5) HOW DID YOU ATTRACT/ADDRESS YOUR

AUDIENCE?

Front CoverOn my front cover, I used black and white, as well as red, yellow and blue for the features such as the puff, the header/footer and the masthead. These are very contrasting colours because the red and the blue are primary colours, which makes them appear bold and very eye-catching, which is why newspapers such as The Sun and on magazines such as Q and NME.

I also used a puff, advertising free posters of bands, as this was something that my target audience tend to like in their magazine, judging from other similar magazines. From the questionnaire that was carried out in the research & planning section, my target audience also wanted a price around £2-3, so I put the price at £2 to attract more potential buyers.

My magazine follows many conventions as I’ve already mentioned in my evaluation, but I avoided using sell lines to frame the image. Instead, I took and approach similar to MOJO and left plenty of space around the image to make sure that the band is easily visible and recognisable.

Contents PageFor the contents page, I used the same colour scheme, to make the magazine appear clear and uniform. I included the conventions found in a typical contents page also, as well as adding a few of my own ideas that I mentioned earlier in the evaluation. I used a picture of the band to let the audience know who I’m talking about below in the short introduction. I used a script styled font on the caption for the image for a vintage ‘polaroid’ look, which I think the target audience will admire.

‘Packed and ready to go!’ suggests that the band would be heading off somewhere for a long period of time, and I think this creates intrigue for the reader, which should hopefully encourage them to read further. The ‘PLUS!’ puff at the bottom suggests something extra for the reader, which is exactly what it is; it’s only natural to want value for money when you purchase a good, so this will give the impression of just that.

I also added a section entitled ‘New Bands’ which is what indie fans like to see; their individual nature means that they like fresh/different music.

Double Page Spread (Article)In the double page spread, I have used a slightly different colour scheme. I carried on the main theme of red, white and black, but the background is more of a texture of crumpled/stained paper for a calm visual effect. I made a quirky shape that I quite liked, with ‘world exclusive’ on top of it, which would appeal to many indie fans that like anything unique. I think that the use of a pull quote is also quite appealing as it reaches out to the reader and makes it just that bit more personal.

I think that the image itself is very effective in showing the front man of the band .(Lewis) as he is pictured in the centre of the three members, and in front of them, looking at the camera. I think that this again makes it a bit more personal in a way as it makes visual contact with the reader. I like to think that the use of the natural background behind the article and the band echoes the raw style of the band, how they aren’t trying to be anyone else, and that they are what they are; indie fans will admire this, as they set out to go their own way in their particular style.