Magazine Final

FRONT COVER

CONTENTS PAGE

DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD

Billboard Final

Website Final

http://abigailbatey1.wix.com/tribe

Evaluation Question 4

Evaluation Question 3

What have you learned from getting audience feedback?

Receiving audience feedback is an essential part in the post production stage of any form of media as this allows you to see what the target audience would like to see and what you could possible change in order to suit their wants and needs. Considering this I knew it was imperative to gain audience feedback for my own media productions.

To maximise the appropriateness of my feedback I realised that it would be beneficial for me to establish my target audience and gain feedback from them as these will be the targeted individuals for my Tribe products. In order to do this i carried out verious target audience research in a range of forms, from:

A TARGET AUDIENCE PROFILE

AN INTERVIEW


And others such as an initial summary, moodboard and spider diagram (all previously posted on this blog).

To show how I gained my audience feedback and how I used it, I created a prezi:

Evaluation Question 2

Tribe website link: http://abigailbatey1.wix.com/tribe

Evaluation Question 1

This evaluation is created in a website format, use the link below to view:
http://abigailbatey1.wix.com/evaluationquestion1

Contents Background

When creating the contents page I had in mind what I wanted for the background. I took inspiration from ELLE magazine and decided to also challenge their conventional background by creating my own 'collage look' background however only creating half of a collage to look like a woke in progress. I chose to do this as it connotes with the magazines genre being fashion as fashion is never seen as being complete, it is always changing and transforming having endless possibilities.

I created this collage using a selection of images from Company magazine cutting them out and sticking them on an A4 piece of paper. I then took a photo o the collage and sent it to myself via email.

I then used Adobe Photoshop to edit the quality of the image to enhance it t a high enough standard to be featured in a successful fashion magazine. I firstly used crop tool to remove the mass of necessary sections of the image. Then I used the magnetic lasso tool to carefully edge the background of the image then deleted it. this left me with just the collage as the image I then enhances the brightness and contrast levels and then  the dodge tool to brighten any particularly dark patches

This is the original image

This is the edited image (used on the contents)

Challenging Flat Plans

From planning to actually creating my products a lot of my flat plans changed completely. For instance the contents page and billboard.

I chose to change these flat plans after experimenting with different layouts after the post production stage when i actually took my images. I realised quickly that my flat plans did not suit the images I had taken. I then altered the layouts in a way I believed would better suit my target audience. There is also the fact that by this time I had done much more extensive market and audience research to then influence my decision in experimenting and trying out new layouts in order to create a better sense of semiotics through encoding different meanings to my products through allowing specific features to stand out more than others and hold a more dominant effect over the page.

This is seen in my billboard as I originally chose to create these with multiple images but actually only used a single main image in my final drafts. I did this as it allows the audience to create a greater connection with the models within the single mane image rather than sharing the effect over a range of images. This will therefore be more successful in attracting and appealing to my target audience as with a connection they create a relationship with the models and therefore have a greater interest in the magazine they are representing.

The contents page was altered slightly with a flip in the sides between the main image, text and background image. I also decided to add a sell line at the bottom which included the details on the specific issue of the magazine.

19.03.15

In this lesson i have been editing my double page spread. At this point it was a case of moving the features and conventions around.

This is how I began

This is how i have left off

Google+ Poll

After evaluating my billboard drafts I had created I previously came to a conclusion choosing the billboard using a two shot image. However I later gained various feedback from members of my target audience saying they liked the reflection billboard as it was different and unique, therefore it would be more eye-catching.

After gaining this feedback I chose to create a poll on Google+ where they could vote for which version of my billboard they preferred and then use the most popular which recked the majority of votes. i believed this to be a good idea as this would allow me first hand feedback from my target audience showing a form of market research in order to provide the best possible result.

The results I gained were however unanimous with all votes going to the 'Two shot billboard' given my feedback my choice was then made, this is my final draft of my billboard.

Editing with Photoshop

During this lesson i started editing my images which where to be used on the double page spread. As previously stated in my research and planning i am going to create a collage layout for this page as this allows for a lot of mixed media to be featured on the page. However this also means that i am going to have to edit a lot of individual images to a high enough standard to be featured in a professional fashion magazine.

