Website

My website address is: https://coulsonlucy25.wixsite.com/valeo

Home Page:

fashion page:

October Magazine

September Magazine

Research 6: GQ Website

The GQ website has a black and white colour scheme, no other colours have been used which I will need to take into consideration as my magazine/website will be aimed at both men and women. Next to the search bar is a follow option which gives the audience the availability to follow GQ articles.

The links to the articles however are very hard to read due to the choice of font colour and the background image. From this I have learned to choose background images and fonts wisely. Also, from this I realised that there are sport articles unlike other women's magazines. Sport news is something I will need to include in my magazine to interest a male audience.

I find this picture and link interesting as it is second person, targeting the audience directly. The picture links to the article as many browns and dark greens have been captured, which are autumnal colours.

Mentioning of expensive brand names such as Gucci and Rolex represent GQ as a high class magazine for richer men.

Research 5: Fashion Website Grazia

At the top of the website there is the masthead and then links to different categories of news and articles, similar to Teen Vogue. However, unlike Teen Vogue the first category is fashion, which would lead the audience to believe that Grazia's main focus is fashion, not gossip and celebrity. There are icons of social media, encouraging the audience promote the magazine and website on social media.

The first feature on the website is fashion related and the heading engages the audience with the use of second person. I would like to use an article like this on my website as it is interesting for the viewer and helpful. The colour yellow contrasts to the black and white theme, therefore stands out.

Further down, past the fashion story are more links to articles on celebrities and gossip. This implies that readers are not only interested in fashion. Also, it is clear that Grazia is aimed at an older generation as the focus of the stories are about older celebrities.

Grazia also keeps fashion and beauty as a main focus however by the use of articles. For example, here besides the gossip story is a link that focuses on beauty.

Research 4: Fashion Website Teen Vogue

At the very top of the website is the masthead, which links to the website links below as the same shade of red has been used to create synergy. The first link is "news and politics" which implies that the main focus of the magazine is not fashion and is aimed at smart young people who care about news and politics. The links "fashion" and "beauty" are expected as Teen Vogue is a fashion magazine, however it is clear straight away that there is a wide range of features on the website which will appeal to a wider audience.

There is also an option to like Teen Vogue on Facebook crosses media platforms and widens audience's interaction with the magazine.

The first main articles you see on the Teen Vogue website are not fashion related, however are focused more on gossip. Each heading is categorised under a news type, for example "entertainment" or "TV." The fonts and colours used match the masthead to create synergy throughout the page. Target age group has clearly been taken into consideration as the articles are aimed at the younger generation, as there are articles about celebrities popular with teenagers and TV shows aimed at teens.

The first actual fashion heading on the website is a few articles down and again focuses on a popular celebrity. Also, the "yellow thigh high boots" the article is about are not shown in the picture, leading the audience to click on the link them and find about more.

Once clicked on the link, the text is fairly informal, for example "she has pretty much solidified the..." This also supports the fact that teen vogue is aimed at a younger generation.

On the side of the text are social media icons. It is important that in this day and age that these are included as social medias such as Facebook and Twitter are big platforms to promote the website on. The icons are easy to locate and use for the audience, therefore it is more likely that users will share the news story.

Teen Vogue includes cultural contexts on their website as a Muslim model is promoted and her story is shared in an article. The whole concept is called "I am America" and portrays equality which also can educate teens and the younger generation.



Masthead

I have decided to call my magazine "Valeo" as it means "thrive" in Latin. I have chosen a translation of this word because thrive is a word that means success and to do well. This links to the magazine I intend on creating as it targets a high class demographic who are likely to be attending college/university or finished degrees. Thrive can also imply how the fashion choices in the magazine will look on readers, as the models will be considered as "thriving" in the styles as they will be highly fashionable and classy.




Masthead font ideas:

 

I like this sans serif font (castellar) as its classy and is bold as it has a shadow effect. I also feel that all capitals brings more class and is more eye catching.

This font (Lucinda Console) is very bold which links to the concept of courageous fashion choices which my magazine will have, however I feel that the sans font has less of a classy feel than serif sans font as it is not associated with intellectuals.  

Institution Research: Bauer

History of Bauer:

“Bauer Media UK is an entertainment network of iconic, multi-platform brands. The business became part of the Bauer Media Group, Europe’s largest privately-owned media group, in 2008. Founded in Hamburg in 1875 and now in its fifth generation of family ownership, the Bauer Media Group operates in 19 countries including the UK, Germany, Poland, Australia, New Zealand and the USA and has 11,000 employees worldwide.”

Bauer has been managed by the Bauer family for five generations, ever expanding since it was founded in 1875. With their first UK launch being Bella magazine in 1987 under the name H Bauer Publishing, Bauer became the third largest publisher in Britain. Bauer then went on to purchase many other media groups such as Emap radio in 2008 and ACP Magazines in 2012.








