Direct Address

Smooth JazzTimes

Usually magazines have the main image stare directly at the camera. They do this because it seems to directly attract the reader, however I have opted for a more unconventional approach. I feel that my main image doesn’t need to directly address the audience because my audience would buy the magazine anyway because they’re mature enough to do so. I want it to give that impression that he’s fully immersed in his music.

Mise-en-scene I have again tried to mimic the traditional stereotype involved with blues and soul magazine; that there is a instrument with the main artist. I feel this helps my magazine seem conventional. However what I’ve chosen my main artist to wear is unconventional. Smart dress is conventional of jazz/soul magazine, but I’ve opted for casual clothing so my audience can relate to him.

Smooth Living Blues

MastheadAs you can see my masthead stands out the most because it isn’t as plain as the others. I disagree with conventional masthead style. I feel colour is important to attracting the audience to get the most sales. I want my magazine to stand out, not just be one of every other magazine on the pile.

Colour Scheme

The conventional technique of using a minimal amount of colours is widely used most magazines. I’ve decided to use that in my own magazine because I believe it keeps the magazine simple and sophisticated. Having more than a set number of colours makes the magazine childish or maybe for a young audience. My magazine is not seeking that.

Smooth Living Blues

Cover LineThe inclusion of a cover line is also conventional of most magazines. Making the cover line big is also important so that when a passer by sees the magazine the first couple of things they see are the cover line. The cover line illustrates the artist that’s going to be interviewed creating a strong link to the reader fully attracting the reader. I want my magazine to be like traditional magazines.

Living BluesSmooth

Puff

I had to include a puff in my magazine because it is one of the most conventional techniques used in music magazines. There is rising competition within the magazine industry, not to mention the recession so it is up to magazine editors to truly make their magazine stand out. Puffs are a way to make a magazine seem like it’s the best there is. I am simply mimicking that technique to get my share in the sales as well.

Floating Quote

The reason I added this is because I wanted my audience to fully relate to my artist. I wanted to feel like they were connected to him through his quote. Maybe music is the soundtrack to the readers life also. It is a way of becoming closer with the magazine. Though it may not be a conventional technique I feel I’m defying the conventions just to make my magazine seem better.