'InDesign' to get rid of them. 

Camera Angles

I plan to use a variety of camera angles throughout my shoot with Amber. This is to show my capability of delivering decent quality photographs in different shots/angles and to also assist me to when I come to manipulating my images. If I were to take a small selection of photographs at similar angles I feel I would struggle to find an appropriate and fitting image for my magazine- having more to choose from will enable me to deliver a good quality image that makes a direct link to the genre of my music magazine and/or the subject being discussed (feature article content).

Possible camera angles to be used...

Angle: Close up (CU)

A certain feature or part of the subject takes up the whole

frame.

Angle: Wide Shot (WS) (Long Shot)

The subject takes up the full frame, or at least as much as

comfortably possible.

Angle: Mid Shot (MS)

Shows part of the subject in more detail while still giving an

impression of the whole subject.

Angle: Medium Close Up (MCU)

Half way between a MS and a CU.

Angle: Extreme Close Up (ECU)
The ECU shows extreme detail.

Angle: Cut Away (CA)
A shot of something other than the subject.

Angle: Cut In
Shows some (other) part of the subject in detail.

Angle: Over-the-shoulder shot (OSS)
Looking from behind a person at the subject.

Angle: Point-Of-View-Shot (POV)
Shows a view from the subjects perspective.

 Shooting Plan

Main Feature Artist Development- PLANNING

Main Feature Artist Development

Artist: Zara Leigh

Modelled by: Amber Wickens

Zara Leigh

The person I have selected (and requested) to be my main feature artist is Amber Wickens- Amber will be playing the role of Zara Leigh who is a very quirky, eccentric character with a penchant for style. I have concluded Zara Leigh will be an upcoming solo artist who is new to the music industry and also to the public. The purpose of Zara Leigh doing an interview is to spread awareness/promote her new album, as well as being introduced to the public and creating some familiarity. Her interview will include a lot about her personal life e.g. upbringing, where she grew up, how she was discovered, etc.) I feel Amber reflects the music genre of my magazine Indie Rock/alternative because she has both an ‘individual’ style to her and reflects what my target audience aspire to be like – fashionable and free minded, not afraid to share an opinion on certain topics that may prove controversial or unapproved by others. I feel due to Amber having an ‘indie’ look my target audience will aim to look like her and find her again incredibly aspirational, which in turn would encourage females to buy the magazine. Amber also has elements of rock to her due to having naturally pale skin which contrasts with her dark clothing (leather jacket, skinny jeans etc.) and often deep red or purple (berry coloured) lipstick. Using Amber as a model will enable me to achieve the correct representation of a music artist to my target audience - when figuring out a costume (that is of an indie style), makeup, setting etc. (mise-en-scene) I feel Amber will easily fit the role and what she is wearing (costume) due to having a similar style genuinely. Through using Amber as my model for Zara Leigh I feel she will attract individuals from my target audience to read the magazine as teenage girls and slightly older girls who like indie rock music and style/fashion will enable them (as such) to become attracted to Amber as the model - through her look and style. In terms of male appeal, I feel Amber (Zara Leigh) will be considered a very attractive female from male readers due to her naturally good looks and loud, rebellious character. When considering Zara Leigh's potential look I feel Amber reflects her as an artist- being an alternative rock artist through both her music and style- Amber reflecting both of these, portraying the desired image of an indie rock artist. 

Background information of Zara Leigh:

Zara Leigh is a 20 year old upcoming solo artist from a small town called Leviselle in Leeds.  From a young age Zara has always had a penchant for music, learning how to play the guitar, piano and trumpet at the age of just 7 years old. Zara was inspired by artists such as Taylor Momsen, Alice Glass, Hayley Williams, Blink 182,  London Grammar, etc. to pursue her passion for singing through Vlogging on YouTube at the age of 18. Zara would perform covers by the likes of Oasis, All Time Low, Revolver and Brides vs Bullets using her musical abilities (guitar, piano). Zara was soon spotted by a successful recording company named 'Vibes'. Vibes has signed other artists such as All Time Low, Charlie XCX, Kids in Glass Houses, Revolver and Brides vs. Bullets, many of them which Zara had performed covers of their songs - which is how Vibes came across her. After hitting 200K subscribers on YouTube Vibes signed Zara for a debut album; the album kicked off better than expected and she was soon offered a UK tour due to high demand where extra dates had to be added to her tour due to high interest from fans. Zara didn't have an easy upbringing; her father being an alcoholic and mother who couldn't cope, meaning the parental role was down to her to care for her two younger brothers, Jared, 17 and Rian, 14. Whilst witnessing events no young girl should see, Zara would spend each day trying to prevent her family from breaking. Zara's experiences have enabled her to create lyrics that are extremely heartfelt relating to what she has witnessed and her emotions that have been hidden by dark times - which is a huge contribution to why audiences like her. Zara is genuine but speaks her mind to what she feels is right and wrong. Coming from such a small town Zara is adjusting to being in the spotlight/public eye, also appearing quite vulnerable to the media who are keen to learn about her past.

