Time Managaement

Here is a photo of me whilst completing work to put onto my blog. My blog is updated weekly and is kept up to date by using posts to record every task I do. As the above photo was taken, I was working on my practice images to help me think about camera angles and different shots for my final magazine.

Practice Images

I think it is extremely important that I understand exactly what photos I want to take to include on my magazine, and how I want them to look, therefore I have taken various practice images to prepare myself. A few of my class friends joined me to take different shots in order to capture images suitable for the front cover, contents and double-page spread.

Examples for a double-page spread

I have also included images of how photos shouldn't look, as it is important to get them right in order for my magazine to look professional. On various images the models eyes are closed, suggesting they weren't ready for the photo making them look very unprepared. Also the bottom left image shows how important lighting is as the full of my models face has been blocked by a shadow.

Examples for a front cover


Examples for a contents page



`I have also taken  few natural looking shots, which could be included in my magazine, mainly on my contents page. Both images could be used to advertise the magazine, including the online website due to the image of the computer.

Font Ideas

Photo-Shoot Planning

I would like my photography to have an inspiring impact upon the reader as I would like the fashion element of it to stand out and influence the audience to want to look like my model. I think photography in a fashion magazine is extremely important in order to advertise different styles which may appeal to my audience. For my magazine I have planned to photograph my friend, Hannah. I have also started to think about angles and shots I could use to make the most of of the photos. I have discussed the photo-shoot with Hannah to make sure she is happy with it and to see If she had any further questions about it although she seemed more than happy to begin with it as she is comfortable around a camera.

I haven't yet decided whether I will be including props in my photographs although I feel as if i won't really need them as my models costume should be the main focus rather than anything else.

I will make sure I choose the right colours to appear in my photographs in order for them to match with the colour scheme of my magazine. I will need quite a natural lighting when taking my photographs, although I may also take some in quite a dark room with a flash on to see which I prefer.

My shoot will take place downstairs in my house near a large window, for natural lighting. When editing my photo I will then remove the background of my photograph and choose an appropriate colour.

My model will be dressed in a summery outfit with bright, glowing makeup to fit in with the season. My model is interested in makeup and beauty therefore has no problem experimenting with how she looks for the shoot.

Marking Criteria for Research and Planning

Today, during my media class, the group participated in helping and marking each others blogs by comparing them to the criteria of what we should be including in our work. We were put into pairs so that we were marking someones work that we haven't yet seen, where we then ticked off each piece of work that our partner had completed. This task helped me a lot as it encouraged me to identify what I haven't yet included in my blog and what I need to improve on and add to get a higher mark. Below is the sheet that my partner marked in order to show me what I have and haven't yet done. She started by ticking Level 3 therefore skipped levels 1 and 2.

Photoshoot Shot List

As I will be starting my photo shoot very shortly, I think it is important that I plan what shots I will need for my magazine so that I can refer back to this post and make sure I have got all of the  images and angles that I want to be included. I will make sure I have a variety of different shots varying from extreme close ups to mid shots to make the magazine look more interesting, by including a bigger variety of image positions.

I think that an extreme close-up would look really effective on my magazine as it shows a lot of detail in the shot. Personally, I would use this type of shot to capture an eye or lips to show off the models  makeup as my magazine is related to appearance.

I also think that a close-up image would look good on my magazine as it shows slightly more of the model (hair, face, neck/shoulders) although you can still see fine details on the image. This type of shot would therefor allow me to show off my models face and hairstyle at the same time.

I have decided on definitely using a mid-shot as my front cover image on my magazine. I think it will be perfect it as you can see a lot of the models outfit, which is important for my magazine as it is specifically about fashion. A mid-shot also allows you to still be able to identify the models face and hair/makeup which will further appeal to the audience.                                          

Target Audience

Gender- Female

Age Group- 18-30

Characteristics- My audience will enjoy going shopping, buying new clothes and searching for all of the new fashion trends. They will therefore most likely be getting some sort of income in order to buy what they are looking for. They may also have a interest in social media such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter in order to socialize with their friends and share pictures. As my target audience is 18 and above, they will also enjoy going out for a drink and meeting up with friends for a day out.

I will gratify my target audience by including pictures, text, fashion ideas and inspiration that they will want to look at. I will make sure I include interesting sell lines on my front cover page and a striking, bold main image and masthead to immediately attract my audience and make them want to buy the issue.

In my magazine, I think the audience would most likely want to see articles including the latest trends, fashion advise, models, images etc. therefore I will include as much of these as possible to interest my reader.

