Research And Planning: Progress....

It is currently the christmas holidays.

I don't have the software on my home computer to do much more in terms of creating my magazine and it's a bit of a struggle without the college facilities.

I have just been working on sketches for the double page spread which will be scanned in on my return to college.

Research And Planning: Location Risk Assessment

Yesterday I took some location shots for where I would like my photoshoot.

Hyde Park.

Whilst walking around the park looking for suitable areas for my model, there were factors I began to take into consideration.

The terrain is often on a slope, mainly downhill- if the ground is wet or icy (like recently), this can be difficult and hazardous to walk down.
Due to a large amount of trees, there are a lot of leaves that scatter the pathway- these are also quite slippy.
A lot of my shots will be taken off the footpath so the thick mud, often unstable, does pose as a problem. Being a park, there is a lot of debris: litter including glass bottles, pieces of wood- things to trip over. I would have to be sure the area I was using was cleared first as not to allow anyone to come to harm.

These are not only risks for myself and the model but for the equipment.
The environment is incredibly damp and in areas swamp like. If the camera were to be dropped or misplaced- the damage caused would be irreparable.

I originally wanted to place my model on a log that sits in a small river, but after some serious thought- the risk to her and my camera were too high to even chance it.

Research And Planning: Location

Research And Planning: Test Shots

Research And Planning: Shot And Masthead Experiment

(Image of Florence Welch taken from google images....not own image)

I really wanted to experiment with how I can get the masthead to work with the main image just so that I had a clearer idea on the positioning of the models.

After finding an image that was as close to the one in my head, I set to work. 

I really want a strong layered affect where the main image was separated into a background and foreground effect by the mast head. 

I had to open the same image into two separate windows on photoshop. On one, I wrote the title 'Folk It'.

With the other image, I cut around the shape of florence before moving her to the first image. I matched the positioning but this meant I could have her in front of the mast head. This created my layered look.

For my actual photo, I will have my model not covering so much of the masthead. 

Research And Planning: Location Recce

This is my location recce

.....

Due to being home ill with pleurisy at the moment- it has been difficult to do anything with my magazine.

To do list upon return:

-Find Locations
-Costume/prop lists and ideas
-Test shots...model positioning, colours etc
-Risk Assessments
-Release forms
-Begin drafts of magazine

Research and Planning: Publication Plan

Carey Hadgraft's Publication Plan For 'Folk It' on Prezi

Research And Planning: Plan for the week (22/11/10....)

This week I will be focusing on the images used for my magazine.
This will include auditioning models appropriate for my magazine. It became clear that I would not be able to use my peers from the media class as they all appear to young for the demographic of my folk magazine.
After finding the right models, I'm going to be putting a lot of consideration into costumes for them. I have already began to collect props. After finalizing the minor details, I will then spend the remaining week working on test shots. I will experiment with various locations, poses, positioning and framing to see which one would really work the best and

Research And Planning: Test Model Head Shots

These are headshots of some auditioning models. I tried to use outdoor shots as that will hopefully be where my main image is shot. This also gave me an idea of how the lighting/elements effect the composition and focus of the picture.
After using classmate- I have realised they do appear too young for the target audience of my magazine. As i wish to target university students and older, it would not be appropriate to have young students as models.
I shall have to find older models to suit my older audience.

Research And Planning: Props

Here a some of the props I have began to collect for my front cover shoot. The parasols will be uses to create an summery/theatrical feel to the magazine. The flute is in keeping with the instruments traditionally associated with folk music.
It is my intention to have an array of instruments in the image; flute, tambourine, acoustic guitar. The parasol will break this 'band image' and add a fun quirkyness.

Research And Planning: Interview with Sophie Nelson

This is an excerpt from my interview with media teacher and musician Sophie Nelson on folk music

Research And Planning: Genre Research...FOLK (part 4)

I've already done a questionnaire aimed at the people in my class. The information gained from that is invaluable but I wanted a wider opinion.

On facebook, I posted a status asking all those online what the first thing that popped into their head was when they thought of folk music. I then asked them to post their answers on the status.

A lot of the answers were 'beards' 'acoustic guitars' 'fires/outdoors'

The costume side- it was pretty unanimous that the general vision was chequered shirts or thick wooly jumpers.

It seems the traditions of folk are still alive in peoples perceptions.

This has helped me because now i have a better idea of what will and wont work in reaching my target audience. I can also decide on appropriate models and the use of semiotics.

The Sound Of Folk

Folk has completely transformed. Long gone are the celtic songs that paraded around a brightly lit fire. Folk has a new face- a younger face. It is not just for the country dwellers or travellers.

Folk is no longer limited to the minority but it is now embraced by the many.

Although the tradition may somewhat be lost, it cannot be argued that the beauty within the music still exists. Here are a few songs that represent the new generation of folk/acoustic.

FOLK IT!!!!!

