Real Double Page Spread Mock Up

Mock Up of Contents Page

Mock Up

Here is my first mock up using my real artist, RAM. This design is what an outline of what I'm going for, however it will need to be altered as I'm not keen on the text and position. I'm going to play around with fonts and colours to see which gives a more realistic finish.

Potential Pictures

As I took hundreds of pictures, I wouldn't be able to post them all, so I narrowed them down to pictures with potential, to be on my front cover, contents or double page spread.

Presentation1

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Photo shoot Complete

The photo shoot is finally complete, with over 150 pictures. My task for now is to narrow these down to a possible 5-10 images that I think will work the best, giving my magazine a professional edge.

I will post the pictures the taken on my blog, in the near future.

Mock Up's with Ident

Here's examples of mock ups that I have already done, but have re-posted them with the company Ident to show how it looks.

Comparison Feedback

After showing over 15 people, the mock up front cover with the name and the one with the Ident, the numbers were close. 7 for Ident and 8 for name. So I decided to stick to using the name for the front cover.

As I still want to use the Ident, I will apply it to the contents and the double page spread, as I believe this will give it a professional edge, making the the magazine look more realistic.

Ident and Name Comparison

Code Magazine Ident

From my research I noticed that, some magazine have logos on the front cover and throughout the magazine to represent the company instead of having just the name on it. So i decided to design one myself to see which will look best and suit my magazine the most, the Ident or just the name.

Photoshoot Situation!

My original plan, was to have a photoshoot during the half term week, we just had off. However due to unplanned circumstances for both me and my 'artist', the task remains uncomplete. This has set me back a few stages and will delay the editing and production stage of my magazine.

I aim to get the photoshoot done during this week, and get back on track!!

Nas and Tyler the Creator Break Bread! Article

Before you even start with the complaining, read the story. Yeah, it’s long as hell, but it’s very entertaining. I was literally LOLing while I sat on my couch in the middle of the night and edited Nas and Tyler, the Creator’s words. It was even funnier when it happened in person, but I didn’t want to interrupt anything, with the tape recorder on then. I died laughing a little bit on the inside when Tyler asked Nas if he liked cheese. And then when Nas asked him why he would ask, that cracked me up even more. This all might make me sound kinda lame, but so what? I’m kinda lame—whatever. Regardless, the Nas and Tyler interview is golden.

It’s not often that a rap legend lets a new artist candidly interview him, asking him whatever he wants for over 90 minutes. Seriously, the two chitchatted for more than an hour and a half, and it was so entertaining it didn’t seem right to cut it so short, so we blew it up and ran it really long in the magazine, so readers could get the full effect.

It’s really a great look at rap 20 years ago and today, almost like a weird sort of time capsule. On one hand, you have Nas, the veteran rap artist with the authentic street background. And then there’s Tyler, who is kind of Nickelodeon on acid. You can compare the two, and then again, doing so seems nuts and maybe kinda wrong. Tyler’s career and achievements can’t be compared with Nas’s at all. Their lyrical content and overall presentation couldn’t be farther apart, but then you remember back to a young Nasty Nas, with his shocking introductory rap lines and untraditional interests, and you understand how Nas could be entertained by a kid like Tyler—how the comparisons could be made between the teen MCs, and their ballsy lyrics and attitudes and two decades between them.

The truth is, Tyler and his Odd Future crew are crossing over into the mainstream world, a place Nas only dipped into occasionally. Yet Nas’s impact on hip-hop is undeniable. He hasn’t needed the mainstream’s accolades and support to carve out a career and reputation that many rappers are and would be jealous of. Instead, he’s used pure lyricism to prove his value and has rested on the fact that that alone would and could prove his worth. And it has. That’s why XXL feels the need to put him on the cover 20 years after he came in and flipped hip-hop on its head. But we wanted to switch it up somehow, so ya got Tyler and Nas… And you’re gonna love it. I sure as hell did. And we pulled it out of nowhere, ’cause we had to. I just love that Mister Cartoon did the background, and I only wish that I could do what he does with some paint cans. I mean, really. I wanted him to just write my name, but I thought that would be a weird thing to ask. I also really wanted a huge back tattoo, for the first time in my life, but that ended when the shoot did.

Now, even though the interview is a million pages long, we still had room for other stories. Yelawolf gets his first big profile (page 84), as he preps for his solo debut. Styles P is back again, with his fourth solo album, so we checked in with him (page 48). Good story, because it really seems like Styles is comfortable with his place in the game. 2 Chainz has been making quite a buzz for himself lately, so we caught up with him (page 82). Thank God he changed that name Tity Boi, ’cause that was awful. I don’t care what it means in Atlanta—it’s not a good name. We had 20 rappers interview Mary J. Blige (page 76), got Maino to host his own roundtable (page 52) and spoke with Busta Rhymes, who’s just really hard to catch up with (page 36). All in all, I’d say this was a dope issue. It whipped my ass.

