Mock-up for Magazine

FRONT COVER                                                                             CONTENTS PAGE

There have been  two music magazines that have inspired me in my mock-ups; 'Billboard' in the way they layout their contents page - very simple and organised. The second magazine is 'Vibe' in the way they keep their front cover basic and tidy. Between each design I wanted to keep it quite simple and use a symbiotic link between the pieces so that they would create familiarity in the magazine. I have done this by using a similar colour scheme in each piece, keeping a similar sort attire for the artist and my use of font.
My artist is a prominent feature in each piece to show a constant reminder that she is the main focus of this issue of 'Diva' and creates a symbiotic link between the pieces.

DOUBLE-PAGE SPREAD

I wanted the double page spread to be all about the artist and be a reflection of who the artist is and that is  the reason it is divided into two sections. Half the page is an image of the artist that represents her - feminine and sophisticated - and the other side is the whole article. To ensure that the reader doesn't get bored with loads of text, it is broken up with some images. R&B artists are known for their vocals and that is why I have played an image of the artist holding a microphone in the middle of the text. This use iconography that readers can immediately establish that she is a performer and her talent is her voice.

Location

One magazine that has inspired me is ‘Essence’. 

Although ‘Essence’ isn’t a music magazine, the people featured on the front covers are similar to the ones that will appeal to my target audience - females between 18-35.

I chose for my front cover background to be a plain shade of purple as it is simple and will complement the clothes that the artist is wearing. Purple is a colour associated with Royalty which automatically suggests elegance and sophistication. The colour sits between blue (stereotypically masculine) and pink (stereotypically an extremely feminine/girly) and shows that it is for people who enjoy their femininity and sexually but isn't fluffy and whimsical; it is a fiesty colour.

Below are images that reflect my location for the images that will appear inside the magazine.

The location will be an apartment living room as it is contemporary and glamorous. The room is tidy with expensive looking items of furniture (chandelier, glass table etc) and the colour scheme of the room is whites and contrasting darks. This is very modern and makes the room look of wealth which would suit an R&B artist.

Costume Ideas

I started off by creating a mood board of clothes to showcase the type of look I was going for my artist. The looks feature mainly dresses and heels which is quite a classic glamorous style and suggest wealth and sophistication. The high heels suggest power and represent the freedom and independence for women to go where they want to go. The clothes are bright, form fitting and have a sparkle about them to match the jewellery.
This would be typical attire for artists of the R&B genre as it is all about glamour and looking feminine and sexy. This is especially common with older artist of this genre as they want to keep their sexuality but not have to reveal to much.

The make-up is being kept natural with brown shades of eye shadow and black eye liner and mascara to enhance the features of the artist. However the red lipstick will be used not only to match the dress but make a statement. The colour is bold and classic (like old Hollywood glamour) and shows the artists’ sexiness and fierce attitude.

I chose two music artists that are women who embody the qualities of what my magazine is all about and would in fact be featured in my magazine. Here they display the look I am going for my artist.

They wear red which connotes passion implying that they are passionate in their work and in life. It also represents power and suggests that they are feisty and sexy; they are in control of their lives. The style of dress in halter which keeps them looking sophisticated and feminine and this simple style is so classic. It oozes glamour but is still made modern with quirky accessories and peep-toe heels.

From these images the public perceive them as respectable and beautiful woman who are other will relate to and even aspire to be like them.

Artists

Biography of My Artist

Name: Felicity Nolan

Full Name: Felicity Giselle Nolan Ode

Age: 30 years old

Genre: R&B and soul

Talents: Vocals and piano

Music Label: Colombia

Felicity began performing at an early age and discovered her amazing vocals when she was praised and crowned winner of her school talent show at age 8. At 14 she signed her first recording contract and the following year released her debut album ‘Felicity’ which collected very positive reviews and went double platinum.

After 16 years, she has one of the most successful careers in the music industry and is still going strong. She has been happily married for 4 years to Director Martin Ode with 2 children Maxwell (3years) and Olivia (6 months).

Below you will find videos of other artist that would be also featured in ‘Diva’.

These women are 3 things: Beautiful, Strong and Relatable.

Artists know that being a diva isn't just about glamour, a feisty attitude and being sexy, its about being a respectable confident women who can be a good role model for women young and old. Women admire these artists for their beauty, personality and career and want to try and emulate this. These artists are a big inspiration for these women in their daily.
They are beautiful both inside and out. Although they know they are extremely talented, they are very grateful for all the people who support them and helped them to get to where they are. They know that the key to their success is being strong and independent and they try to empower other women in order for them to be success too!
As well as this, they don't mind taking time out to help with charities helping the people that aren't as fortunate as themselves. Like other people they have their strong beliefs and values and know that they are able to influence a world and try to do their best to make the world a better place.

As from the videos you will see them singing about love and heartbreak. As an independent individual they do not need a man to make them feel happy. They try to convey this message to women that there is beauty and strength within them that can overcome this.

