LAYOUT // SKETCHES OF PLANS

FRONT COVER LAY OUT 

CONTENTS LAYOUT

MAGAZINE FLAT PLAN

Double-page Sread Article content.

I have created an article to use of my double page spread, hat relates to the front cover image and relates to the genre of the magazine. I have conducted appropriate questions that my target audience would like to know about a certain indie artist and or band.

ARTICLE CONTENT

How different is your life now due to your music career?


Yes, it’s a big change from chilling in my basement with my friends most Saturday evenings, to gigging every weekend and releasing a debut album. But it’s a good different, all I have ever wanted to do is write music and play gigs, so I guess as cliché as it sounds, it is a dream come true. I couldn’t believe that my album was on sale at Rough trade. I used to go into rough trade and by all my vinyls from there, and to see my record on sale next to legends like The Smiths and Joy Division, its quite hard to believe really.


How would you define your music?


I have always said that I hate labeling music to a certain genre or type, my music doesn’t stick to a certain type of genre I suppose. I feel that music shouldn’t be defined or stereotyped as a certain genre. However, I think that my music could be defined as indie/psychedelic rock. I think that I would like to switch up genres with my future music. I think that sometimes when artists stick to one genre it can become predictable and boring, and I don’t want to be like every other artist.


Who are your inspirations and influences?


A band that made me start to write and consider making music was The Stone Roses, as a young girl my dad actually had “Waterfall”, on vinyl, it was my favorite roses tune, and still is. They were the first band that I really got into I suppose. When I was about 12 I learnt how to play, “I Wanna be Adored”, on bass guitar, which was a massive achievement at the time!
But current bands that I listen to that still inspire me have to be Daughter, Haim and Lana Del Rey. I think that Lana has a beautiful voice, and her music is amazing!


How do you feel about entering the world of music?


I’d like to say I am fearless. At first I was intimidated, and anxious about releasing the new single, and what feedback it would receive, or even if I would gain any feedback at all. Nevertheless I did make a promise to myself that whatever the outcome of the feedback, I would not stop trying. I am not a quitter, and I hate quitters. I’d also like to think of myself as a strong female in the music industry, as I know that women can be portrayed badly through out the music scene. I also was aware of the criticism that I was going to receive, as I am not going to be every one’s cup-of-tea, and I was, and still am, fully aware of that. But yes of course I was pretty anxious when entering such big industry because of the consequences, I had to pretty much stop all my studies and give my life to music, but I am so happy that I did because music has become my life now, and I am doing what I love.


What is the significance to your new single‘Old street’?


Shoreditch is my favorite place. I love hanging out there with my friends, because it is the most interesting, place in London, I love the street art, the coffee shops and the record shops. So the significance to Old Street, stems from my stories of when I used to spend most of my Saturday afternoons in Shoreditch. Writing the song makes me feel very nostalgic, as it does performing. I didn’t want to write a song, complaining about my ex boyfriends and relationship troubles, like most typical female artists my age. I wanted to write something, which relates to my adolescence years. Old Street basically just represents my memories that took place on Old street, and other places in and around Shoreditch. 

FONT IDEAS

I have researched into different font that i will use for my masthead. I have chosen four possible font for my magazine. All fonts follow a bold theme. The font that I will use will have to be bold and simple yet significant to my magazine and my audience. I have used social media sites to decipher the type of font that I will use for my magazine, whilst also discussing with a focus group, to gain opinions from my chosen target audience.

SOCIAL MEDIA FEEDBACK
I used imessage to gain feedback for an appropriate font type, here are my results:

It is apparent that the first font is favored the most out of the four possible fonts

FOCUS GROUP FEEDBACK 
Vicky 
Isabel
Josh
Rachel

After discussing the choice of font with a focus group, the most favored font was the first font. As most of my audience suggested that it was different and had not been used on other magazines in the media. Isabel suggested that it was also easy to read, and could be read from a far distance, as it is both simple yet eye catching. Vicky suggested that the font looked eye catching and appealing in uppercase. As of this, I have come to a conclusion that my font with remain in uppercase. Josh noted that I should maybe alter the font to make it appear more interesting, in addition to this comment, Rachel suggested that I could do this by enlarging a certain letter, or altering the colour of certain letters. In conclusion to these comments, I then decided to enlarge the letter K in the word REFLEKTOR, as I feel that this would add diversity to my mast head, whilst creating an iconic logo. My future audience will be able to recognize my logo and brand more efficiently.
I have tried samples of my new logo/masthead and I am pleased with the outcome. After editing my samples I then presented them to my audience/focus group, to gain some constructive criticism.