THE BLACK ANKLE BOOTS

ORIGINAL

Firstly I removed the background of this image using a mixture of the magic wand tool, quick selection tool, magnetic lasso and the eraser tool;

The magic wand tool erased the mass of the background however not all as on some occasions the color of the background merged with some of the boot (blackness around the gold chain). I then used the quick selection tool to erase the blackness around the distinctive grey edge around the boot. 

Then the magnetic lasso for any unusual edges where the background seemed to merge more with the boot as this would allow a smoother edge opposed to using the rubber tool free hand. 

I however then did use the rubber tool for and remaining background which was missed by the other tools (mainly around the gold chain).

I then decided that the image was too faded and the boot looked old and worn;

Therefore to create a new off the shelf look,which would be more appropriate in a professional magazine, I used the burn tool to darker the grey into black (however still leave the boot with its natural creases leaving the color with some shades to maintain the velvet material look. I then used the dodge tool to lighten the other areas such as the chain and the other gold features on the boot. 

FINISHED IMAGE

This image looks a lot cleaner with only the actual boot shown in the image. All of its features have been highlighted with the use of the burn and dodge tools making the darker features darker and the lighter shades brighter. By editing this image i have created a flawless yet natural look of the materials used also leaving a smooth edge around the boot allowing it to still maintain its natural look even without the original background.

Final Peer Assessment

This is the feedback which i received from my peer feedback based on my final drafts:

17/03/15

In todays lesson I have been experimenting with layouts for my contents page:

1.

2. 

3. 

From the original layout (that in the first image) I found it still to be a bit boring and bland looking therefore I chose to add a back highlighter effect on the group headings as I believe by using the effect white on black I was able to allow tis text to stand out dramatically amongst the mass of other within the text box. I also added a slug as on the first draft it looks too bare having all of the text in one single location on the page. There is also the fact this this will be more beneficial for the audience as this text related to the main image of on the page telling the audience where they can find the article it is representing. This is shown on the second draft.

On the third drag you can instantly see a change as i decided to flip the background. I believe this was a good choice as this allowed the text to be located in the white space of the page therefore eliminating any blank space (backing up the connotation that since the contents is busy and full of information then so is the rest of the magazine). I believe this also worked better as it gives page a better flow with the bulk of images being in a single corner therefore not being to distracting when trying to read the text.

     I also shortened the white box which was in the background of the text to allow the background to show through in certain places to allow a text wrap look of the text surrounding the images (shown with the converse shoe). However to allow the text to be readable i kept a smaller version of the box at the bottom of the contents as this was essential in allowing the audience to see and read the text with ease.

     I then changed the color of the text 'October' to a dark shade of red to pull the poagetogether with this color scheme being also shown on in the bulk of text on the contents. There is also the fact that this allows the red within the color scheme to stand out more and compliment that which is on the front cover.

The third draft would be the most appealing to my target audience as all of the conventions fit well together and allow a more complimenting visual display using images and colour to mask the mass of text. This would both attract and appeal to them being able to simply use the contents and therefore navigate around the magazine.

TRIBE vs. ETC

Lecturer Feedback

Cover

The main form of criticism I received was that mu cover lacked regionality. This was important for me to improve since my magazine genre is regional, therefore my target audience will also be of a specific region (North East).
I also received comments on my sell lines saying they could be perceived as confusing due to their positioning. Especially with regards to the main image as it wasn't especially clear which was the linking sell line. It is essential that my target audience can navigate around my magazine with ease, especially with them being quite young.
There was also a comment on my slogan 'Reet up my street!' as my lecturer wasn't sure whether this linked with the overall feel of the magazine and what it represents. However I chose to dismiss his comment as I believe it does the opposite, especially since this is a regional quote therefore will relate the magazine to the North East and will also appeal to my target audience as this will allow them to feel instantly more connected to the magazine with a friendly quote which they will recognise.

Contents

The main form of criticism for my contents was also that it lacked regionality. There was also a concern that the house style was slightly different to the cover. However believe they link quite nicely as since the house style of the cover consisted the colour palette of black, white and red, I have shown to have followed this colour scheme on however will a dramatically less feature of the colour red.
There was also little spelling errors which were notices, I then instantly corrected them.
It was also pointed out that some of the article titles were set in italics and others weren't. I immediately changed this error setting them all in a basic font.
There was also a comment on the background with the use of the collage, saying I should either make it more faint or add more of it. However I chose to keep it the same as it fits in with my overall theme of my products (as a collage look). Therefore I wanted to give the impression of a collage still yet to be completed, also given the fact that this is a fashion collage it also conveys that fashion is ever changing and will never be complete.