Mariah Carey

Mary J Blige

Jennifer Hudson

Analysis on Media

I looked at existing magazines and focused on the 3 areas I would have to be creating. This is helpful as I’m able to see exactly the features needed in order to make my pieces look like they are from a magazine and look professional. Below is my analysis of my discoveries of the look of these parts of a magazine and also the part the artist plays. I found that specific features on a magazine help to promote an artist in a specific way.

MAGAZINE FRONT COVER

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MAGAZINE CONTENTS PAGE

MAGAZINE DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD

Vibe DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD: Solange Knowles

The page is split 50% text of a detailed article about the artist and the other is 50% is of images of Solange. This is typical of a double page spread and keeps the page looking exciting and the layout clear. Other features used are a quote from the artist which serves as a advertisement for the article so you can stay and read it rather than flicking the page. At the bottom of the image is information on the photography which includes what the artist is wearing. Also included in a factfile which is a box of text that tells you something quick about the artist and keeps the page looking interesting.

Solange wears a short, red prom dress, blue fur coat and purple heels and the odd mix of colours shows she is crazy and kooky; she isn’t afraid to be different. This is also demonstrated with her dark wavy locks; she is free and untamed. The reader is immediately drawn to Solange’s outfit and the shortness gives her sex appeal as the reader sees the exposure of her long legs. She is looking directly towards the camera big eyed and pouty with her hands behind her back in a sort of innocent manner.

There aren’t any instruments present as many R&B artist use their voices and use article/interviews to show the representation of themselves- their stage persona.

There is a strip of images dedicated to the artist which is different from the main one. She wears the same attire as the main image however the images are in black and white as if to show different representations of the artist: in one image she is slanted with her hands flicking out as if dancing. This could suggest she is someone who likes to have fun while another suggests she has a more glamorous side. In another image she stands feet apart and her arm resting on her head.

The article starts with a small paragraph that introduces the article. This is useful as the introduction briefly sums up who the artist is and what the article will be about and indicates to the reader whether they should read it. The font is grey which is uniform with the article but the artist ‘Solange Knowles’ name is in blue to highlight the importance. The capitals make it bold, easy to read and catch attention.

NME DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD: Florence and the Machine

The page is also split 50% text and 50% image which is typical to a Magazine double page spread.

The headline is a play on words as it refers to Florence’s most popular song ‘You’ve Got the Love’. The font is in a rounded script way and is very feminine in contrast to the ‘USA’ which is in capital and bold which could suggest that she will bring her flair to their country. The size of it takes up nearly all the page which shows that it is a significant headline and emphasises that Florence is a big deal.

The image represents Florence as a sex object with the long shot allowing the show of her bare legs. Florence wears a tight, black leather playsuit and matching heeled boots that outlines any curves that she possesses and especially the chest area. The top half is like a coned corset similar to an outfit that was worn by Madonna and shows that she could as well fall into her international/legendary status. This image is all about attitude; her red mid-length hair flows down which shows she likes to stand out of the crowd. This is true as the genre of music she does, the way she performs, dresses and sings is all very different and unusual. Red is a very intense colour that suggests fire and passion and added with her direct glaze is quite flirty.

The article begins with an introduction and again highlights the artist in a different colour. The first letter of the article is extremely larger than the rest of the article which is common is Magazine double page spreads as well as having the article in columns.

Mission Statement

Diva aims to be a magazine that helps to spotlight women making waves in the music industry and the world; our strapline being “Inspire. Empower. Entertain”. The magazine specialises in representing R&B and soul music as well as Pop.

Our target audience is made up of women who are mature, sophisticated and sociable who will use the magazine to keep them informed with the entertainment and culture that they associate themselves with. Diva will play a key part in their lives because music does; they enjoy listening to it on the radio, watching music videos and going to concerts/clubs. Diva wants to be a magazine that supports women as well. Readers will be able to identify with the articles as it will discuss experiences that these women face (e.g. jugging work) and will aspire to be a success too like the artist featured on the magazine.

Our main focus as a magazine will be in 4 areas: Music, Features on artists, Events and Style. There will be articles on interviews (with musicians, singers, and actors/entertainers), exclusives with celebrities and a section known as Young Divas. Diva embraces established artists (such as Beyonce and Kelly Rowland) who are already successful while Young Divas will be about highlighting newer women in music who we believe will become icons too (such as Jessie J and Rihanna). The main purpose of Diva is to be a source of music information so the 'Music section' will be the most important aspect of the magazine. This section will be filled with anything to do with R&B, Soul or Pop; there will be a variety music news and reviews. The 'Events section' will be about news on the biggest events in music such as the Grammy’s and Brit Awards. Therefore there will not be huge emphasis on the 'Style section' but it will still be involved as fashion is an interest of the target audience. However this is still significant as every genre has a culture with their own style which should be represented.