“I need weed to proceed,”

Artcle taken from XXLMAG.com

Article Inspiration

Nicki Minaj Didn’t Charge Big Sean for ‘Dance (A$$)’ Remix Verse

Nicki Minaj may command a hefty price tag for her coveted features, but she still comes through for her friends. The Young Money diva didn’t charge Big Sean a dime to appear on his remix to “Dance (A$$).”

The G.O.O.D. Music MC wasn’t deterred from reaching out to the in-demand raptress despite hesitation from his crew. “I was like, ‘What about Nicki Minaj?’ and they was like, ‘Man, Nicki gon’ charge too much.’ I was like, ‘Did anybody even ask her?’ So I text her and was like, ‘Yo, you want to do this?’ She text me back like, ‘Hell yeah, send it over,’” he told Baltimore’s 92Q Jams. “She didn’t charge nothing. She completely did it for free and all for the love.”

The gesture is a testament to her kindness. “I don’t know if people know Nicki, but she’s one of the nicest people in this rap game,” he said. “She is definitely just a hard worker, so it was great working with her.”

A video for the remix is also on the way. “We just shot the video for it, me and Nicki. We about to wrap that up.”

Article taken from www.Rap-Up.com

Article Inspiration

Eminem's new rhyme regime gave their thoughts on the BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher before it even aired.

The DJ Premier hosted Cypher performances have recently become one of the highlights of the annual BET Hip Hop Awards. Specific examples include Skillz filming his own Cypher and later being rewarded with a spot on this year’s show. In a bit of a twist, individual crews participated in the 2011 Cypher performances including Maybach Music Group and some of the Shady Records

BET made the videos available online while the awards were still airing in some areas, and the terms “#Cypher” and “#Shady 2.0” quickly began trending on Twitter. While there was more than enough talent to bounce ideas off of each other, Yelawolf revealed that no one in the crew heard each other’s rhymes prior to the taping. The one thing Slaughterhouse did reveal was that they were roughly 70% finished with their Shady debut. And any delays can be attributed to Eminem giving them the space and artistic freedom to experiment while also participating in events such as their Brisk Bodega show and the BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher.

“Everybody did a really good job, and we did our rhymes over and over and over until everybody started forgetting them,” Eminem explained. “The best thing about doing a cipher for me—and I’m sure for everyone else—is just knowing the caliber that everybody rhymes at. You know everybody’s gonna fuckin’ bring it.”

Article taken from www.hiphopdx.com

Hardest Stage Yet

After failing to write an article, that seems both realistic and professional, I found this the hardest stage yet, as I wasn't sure on the style I was expected to write in. Formal or non-formal. So I decided to research into Hip Hop magazines and gather inspiration on the articles they wrote.

I will post some of these articles in the very near future.

Eminem Double Page Spread Mock Up

Double Page Spread Mock Up

CODE Contents Page Mock Up

L.A.X Contents Page Mock Up 1

L.A.X Mock Up 2

CODE Mock Up 1

L.A.X Mock Up 1

Top Two Names!

Audience Feedback on Name Ideas

After pitching my idea to 30 people, who fit into my audience profile, I asked them to suggest the best and most suitable name for my magzine, from the list provided. These where my results...

Lax - 9

Freedom - 0

Street Cred - 0

Dream - 0

Realist - 2

Aftermath - 5

Swag - 1

Hype - 1

No Limits - 0

Storm - 1

Numb - 0

El mas Fine (The Finest) - 3

Code - 7

Simplicity - 0

Worldwide - 0

Doing It - 0

Young Rich and Famous - 1

Further Front Cover Inspiration

I have continued my research into magazine front covers, and have decided to post the above three for further inspiration. The key element that I like is the plain white background as it adds to the simplicity, yet it still looks effective as everything on the page stands out. After seeing these, I probably will also use a plain white background to try and create this effect.

Possible Artist to be Featured on my Magazine

After thinking about, who I could use on my magazine, I decided to use Ricken Ram (first image) and Chanan Ram ( second image). I believe using these two will help portray the image I am trying to create, as they are both influenced by the Hip Hop Youth Culture and High End Fashion. Doing this will hopfully give my product a realistic finish.

25 Word Pitch

Targeted at 16-35 year old of both gender with and intrest in Hip Hop Culture and High End Fashion. Simple, yet an effective design.

Audience Profile

My audience profile, would be anyone with an intrest within the Hip Hop culture and High End Fashion. The age range would average between 16-35 years of old, of any gender.

Magazine Name Idea Moodboard

Name moodboard

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The processes of coming up with a proffesional name to suit the genre of my magazine was very difficult, so to help myself with this, I listen to some of my favourite artist and try to draw inspiration for a possible magazine name. Ive put together a moodboard of what I came up with!

Another Simplicity Quote!

'In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity' - Henry Wadsworth

My Thoughts on Creating a Magazine

After researching into many different genres and styles of magazine, i found that simplicity seemed much more appealing to me. From the 'XXL' Eminem issue based on the Hip Hop genre and culture to'i-D' magazine based on youth culture, high end fashion and music (Both analysed in previous posts) i decided that the most simple magazine covers had the biggest effect, which fits well with a quote from Albert Einstein ' Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler' which suggest that, even though something can seem to be simple, it can still have many aspects behind it, giving it a Strong stand. This has inspired me to create a magazine that consists of simplicity, but look professional and fit into the high end category.

