CLOSED BLOG NOTIFICATION

Center Name: Norbury Manor BEC
Center Number : 14343
Candidate Name: Romara Blake
Candidate Number: 9199
Unit: G321

Final- Front cover

Final- Contents page

Final- Double Page Spread

Evaluation- Question 7

Evaluation question recorded on the Apple Mac computer and uploaded via YouTube answering the question: Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

Evaluation- Question 6

Evaluation- Question 5

 This is addressing the evaluative question: How did you attract/address your audience?

Evaluation- Question 4

 Evaluate question : who would be the audience for your media product?

This is being presented via prezi, which i created my self using a blank canvas and adding each feature

Evaluation- Question 3

Here Is the link for the mind map, this has been created using mindomo
https://www.mindomo.com/mindmap/evaluation-3-1cde161cecdd42b7b99e82737f8612b9

Above are print screens of each section if the, link above does not work

Evaluation- Question 2

I have uploaded this video explaining ways in which my media product of a hip hop magazine represents a particular social group. within this evaluation I tend to focus on trend and the use as a way in which it relates to my target audience. The relevance of your magazine to your social group, is an important aspect of understanding what exactly your target audience are expecting.

As the video may not present the evaluate work in clear vision I will also attach each slide/image below.

 

 

 

Evaluation - Question 1

Here is a prezi explaining my use and challenge of real media products within my magazine. This has been done throughout my whole production process so this is an explanation focusing on how I have achieved this

Double Page Spread- link to front cover/contents

If there any difficulties reading the information the page, there is a Camera symbol in the corner of the slidey allowing you to have the information shown to you as a snapshot

DPS Layout

My dps flat plan allowed me to stay on track in regards to creativity and with the use of this flat plan it allowed my time management of the creation process of my double page spread to be faster and easier.

The pose of my model is exactly the same as planned/drawn on my flat plan. This demonstrate the extent to which the planning process of my flat plan has become relevant and useful.

I decided to use this double page spread as inspiration in regards to some of my creative decision layout. For example the use of a Staple letter within  the middle of the page on the interview side. This was to not only promote  the artists level of status within the genre but it also suggests that I have focused on assuring my magazine carries some convention which allow it to appeal to my target audience and appears professional

 My text is placed on the right hand side of my page ,enabling  it to be easy for the audience  to flick to the middle of the (if wanted) magazine allowing them to access the information directly. I decided to lay my text in a simple straight down column formation, this will also allow the audience to be able to follow the information easily. The decision to place the text of the grey background and the low gradient ‘E’  was a form of advertisement for the text. It allows the audience to become more attracted to the big letter therefore leading them into wanting to read the text. This was a vital decision for me to make which was not originally included on my flat plan, this decision was based on the developed understanding that the text of a usual hip hop double page spread dose not usually include a mass amount of text as the information is quite direct . However defying from this convention to assure my artists interview has enough information the use of this form of marketing plays into the convention of originality and creativity, usually found within Hip Hop

Artists Interview

Talented, legend in the making, unique. These are some remarks which have regularly been associated with up and coming Hip Hop artists Erykah Jane’e. She has received recognition from Hip Hop legends such as Jay Z and Mos Def, giving her the title the ‘beast of the new school’. In the process of her mount to success we were able to have a conversation with the Grammy nominated artist on her feelings of the hip hop industry and her resent New York take over with her music and fashion.

First of all I would like to say congrats on your recent Grammy nomination, for best hip hop song of the year and best new hip hop artist, how does it feel?

Thank you so much, firstly I would just like to say a big congrats to my competition they are amazing artists! You know it means so much to me that I’ve been nominated; I’ve worked so hard to get to where I am right now. It hasn’t been easy at all but I will say it has been worth it. All those late nights and early mornings have made me the woman I am today.

As a new artist how do you fight for a place in the Hip hop industry, to be recognized and considered as a valuable contribution to the genre?

