Contents Page Feedback

Here are a number of screenshots that I took on my phone, providing evidence of the contents feedback that I conducted. 

Photoshop Manipulation

This video shows the process of me adding more volume and length to one of my models hair.

Contents Page Colour Choices

The front cover (which is not yet finished) and my contents page use the same colours of gold, black and greyish/white. I have linked the colours on my front cover and contents page and will do with my double page spread to add a sense of unison. I have also noticed that the colours I have used do not clash with the complexion of my models skin, wheres as a colour like red probably would have which is why I steered clear from it. I made sure my models did not wear the same colours as my colour scheme as I did want my models to come as they are for a really natural affect and not to forced, which is what R&B is all about (music coming naturally do the artist). The light grey is relaxing and smooth and the gold adds a sense of richness which reflects my genre really well.

Contents Page Text/Features

Contents Page Image Choices

Here are a selection of images that I took for my contents page. I believe these images portray the genre of R&B as I took these pictures with inspiration of r&b album covers by Usher, Miguel and so on.

Contents Page Layout

My current contents page is similar to my flat plan, except the positioning of the masthead, I moved it to the bottom right corner of the page, as it looked a lot more appropriate and not too 'in your face'. I then added logos such as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook as a venue to find out the latest gossip and music as i realised that is common with music magazines.Once I have finished this contents page, I would've added more text next to and underneath the 50, I would also add 3 more pictures underneath the main picture like I have shown in my flat plan. I was told after some feedback that my font was too large and that I need to reduce it to be able to find more text in, which after some time I do agree with.

These are some magazine contents pages that inspired me for this look. 

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Although time is of essence right now, I feel like changing the layout of my contents page as I have conducted further research and found other layouts which I do prefer, such as; 

 

I prefer these as they are very simple yet effective and I that my contents page would look better in my opinion. However, with a lot more work I could keep hold of my current contents page and make it look just as good.   

Contents Page Deconstruction

Here, I have used Slideshare to show my contents page deconstruction. I have not only deconstructed the magazine that has been my inspiration (Rolling Stones) but i have also included Vibe, and Billboard. I did this to give me a variety of layout that I could incorporate into my own contents page.

Front Cover target audience feedback

Here are three videos of feedback that I got from my target audience. We have Sharna who is 18, Sonali who is 17 and Selina who is 17 also. I asked them 'What are their first impressions of this front cover?', 'what do you like about it?' and 'how much would you pay?' I asked these questions as they would give me an insight to whether I am going in the right path for my front cover and whether it appeals to them. I asked them how much they would pay as I was interested to see whether it was worth a lot and had a sophisticated touch.

Front cover features/ Linked to research

Taking into consideration that my front cover is not yet finished, here are the features I have incorporated. I have also included the magazines that i took my inspiration from.

Masthead and Font decisions (effects)

My masthead and font were inspired by the established magazine 'Rolling Stone'. I really admired the way they were all so different but yet managed to compliment each other so well. I decided to go with gold within the masthead instead of red which I believe is commonly used. This allowed me to add my own stamp to it. It was also a very popular choice of colour scheme from my audience research. The masthead was difficult as finding a font that was similar to the original Rolling Stones masthead which was really tough and time was running out. Once I found this font I had to manipulate it by adding my colour gold to it. I used the pipet tool and took a sample colour of gold from Google which I've stuck with ever since. I then had to use many blending options such as drop shadow and contour to give that shadow effect. Below are some photos of the process of finding the correct font and the colour for my mast head. I have also included pictures of the magazines that I got inspiration from.

Examples of Photoshop manipulation

My chosen photo for my front cover didn't require much photo manipulation. I simply cover any blemishes and spots she had (which were very few) and added more definition to my photo by changing the contrast and brightness. This did however affect the colour of her eyes which are originally green/hazelish so I then managed to regain the colour whilst adding definition. After doing this, I realised it was too light and so I selected a a darker colour to make it look more realistic.

Cover Layout Decisions

My flat plan and my magazine cover (is not finished) is quite different in terms of the positioning of the text and main image. In my flat plan, my original idea was to have a close up shot and a centre parting in my models hair, after some feedback, I began to realize that it started to look like a hair/beauty magazine. I then decided to use a medium close up, over the shoulder image for my front cover. As my image is over the shoulder, I was forced to lay my image move to the right hand side of the page which is unconventional. I found some difficulties with it in terms of positioning the text, but I stuck with it as it started to look appealing and professional.
I have also changed what my text would say, I originally had 'guess which star says, people often compare me to MJ' which made it look like I was referring to the model (which I wasn't) after hearing this from my target audience I decided to change it.

I had planned to use minimal text on my front cover as shown in my flat plan which I thought would make the image the main focus, but I realised after a lot of feedback  it was too little. Byronnie Smith stated 'try to add more text that will entice people to read this magazine, the image isn't enough.' So I took this comment on board.

Final Shots Taken

Here are the final shots I have taken for my front cover. I feel that this reflects the genre of R&B as it is sultry, soothing and calming. I made sure to focus on the mise-en-scene in these photos through the make up, clothing and lighting in order to successfully embody the genre of R&B which doesn't use bright colour and have loud clothing and jewelry which is why the dull grey colour created by the lighting and the neutral beige in the jumper was used.