Mumford & Sons- Awake My Soul

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHWsKTSdS74&feature=related

Laura Marling- Rambling Man

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvwWzcLfH-k&ob=av2e

Tallest Man On Earth- It Will Follow The Rain

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wsy4Qbwl5a8

The Middle East- The Darkest Side

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXaczP4-VTE

Beirut- Elephant Gun

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWSz_PAfgNc

Research and Planning: Risk Assessment

There are multiple factors that need to be considered for my photoshoot.

It is the initial plan to shoot outside within woodland or in a nature park. Being that it is not inside, it's not a controlled environment.

Terrain: Typical of English weather, the ground is often slippy- particularly with grass. This is not only a potential accident for models and staff- there is a possible hazard for equipment/props used.

Weather: English weather is completely unpredictable, especially in winter. The rain can damage camera's or any other electrical equipment.

From a photographers aspect- rain and wind is a nightmare on set. It can completely disrupt a shoot. The hair and make-up of the models is integral to the look of the magazine and heavy rain can destroy all this. The colouring cast from the sky/weather can really harm the composition and lighting of a picture. Because the models wont always be dressed to suit the weather; their health has to be taken into consideration

Research And Planning: PRODUCTION SCHEDULE

This is my production schedule. This will be used to efficiently plan and work through my media project.

The text at the side is each task required to complete the coursework. the coloured markers are to show the expected completion. Overall, the project is to be finished by January.

Research And Planning: My Podcast 2

Research And Planning: Genre Research...FOLK (part 3)

I really liked the arrangement, composition and theatricality conveyed in this picture of pop/folk band Sophie's Pigeons. This is how I ideally would like my front cover to look. It holds the quirky sense of fun that is fundamental to folk music.



First and foremost- I would like to explain I have no ability whatsoever with a pencil and those strange pink blobs represent my models.
For my front cover, I want a more 'nature' feel so want it to be set outside. I like the totem pole positioning of the models and wish to use to same idea for mine. I want to use a variety of instruments that are widely associated with folk music to help establish the genre.

Text is important on a front page so I am going to position my models centrally to the picture to leave a margin for other stories.

Research And Planning: Contents Page Analysis

The contents page is quite striking in the sense that the text seems to stand apart.
There is a strong use of layering with the use of a main image background, the text box and then further images placed in the foreground overlapping the text box.
The images are the main source of colour as the actual text is black set against a white background. This contrast really makes the text seem bolder and clean.

The masthead is the magazine name rather than 'contents'. The masthead offers no suggestion as to the purpose of the page. It is only the numbers provided by the story titles that give us an indication this is in fact the contents page.

The images used are small in relation to the page and serve almost as a border to the text. There is a hierarchy with the images with some being layered more into the foreground than others- this is suggestive of story importance.

The layout and lack of real colour makes me feel this magazine is targeted at an older audience. This belief is then furthered by the featured bands; The Who, The Stranglers. Although these are well known bands, they are that of an older generation. This shows the magazine is more related to classic music as opposed to upcoming mainstream commercial music.

Research And Planning: Double Page Spread Analysis

This is the double page spread that I shall be using for analysis.

The text is split into just two columns and dominates the entire right page. The introducing paragraph is separated from the rest of the text. Although the text is slightly indented to fit within the column margins- it is all blocked together. This makes it distinctive from an interview which is broken up by questions and the reader can immediately assume we are reading a story,

The masthead for the article is used with the main image. The font has gritty urban look to it which suggests a young target audience.

The colours are very much orientated around the main image. The photograph has been enhanced with a black and white effect. The grey background and black text compliment the image; it exaggerates his presence on the page and draws in the readers focus. The grey background then also helps to keep up this urbanized styling.

Reasearch And Planning: Masthead font research and further planning

This was some preliminary research into a font for my masthead. These fonts were based on research on the internet.

I have now decided on my chosen font. I have been playing around with colours but it would be impossible to decide this early on in the task; it is very reliant on picture, composition etc. The masthead has to work with the main image.

After some thought- i have had a rough idea of how I am going to construct my main image. It will be outside and set up like a tea party- with a mixture of quirky sandwiches, parasols and instruments. Ideally i wish to go to an area called Dove Stones. The area is a mixture of hills and woodland and also has sheep. I want the the main image to be striking and fun.

I will spend the next few days gathering potential props and location hunting. Costume and model casting is going to be vital as well to encompass the true vibe of folk.

Research And Audience: My Target Audience

Age: 20+
From experience and from the results of my questionnaire- it has become apparent that folk music currently appeals to an older audience and university students. It is a specialist genre and is very distant from commercial/chart music- something which targets younger audiences.

Gender: Despite being a very male dominated genre, folk music is widely appreciated by both genders therefore I feel it is important to make my magazine uni-sex

Occupation: The most common of folk fans tend to work within creative industries: Media, fashion, music etc.