The industry is hard, and it’s even harder for a female, the fight we have to go through to even get recognition is even harder, because we are expected to conform to the males distinct taste as to what type of female they’d like to see perform. I think my music speaks for itself, I haven’t forced anybody to like my material which makes it even more special to me, to see that the people really genuinely enjoy my work. I think I’m considered as valuable contribution not only for the fact that I am fighting for the survival of what I know to be ‘real hip hop’ but I’m also being feminine with it. I use my male and female icons within the industry to help shape my image and assure I am continuing the valuable messages sent through their music into my own. I mean it’s a lot of responsibility when you think about it, but who else is willing to do it? Not to disrespect any female MC ,but Nicki for example (NICKI MINAJ) she focuses on the entertainment aspect of hip hop -purely, I feel like her message to the public doesn’t have value in terms of inspiration or depth it’s more of a fairy tale image, I’m trying to go against that and show the world what’s really good

We know you were born and raised in London; did the iconic city add and contribute to your style of rapping and the content of your lyrics?

Of course; London is my baby. Every sound that I’ve heard, every joke that was told helped build my distinct sound. I was raised in south London, it wasn’t the best environment but it had a lot of soul. My family are originally from Jamaica, so I was raised in a strict house hold and any time I felt like my mama’s wisdom was too much for my ears I would always go to my room open up my window, sit down and just close my eyes and listen to the sound of the buses and birds just flapping away. Now when I think about it, a lot of my sound represents some form of noise which I either grew up around or listened to in my own time. Like my hit song “southern reminisce”, I got the inspiration to use the sample T.R.O.Y from my mama, because every morning she would blast and rock in her chair to music and on a Saturday morning, she would specifically play at 9 am on the dot (laughs) Pete rock and CL’ smooth T.R.O.Y

Your fashion sense is something we have not seen in hip hop for a long time, I mean you have literally brought back an era of youth and comfort commonly associated with the 80s/90s. How do you feel being a current iconic figure within fashion alongside your music?

I love it; to know that I am a role model to young ladies makes me feel like I’m doing something purposeful with my life, besides my music. But I can’t claim this style as my own; I have to pay homage to my female idols like Diana Ross, queen Latifa, Aaliyah, MC Lyte and LIL Kim. Kim was a major inspiration actually, because she was she first female MC to be sexy and still have mad bars. She was a major game changer for the rest of us females and for that I am forever grateful. But you know I can’t forget my males (giggles), a tribe called quest’s style and unity was a massive aspect of my decisions in regards to dressing, they could make a plain comical shirt look like a part of a Versace collection and that always fascinated me.  

 You’ve released 2 Ep’s which took off in 2013, prior to your current developing album, which had a massive impact within the communities of New York, how does it feel to be a part of new York’s hip hop history?

It feels amazing! To know that I’m not even born here yet I’m being placed as a part an historic element of the state is crazy! I thank god every day for the opportunity that he’s given me. New York has shown me nothing but love since the day I arrived here, it feels like my home.

Who would you say are your top 5 hip hop inspirations of all time?

Ahh, Okay... I would say Biggie, Pac (tupac), lil Kim, wu tang, Nas. Their music is meaningful and special in my eyes, like Pac’s (tupac) song ‘do for love’ , beat wise it is so diverse and unlike any hip hop song you’ve ever heard because it focuses on the  vulnerable side off Pac which was rarely ever shown, it demonstrates the beautiful/ soft side to Hip hop. I mean as a female is much easier for me to do so but for males to be able to do that it’s quite sexy (laughs)

Well it has been a pleasure talking to you Erykah, thank you so much for your time, and I hope to here big things from you, when is the release of your album ?

Thank you so much! And of course you will (laughs), my album drops next year March 10^th 2016, just wait on it!

Research interview writing

As a part of my research for my artist interview I decided to look at live radio station interviews, by looking at this formation of interviewing it allows me to get an brief understanding of the style of questions Hip Hop artists are used to receiving and what questions they find most suitable and appropriate. with the observation of Hip Hop being a personal genre I decided to use the breakfast club interviews as a muse to how I should approach my artist with questions. the breakfast club are well known for their intimate,humorous yet professional questions.

