AMP Magazine: Mock-Ups

AMP Magazine: Practice Shots

I held a test photo-shoot to explore some of the planned poses too see if they would fit in with the style that 'AMP' magazine is trying to achieve.

AMP Magazine: Double Page Artist Summary

The artists will be a duo made up of two twins from South London. Each has their own style that in any other circumstances would clash, but meld together to form ‘The Kings’. This mix of personalities has made them loved and together with their talented blend of indie and acoustic they’ve set off blazing for the top of the charts. The magazine will host a double page spread to detail their rise to fame, the effects and what comes next for ‘The Kings’.

Band Name: The Kings

Band category: Indie/Folk rock

Names: Connor and John Scott

Born: South West London

Favourite artists: Foster the People, Muse, Mumford and Sons,  Two Door Cinema Club, Cage the Elephant, The Gaslight Anthem, Radiohead, City and Colour, and Florence and the Machine.

Influenced by: Greenday, The Beatles, Radiohead, Brian Wilson, and The Smiths.

Career highlights: Named one of NME's 50 Best New Bands of 2011

First single reaches #1 on download charts and holds spot for 4 weeks

Album reaches #1 on album and download charts and holds spots for 6 weeks

Performed at both Coachella and Glastonbury

Performed on The Jonathan Ross Show

Performed on The Graham Norton show

Performed at the MTV Video Music Awards and MTV European Music Awards 2011

Presented and performed at the Teen Choice Awards

AMP Magazine: Location Ideas

My original idea for my photoshoot was to place the artists in a stairwell similar to those of where they grew up to portray how far the artists have come; from a ratty flat to sell out gigs and posh hotels. however this idea didn't prove to be very smart as the light in the stairwell was uncontrollable and caught on the many angles of the stairs and banisters.
Instead of using this as a set, I have decided to use a plain cream background as I can control the light exposure much easier. Also, if the photoshoot runs late, the background won't change at all whereas in the stairwell there are windows that would ruin the shoot.
Examples of the original set are shown below:

              

AMP Magazine: Mise-en-scene of My Photoshoot

Due to the dark nature of the band’s clothing (jeans and a black t-shirt on the first band member, and a white and black shirt on the second) the photo-shoot will be shot in a well lit surrounding to highlight the chosen clothes.

One member of the band will show one side of the band’s coin by looking scruffy and unkempt and the other side will be shown by having a slightly formal look on the other band member. For the two pictures for the personal profiles, A will be against a light background smiling at the camera. B will doing up a cuff button with a slight smirk on his face as he cheekily glances up showing that whilst he may be the smarter, more proper side to the band, he still retains a sense of humour and a full personality that will appeal to the target audience.

 In the main image on the double page spread, A will be holding a guitar up to emulate firing a gun, to give an edgy look to the band, and B will look straight at the camera scratching at his chin in the age old image of looking confused but with a smile so that the audience gets the impression that he both knows, and doesn’t know, what he’s doing making him more relatable.

On the front cover both band members will stand at equal distance from the camera and slightly turned into each other, both with their hands in their pockets but with A casting a heated look at the camera and B with a matching look and a smile added on to portray the image of being equal in the band, and slightly playful. It also shows that whilst they take the job seriously, they’re still light-hearted.

AMP Magazine: Costume Ideas

The stereotypical outfit for an indie band is very plain. Skinny jeans are generally worn by both genders, and they tend to be of a dark colour. Hooded sweatshirts are often worn, again in dark colours, along with t-shirts with printed graphics. As indie has evolved, this has begun to change slightly however. Indie artists are beginning to look smarter. It isn't rare to see an artist in a button up shirt, jeans and brogues or converse shoes. In my photoshoot, I will represent  not only their contrasting personalities, but both sides of the fashion in indie music.

 The first band member will be in dark blue, loose jeans with a black t-shirt and scruffy hair, highlighting his slightly darker and ‘rough around the edges’ personality. The second band member will be clothed in similar dark blue, loose jeans but with a button-up white and black shirt instead to show that he has a much more clean cut lifestyle and philosophy to life. The use of a button-up shirt will also make him look more formal; signalling that he’s the leader of the duo. It is the aim of the outfits to show the difference in their personalities that isn't shown by their physical attributes. 

