3 Flat plan for double page spread

Colour Schemes

The preliminary task has given me a greater understanding of color schemes that are intertwined with codes and conventions. From these rock magazines, all express a very similar colour scheme, which can also be assessed as a rock colour scheme convention.

A dark background is nearly always chosen, mainly black or dark blue. These colours highlight the mastheads that appear to be usually white, showing a great contrast. As a result causing an effect by making the magazine stand out and become eye- catching towards the audience. If the masthead is black, a white background is placed behind it that separates and causes a divide between the rest of the magazine and the masthead.

The main cover/anchor line is conventionally a bright colour, such as yellow, red or white. The colour normally reflects and goes well with the colour of the masthead. If it is a different colour, it will usually complement and go well together with the colour of the masthead, such as white and gold or red and black.

The anchor line is usually a bright colour and almost bounces off the dark cover of the magazine and attracts the target market, also known as the audience. The audience are also conventionally associated with young adults and middle aged people, highlighting the Kerrang magazines, thus using a bright colour scheme to enhance the promotion of the magazine.

Typefaces and fonts

Hard rock is the typeface used to create a strong atmosphere of rock. This font shows features and attracts all people who love to rook to an electric sound, which is being expressed from the thick bold masculine form. This typeface is a strong contender for my magazine. It will possibly be used in my publication as the masthead. A weaker interpretation will be if I would require this font as an anchor/main cover line. This is because this bold, loud and intrepid typeface will attract the audience with its’ large lettering. This typeface has character that is shown from the white out lining and the misty, deteriorated appearance.

Acid label is the typeface that I will be considering to use as a masthead. This font emits a natural and untidy effect from its’ decayed form. As a result, this can be looked upon as following the codes and conventions of rock, particularly by observing the main title, as they usually seem to show a clear distinction between other fonts. This font connotes a tone of death and almost symbolises a tense mood from the lack of colour in the text.

Evil Dead will possibly suit a rock magazine from the small spikes that add a sense of rock element. This typeface would be required for the anchor/main cover line as it is clear and clearly shows a simple understanding of the text from the thick bold letters. This will stand out to the reader who will immediately realise what the main article is about. This font is simple and different to the masthead, as this will show a clear distinction between them and will therefore look presentable and appealing.

Hagane is an even simpler font type compared to evil dead. They both share the same connotation of expressing clarity and portraying a direct point of the main cover line. However, in further detail, Hagane seems to show a lack of uniqueness, as it does not have any kinds of features, such as spikes or distinct lettering. However, due to this, the typeface can also be used for subheadings and text, specifically on a button/flash as well as the anchor line.

Arial Black is a strong bold font that can be used for the main text. This is because it is very readable and can be associated with and any audience. The typeface conveys a normal and neutral tone, which is shown from the formal and structured lettering and also be used for the main cover line as well as the main text.

Sketched Cassius Broken suggests a rock atmosphere from the waved and urban style. This typeface can relate to adults as well as younger individuals and can be used in for sub heading. On the other hand, this may not work as it is not the clearest of fonts and does not show any link between the typefaces chosen for the anchor line and especially with the masthead.

Rock it is another typeface that has a better chance of becoming the typeface of the subheadings. The reason behind this is because rock magazine usually have a similar font style between the masthead and the subheadings. Rock it is the typeface very similar to the font type of hard rock and acid label and shows that the fonts can relate to each other and not randomly chosen.

Publication title ideas

WHAM

CLASH

ROCK FEVER

PREMIER ROCK

ROCK SOLID

SOLO

LEGACY

VIRTUAL ROCK

CHAOS

Conventions and Questionnaire

My questionnaire has a significant effect. The survey will allow me to recognise and to see what my audience expects to conventionally see on a rock magazine. This can prove very beneficial as this will give me a chance to consist challenging codes and conventions.

For example, many people would usually see a rock star or group on a magazine. From this I can challenge and question the convention by not having a rock star as a main image but having an image associated with rock and attaining a simple connotation towards the audience.

Questionnaire Results

From a survey of 30 people, I have grouped together my results of the questionnaire that have been distributed to the public.

Q1) Are you male or female?

From the 30 people chosen in my questionnaire, I have asked 20 males and 10 females. I have decided to associate my magazine with the male gender but keeping an open mind and keeping a balanced target audience.

Q2) What age group do you fit into.

Since my magazine was relating to rock, I wanted to specify my audience age group. As a result I have surveyed individuals who are between the age group of 16- 22, mainly teenagers and young adults.

Q3) What colours do you you think work best for rock magazines?

The most popular colours that were mentioned were purple/ blue/ black/ red. Bold colours were the clear choice that should be required for a rock genre.

Q4) What typeface works best for the masthead on a rock magazine?

Blackoak Std shows a popular choice for the masthead. Along with this font type, Forte is another typeface, largely considered for being a choice for my masthead. In further detail people have chosen a typeface consisting of large and bold lettering, along with some character and style. This suggests I will design and choice a typeface that is clear but shows signs of character.

Q5) What kind of images best associate with rock magazines?

Rock instruments, such as guitars, drums and microphones were suggested. Also, speakers and studios were some people's opinions, which gave a variety of images.

Q6) Which type of layout do you prefer and why?

This graph shows a representation of certain individual’s choice of choosing a clear layout. A busy layout would also be recommended as the page will be filled and consists of many features for the reader to read. A clear layout could be significant as it allows the reader to acknowledge the full page with no confusion. However, for a personal choice I would like my magazine to have a neutral layout, expressing signs of exciting features.

Q7) What type of main image would you see on a rock magazine?

A clear majority of people have said they would like to see a rock star or rock group on a magazine. This would seem very conventional but I would also like to design and take a good quality photograph and position it on the front cover, to represent my magazine. As a result, this will appeal to more individuals and may relate to specific people, also implying it’s a rock magazine.

Q8) How much are you willing to pay for a rock magazine?

£2-3 is the price range that people are willing to pay for their rock magazine. From the targeted audience being around 16- 22, they are willing to spend a low or medium amount, with only 3 people willing to pay £5+.

Q9) What content would you like to be consisted in a rock magazine?

This question brought individuals to say relevant and significant ideas. Aspects, such as charts, competitions and live performance dates and locations.

Questionnaire

My questionnaire will help me to evaluate my audience and be able to understand their interests about rock magazines. This will enable me to construct a rock magazine that will relate to rockers and will be a likely choice of purchase.