The videos above include Hip Hop legends/artists Jay Z, Nas and Snoop Dogg. I decided to use there interviews as inspiration for questioning as the questions directed towards these artists demonstrate depth of knowledge and research (on the behalf of the interviewers)

Double page spread image choices

 

Here are my image choices that I have decided to select for my double page spread, they all consist of a simple low angle shot, this creative decision was put in place to display my use of mise-en-scene. my mise-en-scene choices surround either the denim jacket or the gold chain placed on her head.
I chose to use both of these as staple items of mise-en-scene as they both link in well with the genre of hip hop.

denim jacket,
denim jackets are commonly associated with hip hop and where usually items that where seen tied around the waist of many of the young women (on occasion men) , this has now been a trend that has reoccurred and emerged once again, displayed on many hip hop celebrity features such as kanye west and A$AP Rocky

 Gold chain,
gold chains have been a focus point within the Hip Hop community since the early 80s, featuring on artists such as Slick Rick and RUN DMC, It was an important decision for me to include this form of mise-en-scene, so its easily identifiable for the audience to associate it  with hip hop. the placement of the gold chain on my artists head suggest she is an angelic figure almost a saint for females within the industry, contradicting with the norms of female interpretation within Hip Hop.

Double page spread market research

These are some double page spread that I have analysed and identified the link between text and imagery. I hope to use these double page spreads as inspiration in the creation process for my Double page spread alongside the guidance of my double page spread flat-plan 

contents page feedback

As using the communication app found on Apple app store, whatsapp, I was able to contact a young male who is apart of my target audience, who is into hip hop and the culture surrounding it. attached bellow is a print screen demonstrating his instagram blog which can give you a general idea of his overall dress sense and take of hip hop and fashion, he is also associated with an up and coming youth created hip hop group which focus on fashion within hip hop, so i thought it would be valuable to gain an insight as to what he thought of my contents page.

I whatsapped him to get his opinion of the contents page and whilst doing this i sent him a list of questions stating:

1. what features on this contents page do you find stands out the most/favorite.
2. do you think the colour scheme on this represents Hip Hop
3. in comparison the XXL magazine contents page do you see similar conventions and if so what
4. are you able to see that this contents page belongs/is for a Hip Hop magazine and how (name around 2 features)

Evidence of my whatsapp
















In return to these questions, he was then able to send me a voice note/ message. This response will be attached bellow. with his response I will now be able to use this feedback to develop and further structure my double page spread

contents page colour scheme

contents page tattoo analysis

through out the 80s-90s tattoo was a form of art within the genre and culture of hip hop which expressed the truth within the ghettos in which the majority of the artists grew up. 

some tattoos where a representative of their family/ home location etc. and this art has now risen into the mainstream culture of hip hop and is now considered as a casual accessory for a hip hop artist hence the reason for my decision for the use of a tattoo on my model/artist on my contents page 

contents page text features

a short slidley discussing all my text features

contents page layout

 

This is presented using a PowerPoint slide which has been saved as a jpeg

Contents page test shots

These are selection of photographs which I have taken presenting my use of  exploration of the  theme of hip hop.

contents page shot list

made using an editing side using Gliffy

contents page deconstruction

On the journey to creating my magazine contents page I thought in order to have an effective professional appearing magazine, it would only make sense to continue focusing on my muse which I have been focusing on so far for my magazine and that is XXL's magazine. In the process of creating my contents page it is important for me to deconstruct XXL's contents page as I will use similar features within my own to assure conventions of hip hop magazines are met.

front cover target audience feedback

As away to demonstrate my ability to use multiple media forms to gather information, i decided to gather information via whats app from two females within my target audience age group. this will give me concentrated and detailed analysis of what my target audience think of the final product. this will not only give my work a seal of approval but it will also help with the progression of my magazine product i.e My contents page and my double page spread.

I have used the communication App downloaded through Apple store, whatsapp. through this i have used two representatives named Tamera and Sharna. Here they are discussing what they most like about my Front cover.

i then went on to asking if they could see the link to the genre of Hip Hop. where sharna then went on to replying bringing forth the observation that there are not many females within hip hop to be able to identify the genre, right off the back. this has enabled me to gather that my use of going against the convention of using a male as a main figure within my magazine.

