Sunday, 26 February 2012
Monday, 20 February 2012
Contents Page Analysis
I have evaluated the contents pages from three different music magazines to get a feel of how they work in terms of layout, design and content.
This particular contents page is from NME. The first thing that stood out to me was the colour scheme, this is very basic only using black and white. The minimal choices of colour makes the reader focus on the images, which draws their attention to a particular article. In regards to the images, it is clear that they are representing the more exciting and biggest features,or the articles that would appeal to the majority of it's readers. By doing this, their audience are more likely to buy the magazine.
By each picture is a large number indicating the page number, making it clear and simple for the reader to find what they are looking for. Under each image is a quote or sell line giving the reader a glimmer of what to expect from the article. Although it does this to intrigue the reader, along with the images, the only thing I would negatively comment on the text all being in black. If the quotes or sell lines were of a different colour the text would jump out more on the page. This may help in getting readers even more. Apart from this, I think this contents page is very effective. It still gives all the information to the reader effectively despite the simple design. People may be more likely to pay attention if there is less going on in the page rather than being overloaded with too much.
This contents page has included their masthead at the top putting their label on the page as a 'Q' magazine and I also like the fact they have the image of the current magazine cover in the top right hand corner of the page.
Similar to NME, Q also uses images to draw attention to the biggest/ most popular articles and features, however it goes into more detail through text to elaborate further. Q have categorized the magazines content into sections making it easier for the reader to find what they need to more quickly. The fact that Q have used more colour, brings the page to life. Again just like NME, they have included the page numbers on the pictures, making it even easier for them to access the most popular, biggest features easily and quickly.
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Again like Q, Mojo have put their label on the page by placing the masthead at the top of the page, which stands out. I like the use of the image covering the whole background of the page, and i think its very effective with it being in black and white. This allows the focus to remain on the text. This is another example of simplistic contents page that still works effectively. I like use of red text, as it stands out on the page.
Over the three contents pages I have looked at I have noticed how they have all used the same colour scheme - red, black and white. They all use a limited amount of colour on the page so the focus isn't taken off the main purpose of a contents page. Also, they all use a range of images and text in order to get the information across to the reader as effectively as possible.
This particular contents page is from NME. The first thing that stood out to me was the colour scheme, this is very basic only using black and white. The minimal choices of colour makes the reader focus on the images, which draws their attention to a particular article. In regards to the images, it is clear that they are representing the more exciting and biggest features,or the articles that would appeal to the majority of it's readers. By doing this, their audience are more likely to buy the magazine.
By each picture is a large number indicating the page number, making it clear and simple for the reader to find what they are looking for. Under each image is a quote or sell line giving the reader a glimmer of what to expect from the article. Although it does this to intrigue the reader, along with the images, the only thing I would negatively comment on the text all being in black. If the quotes or sell lines were of a different colour the text would jump out more on the page. This may help in getting readers even more. Apart from this, I think this contents page is very effective. It still gives all the information to the reader effectively despite the simple design. People may be more likely to pay attention if there is less going on in the page rather than being overloaded with too much.
This contents page has included their masthead at the top putting their label on the page as a 'Q' magazine and I also like the fact they have the image of the current magazine cover in the top right hand corner of the page.
Similar to NME, Q also uses images to draw attention to the biggest/ most popular articles and features, however it goes into more detail through text to elaborate further. Q have categorized the magazines content into sections making it easier for the reader to find what they need to more quickly. The fact that Q have used more colour, brings the page to life. Again just like NME, they have included the page numbers on the pictures, making it even easier for them to access the most popular, biggest features easily and quickly.
.jpg)
Again like Q, Mojo have put their label on the page by placing the masthead at the top of the page, which stands out. I like the use of the image covering the whole background of the page, and i think its very effective with it being in black and white. This allows the focus to remain on the text. This is another example of simplistic contents page that still works effectively. I like use of red text, as it stands out on the page.
