Planning and Research

Typefaces and Fonts

As you can see I have created a few names of the magazine, extracted from my school name. I have tried to vary my labeling of my magazine to give myself more options to choose from. I will possibly cancel down the names from my selection to three respectable identifications. Afterwards I will then ask people, specifically my target audience and ask them which of the three names would seem eye catching and appealing. In my opinion a title of a magazine should consist of a representation and associated with the content inside the magazine. According to the mastheads they all attain the word ‘Heston’, hence telling the reader straight away that it will affect people in the area and from the school.

Next to the chosen magazine mastheads are the typefaces in which they are written in. Different typefaces convey different effects and should be used in certain cases. For example, if I were designing a magazine for men I would possibly choose a thick bold and large font type, as with women I may use a more delicate and streamlined text.

Layout

From the flat plans above, going towards my finished flat plan on the right, each one has been developed. the middle flat plan was created first, moving the left comes afterwards which attains more of a completed theme. This is because I considered using a button/ flash and an anchor/ model credit. A button/ flash is usually brightly coloured and attractive, attaining a information stating, e.g. 'win tickets to school play/trip'.

Focusing on my flat plan (on the right), I would recognise the layout as fairly balanced. This is because it shows signs of uniqueness and style intertwined with a touch of professionalism. This is shown through the use of positioning of the text boxes, specifically where the small images and cover lines are not straight but rotated slightly to make the front page edgy and consist of character. These are amongst other features such as the title, which has a simple standard layout position. In addition to this, a left third is clearly presented and should show a natural column in relation to the image. The layout of the magazine could perhaps be improved by making space for some teasers and a strap line commenting on a school slogan. This will also improve and ensure a more positive attraction towards the reader. A possible slogan could be ‘strengthening our community through excellence in education’.

Features

The front page of the mag/newsletter should contain stories that interest the reader, also known as the target audience. However, simultaneously luring the reader into purchasing and reading the text inside.

Since my magazine is about the Heston school and the issue of not having built a new common room for sixth form students, I will consider the following stories:

An interview with the headmaster

Responses of the 6th formers and teachers

Other unrelated stories:

Abroad trips for students to Berlin and New York New

construction on campus

These stories will form a sense connection between the reader and the magazine almost acting like a third person informing what is going on in school. Also, these particular points will possibly give students and teachers a greater insight of what they can take part in and what the headmaster is going to do about certain issues.

Research on magazines and their image/s

Magazines use specific images to create and portray a story in a more visual sense. Images can be very direct and can have a huge impact on the reader. This is because certain pictures can symbolise what the magazine is about and therefore will relate to particular people. For example, focusing on the GQ magazine, printed on the front page is the Irish actor Colin Farrell. The male representative of GQ is wearing a fashionable, stylish suit. This immediately suggests the magazine contains some sort of information of the latest clothes and fashion, hence luring the individuals who are interested in their appearance. Focusing on the image itself, from the colourful background of Colin Farrell has made him well known in parts of the world. As a useful technique used by the magazine have mirrored Colin’s life style to the magazine. The reason for this is the person on the front of the magazine may tell a story presented to the reader, in this case Colin Farrell can be linked in with the skyline of the page.

http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/

This GQ website relates to the magazine as it advertises celebraty stories. The magazine is also an insight to the wedsite and acts as a first sight of tha name GQ, being able to lead the readers to the actual website, as the website is shown on the side of the magazine.