Mood Board: Stereotypical Indie Bands/Artists

I decided to go online and look at stereotypical indie bands and artists, I found that the males usually have quite a rugged and unkept look. They all wear similar clothing also. The women wear minimal makeup and have a natural look. I will use this to refer to when I have my photo shoot.

Words Associated with Indie

Research: Target Audience 1 - Mastheads

I created a survey for people to tally which masthead font would be most appropriate for my music magazine. I will ask people the ages of 16 - 30 as this is the target audience of indie music, as a result this will make the magazine inviting if I ask this age range.

Planning: Mastheads

I decided that I would use Indiependant as my masthead. I choose to use this as it incorporates Indie into the masthead, as indie means independent. I altered the spelling to pendent, as this links with jewellery therefore appealing to a target audience of females.

To design these mastheads I used a website called a 1001 free fonts, on this website they provide a wide range of fonts. In my opinion I think that all of these fonts link to the genre of Indie but I will create a survey asking my target audience of their opinions.

Planning: Photo Shoot 1

Mood Board: Clothing

Most of this clothing is quite dark as this represents there style. I like there clothing choices as they are very alternative creating a unique style. I may dress my model in a pair of dungarees as this tends to be a common piece of clothing that indies tend to wear.

Mood Board: Makeup

Indie makeup tends to be quite natural looking but sometimes has a burst of colour as shown on the lips and eyes. I shall use some of these makeup styles in my photo shoot to create different styles. The main makeup style I will use will be natural looking as this will link with the background.

Mood Board: Poses

These poses tend to be quite relaxed and an 'I don't care' attitude. I like all of these poses as they are all different from one another and are very intriguing. I will use many of these poses in my magazine as they reflect the genre of music.

Mood Board: Background Settings

These backgrounds would be great for a backdrop as they are very natural and rural which indies are. I will certainly use nature in my music magazine as this links to indie's styles and creates natural vibe.

Mood Board: Hair Styles

I have looked at a few different hairstyles that I could use on my model for the photo shoot. All these images are similar in a way that they are very textured and look unbrushed, this creates a more natural look.

Reasons Behind My Mood Boards

I am going to design a selection of  mood boards because I want to get an idea of the different styles. I'll also do this because when it come to the photo shoot I want to have a wide range of research and ideas to look through. I will create mood boards using word, I will then take a screen grab of all the mood boards and posted them on here. I will do this so I can look through them when necessary. 

Planning: Masthead Names

For my genre I will create a masthead that links to Indie. I have come up with a few names possible for my masthead;

The Originals
Indiependant
Indiependence

Research: Double Page Spread 1

How this research has influenced my planning and creativity

• This has influenced me because I like how they have scratched away the headline.
• I like the drop capital because it draws attention I will consider using this in my music magazine.
• I like how they have edited the photograph so it's in sepia.

Research: Contents Page 3 - Mojo

How this research has influenced my planning and creativity

• I like how the publisher has used a black and white theme throughout the contents age as this creates synergy.
• Furthermore I especially like how the numbering has been placed upon the images as this is different but appealing.
• I also like how a variety of fonts have been used to emphasise certain parts.

Research: Contents Page 2 - Mojo

Research contents 2 from RheanonGreenASMedia

How this research has influenced my planning and creativity

• I like how a range of fonts has been used for different reasons.
• I like how the layout on the contents page is in a form of collage.
• I will have the same masthead on the front page and the contents page as this creates a house style and synergy.

Research: Front Cover 5 - The Fly (Indie)

The Fly - The Vaccines

Masthead

The masthead is in bold and black, this is because it links to the genre of the magazine as this is indie. The Fly magazine uses white or black as there masthead colours usually because this keeps it different but still recognisable. The masthead is quite large and is located towards the top of the magazine as this adhers to the conventions of magazines. Sans serif is used to keep the title easily readable as well as linking to the genre. One of the band members head and a puff covers part of the masthead therefore suggesting that this magazine is very well known. The house style remains the same throughout all of The Fly's magazines as this creates a brand identity as well as being distinct to the reader. Black has connotations of power, elegance and mystery this adhers to the genre of the magazine as well as the central image.