Vicky noted that the first font type was neat and accurate, and more 'streamline', however Isabel suggested that the first font sample was boring and, 'didn't shout REFLEKTOR', where as the second font sample was more eye catching and easier to read. In conclusion to this I will be using the second font sample for my final outcome, I have also decided that i would like to alter the colour of the K, as it will suggest the significance and identity of the logo/masthead. The colour of the font will follow the colour scheme of the front cover overall.

WHAT IS REFLEKTOR// AN INTRODUCTION TO MY BRAND

AN INTRODUCTION TO REFLEKTOR

So, what is Reflektor? Reflektor is a monthly published Music Magazine, created in December 2014. Reflektor is largely associated with indie alternative music and culture. Every month new articles are released, promoting new music and artists associated with Indie/Alternative music. The media is in desperate need for something new and exciting. Reflektor is new and fresh and will appeal to a certain type of audience. Reflektor can be accessed on line through social media as well as a monthly issued magazine. Reflektor can be found on sites such as, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube, for weekly videos and new music digitally.

AUDIENCE

Reflektor is aimed at those who are interested in new upcoming events and indie alternative music. My audience's age ranges from 17 and up, this is because of the mode of address my magazine portrays. My mode of address is presented as third person, so it addresses the audience. Using directive and interactive words such as, 'YOU', to draw the readers attention. Like other magazines, Reflektors style of mode of address is sarcastic and humorous. The laid back vocabulary and style of my articles makes it easier for the audience to relate to my magazine.
My audience will be mostly interested in music and culture, Reflektor does not follow the celebrity culture of other pop magazines, but sticks to the importance of music, new and old. Reflektor will be aimed at both genders, as my magazine is not aimed at one gender. Therefore the colour scheme of my magazine will appeal to both male and female audiences.
Overall, Reflektor will appeal to those who have an interest in indie alternative music, that is either current, or dated. The logo and colour scheme, will be apparent that the magazine is associated with indie music, to ensure that people who are interested in the certain genre, will be captivated by Reflektor.

HOUSE STYLE

House style from milliesharratt

PUBLISHING HOUSE

An appropriate publishing house for Reflektor, is IPC media. IPC media own a vast range of music magazines such as the famous indie rock magazine NME. I feel that this publishing house would be appropriate for publishing my magazine, as it is successful, selling over 350 million copies a year, whilst also supporting other famous indie rock magazines like NME.

Equipment Used

For my photoshoots, I have used equipment, inorder for my photos to look professional and legitimate. The camera i used, was SONY DSC-HX1, a High Definition camera and recorder. I have tested my camera to make sure that it functions well, ready for my photo shoot. I will also be using a tripod to ensure that my photos are straight, whilst also preventing my pictures from becoming blurry.

LIGHTING AND BACKGROUND

For my front cover I will be using a white backdrop, as a background. The white background makes it easier for the audience to read cover lines and mastheads. The colour white is clean and appealing to the audience and also works with most colour schemes. For my pictures to come out well I will be using large white lights, so the lighting of the pictures are not dark or too over exposed. 

This lighting equipment as you can see will ensure that my photos will turn out successful, and professional. Professional equipment is crucial when creating a magazine, as the audience will be drawn to issues that are produced professionally and carefully. 

Front Cover Preparations

After researching front covers of indie magazines i have noticed that almost all front covers use a plain block coloured background. Indie magazines like NME, tend to use white coloured backgrounds as it fits with the genre of the magazine. Also a white background makes it easier when editing cover lines and mastheads. When creating my front cover I will use a white backdrop, in order to follow the conventions of an indie magazine For my front cover I will be using an white background as contrast against my double page spread, photos. I will be using a white background for my front cover as this makes it easier for mastheads  and cover lines to be seen. I have gathered some front covers that inspire my magazine, REFLEKTOR. A white background also looks cleaner, and more professional. The white background enables me to carry out my colour scheme with ease, as white acts as a blank canvas to other colours. The colour scheme involves up to 3 colours, white being the background of the image. The white back ground contrasts against the bold red mast head. I plan on using a white background so i am able to edit the magazine with ease.

