Evaluation Question 3: What kind of media institution might distribute your product and why?

Click on the image above to view my Flickr page and slideshow presenting the different reasons why I have chosen the specific distributer and publisher.

Evaluation Question 2: How does your media product represent particular social groups?

I have created a Photoshop document placing an image of one of my models located on the double page spread of my magazine, next to an image is a picture of Eminem on the front of a VIBE cover. This helps to create observable comparisons when the two images are next to each other, aiding in evaluation.

Gesture: Both the models have a similar pose by crossing there arms. The crossing of the arms creates a strong gesture which generates dominance and power, these are key features that a rapper aim for. They aim for these features because rappers sing about death and violence and if they don't portray this in their looks and gestures, their listeners won't believe their lyrics.

Costume: The clear differences in the costumes are that my model is wearing a black jumper, whereas Eminem is wearing a tank top. The reason behind my model wearing a black jumper is because black could represent death and violence, therefore portraying that he is a violent person this is due to most rappers being violent. However, by choosing to wear a tank top, Eminem is showing off his tattoos which could portray him in being tough and having a "bad-ass" look about him. Although he is still wearing black clothing which still emphasizes that he is still violent.

Shot Type: Both of the models have the same shot type, which is a Mid-Shot. I used this shot type because this type of shot allows it to focus on the models facial expression, but also on the gesture (arms folding), this is to give the tough man effect. Another reason I have chosen this shot is so that you can see the arms. The VIBE example has used the shot type for a similar reason as the model is also expressing a pose that is important with the design therefore with a close-up of the face to show the expression on the models face.

Expression: The two models are showing a serious facial expression. I decided to make my model choose such a facial expression because the serious expression is an expression all rap artists portray. This helps for when my target audience notice the magazine as they will see the model is being serious and associate this with the rap genre, therefore knowing the magazine will be based on rap music.

Lighting: I took my images outside as natural lighting is bright and creates little glare. However, the images produced from VIBE would have most likely taken place in a studio meaning many artificial lights surrounding the studio, I believe the VIBE image looks better as the artificial lighting has created little shadow on the model where as the natural lighting used in my image comes from one angle therefore shadows appear on the models lower face which is unprofessional.

Hair: I believe that the model for the VIBE magazine (Eminem) has the better hair to represent my target audience. Most of my music magazines audience has shaved heads or shot hair on top, whereas my model has his hair brushed to the side which is more of a hair style which could be aimed to a Pop genre.

Evaluation Question 1: In what ways does your magazine use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

Cover:

Contents:

Double Page Spread:

 

 

My final music magazine