A mood board for my artist - giving a feel of the personality and interests the artists has. I believe my mood board shows a clear vision of what the artist looks like with an alternative style and overall 'rock' look with smokey makeup and big, volumised hair.  

 

House Style and Masthead of my Magazine- PLANNING

Ideas for Magazine Names

 

Thoughts behind name ideas...

•Alternative Sound – this potential magazine name makes a link between the alternative music genre my magazine will be catering for/focusing on and also to music itself by using the word ‘sound’.

•Misshapen Sound – misshapen defines as not having the normal or natural shape or form; I feel this contributes to my idea of having an indie rock magazine because ‘indie’ stands for individual, which is exactly what members of my target audience are. Misshapen suggests being different and alternative to the norm. Again, ‘sound’ makes the direct link to music itself.

•Rock Not Roll – my magazine music genre is ‘indie rock’ meaning it isn’t heavily reliant on just rock music bands or solo artists, by including “Not Roll” suggests to readers that there are other aspects to my music magazine of another genre.

•Plectrum – a plectrum is a thin flat piece of plastic, tortoiseshell, or other slightly flexible material held by or worn on the fingers and used to pluck the strings of a musical instrument such as a guitar. I feel this makes a direct link to music magazine concept. “Plectrum” also sounds quite quirky/cool and electric as such; suggesting volume which contributes to the ‘rock’ aspect.

•Effortless – this was my first initial idea regarding a name for my magazine. I feel that people who are ‘indie’ obtain their style effortlessly because it’s their way of life and how they naturally are.

•Distinct – distinct defines as ‘recognisably different in nature from something else of a similar type’ which highlights the simple fact that the target audience I am aiming to appeal to within my music magazine are all different in the respect that they don’t follow crowds or mainstream fashion trends.

•Unorthodox – unorthodox is contrary to what is usual, traditional, or accepted (not orthodox) so would fit with the idea of being different and individual from my target audience.

•Unorthodox Sound – adding ‘sound’ allows a connection to be made to music/my music magazine.

•Unorthodox Audio – audio is sound that is recorded, transmitted or reproduced which makes a connection with bands or solo artists music that would have had to go through the ‘studio’ and recording process.

•Unorthodox Blare – I feel as though ‘Blare’ emphasises the indie rock genre my music magazine will cater for – ‘blare’ is in relation to sound and describes a loud noise which fits with the ‘rock’ element to my magazine. It will also reflect the loud personalities within individuals who my music magazine is aimed at.

Market Research - Which name do you prefer?

I felt conducting some market research would be essential when choosing my magazine name. I asked 50 people (between the ages 15-25 which is my target audience) which magazine name they preferred out of my 10 ideas/options.

 

 

Chosen Magazine Name

From my market research I have concluded that my magazine name will be 'Unorthodox Blare' due to the majority of my target audience preferring this name as opposed to other names such as 'Unorthodox Audio' which received zero appeal. I decided to follow through with which name most appealed to my target audience because my opinion may not necessarily be the same as there's, meaning I'm creating a magazine that won't appeal to them at all.

 

Below are various ideas for the font of a potential masthead design. I will again ask members of my target audience which they prefer and using this information will progress with my planning of my house style.

I have decided my font for my masthead will be ‘            ‘ because I feel the font is quirky and quite different to other fonts – much like my target audience with their individuality.

First idea for my masthead design - having the 'X' as the biggest letter which could become a logo for the magazine itself. The 'X' is big and bold like my target audience and also the bands/solo artists within the magazine content which allows it to link nicely.

Second idea for my masthead design - experimenting with colour. My magazine is aimed at both male and females from the ages 15-25 so colour scheme/palette is key in order to appeal to both. This design idea purely demonstrates that I have both sexes in mind; with the colour pink being associated with females and blue with males. The pastel look of these colours is done so to link with an 'indie' feel.



Third idea for my masthead design - purple provides a balance between male and female appeal; it is said that both sexes are drawn to the colour purple due to it not being particularly feminine or masculine either. I decided to have a bright colour of purple for this design because the brightness could communicate loud, confident personality to the readers/target audience which could be aspiring.  

Forth idea for my masthead design - from looking at a lot of other music magazine covers, such as Kerrang, Revolver, Q, etc. I notice all have rather simplistic yet bold masthead designs; for example Kerrang has a masthead that is bold but has cracks in the writing which reflects the loud bands/artists that are within the magazine - it reinforces the volume from the actual music. I felt this masthead design looks quite indie due to the shape of the 'O's' and actual font type itself.



