Double Page Spread Draft

Draft 1

After asking my focus group they felt this layout was too blue and boring as I have only used 2 colours. I do not like the drop cap behind the text as you cannot tell where you are supposed to start reading. I also do not like the border as it is to think and blocky. There is also too much blank space at the end of the text.

Draft 2

I feel my target audience will much prefer the range of colours on this draft. I have chosen bright bold colours as they are fresh and exciting. The colours also match the image well, and tie in with the colours of her head phones and her jumper.  I feel this border matches the theme of my magazine. I have added a pull quote to break up the big blocks of text. The drop cap is also in better proportion and you can tell that is where the text starts on this draft. Each column starts with a new question, which is not professional. There is still a lot of blank space on the right page.  I do not have page numbers, or the brand name.

 

Draft 3

I have moved around the text to make it look more professional, by not ending a question and carrying it on to the next column make the reader continue reading. There is less blank space in the page now. I have moved the main feature title to the centre of the page. Having now added a footer, which includes the brand logo, data and page number, I now need to design a header to tie the feature in with the rest of the magazine.

Contents Page Draft

Draft 1

Draft 2

I do not feel the pictures are in the best positions. There is also too much yellow on the page, to improve this I will use my other key colours or bright pink and blue. The pictures and the text about them also need to link together more. The editor’s letter is also in the wrong place and need editing as it is too long, and needs to advertise the magazine better. I prefer the "In additions" box on this draft and it looks more structured.  I need to include my double page spread, and the cover lines from the front cover.

Draft 3

I have changed the colours of the text about the pictures, which I much prefer. I like the structure on this page better than the others. There is quite a lot of blank space on this page which I need to fill in with more stories and pictures. I need to add a signature from the editor and page numbers for the pictures.

I have used the same background as my front cover, so there is cohesion. I need to change the positions of the pictures and give them page numbers and a brief summary of what each feature, and picture are about. I need to add an editor’s letter. The plus sections need some editing as well.

Cover Page Dafts

Draft 1

I want to change the picture and background as they do not fit sensibly on the page, the orange also clashes with the red of the models top. I feel this logo is too big on the page and I will need to make it smaller to make it look more professional. The header text does not stand out from the dark background. The cover lines text is also to dark, and boring. The barcode and information is too big.

Draft 2

This picture is much better suited for my magazine as it has a dark background, with brighter lights on the top, which is almost like a nightclub. I do not like the header on this draft as it does not blend in well with the magazine, I do not like the colour, and the text doesn’t stand out either. The cover lines text colours are not bright enough, and you cannot tell where on feature end and another starts. The white text is also too bright, and stands out too much as this is a key feature. I do not need the extra information next to the barcode as the date and price is under the logo. The logo lines are not all to the left.

Draft 3

I prefer the layout on this draft as you can tell each different feature, although I may experiment with the positions on the cover lines on the top right as they are intruding onto the image. There is also a large empty space on the bottom right of the page. The colours of the logo and the text on the page match as well, the blue and yellow stand out on the dark background. However, I feel the logo should standout more, as it looks like a cover line. The lines are also better on this draft.

Plans for photo images

Plans for photo images

Harley – Mazie Lea

My friend Harley is going to be the feature in my picture. She is posing as a female DJ.

Image 1

She will have minimalistic make up with either dark or bright eyes. I want her wearing a lace top with a bright bra underneath preferably dark pink or red. She will have her nail also be painted either black or a dark colour. She will have lots of bangles, big earrings, necklace or ring.  She may also have a head band on. She may possibly have pink and blue head phone on.

The back ground will be plain, or a brick, street background.

For the cover I want either a close up shot or a medium close up. She will either be looking up at the camera or straight at it with a fierce expression.  I want her to be doing the V-sign with her fingers.

Image 2

She will be wearing big, blue and pink headphones. A short dress – dark pink, pink or blue. She will also be wearing big high heels or high tops or boxing boots. She will have natural make up, with dark eyes. She will have lots of bangles, big earrings, necklace or ring.  She may also have a head band on.

For this shot I would want her looking directly in the camera. It will be a low angle shot or a long shot. She will look fierce but sexy.  

