Reviewing Other Blogs

In order to gather more research and inspiration, I have chosen to review and analyse several other student's blogs and work. This way, I can observe what I like and dislike about them, meaning that I can apply ideas that I like from their to my own. The blogs that I will be viewing, will be those that have achieved considerably high grades as that is what I am hoping to achieve at the end of this course.

Firstly, I will be reviewing Lauren Waine's blog (http://laurenwainemedia.blogspot.co.uk/). I really liked her blog layout and I noted that the theme she used matched her magazine's genre in the way it was very girly. Although her genre is completely different to my own, I loved the way she used Facebook and other social media formats to gather research from her target audience so that she could enhance her magazine so that it suited them. I really liked her final product, although I believe if I were to analyse it without knowing her target audience, I would guess that her magazine was aimed towards 14 year olds and younger, due to it's slightly immature look cause by her used of colour, simple shapes and childish fonts. I do especially like her choice of cover image and the layout of her front cover; it is clear a lot of work has been put in. Overall, I would like to use the a theme throughout my magazine and blog so that they match/are linked. I would also like to use Facebook as a way of gathering research into my target audience.

Another blog that I have reviewed is a blog composed by Courtnie Louise Kerr (http://courtnielouisekerr.blogspot.co.uk/). I particularly disliked her blogs layout as I found it confusing and difficult to navigate. Additionally, I believe that the theme of her blog didn't particularly have much to in in terms of colour. I am planning on maintaining a red themed blog, but I'd like my blog to appear differently to this blog in a way that makes it less simple and more themed and professional looking. On the other hand, I really liked her use of multiple media formats and her employment of video feedback in her blog. I loved her final Double Page Spread. I believe it was very professional looking, it was what you'd expect a magazine double page spread to look like. Along with the Double Page Spread, I also thought that her Contents Page and Front Cover also looked very professional in the way it stuck to a certain house theme and I believed it represented it's genre very well.

I also reviewed Natalie Howey's blog (http://nataliehoweymedia.blogspot.co.uk/). The first thing I noticed was the layout of her blog, I really liked it. Then when I looked through some of her blog posts, I noticed her work contained thorough detail. I would like to be able to apply that much detail within my blog posts so that I could achieve a high grade like her. Her final product was professional looking and fitted her chosen genre, although I believe her Front Cover did look slightly simple. Furthermore, I personally though the image she used within her Double Page Spread was highly professional looking and completely made the article and brought it together. The use of lighting and positioning of the model as well as the layout of the article created a product that you would generally expect to see in a magazine. I would like my final Double Page Spread to look as professional as this.

Finally, I observed Alysha Stirling's coursework(http://alyshastirlingmedia.blogspot.co.uk/). I loved the relationship between her magazine theme and the theme of her blog; the colours fit perfectly and also completely suited her magazine's genre and I really like the images she chose for her magazine. When looking a her final product, I do believe that her Front Cover could have been Photoshopped to a better quality due to some of the areas of the page appearing to be blurred and pixelated. Moreover, I found that she used various media throughout her blog, making it exciting and moving it away from the boring and constant text filled blog that is so frequently seen. Her posts fully put across her skills and understanding of media and that practical production of the media. I think Alysha's may have been my favourite out of all blogs that I observed.

November Reflection

I am happy that I decided to begin using my free time on Wednesdays in order to fit in a higher amount of blog posts. I am really pleased with my time management this month and completed all of my planned posts.

I am going to use more of my free Wednesdays next month in order to complete a higher number of posts and ensure that my research and planning is fully completed and ready to be marked.

Magazine Proposal

Magazine Proposal from Olivia Wallace

Website Flat Plans

Home Page:

Colour Usage: Within the colour of my website, I will continue with my chosen colour scheme to create a consistent and professional feel across my texts.

Image Usage: The main image on my website home page will be the an image from the main shoot surround the November issue of my magazine. This will create a familiar feel and puts my 'best foot forward' in terms of the article I'm featuring. The image of my model is one taken from the shoot that is also featured on my billboard, so if, for example, one had seen my billboard and researched into the web address that is printed largely on the billboard, they will become familiar with the same model as was on the billboard. I feel like using just the one main image on my home page maintains a simple and easy to navigate appearance, and also prevents the page from appearing too crowded. I don't feel that it is the correct time to add various images for each article on the right hand side as this is a 'home page' and not a page based on just the articles. I will consider using more images for each article on a page that is centralised more around my magazine's articles. Other than the main image, I am considering using smaller social media icons in the top right corner to draw attention to the text and communicate my magazine's online/social media platform.