AMP Magazine: Mise-en-scene

This photoshoot of Taylor Swift shows many the many sides to her personality. The clothing suggests both the fun and classical side to her through the 1920’s style. This classical, elegant look is reflected through the lack of make-up and hair styling to show off her classical good looks. The background and colouring of the image also reinforces this through the use of plain colour and black and white filter. It highlights the bone structure of her face and the white of her teeth as Grace Kelly, as figure of black and white film elegance, had done in the mid-1900’s. Her body language and facial expression however reflect the fun, youthful side of her. With a large smile, and bowed as if she is laughing, that audience immediately assume that she is a ‘fun-loving’ girl with an elegant grace and also assume, correctly, that her music is of the same style. 

This image suggests a lot about the subject. The guitar alone would suggest that the artist is of a more folk music persuasion, however when mixed with the harshness of the tattoos, the plaid shirt, and the glasses, multiple genres of music are put upon him. The tattoos give a more rock music look to him, the plaid shirt is slightly country, and the glasses are more indie; however together they form a complete picture of someone who can cover many genres. Dallas Green, the artist, is shown in this picture as someone who cares about his craft due to the body language he has over his guitar. By having him playing and slightly wrapped around it, with pure concentration on the instrument, the readers of the music magazine would immediately connect with the image as they would be passionate about music as well. And by shrouding him in black, it places more focus upon him and the guitar. The casualness of his facial expression, clothing and hair give the impression that he cares for nothing but the music, and the tattoos are a common stereotype of striving musicians. This too would connect the audience and the artist, and in turn the magazine.

The expression and stance of this artist, Laura Marling, reflects the casual, care free nature of her music. Her clothing also achieves this, and all through the simplicity of it. Her grip on the guitar is loose, but firm enough for the audience to know that she knows what she’s doing, her crossed legs suggest that she is relaxed with a guitar in hand, as the audience may be, and her clothing is that which you would wear at home or just walking around town; it isn’t fancy or made up and it reflects the personality of the artist and her music. Make-up and hair remain simple to reinforce the focus she has in her gaze upon the guitar and on music in general. All of these factors combine to make the reader connect with her on a personal level; they both love music. Also, by using a plain background, the rich colour of the guitar and her hair is visible and the deep blues and blacks of her shirt and trousers stand out from the page and catch the reader's eye.

AMP Magazine: Analysis of existing double page spreads

This double page spread is incredibly simple, but uses that simplicity well to create an elegant article. The colour scheme is very metallic with greys, white and black to make the patches of red stand out from the page. This colour scheme not only runs through the text and title, but in her out fit as well. By dressing the artist in a short, tight black dress and tight, tall, black high heels, there is great emphasis on her fiery red hair and the skin colour of her legs. It also emphasizes the red of the flag she sits on, which ties in with the article title, ‘USA got the love’. They have created a symbiotic link between the image and the text through a word play on the artist’s song; “You've got the love”. This clever wording also connects to the article. The musical genre is portrayed through this image by the straight face and the casual stance; the image of someone who doesn't care. Indie music is known as the music for those who couldn’t care less, and this image draws from that stereotype. It is a long shot, showing her entire body and the props she sits on, to accentuate the straight lines her body forms whilst in that pose, and the sultriness of the shot appeals to a male audience.

The font of this article is sans serif, a convention of indie music magazines, in a dark grey to stand out from the background, but part of the title and the first letter of the text are of an italicized sans serif font and a much more stylized one than the other. The flowing look is almost romantic and classic, playing on the latter half of the title. By placing a large ‘D’ at the beginning of the article, the reader can easily see where it begins, the font also continues from the title. The introductory paragraph is in a serif typeface, emulating that of a type-writer, to give an authentic, classic feel to the article, but a contradicting classical look than that of the title; this section is much more sharp edged and blocky rather than flowing and smooth. The paragraph gives a teaser to the article and compels the reader to carry on.

The image to text ratio is of about 75:25; there is more room for the image than text to attract a reader as they flick through the magazine. The text is formed to fit around the image and the title, those being most important in terms of size because they get the reader to look at the article, the large block of text doesn’t do that. By placing the text into three columns, and along with the font and image, the editor has made the article very clean cut and almost smooth. 