This publication will predominantly feature female artists of the R&B genre, actors and other entertainers but occasionally have features to do with women helping the wider community. Musical artists such as Beyoncé and Queen Latifah would be typical featured artists, as they are important figures in R&B music and will relate to my mature female audience. Although stars who are not typically associated with the genre but still fit the criteria of “Diva” can be found in the magazine like Country Music’s Dolly Parton. A “Diva” is someone who doesn’t let anybody tell her what to do but not in a rude manner. She is confident not arrogant and allows her feisty attitude to explode on stage. She is a beautiful individual both inside and out and encourages women to be in control with their lives. Occasionally male artists of R&B will be featured so the magazine can be found to picture Usher or Boys II Men.

In the UK Diva will be able to be purchased at bigger Supermarkets such as Tesco or any reputable newsagent such as WHSmith. The magazine will be issued roughly monthly as 10 issues will be sold across 12 months meaning that some months will be combined. These months will be July and August which will be known as the Summer Edition and November and December which will be known as the Christmas Edition.

There will be a system of subscription offered to readers so instead of buying the magazine at 2.99 every month (which totals at £29.90 for the year), you can buy it (one off payment) at a subscription of a year for £21.99. This is significant as it works out cheaper for the reader and encourages followership and more sales as there is definite amount of income for the company.

Diva is something different and feels a market that hasn’t be satisfied yet; it is a magazine that is more than music but life in general.

Target Audience Profile

The readership of 'Diva' are women spanning from 18-35 years but with a majority of the readers being in their 20s. These are women who are young, vibrant and sociable and love to have fun.

They like to use social networking site Facebook to keep in touch with old school friends and family that are abroad. She likes to treat herself with a night out at a classy bar or club with good company for a good drink, dance and chat. The usual liquid you would find in her glass would be a simple Vodka and Coke but her favourite drink being Apple Martini and Cosmopolitan; this is as it oozes glamour, excitement and is very feminine.

You would find a reader of Diva at her apartment with her other half but a relationship doesn't define her as she is an independent individual. That is why on her "alone time" she visits her favourite cafe, Costa or restaurant, Pizza Express with her friends. They talk about their relationships (whether being single, boyfriend or husband), work life and occasionally talk about celebrities (their favourite music and film stars). Independence to these women means being in control of their lives - present and future - and they are all working women falling in the demographic of BC1.The jobs that these women would have would be running a business or being a highly qualified member in an office job for some interesting company (e.g. Public Relations).

Body image isn’t the key thing in her life but keeping healthy, fit and maintaining a good appearance is and that is why she is a weekly visitor to the gym where she partakes in Yoga, Cheeraerobics or Zumba classes. She opts for these energetic, fun classes rather than trudging on a Treadmill which she finds so repetitive and an unsuccessful motivator for burning the calories. A part of looking good is dressing comfortably and stylishly. Therefore the reader is someone who keeps updated with the latest trends but has a sense of her own style - feminine, sexy, sophisticated and casual. Accompanied with this is monthly trips to the beauty salon to maintain her beautiful hair, neat nails and tidy appearance.

Reading is a great pastime for her as she is an intelligent woman and enjoys catching up with the latest romantic novels. Her favourite novel being 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte as the conflict between her love and her morals fascinates and relates to the reader. Other reading material includes magazines like Cosmopolitan and Essence which helps to guide her through her life. She is able to read up on solving relationship problems, overcoming a situation, fashion and it gives overall entertainment.
Music is another thing that helps them in their daily life; she attends nightclubs, bars and concerts. They enjoy listening whether in the car radio or as a music video on MTV and keep updated with the latest R&B (like Beyoncé and Mary J Blige) and some Pop musicians (like Katy Perry and Jessie J). The reason for preference in the genre is for the soulful music with beats that can make her get up and dance. She also likes the fact that R&B can have mellower and with strong, powerfully sung ballads showing that the artists can still be sexy but empowering.

The People's Opinion

Although I had ideas of what my I wanted to achieve with my magazine, I needed to decide on definite decisions.

So I produced a questionnaire for people both male and female between the ages of 18-35 to complete the questions. These questions include: their music preferences, the attitude towards music magazines and what they would like to see in one of these magazines.

I learnt many things about people in this age group (completed by 15 people) that affected my choices on how I would produce my magazine. Firstly I discovered that not many of them bought music magazines because they couldn't find a magazine that interested them and those who had, bought them over 3 years ago. A recurring point that was emphasised was that many didn't buy music magazines as they preferred to find the information/interviews on the internet. We are now in the 21^st Century where everything is so technological that a simple paper magazine finds it difficult to  compete so 'Diva' would have to have a unique selling point for the reader. Therefore I need to do in depth research on what appeals to my target audience and include them in the magazine.

Another major thing I learnt was that only the people who considered music an important part in their lives were willing to buy and pay a higher price for a music magazine. The older the target audience increased, there was a decrease in their interest in music with one person saying "I only listen to music once a week".

Although people said they were interested in seeing gossip and fashion in the magazine, I knew I wanted the magazine to be very heavily music focused.