Possible Font choices

 

This font would not be useful within my magazine as it looks rather formal, which is not the audience I will be looking to attract.

This font is also formal as well as being hard to read, so it will not be within the texts I will be producing.

Font; this particular font will be used for the headlines within the texts and front cover that I will produce as it is attractive, bold and easy to read.

 

For the article I shall be writing, I could potentially use this font, although it seems extremely formal, which would contradict the basis of my magazine, which is to have a friendly tone, with a slight informal tone.

Some fonts are hard to read when the size goes below 18 therefore I shall not be able to include these.

This is the font I shall be using to write my article as it is simple, easy to read and informal. The readership will have no problem reading my work or understanding why I have chosen this font. Previous Hip Hop and RnB magazines have used fonts such as this for their interviews and articles, such as VIBE which is a successful magazine proving to me this font it perfect.

MASTHEAD FONT

 ‘BIG FAT MARKER’ is font I had chosen for my masthead suggests a sense of fun to the audience; it is a poster bold font which has a slight edge to it much like the overall magazine. The font will also allow the readers to feel comfortable with the magazine being as it is not too formal. It may suggest an easy read due to the font not being too blunt, or hard visualise.

Ashanti- Foolish

This is an RnB song which portrays women as elegant characters.

The point of this video is that women can be ‘Foolish’ but they should still not be played with. The men are shown in a negative light, which can be a common feature within RnB videos. Ashanti is going to a restaurant within the opening of the video, and although skin is revealed she still manages to uphold the sophisticated look whilst also showing a sexy side. Jewellery is worn, however not an outrageously big chain, a small yet boldly beautiful necklace which in a less obvious way connotes wealth. Champagne is shown, indicating wealth again. Then it goes back to Ashanti’s house which is a mansion, and pile of money is given to her. Both factors connote wealth which is an ongoing theme within this genre. Other artists from the music scene are featured within the video. Providing the audience with an insight into Ashanti’s friends. The artist is portrayed as a ‘damsel in distress’ when waiting for her boyfriend, showing a side of vulnerability.  She makes direct address with the audience, with no facial expression presenting herself as lost within the music. Throughout the entirety of the music video, Ashanti is shown as elegant women. The way she is dressed shows no signs of being tacky. Her jewellery is minimal, and she is showered with designer goods. This is how many women are show within the RnB genre.

G Shit- Chris Brown ft Tyga

This music video portrays all the codes and conventions of a hip hop music video.

It starts off with both turning up to a house party in a Rolls Royce which is iconography from the genre. Tyga and Chris brown are both wearing snapbacks, jewellery with their tattoos on show which again all contribute to the iconography of the genre. The aim of this video is to show the audience what both artists gets up to within their lives, which is the same throughout many videos male rappers make. Tyga is wearing sunglasses, which is stopping the audience viewing his eyes which gives of the impression that he may be ‘shady’ although towards the end there are snippets of him making eye contact with the camera. Perhaps he has something to hide? Or maybe the artist doesn’t wish to have such a personal relationship with fans. This also doesn’t allow him to have direct address with his fans, destroying a personal connection. Chris brown also wears sunglasses however there are brief snippets without them on, this could indicate him wishing for his fans to see him but they have lost that contact. Brown only makes eye contact with the camera for brief seconds. Both artists are surrounded by women in bikinis reinforcing the stereotype of females within hip hop that they are shown as sexual objects.  The whole point of this video is for both artists to express their lives as hip hop artists, this means that they are able to be the life of the party, be surrounded by beautiful women in addition to have the finer things in life such as big houses, cars, and jewellery.

MY LOCATION

I have chosen this particular location as I feel it portrays the ‘grittiness’ of society that is advertised through the Hip Hop genre. The base wall is off white, with specs that have not been painted pushing a darker colour through. Through mixture of bright and dark colours creates a perfect scene, a setting which is not perfect yet not unpleasant to look at. The imperfect setting could almost be seen as a metaphor, that Hip Hop and RnB is not perfect yet each artist makes it work for them, much like Karisma within this photo shoot. The fact that Karisma does not look out of place, works well for the location also, she fits in well for the ‘unfinished’ theme as her hair is not perfect & her snapback hat is not on properly. The setting ties all three pieces together, by giving the artist an underground feel, and emphasizing the youth of the artist.