                                                                                                                                                       

Kerrang has placed the main focus of this double page spread on the images of the members of the band. The images and the white and red sidebar frame the two, neat columns of text. The banner in the top left hand corner of the left page attracts the reader due to it's use of  buzz words; "world exclusive". The white on red on black makes the message stand out from the page. It also  follows the same colour scheme of the rest of the article. Black has the obvious connotation of darkness that is often assigned to the rock genre, and the red and white combination is often linked to danger, painting an image of the stereotype of rock music. By having the images in black and white, Kerrang plays on the image of darkness in rock music, in turn making the sidebar on the right of the page stand out like a beacon from the article. By placing red and black on top of that, it catches the reader's eye and practically forces them to read it. The images give the reader an immediate idea of what the article is about without even beginning to read it. They also give a good image of the band, especially the main one of the haggard looking lead singer, and convince the audience that the band work hard, and that makes the audience like them even more., and in turn the magazine. The darkness of the article makes the images more highlighted, and with the photo on the bottom set of images on the far left; the lighting is behind his head and the shot is angled upwards; creating an angelic look and contrasting the darkness of the article.
 Apart from the set of three images at the bottom of the pages and the text, the layout of the other components seems to be slightly skewed, almost disjointed. This reflects the genre of music, rock, as it is supposed to be loud and messy. Another element that promotes this image is the style of font. By having a slightly degraded looking font, the magazine makes it seem as if the volume of music has reached through the article and begun to shatter the text.  The  enlarging of part of the title, "the best MCR", attracts the reader immediately. The phrasing makes the reader feel empathetic towards the band and shows the reader that they are human too, and that forms a bond between the artist and the audience, and the magazine and the audience. The use of exclamation marks emphasises the title and combined with the large text; looks as if it is jumping out of the page. The sub-title underneath is of the same slanted direction, but is in a neater font forming a segway into the rest of the article. The colour scheme is continued in the text with white writing and a large red 'M' to start it off, keeping with the continuity that the article contains.

AMP Magazine: Analysis of existing contents pages

NME, like all other music magazines, retains a brand identity that runs throughout every issue. In this contents page, this is evident. There is a large title at the head of the page containing the logo. The use of bold, light text on a dark background makes the text stand out and is the first thing the eye catches when turning to the page. The black background of the header is cropped around the main image, and the bottom line of this header leads the eye down to the date of issue, also in white to stand out. The main content in split into three separate sections to organize the copious amounts of information. The first, on the far left, is a list of every artist in the magazine and their corresponding page number(s). This is appealing to the target audience because if they are only fans of certain artists, they can easily see if they are featured in the issue and decide whether to buy or not. Due to this, the magazine tends to try and pack in as many artists as possible to retain their readers. Brand identity comes in useful for the readers at this point, as when they are at a newsagents, or another selling establishment, they know that the list is on the contents page and can quickly look without having to search. The middle section of the page is dedicated to a main story of the issue or a story that might appeal to the target audience. Due to the fact that it is, apart from the advertisement, the only picture on the contents page; they have made it much larger than conventionally chosen and put in less writing. The third and final section is on the right, the list of content in the magazine. It is neatly organized into sections with bright red page numbers to make it easier for the reader to see where their desired articles are in the magazine. This section retains the theme of the header with black, square background with bold, white text for the categories. This section also carries on the font from the first and second sections in each category. The only text that is of a different font on this page is the title for the main story, and that is only to catch the reader’s eye. This contents page continues the colour scheme set by the NME logo, red, white, and black, with a white background, black text and red to highlight. This continuity makes the reader more likely to read the magazine because it makes it easier to read by having a small amount of colours; that way it all doesn’t stand out at once and the reader is attracted to one part, then another and so on. This straight forward colour scheme, font and style displays what the magazine stands for and that is the simplicity of music.

                                                                                                                                          

Rolling Stone has been a magazine institution since its creation in 1967. Its remained highly successful throughout its time and a large part of that is through the brand identity that has been achieved since the 60’s. This brand identity is evident throughout the magazine, including the contents page. With a white and red logo, the colour scheme of the page links directly to it. This colour scheme runs not only throughout the text and background, but the images; red, white, and black. These colours are rather masculine colours, as conventionally chosen by music magazines, and represent the anger in music, and also the calm. The colour scheme reflects both ends of the emotional spectrum to show the diversity found in music. By placing the red and black atop white, the text stands out from the page and the red catches the readers eyes. By using the red for titles and page numbers the magazine highlights the most important part for the reader so that if they were to scan the page, they could pick the most relevant information. This also stands to be the reason for having the sub-titles naming the articles in bold. It also means that if a person was to want to check where an articles was, it would be easier to search for the desired article. The layout of a 45:55 ratio of image to text means that reader isn’t overpowered by content. It makes them feel much more relaxed whilst reading the page and less overwhelmed and in turn makes them want to read more. The images themselves have been chosen to show the reader the most important stories of the issue. This, like having red and bold writing, is so that if they were to scan the page, they can easily what the main articles are about without having to delve. This comes into fruition when the magazine is on the shelf; after the front cover, the contents page is to sell the magazine. It shows that articles on offer and must make them look as appealing as possible. By choosing three important figures, in both music and national affairs in this case, the reader is immediately attracted to the magazine. This contents page also includes a picture of the President of the United States of America, so there is an extra amount of appeal as the magazine is produced and sold in America. This magazine also offers National Affairs, so it has extra  allure as it satisfies more of Maslow’s needs within his pyramid; social belonging. By offering both music news and national news the reader is given much more to talk about with friends and helps them thrive in social situations.