Meet My Model

My model is Jessica. I have chosen Jessica to model for my magazine as a feel that her personal style fits the theme and genre of my magazine. Jessica's style is influenced by late 90's grunge. Smart, original and diverse, Jessica's style is heavily influenced by her music taste and genre, this helps to fit with the style of my magazine, as Jessica's preferred music genre is indie/alternative/grunge.

STYLING JESSICA

 Before my photo shoot I practiced some makeup looks on Jessica, which i may use for the day of my shoot. Following the idea of fashion icons such as Lana Del Rey, Haim and Sky Ferreira are big influences of this make-up and hair look, however I have changed the look slightly to show Jessica's personal style. I have kept aspects such as Jessica's facial piercing to portray individuality and to convey Jessica's personal style and identity. I took more photos, including head shots, to show the hair style and facial make up that I will use for my magazine.

MAKE-UP 

After styling Jessica's hair and make-up, I then looked into her fashion sense and style, and collected pieces that would suit the style of Jessica whilst also being inspired by certain artists. The style I researched previously was soft/grunge, which included casual pieces such as shorts,baggy jumpers, and denim items. I picked out pieces that fit the theme and genre.

COSTUMES THAT I WILL USE

OUTFIT ONE 

OUTFIT 2

OUTFIT THREE

These are the clothing items that I will be using to style my model Jessica. As you can see the pieces are similar to the styles that i have previously researched however again i have adapted Jessica's style.  The monochrome style fits with the grunge theme of my magazine. If the clothing of the model fits the style and miss en scene of the magazine the more likely the magazine will appeal to a certain audience. If my model was inappropriately dressed for the style and theme of the magazine, it would not work and appear odd. That is why i have chosen dark coloured clothing pieces, that represent the genre of music the artist produces. I will be using three outfit changes so that my magazine appeals to my target audience.

ACCESSORIES 

 I have captured some images of the accessories i will be using, during my photo shoot. Accessories are crucial as they define the model's personality, and identity. Accessories add more definition to the outfits, to make them appear more intriguing.
I will be using the three different outfits in my photoshoot.

SOCIAL MEDIA FEEDBACK // MAKE UP STYLE
After gaining much feed back from social media, most of the comments I received suggested that the make up look, worked best if the red lipstick was not used so the look is kept more subtle, and a nude lipstick should be used. Therefore when recreating my make up look i will use dramatic eye make up with nude lips, to evoke a more grunge effect.

SCHEDULES, & ORGANISATION

Inorder to become more organised for my shoot I have created a schedule and an organsation document.
I have created this document as it allows me to have easy access to service information, incase of any emergencies. I have list the services that I may use on the day, the sheet plan will also be given to those who are working on the shoot, so they are able to access services easily via mobile phone.
I will be asking people to help me with my photo shoot, for safety reasons and for extra hands to help carry props and items of clothing when commuting to locations.

Below I have created a schedule for the publishing process of my magazine. I have structured a schedule so i m organsed and understand what i have to do and when. I will be creating a more detailed schedule for my magazine, photo shoots. Scheduls enable me to keep on top of he publishing process, and the creation of 'REFLEKTOR'.

DATE	ACTIONS
October	·         Looking into music genres and music magazines. ·         Looking into different conventions of music magazines – particularly indie genres like NME
November	·         Analysing magazines and looking into different genres, realising conventions, and regulations of music magazines.
December	·         Initial ideas and finalising my ideas, including focus groups and different opinions. ·         Who is my target audience and why
January – Week 1	·         Start brainstorms for magazine – including title – colour scheme ·         Questionnaires and feedback
January – Week 2	·         Brain storm location ideas for my magazine ·         Star image and style of my model  what clothes shall I use – make up style?
January – Week 3	·         Go to my location and take photos. ·         Buy significant clothing items and discuss with my model about the style. ·         Take photos in Shoreditch with my model, for my double page spread. ·         Take photos of my model with a plain back ground with professional lighting ·         Upload photos to my blog, and gain feedback from social network sites. ·         Take photos for contents page ·         Draw a plan of my magazine. A story board of the structure of each page.
January – Week 4	·         Start to design a specific logo for my magazine. ·         Start to edit my magazine front cover, contents page, and double page spread. ·         Construct the main body text/article.
February – Week 1	·         Evaluation of my magazine ·         Publish

ORGANISING TIMES AND DATES - CONFIRMATION
I have organised times and dates with my model, so we know when and where the photo shoot will be taken place. I also need to decipher train times and train tickets so my travel and commuting plans are organised. Here are some text messages that I have saved, confirming that my model can attend the selected time and date.

