Front cover photograph ideas

I have compiled a montage of images of 'arun' my subject. From my photography research I have learnt to take a photo bearing in mind, such as the composition of the shot. I tried to vary my shot types and angles, however if I wanted to alter an element in an image I feel confident enough to use my growing knowledge of photoshop to change my picture.

The mise en scene had to be perfect to an extent because I felt that a good photograph had to be in focus, as it is a key factor on the front cover. In greater detail, I provided a bandana to my subject, along with specific jewellery associated with rock. Focusing on the bandana, I used it in many shots because I wanted to connate a relationship between it and 'arun' (rock star). It could also symbolise a signature appearance, hence causing the audience to remember 'arun' in future issues.

Feature stories

Feature stories can be titled on the main cover and should interest the audience. Along with teasers, button/ flashes and hooks, these feature stories can also lure and attract the audience. This should then result in me portraying well -presented and clear stories, making it uncomplicated and easy to read.

The main feature story would be presented on the double page spread. A feature story is significant and can play a key role towards the target market. The stories can send out morals, issues and can advertise artists by making their ego bigger or creating a negative attitude forcing a change in popularity. A magazine is a part of the huge media global institution and can express the Hypodermic theory by alternating the audience’s views and perspective, particularly on rock artists.

As a result, I am going to try and create a main feature story consisting an interview that is expressing a rock artist’s thoughts, feelings and views. This personal interview seems unconventional and suggests a feature of challenging the common codes and conventions, in this case a rock article and a feature story. This is because a usual rock interview conveys a personal view about their music tours and concerts. However, the normal daily life never really arrives in the audience’s thoughts, therefore making an inviting story for the audience to read.

Along with the expressive interview, balancing the conventions by not challenging them will be shown through the normal rock stories such as:

• Rock charts

• Younger generation of rock

• Dates for tours

• Sexy secrets of rockers

• Reviews of performances

Double page spread ideas

My double page spread ideas each consist of having a different attitude toward the audience.

Firstly, my double page spread could show two images of rock artists facing each other. One of their faces could be on the left side of the first page looking at the other face, positioned on the other page. The audience will then see an immediate relationship between the rockers, as they are situated on either side of the double page spread. This will also contribute to the house style as one of the rockers could be linked to the front cover, showing a superior approach over the other rock star in the double page spread. A quote could also be in capital letters, running across the double page. The article can also be associated with the two images, printed in the bottom half of the page.

Another thought that could be considered for my double page spread is the main image could be of a band, standing in a subtle, calm and unconventionally manner. The main artist would be at the front of the magazine, with the house style being presented with his rock group at in the middle of the double page spread. However, if this is a strong contender for my double page spread, the image of the rock band should not be covered with the centre line/ spine. On the other hand, if I were to position the main image across the spine of the page, I will make sure that facial features of the rock artists will not be covered or in line with the centre line. This will create a central point for the audience to look at. In addition, an article or an interview with one or two of the band members providing a personal view, which creates a conversational piece of text between the audience and the magazine.

For both ideas, quotes are going to be essential and could be positioned just before the main article or across the middle of the top half of the double page spread. Page numbers are also a conventional theme on a double page spread, which are situated at the bottom corner of the pages. In further detail, the colour of the page numbers should be a different colour as this is for simplicity sake, hence making it easier for the audience to relate the contents page and the double page spread. The institutional logo can also be presented to the target audience, located on top or below the page number. This will sub consciously advertise the logo of the magazine with a subtle appearance towards the audience.

Mood Board

Above is a mood board about some ideas that I am considering to use. These images will help me take in different interpretations of rock magazines, on how they appear and what things relate to the genre rock.

Ideas of magazine hooks

Hooks, teasers and button/ flashes are a variety of ways required to draw the attention of the audience. Button/ flashes are exceptionally used for this specific motive. This is because they are usually brightly coloured and have short statements or facts on what the magazine can offer the reader.

Here are some examples of hooks, teasers and button/ flashes that I am going to consider for my rock magazine:

• Win a trip to Germany to see AC/DC
• Reveal plans for new album
• The return of Slash
• The UK’s biggest GIG guide
• Win the competition and travel to New York
• Plus Slipknot, Green Day and Metallica

All of these hooks, teasers and button/ flashes help draw the audience in and are a very useful technique of attracting viewers in purchasing the magazine.

Freebies are also conventionally used for the same purpose.

For example, I would use in my rock magazine to use free posters, free giant tour posters or a free CD.

I think this will advertise the magazine to the audience and selling to the target market would increase, causing institutions to gain the maximum revenue.

1 Flat plan for front cover

2 Flat plan for front cover