Font and ColourChoices and feedback

Masthead Name Choices• I researched the vocabulary used in the genre of music I

have chosen - which is indie/alternative. I would like to use a title that co-operates the culture and style involved within this industry. On the Wikipedia page of "Alternative Rock", it reads "By the end of the 1980s magazines and zines, college radio airplay, and word of mouth had increased the prominence and highlighted the diversity of alternative rock, helping to define a number of distinct styles". 

• The word "diversity" and "distinct" stood out to me. This genre often comes across as unique, or even possibly controversial. I feel that the title of "Diversity" makes this an enhancement to who the artists stand for, and that this difference to other genres is important and valued. 

Masthead Name Feedback•“The name ‘Diversion’ is interesting as it

suggests the magazine has a focus on music culture rather than music specifically. This is an artistic choice and would be attractive to any reader with an interest in the alternative connotations."

                                                          - Amy, 16

Masthead Name Feedback•“I would read this magazine because the

name appeals to me, a fan of alternative rock. I find it interesting and appealing as it suggests the magazine diverges from the norm, and may have specific features that interest me, a fan of alternative rock."

                                                          - Ryan, 19

Masthead Choices• Font 1: Castellar• Representation: I think that this font brings the magazine individuality and

expression due to the block capitals of letters (associating the magazine with being firm and bold) with defined letter shapes and grey connoting conformity and practicality. This suggests that the magazine may be for more mature audiences yet can still appreciate the individuality of 'diversion' - standing out from the crowd. It is keeping the exciting aspects of the magazine hidden from the masthead, in order for the rest of the front page to bring out the real, reeling content. 

• Strengths: I like the capital letters used in a masthead - I think the effect that it gives is strong and professional. I think that the thin lettering is good to make the page more elegant and will decrease the likelihood of the page becoming too cluttered.Weaknesses: I think that the font itself does not look professional enough for a magazine cover. It may make the brand look less professional. I do not like the lines between the letters because it makes it less clean-cut. 

Masthead Choices• Font 2: Elephant

Representation: This masthead is extremely bold and striking. The use of black and white makes the title more mysterious and reserved than most music magazines, which often use reds and whites. This makes the magazine stand out from the crowd, similarly to the connotations of the word "diversion". This therefore links to the chosen music genre of my magazine, as alternative/indie rock music is conventionally less popular or conventional to the "ordinary" person - fans of this music often value this individuality so this title can enhance this passion. 

Strengths: I like how this font is bold and confident. I think that this is good to look for in a masthead - the house style needs to make a good impression on the reader as it will be the known reputation of the magazine (as it is the same every time) - this is important and this title can ensure that viewers see the magazine as edgy, audacious and mysterious.Weaknesses: There is a chance that this masthead may make the rest of the magazine look cluttered. I need to be wary of how this font will look with the rest of the front cover - it may not fit in well due to the chunky style of a black block. 

Masthead Choices• Font 3: Copperplate Gothic Bold• Representation: This font is influenced by the reminiscent of stone

carving, and uses typical Victorian display types. Overall this makes the font very unique, clean and crisp. It also makes the font seem quite historic and intriguing, giving the connotations of intelligence and knowledge - similar to the knowledge of music involved in the magazine. I think that the use of colour shows maturity and relaxation, which is what the audience would want to have when reading a magazine as a pass-time. 

• Strengths: I like the colour of this - I think that it would fit well with the rest of the page. I think that the font is edgy yet mature, and the use of black ensures the magazine is striking however it is only in the typography so it is not over-the-top.Weaknesses: I think I prefer other fonts in comparison to this one. It does not seem suitable for a music genre - I think that as a magazine title, this font would work well however I would want the magazine to clearly be seen as a music magazine to draw attention.

Masthead Feedback•"I like font 2, because I like the simplicity

and formality of it. It seems iconic, in my opinion. I think everything is fine, as long as you don't clutter everything together, because this font stands out."

                                                          - Josh, 16

Masthead Feedback•“I like font three as the contrast between the

text and the background id less stark than the others. It’s subtle but effective in attracting the attention of readers and would be clearly recognisable as a house style to those with an interest in the genre or this magazine. Overall the font is atttractive to the eye and there are no colours or aspects which imply the magazine is invasive."