LOCATIONS

Costume Ideas

MISE-EN-SCENE

Front Cover And Double Page Spread Analysis

DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD OVERVIEW

DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD OVERVIEW

All of the double page spreads are from VIBE, so they have all been designed with the intention of attracting fans from the Hip Hop/RnB musical genre. Through carrying out this investigation and by comparing them to each other, it will then be possible to identify if there are any shared features within them and then to establish particular repeated patterns.

The six double page spreads chosen feature the same layout that the artist dominates 50-60% of the spread. They do not all feature headlines as the article may not have started on this page. However there is always a caption under the main image to indicate who had taken the shoot. 

There are other repeated patterns such as only one artist being featured as there are rarely any current groups within the Hip Hop/RnB genre. The artist dominates both of the pages due to their image however this does not have to be due to a whole page being dedicated to them. The LaLa Anthony issue is dominated by her due to the celebrity being the main focus of both page however The Ciara issue has not got half a page devoted to her but she is posing nude which instantly will attract the readerships attention. There are different ways to creating the audience’s attention and vibe carries these ways out perfectly.

Throughout the six covers the only similarities shown are that the image should dominate the article, and that the article fits around the image. This reinforces the element of uniqueness within each issue. The Solange Knowles issue is occupied by a strip of images containing the artist alone in different poses. Accompanied by one image on the second page shown in full colour. Providing the Readership to see her as a ‘standing out’ character. The artist portrays herself as childlike by the way she has chosen to pose with her hands behind her back, which enforces an innocent theme. This is reinforced by the strip of childlike poses along the top half of both pages. Perhaps she is claiming to be reborn with her music she is producing.

Colour wise VIBE has no strict structure. However the magazine tends to lean towards a simplistic look as six out of the six double spreads shown have either a black or white background. This can show a statement that much like the colours the Hip Hop/ RnB genre is original; that no matter how much it changes it will always be known for this. Although the Solange issue shows the artist in an orange dress this is to portray the musician as different and to make her stand out as previously said.

The layout is consistent as mentioned earlier; on each of the six double page spreads the artist fulfils each shot. And the name of the photographer is given within the last third.

The article looks similar within each issue due to the font and font size. The font is sans serif to create a friendly tone, and the font is small allowing the accompanied image to dominate the page.

Another  similarity is the same text is placed in either the left hand or right hand corner of page, which reads out ‘VIBE’ reinforcing the brand identity allowing the readers to understand in addition to identify the magazine. Creating a close bond between the magazine and the readership.

In addition to this, the ratio of male to female within this genre is very much equal. This establishes that both genders are as important as the other within the musical world. However males are portrayed as masculine; the 50 Cent issue shows the artist as fierce as he is wearing a balaclava which is an item you associate with violence much like the Hip Hop stereotype. The rappers muscles grab the readerships attention keeping up the masculine tone. Whereas Ciara has taken the pose of a sexual object which is the main imagery of women within the RnB and Hip Hop world. This is shown through her stance she has posed in the nude, with the attention zoomed at her figure. This introduces a sexual tone and reinforces the stereotype of women.

Having carried out this overview, it is clear that VIBE has its own brand identity that is easily recognised by its audience. This is maintained through repetition stylistic and layout features within each issue. These are all features that will allow the magazine to sell and succeed.

 

 

A Compared Contents Page Analysis

Compared Contents page analysis.

The contents pages from VIBE maintain the same brand identity, which then allows the magazine to establish its style. They are also successful in following conventions in addition to RnB/ Hip Hop iconography. It is conventional for the front cover to not include page numbers next to the story lines. It is in fact standard for the brief details about content to follow the same easily set out structure going down a particular side of the page, making it easier for the readers to follow. The images which are assisting the brief details have always got a feature within the magazine, which contributes to the VIBE brand identity.

