Construction: Lesson Three - 28/09/2015

During today's lesson I carried on with the construciton on my magazines front cover. Last lesson I began adding various different titles and small details to the page. I have continued with this during todays class time and have manage to add the main article title to the page alongside the description.I ran into issues when adding the descriptive text onto the page as the writting was hard to read against the background image. I began to experiment with different colours, fonts and sizes but the writing was still very difficult to see. I then decided to add a shape behind the writing in order to make it more clear. This is something in which I did not wish to include on my page and I will look further into how I can chnage this and improve the look of my front cover.

Construction: Lesson Two - 25/09/15

To continue the construction of my magazine, I carried on with putting together my front cover. I am still having issues with adding my chosen font to the pages but again, I hope this issue will be resolved soon and not continue to disrupt the making of my magazine. I began this lesson adding different aspects and titles to my page as seen in the screen shots above. I began by sizing the different shapes that feature on the page and placing them in the correct areas. I went on to edit the shapes by changing the opacity in order to gain my desired effect. I have begun to add text and subtitles to my page, remembering to think about different fonts, sizing and colours. I also began thinking about smaller details that could be added to my front cover during this lesson in order to make my work seem more authentic. I went on to add a published date and issue number underneath my heading. I may change the positioning of these features at a later date depending on how my construction continues.

Construction: Lesson One - 21/09/15

During today's lesson I began the first construction stages of my magazine. To start, I have decided to make the front cover of my magazine first as I believe it is the main page out of all the ones I plan to create. An image of the front cover also features in various different places within my work such as the billboard advertisement, a hyperlinked web page and contents page of the magazine.

The first stage of putting together my magazine was opening my selected image in Photoshop and adjusting the sizing and proportion in order to make my front cover the correct size. I then went on to add the magazines heading to the page. Unfortunately, I had issues when adding the font. I was unable to download my chosen font and add it to my front cover due to technical problems. I hope that this issue will be resolved for my next lesson and I will be able to continue the construction of my magazine.

Planning: Draft of Ancillary Text with Audience Feedback - Hyperlinked Web Page 2

DRAFT OF HYPERLINKED WEB PAGE TWO WITH AUDIENCE FEEDBACK 

Both hyperlinked web pages were received well by my audience. As mentioned before, main areas of positivity came from certain features on the page such as the share buttons, search bar and task bar as it made the web page look more authentic. On this page, my audience also liked the slide show of images on the page as they liked that there was something interactive on the page to bring you further into the article and be more interested in what you're reading.

My audience mentioned that because the web page will be on a screen, people may not be interested or able to read a full article offline. They came up with the suggestion of shortening/condensing the article that will feature on my page. This will also encourage audiences to but my magazine if they become interested in the article and want to read the full version. The possibility of downloading the full version of the web page may also be something in which could be added to the page.

Planning: Draft of Ancillary Text with Audience Feedback - Hyperlinked Web Page 1

DRAFT OF BILLBOARD WITH AUDIENCE FEEDBACK 

I gained audience feedback for my work through presenting my ideas to different groups of people and receiving their positive remarks and pointers. Both of my hyperlinked web pages went down well with my audience and positives included areas such as layout, positioning, content and features. Over all the audience received this page well and aspects such as the share buttons, search bar and task bar were all pointed out as most believed that the small details bought the page together and increased the authenticity of the web page.

One area of improvement in which my audience pointed out was the boxes linking users to articles that will feature within my magazine. Although the idea and layout is fine, it was pointed out that I should be careful not to overfill the boxes as it could take emphasis away from the main image of the front cover.

Planning: Draft of Ancillary Text with Audience Feedback - Billboard

DRAFT OF BILLBOARD ADVERTISEMENT WITH AUDIENCE FEEDBACK

All original designs and initial plans for my magazine and the ancillary texts were popular with my target audience. The billboard design was praised with many areas of strength. My audience liked the simple design of the billboard as it wasn't too overbearing and put across the right and essential information that is needed in order to advertise the magazine successfully without putting of audiences. The audience also approved of the text choices as they decided that the size and font would be appropriate for the billboard. My audience also pointed out that adding extra features such as the website address and release date, links my work to the rest of my project, the magazine and website pages.