Texts Usage: Text is a major aspect of my website. It will be used predominantly on my home page, for example within the navigation bar. The navigation bar is a major convention within my website, allowing ease for my audience and a pleasant online experience, meaning they are more likely to come back. The masthead and the sell line will be included at the top of the page as this is the first place that the audience are more likely to look, and will create a consistent feel across my products. I have included the titles of my main and various other articles that will be featured from my magazine in efforts to give my audience a taster and cause then to want to buy the magazine. I felt that including contact and 'about us' elements tot the bottom of the magazine will be beneficial for when my audience would like to know more or would like to suggest ideas/be involved, creating a personal feel. Aside from this, I have also included an area providing information on subscription, which I feel will benefit both my audience and my magazine. My audience will be provided with an easy way of obtaining each monthly copy of my magazine without having to think about it, whilst my magazine will generate a guaranteed income and a more positive readership.

Layout and Font: In terms of the layout of my magazine I feel that everything has been set out in a rather simple nature as I felt this would be more easily navigated by my audience and reduce the risk of it appearing crowded and difficult to look at. It is more or less a very symmetrical page which I believe looks visually pleasing, creating a positive visiting experience for my audience. In terms of font, I plan on making more important words larger or bolder. Other than this, the text will remain the same font type and size as the rest of my products.








First Hyperlinked Page:

Colour Usage: Within the colour of my website, I will continue with my chosen colour scheme to create a consistent and professional feel.

Image Usage: Like the home page, I have used the one main image from my main article shoot and the icons from my social media links. I thought that the use of the one main image made it evident that this is the main and most important article on the website and in the current issue.

Text Usage: Like on my home page, I have use masthead, sell line, navigation bar and subscription info. I did not want the subscription information to take up as much space as it had on the previous page, therefore I will create a side tab that moves onto the screen when a user hovers over it in order to keep this information whilst also maintaining extra space. The text is also in major use again within the article aspect on the page. Like the home page I have included the main and other articles, however on this page I plan on going that step further and adding extra information or the beginning of each article in the 'other article' section. In the main article are, I plan on including the name and some information about the main article. I also plan on using a title-like tool at the right have side of the page above the articles to inform the audience which are of the website they are currently on.

Layout and Font: In terms of layout and font, everything is considerably similar in order to create that consistent and professional house theme. However, this page is less symmetrical than the home page due to the major focus on the main article.

Main Article Page:

Colour Usage: Within the colour of my website, I will continue with my chosen colour scheme to create a consistent and professional feel.

Image Usage: The main image from the article should match that of the magazine on this page due to the text being taken directly from the magazine's main article. I also am using the same social media icons as in previous pages. However I also may decide to add an image of the article writer in the byline of the magazine in order to give credit and associate a name with a face. This creates a familiar and personal feel, and may also give the opportunity to add some contact or social media info in order for the magazine writers to interact with the audience, therefore allowing them to give opinions/ideas etc.

Text Usage: In relation to the text of this page, it is predominantly used within the article element of this page. I wanted to follow the generic conventions of an article and therefore used a caption, main text, lead paragraph, headline and byline. I believe this will make this page and article appear professional. Other than the article, I have used similar aspects of texts to my other pages, creating a consistent feel.

Layout and Font: In terms of layout and font, everything is considerably similar in order to create that consistent and professional house theme. However, this page follows the general layout of an online article. I will be placing the headline, for example in a much larger, bolder font.

Costume Ideas

My photoshoot is an extremely important aspect of my magazine. Therefore it needs to be perfect and suitable to my product. The outfit's suitability is vital in relation to the makeup look of the shoot. It needs to stand out, but at the same time be considerably subtle in order to enhance the colours of the makeup look, allowing it to stand out and grab the audience's best attention. To explore some potential outfit choices, I have created an online mindmap using www.app.mindmup.com.