AMP Magazine: Analysis of Existing Front Covers

This layout has become a brand identity for NME magazine, from the logo to the colour scheme of red, white, and black; it runs through every issue. The sell-lines are placed, conforming with music magazine conventions, on the left of the page. Most music magazines feature a list or banner detailing the artists featured in the issue, but instead they use the sell lines along the left side of the page to display the popular artists featured in the magazine. The use of yellow and white text on a black background in the starburst makes the text stand out, and the yellow and white of the strap-line contrast against the red and black all combining to make the magazine stand out on the news-stands and appeals to readers. The mix of bold and normal and the range of fonts on the page make the words stand out from the background and make an eye-catching front cover. They have also used the same italics and font for the start of the article title and the quote to make the band name stand out in its bold font and the white is to highlight the quote to make the readers want to read the article. The use of the famous band name appeals to the reader as well because they already have a connection with them. Most music magazines feature a list or banner detailing the artists featured in the issue, but instead they use the sell lines along the left side of the page to display the popular artists featured in the magazine, and the use of popular artists in the genre makes the readers want to read what they have to say. The bar code is fitted into the bottom right hand corner of the page because as the eye scans the page, it is the last place seen. It also fits the conventions of magazines. By placing the price and website there along with it, it makes it easier for the reader to find the information they need. By having a website, NME has allowed the readers access to the content on the go, making the magazine more appealing than others.

The sell-lines are strategically placed to frame the main image, and by using a separate color to those used in the photoshoot, it stands out against the plainness. NME used a variety of buzz words that catch a readers eye and makes them want to read, such as; ‘special’, ‘shock’, ‘new’, ‘major’, ‘exclusive’, ‘brilliant’, and ‘first’. By placing these words in blood red writing, they are sure to capture a prospective reader’s eye. The wording of these sell-lines tell much about the target audience. ‘Ding! Ding! Round 2’ shows that they like drama and possibly violence. The repetition of words such as ‘new’ or synonyms like ‘first’ and ‘exclusive’ show that the audience have a need to be the first to know or to have something and are primarily ruled by materialistic needs. NME has made certain words in the text larger to attract the reader. By making ‘SXWS SPECIAL’ of a larger size they have made the message clearer and convinces the reader that they are reading a special issue rather than one just like the older volumes. By making the band name larger than any other text, other than the logo, they have drawn in the fans of that band that may not read the magazine and therefore opened up to a new audience. This goes the same for fans of the artists used in the strapline. In a stack of magazines, either the top or the bottom of the page stick out, and by having them bold on the top of the page, fans of those bands notice it quickly and want to read. For both of these examples, by using larger fonts on certain areas it will provide them with another reader. The red is attention-grabbing, and the yellow adds to that as the two colors together are usually a sign of danger. There is use of mode of address in the sell-lines, ‘ace’, to appeal to the target audience. By using slang that the target audience would use, it creates a comradery  between the reader and the magazine.

NME has decided to use a portrait, medium shot of the two artists with their backs towards each other, aiming the camera directly at them at head height, against a white background. The overall theme of the image is dark and light. They have matched their dark hair and eyes with dark jackets making them stand out from the background and making the lines of their nose and jaw more noticeable. This is also achieved by the way they stand. Standing back to back gives an almost symmetrical look to the artists, from the curve of their heads to the sharp point of their chin; the only difference being height, to possibly show the similarities between the two artists. The contrast between darkness and light in this photoshoot also makes reference to the band’s name, as you can’t have shadow without light. To use a white font on top of this image really makes the words more obvious to people passing by. Hair and make-up is very simple, if there at all. NME has simply made sure that their hair is combed enough to look messy, as most indie music artists are supposed to be, and the overall look is very plain. By doing this, the magazine is giving off the impression that the music that the two men play is simple and classic, just like their looks. The straight faces play into the music magazine conventions for men, as they usually are void of emotion, and if they do; it is anger. This laid back attitude appeals to their target audience because they are portrayed as just two guys off of the street, just like their fans.