Although my audience approved of my initial plans for the billboard advertisement, they pointed out a few areas in which I should bare in mind when I come to create my ancillary texts and magazine pages. My audience liked the idea of having a background image on the billboard advertisement in order to make it more appealing and eye-catching, but they didn't want it to seem too overbearing and so, have suggested of using a simple image. A suggestion on my choice of text was also made. They pointed out that using a bold text in a dark colour would be a suitable choice for the advertisement so that people can read the sign easily and from further distances.

Planning: Draft of Magzine Pages with Audience Feedback

DRAFT OF ALL FOUR MAGAZINE PAGES WITH AUDIENCE FEEDBACK 

Over all, the drafts of my magazine pages were received well. My audience loved features of the pages such as planned images, colour scheme, the various articles and over all layout. The images were labelled as being bright and positive while reflecting the theme of the magazine and it's articles well. The colour scheme was also pointed out as being bright and eye-catching, enticing in readers and suiting the genre of the magazine. The articles in which will feature within the magazine were popular and described as being interesting and enticing. Although the layout may be slightly simple, the audience believed it worked well as it's easy on the eye, suits the target audience and gives the magazine a professional feel.

The feedback in which I got from the article also pointed out minor improvements. The audience were concerned about how clear the writing would be when placed on top of background images. I will look at adding block colour behind my text bodies in order to make the text crystal clear without having to remove my background images.

Planning: Original Images

Planning: Props List

PROPS LIST FOR IMAGES

Dog - A dog will need to feauture on various different images including the one on the front cover due to the main article being about dog walking.

Walking gear - Some images may feature people walking, walking gear will be included in these photos in order to put across clearly the theme of the image.

Gardening tools - One planned article is based around tips for the garden. Gardening tools will be a perfect prop for these images.

Car - A car will feature in images that support the article for scenic drives.

Camera - Featured within the images that will advertise the photography competition.

Planning: Risk Assessment

Planning: Time Schedule

MAGAZINE AND ANCILLARY TEXTS CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE 

Planning: Location Recce Shots

Planning: Costume Shots

Planning: Draft text of Magazine Article: Dog Walks

DRAFT

Yorkshire is famous for it's rolling hills, scenic views and captivating walks, but have you ever wondered where the best places are to take your pampered pooch on the walk of their lives? Well look no further, this week we have put together Yorkshires top five dog walks that both you and your furry friend will adore. We have everything from a five minute stroll to day parades around the most beautiful and captivating areas of Yorkshire.

5. Robin Hood's Bay - Rain Dale Circuit

If your wanting a leisurely stroll around the rolling coast of Yorkshire then the Rain Dale Circuit is perfect for you. With 4km worth of coastal path to explore, this walk is filled with scenic views of the beach and cliffs.With dogs being welcome within the area and in many local pubs and cafe's dotted along the trail, why not stop off for refreshments?

4. Wheldrake Ings Wetland Nature Reserve

Wanting an exciting day out to somewhere in which dogs are welcome and will love? Wheldrake Ing wetland nature reserve is the perfect place. If you're not wanting to walk far or you do want to go all out on a day's hike then go and do so on the reserve's 4km nature trail. Not only will the furry friends love the sights and sniffs of the reserve, you're bound to love it too with the many attractions the site has to offer.

3. Norwood Edge, Stainburn Forest - Little Alms Cliff Circuit

This walk is for all those explorers out there. This 6km long route takes you on a wild mystery tour around the beautiful Stainburn Forest. This path is full of suprises as you will find yourself stumbling across various different scenes and settings of the countyside.

2. Spofforth, Sicklinghall - Stockeld Park Circuit

For anyone that's looking for a day out and a long walk, Stockheld Park Circuit is the perfect place to let your dog run loose and blow off some steam. The path stretches out across 8.6km so why not take a picnic and enjoy the views? There are many areas to this path including country roads and park paths.