I have confirmed with my model when I would like to take the pictures for my magazine. I have also researched into the route i will take to shoreditch, using an application on my phone, i will follow this route, as it is the most reliable, and sustainable.

I have used an app which suggests the quickest and easiest route to Shoreditch. Over all with out any travel delay, commuting to Shoreditch should take no longer than a maximum 50 minutes. This is a manageable time for both me and my model. 

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION

SHOREDITCH 

DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD IDEAS

I have decided on the location that I will use for my photo shoot. During the summer I did some work experience at a company in Shoreditch, whilst commuting to and from work I came across some street art, Shoreditch is becoming more and more popular for its street art and quirky architecture. When considering photos for my magazine, I thought that Shoreditch would be a perfect location due to its quirky street art and atmosphere. I am planning on taking pictures and using the street art as a back ground for my photos. I have chosen Shoreditch as I am familiar with the location, and I am able to navigate around the area with ease. Places like Red church Street, possess some of Shoreditch most quirky street art. I feel that the street art will relate and fit well to the genre of my magazine.
For my contents and double page spread I will be using Shoreditch as my location. As the double page spread, is presented as a peice of art work, i feel that the street art will contricute to this image.  I have included some photos that I have taken of locations in Shoreditch, that I will possibly use as my background for my double page spread.

TUBE/TRAINS

After coming across this image of MaxïmoPark, I have decided that I would like to consider using tube/trains as a location, as it adds variety to the locations. Tube and trains also have bright lighting, which will make the process of taking the photos much easier. I feel that the location will add a rustic atmosphere, and also works well with the other chosen location of street art, and Shoreditch highstreet. The audience will also recognise the location of tubes and trains, and feel some familiarity and connection to the images. The locations however have to connect in some sort of way, I have gathered some images of Shoreditch Highstreet station, so that the locations of the images are connected. 

I have also included some pictures that I have taken over the year, as I visit Shoreditch frequently as a hobby. This picture shows evidence, of the type of lighting that the tubes and trains portray. The clear, clean lighting gives a clinical feel to the picture and is pleasing to look at. I feel that I can play around with different types of camera angles used in the photos to create a modern feel. 

The modern atmosphere of the train station, and street art, is current. This is to ensure that the audience will be attracted to the images as they may be familiar with the location of the photos. I have chosen Shoreditch as a location as most students and young adults will be familiar with the location, as Shoreditch is home to bars, and clubs.

 

FEEDBACK ON LOCATION IDEAS

I have asked various amounts of people for feedback on my location ideas, through social media and other focus groups. I have done this to gain feedback on my ideas, to make sure that my ideas appeal to my target audience. Most of the feedback agreed that Shoreditch is an appropriate location for my photos. Here is some of the feed back and opinions that I have gathered.  



After receiving optimistic feedback about my location ideas, I am positive about where ill be shooting for my photos. next i will be looking at the most efficient ways to travel to Shore-ditch, and how long it will take to commute. 

 

Planning for my photoshoot

I have brain stormed ideas for my photo shoot, I have come up with two locations that would fit the theme and genre of my magazine, and also come up with some more fashion and style ideas.

Fashion Ideas & Inspirations

I have researched some clothing items and make up products that i think would be appropriate for my magazine, as they suit the type of genre which is portrayed.

MAKE UP PRODUCTS

 Here is some of the make up i will be purchasing, for my photo shoots. The running theme for my make up look, is dark and grungey. I have picked out colours which are dark and consist a lot of pigment, to portray the grunge genre.

Planning for REFLEKTOR

PLANNING FOR MY MAGAZINE - "REFLEKTOR"

After researching into my initial ideas, it is time to plan for my magazine, including logos, fonts, fashion ideas, and planning schedules for photo shoots. First of all I am going to plan how my model will dress and the attitude that she will portray. Then I will plan a schedule for my photo shoot and production of my magazine.