Colour Palettes 4

Colour Palettes 3

Colour Palettes 2

Colour Palettes 1

Vibe Magzine Contents Analysis

Like my previous post, this is also a contents page from Vibe Magazine. Again a black and white colour way has been used on this page, but used in a different way. The black from the top fades to grey and then eventually white when at the bottom, which creates a dull look. I like that the picture of the model used is in colour which I believe works well making the contents page look appealing. Another aspect that I like is that, there is a V, which represents Vibe magazine in the background. I may also use this idea, by having my ident featured on the contents page.

There is only a little bit of text which i believe looks better than having lots of writing, clogging up the page. Overall I think that everything works well from the amount of text, the colours used and the picture of the model, however im not to keen on the layout, and if I was to to remake this, I would have the layout different.

Vibe Magzine Contents Analysis

A contents page taken from Vibe Magazine. The first thing that I noticed was that he front cover of this issue was featured on the contents page, I do not quite understand why this is done, but I like the idea as its unique. I may also do this for my contents page.

The next thing I noticed was the image of Mavado (Reggae artist) which is used as the background. I believe this makes contents page look full, even though its pretty simple. The really like the way 'Contents' has been laid out and also the text. The black and white colour way works well and fits well with the genre and the expression of Mavodo, which is really dull.

I may consider using this layout for my contents page as I believe it works well and will give my contents page a professional look.

Complex Magazine Double Page Spread

Double page spread from Complex magazine. As you can see, the double spread is very artistic and creates a comic look, from the fonts and the colours used, which are Black, White, Red, Yellow and Blue. This is slightly odd as most pages within magazine only use 3 colours, however this works well too as all the colours compliment each other.

After reseaching into this issue of Complex, I found out that all the text and pictures were drawn and then scanned on to the computer to be editted. Doing this help create the artistic comic look with a proffesional finish.

Even though I think this is a good idea, i would not do this myself, as my ability to draw is not that great, which may lead to my magazine looking non professional.

Kerrang Magazine Double Page Spread

Double page spread taken from Kerrang a Indie/Rock magazine. The colour them for the double page spread which are Black, Red and White which all compliment each other and stand out against one another, creating a very bold look. I also like that the pictures used are edited to black and white and fill up the majority of the page. This attacts my attension and I may consider using a layout like this.

Another concept that i really like is that a quote is used 'Were being the best mcr we can be!' as the title of the article used, which helps you gain knowlegde on what the article will be about and also catcxhes your attention from the size of the font.

XXL Magazine Front Cover Analysis

XXL Magazine is one of Americas most popular magazine, based around Hip Hop and Hip Hop culture, which attracts both genders between 14+. The XXL logo is very simple but stands out due to the font and colours used, which stay the same on throughout the magazine, regardless of the colour scheme used.

As you can see this issue main article is about the biggest selling Hip Hop artist Eminem! The picture used is very aggressive which fits in well with the Hip Hop culture and attracts the audience, this is something I may consider using for the magazine front cover I'm going to create. A mid shot has been used which is then blown up to cover the page, which I believe is appropriate and works well.

Like the i-D magazine front cover I analysed earlier, only three colours have been used, which in this case are Black, Red and White. This has convinced me to also only use three colours, which are yet to be chosen, as i believe this well help create the professionalism I am trying to achieve when making my own front cover. Also apart from the logo that never changes, only three diffrent fonts have been used, which creates simpicity which works well with the magazine front cover.

Front Cover Analysis

i-D which is a British magazine, based upon youth fashion, art and culture has a distinguised logo, which is a winking eye, when looked at vertically, which has been done on most front covers by the cover model used.

i-D always tend to go for a simplistic look,yet still stands out, which is very effective. In this case they have used only three colours, Grey, Black and White which all compliment and go well with each other. A close up of the the cover model has been used, which I may consider as I belive it catches your attension and draws you to the magazine. The use of simpictity helps the magazine look unique as most magzines tend to be covered with feautures of the magazine. I belive this make the i-D seem alot more up market and appeal to an age range of 17-35 even though its attended for the youth.

Preliminary Task

After researching and creating mood boards, of existing magazines, I was inspired to try and make a magazine cover and contents page myself. The biggest inspiration was the 'Keri Hilson Complex Magazine' as it's very artistic and is ansthetically pleasing.

As you can see I do not have much knowledge on how to use 'Adobe Photoshop' and which tools are best to create the 'Urban' look i was going for. Even though the Fonts used, do fit with the Urban art theme I was trying to create, the overall product does not look professional at all.

Camera Shots and Pose's Moodboard

Camera Shots Moodboard

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Magazine Moodboard

Magazine moodboard

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Brief

G321 AS Course Work Schedule 2010-2011