IN WHAT WAYS DOES YOUR MEDIA PRODUCT USE,

DEVELOP OR CHALLENGE FORMS AND CONVENTIONS OF REAL MEDIA PRODUCTS?

FRONT COVER

THE MASTHEADThe masthead of my media product conforms to the typical conventions of well known magazine brands. This is because the main image within the

cover has been superimposed over the the title. This is a common feature used on current magazines such as VIBE, NME etc. It is effective to hide

parts of the text as it connotes the popularity and success of the magazine as it implies that the viewers do not need to see the full title to know what

magazine it is.

For example, when researching other competitor products, the magazine ‘NME’ uses the same convention of a super imposed image. It also uses the technique of placing the title on the left hand side of page, drawing more attention to the main image rather than itself. This emphasizes the main cover story within the magazine, giving the audience an immediate knowledge, maintaining their gratification.

The masthead, ‘Pulse’ would also always be displayed in the same text on each magazine cover. This is to make it easily recognizable and add to creating a house style.

THE STRAP LINE

My magazine cover also conforms to the conventions of real media products as it contains a strap line. In magazines such as NME, the strap line consists of text including the full name of the product. This is because the well known name is an acronym of the actual title. As my product does not use this feature, it could be argued that my strap line challenges the forms of certain magazines. Instead, my strap line displays persuasive information to encourage the viewer to purchase the magazine. It could be argued that the title and strapline conform to magazines of my genre (R&B) as I have used the stereotypical feature of cementing the text.

THE MAIN IMAGE The main image on the cover of my magazine conforms to the conventions

of certain media products that are targeted at a young audience of 18-25. This is because the genre of magazine is R&B, therefore artists within this genre tend to be represented in a seductive and rebellious form to maintain the audiences gratification and agree with the stereotype of their portrayal. An example of a magazine that chooses to portray their artists in this way isHowever, if my magazine was not targeted at an audience of R&B fans, the model within the main image would be expected to be portrayed in a more sophisticated manner. It could be argued that the main image challenges the conventions of real media products as the model is not using direct mode of address but instead wearing sunglasses. Alternatively, it could be argued that sunglasses are the artists trade mark and therefore a USP.The model within the main image is also wearing shorts consisting with the pattern of the British flag, connoting the theme of the article and adding a sense of patriotism. I superimposed the image on top of the title conforming to the conventions of media products and connoting the magazines success.

THE COLOUR

After researching previous media products such as and magazine, it is evident that they use the colour scheme of red, white and black. It could be interpreted that this is down to their mainstream genre of magazine as the colours contrast

and are therefore striking. Due to this, my media product conforms to the conventions of media products as previous products influenced my decision on using a similar colour

scheme. The main colour I used was red as it has connotations of excitement and stands out the most. I used the colour scheme throughout the whole magazine to add to the house style. Other issues of PULSE would also consist of the same colour scheme to

make it easily recognizable

COVER LINES

I conformed to the conventions of media products as I placed the cover lines on each side of the page. However, it could be argued that I challenged the forms of existing magazines as I added an effect to make the boxes appear like

ripped paper. I did this to add a sense of edginess to my magazine, connoting the genre

of R&B.PULSE:

Q:

VIBE:PULSE:

CONTENTS PAGE

LAYOUT

I believe that I have conformed to the layouts of contents pages in existing media products as I have split the page into two columns. I have also displayed the page numbers and information on what is on each page. The model on the front cover is also expressed through a large image to the left of the contents page. I did this to connote and highlight that she is the VIP of this particular issue. It may be argued that as I do not include an editors note and instead images sent in from the public, that PULSE challenges the forms of previous media products. However, it could suggested that this is the USP as consumers would feel a personal connection with the magazine and would feel inclined to purchase the magazine.

DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD

LAYOUT

I have conformed to layout of existing media products as I have placed a maximum of three columns per page, this is a common convention of current R&B magazines. For example, VIBE.

HEADLINE

It may be interpreted that my choice of font for the title of the double page spread is eccentric and different.

However, I was influenced by the title of a double page spread in NME which used a similar font.

I think that my masthead conforms to the conventions of existing products as it consists of a quote. This is effective as it would draw the viewers attention to the article and

persuade them to carry on reading.

PULSE:

NME:

MAIN IMAGE My main image conforms to existing media

products as it has been digitally placed and super imposed onto the article. The model is also using direct mode of address which is a common feature used, helping engage the readers. As my genre of magazine is R&B, the model is wearing stereotypical clothes as they are revealing and seductive, yet casual. It could be argued that by the model wearing Union Jack shorts, that it is a USP as it relates to the theme of the article. This is not used in many magazines.

ARTICLE

The article uses a common convention as it consists of an interview with the artist. This is used in a variety of magazines such as Q and NME as it gives the readers a chance to feel close with their favourite artists and gain understanding on upcoming albums, tour dates etc. I read articles with artists from the R&B genre to give an idea on what kind of language to use. Although artists of R&B appear quite edgy and rebellious, within interviews it could be argued that they have a contrasting personality as they come across as very polite and well mannered. Within my article, I made sure to mention social networking sites to add to the realism of the interview as Chloe supposedly has a Twitter account as a way of connecting with her fans.

SOCIAL NETWORKING

As I included icons of different social networking sites, it could be interpreted that I challenged the form of existing media products. However,

more magazines are beginning to do this, especially if they are aimed at a young target audience (similar to my magazine – aged 18-

25). This is because the younger generation are into the latest technology and tend to

communicate via social networking. Therefore, if they desire for any extra information on the

article or wish to contact PULSE they can use one of these apps.

OVERALL Overall I feel that I conformed to the conventions

of existing media products as I created a house style. I did this by maintaining a consistent colour scheme of red, black and white throughout, which would appeal to both genders. I also made sure

that the name of the magazine, ‘PULSE’ was expressed through the same font each time it was

mentioned. This is effective as it makes the magazine easily recognizable for the consumers.