Help and pointers 10.2.14

UPLOAD – all the work you’ve done so far, including analysis, image editing etc. With the practical stuff, make sure you ASK other people – not just me – what they think (via blogger) and make use of their feedback.

THEORY STUFF (not a comprehensive list by any means, but things to cover) 1. Investigate your target audience. Be specific. Who wants to buy your magazine? Why? Think Blumler and Katz and Young & Rubicam.

2. Build up a complete profile of your ideal consumer. How old is the ideal consumer? What interests do they have as well as music? What socio-demographic do they belong to? How much disposable income do they spend and what does it go on? Be comprehensive

3. Exchange of texts. How will your mag get to the reader? Will they buy it from a shop or read it exclusively on line? What shop would stock it? Why? Think about mainstream stockists (WHSmith / Tesco etc) Vs independent retailers. Think about the content of your mag – would the big stockists feel comfortable selling your mag if it has ‘adult’ themes or images?

4. What are the advantages of mail order? Think how this applies to niche magazines (and identify a few) What are the disadvantages?

5. Deconstruction of other mags. What are the codes and conventions used? Do some magazines deliberately challenge established conventions (eg RayGun) What do you (and your TA prefer) and why? Compare the conventional (Kerrang! / Q / TOTP et al) to the unconventional (Raygun).

6. Check off the list Miss Howsam gave you at the start of the year. Make sure you have blogged all the pre-production work up.

PRACTICAL STUFF (not a comprehensive list by any means, but things to cover) 1. Name of mag / masthead design. What are the connotations behind your choice of name? Why have you chosen a specific font. What does that signify to you and your readership?

2. Layout ideas for P1 / contents and DPS. What are they going to look like? Maybe rough out a sketch or plan, photograph it and upload it to your blog (with annotations). What incentives will you offer your readers? Does a niche / indie publication need them as much as mainstream mags?

3. Images – what existing images do you like (and say why) – look at Ross Halfin, David Bailey and others. Look at my blog for more ideas. Explain WHY you have looked at (and edited) existing images. Explain that although you cannot use them in your magazine, you got to grips with the software and wanted to use it (Pixlr / Photoshop) to create new connotations to existing shots – then use the skillsets you have learned to enhance your own work. What mood / tone / vibe are you hoping to create with your own images? Does your TA think you have achieved your goals?

All of this needs to be blogged up ASAP – come and find me to discuss. Remember, this isn’t an exhaustive list – just some pointers.