Audience reaearch Task (planning)

 I gathered some feedback from my target audience based on the final progress of my magazine. I also questioned my audience into the strengths and weaknesses of my magazine and how similar or dissimilar my magazine is towards my drafts/plans. Below are the following responses I received:

Draft of magazine 

 

*Models used to impersonate the celebrities Chris Brown and Pink

*Colour schemes: Black, white and grey

Title of publication: 'On cloud9'

Algerian Font used for masthead

Soft edged photos to be used in contents page or DPS

No more than two models on the front cover

Black background consistently

Original theme: Rock and R&B- Changed to one genre of R&B, as the two genres do not combine well together and it would be too complex to add two distinctive genres together. Moreover, I might not gain a lot of consumers if I chose the genres of R&B and Rock as some might prefer one much more than the other.

Q1) What are the advantages towards my magazine, if any?

Stephanie Amoako, 16 responded: “I really like your colour scheme and the images used, it suits the R&B genre.” 

Esther Yusuff, 16: “I like your colour scheme the choice of red and white on a black background really stands out; I like that you have a variety of colours which is engaging.”

Sammah Shariff, 16: “I like your colour scheme and the font in your masthead, it is unique and eye-catching.”

Yasmin, 17: “I really like the layout, you used the space effectively to make the most out of double page spread and it also looks very professional due to the layout and the simple colour scheme.”

Josephine, Gyamfi,16: “I really like the red boxes used in your contents page, it makes it look more realistic and professional and I like the idea of a slogan it makes your magazine stand out and look unique.”

Judging from the feedback based on the strengths of my magazine, the majority of 4/5 people were satisfied with my choice of colour scheme which was, red, white and black. I specifically chose this colour scheme to my original idea of white, black and grey because, the colour of red is more noticeable and gives off a more striking impression towards my magazine than the colour of grey which often connotes something dull.

Q2) What improvements could be made towards my magazine, if any and does it link well with my drafts?

Stephanie Amoako, 16 responded: “The font type could be improved on your contents page, I can’t really read it.”

“It links quite well with your plan because you used the colours of black and white to your magazine and you maintained the masthead of ‘Cloud9’.- Stephanie Amoako

Esther Yusuff, 16: “Too much colour scheme and the font on your contents page should be changed to a much simpler font.”

“It is ok compared to your drafts but, you did not manage to get a Chris Brown and Pink look alike as you mentioned.”-Esther Yusuff

Sammah Shariff, 16: “Change the white box on your contents page to a different colour, it looks a bit odd in white.”

“Your magazine doesn’t really link too much with your magazine because the font you used is different from the Algerian font and the models used are different.”- Sammah Shariff

Yasmin, 17: “Too much cover lines on the front cover, change the colours on your cover lines to one colour to make it easier to read.”

“Your magazine links well with your planning because you kept the black background and the models used relates well with the R&B genre and you also added pull quotes and a slogan similar to your plan.”-Yasmin

Josephine Gyamfi, 16: “The images on your contents page looks a bit squashed, I’m not sure about the white box on your contents, the fonts should be changed to Arial because I can barely read it.”

“I think that your magazine links well with your draft, I can see that you used a similar font and colour to your masthead but, the models don’t really link with your planning because they look nothing alike to ‘Chris Brown’ and ‘Pink’.”- Josephine Gyamfi

Judging from the feedback, most people suggested that I should change the font type on my contents page because it was difficult to read, I will try and change it to a much readable font such as, Arial or Calibri. In addition to, judging from the feedback I noticed how some people suggested that I should change the white box in my contents page to a different colour, I will try and change it to black to make it blend in with the black background.

In terms of my magazine linking with my drafts/plannings, 4/5 of my sample was satisfied with how similar my magazine was towards my drafts. However, 2/5 people implied that my choice of models did not look alike to my original plans. I decided to not get models to impersonate the celebrities of Pink and Chris Brown as that would be a difficult progress and it was better for my models to stand out as unique celebrities instead of a copy.

Audience Research feedback/ Additional information on magazine proposal

On 13/11/2013, I questioned a sample of five people to express their in-depth opinions towards my Magazine proposal presentation; below displays the following responses:

 Stephanie, 16:

What were the disadvantages of my presentation?

1)       “Shouldn’t have went back and forth and should have kept to one space.”

2)      “Should have spoken louder and more confidence.”

3)      “Should have more direct eye contact with the audience.”

4)      “Lack of organisation”

What went well within my presentation?

1)      “Good layout in presentation”

2)      “Good front cover.”

3)      “I liked how the presentation has a variety of fonts.”

Vijaya,16

What were the disadvantages of my presentation?

1)       “The text should be bigger.”

2)      “Speak louder”

3)      “Not just skip the pages”

4)      “Anita should have talked slower.”

5)       

What went well within my presentation?

1)       “The pictures are good.”

2)      “The background colour is good.”

3)      “The masthead is good because it is unique.”

4)      “Quite clear and engaging with the audience.”