How Bauer targets different audiences:

On the Bauer media website, there is a page dedicated to audience types where readers can look into different audience types that Bauer target as an institution.

Bauer targets a younger audience with an image which stereotypes youth as fun, smiling and conventionally outgoing. The image is taken in the sun which is interesting as that implies youths that Bauer targets are bright and happy. This could influence my magazine as I feel it is important to target the audience in a positive way.

Bauer has targeted older women by entitling them as "game changers." Again, this is a positive spin on the audience type as it can make older women feel powerful and important. The picture used is a sophisticated woman dressed in a smart, floral jacket looking to be in deep thought and concentration. The other woman looks to be explaining something to the other woman, which proves her sophistication. Both ladies are fashionable and classy, which is how I would like to target the audience of my magazine as. 



On the home page of the Bauer website, cross media convergence is used as there a slide show advertising different Bauer networks and businesses, for example radio stations such as Magic and their new station "hits radio." However, "we are Bauer" is printed on each advert along with the statistics "25 million people, 107 brands..." etc. This implies that Bauer want to advertise how big of a company they are as this advertises how successful the company is.

I have found that there are many niche magazines produced by Bauer, such as Angling Times, Sprit and Destiny and Bird Watching. This suggests that Bauer doesn't just target mass audiences. On the other hand, Take a Break magazine is very well known and targets a much wider scale of audiences. This implies that Bauer have varied magazines of genre and audience.



Grazia, being Bauer's only fashion magazine, advertises high fashion, news and beauty. Also, Grazia focuses on culture, which opens expands the audience worldwide. The magazine is sophisticated and classy, and targets an AB demographic. However, one thing that differs to the magazine I am producing is the age, as Grazia targets ages 25-45 and mine will target 16-25. This creates a gap in the Bauer market as there are no other fashion magazines.

Bauer has a range of magazines, for example more niche mags such as sporting and cars. Other mass audience magazines include gossip, music and radio stations. An example of a gossip and celebrity magazine produced by Bauer would be Heat magazine.

Heat doesn't target a specific age range, however according to https://www.statista.com/statistics/380770/heat-monthly-reach-by-demographic-uk/, 60% of the readers in this servey are aged 15-35. This suggests that my magazine will fit in well being produced by Bauer as they have magazines that appeal to younger audiences. However, heat magaine there is a large gap between male and female readers, which is why I feel creating a magzine that appeals equally to both genders is important as there is a gap in the market.



Research 3: Fashion Magazine Front Cover Teen Vogue and Brand Identity

It is important that magazine front covers have synergy and a brand identity. This front cover in particular has created synergy from the colour of the models clothing. For example, a lot of shades of pink and white have been used for the fonts and puffs in order to link to the picture. The masthead has been created the exact same through all magazines, however the colour of the masthead changes accordingly to how the model is dressed. This is something I would like to take into consideration when creating my front cover, as I like how the fonts and colours have been decided after the picture was taken.

Brand identity is created here as this implies that Teen Vogue magazine is the "best." Having an off lead entitled "best of beauty" suggests that Teen Vogue articles only discuss the very best of fashion and styles, encouraging people to buy the magazine. This helps to create brand identity as this is now what readers of the magazine expect, to be updated on the latest and greatest fashion trends.

This clearly targets a younger audience as it specialises in social media which is typically something associated with teenagers. The use of alliteration in a bigger, bolder font works here as it gives the reader a taste of what the off lead is about.

This front cover has inspired me to create synergy between the model and the fonts around the photo. I have also decided that I will use the same masthead and fonts on my website that I am using on the magazines, with the only difference being colour.

Research 2: Fashion Magazine Front Cover GQ and Codes and Conventions

I like the medium shot of this magazine cover as it shows off the model's suit, implying his high class and wealth, which is something I need to take into consideration when creating my front cover to match the AB demographic. Also visible is a clearly expensive watch, which also shows off his wealth. His facial expression is not like most other male magazines, as the model is smiling and looking mischeivous rather than straight. This suggests that men don't have to be serious to looking classy and sophisticated, as the model achieves high class and quirky at the same time. I like that this challenges conventions of facial expressions but follows them with looking into camera. I feel that I would like my male model to have a fun facial expression, as this gives the magazine a less harsh feel and would be more inviting for young males.

I like the synergy that is created throughout the front cover as the the puffs all link to the mast head, which is red and blue. The use of blue stereotypically links to the magazine as specifically for males.

The off leads are interesting because they specifically link to men, for example "the cheap man's guide to looking expensive." This makes the magazine exclusive to males, which is something I do not want in my magazine. This has made me realise I would like to advertise my magazine for both genders, and make it as clear as possible on the front page.