The name of the magazine stands bold and prominent on the page in red and white with a black border to make it stand out from the red strapline and the whitish grey background of the main image. The color, part of the color scheme of the entire front cover, has long been associated with chaos and anarchy, and rock and indie music has been associated with those same things; making it the perfect color to detail the front cover. A bold sans serif typeface is used that is consisted from very harsh lines, fitting in with the blocky layout style and the font used in other areas. Due to its long standing reputation as one of Britain’s main music magazines, they have decided to place the top of the model’s head partially over the logo. This could seem risky, as a prospective reader may not know what the name is and therefore not want to read it, but the placement is low enough to read the letters, and as previously stated, it is a well known magazine and logo. 
                                                                                                                                                         

Q Magazine’s colour scheme revolves around the magazine logo and the main image. By doing this, the magazine achieves continuity on the front cover that attracts readers. The colour scheme of this issue is the red and white of the logo, also in the image, and blue from the model’s make-up. By using purely white and some black text, the red of the model’s hair and of the logo becomes bold and catches the reader’s eye. Red and white also follows the brand identity that the magazine maintains. This also follows the conventions of music magazines as many, such as Rolling Stone and NME, use red and white as well as it represents both anger and purity; anger as in the emotion put into the music by the artists, and purity because of the reverence each magazine holds music in; it is seen as pure and an honest display of the artist’s emotions. The blue of this issue can be following the colour scheme put upon by the image, but is also a manly colour that appeals to the predominantly male target audience, as does red and white.

The magazine logo itself is very prominent on the page. This, along with every other aspect of the cover, is a method of capturing the potential reader’s attention. It is of a classic typeface showing that the magazine has experience and a legacy, yet the slogan, “Discover great music” shows that it is also modern and keeps up to date with the industry.  It also displays itself as a help for the reader; it aids them in their love for music.

The layout of the text of this issue follows both brand identity and music magazine conventions by framing the main image in text. The boldest text relates to the image and is placed at the top, this is to display the main story and also place a name to the model for those that don’t know her. By placing the quote in different size and font, it not only draws the eye, but reflects the words; “I feel so alone.” The text is smaller to give emphasis to “alone”, and by making the quotation marks the same size as the quote, it does the same. “Woman on the edge” also draws the reader as it makes the reader empathize for the artist and makes them want to read on. By having “Florence” in the largest text, it shows that it is the most important facet of the front cover. Each band name is of a larger text than the rest of each sell line to show that the magazine holds the artist as important and shows the priorities of the magazine.  This also applies to “gig”; by having it in bold it shows the reader, and those that may not know the magazine, that it is primarily based upon music. The use of small blue diamond bullet points and underscores appeals to the male target audience as it has been proven that men respond more to symbols than pure text. The puff follows the colour scheme and uses it cleverly to make the text stand out on the red hair background. By using a rhetorical question and a well known name amongst those who follow the music industry, the readers become attracted to the magazine further. Also, by using and repeating the buzz word “new” it pulls them in additionally. As with the rest of the cover, the puff uses slang, “where’ve”, to create a relationship with the readers. Other words used on the cover are “noisy git”, “blow-out”, “bastard”, and the previously mentioned “gig”; these words make the reader have a relationship with the magazine and compels them to continue buying issues. And finally, the layout has the barcode at the bottom left of the page as this would be the last place the eye would see. The box also contains relevant information to the magazine such as price and issue information. It is placed in a white box so as to not detract from the other text and to fit in.

 The main image is of an artist, Florence Welch of the band Florence and the Machine, and that shows not only the type of music that the magazine focuses on, rock and indie, but also the success of the magazine. If a magazine can afford to have ‘big names’ on the front cover, then it must be a good magazine as it has had financial success. This also may draw new readers to the magazine as  they may follow the artists, and not Q. By having a close-up of Florence Welch in the centre of the page, it shows that importance of her and her role in the issue. The reader will notice the image first, and then text, so it is important to have a recognizable, and bold, face on the cover. The general colour scheme of the image fits with that of the magazine; rich red hair, pale white skin and blue eye shadow. As stated before, this creates a continuity and familiarity between the magazine, the artist, and the audience.