                                                                    Central Image

The central image is of The Vaccines which is an indie pop band. This photograph covers the page from top to bottom but has left white space in the background, this is because they do not want the magazine to be too busy. The background is white therefore linking in with the colour scheme of this article. This photo has also been taken at a high angle as well as being a wide shot, this is because all the band members need to fit in the photo and to create a empowering effect to the band. This photograph was taken in a studio and we can see that lights have been used to create shadows behind each member. The lead singer is placed towards the front of the group, implying that he is the main member of the band. All members are staring down the camera creating direct address, this is because it entices the reader. A black and white photograph creates quite a vintage effect as well as linking to the colour scheme of the magazine article. Most of the band members have quite a rough look as they have unshaven beards and messy hair, therefore given the impression of a careless attitude. In addition this links to Dyers theory 'How we are seen determines how we are treated' as The Vaccines appearance will determine how there treated.  The outfits worn on the band seem to be darker colours, this links to the genre of the music and magazine as well as creating a modern feel. I think that the target audience for this magazine would be from the ages of 17 - 30 and would be for both genders.

Cover Line

The Vaccines is wrote in sans serif and is in bold uppercase lettering, this is because this is very distinct to the customer. The writing is also in pink this contrasts with the background and creates more colour within the front cover.  The word 'shot' has been used to encourage the reader because it's a strong and powerful word, this is called a buzz/tag word. 

Puff

The puff shown on the right is shown on each of The Fly magazine articles and also covers up part of the masthead each time. This is because the magazine is recognisable as well as being a buzz word which engages with the reader. The puffs are in a bright yellow and add colour to the front cover, also this is attracts the consumers attention.

Banner

The banner is placed across the bottom of the page so it doesn't become a main feature. An opaque banner has been used because it doesn't want to distract the customer's attention away from the article, this is common convention that The Fly use with there magazines. The writing is also in pink adding more colour to the article, however the word 'plus' is wrote in black this is a tag word.

Dateline

 
This breaks conventions as this isn't usually used on the front cover.  This is provided so the consumer can find more information about the institution.

How this research has influened  my planning and creativity

• I really like how the banner is opaque this appeals to me as this is very unique.
• I also like the bright colours that have been used because it adds character.
• Also what appeals to me is the buzz words that have been used because this entices readers.
• I will consider using the bright pink as this stands out.

Research: Contents Page 1 - Q

How this research has influenced my planning and creativity

• I like how Q have used 'the Q review' this is very unique and appeals to me.
• A collage effect will be useful for my magazine as it aims at the younger target audience which I intend to do.
• The bright puffs looks engaging, I may use this in my music magazine.

Links, Synergy & Brand Identity

It is obvious that these two pages are from the same magazine as there are similar relations between the two. Therefore a brand identity has been created for Acoustic. The artist is photographed in the same outfit with the same facial expression, therefore creating synergy.

The font used in the contents are the same as the cover lines, this links because the cover lines have important information as do the headers in the contents.

Both are simple and uncluttered. They look of high quality as a result it will appeal to an older target audience and also readers of a middle to upper class status.

 The acoustic guitar has been used as this obviously links to the masthead. Passengers facial expressions looks fed up and bored therefore linking to Dyers theory of 'a star is an image, not a real person, that is constructed', he may not be like this in person but is perceived to be like this in the article.



Synergy is created through:
1] Colour - the same red, white and black are used
2] Fonts - styles and sizes match
3] The cover story is the largest on the contents and front cover
4] There are images of guitars on both of the pages
5] The main model is featured in the same costume on the front cover and contents

How this research has influenced my planning and creativity

I know I need to:

• Make sure my main cover story is synergetic with the front cover and that it is the biggest
• I need to ensure my colours match between my pages
• I need to choose fonts that I can use on all pages.  

Research: Front Cover 4 - Billboard

Billboard - Beyoncé

Masthead

The mastheads colour is vibrant colours as this grabs the audiences attention. Furthermore the masthead is the most colourful part of the magazine. The masthead is positioned at the centre top and covers one fifth of the page as the audience will recognise the magazine by the masthead. In addition this adheres to conventions as this is a common place for the masthead. Although Billboard do not always locate their masthead towards the top and do not always use the same colour. The font is sans serif as this is very formal and plain.

Central Image

This image is of Beyoncé, an R&B pop artist. The image covers the whole page but leaves a little part of the corner showing therefore showing that the background is a studio, this means that artificial light has been used to create light in certain places. The camera shot is a close up as the photographer wanted to emphasise the artists facial expression. In addition Beyoncé's facial expressions seems to be very seductive therefore linking to Mulveys theory of 'women are viewed for the pleasure of men' this image therefore intrigues men because of her pose. Furthermore Beyoncé stares into the camera, this follows conventions of a front cover as most models look into the camera to make a connection with the reader. Also a prop has been used in the same way to create a promiscuous appearance. Also Beyoncé has her nails painted red, the connotations of red are danger and power, therefore suggesting she has a bad side to her. In addition this links to Richard Dyers theory of 'a star is an image' as Beyoncé may not have this attitude but is perceived to. Her hair seems to be quite wild and appear to look thick this suggests that its quite unkept. Her makeup is very subtle as the colours are browns and red therefore looking quite natural. This image appeals to men more than women but the magazine is unisex. The genre of the Billboard magazine is pop therefore appealing to a target audience from 16 - 30 year olds as the artists music will appeal to them. 