The audience instantly attracted to the title ‘CONTENTS’ which is broken up onto 3 lines. This is the same throughout each and every VIBE magazine portraying the brand identity. The Title is always in DISPLAY making it easy for the readership to see, a ‘V’ always accompanies the ‘CONTENTS’ , again reinforcing the brand identity. This straight away allows the readers to feel comfortable as they know what is to come, and can recognise the magazine instantly.  The ‘V’ itself is so well known that artists such as Kanye West and Ciara are able to pose in front of it and it will not affect the readers or brand identity. The image which is displayed on the first contents page is Ciara. She is dressed in a leotard indicating to the readers that she works out. She is wearing jewellery which is iconography within the RnB/ Hip Hop genre.  Her legs are exposed in a sexual manor, also indicating readers to the ‘V’ at the top of the page.  The colours used are monochromatic and all tie in with each other. This adds an element of sophistication. It also makes the brief content look desirable, as the lighting is focused on it. Ciara has eye contact with the readers, making a personal impression on the audience. Allowing the readers to feel a connection with the artist. However this is only 1/3 of the contents pages from just one issue of the VIBE magazine which is unnecessary, but once again is the brand identity.  The Kanye west contents page follows a similar layout; however the colour scheme is just solely grey. This may relate to the artist himself, that he has only one theme, one personality, one attitude etc. However this can also be compared to the VIBE magazine itself that it only has one layout and sticks to it, each issue. The images being the main focus of the page suggest that they are the dominant features in the musical world, that they are the main focus for the readers. The love heart on kanye west’s blazer is being snatched by a women, showing him in a vulnerable state which is also shown through his music.  The difference between these two contents pages are that they both portray the music which they produce, as well as the music which is known for their genre. For instance Ciara’s image contents page reflects women as sexy, although deeper in there is much more to them which is indicated by the gradual white light. Whereas Kanye west shows males to only have one personality when it comes to music, that what they sing/ rap about is simple and to the point.

The aim of Vibe’s context is to just give the readers brief information of what will be included within the magazine.  However the image overpowers the page, providing the effect of dominance within music itself. That artist’s themselves over shine anything which may be written about them. In Ciara’s contents page she is the main focus although she does not overpower the page. Perhaps this could relate to females throughout the Hip Hop/ RnB genre. That they do not force themselves to dominate, and try not to fulfil the frame however they still catch the audience’s eye effortlessly. On the other hand West fully takes charge of the frame making sure that he is centre of attention and not to be missed. Males within this genre of music tend to make sure that they are seen unlike females.

The fonts used for the brief details are presented in sans serif, which sets of a friendly and informal tone. Phrases are also used to create a playful and conversational tone for example on the Kanye West contents the phrase ‘DOLLARS TO DONUTS’ is used in a DISPLAY font to attract the readers and then instantly create a fun tone. It also makes a statement to the readers that the overall tone will not become depressing or formal. The subheading also includes influences from the artist ‘HEARTBREAK HOTEL’ as West’s album is called ‘808 and Heartbreak’ which is reinforced through the subheading which is on the same page as his image. The image itself is also similar to the images which are included with his album.  At the end of the brief detail about the content a Serif font is then used as the author of the article above is shown. This creates a slight formal tone as the writer takes their job seriously. However with the Ciara contents page does not reinforce the artist within the headings, this is because the artist has not recently released an album. Towards the end of the end of this 1/3 contents page there are particular words which have been put in bold, this is that it stands out to the readership. Although the boldness does not create an aggressive tone yet informative. Artist’s names such as ‘Pretty Ricky’ are also in bold; this indicates to the audience who this section will be about so they instantly know where to turn if searching for one particular artist. There are also references to the readership within Ciara’s contents page such as ‘ Robin Thicke just can’t get enough of your love’, this allows the audience to feel included which then suggests a much more personal tone, almost like a friendship.  This is not the same as the Kanye west Contents page as everything that is on that page has got something to do with West which is why he is the main centre of attention. Symbols are used in each contents page of VIBE reinforcing the brand identity. Symbols such as ‘>’ this means greater than for instance ‘FASHION>’ this means that fashion is greater than everything. The fact that VIBE uses this can stand out to the audience. This also indicates that the audience should know what this means. The magazine is in tune with its target audience creating a stronger connection.

CONTENTS PAGE OVERVIEW

CONTENTS PAGE OVERVIEW

All contents pages are from VIBE magazine, so they have been designed with the intention of attracting Hip Hop/RnB fans. Through carrying out this investigation of them and comparing them to each other, it will be possible to identify if there are any shared features of if there are any established repeated patterns.

The six contents pages that have been chosen feature typical magazine conventions such as a main image, and mast head. The image dominates the whole contents page and the articles relate to the content inside. Each contents page follows the same or similar layout creating a brand identity.