The background will be white.

Image 3

Harley will be wearing jeans – either high waisted or low slung, a bright top/ t-shirt and a hoody. She will be wearing big heels, or boxing boots. She may also have a big ring, earrings or lots of bangles. She may also have on a necklace, ring or headband. Natural make up, with possibly dark eye makeup.

The back ground will be a brick wall or graffiti. This will add to her fierce hard look.

It will be either a long shot, medium long shot or medium shot. She will be fierce. 

Image 4

For this shot Harley will be wearing denim shorts, red boxing boots and a plain baggy t shirt or a leather jacket. She will have messy hair with a red headband, and possibly a large necklace. Natural make up. She may also have sunglasses on. She will be sat on a wall with head phone on with the cord in her mouth, biting it. She will not be looking at the camera but to the side.

It will be a long shot. The background will be plain or a view.

Ben - Benny B 

Image 1

In his shot I want Ben to be wearing a coloured t-shirt, and jeans. I also want him to be wearing sunglasses to give the impression of being mysterious and cool. He will not wear any jewellery or sunglasses. He will be standing with his arms crossed looking at the camera. The shots will be a medium shot, or a medium long shot.

It will be a plain background. 

Image 2  

In this image I want Ben wearing a coloured t-shirt, and jeans. He will also be wearing shutter shades, with no accessories.  He will not be looking at the camera. Several poses will be taken by Ben, such as clapping his hand, or pretending to DJ. I will use medium and medium long shots.

These pictures will be taken on a plain background.

Image 3

In this image Ben will be wearing a NY base ball hat. He will also be wearing a t-shirt and jeans. He will pose with the hat, either holding it or posing with his hands. For most of the shots he will be looking into space in the frame. Most of these shots are close-up or medium close-up. Others will be a medium.

A plain background will be used in these shots.

Image 4

Ben will be wearing a woolly, snow hat, with jeans and a t-shirt. He will not be wearing any accessories apart from sunglasses. In these images he will have his arms crossed. They will be medium and long shots.

I will use a plain background.



Magazine Mastheads

1.

2.

3.

I created my 3 different mastheads in Adobe Fireworks. I then sought the opinions of my focus group. Number 1 got only 1 vote, Number 2 got 3 and the third got the majority with 9 votes. I have decided to follow my focus groups decision and use Number 3 as my logo and masthead. I have based my chosen logo on a speaker. This is relevant as my magazine is aiming at DJs, which use big speakers. The font I use is flowing and rounded which compliments my music genre of dance music.

Double Page Spread - Draft 1

The fiercest girl in the club

Mazie lea is definitely not one to run from a good fight. Causing uproar, this feisty 22 year old has taken the UK dance scene by storm! With super charge beats and deep-sea drops, she if definitely one to keep an eye on. 

Having finally gained respect from the men in the industry, how would you recommend other girls get a piece?

Never take no for an answer! I used to get turned down and not taken seriously because I was a girl. It is a lot harder for females to get in to industry, even though we’re better! (Laughs)

So you would say your better at mixing than the guys then?

Well, a few anyway, technically speaking we should be better, we can multitask!

You have caused quite an uproar being a girl in a man’s world; do you feel you stand for feminism?

I came in to this industry because I love what I do, and I am good at it. I used to wish I was a guy so I could just get on with it and not get held back. However, now I am proud that I am a female, and I have made it!

You recently did a set in Ibiza, should we expect more of this?

Yes! Well I hope so; I loved every second of Ibiza and would really love to go back. Doing a set outside is a whole different level of mixing, the atmosphere is electric. I also think Ibiza has got such a reputation that the people there are there to party, it is a whole county dedicated to my type of music.

How did you originally get in to mixing?

I have always been surrounded by music and dancing, so when my brother got some decks, I had a go and really enjoyed it. I used to be on them more than him, and eventually got better, (laughs) at that point he gave up and gave them to his little sister! Sorry Michael!

Who would you say is your inspiration?