Conclusively, I believe the most suitable outfit choice is outfit 2. The use of the black easily links in with my colour scheme and is the perfect canvas to bring out the prominent colours that I desire my makeup look to have. 

Magazine Flat Plans

Front Cover:

Colour Usage: Within my front cover, I will be following the colour scheme that I have chosen after careful consideration and help from my target audience. The use of neutrals and red, allow for both a subtle theme as well as a pop of colour throughout. The masthead will maintain a continuous colour and will be quite a prominent lead to the magazine. The use of the masthead as a logo will always use the same colour due to its recognisable feel and brand identity. The cover lines will also exercise this theme of colour in order to link in with the masthead and create a continuous feel and house theme. The image itself will maintain a neutral theme, however within the make-up of the model, a more dramatic feel will be evident. I feel that this will draw attention to the make-up and communicate to the audience what my magazine cover in terms of genre.

Image Usage: From my target audience research, I gathered that my audience would prefer a cover that maintained one image only. I also believed that this would be a good idea and was glad that my target audience interviewee preferred this factor within a magazine. My main image will take up the whole of the front cover with no blank spaces, as this will leave the cover looking sparse and dull, I will not be using more than one image to prevent crowding and to fit my target audience. This image will be my main model who will also be the featured model that will be used in my double page spread. There will be no props included within my image, due to a use of props causing a crowding feel. The camera will be at eye level with the model in order for the audience to feel at level with the model. This portrays a feeling of equality and suggests that my magazine is breaking the barrier between gender stereotypes as well as the barrier between people who are deemed as good and bad with make-up.

Text Usage: For use of text within my magazine cover, I have decided on obvious aspects of text such as the name of the magazine in the masthead and cover lines down the left and right third of the page. Cover lines will feature am omniscient narrative. Within the cover lines, I will be printing some of the more important words in a separate, more eye-catching font, in order to draw the readers attention to the important and exciting words. The main cover line will be focused on the main artist that has designed the model's make up on the front cover. The masthead will also be a use of text within the cover, being one of the key points of the magazine due to it informing the audience of what magazine this is. The masthead will also be used as the logo for the magazine, creating a recognizability surrounding the magazine.

Layout and Font: Within the font element of my final product, I will be using professional and understandable fonts that aren't gender specific. I believe non-gender specific fonts will fit better with my target audience. I, however, am considering using a completely different font for some of the more interesting words of the cover lines, in order to create a diverse feel and to make them stand out. This immediately highlights the key focal points within the text. The layout itself creates a professional style and assists readership within the way it doesn't appear sparse, whereas in is not too crowded. This means it is enjoyable to look at, whilst also being inviting, meaning the audience will happily be able to read the cover lines, which will hopefully strike their best interest, therefore encouraging them to read the magazine.




Contents:

Colour Usage: Within the colour of the contents page, I will continue with my chosen colour scheme to create a consistent and professional feel. I will also ensure that the images I used will be colourful, however I also want them to fit in with my colour scheme, therefore I will be choosing images with both neutral and red colours.

Image Usage: The main and largest image that will be featured on this page will be an image from the main article in order to give a short insight into the article itself. Other larger images I am going to use will include those of other articles in the magazine, in order to give a sneak preview, and also pushing the reader towards those pages, that I will have selected as the best pages of the magazine ('putting the best foot forward', striking best interest). I am also considering adding a small caption at the bottom right of the images in order to inform the audience of what page the image has been taken from. I believe that will provide a brief insight into these specific pages and will allow the audience to decide what articles they'd like to read, encouraging them to read the magazine. I have also chosen to place an image of the from the cover itself into the contents page. I believe this adds a personal feel and also makes the reader feel familiar with the magazine, providing a more comfortable feel, whilst creating a close bond with the audience. I also believe that if my magazine was a realistic, monthly magazine, this would create a regular feel due to the front cover being printed on the contents page of each issue. It would also create a consistent portrayal of the magazine itself. Another example of the images would be using the logos from several social media sites in order to create a social platform for my magazine and creating an environment that cognacs the readers to my magazine. It also makes it easy for the audience to receive more frequent updates due to the magazine being issued monthly, whilst also making it available for the audience to opt for notifications to their phones/emails etc. These logos may include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc. I have taken this idea from other popular magazines. Alongside this image, I will also be placing the credits from the front cover in terms of image etc.

