Magazine Advertisement Third Draft

Magazine Advertisement Third Draft

This is the third draft for our magazine advertisement. Although we were very pleased with the second draft of our magazine advertisement, after receiving feedback from our lecturer, there were a few minimal changes she suggested which we felt would benefit our magazine advertisement, allowing it to appear realistic and professional. We have added a quotation to the Kerrang magazine review, which is featured at the top of the page. This allows to relate greatly to our target audience, who enjoy indie, electronic and the rock genre of music and of whom most are likely to purchase or read Kerrang magazine. Observing a favourable review from a magazine they regularly enjoy or trust to provide a good choice a music, may encourage them to be interested in listening to or even purchasing the CD. We have also placed endorsement logos, in the bottom left hand corner, which appeared to be a conventional aspect of magazine advertisements. These consist of the logos for both Pepsi and Blackberry, which we have particularly chosen as these brands are very popular and commonly present within the the lives of our target audience. Furthermore, we have also placed a faint image of the CD digipack front cover onto the iPod. This simply allows the iPod to appear more realistic, whilst also further promoting the front cover to the audience, encouraging them to identify the CD within stores. 

CD Digipack Back Cover First & Final Draft

CD Digipak Back Cover First & Final Draft

This is the first draft we have produced the back cover of our CD digipak. We are very pleased with the overall ending result, particularly how similar we were able to create it to the initial flat plan design. When first creating the back cover, we did worry as to whether placing the song title text onto the cigarettes, would still allow the text too be visible and easy to read. Therefore we ensured to select a very simple and traditional font, which was not too complicated and placed the text in a dark colour, allowing it to stand out from the lighter colour shade of the cigarette, ensuring the text could be seen and easily read by the viewer. The only additional change we have created asides from the initial flat plan, is the small description in the bottom left hand corner, which simply states copyright laws and album production information. After researching many of the back covers we used as inspiration for our own, this information was present on all of them, therefore as this seemed to be a typical convention, we felt it would be beneficial to add this in order for the back cover of our CD digipak to look realistic and professional. 

CD Digipak Inside Sleeve First Draft

CD Digipak Inside Sleeve First Draft

This is first draft we have produced, for the inside sleeve of our CD digipak. We are very pleased with first result of the inside sleeve, as it appears to be very similar to the initial design we had hoped to create. We also are particularly happy as the design appears to be very fitting with both the front cover of our CD digipak and the magazine advertisement, which ultimately will allow the overall package to look professional and consistent. We are also very pleased with how the image appears to have maintained very realistic qualities. When we initially drew the flat plan image we were happy with our design, however we felt, the image if not created correctly could become too 'animated' or 'cartoon' like. This could cause the image to loose the overall emphasis on the  realism, which was an important factor. As we wanted to create a layout and image that appeared similar to the desk of perhaps our target audience, featuring items which they may have or use regularly, which may heighten the uses and gratification featured, in particular personal identity, providing our target audience with the ability to successfully identify their own values, behaviour etc within the image.  Therefore instead of creating images using Photo Shop, we chose a collection of images from the web containing the items we wanted then cut them out and placed them into the inside sleeve using Photo Shop. Initially, we have created the overall layout for the inside sleeve, however as evident above, the polaroid photographs contain no images. Therefore as we have yet to participate in the photo shoot and take the photographs, we will place them images in the polaroids when complete.

Feedback - CD Digipak Front Cover First Draft & Magazine Advertisement Second Draft

After producing the first draft for our CD digipak front cover and the second draft for our magazine advertisement, we felt it would be useful to gain feedback, in order to see if we had created successful products or whether there were any improvements we could make. We gained this, by asking our lecturer to assess the work we had produced, using specific feedback forms. 

For both of the printed tasks, we received a grade B, which is our target grade. Therefore we seem to be making sufficient progress with our project and producing high level work. However, If were are to make the appropriate improvements, it could be possible for our group to achieve an A grade for our project.

Below are the feedback forms, which display which aspects of the tasks we have successfully completed, the strengths of the work we have produced and the areas in which we could improve the work we have produced.