One of the first tracks I mixed all the way though was “Better off alone” by Alice Deejay. I have always loved her, although that might be because she was also a female DJ. I also love DJs such as Danny.B and DJ.Freash. Audiences are also my inspiration; I like to see how they react to curtain beats or songs, and they I develop on that. 

Your fan base has rapidly grown, what gender would you say dominated it?

I honestly would say I feel it’s quite mixed. However, I feel the fan base shouldn’t be about the gender it should be about if they love the music I make.  If they like the music then they are a fan in my eyes. 

Drugs are instantly connected with the underground dance scene...

(Laughs) Why else would I have to do a set till 8am! Seriously it’s not as bad as people make put, the people I make music are there to dance and have fun. If drugs are a part of that then so be it.

Would you say that drugs are one of the reasons the underground dance scene has a bad reputation?

Yeah, it plays a part. No matter what it will always defiantly has a bad reputation, no doubt about it. But the people give it the underground a bad name aren’t even part of it! They just see the side effect of the underground, not the process. In my opinion if you haven’t experienced it you can’t comment on it. 

How do you cope with your demanding work schedule?

It hard work, but I have grown to get used to it. I guess I have turned nocturnal! I normally have to be at a set at 9pm to set up; and they often end at 4/5 in the morning, some bigger sets can carry on till 7/8 am!  It’s very demanding but I love my work and that makes it worthwhile!

You have recently decided to go on tour, comments?

I just want to spread my wings really. London is great but I really want to experience the whole of the country underground dance scene! I’m buzzing to see what goes on up north!

You have had your regular spot at Warehouse in London, will this be continuing?

I have had to stop it at the moment, which I this is a shame. It is too much while I am touring though. But I will defiantly be going back! Everyone there had been so supportive and great. They gave me a big break, and they can’t get rid of me that quickly!

What would you say has been you biggest break though so far?

That’s a hard one! One had to defiantly being my first ever set in Ministry (of sound). People had heard of me from Warehouse and stuff, but I was so surprised by the turn out! It was my first major set.  Another would have to be Ibiza...because it was amazing!

Plans for the future?

I don’t have a clue! (Laughs) I am just taking life as it come.

Is that not a bit risky?

I have always had that take on life. In the music industry you have to have it, one track could make you and another could break you. Not being taken seriously has also added to my attitude towards life.  I’m just waiting to be let down. I don’t think we can plan for the future, no one knows what life will bring.

You have never thought about going more main stream and doing more chart music then?

At the moment I am just enjoying my life mixing. I do make my own songs, but it’s a whole other type of mixing which I do not want to do right now. I wouldn’t cross my name out, but as I said I don’t plan!  

Points from my focus group.

·         The questions are good.

·         The article is interesting.

·         The length of the article and answers are good.

·         Tone and style is suitable.

·         Not in a good order, questions are all over the place.

·         Needs more of an introduction.

Mode of Address Analysis

Do you feel discriminated against personally?

“I think all women are discriminated against. There’s so many examples. When they cut women’s clits off, that the most extreme version and that happens all the time. But even our society, women earn less money for the same work. That’s Crazy.”

·         Discriminated and personally – both complex word.

·         There’s – informal language. More conversational.

·         Cut women’s Clits – shocking, rude words. Less formal more conversational.  Rebellious.

·         But (starting a sentence) – informal, more conversational feel.

·         That’s Crazy. – add emphasis.

·         Varying sentence length makes it more interesting to read.

·         (Brackets) are used to add extra information.

·         Fillers such as – “Yeah”

·         Formal language in first paragraph – obscurity, spawning

·         References to material goods – Marlborough Lights, Calvin Kline.

·         Use of numbers – age, dates, tour dates.

·         Song titles used.

Cover Lines Plans

·         Header – Win an all inclusive VIP clubbers holiday to IBIZA

·         The fiercest girl in the club - MAZIE LEA

·         Highlights of the Ibiza DJ’s season

·         DJ Ruskus – “Drugs, Sex and the Decks”

·         Break the Decks

·         Mr Toy – Hotels to Hot Clubs

·         Best Winter party resorts

·         + Pase Rock 

Jasper

Newton’s Wings

A.I.M

Luke Beat

DJ Lo

DJ Frashen