Text Usage: Within the text element of my contents page, the page will feature a large title/headline in order to inform the audience of what page they are viewing. The title will also employ the name of the issue (e.g. November 2016) so that the readers are aware of which issue they are in possession of. The contents articles will feature a title, a page number and a small insight as to what is in the article. In the bottom right corner, I will place social media links, email and website links to create an online platform and life for the magazine, allowing my audience to reach my magazine on the internet, where they are constantly discussing topics of make up.

Layout and Font: Like my front cover, I will be using professional and understandable fonts that aren't gender specific. however, in terms of layout, I would like to fit a considerable amount into my contents page, without it looking too crowded. Therefore, my articles in the contents will be fairly spaced out. I want the images to have a scrapbook-like effect to create a personal aspect, therefore I have placed them together in the centre as if to overlap each other.





Double Page Spread:

Colour Usage: Within the colour of the double page spread, I will continue with my chosen colour scheme to create a consistent and professional feel.

Image Usage: As there is only one image in the double page spread, it will cover the majority of the spread, or more specifically one full page, as preferred by my target audience. I will use the contact sheet tool on photoshop to decide between the image. The image will be of my model, as I want her to appear, fierce, bold, strong and classy, so to fit with the make up look and its connotation. I will also be using some sub-images of the make up brand that the article uses. This creates a familiarity and visual image surrounding some of the products used which will be beneficial to the audience if they would like to view/purchase the products.

Text Usage: The text is the main aspect of the double page spread, and will be used to print the whole article, as well as the title of the article. I will also be using text in the article and photo credits, page number/logo and issue as an informative element to the pages.

Layout and Font: The article text will maintain a traditional column layout. I believe this looks very classy and is visually pleasing, as well as easy to navigate. The image to text ratio is around 50/50, with the image covering one page like the target audience prefer. The font will be easy to read within the actual article, however the drop letter and numbers within the article will be considerably larger. The title of the article will also be in a decorative font, connoting ideas about the decorative area of the make up look.

Make-Up Ideas

In order to determine how my model will wear her makeup for the photoshoot, I have explored a range of festive makeup looks, in order to gain an idea on what type of look I should include within my magazine.

1.) Christmas Inspired Tutorial
I like this make up look as I felt despite it's Christmas inspiration, it was an all round look that could be worn whenever. However, due to my magazine being a November issue, I couldn't decide if this was definitely the time to include Christmas inspired looks, therefore, I wasn't sure about this kind of look.



2.) Fall/Autumn Inspired Tutorial
I loved this make up look as I felt it was perfect for the Autumn/Winter period. Despite it's dark and grunge feel I felt that it was completely different and may be out of many people comfort zones. This is what I'd like to target within my magazine. I want to teach my audience new styles and looks so that they can build and develop their skills, so a look like this would be perfect for my magazine.



3.) Bombshell, Christmas Holiday Theme Tutorial
Again, I really liked this look and found it was wearable even when it isn't the holidays. I loved the use of the glitter and the statement lip and would really like to consider adding these aspects into the feature look of my magazine. I feel like a red lip and use of glitter is really popular with those who love make up and therefore my target audience, so I will consider using these elememts.



Overall, I really enjoyed looking at these make up tutorials and also observing how they guide their audience step-by-step through the look. Conclusively, I feel like the best type of look for my magazine will include a smoky eye, involving some glitter, as well as a suitable and wearable lip.

Billboard Flat Plan

Colour Usage: The colours I will use within my billboard will continue with the colour scheme I have chosen for my products as I feel that this will create a professional and consistent look. I also believe that this will add an element of brand identity and familiarity surrounding my products.

Image Usage: In terms of image, I am using the same type of image as is used within my magazine and website. This image also creates a link between all of my products and directly links to the cover of the issue, creating a familiar and consistent feel. There is only one main image used on the billboard so I will be making this considerably large and, therefore, eye-catching. However, it is likely that alongside my social media links I will use small images of the social media icons in order to communicate my magazine's online presence.