Front cover linking to research

Front cover features

Better quality on YouTube, hover over the video and click in the YouTube sign or if easier here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dlJ9fdVC3o&feature=youtu.be

front cover layout decisions (Text)

  

          

          When looking at my flat plan and my final front cover it is clear to see that the main    image used is completely different from my original draft. On my flat plan my original  idea surrounded the camera shot of a close up at a slight low angle this was chosen to  highlight my artists strength in regards to her music, my whole point of using this  specific shot was to embrace female strength and identity within hip hop.

          The layout of the text on my front cover is very simple (purposefully). The positioning  of the writing on the left hand side is quit small, this was not only to add depth to the  page but to also incorporate evidence that I know and understand current artists at  this present time.

          On  the right hand side I also added some more names of current and big hip hop  artists this demonstrates once again understanding of current trends and the ability to  incorporate my knowledge of the evolution of hip hop. I have very limited text on my  front cover this is due to the magazine that I am using as inspiration (XXL) using very  minimal text, this provides an accurate link to conventions used on hip hop magazines,  which adds depth and detail on to my own magazine enabling it to appear more  professional.

        The Name of my artists Erykah jane’e is boldly stamped just underneath her shoulder, the positioning of this is due to it best suiting the shot chosen as well as the fact that is font size is quit large. In order for the shot not to become  distracted by the font I placed it to the far right hand side ;this tactic will give the audience clear knowledge of who is on the front of the cover with the ability of allowing the audience to still see the distinct front cover.

        I also used the caption ‘eye candy of the year’ this was an added feature to my magazine which I thought it would  be effective as it would draw my audience featuring both women and males that where considered as the biggest ‘eye candies’ in hip hop. Above that caption I added a feature of a cross to signify me using/ adding an extra feature within the magazine. My decision to place it above the caption was  not only to show its and added feature but also due to it being a convention used on many of the XXL front covers

photoshop manipulation

Due to the type of picture that was chosen for my main image on my front cover, there was not much manipulation that was needed to take place. Here we have a YouTube video showing the simple stages of getting ride of  the spots on my models face (facial manipulation),using Photoshop to manipulate the image carefully.

HHW masthead

I created my masthead from the inspiration of on eof the most established hip hop magazines to date XXL this magazine masthead is simple yet effective. the colours used are ones which can help define the brand within itself. my reasoning for choosing that magazine in particular was due to the simplicity of the masthead. with the element of time management at bay, the preparation for my masthead was very simple. the most complicated element of creating my masthead was in fact finding my font. the font used within the XXL masthead is bold yet smooth and these characteristics where hard to find. with the help of a font generating site named 'Dafont' I was able to find an almost identical font named 'headline'.overall I am pleased with the outcome of the masthead

shots taken

Once my test shots had been completed, I had the pleasure of working with my artists where I then shot numerous photos of her. once the photos had been taken I then went on to the process of elimination where I chose the best images possible, reflecting a strong female hip hop artist (who are generally misrepresented within the majority of magazines). I then went on to choosing the last picture as my front cover image as I believe it was a clear representation of my creative desires for my magazine .

The use of mise-un-scene for my artists was very important, from my secondary and primary research it was well acknowledged that many associate hip hop with jewellery so it was definitely an important factor for me to incorporate this element into my front cover. The positioning of the jewellery was also important for me to contemplate. initially (as seen in my front cover flat plan) I wanted the artist to hold the jewellery in her hands with some of it seeping through her fingers, this originally was to establish my artist as having Hip Hop in the palms of her hands, however it soon became visible that the position was very difficult to hold, so instead of holding 'hip hop' I then pictured a sense female domination (reasoning why I then chose to shoot at a low angle) this not only enhanced the vision of feminine identity within hip hop but also incorporated the use of the mise-en-scene of the jewellery hanging down.

The angle at which i shot my model allowed my to gain vital lighting angles in order to manipulate the background using Photoshop to make it darker. the use of a bright light at a low angle and a slight dim light at a very high angle allowed the light to bounce off of the artist face, highlighting strong features within her face such as her cheek bones and her jaw line, giving the impression that golden contour.I had my model wear a massive denim jacket skirt with just a bra underneath. I've made her wear that as her hair and skin tone where similar shades so to avoid so much of one colour I wanted to place her in an item which not only reflects the era of hip hop I am focusing on (80s/90s) but to also enhance her skin tone and allow the picture to add a touch of edge. my reasoning to place my model within a bra was simply to pay attention to the fact that women in hip hop are well associated with the fat of being 'sexy' and it is an important attribute to most women so in order to add convention to my magazine front cover the use of this outfit choice will reflect my general understanding for women with the industry.
I have chosen the last image as not only is it a good quality image, it also embodies the hip hop cultural element generally shown in the 80s/90s. despite this not being similar to my flat plan the concept of female empowerment still remains, suggesting I am keeping in theme of my drafts drawn within my flat plans and shot lists.

