Background Ideas with evaluation

                                

The first image is a grey/ black wall which is the background I have decided to use for my magazine cover. The reason I had decided to use this background is because I felt using a brick wall will stand out more than a plain background plus it fit perfectly with my research. This is because the magazine covers that I researched either used black, white or grey but in some instances other colours were used depending on the main story of the magazine.

The second image is a light grey brick wall which I took as part as my research for backgrounds. Although, the image is taken at an angle therefore I felt it was not suitable for my image or cover lines however the colour of grey was effective as fitted in with other Rap magazine covers.

The next image is a red background with a radial effect, this use of red would be suitable for the rap magazine as red has connotations of blood and fear. These are both common themes that surround Hip Hop and Rap. However I decided to not use this image as the red did not look suitable with neither the main image nor the cover lines.

The next background idea was the plain white brick wall, the reason this was one of my potential background was because white has connotations of purity and an element of innocence which some rappers and hip hop artist secretly portray. However I did not like this image as the cover lines did not fit nicely on the background as it was to light.

The last image in my background ideas is a cloud light blue which I chose as I liked the idea of a cloudy background. This fits in with my chosen genre as Hip Hop artist usually smoke drugs, shisha and this releases a cloudy Smokey effect which why is I felt it would be suitable for my background. However I did not use this background as the blue did not fit in with connotations of Hip hop and rap and my research of existing covers.

Images for Front Cover with evaluation

                                    

The first image is a mid-shot of me and one other artist, the image follows the conventions of rap and hip hop as we are wearing black clothing, jewellery and have a fearless body posture. Although I didn’t feel the image would suit my front cover as most magazine covers have one significant artist on the cover.

My second image was another mid-shot and this also followed the conventions of rap as the idea of having my arms crossed illustrated my arrogance. However the reason I did not choose this image is as I felt by my body not directly facing the camera did not give the image a direct appeal to the reader.

  My third image could’ve been suitable as by me looking down I could follow some of the prejudice view of hip hop and rap artist that they look down on others. However again, by not facing the camera directly, it doesn’t have a direct feel towards the readers.

My fourth image was good in the aspect that I was wearing black which has connotations of death and darkness which are two predominant themes surrounding hip hop and rap. Although the fact that I am smiling creates a positive image which most rap and hip artist don’t portray as they are seen to be involved with drugs, guns and bad behaviour.

My final image is the image I chose, I came to the decision as I analysed a hip hop cover, ‘VIBE’ with Eminem on the cover in a black vest displaying his tattoos. By editing the image I hope to create a similar but unique version of Eminem on me. This would help my image conform to the themes of hip hop and rap.

Images for contents page

Using my research I identified that one area of importance was the image therefore I focused heavily on choosing the correct image for my page.

This is a medium shot of me in which I am facing the camera displaying a sense of dominance and power as my arms are crossed. This image is also rap related as the clothing is black and camouflaged and hip hop artist are seen as trendsetters. Although I didn't like this image as I felt the posture was too similar to the image for my front cover.



This is a medium shot of me which also follows representations of rap as the image displays a powerful posture as the arms are crossed. In the image I’m wearing black which is used to make people appear skinnier therefore I felt it was unsuitable for my page

 

This is the image I decided to use for my contents page because it doesn't have much black like the other two images therefore it has a strong representation of rap as they want to appear as strong and dominant. I also I felt this image is suitable as by not facing the camera illustrates the arrogance within the image which creates a strong representation of a rap artist.

Masthead ideas

 

 

 

 

The masthead name I decided to use for my hip hop/ rap magazine was Platinum, I chose this as current hip hop magazine names such as XXL have connotations of size and supreme. This is why I decided platinum as we know that platinum is better than gold and silver therefore it is seen as the best, this is the image I wanted to portray through my magazine. This is also appeals to the chosen genre as hip hop artist are known to get platinum disc awards as a prize for their great efforts. The first masthead has a diamond pattern overlay which is appealing as it fits the idea that hip hop rap artist wear shiny jewellery in addition it is very eye catching which is important. However I did not choose this as I felt it wouldn’t fit well with the rest of my text on the page.

 The second masthead uses a red banner with black font text, although these colours portray the connotations of hip hop and rap, I felt the bubbly font did not fit the genre type.

 My third masthead used a gradient fade for a banner and an appealing red font for the text which had inner and outer glow as well as being bevel and embossed. However I felt the banner wouldn’t be suitable for my chosen background.

My fourth masthead also used gradient banner which made it unsuitable for my magazine although the font used was appealing and with the correct colours.

The fifth and final masthead was my chosen masthead as I used a strong bright red which was eye catching and met the target audience as had connotations of blood and power, for the letter I, I used a platinum disc for the dot as it made my masthead more appealing and eye catching.

                                   

         

                

First drafts of front cover and contents page

                        

                

 Evaluation

Using the questionnaire I conducted, with the results I began to produce my initial drafts for my music magazine. The masthead name I decided to use is Platinum, in each draft I have tried to manipulate it so that it stands out and is eye catching which was one of the results from my questionnaire. The images I have used on the drafts have been considered carefully such as in each image their facial expression displays anger and arrogance, I chose to do this as my research into hip hop and rap represented them to have a gangster and arrogant approach as they want to appear fearless. I considered my target audience by making the rappers in the drawings to appear as wearing chains, hoodies and caps therefore it could be easily identified this is a rap magazine. From my research one of the main things that I identified was creating emphasis on the main image and masthead. Therefore in all three drafts I ensured that the main focus is the image and the masthead. I will use the drafts to help me create my first digital version as well as using my analysis and questionnaire results. This is my contents page drafts, on each one I manipulate it by rotating the layout between the image and the masthead. This is because in my research from my target audience, I found that they wanted the most emphasis mainly placed on the image and masthead. Therefore on all three drafts I follow the conventions of real music magazine contents pages from my genre as well as considering my target audience. This would make sure my magazine is close as possible to a real rap magazine. This will allowe me to create my first digital drafts for my music magazine contents page.

                                 Music institiution research

For the main task I have been asked to create a music magazine front cover, contents page and double page spread of a chosen genre type. My chosen genre type was rap/ hip hop, I came to this decision through my research, questionnaire results and personal preference. One well established music magazine is Vibe which predominantly features hip hop and r&b artist such as 50 cent, Eminem, Drake and many more established artist. Vibe mainly target young and urban followers of hip hop. The magazine achieved its success by featuring a broader range of interests XXL and The Source who are there closest competitors which focus more narrowly on rap music. While in the process of creating my magazine cover and contents, I will analyse Vibe magazine and its closest competitors which will give me the ability to ensure that my magazine follows the high standard that these magazines follow.