Original Photographs

Evaluation Question 5

How did you attract/address your audience?

In order to attract and address my target audience I have used appropriate lexis and graphology in my magazine which relates to their age range and gender. Within my double page spread I have used quite a lengthy article because I know it is being read by a more mature audience who probably have more patience to read it. If my magazine was aimed at a younger target audience (i.e mostly  teenagers) I would use a lot less text and incorporate more photos and pulled quotes in my article to keep their attention.
The lexis choices I used in my piece are relative to their audience; I have used a lot of music 'jargon' so the reader knows exactly what I am talking about and they understand the words I have used whereas readers from magazines of different genres may not.
I decided to set my article out in the style of an interview to break up the large amounts of text and make it easier to read in small parts. It is arranged on the page in small paragraphs so it does not look like there is as much text and isn't quite so intimidating to older readers. The title of the double page spread reflects the genre of the magazine and the subtle images keep the readers eye moving through the page.

On my contents page my information was laid out in a very conventional style and it isn't too complex. The large photo draws you in and makes you want to read the relative article and find out more about the band. I have written a large pulled quote to draw the reader into the following article and try and make the page appeal to the widest age range possible. I have continued with my house style which appeals to the blues audience and makes it clear of the genre of the magazine (if you were unsure from the cover).
The black and white photograph keeps with the simplistic style and the large headings and subheadings catch the reader's attention.
The cover story is highlighted and made clear for any readers who were interested in the covering band from the title page of the magazine. The white text against the blues background (keeping with the theme) makes the text stand out more and draws attention to all of the things which are included in the magazine.

On the front cover of the magazine the main focus is the medium shot image of the figure playing the guitar. This simple image sums up the genre of the magazine and can appeal to all ages within the target audience.
The large title is on a background of musical notes witch also show the magazines content and add depth, drawing in the reader. The simplicity of the image and the use of colours which work together make it look more professional and attracts more mature readers.
Readers are also attracted by the giveaway which is advertised on the cover; if people aren't attracted by the cover band then the John Mayer giveaway may grab their attention. I have advertised other bands on the front cover such as Oli Brown so that fans will take a note and want to buy the magazine.
The same applies for the large list of feature in the bottom right hand corner, any one of these elements may attract a different range of people so by listing them all I can attract the widest audience range possible because there is something that appeals to everyone.

Evaluation Question 4

Who would be the audience for your media product?

 I think that my magazine targets a pretty niche audience, definitely with a higher percentage of males than females. Blues music isn't very popular with younger people so I would set the majority of my readers aged 25-50. Of course there will be exceptions to my assumptions but I would say that most readers come under this category.

In terms of demographics, I don't think that my magazine would be targeted towards aspirers, people who are looking for a more glam lifestyle would probably be reading fashion magazines or magazines within a more popular genre of music. Seeing as my magazine contains no advertisements, it would not appeal to these people anyway. I think more 'mainstreamers' would read my magazine than aspirers, but mostly I have targeted my magazine towards individuals.

Classic rock style magazines are usually associated with lots of drinking and drugs, and heavier 'rocker' figures. I think the audience to my magazine is slightly aiming towards this style but much more laid back and relaxed.  The blues genre isn't as heavy as rock but is very similar in some ways so may attract some similar audiences.

I think that the younger band of my target audience would be interested in seeing live music on a regular basis but the older generations may be more interested in the use of technology, which is why I think it would be appropriate to make a website for my magazine. Also the older readers may be interested in a radio channel or giveaways for the magazine to promote it further and reach the maximum range of people in the target audience.

Evaluation Question 2

Open publication - Free publishing

Music Magazine Cover

Music Magazine Cover, a photo by Shan Tomlinson on Flickr.

Here is an annotated version of my magazine front cover on Flickr. Click on the image to see my notes and tags.

Music Magazine Contents

Music Magazine Contents, a photo by Shan Tomlinson on Flickr.

Here is an annotated version of my magazine contents page in Flickr. Click on the image to see my notes and tags.

Music Magazine Double Page

Music Magazine Double Page, a photo by Shan Tomlinson on Flickr.

Here is an annotated version of my magazine double page spread in Flickr. Click on the image to see my notes and tags.