Bianca Dos Santos Media AS

For my AS media coursework; I decided to do a Lifestyle magazine. I was required to create two front covers plus a double page spread with an article or interview of my chose, which were all created using Photoshop. In order to begin I had to complete my individual a series of individual research, to be able to determine what my target audience aged 17-24, wanted to be included and what they enjoyed most and to gain data about my audience. This helped me with my pre-production.

Firstly, I started off producing a questionnaire which included ten different questions. Five of those were multiple chose, and the rest required a written response. I provided a stack of ten questionnaires and handed them out to different females, aged 16-30 as this fits my target audience. This method of research helped me gather personal information about my target audience and it provided me with a variety of knowledge which also allowed me to have a rough idea of what I wanted to create.

To start off with, 60% of my target audience claimed to be single and all were in the age group of 16-24. Therefore I knew I had to make a magazine which had to attract them, using for example fashion tips for the clothes they would wear, and maybe to be flirty. Next, 60% answered that they followed the fashion trend, so I added photos of shoes of that month, which would have them satisfied. I combined them with an interview which talked about a new model that had entered the fashion industry. This I thought would be a good idea, as my target audience would be interested in this. As a whole I came to a conclusion that my target audience is sophisticated hard working. This was what I was looking for at the beginning; therefore I was very happy after receiving the results of questionnaires because it was what I wanted. So this was a successful research which has helped me.

This is my first front cover;

To begin to analyze this, I chose ‘femme’ as the name for my magazine because it’s very classy and sophisticated, which I knew would catch the attention for my target audience. The front cover of FEMME uses the same conventions as a Lifestyle magazine. It has masthead at the top, sell lines, and a main imagine. The sell lines are short and catchy; this way avoid having too much detail, as my target audience are probably too busy to read detailed sell lines on the front cover. Next, I included a small amount of alliteration “Cheap & chic shoes” this is has a catchy and fun tone. Also, the sell lines are clear and bold so the reader can read it quickly with problem. I made the main sell line “SEX UP YOUR LIFE” all in capital so it can be attractive as this was the sentence I thought was going to most captivate my audience when they read it. It was also put in cursive mode, to seem more fun and not so simple. I didn’t include a puff because I didn’t feel need of it, I simple just added the Mango logo because this was the shop I am focusing on, and encouraging my readers to buy from. The Mango logo is the easiest and qualified way for my audience to comprehend rapid way what I am trying to promote to them in my magazine this month.

The model on my front cover also follows the conventions. I used a shot from her head to her thighs, which is always used in these types of magazines such as Cosmopolitan. The model shows a positive representation of the modern woman today. She’s fierce and powerful, whose facial expression and body language establishes her confidence and her self-assured attitude. She is also using direct mode of address, which allows the model to communicate directly to my audience and establish a relationship with them. Also, by engaging seemingly in direct eye contact with the reader can persuade them to purchase Femme. The model challenges the representation of women in the media today, and she isn’t as looking sexual, as the ones who look in the typical Lifestyle magazine.

As you observed in these magazine covers the models are standing in very confident posture. They are very sexual as their clevage is clearly shown.

Although on my ther magazine cover I did use this type of convention on the main image.

This model on the other hand has the stereotypical female representation. Her representation is concentrated on her sexuality, emotions which makes her powerful and a strong woman. On this magazine I have also used the same conventions as lifestyle magazine. A puff has also been added to also attract more attention as is big and bright coloured. Later, I’ve used a couple of sell lines, and also used a “real life story” to tease my readers into buying my magazine as they will have to buy it to find out more about this story.

In the puff “32 signs he wants you” this is use of mode of address which in this case speaks directly and informally to the reader, it’s chatty, and ‘you’ makes them feel involves them. The use of colour is bright and they match it other and looks appealing. Furthermore, from the two front covers is observed that I have used the same font, design and pattern which suggest I have a house style, which can make my readers know what to expect from Femme magazine.

Moving on to my double page spread, it also follows the conventions, with the title, the layout and style, a title caption, a pull quote, and side image and an article. The colours and the fonts are used repeatedly. The pink used on the double page is also used in the front cover, but much lighter. It’s simple and easy to read, and on top of that its inviting and makes readers feel welcoming. The image on the left I chose to use it because it´s idea. The model is smiling and is chatty and friendly. This creates a strong relationship with the audience. Along with her posture and gestures it´s as if she’s inviting them to join her and read the magazine. Additionally, the quote I’ve chosen is perfect, “I worked my socks off” this connects to the way she isn’t wearing socks in the image which is fitting and an advantageous.

On the other hand, my first attempt to produce my double page spread wasn´t at all successful in my opinion. As shown it has nothing to do with front cover. The colours and fonts aren’t well used, and doesn’t match my front cover. The image used is taken from the front cover photo shoot, which is boring and doesn’t make it stand out. This double page spread wouldn’t appeal at all to my target audience and was why I decided to go again to take different pictures, with the model wearing different clothing. This change was very successful and made my double page spread much more engaging.

Moreover, the two models I have chosen to be in the front cover belong to different ethnic groups. One is dark skinned and from South America the other is from Middle East.

The models I chose because as nowadays the world is so international. What's more in the UK is full of people from foreign coutries and london is the most culturally diverse city. Therefore, I thought it would attract people, and make foreigners in the UK feel included and can identify themselves with these models.

Next, my magazines front covers are both very similar to a typical lifestyle magazine. Specially how the text is layed out accross the magazine, however my magazines' have less sell lines. I have only included the most important ones because I feel my audiences won't have the time to read everything on the page. Therefore, I've made it easy for them, so they can quickly read through and decide to buy it or not. Next, I have also added a pluff to one of my magazine covers, which most lifestyle magazine have, also the main image is taken from head to just above the knees. This is part of the ' house style ' of life time magazines. Lastly, I've used celebritries on both my magazine covers, because this will attract my audiences as they will know who they are and be interested on the articles and interviews done by them.

Overall, I was pleased with the outcomes of my work, I was a lot of work, they hardest part for choosing the colours for the magazines, but in the end, I was happy with the colours chosen. I feel satisfied with both the magazines, and feel that my target audience would enjoy them. It is very focused on my particurlar audience, which was my aim.