1.Circuit of York City Walls

This stunning and scenic walk around the walls of york city has been placed at number one in our list of best dog walks within the yorkshire district due to its pure beauty and captivating outlook on the city. With dogs being welcome, this walk is perfect for both you and your friend. This walk is also in such close proximity to a wonder of different shops, pubs and cafe's with York's city centre smack bang in the middle.

 

Planning: Hand-drawn Mock up of Double Page Spread

Planning: Hand-drawn Mock up of Magazine Contents Page

HAND-DRAWN MOCK UP OF MAGAZINE CONTENTS PAGE

When creating my mock up of my magazine's contents page I took many aspects into consideration including fonts, colours, images and overall layout of the page. From carrying different processes before starting the design of my contents page such as various different research and planning stages, creating my mock up was made much simpler. I was also aware of what I should be including on the page and what I should be avoiding.

I first started to design my page by looking at the page layout. After looking at existing contents pages of regional magazines, I had a very good and clear idea of how I wanted my contents page to look. I've designed my page to have a main column on the left hand side of the page that will contain the titles of all articles that will feature within the magazine and a description of what they will be about. I plan to lay out the information by labelling them by the page numbers in which they will feature on. On the right hand side of the page, I have included an editors note in the top corner. Many magazines contain these within their issues, either on the contents page or somewhere within the first couple of pages on the magazine. I wanted to include this to make my magazine seem more professional and authentic. Below the editors note I plan to include images that help will support some of the articles that are described on the left of the page.

After looking at how I want to layout my contents page I then began to look at how I could use colours and fonts on my page. I plan to have the main text body in the same style of font but included the titles of the articles in a bold format to show the difference between the texts. The 'Contents' title will be placed in a large and bold font at the top of the page. I plan to have the title in a similar font to the one seen on my front cover in order to carry my theme throughout the magazine. I also want to include a background image or colour on the page in order to make it seem brighter. I will use either an image or plain background depending on how busy my page will look when completed as I don't want it to look overbearing.

Completing this hand-drawn mock up of my contents will benefit my greatly when I create my final piece as I know exactly what I need to include on the page. It will also be more straight forward as any changes  to the page have already been made so there will be no need to back track. From completing this task I feel confident and prepared to start putting together my final piece.

Planning: Hand-drawn Mock up of Magazine Cover

HAND-DRAWN MOCK UP OF MAGAZINE FRONT COVER

I began creating my mock up of my magazines front cover by looking at the layout of the page. After carrying out various different research and planning tasks I felt confident when designing a mock up as I gained knowledge of how regional magazines usually layout thier front covers and what is included on them through looking at existing products.

I have designed my contents page to include a main heading, subject image, various different article teasers as well as small sections to promote areas within the magazine. I also plan to include smaller features on the cover such as a barcode, issue number, release date and price of the magazine to make my magazine look as authentic as possible. I decided to place my heading at the very top of my page as most magazines follow the same design. Although there are some exceptions, I felt like this was the best layout for magazine. As I want my subject image to be the main feature on my page I have layed out the entire contents around the image in order to pull the eye into the centre of my page. All features will be layed out over the top of my background image.

After looking at the layout of my magazine's front cover, I then began to plan out fonts and colours. Various different fonts will be used on my page but the largest and boldest will be the one of the main heading. I plan on having this font in a simple but decorative style that is easy read. Other fonts on the page will be in a smaller and simpler style although more important areas of text will be placed in a bold format to make them stand out against the rest of the text body. I plan on using the same colour scheme throughout my work in order to create a theme. The main colour will come from the subject image but fonts and shapes will be in different colours such as greens, blues and yellows in order to follow my theme.

From creating this mock up I feel confident to start creating my final magazine pages. From completing this task, making my final product will now be much easier as I can revert back to my original plans in order to keep on track and remind myself of how I want my final product to look like.

Planning: Acillary Texts With Photography Plan - Hyperlinked Web Page 2

HAND-DRAWN ANCILLARY TEXT WITH PHOTOGRAPHY PLAN FOR HYPERLINKED WEB PAGE TWO

After looking at photography inspirations for both my billboard advertisement and hyperlinked web page one, I began looking at options for my second page. I am trying to create a theme throughout my pieces of work in order to create a link between them all, so, this web page will follow the theme of my previous page containing a plain sky background, shown in my photography plan for my hyperlinked webpage one. 