CD Digipak Front Cover First Draft Feedback

After observing the feedback we gained on our CD digipak front cover first draft, our lecturer felt the attitude, body language and the staging we had used within our photographs was very good, specifically as it suggested we have a good knowledge of our target audience. As we have tried to reflect typical 'youth' behaviour within the image, such as having an 'care free' or 'not bothered' attitude and engaging in behaviour such as drinking or smoking, which will help to relate to our target audience age group of 16-25. She felt the text and image were well integrated with one another.  However, she felt although the font was good, it could 'lift' off the page a little more. Therefore, we could add a border or a darker shadow, allowing the text to stand off from the background more. She also felt that although we had an appropriate image, it could be slightly more punchy or controversial too suit the name of the band. Therefore,  we could possibly add some controversial graffiti, using photo shop brushes,  onto the fence featured in the background and maybe a larger use of props that are consistent with the theme, such as empty alcohol bottles or cans on the grass in the foreground of the image. To improve the overall grade of our CD digipack, we  should also complete the full digipack, including the back cover and the inside sleeve. 

Magazine Advertisement Second Draft Feedback

After observing the feedback we gained on our magazine advertisement second draft, our lecturer felt overall we had produced a very good magazine advertisement, that was very quirky, youthful and full of energy, particularly in the use of colours and images. She also felt we displayed a good understanding of the conventions for both our genre and magazine advertisements and endorsements, such as advertising where the CD could be purchased or CD reviews from various music magazines. These both overall, displayed that we had a good awareness of our target audience and how to relate and cater our product to their needs. However, she also felt we could add more endorsements, to allow the magazine advertisement to look professional and realistic. Too create a more realistic magazine advertisement, she also felt it could be beneficial too add a quotation from a music magazine, reviewing the album, which would reassure the readers that the CD would be a great purchase, specifically if it were to be reviewed by a very popular music magazine. Lastly she felt that we could also place a faint image of the CD digipak front cover onto the iPod, to allow the iPod to tie in with the overall advertisement and ensure the image looks realistic. 

Magazine Advertisement Second Draft

Magazine Advertisement Second Draft 

This is the second draft of our magazine advertisement. We have made no additional changes to the original first draft of our magazine advertisement which we created, as we felt it looked good and professional and turned out better then we had hoped. However now that we have completed our photo shoot and the first draft of our CD digipak front cover, we were able to replace the white blank CD, with our front cover image. This was the most important aspect to complete, as this is what the magazine advertisement will be advertising to audiences, allowing them to identify the CD and purchase it. 

CD Digipak Front Cover First Draft

CD Digipak Front Cover First Draft

This is the first draft for our CD digipak front cover, which we are very pleased with. This is quite similar to our initial flat plan we created, however we have made a few changes and alternatives, which I feel benefit our cover. We have used very few props compared to what we initially intended, however I feel this has turned out much better, as if many props were to be used this could have distracted attention away from the band members. I feel it would be very important to ensure the band members are the main focus, as this would allow audiences to identify them and then connect them or identify them within the music video, or visa versa, to allow the overall package to be effective and consistent. In addition we have kept the font we intended, however we have also added a crinkled paper texture, which we feel works very well and creates a very unique effect, rather then just having plain text. We also added a vintage border effect, which we feel works very well with the washed out, faded colours and compliments the entire image and theme very well. 

Magazine Advertisement First Draft

Magazine Advertisement First Draft

This is the first draft for our magazine advertisement, which we produced using the software Photoshop. This is quite similar to the original drawing we had designed for our initial flat plan, however we whilst creating the magazine advertisement, we made a few changes and alterations. Firstly, rather then having the entire background consist of colourful paint splats, we placed the paint splats onto a wooden background, whilst also making them slightly transparent. This was purely to benefit the advertisement, as when creating the background entirely with paint splats, we felt it appeared to colourful, busy and confusing on the eye, when combined with the colours of all the other objects on the page. Therefore, we have still kept the paint splats, to keep it consistent with the overall package, but allowed them to be much more subtle. Rather then just featuring an plain iPod on the page, we also thought this would be a good placement to advertise that the CD could be purchased on iTunes. This also provided us with the idea to advertise the stores in which the CD would be sold, which we did not feature on the initial flat plan. We felt featuring where you could purchase the CD, gave a more realistic and professional appearance. Also using two of the most popular places to purchase music, iTunes and HMV, could project that the CD is good and is worth being purchased, if it is willing to be sold here. This draft was intended to feature a basic layout and rough draft, which we would then change drastically later, to allow it to reach the professional standards, of a realistic magazine advertisement. However we were very pleased with how the first draft has turned out, therefore we would like to make as minimal changes as possible to it. However as evident, the CD is blank, therefore the major alteration we will need to make, will be the addition of the CD digipak front cover, which is specifically important as this is what the advertisement is advertising and will allow the audience to identify the CD in stores. 