Website Reconstruction

Finally, I have reconstructed the homepage of VOGUE website. I think this web page looks effective as it looks very simple, partially by the use of monochrome colours, which is also matched with the very natural looking model. the page looks very elegant and tidy which makes it easy for the audience to find what they desire on the website. The plain colours also highlight the models clothes, which is vital as VOGUE is all about fashion! As the main article on the webpage is about 'how to wear fluff', I dressed my model in my fur coat to create the same effect as in the original. I also concentrated on making 'VOGUE' and 'WAYS TO WEAR: FLUFF' the most bold and outstanding pieces text on the page as these will appeal to the readers.

Billboard Reconstruction

I have chosen to reconstruct a Dolce&Gabbana billboard advertisement. I chose to reconstruct this particular one as I think it looks simple but effective as the only text it includes is 'Dolce&Gabbana' which is important so people remember the brand. I also think the model looks intense and high fashion which looks really good and mysterious against the dark black background. I have tried to duplicate the image by dressing my model in a fur coat and sunglasses, which the model in the original magazine is dressed in. I also used photoshop to edit out the background to the photo I originally taken to create a black background and make them look more similar.

Double Page Spread Reconstruction

For my double page spread reconstruction I went for a slightly more complicated design from Vogue. I chose this article to recreate as the main image caught my attention as it is very intense and striking. I also thought it would be more interesting being able to use a prop (sun hat) and bright blusher to match the picture. I am happy with the way my double page spread has turned out as I think my models facial expressions look very similar to the original and the text looks more or less the same.

Contents page Reconstruction

For my contents page I have chosen to reconstruct a Glamour magazine. I liked this design as the masthead stands out really well which will immediately catch the attention of the magazines audience and make it more memorable and unique. I started off by showing and explaining the pose of the original model to my model so that we could get it as similar as possible on my re-construcation. I then edited the photo in black and white so that it matched the other image. For the text, I used 'Dafont' again which helped me find a font similar to the original 'Glamour' masthead. I then chose colours which were extremely similar to keep the scheme the same. I enjoyed reconstructing this magazine as it has a simple but effective looking layout.

Front Cover Reconstruction

I have chosen to reconstruct the front cover of an ELLE magazine as I think this specific cover looks extremely eye-catching and intriguing due to the close up of the model. My friend, Ellie, agreed to be photographed for my re-construcation and I think she was the perfect model for it as she looks very similar to the model in the original magazine due to her dark hair and eyes. Her facial expression is also very similar to the original along with them both being a close up direct shot. I then tried hard to get the font and positioning of the text similar by using a website called 'Dafont' and looking at different styles of text. I am aware that my models hair is slightly flatter in my reconstruction, making the background to the text look a bit less visible, although I have tried to position the text so it can still be read despite the white text and white background. Overall I think there could be changes made to improve on my re-construcation although as a first draft I think it works well and doesn't look overly different.

Flat Plan - DPS

Double Page Spread

Here is a Screenshot of the flat plan for my double page spread.

Colour Usage

The colours I am using on my double page spread will match the colours on my main image (models outfit). This is so the full spread looks colour coordinated and matching in order for it to look professional and realistic. I will have a main bold colour which will stand out the most on the spread and will take the main attraction on the spread. This colour will definitely be included on the title as this will be the first piece of text used to engage the reader therefore will need to stand out. The background and text colour will then also depend on my images in order for the spread to match as one.

Image Usage

On my double page spread I will be using three images ; a main image which will take up half of a page and two or three smaller images which will be on the opposite side. These images will be closely linked to the article on the spread and will give the audience more variety to look at rather than a full page of text.

Text Usage

There will be a title and caption directly at the top of the page with two chunks of text, one on each side of the page. I have spread the text out as I believe its important to make the magazine look appealing and if all of the text was in one big paragraph I think it would look boring and too much to read.

Layout and Font

The layout of my double page spread is shown on the above image. The top of the page will consist of the title and caption which will be bold and attractive to draw in the reader and interest them. There will then be a banner on the right hand side page followed by to pieces of texts and a variety of images. I have made sure the text and images are spread out and mixed across the two pages so that the layout looks interesting and the images can relate to each piece of text.

Flat Plan - Contents Page

Contents Page

Here is a Screenshot of the flat plan for my contents page.

Colour Usage

On my contents page I will use most of the same colours which I have on my front cover page in order to keep the colour scheme the same throughout the magazine. This will make the magazine look more professional and structured. I will use a bold and outstanding colour for the main title as it should stand out the most to the reader. I will then make sure others parts of my magazine as a more subtle colour which will make the more important parts of the design stand out.

Image Usage

My contents page will contain one main image, which is the most eye-catching, and three slightly smaller ones which will anchor with the text on the contents. The main image will relate to the main storyline on the front cover, and therefore the same model will be used on this. I haven't ye decided what the remaining three images will be of but they will link to what will be seen further in the magazine.

Text Usage

The contents page will include a lot of vital text which will inform the reader what they will be seeing in the magazine and where they can find it. I will use bold numbers nearby the images to guide the audience to where they can see more about them and the contents will include what each page in the magazine is about.