Within this page I plan on having an interactive slideshow of images to support the main article that will be the feature of this page. As I plan on the article being about dog walking, all images must be related as well as being able to convey the theme and support what is being mentioned within the article. I researched into different images and placed a few different inspirations upon my photography plan board. I believe all these images work well and will suit my theme and so plan to create my images in a similar style.

From creating this photo plan sheet for my second hyperlinked web page I was able to look at a group of images together and see how well they fitted with one another. After analysing these inspirational images I came to the conclusion that they were all suitable for my work and they would help to reflect the nature of the article clearly.

Planning: Acillary Texts With Photography Plan - Hyperlinked Web Page 1

HAND-DRAWN ANCILLARY TEXT WITH PHOTOGRAPHY PLAN FOR FIRST HYPERLINKED WEB PAGE

After looking at different photography options and inspirations for my magazine billboard advertisement, I then began looking at different options for my first hyperlinked web page, the websites home page. The main image shown on the page will be a picture of the cover of my magazine. The image inspiration of my magazine front cover is the image of the dog, shown in the top, left hand corner of my photography plan. Down the side of the image of the front cover will be tabs linking to various different articles that are featured within the magazine. I plan on having an image on every tab on the home page, each giving off a clear representation of what each article will feature. The four articles in which I have chosen for my home page are Gardening Tips, Best Scenic Drives, Best Days Out and Scenic Walks. Towards the bottom left hand side of my photography plan I have placed inspiration images for each of these articles. I believe these photos all work well as they portray the nature of each article clearly without being too overbearing for my page.

The last image that I looked at when planning out my photography was the background image for the page. In order to keep a theme running throughout my work, I plan on using the same, if not very similar, image that I am looking at adding to the background of my billboard advertisement. I believe that this image will work well not only on my billboard but my web pages too, as the image fits well with my theme as well as being colourful and inviting to readers. The simple image won't be overbearing on my page or take away from my subject photographs either.

Planning: Acillary Texts With Photography Plan - Billboard

HAND-DRAWN ANCILLARY TEXT WITH PHOTOGRAPHY INSPIRATION 

When coming up with initial ideas for my billboard advertisement, photography and images are one of the main areas in which I had to take into consideration as they are a crucial element of my work. I began looking at different images in order to help inspire me for when I take my own. For My billboard I plan on containg just one large main image on the advertisement of the front cover of the magazine. I plan on using a simple photograph on the front cover of my magazine, similar to the one shown in my photography plan image of the dog. I plan on using a dog within as my main image as my article within the magazine is about dog walking and using an image like this would express clearly what the magazine will be about and what it will feature. I also believe that containing an image with one strong subject will work better than using a scenic image ,for example, as a striking image with a bold subject is more likely to attract attention to the magazine.

When planning my photography I also looked at different options is which I could use for a background image on my billboard. I want an image that would fit in well with the front cover of my magazine as well as something that wouldn't take away from the main image but still carried a rural/country side feel. I looked at various different images and have displayed three different options upon my photography plan page. All three images suit the purpose but when seeing them up against the inspirational image for my front cover, I believe using a plainer background, such as the one seen at the bottom right hand corner of my photography plan, would work better than the others.

From completing my photography plan and inspiration sheet of images it has made me question my choices of images and so have been able to alter my plan in order to come out with a better, more professional piece of work.

Planning: Hand-drawn Mock Up of Ancillary Texts - Hyperlinked Page Two

HAND-DRAWN MOCK UP OF HYPERLINKED WEB PAGE TWO 

For my second hyperlinked web page I have designed a page containing my main article. I have followed the same basic layout of my original home page with the same background, colour scheme and extras in order to make my website look authentic and professional. I laid out the article upon the page similar to the way in which they are presented within a magazine so the work is recognisable as an article. The title of the article is placed towards the top left, followed my the subheading below and the main text body. I plan on using various fonts on the page in different styles to show a clear difference between the different types of text. I will use bolder and larger fonts for the title and subheadings, gradually decreasing in size until the main text body. I plan on producing the font in black so that the text is easy to read and visible to users.