Research 1: Fashion Magazine Vogue Front Cover Codes and Conventions

I feel that the costume used here has both classy and youthful qualities. Firstly, as it is a full legth, slimming dress it fits the target audience of AB demographic as it is classy and makes the model look very elegant, which is a convention of many high class fashion magazines. However, in contrast to this, the use of sequins and and multi colours brings youth and excitment to the costume as it is bright and exotic, which will attract a young audience. I feel that a costume with these qualities will be perfect for one of the front covers for my magazine as it merges both high class with youth, which fits perfectly with the target audience.


I also find the background very interesting as the model's dress is suitable for a catwalk/famous event. The background contrasts to the dress as it represents nature and natural beauty, which varies from sequins. This doesn't follow usual front cover magazine conventions, however I feel that it gives the message "its okay to be different," which I am considering being a message for my magazine.

Here, I like that a mutural colour has been used for the masthead as it is not a stereotypical colour to any gender. I would like to use a colour for my masthead that doesn't follow any conventions as the magazine is going to be produced for both male and females. I also like how sleek the font used is, as I feel that this implies the magazine has class, and is for a more intelligent audience.




In conclusion, after studying this magazine front cover I have decided that I would like to consider mixing both high class and young fashions together to fit the target audience. Also, I like the use of contrasting background with the costume and model, as this would link to the concept of my magazine being diversity and inspiring. I have also realised that I would like a unisex colour for my masthead, however I need to keep in mind that it suits the synergy created by the picture and front cover of my magazine.

Concept of my Magazine

The initial idea for the concept of my magazine is all about accepting who you are, finding yourself and expressing yourself however you want freely. My magazine is going to include a wide range of styles so young people will feel inspired, and not be afraid to dress differently to mainstream styles. In the magazine I plan on merging styles together, for example using country fashion conventions with high class by also using flashy jewellery and professional make up. Mixing up styles should encourage the audience to experiement with their fashion choices, causing young people to find more diverse fashion styles and learn not to follow mainstream styles.

Initial Ideas

I have chosen Brief 3, Magazine and Online for my course work. I have chosen this option because I feel there are various types of magazine that haven't been completed before in this TA demographic, for example a magazine aimed at both young males and females.
I feel that it is important to create a magazine that challenges gender conventions, for example dressing a woman in a suit or putting a man in pink. Also, I aim to empower both males and females to not follow stereotypes, and insire them to express themselves in whichever way they want.


I aim to give young males a magazine to read that doesn't only focus on sports and the gym, with the intention of challening conventions of other male fashion magazines. To do so, I plan on making males look classy and sophisticated in high class clothing such as suits and ties instead of gym wear, and plan on using particular camera shots such as low angled shots to make men look important without being sporty.


In order to create a sophiticated, high-class demographic look I am going to search in charity/vintage shops for clothes and accessories to dress up the models I have chosen. The models' hair and make up will be styled accordingly to what they are wearing, keeping the style youthful yet smart at the same time.




Although the target audience is aimed at an AB demographic, the magazine will also feature articles about achieving high fashion in a cheaper way, as the age group is 16-25 therefore many of the readers won't have a large amount of money.


Also included in the fashion magazine and on the website will be articles linked to politcal, social and cultural context as these could be a concern to the target audience as they typically are intelligient and will have an interest in concerns.


Initial Ideas - focus on  both male and female fashion
focus on making males look sophisticated and smart, not just sporty
intend on modelling both male and female fashion together for events such as festivals/parties etc.

Statement of Intent

I am making an advert for the fragrance “Daisy” by Marc Jacobs. The advert will be aimed at young females up to the age of 30. I have chosen to aim at this group of people because I am using a young model to represent youth.

The image I am going to create is going to represent the scent of the fragrance as floral and spring like. I am going to do this by framing the shot with flowers and nature, and have sunlight as lighting. The model is going to be represented as elegant and beautiful in a summer dress, however Bell Hooks might disagree with what the model is wearing, as she believes that women should not be used in adverts to help sales. A preferred reading to the advert may be that the model looks beautiful and elegant, and that the buyer will feel that way when wearing the fragrance.

The background I have chosen represents spring and the beauty of nature as the flowers and grass link to the scent of the fragrance. The background I feel stereotypically targets females as it is very floral and spring-like. The brightness of the image will help create a positive representation of the perfume therefore will make the audience want to buy the product.

I intend on creating a natural feel through the advert with no jewellery and very light make up. This is because the perfume is light and soft. The model is going to be wearing a floaty dress to represent elegance and beauty, without having to show too much skin.

I feel that there are many beneficial places my advert could appear. For example, on social media sites like Facebook, YouTube etc. it will benefit being on social media as the target audience uses these sites. Also, posters and billboards in shopping centres because this is where the product will be available.

Advert Research 2

Background

The background is kept simple to emphasise the beauty of the product and the model. The nude colours represent the foundation as that is the colour of the product, and the shading looks smooth which could represent house your skin will feel if you buy the product.