There is also a repeated pattern with the contents page as single artists or figures within the music industry dominate the page. However on the second contents page there are two female artists who go by the name Nicki Minaj and Shanelle. Although both musicians have been captured together they are in fact single artists. Although they are signed to the same music label, which is YMCMB. The audience would not expect this, indicating to them that within this particular issue there may be attributes which catch them off guard. There is emphasis on the main images as the readership instantly knows some of the features including. Direct address is used within each issue, creating a personal level with the audience. The Obama contents page shows the president in a humble manor by the way he is posing and with the help of direct address there is a sense of friendship whilst a personal tone is being applied. As well as this the ratio of males to females is very much equal, showing the audience that not only one gender dominates the genre. Males are portrayed as masculine and both Kanye West and Obama are in suits which immediately the audience will associate with being a gentleman just by the items of clothing they are wearing. Spectacular and Plies have both got chains on which contributes to the iconography, in addition to this their muscles are on full view, keeping up the masculine image. Within each of the six contents pages it shows that they are either ‘1/3’ or ‘2/3’ showing that there are more contents pages to come this is so that the pages do not overpower the image. Creating a calm and cool vibe.

The colour scheme of VIBE is not strict. The magazine does try to keep features of the brand identity to strict basic colours. The title contents within all six contents pages are either in black or white, to create a simplistic look. Otherwise the colours depend on the artist featured. The Plies issue has a red background; this connotes blood which can be caused by violence. Violence is a feature which is stereotyped with rappers, as it is usually common within their music. Red also connotes sex. Perhaps this is because rappers also mention sex within their tracks, claiming their past or aspiring relations. Men also portray woman as sexual objects throughout the Hip Hop genre allowing men to take the masculine medal.

The layout is consistent as mentioned previously; on each six covers the artist fills the frame and the content fits around the image. The photographer is always named within the last third of the page reinforcing the brand identity.

On each contents page the signature VIBE masthead appears within the first third of the page. The colour of this is mainly a basic colour such as white or black. The word ‘CONTENTS’ is supposed to stand out so on the Minaj/Shanelle. Spectacular, West and Obama issue due to the white backgrounds the masthead has to appear black for the readership to see it. Although on the Plies and Ciara issue, the masthead appears in white due to the background colour being different.

Throughout all six contents pages, the main similarity is the masthead and the layout of the content. Each image is completely different to show that every artist is unique. The costume is also dependant on the artist as it is worn to show their personality. The Minaj and Shanelle issue shows them as being feminine by the way they dress. Skirts and dresses are always associated with females, and shown in a glamorous light. However this is contradicted by the way they are positioned. Both artists have either one or both hands on their hips; this enforces an element of control. That they feel they are ‘in charge’. Minaj has her leg in front of Shanelle’s to portray the image of being the most important and almost as a ‘queen bee’. Whereas West is portrayed as a vulnerable character which is a unique representation of men within these genres. However this also indicated to the audience that West is unique amongst many other features too. It seems that a women is attempting to take his heart, this is reflected in his music and once again unique as the representation of males within the Hip Hop/RnB genre is the complete opposite to what West is fulfilling.

The Content is also a similar feature purely because each issue has them, they are also positioned similarly as they fall around the main image. This allows artists to feel dominant. Also within the content if an artist’s name has been used then they show this on bold allowing the reader to quickly identify which articles are about who.

Having carried out this overview, it is obvious that VIBE has its own brand identity that is easily recognised by its readership which is maintained through the repetition of its stylistic features in addition to its layout features. These will all contribute to making the magazine successful with sales.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FRONT COVER OVERVIEW

All front covers are from VIBE magazine, so they have all been designed with the intention of attracting fans from the Hip Hop/RnB musical genre. Through carrying out this investigation of them and by comparing them to each other, it will then be possible to identify if there are any shared features within them and then to establish particular repeated patterns.

The eight front covers chosen feature typical magazine cover conventions such as sell lines which accompany the image, mastheads that are designed in an appropriate font, a main image which dominates the front cover, and articles which relate to the content inside. Each cover also takes the layout of a convention magazine.
We also see other repeated patterns. Each front cover features one sole artist image. The audience expect to see an artist on the front cover of a music magazine, but due to there rarely being a group indicates that it is extremely rare for groups within the Hip Hop /RnB world. On each front cover the artist dominates the whole page which emphasizes the importance that they have within their own careers. This shows the artist to be in control. By the artist being the main focus of the frame will attract the target audience, as they know instantly who this issue will contain. Each artist shows direct address towards the audience, even in the Beyonce issue, although her stance is seductive with her head lifted upwards she is still looking directly at the readers creating a personal tone whilst gaining the readerships attention.