As mentioned within my research of magazines and on my analysis of my previous hyperlinked web page, magazine websites have been trying to include more multi-media aspects to their sites in order to keep up with the progression of new and advanced technology. When designing my web page I wanted to take this factor into consideration in order to make my website as up to date and as relevant as possible. On the right and side of my web page I plan on adding an interactive slide show filled with images relating to the article being displayed. The slide show will be made up of a large window showing the selected image followed by a description or caption placed below. Different images will then be shown towards the bottom in which users will be able to select and view at their leisure.

Planning: Hand-drawn Mock Up of Ancillary Text - Hyperlinked Page One

HAND-DRAWN MOCK UP OF MAGAZINE HYPERLINKED PAGE ONE 

 

After looking at various different websites for regional magazines, I gained a lot of inspiration for my own website pages. I then was able to go on and plan my own pages. The page is layed out in a sectioned format with various areas cut of from others, similar to existing magazine webpages. I chose this layout as it gives the page a strong structure and makes it easy to navigate around the site. I also took inspriration from other sites when positioning my titles and task bars. Following convention, I placed the title of my magazine in the top left hand corner of the page in bold, large text. I then added a task bar below the title containing various different headings making it extremely easy and simple for readers to use the website. Colour schemes are usually very basic on regional magazine websites and so I plan to follow this convention in order to make my work seem as authentic as possible. I plan to use the same colour scheme throughout my work on the various different pieces in order to show the connection between them. I also plan to do the same with my font choices so all work clearly belongs to the same magazine.

 

Overtime magazines have struggled to keep up with the constant progression of technology, because of this magazine websites have been changing in order to keep up to date. Certain aspects have started to be added to websites such as links to social media, downloadable pages and various different types of multi-media. To recreate this in my own work, I have added various different subjects to my home page including a newsletter sign up as well as links and share buttons to various different social media sites.

Planning: Hand-drawn Mock Up of Ancillary Text - Billboard

BILLBOARD ADVERTISEMENT HAND-DRAWN MOCK UP

Before beginning my mock up, I looked at various different billboard advertisments to see how they were layed out, what images have been used as well as colour schemes and fonts. I gained knowledge and inspiration through this process and was then able to complete my mock up. I placed the main image of the front cover of my magazine to the left of my advertisement taking up half the page while the other half is made up of text. I designed the layout in this way as I believe the simple structure isnt overbearing and gives just the right amount of information without the advert looking crowded. I decided to put the title of the magazine and the image in larger sizes so it's clear to readers what the billboard is advertising. I have decided to use a colour scheme containing greens, blues and yellows to help put across the country-like feel. I have also decided to include a background for my billboard as I believe it will make it more eye-catching and appeal better to on-lookers. To follow the countryside feel I will consider using a scenic photo with no subject as I want the image to be simple and to not draw too much attention away from my main image.

Planning: Presentation

Within today's lesson I pitched my ideas for my regional magazine to the rest of my A2 media class. I explained to my audience my initial ideas for my magazine such as the title, layout, colour scheme and articles.

Many areas of my magazine were responded positively and so I feel confident in going ahead with my magazine and including these aspects within my work. I began by showing my peers my initial ideas mind map and explaining to them the direction in which I wanted to take my magazine and why. The feedback was good and they believed that I had chosen the best route for my work to go in, however, it was pointed out that I need to be aware of what kind if articles that I will be including within the magazine as they need to fit within the chosen genre of my work. I chose to fit my magazine under the genre of a multi-county magazine, a magazine in which covers various different areas, and so I will need to create various different articles that people are able to relate to from many different areas instead of focusing on just one.