Over the three contents pages I have looked at I have noticed how they have all used the same colour scheme - red, black and white. They all use a limited amount of colour on the page so the focus isn't taken off the main purpose of a contents page. Also, they all use a range of images and text in order to get the information across to the reader as effectively as possible.
Sunday, 19 February 2012
Edited front cover image
This is the final image for my cover now it has been edited:
Now I have a new image, I plan to change the overall colour scheme so it will be more appealing to the eye, as I know feel with this image I am able to do more with colour. Also, now the person in the image is more central to the image I feel it will be easier to see what works in terms of layout.
Tuesday, 14 February 2012
New Front Cover Image
Here is the new image for the front cover of my magazine:
I plan to take away the background and place the image on either a white or grey background. I wanted an image that was striking yet natural at the same time.
I plan to take away the background and place the image on either a white or grey background. I wanted an image that was striking yet natural at the same time.
Sunday, 29 January 2012
The main image currently on my front cover was only temporary as I had problems with models. I'm going to re take the image, however I have decided to keep the same model. I don't think the current image draws you in enough, and I think if I take a new image with the central to the page, it will also make it easier in terms of layout and design.
Monday, 16 January 2012
Main Article: Second Draft
Phase Two
On the approach of their new album, "#2", Phases talk about their busy year, working with new producer and the excitement of touring with Arcade Fire.
Phases, the blues rock trio, who bring a new life and energy to rock on their new album, (album name), come from Camden, London, which is where we find the lead singer, Alexi Jenkins. Despite the success of their debut, there is still an unease about her presence. It is clear that Phases still aren't comfortablewith all the hype that has built over the past year, and they seem unanaware of how successful they could be: "When we were recording songs in Johnny's apartment and performing in local pubs to about ten people each night, to people who didn't understnd why we wanted to be part of band, not one of us realised how quickly we would spring up into the limelight.", says Alexis. The success of the band has overwhelmed Phases, it all came at once Alexis states, "It just seemed to click and everything just came together for the band. We've had an extremely hectic year, but we've loved every minute of it!".
Phases were founded by Alexis herself, she met Johnny, the lead guitarist of the band, when they both started the same school. Both Alexis and Johnny knew they wanted to create music very early on, this realisation being caused by the long conversations they had about their similar music tastes. "We were both as passionate about music as one another, and loved all the same bands, and so one day just decided to start a band. We were always the quiet kids in school. We would be playing music all day indoors, whilst every other kid our age were out socialising.". Music had obviously been a big part of their lives, even back then, however, they both went seperate ways when they decided to go to university. The band didn't stay apart for long though, as they both realised that making music was what they wanted to do all along. The bond between them was created when rebelling against the strictness and traditionality of music within the grammar school. The band allowed them to push music in new directions. This time inspirations grew from their previous grunge rock sound, where they recruited Mark Thomas, now drummer of the band. Alexis explains how "Mark definately brought a lot to the band, definately in terms of it's sound. Being new to the band, he was eager to experiment with different sounds and concepts, which ultimately helped in finding the overall sound of Phases today.
Phases have definately come a long way since the early days of their career spent playing to people who didn't appreciate what they were doing, however it seems worth it as they are now a well recognized band for the fans of the alternative/ underground scene. The sound developed by Mark, has now been further developed by the addition of new producer, Danger Mouse, creating a more maturer sounding record. Alexis explains how they came to work with him: "We were in the studio, as was he at the time, and overheard some of our demos. He said he would love to work with us, and we jumped at the chance! he was also currently working with The Black Keys at the time, which we are all huge fans of, and seeing the success they'd had, it seemed too good an oppurtunity to turn down."
"We were proud of our debut, but we knew we could push our ideas and sound further". It is obvious that Phases knew what they wanted to achieve on this record, and the addition of Danger Mouse has definately worked in their favour. Stand out tracks include, "I got you", "Indigo" and "Invisible" which create the core basis of the album, bringing in nostalgic sounds with layers of blues infused guitar. The influence of this album is evident with the pure sense of nostalgia you get from just the first listen which is fundamental in such an experimental record.