                                                          - Clare, 18

Colour Scheme Choices

These colour schemes match the masthead I have designed and generally are appealing to the eye as they are soft but also intriguing. The fact that all colours are soft and generally similar allows the focal points to be on the main images without making the magazine too "in the face" of the audiences. 

Blue/Pink: The lighter colours are soft and gender-neutral. Having a lighter colour like these can make the magazine more relaxing however I will need to make the rest of the content stand out to ensure there is still a ‘wow’ factor.

Red: this makes the magazine more out-standing, and the contrast can be seen as linked to the ‘diversion’ theme. Red connotes importance – the content of the magazine should be recognised as this.

Colour Scheme Choices• The colour grey can connote coolness and naturalism. It can be related to dullness

or dirtiness, however in cooperation with the other colours, the grey can bring sophistication to my magazine. Grey is a timeless colour and can suit any type of design - this means that it is practical for a long-running, ever changing magazine. 

• The white I have used allows space for key information to be clearly noted, without messy background colours causing distractions or displeasing views. It makes the magazine seem more organised and professional which is key for older teenage audiences - it will give them a sense of control and organisation within their hobbies. 

• The colour black is striking and often risky to use. This is why I have chosen it to be a minimal colour used in my magazine. I will only use black to present exciting or bold information to ensure the effect doesn't wear off. Black can connote mystery and strength. Younger audiences that are generally more alternative would want this mysterious aspect to boost their ego as a person and within a community of music fans. The black can ensure to audiences that the magazine is not child-like or immature, and could therefore present some taboo or sophisticated topics within the magazine. From my research, I found that audiences want the magazines to present important information rather than "fun" gossip, therefore the black can show that this is the magazine for them.

Colour Scheme Feedback•"I like the 2nd one the best, because it

catches my attention; I'd be more likely to read a magazine that stands out. I also feel like the red contrasts with the other colours, and this could help separate different section e.g. Article, images, subheadings. To me, the colour red is energetic, which could emphasise the excitement of the music in concerts/festivals."

                                                         - Josh, 16

Colour Scheme Feedback•“I like the third colour scheme because

it’s classic but bold. The slight use of colour isn’t distracting or offensive to the eye, however is less bland than the first."

                                                          - Amy, 16

FONT CHOICES THROUGH FRONT COVERScruffy, casual, contains youth, different – stands out to other fonts to highlight quote. Possibly not bold enough.Matches house style from other font choices, bold.Unclear that it is a quote – too rounded and thick. Matches house style, connotes confidence and strength. Too similar to other headings on page.Typography is elegant yet still bold and shows passion. Not bold enough, too similar to the rest of the fonts on the page to be a distinct quote or sell line.

Chosen Font• This font can be used in order to make certain selling

aspects of the front cover stand out and distinguish from the rest of the features.

• It has been used for the sell line of the page, as a quote from the photographed band – the quote connotes passion and excitement so this font continues the exciting theme – it is casual and not too professional for the lifestyle they are suggesting.

• It has also been used to make the “free posters” advertisement stand out as a sell line at the top of the page. It shows fun and youthfulness and contrasts to the rest of the more “official” fonts on the rest of the page.

Main fonts chosen:

• Castellar: consistent through magazine.• Elephant: Consistent through magazine. • Copperplate Gothic Bold: Consistent through magazine.

• Annie BTN: Used for quotes, or to suggest hand-written aspects to create a closer relationship with the audience – the editor is shown to be putting in their personal best for the communication in the magazine, in a casual and friendly manner (this ensures the “social interaction/discussion” aspect of Blumler and Katz’s theory is enhanced).

• Script MT Bold: Used for a small quote at the bottom of the page, in order to create personality and emotion.

• Times New Roman: A clear and easy-to-read font, this is best for the key information on the list of pages: audiences will navigate easily and therefore feel comfortable, ensuring the use and gratification of being informed.

FONT CHOICES THROUGH CONTENTS PAGE

FONT CHOICES THROUGH DOUBLE-PAGE SPREAD

•The only font I used is Times New Roman. This is because it is a trustworthy font, often used in non-fiction texts – audiences informed me during my research that they want to know key factual information about bands rather than gossip etc., and this font implies that all information given is factual. It also continues throughout the magazine to ensure a clear house style.

• I only used this font to ensure consistency and organisation on the page, so it is visually pleasing. I ensured it wasn’t too regular by using a range of colours and sizes, and used italics, boldness or CAPITALIZED texts to make certain features stand out.