Test shots- Lighting

The role of lighting within the genre of hip hop (on magazines) directly links in with the artists personality& rhythmic flow, helping form the publics perception of that individual. for example the lighting work used on hip hop female artist Nicki Minaj will most definitely not be similar to the male Hip Hop artist DMX within a photo-shoot,. In order to portray my artist in a positive yet "thug" light I thought it would be useful and interesting to test angles of lighting and seeing how the use of lighting may radiate a specific attitude or sense of power
with understanding, I am aware this may be  going against conventions within hip hop magazines where most shots use bright lighting to illuminate the females beauty, how ever my main goal is to deflect from Beauty an focus on talent.

overall after taking these images it  became clear to see that using lighting to create a shadow effect was harder than expected. initially I believed that the shadow would carry much more depth. with this understanding I will not only use the lighting to create a shadow effect but with the help of Photoshop I will be able to the shadows and add depth into them to appear more Hip Hop authentic.

Test shots- front cover

Shot List

these are the possible camera angles and shots that I would like to use on my Final cover contents page spread. with the use of this shot list I hope to capture great images that capture and portray a realistic hip hop magazine. on my shot list I have briefly mention mise-en-scene and the angles at which I wold like to use. these shots may not reflect the images that will be 100% used as some of the positioning's may not look as great overall. overall I hope to demonstrate a variety of images capturing the true authentic hip hop culture

 

Flat plan feedback

I was able to ask a variety of  4 girls to give an analysis of of what features they most enjoyed about my front cover.

They all agreed that the most effective feature was the main image used as it best showed the empowerment of a female figure in Hip Hop. when asked what colour the best believed would be most effective for the background 3 stated black as it would draw more attention to the main image and captions. one suggested white as it would make the cover easy to read and clear.

overall there feedback allows me to make critical changes and enhancements to my idea.

Flat Plan

These illustrations demonstrate my general ideas for my front cover, contents page and double page spread. once creating a basic layout for each page I then went on to creating a name which would captivate and express hip hop with a ring to it, with these objectives in mind I then went on to naming my magazine HHW, short for Hip Hop Weekly. The decision to use the beginning of each word due to it being easy to notice and catchy. This idea was taken from the established XXL Hip Hop magazine.

Hip Hop word mood board

I have chosen a variety of words which I think best reflects the genre of Hip Hop.The

words used are gathered from the each image that is used in the presentation. the words represent first impressions of the image and my overall opinion of the genre.

Focus Group- magazine cover

                             
I interviewed 3 people who where in the age range of my target audience chisom (on the left) aged 17, Michelle (middle) and Sharna (right) both aged 18. I was able to ask a range of question based on the 3 different magazine covers in order to gain a general understanding of their preferences. i then went on to asking a few Hip Hop based questions (as a result of my surveys findings ,based on the question "what genre do you like",) this helped me to evaluate current opinions of the genre therefore allowing me to gain vital information for the creation of my magazine.

Magazine Survey- Questions and Analysis

This is a survey which I have created on survey monkey allowing me to generate general questions, which will then allow me to gain a more detailed analysis of what my target audience (16-25) likes in terms of a music magazines. within this survey i hope to gain and use the answers provided to deliver the wants of my target audience, therefore enabling me to create an effective magazine which my audience will thoroughly enjoy.


Survey Results

Overall as you can see my analysis, provides enough sufficient evidence for me to move and create and effective music magazine. based on the results provided. I will use the statistics to create a magazine that meets my demographics wants, for example below you can see a chart which demonstrates the most popular music genre, Hip Hop, based on this I will then most definitely move on to create a magazine which is based on the genre of Hip Hop. 

Artist Profile

in case my glogster does not show here is an image underneath