AMP Magazine: Codes and Conventions of a Double Page Spread

Main image: So that the reader knows at a glance who the article is about before they begin reading as to ascertain whether they want to read it or not.

Name of magazine at base of page: To constantly remind the reader as to what magazine they are reading and to keep the name at the forefront of their mind.

Bold headline: Catches the reader’s eye and make them want to read the article.

Starburst: Usually contains quotes from the article to give people a teaser about what the article is about. Witty or ambiguous quotes are generally taken.

First letter of article is enlarged: Draws attention o the start of the article and aids the reader in finding it.

By-line: Found at the end of the article; there is a sentence that lets the reader know who wrote the article so that they can look up more articles by that writer in the future.

AMP Magazine: Codes and Conventions of a Contents Page

Magazine title: So as to ensure that the reader is constantly reminded as to what magazine they’re reading and it stays at the forefront of their mind.

Editorial: Creates a personal link between the editor of the magazine and the reader, usually containing the correct mode of address as the readership, and helps retain readers.

Focus on the cover story: Continuity from front page on the magazine’s focus.

One main image: Focuses on a specific article, always goes with the main story, and makes the reader want to read the article more.

Images that relate to articles: Generally numbered and relate to articles within the magazines. Hooks the audience and makes them want to read them to discover what the image is about.

Sub-headings: Makes the page look more organized, professional and makes it easier for the reader to find their desired articles.

Page number: Makes it easier for the reader to navigate through the magazine.

Date/month of release/issue number: This makes sure that the reader knows easily what issue they are reading and whether it is the most recent.

Web address: Allows the reader to access the magazine’s website and lets them access the information whenever they like and more frequently.

Alphabetically/numerically ordered: Makes it easier for the reader to scan through the contents and find out where articles are.

Symbiotic link to front cover: This visual link is achieved through images, font colour, colour scheme and information. This makes sure that the magazine retains continuity.

Varied fonts: Livens up the page and aids the articles by drawing attention to them.

Columns: Shows the extent of the magazine content straightforwardly and makes the magazine look more organized and tidy.

50:50 ratio of images to text: Splits the page so to not let it be too filled with one amount of media and look cluttered; keeps things at an adequate level of information and image.

AMP Magazine: Codes and Conventions of a Front Cover

Masthead: The title of a magazine; it is generally bright and eye catching, or it relates to the theme or genre of the magazine.


Taglines: A slogan or phrase that is synonymous with the magazine and is near the blog title. It makes the title of the magazine more memorable.


Strap-line: A line of text above the mast-head that either offers a deal on the magazine or gives a teaser of a competition. It is above the masthead because that is where the eye is first drawn to, and if it is filled with buzz words and a competition, it makes the magazine very appealing.


Date-line: A line of text below the mast-head detailing the date and number of issue, making it easier for the customer to find the correct or most recent issue when they wish to purchase it.


Main image: Almost always of an artist, and is normally an image of whom the main article is about. Contains conventions of the genre, i.e. guitars, or surly expressions.


Images of sub-articles: Gives the consumer a taste of what is inside the magazine and makes them want to pick it up and read it.


Main sell-line: A snippet of the main article to give the reader a teaser of what the main article is about to make them want to read more.


Sell-lines: Teasers of the sub-articles to grab the attention of the reader and make them want to read the entire article.


Puff: A box or bubble filled with text that either specifies an article or advertises competitions etc.


Buzz words: Exciting words or phrases that appeal to the consumer, such as free, exclusive or plus. Generally accompanied with exclamation points.


List of bands included in the issue: If a consumer doesn’t want to waste their time flicking through a magazine to not find their favourite artist, they can check a small list of artists featured and decide whether they want to buy it or not.


Banners: A strip across the page, near the base, that contains a main sell-line either connected to the main story, or an article to entice people to buy the magazine.


Cover mount: A free gift for the reader to enjoy after purchase used to entice customers to buy it.


Barcode: The code for purchase is generally located in the bottom right hand corner as it is the last place the eye looks on a piece of text , and it is relatively unimportant so it’s normally fairly small or thin.


Layout: Brand identity is key in magazine sales, having the cover look almost the same every issue makes it reliable and easy for the consumer to find and purchase. If a magazine were to redesign its front cover every issue it would cause confusion and a loss of readership.


