1. My magazine predominantly uses conventions of real music magazines. For example, the main picture on my front cover is the focal point, and overlaps the mast head. Magazines often do this as they feel the band or artist featured on the front cover is more important than their name itself.The colour scheme I have used is conventional of rock music magazines; the typical dark colours represent the audience and the genre, increasing the products appeal. My choice of colour scheme goes back to my original sketches and mood boards, backed up by my audience research. My cover lines featured on the front cover is laid out in an easy-to-read way, so the audience can get what they want quickly, again this would increase my products appeal. My masthead could be seen as being very typical and not challenging any conventions of those in real media products. The typeface I have chosen connotes decay and the rebellious lifestyle my audience can relate with. I thought that sticking to conventions of real music magazines would increase the appeal of my product, as my audience would be confident that my magazine would meet their interests.However, in my audience feedback I learnt that my audience actually wants to see a different take on rock magazines. From this, I have learnt that it is good to stick to conventions of real products; however it is also good to challenge the conventions and do something different.

2. Social groups are a very important part of today’s society, and every social group has it’s package; fashion, attitude, music etc. As I myself am interesting in rock/alternative music, I found it easy to know what social groups are interested in this type of music. I used various techniques and chose appropriate conventions to construct my magazine in a way that would represent this social group. For example, the bands I have featured are typical of those used in real rock music magazines such as Kerrang! I also used photography which would reflect the ‘rock’ social groups, by photographing a pop/rock/alternative band; I knew their style and attitude would be reflected through the images and would let readers know this magazine is for them!On my double page spread I constructed a casual yet informative interview between two members of an alternative unsigned band. This would particularly appeal to my audience as they are constantly looking for new music and the casual, fun structure of my interview will relate to them. For example “what’s your philosophy on life?” A fun question, which would hopefully make the audience consider buying the magazine more than they would if it was written in a more civilized way.

3. I would expect music shops and media institutions such as HMV to sell my magazine, as this is where my target audience tends to gather. As my magazine displays common conventions of music magazines already on sale, readers would trust it. However, there are some aspects of my magazine that detract from conventions, such as my use of Photoshop brushes used throughout my product. Other institutions that make magazines available online, may also take on my magazine. They would find it easier to publish new products rather than ones already on the market in a physical format because customers would find it hard to make the switch. Hopefully, music institutions would see the potential of my new music magazine and would consider selling it, as its typical conventions along with its small differences could well be worth investing in.

4. The audience of my media product are simply students who love their music. Not just physically, but emotionally – they can’t live without the buzz of a mosh pit. My

target audience are students aged between 16 and 18, and as this is a generation i am part of, I understand their expectations. My audience are loyal and want to know all they can about their beloved rock musicians, and be the first on the scene of newcomers. My audience are the anti-conformists of society – they are rebellious yet know their limits, which is what i have tried to reflect in my magazine.

5. I gathered results from an audience survey to find out the best way to attract my audience. I used photography and my knowledge of my audience’s interests. On my double page spread the article is casual, funny, yet informative. I constructed it this way specifically to attract my target audience and keep them interested. I tried to keep an informal atmosphere and my choice of responses was done deliberately as the language used keeps the readers wanting more. Furthermore, there were a number of other things I did in order keep my audience interested, but more so to attract my audience and give them something to feel comfortable with. These include my choice of language, typography, photography and conventional colour scheme. All these I did to keep an element of individuality and ‘wow’ so as to attract my audience’s attention again and again.

6. In the process of constructing my product I have gained a lot more confidence using Photoshop. As time went by, I found myself looking up techniques such as selecting parts of an image and using brushes. Getting my head round layers was a long journey, but I am now confident using them. I used online tutorials to aid my learning process. I enjoyed using Photoshop very much, and was quick to realise the potential I had when using the software. I will probably go on to use it in again to construct other media products.

7. Looking back at my preliminary task, I feel I have come a long way. From being unable to ‘cut’ certain images, to pages full of neatly cut out pictures and other material, I think I have progressed greatly. In the process of doing the preliminary task, my main initial focus was to learn how to use Photoshop quickly and effectively, so that when it came to doing the full product, I would know how to use Photoshop to it’s full potential. After completing this task, I felt that I’d achieved this focus and was competent with using the software. However, when constructing the full product I extended my knowledge further by teaching myself how to do specific such as using brushes creatively as previously mentioned. I have also learnt about the appearance of media products in that even small things, such as applying the rule of the left third can improve the overall look of the finished product.