Radhia, 16

What were the disadvantages of my presentation?

1)      “Speak a bit louder.”

2)      “Looking at the presentation too much, should just stay in one place.”

What went well within my presentation?

1)       “Good eye contact to the audience.”

2)      “Good use of images.”

3)      “Anita knew what she wanted for her magazine.”

4)      “The front page is good.”

5)      “Anita showed a variety of drafts meaning that she put a lot of effort into her work.”

Sarah, 16

What were the disadvantages of my presentation?

1)       “The title of masthead needs to relate to the R&B theme more.”

2)      “Rock and R&B does not go together.”

3)      “The colour schemes of black, white and grey is unappealing and depressive.”

4)      “There needs to be more rock pictures”

5)      “Why is there so many drafts of you magazine? It makes it seem like your confused of what to do with your magazine.”

6)      “Project your voice louder to look less of an amateur presenter.”

7)      “Should have stayed in one place.”

What went well?

1)      “The masthead is big and bold.”

2)      “The images used are vivid and clear.”

3)      “The title of the masthead is distinctive and unique.”

Josephine, 16

What were the disadvantages of my presentation?

1)       “Moving around too much, stay in one place.”

2)      “Need more bright colours.”

3)      “Project voice louder to look more confident.”

4)      “More colourful colour for the title.”

5)      “Should have asked more questions towards the audience so that you can engage with them more.”

What went well within my presentation?

1)       “Good use of images, I like how you have a range of both R&B artists and Rock artists.”

2)      “Unique title”

3)      “Very good layouts on your magazine drafts.”

4)      “I like how you show eye contact towards the audience.”

Summary

Judging from my evidence, the majority of my sample were above satisfied with my choice of masthead and images used; I would clearly agree to a great extent however, four out of five of my sample suggested that, my voice was too quiet; that I should have maintained my position while presenting. I will further use these suggestions as a room for improvement by, talking more clearly and loudly next time and not moving about too much. Moreover in terms of the actual magazine drafts, I will try and enlighten my colour schemes by adding more colours which symbolise happiness such as, gold, pink and yellow; also change the theme of R&B and Rock to one genre to lessen its complexity.

Drafting and finalizing housestyles, drafts and layouts (planning)

)

*Title of my publication: On Cloud Nine

I chose this as my main title because it suggests a heaven-like experience when you read into the magazine. Moreover, ‘On Cloud Nine’ is a very unisex title, it is suitable for both sexes and it does not discriminate anyone in any form or way. In addition to, ‘On Cloud Nine’ also represents the calm sensation felt through the magazine; the way it releases all your stress, worries and pain as if you’re actually in Heaven.

*My chosen musical genre: My chosen musical genre is rock and R&B. Often people view rock as depressive, soulful kind of music but I want to add a contradiction towards the idea by representing the total opposite; making my magazine on the basis of being happy and not being too serious about things.  

*Kind of content to be included: Such artists I might use may be Pink and Chris Brown because, they are not too content about life and their music often expresses fun. To include, putting these totally dissimilar artists together who produce completely different genres of music is unusual; I think this will be a perfect method to attract the audiences’ attention. However, I can’t physically get Pink and Chris Brown to be in my magazine so I might get look a likes. I will also add a logo of a red lotus to signify peace.

For the Pink look alike, I might use the prop of a lollipop to make her resemble a happy teenager. For the Chris Brown look alike, he might use the prop of a skateboard to make the magazine appear dynamic and cool.

Design features: The masthead may have the bold text format of Monotype Corsiva in white: ‘On cloud nine’ 

The colour schemes may be black, white and grey. Although these colours are dark and is not often used to connote happiness, the images used and the props used will represent happiness which would add irony to the scene.

Who might publish my magazine: XXL may publish my magazine because R&B suits their musical genre pretty well as they often display R&B artists in their magazines such as, Drake and Rihanna.

Target audience: The age range will be from 16 to 21, the gender for my magazine is for both sexes, the social class will be working class people like myself since it would be easier for me to relate to them. My magazine is for an audience who enjoy social networking, comedy, Rock & R&B and rapping.

Distribution of magazines

On Saturday, 12th October I visited WHS Smiths; here are the results I encountered about the organisation of Music Magazines.

Some of the music magazines displayed include: Record collection, Uncut, Arctic Monkeys, Q,
 XXL, B&S, Hammer, Classic Pop etc.


Newest music magazines are placed at the right hand side of the section to not detract the attention off popular magazines such as, XXL, B&S which, take up most of the section.

Furthermore, I've also acknowledged that the magazines which represent huge artists including, Drake, Big Sean and Sean Paul have very basic or minimal cover lines. For example, the B&S magazine on the left hand side exposing Sean Paul, consists of a huge empty space with no cover lines present. Publishers often use this technique to make the celebrity in the main image, the main priority and centre of attention.

Music magazines that link to the genre of Punk,Metal,Hardcore and Alt are positioned on the left hand side. Such magazines which relate to these themes include, Hammer, B&S, XXL and The Sound.

