Note to Examiner

Dear Examiner,

During the production process of my magazine, I have gained a significant number of skills relating to the magazine industry. As a result of this, I have been able to produce a final product to the very best of my capability. The entire process has been engaging, interesting, challenging and somewhat stressful! I hope you enjoy reading.

Thank you,
Ethan Smith

Final Cover

Final Contents

Final Double-Page 1

Final Double-Page 2

Final Double-Page 3

Final Double-Page 4

Preliminary: Final Cover

Preliminary: Final Contents

Evaluation Activity 7

Evaluation Activity 6

Evaluation 6 from Ethan Smith

Evaluation Activity 5

There are a number f factors within my magazine that constitute towards the attraction of my desired alternative/indie audience. These are: iconography, challenging magazine conventions and the similarity of my magazine to other alternative music magazines. 

Iconography

Presenting my model in the position of smoking links to themes and ideas of teenage angst/rebellion: themes that my alternative/indie audience would perhaps be able to relate with. The cool, vintage clothing and nose ring that my model is wearing also connote to the yearn for individuality - something that my magazine attempts to portray throughout. 

Challenging magazine conventions

I decided to challenge the traditional conventions of magazines by choosing to have a double-page contents page in a landscape format - in contrast to the traditional portrait contents. I feel that this helped to attract my alternative audience, since they are likely to purchase something that doesn't conform.

Similarity to Beat Magazine

The fact that my magazine gains inspiration from Beat Magazine could influence my alternative audience: they are likely to read other alternative music magazines and so will be more enticed to read mine.

Audience Reading Gush Magazine

Name: Sam 

Age: 17

Favourite Band/Artist: Modern Baseball

Go-to shop: Urban Outfitters

Name: Jay 

Age: 17

Favourite Band/Artist: FIDLAR

Go-to shop: Pink Pigeon 

Evaluation Activity 4

From my research, I concluded that my magazine would be aimed predominantly towards an audience of the younger demographic - ranging from ages 16-22. This was useful research for me, since it dictated the writing style of my articles, as well as the features of the overall magazine. It is important that I create my magazine "in line" with my desired demographic, so that I can reach my ideal audience. Having a younger audience is important to the success of my magazine - in my view - since younger people are likely to be interested in new and upcoming trends. I conducted a questionnaire in order to aid with this: my audience were asked questions regarding their lifestyles and interests, meaning that my magazine could be constructed around the livelihood of the audience. 

The gender of my audience was another important factor in my research: I decided that my magazine would appeal to both male and female consumers - widening my audience and ultimately resulting in a more accessible magazine.

Synergy/convergence is important to consider when making my magazine - especially since mine focuses on music. I therefore asked my audience questions about where they like to shop and what music they enjoy: in order for my magazine to connect with its desired audience, it's important that cross-media convergence is taken into account. Below is a screenshot taken from my questionnaire regarding the bands/artists my audience are interested in:

From questions such as this, I can gain useful information about my audience and cater the magazine towards them - for example, my magazine features a section about 'The Jesus and Mary Chain' and 'Slowdive'.

Audience Profiles

The following audience profiles are examples of the type(s) of people who would be interested in my magazine:

Name: Lily Eve

Age: 17

Interests: Photography, music, gigs, video games, film

Favourite bands/artists: DIIV, Radiohead, Beach Fossils, Blaenavon, The Wytches, Karen O, Joy Division, King Krule

Favourite places to shop: Independent stores (e.g. Pink Pigeon), Online (e.g. ASOS Marketplace, Hoodbats)

Name: Fin Quinlan

Age: 16

Interests: Playing guitar, skateboarding, gigs, photography

Favourite bands/artists: The Velvet Underground, Marietta, Mom Jeans, Merchant Ships, Car Seat Headrest

Favourite places to shop: Charity/vintage shops, independent stores

Evaluation Activity 3

Evaluation Activity 2

Evaluation Activity 1

Evaluation Activity 1 by Ethan Smith on Scribd