3-4 fonts and roughly 3 separate colours: A variety of design and colours in regards to font makes the cover visually appealing and catches the consumers eye as they pass a news stand.

AMP Magazine: Questionnaire Results and Analysis

Questionnaires distributed: 50
Questionnaires answered: 50

1. What gender are you?

Male: 25
Female: 25

2. What age range do you fall under?

>15: 10
16-20: 10
21-25: 10
26-30: 10
30<: 10

3. What is your favourite type of music?

Pop: 2
Classic Rock: 6
Modern Rock: 7
Alternative Rock: 8
Indie: 9
Heavy Metal: 3
Electronic: 1
Dance: 1
Folk: 3
Blues: 3
Country: 3
Hip Hop/Rap: 1
R'n'B: 2
Classical: 1
Other: 0

4. Who are your three favourite music artists?

(Artists with over ten recurring votes)

One Republic
Foster the People
Boyce Avenue
City and Colour
Florence and the Machine
The Script
Damien Rice
Bon Iver
Ed Sheeran
Ingrid Michaelson

5. How often do you buy music based magazines?

Daily: 4
Weekly: 13
Monthly: 30
Other: 3

6. How much do you spend on music based magazines in a single month?

<£5: 31
£6-£10: 16

£11-£20: 3
£21-£30: 0

£30<: 0

7. What makes you want to buy a magazine?

Title Design: 13
Colour Scheme: 7
Image of Artist/Celebrity: 21
Free Gifts: 23
Articles: 13
Artists Featured: 9
Albums Reviewed: 14
Other: 0

8. What aspect of a magazine do you prefer?

Album Reviews: 15
Interviews: 17
Concert Reviews: 12
Fan Photo Galleries: 11
Feature Articles: 22

Competitions: 10
Music Charts: 9
Tour Dates: 13

Up and Coming Artists: 14
New Album Releases: 12

Gossip: 15

Other: 0

9. How much would you be willing to pay for a music magazine?

Average: Between £2 and £5

 Based upon the results gathered from the questionnaires handed out to a sample of 50 people, I have decided to adapt my magazine to fit into the most popular answers; most said that they buy music magazines monthly and that they spend under £5 on them, and as AMP will be published every fortnight, it will be under £5 a month, meaning that each issue will cost £2.50. Taking questions 7 and 8 into account, there will be a broad cycle of artists for the front cover to keep readers interested and so that the magazine doesn't become repetitive, there will also be a bright title design to capture attention and a free gift once every four issues to retain that attention. The categories within the magazine will be extensive, all of the ones listed in question 8 that had votes will be included, to give the reader an broad view of indie music in the two weeks since the last issue. 

AMP Magazine: Questionnaire

1. What gender are you? (Fill the appropriate circle.)

O Female

O Male

2. What age range do you fall under? (Fill the appropriate circle.)

O >15

O 16-20

O 21-25

O 26-30

O 30<

3. What would you class as your favourite type of music (Fill the appropriate circle. If other, please state.)

O Pop

O Classic Rock

O Modern Rock

O Alternative Rock

O Indie

O Heavy Metal

O Electronic

O Dance

O Folk

O Blues

O Country

O Hip Hop/Rap

O R’n’B

O Classical

Other: ………………………

4. Who are your three favourite music artists?

1.    ………………………………………………………………

2.    ………………………………………………………………

3.    ………………………………………………………………

5. How often do you buy music based magazines? (Fill the appropriate circle. If other, please state.)

O Daily

O Weekly

O Monthly

Other: ……………………

6. How much do you spend on music based magazines in a single month? (Fill the appropriate circle.)

O <£5

O £6-£10

O £11-£20

O £21-£30

O £30<

7. What is it that makes you want to buy a music magazine? (Fill two circles. If other, please state.)

O Title design

O Colour scheme

O Image of artist/celebrity

O Free gifts

O Articles

O Artists featured

O Albums reviewed

Other: ……………………

8. What aspects of a music magazine do you prefer? (Fill three circles. If other, please state.)

O Album reviews

O Interviews

O Concert reviews

O Fan photo galleries

O Feature articles

O Competitions

O Music charts

O Tour dates

O Up and coming artists

O New album releases

O Gossip

Other: ………………………

9. How much would you be willing to pay for a music magazine?

    ………………………………………………………………........

Thank you for filling out this questionnaire