CD Digipak Front Cover Initial Photo Shoot Practice & Chosen Image (Original Images)

Before taking the actual photographs for the front cover of our CD digipak, I first set up my camera on the tripod and took initial practice shots of the other group members in the positions they would be standing in, in the actual photographs. This allowed us to check how far away and where we needed to place the camera to ensure the correct proportion of the models and location were in the photograph, and they could be seen clearly and were not too far away. It also enabled us to see whether the location worked well and the lighting from the sky and both the flash of the camera was sufficient, to ensure we could see the models and it was not to bright. 

Photo Shoot Tester Shots

Below are the two tester photographs we took. Here it was evident that the camera was placed too far away from the models, as too much of the location was present in the photographs, specifically of the grass, whilst the models were distant, meaning their props and facial and body language was hardly visible. 

Photo Shoot Initial Practice (Unusable Photographs)

After taking our tester shots with the camera, to ensure the camera was correct, we then began to take the photographs for our CD cover.

Above is the first image which was taken. Although the props and poses and position of models were correct, the focus on the camera moved due to the windy weather conditions, causing the photograph to become blurry and out of focus.

Above is the second image which was taken. Although we fixed the focus on the camera and ensured the camera was fixed to the tripod correctly to make sure the wind would alter the camera, the timer we had set appeared to go off too soon for the photograph. This meant unfortunately some of us within the photograph had  moved or began to talk, as we were not ready for the photograph.  However we did particularly like the pose and facial expression Laurie (end left) displayed, therefore we decided we will use this image of her on the front cover image. 

Photo Shoot Chosen Photographs

For the the other images we produced, the focus, poses and facial expressions were perfect for each photograph. The only difference between each image, was a slight minor change in the body language or pose by each model. Therefore we will simply choose the best image for each model, combining the best image of myself, Chelsea and Nikki, with the image we chose of Laurie above in Photo Shop, for the front cover image. This will allow our CD digipack front cover to look professional and help us to achieve the dramatic effect we hope for.

Photo Shoot Location Recce

Before taking our photographs, it is important that we have completed the recce questions to ensure we have taken into consideration everyone’s health, and everyone will be safe whilst taking part.

Are there any potential hazards that could pose a health and safety risk where your photo shoot will take place?

As we will be taking our photographs outdoors, there are multiple potential hazards which could take place. If it does rain, this could damage electrical equipment, specifically the camera, but could also cause electrical shocks if the items are to be touched. There could also be a major risk of trips and falls, over any of the props or equipment, or any other items that maybe left lying around outside.

What will you do to ensure these risks are minimised?

To help minimise these potential hazards, we will make sure to take the photographs on a day which is dry and sunny. However if the weather unfortunately is too change, we could use a marquee to ensure the outdoor backdrop is still visible, but the equipment will still be safe and dry. We will also make sure to clean the entire outdoor area first, to make sure there are no large or sharp objects lying around. The props used must also not be left lying around after using them within the photos, and must be placed in a reasonable place, such as on a table.

Will the time of day/weather affect the outcome of the photos? Have you allowed for this?

As we will be taking the photographs outside, we will need to ensure the weather is nice and not raining as this could spoil the costume and make-up of the models and not too windy as this could disrupt the movement of the camera tripod, however if the weather is too change we will have  marquee nearby. We will also need to take the images during the day to ensure all the models, props and details will be clearly visible in the photographs and we will not need any extra lighting equipment to highlight this, as we will be relying on natural light sources. 

Have you considered the background to your photos, particularly if taken outside? How will you ensure you will get the background you want?

The background we will be using is a fence or a brick wall, which is in a closed area of our friend’s garden; therefore it will be particularly easy to ensure we get the background we want. An issue which could interfere with the background would be the weather however, which we have addressed in the above questions. 

Have you considered lighting? What about the ‘problems’ of natural lighting, either outside, or streaming through a window? Will you need to use a flash? Have you considered reflective objects that might spoil the effect?
For the photographs we will be taking, we will be using all outdoor natural lighting. Therefore an issue which could arise, maybe, if the sun is too bright, this could reflect on the camera lens and cause the photographs to be very bright, making it hard to identify any of the personnel or props within the images, which are important in our photographs to project the right effect. Therefore on my camera I will be using a flash that is best suited to a sunny weather condition, which will allow the camera to take the photographs with as much clarity and precision as possible.