Double page spread

The lack of regionality was also a main concern for my double page spread therefore this is a key feature which I need to look at for all of my products and alter them to become more regional in order to appeal and attract the target audience.
My grammar was pointed out again therefore i instantly corrected all errors.
There was also a strong concern regarding the house style as this page consists of a completely different colour scheme to the cover and contents page. However I chose to keep this colour scheme as it would be bother more appealing and entertaining for the target audience as this change in colour will give the audience more to look at and convey that the company is able to change appropriately on demand and in order to appeal to their audience. The magazine would be too 'boring' if the wile contents of the magazine looks the same. There is also the fact that since this new colour scheme feature a lot of pink it is able to connote feminism therefore linking to my target audience also being females, therefore also appealing to them.

DPS Background

To create the textured background effect on my double page I used a paining which I previously created using a blend of pink shades.

This is the original image

This is the edited image

I created this effect using Adobe Photoshop by adjusting the brightness and contrast levels, through experimenting with these effects and exposures I was able to tame this boldness of the pinks to allow a white brightness to emerge in order to look like a pain brush being spread randomly across the background of my page. This also fitting with my collage look, using a colour which would appeal and attract the target audience.

     I also then stretched the image horizontally to allow only the paleness of the pink to show.

This is the image on the double page

26.02.15

Today I finished my last draft of my double page ready for feedback and final alterations



I completed the 'What's in my make-up bag?' feature and added my final touches such as rearranging the layout a little, in order to allow the page to look more busy and create a better collage look.

12.02.15

In today's lesson I continued working in my double page. 

I began to add more images to the page, featuring make-up as well as clothing as my target audience are also very interested within this subject. 

     I also decided to change the heading as within the previous pose I stated that I did nit like the previous font as it looked too bland and did not have the dramatic effect I was going for. After experimenting with various fonts I chose a military style font to give the connotations of a fashion army/tribe. It also fits with my collage theme for the page.

     The last addition I made was adding a background. I added a pink textured background using an image I had previously taken of a mixture of shades of pink paint and altering the contrast using Photoshop. I believe this gives the page a better visual look with the pink also linking with the female target audience and making pink a more dramatic colour within the colour scheme.

10.02.15

In todays lesson I continued working on my double page spread experimenting with text and the layout.

As you can see I started to add more featured to the page to fill more white space. I do believe I need a lot more time and work on this particular piece in order for it to be complete as there is still a lot of blank space and not enough images to give the page a more eye-catching collage look which i was aiming for. 

     I also don't like the heading as it is therefore I plan on experimenting and altering in next lesson to allow it to be more dramatic an make it a more dominant feature on the page.

05.02.15

In todays lesson I began to structure the layout of my double page spread using some of the images I had already edited and starting to add some text.

This is what I have created to date. As you can see i have chose to use a mixture of images of both clothing and using a model. I chose to use a model within this article as this allows an individual for the target audience to relate too and draw themselves more into the article due to the fact this young model will be within their age range and also has the common interest of fashion.

TRIBE Billboard Designs

1.

2. 

3. 

4. 

After carrying out various experimentation with different images and colour schemes I ended up creating a portfolio of different billboard designs which I could use as my final piece. This is also the order in which I created the billboards with the last being my favourite. 

     I  believe that design 4 is much more simplistic and looks more professional. There is also the fact that it will suit its purpose better as the billboard will most likely only be seen at quick glances from people passing it by the use of little features on the page allowing them to stand out. These features only being the essentials; the company name, where to find it (website URL) and the main image to connote the target audience (who the magazine will relate to) and what the magazine is representing.

     It is also much a more conventional layout which I have found from carrying out my market research. I saw that the most successful companies who have produces billboards as an advertising method use a very basic layout and approach consisting of minimal text and a single main image to draw in the audiences attention. 