In addition to this, the ratio of male to female within this genre is very much equal. This indicates that both genders are as important as the other within the musical world; they both have their unique twists to their music. However males are portrayed as masculine, within the Nelly issue he has his t shirt off, revealing his muscular body which fits the stereotypes of men. Whereas the females are shown as sexual objects, the Ciara issue shows the artist with no clothes on, seductively inciting the audience. This serves to reflect that this could be the way males and females are entirely represented throughout these genres.

Throughout the eight covers the only similarities within each are the masthead and sell lines. Each image is completely different to the next; this is to reinforce the element of being unique. In terms of costume each artist differs, The T.I issues shows him as a male who take his career seriously, he is dressed to impress and wants to be noticed, on the other hand the Lil Wayne issue shows him in a casual light, showing that he feels comfortable within his own skin and doesn’t care what other people think of him, the fact that he is laughing whilst on a throne can be him mocking other artists who feel they are better or wiser than him. Also two of the four female front covers display the women as sexual objects, but on the Alicia Keys issue she is portrayed as elegant, ands simple, with an almost dominant edge. The way each artist is shows relates entirely to the artist themselves and how they wish to be perceived.

The sell lines are a similar feature, purely because each issue has them. The positioning is also similar, as they fall around the main image. Allowing the artist to look dominant.  The sell lines which are in a bigger font than the others relate to the featured artist, providing them with more importance. Some of the issues have a puff, for instance the Alicia Keys issue, but this is to just telling the readers which issue it is. The space on the front of the magazine is devoted to the artists main image, indicates just how important the artists truly are within their careers and within the Hip Hop /RnB genre. The Mise-en-Scene is varied to each artist, as the Nicki Minaj issue shows her in a game, which is colloquial language within these genres as the ‘game’ is another word for the industry.
On each front cover the signature VIBE masthead appears in the exact same place, in a clear display font. The colour of the masthead varies to the artist featured, with the intention of setting the mood. On the Keys and Minaj issue the masthead appears white which gives a sense of purity and originality which are both features within their music. But on the Drake issue yellow is used, this is create a statement, perhaps to show that he is the new face of Hip Hop and here to make his mark.  The heads of artists are placed on top of the masthead, so that it is not fully visible. This suggests that the magazine is such a high success and extremely popular that the audience are able to understand and identify the magazine just by the sell lines and image. IF the magazine was new and upcoming it would not be wise for the image to dominate the masthead as its fan base would not be stable.
Colour wise VIBE has no strict structure. The colours depend on the artist. The Drake issue is black which connotes dominance, it is also a plain and simple colour, this can relate to the artist himself as he is known for being laidback and easy going. Although on the Nicki Minaj issue blue, white and pink are used to create a colourful image, much like Minaj’s look. Blue is a calm colour which is ironic as the front cover itself is anything but calm, perhaps this could be a theme within her music irony.
Layout is consistent as mentioned earlier; on each of the eight covers the artist dominates each frame.  The sell lines fit around the main image, and the barcode is always placed within the last third of the issue. These features will all help to persuade the audience to buy the magazine.
Having carried out this overview, it is obvious that VIBE has its own brand identity that is easily recognised by its target audience. This is maintained through repetition stylistic and layout features within each issue. These are all attributes that will help the magazine to sell and succeed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Case Study

My Focus Group

Today i carried out my focus group.

My focus group discussed the questions on the questionnaire provided. All participants believe that the music magazine should include a feature with the artists on the front cover and they should not just be there for advertisement purposes. However most of their answers were males when I asked them who their favourite Hip Hop /RnB artists are. The artists of their choice included A$AP Rocky and Drake. But when I asked them if they are familiar with the new upcoming artists within this genre such as Honey Cocaine, participants had not heard of her. The magazine which shall be produced will highlight new female artists giving fans an insight into their dreams in addition to bringing them out onto the music scene. We also discussed why they rarely read music magazines. This is caused by them not being available to purchase from supermarkets. BEATS will be available at supermarkets, making it convenient for customers. The group also agreed that £3.50 is a reasonable price for a music magazine; a participant stated the price being ‘pocket change’. Each member of the group revealed that they listen to music each day, which shows they are loyal music fans.  They all also thought the idea of competitions to win concert tickets is a new idea as they do not know magazines which do that. It will also attract more customers.