When explaining to others about how my magazine will actually look, I began to show images and examples of existing regional magazines while pointing out aspects on each of them that I feel I could include in my work and would improve it. Pointers in which my class made where on areas such as background images and fonts. When adding background images to my work I need to remember to not overcrowd my page as it could become too overbearing for readers. It was also mentioned that when selecting certain fonts for my pages I need to find fonts that will be easy to read as well as stand out over any images that I have added to the background.

Carrying out my presentation has helped me greatly with my coursework. Being able to explain your ideas to others allows you to know exactly where you are going with your work as well as highlighting areas in which you've missed out or may need working on. Voicing your ideas to others helps tremendously when you're stuck for ideas too. For me, I needed advice on what kinds of articles to include within the magazine and the feedback in which I received from others was great and has inspired me in what I could include. After carrying out this task I feel better prepared to go on a start laying out initial designs and ideas for my main piece.

Planning: Article Plan

Main Article - Dog Walks/Scenic Routes 

Within this article I plan on exploring various different walks around the countryside that are appropriate for dog walking. These routes will be carefully selected as the article will be about the best, most beautiful and scenic routes in which to walk your pooch. I plan on selecting either five or ten dog walks, each of which will be described and rated within the article. The article will be thoroughly research in order to make it as authentic as possible and will be supported by strong and striking images, enticing in readers.

Contents page article ideas:

Best days out
Based upon various different visitor attractions around the country. Days out suitable for all the family.

Photography competition
This week's best budding photographers. A page in which readers are able to send in thier latest country-side snaps and be voted on by other readers.

Beautiful Gardens
Carefully selected gardens from stately homes to back gardens.

Gardeners Tips
Professional tips and advice on how to get the most beautiful gardens this summer.

Traditional Country Pubs
Top ten best traditional pubs around the country, carrying the best atmosphere and hospitality ratings.

Scenic Drives
Best drives to take on a Sunday afternoon as voted by the readers.

Most idyllic villages
The most perfect quaint villages for a holiday, long weekend or just a day trip.

Planning: Mood board

COUNTRY LIFE MAGAZINE MOOD BOARD

To begin drafting ideas of my magazine, I put together a mood board in order to show that types of images and fonts that I want within my work as well as different layouts of pages and various colour schemes. Looking at different types of regional magazines, I have decided to base my colour scheme of my work around colours that reflect my theme. I have chosen to use colours such as greens, blues and yellows. These colours are the most prominent in regional magazines as well as my mood board so I feel as if they carry the theme well and are appropriate for my work. 

I also looked at different types of images used within regional magazines in order to help make my work look as authentic and as professional as possible. Images used within regional magazines are usual carry a countryside feel and often contain subjects such as animals and landscapes.I plan to recreate this within my own work. As I plan to base my main  article around dog walking, I will look at using dogs within my photography in order to reflect the theme and nature of the magazine.

When looking at fonts, many regional magazines carry fonts that are usually delicate and flowing with titles and headings in bolder, thicker fonts in order to make them stand out on the rest of the page. Again, in order to make my magazine as realistsic as possible, I plan to recreate this convention within my own work. I have begun to look at various different types of fonts for my magazine, some displayed upon my mood board. I have looked at a range of fonts, all of which I believe will suit the nature of my magazine. I plan to use larger fonts such as the bubble font shown on the bottom of the mindmap as well and the joined up, calligraphy style font shown towards the top right hand corner for text such as titles and headings. The smaller of the three fonts displayed on my mood board is an example of font that could be used for smaller, less important pieces of text. I believe all three of the fonts are suitable for my work as they are all easy to read as well as decorative, fitting the purpose of the text and making a statement upon my page at the same time.

From carrying out the making of my moodboard, it has given be basic ideas and inspirations of the content and look of my work. I have looked at ideas for different areas of my magazine including images, fonts, colour schemes and layout. The mood board has given me a starting point for my magazine as well as something in which I can refer back to when creating my work.

Planning: Initial Ideas Brainstorm

Mindmap of Initial Ides 

I began mindmapping my ideas by using the three different types of regional magazines. Using the different genres of regional magazines as starting points for my ideas, I then went on to mapping out options for titles and contents. After looking at my initial ideas I believe that the best option would be to create a multi-county magazine as it gives me more flexibility in what I can include within my work.