Class: Folk cannot be defined by class. In origin, it does target the lower/working class however now it does have a wider spectrum. I think I'd be targeting working/lower middle class. This helps to accommodate all the students who have an interest in folk

Research And Planning: My Podcast

This is my first podcast

Research And Planning: Genre Research...FOLK (part 2)

This is a website for Folk Cafe/Bar located West Didsbury in Manchester. It was interesting to use this website to gather a sense of colour and font and how this could translate into my magazine.

http://www.folkcafebar.co.uk/





http://www.didsburylife.com/profile/279/folk-cafe-bar.html

This is a review for the cafe and also has a video showing the inside atmosphere of Folk Cafe

Research And Planning: Band Image (Folk)

These are 3 examples of Folk bands/artists. Nature appears to be integral to the folk scene with a very distinct dress-code

Research And Planning: Audience Feedback Results

Question: What is your Age? 16-17 (7) 18-19 (2) 20+ (1)





What is your preferred genre of Music? Indie (4) Rock (2) R&B (3) Dance (2) Other (0)







What is your preferred Magazine? NME (2) Kerrang (1) Rolling Stone (1) Q (3)

What would you read a magazine for? Reviews (4) Int/Stories (9) New Releases (6) Gossip (4)

Where are you most likely to watch a gig? MEN (7) Apollo (2) Academy (6) Deaf Insitute (1)

What is your favourite radio station? R1 (3) XFM (2) Galaxy 102 (8) Key 103 (4) 6Music (1)

What do you immediately associate with Folk Music?
Hill-Billy's (1) Farmers (1) Banjo's (2) Dancing around fires (1) Old People (1)
Flight Of The Conchords (1)

Research and Planning: Genre Research...FOLK!! (part one)

As i wish to create a folk/acoustic magazine- I have gathered a few flyers and posters from music shops and venues that advertise gigs and events for folk bands.

This way I could get an idea of the semiotics used. It's quite a specialist genre so colour, font and image play an important role in conveying the folk ethic.

Here are a small sample of flyers I have collected and taken pictures of:

As you can see, the design of the flyers have a very pastel/ neutral colouring with a quirky main image and font- this seems typical for the niche.

Research And Planning: Preliminary Task

Front Page.

For the front cover, I thought it was important to stick with the same fonts and colours to keep the magazine sharp and tidy looking.
The font is Varsity- a font often associated with college/ high school and a bold red to make it stand out.
The main image was a bad picture making it very difficult to edit the composition hence the yellow tinge.
I did struggle to construct the front cover due to inexperience with photoshop software. This did effect my confidence so the front cover is very basic and limited.
If i were to change anything, I think it would be the main image and the layout. It appears quite scarce and doesn't really have an appeal to students








Contents page.
Due to the amount of time I spent on my front page, I found I had little time to create my contents page. I tried to follow the common conventions; masthead, pages, editors letter and a picture. Because of time, the presentation wasn't ideal. When using Indesign, I found myself slipping into the habits i picked up from photoshop causing me some confusion.
If i were to redo the contents page, I would be a lot braver with the layout- it is very basic and dull looking.
'












STUDENT FEEDBACK


Why do you like the front page?
HOLLY RILEY: The masthead because it is bright, it stands out and I can immediately recognise the genre and target audience.
The main image also fits with the genre in his appearance and placement.

What do you dislike?
HOLLY RILEY: There a couple of blank spaces

If you were to improve it, what would you do?
HOLLY RILEY: Make the background a bit darker and use more colour.

Research and Planning: Research into semiotics.

Semiotics is related to the study of signs and symbols.

These are signs that offer clues to determine identity and meaning. For example in genre; skulls and spiders are often used in association with horror.

Semiotics are helpful to us as we create our magazines as we can use the signs to differentiate in genre and to specify to our target audience.

The above is a front cover for a Northern Soul Magazine.
This is shown by completely exploiting the genre to appeal to its target audience:-

-The bold masthead: Blues & Soul
-The main image of Stevie Wonder- A Northern Soul Icon
-There are then interviews with other hugely recognised figures of Northern Soul eg. Martha Reeves,          
 The Temptations etc.
-The Prize give-away being a Northern Soul/ Motown getaway

Research And Planning: Draft of college magazine

Apologies for the quality...

I tried to use a simple format for my magazine so that it does not appear overcomplicated and cluttered.

My intention is to keep the colours similar as well. 

Research And Planning: Target audience for college magazine

The target audience for my college magazine will typically suit the following criteria

Age: 17-22... this helps to cover school leavers and mature students who have chosen to re-enter higher education.

Gender: Male/Female. As a college magazine, I feel it is important to not be gender specific so that all students have an equal opportunity to have their interests met and voices heard.

Interests: Music, socializing, trips/events... I will try to cover as much of what interests the students as possible.

Education: From A-Levels to B-TEC and National Diplomas. my magazine is available to anyone on any course. Its more a social magazine as opposed to being subject specific.

Class: Working Class- lower middle class.

Research and Planning: Examples of medium close-up