Proposal

For my AS media coursework, I chose the print option because magazines are a personal interest of mine, hopefully something which will reflect in my work. I plan to create a music magazine, which would fit in to the market today. In order to research my task, I will read, and create a textual analysis, of popular music magazines such as NME and Kerrang. I am planning to study the type of photography, mastheads, fonts and house styles in order to create an individual style for my magazine that fits into these conventions, or challenges them where i think it is appropriate. I will also research into the distribution companies and the business side of magazine publishing.

For the planning process, I aim to create a survey to find out what a target audience would prefer and expect from a music magazine. I will use participants in the age range of my target audience: 16-30s. I will then use the conventions i have identified to create rough drafts of the front page, contents page and article. Each time I make changes to the designs I will upload it my blog.
I have chosen to work individually so I will do all research, planning and creating of the magazine.

In terms of technology, I plan to use a digital SLR camera to take the photographs and Adobe Photoshop software to create and edit the magazine. I'll use tools such as airbrushing, cropping and changing colour settings in order to make the magazine look as professional as possible. I might also use different types of lighting technology and screens when taking the photographs.
In terms of locations for taking the photos, I want to take some photos in studio type setting, similar to some fashion type photography that can be seen in music magazines. I also want to take some live photographs at music events to capture the right tone and conventions of a music magazine.

In the case of unexpected delays and absence, I will work around obstacles. For example if I can't attend a gig I planned to take photographs at, I'll take photos in front of the screen at school first and then organise taking photos at a different event.

The preliminary task which needs to be completed is a school magazine, therefore I am to take the photograph for that in school. The photo needs to be a medium close up so I'll use that along with appropriate fonts, borders and mastheads.

During the process, I will follow a production schedule. I plan to create a schedule of taking photographs, editing and work time in order to meet the appropriate deadlines.