More Contents Mock Ups

With these extra mock ups I decided to use a different image to see the visual difference it would have. I kept all the previous conventions the same as my other mock ups as I feel they were effective in displaying typical contents page conventions. However upon reflection, I feel that the broken up "Cont" "Ent" "S" is too distracting as it clearly masks the main image.

With the previous mock up in mind, I decided to have a regular "Contents" title running across the top third of the page. This, I feel, is a better improvement on the previous mock up due to the title not masking the main image. Upon reflection, I think that an image like this would be better suited for a double page spread.

Contents Page Mock Ups - Own Images

This was my first variation for my contents page. I used an image that was previously used for some mock ups for my front cover. I chose to split the "Contents" title into "Cont" and "Tents" and have them situated on the left hand side of the page. I had the page numbers run alongside the left hand side of the page - a typical convention for contents pages. Upon reflection, I feel that the Frequency feature at the top of the page is effective as it adds a sense of professionalism to the page. I also like the overall simplicity of the page. However, this mock up doesn't follow all the common conventions of contents pages as the page numbers only go up to 22. If I want my final product to be as effective as possible I'll need to ensure my magazine has a reasonable number of pages.

In this variation, I chose to experiment with various sub titles and a different background colour. I also added three iconic album covers underneath the "Reviews" heading to indicate that these are the albums that will be reviewed. I received some feedback on this cover saying that my main image looks like its been "Cut Out" and stuck onto the cover. This was a vital piece of feedback as it made me re-edit my image to a higher quality. Upon reflection, I feel that the background colour is too dull and plain and blends in with the models costume too much, This is something I will address in further mock ups.

In this variation, I used a new edited form of the main image. This image, I feel, really enhances the visual aspects of the page due to its high key lighting. I decided to keep many of the features that were present in the previous mock up such as the reviews feature. I feel that the organised structure of this contents page really adds a great sense of professionalism to the page. I hope to use this aspect in my final contents page.

In this variation I changed the "Contents" title and split it into two parts. This really changed the visual aspects to the cover and allowed me more freedom to experiment with the conventions. I also added more page numbers in response to some feedback saying my pages were limited in quantity.

Contents Page Visual Syntax

These are six visual designs for my contents page. For each design I've tried to follow the typical conventions found on an average contents page. Each design, I feel, is unique and different from the others. I've also tried to experiment with a variety of features such as pugs, images and lures. I've also experimented with the positioning of these features and how they can really make a difference in the visual aspects of a contents page. Through constructing these visual syntax's I have familiarised myself with what makes an effective contents page, thus consolidating my knowledge on what makes an effective contents page.

Final Colour Scheme and House Style

This is my final chosen colour scheme and house style for my media product. I've chosen to use a monochrome colour scheme due to it being the colours I used for my main images. Through using this colour scheme I'll be creating a sense of synergy and cohesion throughout my front cover, contents page and double page spread. In terms of fonts, I'll be using Arno Pro Light Display for the standard text. This font has a simple and subtle design, which is ideal for my double page spread article. For larger text such as titles, I'll be using the Aliens & Cows font. Along with it being a Sans Serif font, it is also very drawing and has a sense of presence to it. These are the ideal qualities for a title text font.

Final Front Cover Creation Process

The first stage of development was getting my edited main image and importing it into fireworks so I could start the development of my front cover.

My second stage of development was importing my Masthead into fireworks and experimenting on the position of my Masthead. In the end, I chose to place my Masthead at the top of the page - a convention that is commonly found in typical magazines,

In my third stage of development,I added typical conventions consisting of the date, price, issue number and bar code.

In my fourth stage of development,I added the main headline consisting of the word "KING" which is the name of the artist featured. I increased the size of the text and placed it directly in the middle of the page. This, again, is a typical convention found in most magazines.

In my fifth development I chose to further develop my headline by adding more text below it. I chose to add the lines "He Has" and "Risen" and place them strategically underneath certain aspects of the word "KING". I also added a QR Code with the text "Scan Me" with the website to my magazine running alongside it.

In my sixth stage of development I added two straplines as well as a Brit Awards feature at the bottom left of the page. When adding these features I tried to follow the conventions found on a typical magazine cover.

