Aims and Introduction

Aims and Introduction

Firstly, I aim to target an audience with an age demographic of around 16 – 30, teenagers and young adults. I think my magazine should be fairly gender neutral in order to appeal to a wider and more varied audience, I will attract both genders by using a unisex, neutral colour palette, font etc (anything visual). My magazine will be a mid range price to reflect the intended middle class group of readers, this suits the age demographic as it will still be affordable yet not expensive plus I feel as though my magazine will be appropriate for adults too. Therefore the price is suitable considering the range of audience I need to take in to account. In terms of psychographics my target audience should have similar interests as well as the genre I have chosen. For example, dance music magazines typically include separate themes such as technology and nightlife. I would strive to focus on a more glossy and sophisticated appearance to attract the desired audience, this would conform more effectively to my chosen genre – whereas an urban feel would be more suitable for a hip hop/rap magazine. I would create an atmosphere that was outside the mainstreamer scene.

The inspiration for my magazine has mainly been influenced by successful, glossy magazines such as Q and NME which concentrate overall on rock/alternative music. I can examine particular aspects included in either magazines typical style of front cover, contents page and double page spread and know that I would aim to convey these elements within my work. For example the visually highly iconic and therefore easily recognisable appearance of Q magazines double page spreads – as shown in my mood board. I suppose I find them appealing as part of a target audience as I think personally I am definitely in the correct area regarding demographic and psychographics. I would classify my music magazine as one that choses to promote new and independent artists as well as featuring already successful bands. This is because I am targeting a varied audience and feel that a range of underground and mainstream music would be more appropriate. I like the idea of bringing independent artists presence within the music industry to the reader’s attention – revealing new, interesting artists they may have never have come across, plus mainstream bands who have a large audience and will therefore naturally encourage attraction to my magazine. This will affect my cover lines in a way that directs the focus on both upcoming events including successful artists and news within the music industry. I think I will involve artists such as the 1975, Bastille, the Arctic Monkeys, Arcade Fire etc as they are very current and popular alternative artists and attract the exact demographic I want to appeal to, plus they appeal to a variety of ages as well as just teenagers. 

I have selected a friend of mine to take part in the shoot, she will feature as a successful artist, most likely appearing on the front cover and double page spread. My friend is young and blonde and I have styled her in a way in which she looks attractive yet is not sexualised or objectified. This means that the cover won't purely attract males. Plus I feel as though the minimalistic and effortless appearance imitates the overall laid-back sound of alternative music whilst reflecting realism. This sense of realism will be exaggerated by high key/naturalist lighting. Whereas excessive and extravagant hair/makeup/clothing would perhaps suit a dance music magazine more effectively due to the night life aspect.

I was thinking of editing images in a contrasting black and white in order to add more variety. Or possibly adjusting contrast and curves. I will select images that I perceive to be the most interesting/appealing at an initial glance, then I will proceed to query friends about their opinions, especially people I feel as though would be hypothetically interested in my music magazine. I am planning to use a neutral colour palate, incorporating white, cream, black etc and then a pop of colour to add excitement. I have decided to call my magazine "vibes" due to the word's sharp and memorable sound, it refers to a specified feeling or flavour, which is fitting because I want to attract people who are thoughtful intelligent. I haven't used a shortened word, colloquial language or an acronym.