Text Usage: The main areas of text within my billboard are predominantly my Masthead and Sell Line. I have chosen these as the masthead creates a recognisable logo, which therefore creates a brand identity. This will be recognisable to the audience and will hopefully connect my billboard directly to my product. The sell line is also an important aspect of the text in my billboard. The sell line will also relate my billboard to the magazine and given the audience a reason to go out and buy the magazine. This may be, for example, 'your make-up. your Newcastle,' or, 'making the city sparkle.' These sell lines relate to my target audience and will hopefully convince them to look into buying the magazine. Finally, the use of website and social media links are utterly important within the billboard as they connect my magazine to it's website, which allows the billboard to promote website and magazine together. The use of web link and social media accounts also communicates to my audience that my magazine has a strong online presence, which I found they preferred through my target audience research. This will please my audience's preferences and hopefully make them want to buy my magazine, and connect with it online.

Layout and Font: The layout of my billboard is considerably simple, which is what I wanted through the fact that it is an advertisement that is viewed as people are going about their daily lives. If someone is in a rush, they do not have time to stop and look at too much text and various images, therefore I have simplified the product and made it easy to observe. The image is not taking up the full page, but is considerably large in order to be noticeable to the audience. The text takes up the majority of the product as it is the more informative area. The text will follow the same style as in my magazine. Obviously, the masthead will remain in the same font as usual creating a logo, an element of brand identity and familiarity within the text. It will be larger than the rest of the text so that attention is drawn to it. The rest of the text will remain an easily readable font that is used throughout my magazine and will be of an appropriate size for visibility.

Target Audience Interview Feedback

In my previous post, I interviewed two girls of my specific target audience on various aspects of a regional magazine to gather information on what they would like to see in a regional magazine and what qualities would convince them to buy a regional magazine etc. Within the videos, a two-shot was used throughout the handheld footage. I used this type of shot as I believed it would suit an interview's purpose best. It gave a clear view of the interviewer and interviewee whilst involving the audience in the full communicational exchange between the two subjects. This means that facial expressions, reactions and movement is clear to the audience when viewing this video of both subjects, accompanying the dialogue of the video.

The first question I asked was, 'How much would you be willing to pay for a professional regional magazine?'
Both of my interviewees commented that they would pay in the region of £3-£4 for a professional regional magazine. I believe for a high quality, professional magazine, this is an adequate price to maintain the business of the magazine, whilst also remaining affordable for my audience. Therefore, I will consider placing the magazine at around this price.

The second questions I enquired was, 'What encourages you to buy a magazine?'
My first interviewee, Layla, commented that she would prefer a strong connection to where she is from, as she believes it gives her more interesting content than national and international magazines. As a member of my target audience, it is positive that Layla would like the magazine to maintain strong regional elements, therefore I will certainly be ensuring that my magazine places itself within the heart of Newcastle.
My second interviewee, Holly, stated that she likes a magazine to have a strong online presence in order or her to follow them on social media and keep up to date. I would really like my magazine to obtain several social media accounts, as well as a website in order to maintain a close relationship with my audience. This ensures that my magazine is loyal to it's readers, communicating with them daily in order to cater towards what they want, whilst also keeping the magazine active for the audience between the monthly issues. Therefore, I will be creating a website and several social media accounts for my magazine.

Next, I asked, 'Do you prefer a text or image led double-page spread?'
Layla firstly commented that she really likes when a double-page spread has a striking image, however she also likes the spread to have an interesting article to support this image. Therefore, Layla generally prefers both and I will consider this when designing my double-page spread.
Then, Holly agreed she prefers a 'halfy-half- approach', portraying to me that my target audience may be those who are able to appreciate both. This may be due to the exploration of art that my target audience members are drawn towards in areas of photographical art and creative writing through the double-page spread. Therefore, I will ensure that both image and text are strong and are given equal spotlight within the spread.

Furthermore, I went on to enquire, 'Would you prefer a question and answer (interview) style in your double-page spread, or would you like a story?'
Layla believes that Question and Answer/Interview styled articles are easy to read as they allow you to skip to the parts that you are particularly interested in, however she also believes that its good to read a good story.
Holly felt that stories engage her more in relation to double-page spreads. This informs me that both members of my target audience find stories engaging in a double-page spread, however question/answer may be more convenient. From this, I believe that my double-page spread will most likely be a story.

