Evaluation 8.

8. Evaluate how successful your product is with your target audience using audience feedback

Audio Feedback: I think I received fair comments from my interviewee. I agree with the amount of text on my front cover; I do believe it is quite plain and therefore maybe could use some more text to fill up the white gaps. Having said this I was going for a more structured cover, rather than having as much writing crammed on as possible. Regarding my contents page my interviewee said that maybe there should be more writing with a smaller title. I disagree with this as I have 5 detailed features listed, any more in my opinion would take away some of the impact value of the pictures and even the heading - which I think is important (disk-one). 

Video Feedback: My second interviewee picked up on the lack of text on the front cover as well and recommended possibly some font variation. Possibly some font variation may have been more adequate than  increasing the amount of text, however I do have three different fronts (arial, plane crash and american captain) and I have stretched and thickened some text. Regarding the double page spread, both interviewees  seemed to mention the same things. They both liked the titles and the 'R', commencing my article. However they also both thought that more pictures or a smaller picture with more text would suit. To an extent I agree however I think that multiple pictures would reduce the visual impact of my photo seeing as it's quite a dark, isolated photo. 

My opinions: Overall I think that my front cover is the weakest page as it is quite basic. To improve I could have varied the fonts and possibly used a few more colours. Having said this I do think the grey scale image on a white background works so the necessity for multiple colours is questionable. I wouldn't make any changes to my contents/double page spread despite the feedback. I think they're structured well and the different parts (title, photos, text) all complement each other in one form or another.

Evaluation 7.

7. Looking back at the preliminary task what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to a full product?

The use of my time varied drastically from the preliminary task to the main task. For the preliminary task I shot all my photos at one time which meant that unless I was organised, the variety would be limited. The main task encouraged me to utilize my time properly in accordance with the time taken to create each page. I planned out the construction of each page so that if there was a problem shooting a particular photo, I would have time to amend or even shoot a completely different one. In addition, managing my time meant that I was able to forecast when my models would be available to shoot the photos. I was much more successful managing my time for the main task, than rushing and failing to plan for my preliminary. The difference is clear. The use of settings and locations clearly infer that I planned and put a lot more thought into my main task as oppose to the preliminary which was created of instinct.

The ability to plan is key however I have definitely learnt the value of feedback from peers and essentially my 'target audience'. I was blind during the preliminary task in the sense I had no information to work from which would allow me to really specify my magazine to a particular audience. Although it is a school magazine which means that it's for students, there's no inferred age or gender, consequently meaning the result of the magazine was plain and lacked creativity. Because I had a target audience through research for my main task, I was able to reach out to my audience through the use of shot composition, layout and mode of address.

I did face problems with my photos for the front cover. I changed my photo three times, which emphasises the value of planning as I still had time to amend my page. At one stage my front cover converted to a Microsoft word document and I had to restart (although I'm grateful I did). Originally I had, in my opinion, the perfect image although I had shot it landscape which meant the photo would not be in proportion on the page. After taking a portrait image, I made the decision to colour my artist grey scale. Such a move would not have even been considered in my preliminary task. This technique complements my development of not only skills, but understanding of magazines. Having a grey scale image meant I had to select my colours wisely - I could not use certain colours which would have been fine if I used a coloured photo.

Regarding location, props and costumes, I really had to reflect on the basics of the hip-hop genre. Despite the fact my photos for the preliminary task were relevant to the magazine (school), I think my photos for the main task were that much more conforming. For my double page spread I wanted to create an image that could suggest anything from violence to reflection. I had to search for an appropriate location and managed to find a spot outside a barbershop. A barbershop is a universal shop so there is definitely a link to the hip-hop culture. The sheer thought process was non-existent during the preliminary task. For my props I used a hat, cigar, chain, bandanna and sunglasses. Research into the genre really helped me to pick appropriate props. There is definitely a hip-hop mentality sustained throughout my magazine.

My drafts were very important. Having a template to work from reiterates the principle of planning in the sense my use of time was ultilised by having a set course of action for every period spent working on my magazine. For my drafts I analysed several magazines of the hip-hop genre and using combined elements created my own original pages. Having a draft was definitely beneficial as a lot of the emphasis on creating the ideal magazine is reduced. With out a draft, in an attempt to make it look as professional as possible, there would have been a risk of having to many features or writing or even photos.

Evaluation 6.

What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?


I have developed a range of skills on Photoshop which helped me to evolve my magazine. I've learnt how to select parts of an image or even crop an image using the quick selection tool or magnetic tool. This has helped me to obtain professionalism (for example) by increasing the size of my cover artist on a new background to give proportion to the magazine. I learnt how to use certain effects as well, such drop shadows and outer glows, which in general gave the magazine a more exciting, refined look. In addition to these skills, the use of layers was essential. I took special care in the ordering of layers so that certain items would be in front or behind of another, ensuring that visual impact is enhanced. Layering also allowed my to create my masthead!

As well as Photoshop, I also gained a degree of knowledge using Blogger and Dafont. I previously was unaware of Dafont and had no idea of how to use a blog. Dafont allowed me to download fonts which were more developed than the default ones on Photoshop. I spent hours searching through the fonts Dafont had to offer which gave me appreciation of certain fonts and in what areas are they best suited. I am well equipped to give tips on how to use blogger (which was certainly not the case before). During my time on Blogger, I've learnt how to post a power point, embed a video from YouTube and convert files to a certain format so that they're eligible for Blogger.