Research: Inspiration

DORSET LIFE MAGAZINE

When looking at inspiration for my own magazine, I picked out Dorset Life. This magazine stood out to me as I like the idea of creating a magazine on a large area. Dorset life is also a very well put together magazine and looks professional in every issue. The magazine's website is also well put together, is easy to use and has a very welcoming feel, something in which I will look to emulate when creating my hyperlinked web pages. The magazine has been running for years and has been successful from the beginning so I believe that it is a good choice for inspiration.

The front covers of Dorset Life are the main reason in which I have chosen this magazine as inspiration. I love the way in which the page is laid out on every issue, with the image being the subject of the page and any text is placed around the edges. I believe that this is something I could use when making my own magazine as it works very well here. The front covers of Dorset Magazine are also extremely colourful in every issue, making them stand out on the shelves again other competition. The texts and fonts seen in the magazine also fit very well. The texts are bold enough and not too over the top, but they're also decorative and may appeal to a wider audience. Again, this is something in which I will refer back to when planning the font of my magazine as it works very well here.

Research: Target Audience

Due to the content of most regional magazines, they are usually aimed at adults of all ages. This is easily recognisable within the magazines as most contain articles on subjects such as food, travel, holidays and attractions, information and subjects that most adults will find interesting while the younger generations are more likely to turn a blind eye and focus on magazines such as music, fashion and gaming.

The larger and more successful regional magazines are generally displayed with scenic images of countryside from nicer and more up-market areas such as Kent, Suffolk and Yorkshire. With this being a common theme in successful regional magazines, it is evident that the magazines are not only aimed at older generations but also adults from higher to middle class backgrounds.

Although most regional magazines are aimed at middle class adults, there are also different types of regional magazines that would appeal to younger generations. Although the themes of the magazines are very similar, the topics contained within them vary slightly and focus on different themes such as fashion, art and historical events.

Carrying out target audience research has benefited my work greatly as I know I am able to design my magazine around the people in which I am aiming it towards, making my magazine more appropriate and much more authentic. After looking at the different types of magazines and their audiences, I believe that aiming my work at middle class adults would be beneficial as the majority of successful regional magazines are aimed at the same target range. In order to engage a wider audience, I may look into containing a small section within my magazine, dedicated to the younger generation and contain topics such as art, fashion and history.

Research: The Magazine Industry

Within the US, the magazine industry is concentrated with 50 companies accounting for 60% of the total revenue, 65% of the revenue coming from general interest magazines. Common trends of the magazine industry include things such as the development of their websites due to the progression of technology. Most websites have been changed and adapted to keep up with the progression, sites are now adding more multimedia aspects to their sites as well as optimizing them so they’re open to view on different devices such as mobile phones. The progression of technology has also changed the way in which magazines are distributed, produced and consumed. Multimedia companies are growing and changes are being seen within the distribution system. Magazines are now also available in a digital format such as downloadable files. The industry also has many challenges when trying to keep producing and selling successful magazines. The industry has a massive dependency on advertising in order to gain revenue. With the increasing value of postal rates, companies are now starting to struggle in getting their products out there. The digital progression also adds challenges for the industry and readers are now able to retrieve content off online sources, destroying the need to buy the paper forms.

Research: Analysis of Magazine Website 3

CUMBRIA LIFE MAGAZINE 

http://www.cumbrialife.co.uk/

 Cumbria Life's website is set out on a plain white background containing a montage of images in the centre of the page complete with heading and task bar. The heading on the page is set out in a red and black bold font and placed at the top of the site making it a bold statement and draws the eye in due to the red colouring. The page is set out in sections helping audiences to distinguish a clear difference between the different areas of the page. The simple layout of the page and task bar featured towards the top of the site makes it very easy and quick for audiences to direct themselves around the website. The photography used on the page is of high quality but if I were to suggest an improvement for this website, I would think about adding a small description or heading for the different photographs to make it clear to audiences what the photographs are actually representing and what articles or stories they relate to upon the site.