Question 1. In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products

Front Cover

Whilst creating my music magazine, I made sure that I referred to the codes and conventions of real media products, using existing music magazines such as Q and Kerrang to ensure what I was creating was following the forms and conventions of todays media.


The music magazine I have created does follow most of the current music magazines forms and conventions, as I have used these as guidelines whilst making it. I have, however created a magazine of an indie/R&B genre, which is an uncommon genre of music magazine currently in the UK. I chose to use this genre for this reason, as there would be a gap on the market for this type of magazine, and it allowed me to develop my ideas on what I have seen in the shops.

I chose to use a female artist on the front cover, as most people would be attracted to a female, rather than a male. This was reflected on my original questionnaire, however it is also fairly well known that men will be attracted to a female as they would see her as desirable, and women would also be attracted to a female as they would see her as somebody they would aspire to be like. Having the artist looking straight into the camera creates a 'bond' with the reader, as if she is looking into their eyes. This helps to entice people to buying the magazine. I chose to use a solo artist on the cover, as this was also what the result of my questionnaire showed to be more popular.

The colour scheme I used reflects the Indie/R&B genre, as the colours are fairly neutral, and almost 'earthy'. These colours do not appeal to a particular gender either, ensuring the magazine is gender neutral.

I chose MYL (Music You Love) as the title for my magazine. I chose this name as it is un-biased towards any type of music, and is short, sweet and to the point. The magazine is for people who love the type of music it contains, therefore the name suits perfectly. I stuck to the codes and conventions by ensuring the masthead has the largest, boldest font on the cover, and that it is within the left third, allowing it to be seen easily whilst on the shelves in the shops.

The coverlines on my front cover are all similar fonts and colours, following the the codes and conventions. Each coverline gives the reader information on what is going to be featured in the magazine, and is of the nature my target audience would be interested in.
I added a barcode to the bottom left corner of the magazine, containing the issue number, price and date. This fits in with the codes and conventions as most magazines will have these details on the front cover.
The 'win' feature on the cover, would help to attract the target audience, as most people love being in with the chance of winning a great prize. 

Double Page Spread

I have created my double page spread by filling one page with an image of the artist , and the other page with an interview. I have split the interview into 3 columns, as is typical of a real media product. 

Having an image fill the whole page is a clear indicator to the reader that the interview is about that person. This allows more space on the opposite page, as there is not a strong importance on having a large title. Another reason for having the whole page filled with an image is that the reader could use it as a poster if desired. 

By not using  a title on the double page spread, I have challenged the codes and conventions, however as mentioned, I feel the use of the large image takes away the need for a large title, instead including the artist's name in the top right hand corner of the interview page. 

The image is similar to that used on the front cover to allow people to easily recognise who it is without any confusion. 

I have used a stand first before the start of the interview, as is used in most music magazines. This gives the reader a little introduction as to what the interview will be about.

The colour scheme fits with the front cover and the contents page, sticking to the same neutral, earthy tones. The two colours used throughout the interview shows to the reader who is who throughout the interview, as is used in many interviews in magazines.

I have kept the font fairly small (size 10), to keep with the codes and conventions, and also because I have only used one page for the interview, the smaller the font means the more space there is to fill with the interview. 

Contents Page