Do you need permission to take photos in the place/venue you have in mind?

As we will be taking the photos in the back garden of one of the group members we will only need permission from her. This is much more reliable as it is easier to plan when we can take the photos and the most suitable time, as she is part of the group.

Are you reliant on lifts/props/friends’ equipment/models? How have you planned that these things will come together at the appointed time? Plan B?

As the entire group will be featured in the photographs and the photos will be taking place at one of the group members house, we have all arranged to come together at an appropriate time in which we will all be available and the venue will be available. The camera we will be using to take the photographs is my personal camera; therefore we did not need permission to use this. I felt this was more appropriate, as I had knowledge and felt comfortable using it could and access the photos afterwards easily. The tripod which we will be using for the photographs, we have borrowed from the media department in our college.  Although these are rather easy to gain access to, it could also gain problems for our group. If the images need to be delayed and taken at a different time, another group may require the the tripod for their coursework, therefore it will not be available to us. Therefore we must plan in advance, when the tripod will be available to us with our lecturer. 

Photo Shoot Planning

Before taking the photographs for our CD digipak, we must ensure to plan sufficiently before hand in order to make sure we have the correct equipment and props for the photographs, our location is appropriate and each member of the group is aware of exactly how we want the image to appear.

What emotional impact do you want your photography do have upon the reader? How?

Rather than emotional, we would like our photo to have a very dramatic impact on the reader. As the music promo video will feature teenagers at a party, participating in very wild behaviour, we would like our image to be consistent with this, and having a shocking effect on the audience.

What personnel do you need? Who are you going to photograph?

For the photographs, we will be featuring the members of the band. We felt this was appropriate as it allows the viewer to identify with who the band are, specifically the image on the front cover by connecting the image in with the band featured in the video.  We also felt this would be best as young bands are very popular with the teenage and young adult audience we are targeting our product towards. Also featuring band members that are almost same age as our target audience will be more relatable and possibly enhance the gratification of personal identity, allowing the audience to identify themselves with the values of those in the band.

What props will you need?

We will be using minimal props, as we want the image to be very dramatic and too many props, could cause the image to be too busy and distracting from the members of the band. The props we will be using, will consist of cigarettes and alcohol, to be both consistent with the music video, therefore allowing the overall package too look professional and emphasise the shocking behaviour.

How are you going to emphasise colour?
For the photographs we want to use quite a large amount of colour, to allow the images to maintain consistent with the colourful layout and effects we have used on the magazine advertisement and the layout of the CD digipak. We will be emphasising the colour featured on the models and props, by using a plain and washed out coloured backdrop, in the form of a fence or brick wall. This block colour will contrast with the many colours featured on the models clothing, creating more emphasis on each person, to attract the reader’s attention to them. This is important as we want to attract the viewer to the  members of the band, encouraging them to notice the behaviour they are taking part in such as drinking or smoking, increasing the shocking impact we hope to achieve.

Have you briefed your personnel/models?

The models we will be using for the photographs will be the other members of the group. This will be much easier as they are aware of what needs to be done for the photographs and when they need to be produced, as they have participated in every part of the planning of the project.

What lighting will you need? Any other equipment?

To maintain the photographs realistic and natural approach, we will be using natural outdoor lighting. A piece of equipment we will be using whilst taking the photographs will be tripod. Although we want the images to look very candid, therefore the photographs do not need to perfectly straight, we will need the tripod for convenience purposes as all the members of the band will be appearing in the images, we need to have the camera at a high angle and we would have no personnel to take the photographs from such a angle. 

Where will you shoot? Will you need a backdrop?
For both the images placed on the front cover and the inside sleeve of our CD digipak, we will be shooting the images outside, using a fence or wall as a backdrop. We decided to use this, as we felt we wanted the images to appear more realistic and candid, rather then using a a stylised, studio background. A regular outdoor backdrop, would allow the image to appear like just a regular photograph, which adds to the realism.

Make-up? Costume?

As featured in our costume and make-up research, we will be using fashion and make-up that is highly influenced by the indie rock/rock vibe, consisting of grungy clothing and dark and bold make-up, which is very popular with bands and artists of the music genre we have chosen, which will therefore allow us to create a professional appearance to our overall package. As this has become very popular in the current fashion market, specifically with our target audience in clothing stores such as Top Shop/Man and H&M, this will also help us to relate to our target audience, and  increase the gratification of personal identification.