I then asked, 'Do prefer several images or one main image?'
Layla preferred one main image, however she believed that having several sub-images around this was more effective. In pages such as the contents page, I believe this will be predominantly useful, as I will have the ability to place images from various articles of the magazine to cause the audience to want to read on.
Holly stated that she preferred one main image as she believes that too many images may take the attention away from the rest of the magazine. From this I have decided I will employ one main image, and use several sub-images. I will not use too many sub-images so that the contents of the magazine are crowded.

Moreover I questioned, 'What colors are you most attracted to?'
Layla generally goes for more neutral colours, for example pinks and nudes, however she also really likes a pop of colour for example, red.
Holly, however, takes a more dark and dramatics approach and appreciates, burgundy, burnt orange, reds and golds. The use of red appears to be a favourable colour for my magazine's colour scheme. The use of gold always compliments this shade. I will consider using these particular types of colour within my magazine.

I followed this question up by asking, 'Do you like these particular colours within your make up?'
Firstly, Layla stated that she prefers gold and copper shades, making these an ideal basis for make up looks within the magazine.
Holly agreed when asked if she preferred reds, golds, oranges and purples within her own make up. The frequent reoccurrence of red and gold are perfect shades in any make up look. These also reflect not the fact that my magazine will be the winter/Christmas issue, complimenting the use of red and gold and warmer colours within the magazine.

Next, I asked, 'Would you prefer a hard copy of a magazine or would you refer to read it on something like a tablet?'
Layla prefers to have a hard copy each month, but she also enjoys catching up online and likes that she can keep up to date if she doesn't have time to pick up a copy. From this, I know my target audience would prefer to have both elements of the magazine. Layla's comment about being on the go and unable to purchase a copy also opens the magazine up to monthly delivered subscriptions in order to ensure that my audience have access to each issue.
Similarly, Holly likes a hard copy, but in reference to her preference of online presence, she also likes the ease of keeping up to date online. This backs up the idea that my target audience should have access to social media accounts and a website,

Lastly, I asked, 'What sorts of contents and articles would you like to see in the magazine?'
Layla would like to see articles about art in her area, but would also prefer to be informed of new make-up trends etc. I find that my monthly issue would be the perfect product to feature art and, for example, feature a particular event/location within the area. Whereas, new make up trends are always emerging and changing, therefore, the website and social media accounts would be a more suitable place for these kinds of features.
Holly would like to see something really artistic in reference to make up. She would like to see a change in perspective on make up. My audience predominantly are those who paint their face everyday with the stereotypical make up looks. Therefore, I will include some more contemporary looks and incorporations of art into make up, in order to bring something refreshing and new to my audience, which hopefully leaves them wanting to purchase future issues.

WIX Research

As I have never came across WIX before, I found it preferable that I carry out some research on the software before I made use of it. Upon opening the website, I signed up for an account and filled out the questionnaire through which the website theme would determine what suited my magazine best, and therefore creating a specific styled website, based around my magazine.

I created a presentation through PowerPoint and SlideShare to display my theme exploration.

WIX Website Research from Olivia Wallace

Target Audience Interview Questions

How much would you be willing to pay for a professional regional magazine?

What encourages you to buy a magazine?

Do you prefer a text or image led double-page spread?

Would you prefer a question and answer (interview) style in your double-page spread, or would you like a story?

Do prefer several images or one main image?

What colors are you most attracted to?

Would you like these particular colours within your make up? [follow up]

Would you prefer a hard copy of a magazine or would you refer to read it online?

What sorts of contents and articles would you like to see in the magazine?

Target Audience Interviews

Institution Research

Conventions of a Billboard

To produce a professional looking billboard, there are certain features and conventions that I must maintain knowledge of and apply to my final product. I have made a note of these conventions below and have also included an example billboard that I have labelled to provide an example of each convention:

Conventions of a Website

Logos are typically placed on the upper left of the page, as that is the first place that the audience direct their eyes, in a similar way to how we read. When there are multiple windows open on a user’s computer or a user is browsing through various pages on a website, consistently having the logo on the top left lets them know that they are on that particular website. Having the logo where the user expects to find it will help keep all the different windows in order. It also creates a sense of brand identity, following a house theme that directly links to the magazine itself, and a sense of familiarity with the audience. I will certainly be using a constant logo throughout all of my products in order to create familiarity and brand identity.

