2. How does your media product represent particular social groups?
Through extensive research I determined that I wanted to create a music magazine with the genre of rock. Therefore I realised that the layout and other design features of my publication would have to reflect this.
I am going to look at the similarities and differences between my magazine and the Taylor Swift Rolling Stone cover in regards to:
Posture
Gesture
Angle
Shot type
Lighting
Costume
Expression
Hair
Props
Positioning
Similarities
Lighting
Both images have lighting that creates a natural image of the artist. There are no shadows creating the impression that the artist is very open and has nothing to hide whilst leaving a healthy glow. This is reinforced on my magazine through the quote from the artist. The lighting used was probably 3 point/high key lighting in order to create verisimilitude.
Hair and Costume
Both artists have natural tousled hair which clearly expresses their natural beauty.
Moreover both sport statement makeup. On my magazine Paiton has bright red lips which express her dominant persona that I was trying to convey. Similarly Taylor Swift has heavily 'made up' eyes which enhances her features.
Body language
Both artists have eye contact with the camera helping to establish a direct relationship with the audience
Furthermore both artists are sat down. This gives the impression that they are down to Earth and the same as the consumers of the magazine.
Shot
Both are mid shots of the artist using this type of shot clearly displays the artist's face so that they are identifiable by the audience yet also show the costume that they are wearing which helps to reinforce their persona and brand image.
Props
Both have no props for e.g. a guitar. This keeps the design simplistic and sophisticated which is what both magazines are trying to achieve.
Positioning
The photographic image of Taylor is much more centred as opposed to my image of Paiton which has a slight right dislocation.
Body Language
Taylor Swift's hand is slightly covering her face. Despite thinking hat this image is effective it is not what I was trying to achieve as I wanted to make sure all of Paiton's face was visible to the audience.
Costume
The costumes are considerable different. The reasons of this could be attributed to the:
Time in which the magazine was published - My magazine was said to be published in December hence reflecting the more 'wintery' fashion of a fur coat. Whereas this Rolling Stones issue was published in October where the climate is warmer. Also it is when the school new term starts which may reflect why Taylor Swift is wearing a varsity jacket as these are often associated with college students.
Where the magazine was published - Wonderland is a magazine from the UK and hence it's main audience member will be from the UK. Therefore the costume reflects the weather there. Moreover Rolling Stones is an American publication that genrally has a higher climate which reflects the costume Taylor is wearing.
Genre of music the artist produces - Taylor Swift is known for her genre of music to be country. Whereas Daisy (Paiton) produces rock music hence the dark colours which have connotations of rock music.
Persona/Brand Image - Taylor Swift has a clean cut, innocent image which is reflective in her predominantly light coloured outfit. Whereas Daisy (Paiton) as a rock artist has a somewhat dark past, hence the darker clothing style.
There are significantly more similarities than differences showing that it represents the genre that I am trying to convey as this is shared with Rolling Stone. Yet it also has differences which will reflect my slightly younger demographic.