Layout and Font

The layout for the page is shown on the above image. The title will be placed on top of the screen, as this will be the first ting the readers eyes are drawn to. There will then be two columns of contents, one on the left side and one on the right followed by four images around them.

Flat Plan - Front Cover

Front Cover

Here is a Screenshot of the flat plan for my front cover. I have created this in order to understand and remember where everything will be placed on my magazine and will use it as my template.

Colour Usage 

On the front cover I will use a variety of colours which will make my magazine look appealing in order to attract my audience. I have decided to use some neutral colours on my magazine but also some bold ones to make certain parts of the text stand out. I think using some neutral colours will make my magazine look more elegant and the remaining bright colours will set the summer look for the issue.

Image Usage

I will have a main image in the centre of my front cover, which will link to the main sell line. This will be a mid shot of a female model. My model will be dressed and styled to advertise summer fashion and the image will be bold, making it the main attraction of the magazine, alongside the masthead. From deciding my magazine was going to be for the summer season, I have always had in mind using a blonde model for the front cover of my magazine therefore I have asked my friend hannah to be in the shot. I will then style her hair so it has big, curly waves which a lot of people tend to go for in the summer which is usually referred to as the 'beach look'. My models makeup will consist of a bright lipstick, matching with the main bold colour of the magazine n order to tie it together.

Text Usage

I will use text on the front cover in order to entice the reader by giving them teasers of what the magazine has in store for them. I therefore won't give too much away on the front cover, although will leave the audience on a cliff hanger so they feel like they have to read on. I will include five sell lines, a masthead, a strap line, a main sell line and information on the magazine on the font cover.

Layout and Font

I have designed the layout of how I would like my front cover to be presented, which is clearly shown on the image above. It is most important that my masthead is placed on the top of the page as this is what will set my magazine aside from others and will be used for my audience to recognize my magazine. The main image will be in the centre of he page, showing off the clothes she wearing and standing out alongside the masthead. The main sell line will then be closely under the main image, giving readers an insight of a main subject in the magazine. There will then be five other sell lines spread around the sides of the page which will be sightly smaller an less outstanding. The barcode etc will then be placed on the bottom right corner of the cover, which tends to be the same on most magazines.

Name Ideas

I have began to think into possible names for my magazine and I have shortlisted them down to the following three ;

• FASHION NETWORK

• FASHELLECTION

• FEEM - fashion exclusives every month

I think it would be a good idea to include some part of the fashion in the magazine name, as this is generally what the magazine is about. After looking at each possibility I have decided on the name FEEM, short for 'fashion exclusives every month'. I think that a shorter name is a lot more catchy and memorable than if I was to use a longer one such as FASHELECCTION.

My Own Institution

The institution I have created to produce my magazine is called 'Placement Publications'. I have designed a logo to go alongside this which is shown below.


I have used alliteration in my company's name so that it sounds more catchy and memorable for the audience of the institution. I have used very monochrome colours in my logo which are black, grey and white as I think it makes it look more professional. I also think 'Placement Publications' stands out well against the black background so that it is the first thing you notice about the logo. I think it is important that the logo is kept quite basic and isn't 'too much' as it would take the main attention away from the institutions name.

Placement Publications is a regional institution based in the North East and will be ran by about 40 people.

Recce

     There aren't many potential hazards that could pose a health and safety risk where my photo shoot will take place, although there may be various trailing cables which I will inform my model about so that there is minimum chance of an accident. There may also be various objects around the area we will be working in which could get in the way as the shoot will be taken in my house. If necessary, I will move objects in order to make the photo shoot easier and more spacious for taking the photos. I will make sure that once I have completed my models hair and makeup, all wires will be removed from the area we will be working and all objects will be cleared from the floor.
       
     The time of day will affect the outcome of the photos taken, although if it is impossible for my model to be pictured during the day I can always use the flash on my camera which will brighten the image. I have planned to organize the photoshoot for around midday as there will be natural lighting in my house to use in my photographs. I may also try taking some images later in the day by using the flash to compare images and see which come out best. The weather shouldn't affect my photoshoot as it is being held indoors.

I have considered taking my photos against a plain background so that the main focus is on my model and her appearance. The chosen photos can then be edited easily, enabling me to change the background colour using Photoshop if wanted.
      
     As the photoshoot is taking place in my house, I don't need to book a room at a studio or ask for permission to take the photos. Although, I have informed my mam that I will be taking photos in her house and made sure that she is fine with it. I have also contacted my model and made sure that she can get to my house on the chosen day and also made sure that we have plenty of time to get the photos taken.
     
     It is very unlikely that there will be people that could be an issue for me when taking my photos as I am informing everyone when it will be taking place. Although my mam does work from home therefore there could potentially be small distractions, but I will make sure she is aware of which room I will be using and what time its happening to avoid distractions.
     