Evaluation 5.

5. How did you attract/address your audience?

I tried to use a variety of techniques in order to make my magazine more appealing to my audience. Baring in mind my magazine has quite a youthful male target audience (16-24), I tried to attract them by using colloquial language, 'street slang'. My audience would be able to relate to the language - it's likely they would encounter the use of slang on a daily basis. Terms such as 'poppin'', 'g-life', 'one hundred' and 'mack' will entice the audience and draw comparisons to their lifestyle, making them more inclined to understand and relate to 'WAX'.

The use of costuming and props are also essential in attracting the right audience. On the front cover 'Kilo Fum' is wearing a designer coat which would appeal to those in the audience with an interest in fashion. Because it's a common association with rappers and expensive clothes, the majority of my audience will be attracted, especially as they see certain artists as role models. On the contents page he also has his trousers quite low on his waist revealing part of his boxer shorts. It's a common stereotype that many rappers and listeners of rap wear their trousers low; regardless, this use of costuming would therefore appeal more to the audience.



The use of props is also key. People in the hip-hop community would consider themselves 'cool' and 'hip'. On the contents page one of my artists has on a bandana and sunglasses - fairly cool props. This could appeal to my audience who would have the same taste and interest in appearance. All of my artists are around the age of my target audience which will increase the relation between the reader and magazine. Because I have a female on my contents page this could possibly also attract a further male audience as some men are more persuaded by the female content in such a genre of music.

The style of font is also important. My front cover title 'Kilo Fum' is very masculine and the surface of the letters are scratched giving a rough finish. Block writing has been used throughout my magazine with colours such as red and black - the conventional hip-hop colours as they appeal to a male audience. On my double page spread, the heading 'Gangsta Lean' is in bright red, block capitals with holes in the letters once again creating that rugged finish.

Evaluation 4.

4. Who would be the audience for your media product?

The target audience for my magazine is broad as hip-hop covers several generations and therefore there is no restriction to the age. Having said this it is primarily targeted at the youthful age range from 16 to 24. My ideal male would match the persona described in my reader profile. He would either be preparing to leave school or would be working. Utilisation of his savings/earnings is key and consequently he rations his money so that he can gain full advantage of what albums are on offer. As well as money, he is also a frequent browser of the internet so that he can download all the classic material unavailable in shops. His attire is casual, but varied. Anything from a hooded jumper to dungarees can be seen on him. No matter the style of clothes, however old or new, looking fresh and clean is always elementary. He's popular with the girls and sometimes raps to them to prove his slick personality.

Evaluation 3.

3. What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?

I have researched a few publishing houses and found that my product would be best suited for IPCMedia. Having said this I did have a few other houses in consideration. Originally I thought Conde Nast would be suitable as they have no magazine with any similarities to 'WAX'. This would mean there could potentially be a gap in the market, however on closer inspection I found that the other magazines where for a lot older, arguably more mature age group. Magazines such as 'GQ', 'Vanity Fair' and 'House & Garden' are quite soft, audience friendly magazines. A 'WAX' issue may seem out of place in such a publishing house. The other magazines they distribute are also quite up-market and therefore may be unattainable for some of my audience, making the Condenast publishing house unrelatable for my audience and therefore unsuitable.

Like I said earlier, I believe IPCMedia would be the most appropriate publishing house to distribute my magazine. There is a gap in the market (more feasible then Conde Nast) as the other music magazines they distribute are NME & Uncut, which serve a rock genre, leaving a whole field open to 'WAX'. Because the target age for NME & Uncut is slightyly older than my target audience, I feel as though there would be some exposure for a 'WAX' issue. In addition, with quite a broad range of magazines and therefore customers, distributing 'WAX' may result in a rise of new customers coming from other genres of magazines.

Evaluation 2.

Q2. How does your media product represent particular social groups?

Above is a front cover of an XXL magazine, along with my front cover. Together I will use these images to serve as visual aid for my representation of a hip-hop audience. The Game has an evil facial expression, however a convention of hip-hop magazines is to have the artist with a serious face. 'Kilo Fum' has a serious facial expression, pertaining to the conventions but is also biting his lip to emphasise his mood. Many rapper's and therefore readers of hip-hop magazines come from inner-city areas where there is generally more crime and poverty. Having a serious facial expression could serve as a representation of the particular social class living in the poorer areas. Likewise to The Game, 'Kilo Fum' also has a chain around his neck, suggesting the wealth a rapper obtains from fame. It's common for many young teenagers/men to desire jewellery, money and women. For this reason I incorporated a car into my double page spread where 'Kilo Fum' is sitting in the back. On the contents page he also has a cigar in his mouth, suggesting luxury. Conventionally, my main artist on the front cover is a black male; the common race and gender in the hip-hop industry. The models, clothes and props used definitely only fit into one subculture. 'Kilo Fum' is wearing a coat, with no shirt on. This could suggest his masculinity but also his sheer presence, which may strike fear into other subcultures. Rapper's are portrayed as intimidating people in hip-hop magazines. This is evident on the XXL cover with the game pointing his fingers to his head (gun pose), but also I have conveyed this by showing 'Kilo Fum' with his hood up.