"#2" has made Phases a great contender for best album of 2011, with the nomination of 'Best Breakthrough Artist'. To add to such hype, Phases have also been added to BBC sound of 2012. With all this already behind the band, they have recently been booked to support Arcade Fire on their upcoming UK tour. This has made them one step closer to bringing phases huge amounts of popularity, and seeing their potential on their second album, they have a long road ahead of them yet.
The new album, '#2' will be released on the 9th February. For more information visit www.pioneermusic.com
On the approach of their new album, "#2", Phases talk about their busy year, working with new producer and the excitement of touring with Arcade Fire.
Phases, the blues rock trio, who bring a new life and energy to rock on their new album, (album name), come from Camden, London, which is where we find the lead singer, Alexi Jenkins. Despite the success of their debut, there is still an unease about her presence. It is clear that Phases still aren't comfortablewith all the hype that has built over the past year, and they seem unanaware of how successful they could be: "When we were recording songs in Johnny's apartment and performing in local pubs to about ten people each night, to people who didn't understnd why we wanted to be part of band, not one of us realised how quickly we would spring up into the limelight.", says Alexis. The success of the band has overwhelmed Phases, it all came at once Alexis states, "It just seemed to click and everything just came together for the band. We've had an extremely hectic year, but we've loved every minute of it!".
Phases were founded by Alexis herself, she met Johnny, the lead guitarist of the band, when they both started the same school. Both Alexis and Johnny knew they wanted to create music very early on, this realisation being caused by the long conversations they had about their similar music tastes. "We were both as passionate about music as one another, and loved all the same bands, and so one day just decided to start a band. We were always the quiet kids in school. We would be playing music all day indoors, whilst every other kid our age were out socialising.". Music had obviously been a big part of their lives, even back then, however, they both went seperate ways when they decided to go to university. The band didn't stay apart for long though, as they both realised that making music was what they wanted to do all along. The bond between them was created when rebelling against the strictness and traditionality of music within the grammar school. The band allowed them to push music in new directions. This time inspirations grew from their previous grunge rock sound, where they recruited Mark Thomas, now drummer of the band. Alexis explains how "Mark definately brought a lot to the band, definately in terms of it's sound. Being new to the band, he was eager to experiment with different sounds and concepts, which ultimately helped in finding the overall sound of Phases today.
Phases have definately come a long way since the early days of their career spent playing to people who didn't appreciate what they were doing, however it seems worth it as they are now a well recognized band for the fans of the alternative/ underground scene. The sound developed by Mark, has now been further developed by the addition of new producer, Danger Mouse, creating a more maturer sounding record. Alexis explains how they came to work with him: "We were in the studio, as was he at the time, and overheard some of our demos. He said he would love to work with us, and we jumped at the chance! he was also currently working with The Black Keys at the time, which we are all huge fans of, and seeing the success they'd had, it seemed too good an oppurtunity to turn down."
"We were proud of our debut, but we knew we could push our ideas and sound further". It is obvious that Phases knew what they wanted to achieve on this record, and the addition of Danger Mouse has definately worked in their favour. Stand out tracks include, "I got you", "Indigo" and "Invisible" which create the core basis of the album, bringing in nostalgic sounds with layers of blues infused guitar. The influence of this album is evident with the pure sense of nostalgia you get from just the first listen which is fundamental in such an experimental record.
"#2" has made Phases a great contender for best album of 2011, with the nomination of 'Best Breakthrough Artist'. To add to such hype, Phases have also been added to BBC sound of 2012. With all this already behind the band, they have recently been booked to support Arcade Fire on their upcoming UK tour. This has made them one step closer to bringing phases huge amounts of popularity, and seeing their potential on their second album, they have a long road ahead of them yet.
The new album, '#2' will be released on the 9th February. For more information visit www.pioneermusic.com
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