Head Line

The font is bold to attract attention, however the text doesn't really contrast with the image. The 'Live at Roseland Elements of 4' is wrote in serif as this creates a classy and fancy look. The headline is promoting Beyoncé's new album called 4, the 'Live at Roseland' part suggests that she had sung her new album there.

Cover Lines

The cover lines are located to the left and make the front cover look neat and organised. The same font of sans serif has been used throughout the cover lines as they want to keep this formal. The writing is in white this is used for all of the text on the page, therefore creating synergy through colour. One bit of text is larger and bolder this is 'NYC', because this is a major city in America the audience will be drawn to it.

Date Line

The date line is located above the bar code, this is because the date doesn't play a major part on the front cover. The date is also very precise, unlike many other magazines which only state the month, this shows that this magazine publishes more than 1 article a month. Also the colour of writing here is white a like the rest it links to the magazine through synergy.

Bar Code

The bar code is an essential part of selling the magazine as with out it would be unsold. This bar code is located towards the bottom left this adheres to conventions.

How this has influenced my planning and creativity

• I will take into consideration of creating synergy through colour.
• I'll also place my bar code at the bottom to follow conventions.
• I shall organise my cover lines so they look neat.

Research: Front Cover 3 - NME

NME Catfish & the Bottlemen

Masthead

The writing in the masthead is in a vibrant red, this is because it is a bright colour and can attract the attention of the reader. Red also has connotations of danger which relates to the magazine genre as they are quite boisterous. The font used is sans serif, this is because the font is bold and readable. NME abbreviates for New Music Express, this is well suited for the magazine as it promotes new music. The position of the masthead is located at the top left, this is a common place to put the masthead. The size of the masthead is quite small compared to other music magazines like Kerrang and Acoustic, this is because NME is usually quite busy. This edition of the music magazine is a special edition, this is placed in a blue box-out, therefore appealing to the audience and standing out. The word 'special' is a buzz word, this entices the consumer as this means something is different about this article. The writing in the box-out is used like a stencil this is unorthodox and creates an effective style.

Central Image

The central image is of Van McCann a member of the band Catfish & the Bottlemen. This photograph has little white space in the background, this is because the cover stories cover them up. The background is blue, therefore drawing a connection with the colour scheme in this article. The photograph is a medium close up this is to show the face clearly, suggesting that our attention should be focused there. Van McCann uses direct address as he's staring directly into the camera this adheres to the conventions of magazines, this creates a connection with the customer. Green's theory was men are viewed for the pleasure of women, this relates to Van McCann as he is staring directly into the camera which links with the pull quote, therefore showing a bad side to him. In addition this links with Dyers theory of 'a star is an image' as e is perceived to be a bad boy when he may not be. The outfit worn by Van McCann is quite dark colours this links to the genre of music because the music is distinct like the clothing. McCann also wears sunglasses in this photograph to give the effect of himself being 'cool' and 'shady', this links to the pull quote 'Am I the bad boy of rock, then?'.

Head Line

The pull quote used gives an insight into the article and entices the customer. Many different colours have been used here to create varied effects. A blue box-out has been applied for 'Am I the bad boy of rock, then?' this is because the blue contrasts of the background. A white box-out has been used for the name of the band and black writing has been used because these colours are opposites, therefore being one of the first things you look at. Also a yellow box-out has been used because this is a bright colour. All of these colours link to the colour scheme. Alliteration has been applied 'bad boy' this is used as a buzz to engage readers. 

Graphics

These graphics are advertisements which are used to intrigue the reader as this may be interesting the the reader as it is about a music festival. 'T In The Park' is wrote in bold writing because this is the place of the festival and is a very well known, therefore standing out to the audience so they can see this first.

Cover Lines

The cover lines are used to give the reader a sneak peak to what is inside the magazine. Bold writing has been used in the titles because this is what people see first because of the size of it. A red line has been used to underline the titles because red contrasts with the background and the black writing.

Bar code and Date Line

The bar code is present on the front of the magazine because if it wasn't there the magazine would not be able to be bought. The date and price is located on the bar code as this isn't relevant to the article and would be an eyesore.


How this research has influenced my planning and creativity

• I like how box-outs have been used in different colours to create varied effects.
• I will make my model look directly into the camera as this creates direct address.
• Another thing I like is the pull quotes, this gives you an insight to what the article is about.