     Myself and my model won't be reliant on lifts as the photoshoot is taking place in my house and my model, Hannah, lives only a couple of minutes away from me therefore it's walking distance. I am very reliant on my model as she is important for my photoshoot, however Hannah has insisted she will be free for the shoot  and will be organized for the time. If the worst was to happen and Hannah couldn't make it, I have asked my friend Chelsea If she could take her place and she was more than happy to do so.

Feedback from my Pitch

During class we all reviewed each others pitch in order to give each other two positive feedbacks and one improvement. This will help us improve our ideas and give us confidence in what we have done well.

Presentation Pitch

I have created a presentation pitch to show my brief and initial ideas for my coursework. In class, me and my peers will then view each others pitch and give feedback which will help us improve on our work. Here is a link to my pitch ; http://www.slideshare.net/emilycullen526/slideshelf

Costume Planning

I like the idea of a pink and yellow outfit as it would match well with
the colour scheme i have in mind and the dress, jewellery and bag
would make a great summer outfit. I also like the idea of a denim skater
dress as they are on trend and very popular at the minute.

I personally would love the outfit choice, to the left, in my magazine. I think the pink dress and denim jacket looks casual but trendy for a day to day look which a lot of the audience to my magazine may want.

After looking at a large amount of colourful outfits, I then came across some white and nude colours which I think could work just as well, if not better! As the colour scheme of my magazine is going to be quite bright and colourful, I think it would look quite effective if the model is wearing quite natural colours so the whole magazine doesn't look too much. Also cream and white are very popular colours during the summer season.

Make-up planning

Before the Photoshoot for my magazine takes place, my priority will be to make certain that my model looks suitable for my target audience in order to attract people to my magazine. As my magazine is for the summer season, I won't be using any dark coloured makeup such as black smokey eyes, but instead will be using products such as pink lipstick and blusher which will add more colour.

After gathering make-up ideas from different websites, I have came across the above photo of a model. I believe the model looks natural and radiant due to her glowing skin, which everyone wants to look like in summer! Also the pink shimmer lipstick and pink blusher gives the 'girly' look I wanted my model to have. She also has mascara on which defines and widens her eyes, but not too much otherwise her lashes would look clumpy. I think I will consider this makeover when getting my model ready for the photo shoot.

Deconstruction of a Billboard

I have chosen to analyse a billboard of the perfume 'Flora' by GUCCI. I really like this design as it is very simple but at the same time looks very interesting and unique. The pale white and peachy colours used connote innocence and freshness giving an impression that the perfume will be light and smooth on your skin. I also think the billboard works well as the brand name 'GUCCI' stands out well against the background colour therefore as many people are aware that its a popular well known brand, they may feel more obliged to buy it after seeing the name. The fact that the model almost looks like she's got wings also makes the billboard look very angelic and feminine. This sets the target audience straight and also the text 'Flora' links with this as the font is very girly an curly.

Institutions

Condé Nast

Condé Montrose Nast, a New York City-born publisher, launched his magazine empire in 1909 with the purchase of Vogue, which was first created in 1892 as a New York weekly journal of society and fashion news.The company attracts more than 164 million consumers across its 20 print and digital media brands: Allure, Architectural Digest, Ars Technica, Bon Appétit, Brides, Condé Nast Traveler, Details, Epicurious, Glamour,Golf Digest, Golf World, GQ, Lucky, The New Yorker, Self, Teen Vogue, Vanity Fair, Vogue, W and Wired. As Condé Nast has produced fashion magazines such as Glamour and Vogue, I think the company would relate a lot to my magazine.

Hachette Filipacchi Médias

Hachette Filipacchi was founded by Louis Hachette in 1826. Hachette Filipacchi Media publishes 47 titles in France and over 200 worldwide. Its French titles include Action Auto Moto, Elle France, Entrevue, France Dimanche, Ici Paris, Joystick, Le Journal de Mickey, Parents, Paris Match, Jeune & Jolie, Pariscope, Photo, Première, Télé 7 Jours, Top Famille Magazine and TV Hebdo. 

Elle is a worldwide lifestyle magazine, produced by Hachette Filipacchi, of French origin that focuses on fashion, beauty, health, and entertainment. Elle is also the world's best selling fashion magazine.

                                                 

Target Audience

The target audience of my magazine will fit into the market of females aged 18-35. They will be interested in the latest fashion and beauty trends and looking good in what they wear. The advertisements in my magazine will be mostly beauty product and fashion brands advertising their latest trends. Most articles in my magazine will consist on appearance and how to make the best out of your looks. As my magazine would include the advertisement of clothes and beauty products, this suggests  that the audience will most likely be making money in order to buy what there seeing.