The Main Navigation should appear in a bar across the top of a website. If broken it may frustrate users. If navigation is too difficult or not there at all, users will become discouraged and leave the website. The navigation bar is simply there to make the audience's visit to the website easier and therefore, more enjoyable, encouraging them to revisit. I will definitely be using a navigation bar on my website in order to create easy access and navigation for my audience, encouraging them to revisit.

The Sub-Navigation Bar is a linked navigation bar that appears directly below/beside the main navigation bar. This sub-navigation can also often be found in drop boxes below particular sections of the main navigation bar and may link directly to the section of the navigation bar that you have selected/are hovering the mouse over. I will consider using a sub-navigation bar as it may be convenient for the audience's navigation.

Hyperlinks are pertinent to internet users. Therefore, these clickable links must be identifiable to users in order to prevent confusion, which may lead to them leaving the site.  A classic link appears as underlined text. Text in a different colour and underlined text can also signify links. This means I should not underline words that aren’t links, and avoid using different coloured texts for non-links. I will be using hyperlinks on my page and am considering using the colour blue and the underlining tool to make the hyperlinks clear to my audience. I will avoid using this style with any other text to prevent confusion.

Buttons are also a great feature on websites due to their 3D appearance and colour. This makes it evident to users that they are clickable, and therefore ensures that the website is easily navigated. A button that doesn’t cause anything to happen will be confusing to users. I will consider using buttons, especially next to the search bar, for example, 'Go' or 'Search.'

Icons are particularly useful because they provide a clear explanation without words. An envelope icon signifies email and social media icons signify social sharing. But icons only work if they are common enough that no explanation is necessary. Therefore, to use social media icons, I must ensure that the sites are popular with my target audience in order for them to be identifiable. As my audience is a considerably wide age range, there is a probability that some of my audience will use social media, therefore I will be using popular social media icons to link to my magazine's social media accounts.

The use of a search bar is frequent within magazine due to the ease it provides to the audience. The ability to directly search for a particular article/subject allows the audience to quickly find exactly what they are looking for and saves them time and effort. This creates a more enjoyable and relaxed visit to the website and also prevents them from leaving the website if they were required to search the entire site themselves.

The option to subscribe to the magazine is a feature often used by magazines, in order to maintain their readership, and ensure that the magazine keeps money coming into the company so that it can continue to produce further issues. This also provides great deals and often gifts for their readers and saves them having to repeatedly buy each issue due to their subscription allowing them delivery. I will be using the subscription option within my website, in order to maintain magazine readership.

The labelled example provides the use of a free gift with the subscription. This gift is tailored towards the targeted audience of the magazine, therefore guaranteeing that the audience will desire the gift, and often buy the subscription solely for the gift. It is also considerably frequent that the free gift will be worth a price higher than the subscription, causing the audience to see this as great value for money and encouraging them to buy the subscription, maintaining readership and flow of money into the magazine. If I were to use a free gift within my magazine/website, it would most likely be something that relates to my magazine, or it's particular issue. For example, I could provide a voucher for a discount at a make-up store featured within the issue, or even a free make-up gift, inspired by the current issue.

In relation to a magazine website, the feature of the current issue main article is frequently found on the home page. This provides insight to the main issue and often allows the audience to read a snippet of the article to a point where they must buy the issue to read on. This causes the audience to read and then buy the issue in order to read the article. I will consider doing this with my magazine, selecting alternate images to my magazine product. I will definitely be featuring this on my website in order to encourage users to purchase and read the magazine.

November Plan

This month, I am planning on using my free time on Wednesdays to complete extra posts as I feel like I need to work at a quicker pace with approaching deadlines. Planning is becoming a major factor within my posts as I am beginning to create flat plans and rationales for my products. These are the documents that I will mould my product around. Within the rationales I plan on exploring usage of colour, images, text, layout and font. In order to make it easier when it comes to creating my product, I need to make my plans and rationales extremely detailed. 

I personally think I am giving myself a big target this month, but am confident that I will make my best efforts to complete as many of them as I can to the best of my ability. 

October Incompletion To-Do List

• Update Billboard Deconstruction 
• Website Deconstructions
• Improve Contents Deconstructions