Mock up front cover

During the process of planning my main task, I aimed to create mock-ups of both a front cover and a contents page in order to follow a specific detailed outline of what I want from my magazine.


I want to keep the graphology of the front cover neat and simple, with one main image of my chosen artist and their name title which is the main focus of the front cover. I am following the conventions of any typical music magazine, just with a much less busy front cover. Following Q's example of a more professional image and font.

Main Task Plan

For the purpose of completing my main task, it is essential to formulate a plan of action of which I can employ to successfully construct my magazine. As my magazine is highly influenced by alternative rock music from the 1970's early 1980's, I will use older models to show that they are emerging back into the media and into our musical awareness.

• Firstly I must create a plan for my chosen magazine layout, including pictures for my Front cover, contents page and double page spreads. Apply a colour scheme throughout following conventions of most branded music magazines.
• Secondly I will have to assemble a double page spread article - using my chosen 'model' from the front cover as my main focus.
• Then I will take pictures for my front cover, contents page and double page spread applying a colour scheme and editing the images to fit with the conventions of my chosen house style, using Adobe InDesign CS4 to work to my advantage.

My Chosen Magazine Institution

As I am going to produce certain features of a music magazine, I thought I should research the kind of institution that would publish my finished product.

I believe that in order to create a magazine based upon a specific genre of music, there would be no need for a major publishing firm like Bauer who own a chain of different magazines; from FHM, Closer, Q and Kerrang and who are an international company. I feel as though my magazine would benefit IPC (International Publishing Company) as it specifically applies to the British consumers - with its use of home life (25 Beautiful homes) Women's Weekly, which appeals to a female audience and NME which has highly influenced my own music magazine, although this is mainly indie music, I have already established my magazine as Alternative Rock - highly specific in order to appeal to my target audience and so as not to rival NME, another IPC publication. I feel that Alternative Rock music is increasing in popularity, with older bands being re-introduced; and now would be a good time to publish a 'grunge' 'gothic and punk rock' magazine not necessarily only indie/pop like NME, but instead introduce a different music not as common. My magazine would need a publishing company with the abilities to familiarise with a British audience.

IPC is the UK's leading consumer publisher, two in every three women and 44% of all men read an IPC magazine. They sell up to 350 million copies per year. IPC's brand are at the heart of the UK's cultural life. As IPC has been around since 1963 I believe it has the experience and funds to publish my magazine - working to my advantage.