In my seventh stage of development I created a pug that reads "The Royalty Edition" and placed it in-between a strapline and the barcode.

In my eighth stage of development I developed a mixture of different cover lines and shapes and merged into one singular object that is placed on the left hand side of the page.

In my ninth stage of development I chose to adapt my coverlines by adding an extra line reading "Inside". I also chose to place a crown above the "I" in "KING". I chose to use a gold colour to give it a greater sense of presence.

In my tenth  stage of development I added an extra coverline to fill the empty space and also a "Win tickets to Glastonbury" feature which is placed above the QR code. This in turn makes the QR code make more sense.

In my eleventh stage of development, I changed the font of my straplines and decided to add another strapline to fill in the empty space. I changed the font due to the previous font looking too dull and plain. I also slightly increased the size of my main image to give it a greater sense of presence.

In my twelfth and final stage of development I slightly modified the straplines on my front cover. I increased the size of "Jones" under the "Sir Tom" strapline. I increased its width so it matched the width of "Sir Tom". I also slightly increased the Queen strapline as well as the Lady Gaga strapline. I did this in order to show awarness of fonts and their sizes. By increasing some of these straplines, I am showing awarness of how font sizes mirror that of their importance in the issue. 

More Front Cover Mock Ups

With this variation I used a completely different main image to experiment with how a main image can really impact the visual aspects of a front cover. I used the same headline as well as the strap lines from my previous designs. I did this to see the visual difference they'd have when next to a different image. I also added a banner at the bottom of the page - a feature I have not yet used. Upon reflection, I feel that the main headline takes up too much space which in turn leaves the front cover looking bland and dull.

In this variation, I included more strap lines as well as the QR code from previous mock ups. I also slightly changed the design of the headline whilst also reducing its size. I also included the QR code that was present in previous designs. Upon reflection, I feel that my headline doesn't have as much draw to it due to its positioning at the very bottom of the page.

In this variation I chose to have the masthead running vertically alongside the left hand side of the page. This, I feel, is a more suitable place for the masthead in regards to this image. However, upon reflection, I feel that the image I've used in these three mock ups isn't suitable to be my main image. This is due to its awkward positioning on the very right hand side of the page. This in turn limits the amount of space I have to experiment with various conventions such as strap lines and main headlines. However, I do feel that this image would be better suited for a contents page due to the page numbers generally running alongside the left hand side of the page - in which this image would allow. I will know doubt experiment with this image when constructing my contents page.

My Front Cover Mock Ups - Own Images

In this variation, I tried to experiment with the different colours present on my front cover. I used the gold on the crown and implemented it into the strap line "World Exclusive". Upon reflection, I feel that the gold colour is far to drawing and distracting for it to be in my final cover. I will, however, use the visual aspects of the strap lines on the left hand side of the page due to its originality and visual flair.

In this variation, I tried to experiment with the size of the main image. I made the image zoom out until the majority of the models body was visible. This in turn gave me more room to experiment with the various conventions such as the strap lines and the headline. However, upon reflection, I feel that using a long-shot of my artist takes away from the main image, which thus lowers its impact. I will, however, use the QR code and "Brit Awards" feature due to them being common conventions on music magazines.

With this mock up, I experimented with the positioning of my masthead as well as the inclusion of a banner. I also experimented with things such as drop shadows in which I added one behind the "294" songs of 2017 strap line. I also replaced the "He has Risen" sub heading with "All Hail The King" just to see the visual difference and impact it would have on my front cover. I chose for my banner to read "Glastonbury" and used the same monochrome colour scheme for the backdrop. Upon reflection, I feel that having my masthead run vertically down the left hand side of the page takes away from the main image and makes it seem uneven and unprofessional. I will, however, keep the pug/starburst in the same place due to its current position being a common convention.

In this variation, I focused heavily on strap lines and their visual style. I decided to add a collection of strap lines to the left of the page consisting of "294 songs of 2017", "Prince" and "Royalty Laid To Rest". With this, I also used a variety of colours such as White, purple and red. I feel that this creation is effective and visually eye-catching, so I'll be implementing this in my final cover.