The Model

The model's eye make up is light and simple so the audience is drawn to the foundation of the model as that is the product being advertised. Her hair is slicked back, this could represent her as a sophisticated woman, which is how woman would want to feel when wearing the product. Her hair being in a ponytail also draws attention to her face and her make up.

Font 

The font is clear and again looks sophisticated, it is in capitals therefore it stands out and is straight to the point. "Chanel" is in a bigger font because that is the brand name. This would also attract younger women as Chanel is a well known name.

Backgrounds for my Advert

          This would be a suitable background for my advert because it is similar to the background on the original advert as the sun is in the same place and there are a lot of the same colours. It links to the fragrance as its floral and represents spring as the sun is coming though at the top of the image.

 I like this background because there are actual daisies which obviously represent the fragrance as it is called Daisy. I think that this would help the audience make the connection of the two, therefore they would want to buy the product as daisy's represent flowers which are stereotypically beautiful.

 

I believe that this background would be suitable as it is framed by the leaves of the tree just like the flowers and grass in the original advert frame the image. I feel that the model would stand out well in front of this background in the centre of the frame as the sun is slightly off centre so it will be seen beside the model.

I feel that this background reaches requirements of the advert because there are daisies used and it is similar to the original as the grass frames the shot. The very background of the image lightens in the middle which I believe would make the model stand out and draw attention to her.

This image would be good to use because it is very floral just like the perfume. The flowers represent nature and frame the shot.



Advert Research 1

Daisy - Marc Jacobs

 

Background

The background links with the brand name “Daisy” as it is very natural as different green and blue tones have been used to create a floral theme. The sun behind the model suggests that it is spring, and that the scent of the perfume is very spring-like and fresh. Also, the sun could represent the boldness of the perfume, encouraging the audience to buy it.

The Model

The model as well is left natural, with light make up and nothing done to her hair. This represents to the audience that the perfume is light and not too strong. The model follows conventions as she is in the centre of the shot, however breaks conventions of perfume adverts, as she is fully clothed unlike stereotypically, most other perfume adverts. The dress the model is wearing is floaty and elegant to represent of women will feel when wearing the perfume.  Bell Hooks, as a feminist, would approve of this, as she is not showing too much skin, however she could still believe that the model could cover up a bit more, as there are other ways to sell a brand. The perfume bottle is also held in front of the model to imply importance.

Font

The font is kept simple and sophisticated to represent the perfume, and could imply that women who buy it do not need a strong perfume to feel empowering. The colour of the font is white which again implies the simplicity and delicacy of the scent. The phrase “The Fragrance for Women” suggests the there is no other fragrance suitable for women, “the” implies that it is the only perfume on sale. This could make women feel compelled to buy it. The size of the font is small compared to the model and the perfume bottle, which suggests the importance of both the brand and the model, as the model is beautiful and natural which represents the scent of the perfume.

Case Study – David Guetta ft. Sia Titanium

Artists not included in music video.

Narrative – story of boy who has supernatural powers and he is running from police trying to capture him. Set in rural village.  I believe that the message behind the story is that it is okay to be different, and it inspires people, particularly a younger audience, to believe in themselves.

Industry – Nothing but the Beat is David Guetta’s fifth album. With many collaborations including Nicki Minaj, Snoop Dogg, Flo Rida, Sia and many more, the album had four top 100 singles. It was released via virgin Records, EMI and Astralwerks.

Audience – the music video appeals to specifically a younger audience, because it is postmodern. Younger people are more likely to enjoy a postmodern music video than older generations because they are more open to traditions changing. Also, the particular music genre appeals to a younger audience, specifically teenagers. Therefore, to appeal to the target audience of teenagers and young adults, the music video has to be up to date. The story also targets a people who feel like a minority as the main boy looks to be alone ad different to an average person. People will relate to this and therefore watch the video.

People that would consider themselves as part of David Guetta’s and Sia’s fandom would also be an audience of the music video. Usually, they would watch the music video more than once because of their love for the artist.

Media Forms – Not only is the music video seen on YouTube, it can be shown on music channels on TV and can be bought from places such as iTunes. The song itself can be bought on places like iTunes, Apple Music and streamed on Spotify and illegally on websites. The song had to be pulled from radio playlists in the US due to the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

The music video is very post modernised (Baudrillard) as it doesn’t follow conventions and breaks traditions of the main feature being the artist. Instead, the main focus is the story of a boy with super natural abilities.

The boy in the music video could represent kids and teenagers around the world who feel like they don’t fit in and feel different to people around them. The boy proves that they are not alone, and can be inspiring as the boy as super powers therefore, other people can be that great too.

The music video is set in a typical, urban town. This signifies that these events can happen anywhere, which again helps younger people not feel alone when they are struggling.