Fifth idea for my masthead design - again, looking at the colour purple to appeal to both sexes.

Sixth idea for my masthead design - for this design I wanted to add something that would make the masthead stand out from other music magazines - the large 'X' turned on its side adds character and makes a direct link to the masthead itself with the 'x' at the end of the word 'unorthodox'. I have experimented with the layout of lettering by spacing the letters out and allowing a gap between each one - I feel this takes away the bold look that a masthead should have to attract and get noticed by readers.




Seventh (AND LAST!) idea for my masthead design - this design idea is very, very similar to the design above - but I have made the text bolder and avoided putting any space between letters- this makes the masthead look bold and noticeable. I have kept the 'X' in the background to keep the character and individual design.

 

Market Research - Which (masthead) design do you prefer?

I asked 50 members of my target audience which masthead design they preferred. I did this by simply showing them each design and tallying their answers.

 

This simple 'Unorthodox Blare' masthead design
proved the most popular, having 13 people choose
it as their favourite.

 

Chosen design for masthead

I decided to have this masthead as my chosen design because it was the most popular option in my market research from individuals from my target audience. I received plenty of positive feedback about this masthead in particular, like it was "simplistic but effective" and the font was "cool" and "not too much". Many of the target audience said that they would be attracted to a magazine with this masthead as it fits the indie rock genre from the letters being in different shapes- like the o's which look like triangles (triangles are highly associated with indie/hipster trends).

 

 

 

 

Dominant Font

Ideas for dominant font...

• Arial Black

Bold Version: Arial Black

• Stencil

Bold version: Stencil

• Lucida Sans Typewriter

Bold Version: Lucida Sans Typewriter

• Arial Rounded MT Bold

Bold Version: Arial Rounded MT Bold

• Elephant

Bold Version: Elephant

• Cambria

Bold Version: Cambria



I want the dominant font of my magazine to be bold yet easy to read. I have concluded I will use Arial Black but this decision may change when putting my magazine together based on what looks best.

Colour Scheme/palette - Ideas

Monochrome palette - I believe a monochrome palette is both effective and would apply to the 'rock' element of my magazine but when thinking about the age range of my target audience which is 15-25 I feel this palette is too mature and would appeal to people of an older age.

This colour palette has colours that appeal to both male and female individuals - I feel there is a balance between colours and they all correspond/fit with each other well. This gives the magazine some vibrancy which is important when competiting with other music magazines - I believe this colour palette would be noticed and appealing due to it's vibrancy. 

This colour palette is purely experimental whilst I was looking at colours that would appeal to both sexes or perhaps balance the colours within the magazine's colour palette. Red and pink would clash and I feel the colours are too broad to correspond with each other, which may make my font cover look tacky and unprofessional.

Experimenting with pastel colours - pastel colours proved popular in my market research but I feel they don't look effective enough and would prove tricky to be noticed. The lack of vibrancy clashes with the 'rock' element within the music magazine genre; it doesn't make sense to have such calm colours combined with a loud music genre.

Chosen colour scheme/palette

I have decided to use this colour scheme as my chosen choice of colours for my house style because I believe they all correspond well with each other and have such a balance that they would appeal to both male and female individuals. This colour scheme isn't too masculine or too feminine either, thanks to monochrome colours such as black and white. The colours yellow and orange also allow for the palette to involve a male and female audience - the colours blue and red are quite masculine but combined with the rest of the colours within the palette will look less like it is aimed at males.  

House Style Inspirations

 

KERRANG!

I feel the house style of KERRANG! inspired me on several of my decisions with regards to my own house style for my magazine. I admire the cluttered layout KERRANG! have, having a busy form that doesn't come across as tacky or too much- the layout fits the music genre's featured within the content of the magazine and is appropriate/enticing. By looking at the above images of examples of some of KERRANG!'s issues, you will notice their colour palettes are both bright and appealing, the mix of bright colours with images enables the colours to not be too vibrant and overwhelming, which is something I hope to achieve when creating my own magazine front cover. I also admire the way majority of the dominant images KERRANG! displays on their front covers conceals the masthead of the magazine which contributes to the concept of them being established and popular. It communicates readers trust them and that they are well recognised, which is always a positive when competing with other music magazines. KERRANG! inspired me on my chosen colour palette: white, blue, red, orange, yellow and black. Some of these colours are incredibly vibrant, but they all correspond well with each other and 'fit'. I feel choosing these colours emphasise how my magazine is aimed at both genders, by having neither too feminine or masculine colours- the balance is definitely there. KERRANG! inspired me to do this because their colour palette is very similar, and from my research I noticed they have a large amount of both female and male readers, meaning the colour palette is successful to entice them.