I've noticed that within most of the front covers, only half of the main image is displayed. I think that this technique is done to prevent certain popular magazines that display well known celebrities from, attaining too much attention. This makes it fairer for other magazines that may be less noticed to increase their brand recognition.

The mastheads of each magazine all have their own unique look which is appealing towards the audience. However, I've realised that most of the mastheads do not vary in colour as, they are either white, red or black.
In addition to, the front covers which expose popular artists are placed in front of the masthead; this is done to show that the celebrity within the main image is more important than the magazine itself.






Distribution of Magazines
Publishers are the organizations who create magazines such as, IPC, Dennis, Hearst, Warners and Image companies. Publishers use distribution networks to maintain their production of magazines and to finally send them to newsstands where the magazines are purchased by consumers. Distribution methods are important towards publishers because, it is vital process in order for magazines to be advertised, supplied; further recognized by the audience.
Such distribution methods towards publishers include, Sales Or Return, Freemiums, Electronic Subscription, Ezines Apps and Electronic brand extension.


Apps and Ezines 
As digital media rapidly develops, many magazines are now available to be downloaded on apps via Smartphones or Ipads. This distribution technique is effective because, magazines can be easily obtained; downloading magazines on apps makes it easier for the user to read since, the magazine can be enlarged to its preferable size.


Ezines differ from the distribution method of apps since, Ezines are magazines which are displayed online within a specific website. Ezines consist of similar features to an actual magazine such as, turning over pages, adverts, images, cover lines and mastheads. Ezines are effective because, they are free therefore its consumers save profit from physically purchasing a magazine in a shop.



Examples of brands which use the distribution methods of apps and Ezines:

   Nme is the oldest music brand which publishes its magazines on a weekly basis. NME was produced by Theodore Smythson; it was successfully launched on March, 1952. Each magazine produced through the NME costs an average of £2.40; its target audience often ranges from 15-34.

One of the distribution methods used by the NME is through its very own website, otherwise known as via Ezines. NME advertises its magazines through its own website: http://www.nme.com/

This print screen from the NME website, indicates the electronic features of video clips and page numbers displayed above.

This 2nd print screen shows how NME can be downloaded as an app for Iphones and Ipads.


Sales and Return and Postal subscription

Sales or return is a distribution method in which, magazines are supplied amongst newsstands of stores. Sales or return is a beneficial technique towards retailers to the advantage that, unsold magazines are sent back to the distributor with no additional costs to be paid. As a result of this, the store conserves money and further attains greater space capacity.

WHSmith is an example of a retailer which uses the distribution method of Sales or Return.


Postal Subscription is a distribution method in which, magazines are delivered to a consumers' home. Postal Subscription has huge advantages towards its audience. For instance, Postal subscription makes it easier for the audience to obtain magazines as, magazines are received directly to the consumers' home. To include, Postal subscription is often cheaper in comparison to Sales or return since, magazines are more likely to be sold at a fairly low price in order to attract more regular buyers.


Freemiums and Electronic Brand Extension

Direct distribution is a very common method which happens constantly around us. Direct distribution refers to, magazines being given out freely within busy public locations where the popularity is high; where consumers are easily attainable. The benefits of direct distribution to the audience is that, magazines are often given out for free; magazines are quicker to be distributed than Postal subscription.

On the other hand, the method of Direct distribution has a major downfall towards its distributors since, it is very difficult to attract the audiences' attention.

Electronic brand distribution differs from Direct distribution because, magazines are more likely to be displayed through online networking sites such as, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To include, with Electronic brand distribution magazines can also be given out through gigs, performances and other special occasions. The advantage of Electronic brand distribution towards

An example of a brand which advertises its magazines via Electronic brand extension is the Visionaire magazine.Visionaire magazine relates to American fashion; it was first issued within September 1999. Some famous celebrities that have enrolled in the V magazine includes Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Beyonce and Kanye West.

Printscreens of Visionaire magazine (V magazine) being advertised through the social networking sites of Facebook and Twitter.
Captions are added towards the Facebook images to inform the audience about the topic. 

However, within the twitter page of the Visionaire magazine hypelinks such as, instagram.com/p/fgAG2Ee8s/ are used to indicate a certain topic.

Press kit of XXL

The fact that XXL is the best selling music brand within newsstands could suggest that XXL uses the distribution method of Sales Or Return.


Demographics of XXL
Demographics refers to, data which gathers information based on the population's characteristics. For example, a survey might be conducted to figure out the most common age range of a sample.


Example of Demographics:

This Printscreen represents the demographics of the XXL magazine. The statistical data provided indicates factors related to the age, income, gender and ethnicity of a population. 

The demographics insinuate that males are the most common gender with 78% to females which is 22%.

In addition to, the demographics also displays that the ethnicity which read the XXL most often are African Americans by a massive 67%. 

The most common age range is 25-29 years by 29% emphasizing that, the XXL magazines targets middle aged adults. On the other hand, the least popular age range is 50+ with a minimal percentage of 1.