     I also believe that by keeping the audience and genre of the magazine in mind whilst creating this billboard I have been able to give the right representation and vibe of the magazine. I have constructed the whole mise-en-scene of the billboard to create a bright, bold and eyecatching billboard by using the correct lighting to create a quality high key image  A good choice of models to relate to the target audience, there costumes being in-trend connoting that the information inside of the magazine is also current and in date, their poses and facial expressions to convey that the magazine is representing happiness, comfort and youth whilst the text is set in bold black to jump out amongst the brightness of the image and contrast with the white background.

Editing the Front Cover Main Image

When creating the main image for the front cover I Had to consider every convention within its structure so that its would appeal to the magazines target audience and also to suit its theme.

When taking the image I used a photography studio as this allowed me to use a white backdrop and also get the best quality out of my camera for the end result. I choose this particular model as an inspiration for my audience as not only is she a young attractive female, the audience will also be able to relate to her as she within their age range and is also wearing 'in style' clothing which the audience will be interested in. I also chose to use a mid shot as this allows the audience to feel close to the model but with also back up them relating to them as they now have a connection with eye contact. The pose was also structured to give the image a more interesting look keeping the main focus on the models face (eye contact) but also allows the whole frame of the image to be taken up.

When editing this image i firstly started by adjusting its brightness then using the dodge tool to highlight and dark areas allowing a more professional photoshopped look for a fashion  magazine.

I then went onto smoothing out her hair using the patch tool as this allowed the colors to blend well together. This also erased any stray hairs with the added help of the smudge tool to blur the edges or her hair creating a more natural look.

I also edited any any blemishes using the Spot Healing Brush Tool. this allowed me to remove any unwanted spots or freckles to create a more brushed face, I used the patch tool to then edit any unnecessary shine which was caused by the flash after this the face and body had a flawless professional look.

I then decided to add a final touch by changing the color of the models eyes. I chose the color blue as this would be the only splash of blue on the front cover therefore the audience will be drawn to this. This also fits with my purpose of the main image which is to grab the audiences attention and to draw them into the magian with a mysterious 'chocolate box' facial expression and into her eyes. I did this by creating another layer, then using the brush tool to paint over her eyes, then changing the layers set up from from a normal layer to an overlay. From then it was a case of experimenting with different shades until I found a natural look.

Photoshoot 22.01.15

PHOTO SHOOT 22/01/15

22.01.15

In this lesson I started creating my double page spread by choosing the images which would be most appealing for the target audience and which would make the most dramatic effect.

These are the images which I chose and edited

To edit this image using photoshop. I noticed immediately that the background needed brightening, therefore i used the dodge tool to highlight specific areas of the image.

I then edited out the background as from shown on my flat plan I am planing on creating a collage look for the double page spread therefore the backgrounds of every image must be removed in order to allow my magazine to look professional. To remove the backgrounds I firstly used the magnetic lasso tool to surround the edge of the model then chose to create this as another image, this allowed a smooth eade, particularly around  her hair enabling it to remain looking natural.

Semiotics

When creating my ancillary tasks I will have to keep semiotics in mind if I want them to appeal to their target audience. For instance I will have to specifically choice the colours, images and texts with my target audience in mind considering which would be most appealing to them and give them the best intentional connotations.

     When considering subject position I will consider any possible opinions which could come about from my specific choices. For example when using the colour pink on my website this would be appropriate as this is likely to give connotations of femininity to all of the target audiences and also considering signs and cultural differences. This shouldn't be too difficult die to the fact I am creating a regional magazine based on the area where I live therefore there should be no difficulties  with regards to sign barriers.

Website Templates

After searching through the web authoring site WIX.com I have narrowed down the templates which I am considering using for the TRIBE website.

I have chosen these specific templates as they have a fairly spacious layout which would be simple for the target audience to navigate round and use. They also allow a lot of information to be added and all suite the fashion genre.

The template 'Lil Collection eCom' is my favourite choice as it has various search facilities which would allow my audience to use the site with ease. I also like the use of the large slideshow banner as this will make the page stand out to the audience and also become more colourful with the use of a dominant image. I also love the layout of the template as it uses various conventions which would allow me to include a lot of information on the page and also make it easy for me to alter its feature, for instance, the colour scheme and background I plan to alter to suit my target audience, make the site original, unique and memorable.