Flat Plan

I have decided to place the main image of my magazine over the Masthead. This adds a dimension of familiarity  and professionalism to the overall cover. This is because most magazines have the model covering part of the masthead, and creates a three dimensional image. This, added with the Main sell line over the top of the Main image creates a multi-layered front cover that peaks the readers interest from the front page. Another sell line is used, in an un-bannered form, on the left of the model. I have chosen not to use a Banner on this sell line, as it would add to much 'weight' to the left half of the magazine. This is because most of the image lays on the left of the page, and adds a darker shape that catches the eye. Boxing out the light on the left completely would keep the readers attention focused on the left, and they would not pay as much attention to the stories on the right of the cover.

By using two, or possibly three banners down the right side of the cover, i am evening out the darkness of the image, and creating a balance between the two half's. This should bring the readers eyes across the magazine, starting off in the light left top corner and moving across to the slightly darker right side. Finally, the circular banner, that will read 'Prize Give Away' is there to add to the attraction of the overall magazine, and add another reason (besides the stories) for the reader to pick up and buy the magazine.

In comparison to my Inspirational text, some elements are evidently closely related. For example, my masthead is partially covered by the model. On the front of my Inspirational text, the Band member (Joey Jordison) is obscuring the letters R,A and G in KERRANG!. Another similarity is the Main sell line laying over the top of the image. On both my inspirational text and my Cover, the Main sell line relates directly to the main image. This emphasises both stories and images. Finally, both my Inspirational text and my Cover both have a prize to be won. Without direct reference to the  Inspirational text, i have coincidently placed the Prize give away Banner in the same location. i will, however, move this in my final product.

Whereas i have attempted to keep the weight of the darkness even throughout the cover, on my Inspirational text the black is used most heavily on the right, using white to break up different stories and to stand out as text. Also, the Inspirational text has both a Skyline, and a border at the bottom. This brings the ends of the magazine closer together and also adds a splash of colour to an otherwise almost Monochromatic cover. though the Scanner cut the top from my Cover, i intend to have a skyline.

Photography Composition

Inspirational Text

Because of the renown of the music magazine 'Kerrang', the main image is placed over the masthead. This is to allow more room for the image, whilst retaining some of the title so people still know what the magazine is. The main sell line is placed over the middle of the image, and in a contrasting colour so it stands out and grabs the readers attention. as well as this, just above it is a circular banner that reads 'the only interview'. this makes the magazine feel important and necessary to gain information other people may not have. There are two banners and no sell lines, which emphasises the smaller stories, making each one look as important as the last. there are also smaller images around the bottom that show that the reader gains four 'giant' posters. This will add to the attractiveness of the entire magazine, as the idea of free items catches everyones attention. There is also a jagged banner that is outlined with a different colour to make it stand out. The word 'WIN!' inside this banner also stands out, as it was made larger than the rest of the words in the shape. The skyline reads 'The UK's biggest gig guide' the magazine claims to have the largest 'gig guide' in the UK, which many will not dispute, and many more will believe. This will increases sails, as the target audience will wish to read the 'biggest gig guide'.



The theme of yellow, red and white that was on the cover is used again. this adds a sense of fermiliarality. also, the same broken text that was used for the masthead is used for the words 'Contents' and 'Kerrang! This Week'. a main picture is located in the entire top left of the page, having the page number overlaying it at the bottom. this adds interest to a particular story. the contents of the magazine, listed in page numbers, are in columns that span the entire bottom of the page. These brief summaries are in the same colour scheme as the front cover, using red for the page numbers, yellow for the titles and black for the text. Down the side is an editors column, a place were the editor has written directly to the reader, and signed the bottom of the magazine to authenticate and promote the content. showing his belief in the content adds a sense of reliability, and eases the reader into the magazine.

Brief; Print

Preliminary Exercise: Using DTP and an image manipulation program, produce the front page of a new school/college magazine, featuring a photograph of a student in medium close-up plus some appropriately laid-out text and a masthead. additionally you must produce a mock-up of the layout of the contents page to demonstrate your grasp of DTP.

The main task: front page, contents and double page spread of a magazine. A minimum of four images must be used. All images and graphics must be produced by the candidate.