For this part of my media A level course I was instructed to create a college magazine, which would help me get the right structure and features the examiners want to see in my music magazine.
Through making my college magazine cover I have used many aspects of creating college magazines in general. Some of these use common conventions of music and college magazines such as how to set out the alignment of the cover; placing the sell lines within the first third of the cover, placing a promotion on the page, in this case it being a competition to win something, and a teasing content. I have intentionally put the items where they appear on the cover page because it gives them an effect. Personally I think this is apparent with my 'Freshers Halloween Party' advertisement as the colour from the image brings attention to the reader. I have also added a different colour to my teasing content, this being bright green. I did this because it is an added extra to the magazine that gives the audience an impression that they are receiving more for their money, therefore making it a more valuable purchase. Placing the barcode in the bottom right corner next to the 'PLUS!' section brings the attention to the reader that is isn't a free magazine which then will draw the readers eyes to the price line and date line.
The social group my college magazine is aimed particularly at student aged 16-19; however it’s also aimed at those who are contemplating going to college or not. My target audience for this project is quite narrow because a college magazine only appeals to those in education or those who are going to be. Using this information I aim to achieve I added the UCAS sell line as it then intrigues the people who are contemplating going to college and are interested in applying. I believe that my college magazine represents and appeals to my target audience successfully. I took the alliteration of 'Wyke Wonders' as a inspirational catch line to my target audience. The wonders of a new school lifestyle, that move from school to college and the wonders it brings, as well as the wonders of being independent in a working/learning area for the first time, all bring a that sense of question. My magazine is trying to not only persuade but to help pre-college students to wonder about their options, consider their options and make the right choice. As for current students this can be a sense of wondering what the next steps are, another learning year in Wyke or steps to a further education else where, therefore this applies to both types of target audience.To sell my issues to the target audience (Students) I included features that I knew teenagers would be interested in. For example I have promoted a Halloween party event on my contents page. I know that that teenagers would be interested because being a student myself we are always looking for an excuse to party. Aswell as that I have introduced the 'WIN' promotion that will hopefully be an instant eye catcher to the teen, younger generation as I have applied the chance to win an ipad. A new piece of technology that most young people can relate to. Even if this feature is the only thing the audience interested in they will still probably buy a copy just to have a chance at winning this special prize. To sell my issues I made sure that my magazine cover looked as professional as possible because the cover is the key to selling issues. Through my research I noticed every professional had a house style, so in the style of professional magazines I created a house style which consisted of Purple, Black and White. I made sure to keep the use of these colours consistent as much as possible; for example I used these colours within my models costume aswell to try complete a consistent colour scheme throughout the cover page and contents page. Through my product creation I have learnt that it’s all about trial and error. Although media students may have a set design in mind, you seem to be constantly changing aspects to create a more appropriate product. Through my research I have learned to never be attached to one certain feature because once you have created all the features it could be apparent that, that particular one doesn't work so well.. To create both my cover and contents page I used a program called Photoshop CS5. This programme creates layers which you can work upon individually or as a group. This essentially makes a great final product if things are put in place correctly. Before taking AS media I was unfamiliar with alot of techniques within Photoshop however I have gained alot of knowledge. Consequently this could lead to my media pieces becoming better as I gain even more knowledge on Photoshop and Editing. My magazine connotes a happy, outgoing, peaceful college. This can be shown within my MCU, and my model; such as the facial expression my model has is smiling to a great extent whilst holding college books. I intentionally planned for my model to be doing this so it could connote to my audience Wyke is a great place to attend and if they study there, they will have a good, enjoyable education. I have placed my model in the Wyke College site whilst it was fairly quite to represent the idea that Wyke is a very independent place to work, learn and meet new people. It's calm and there is nobody pressuring you to join but is very welcoming and inviting to accept new students. I chose the colours Purple, White and Black for my colour scheme and house style as these colours can relate to both male and female. This is a great feature to have as if they are positioned in the right placed they stand out well, as well as attracting both sex's in my target audience. In conclusion I think when taking into account all my meanings of why and how I produced my work, the product is successful, meaningful and works well to relate to the students. However in time of working more on media products I hope to improve on tasks such as this set never the less I am happy with what I have produced so far.
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