Two page spread updates

In my last post, I mentioned thinking of an idea for my two page spread. I was going to do
an article on the different fashion worn in different countries in the summertime. I really
liked this idea but today I was reminded that all pictures used in my magazine need to be
original. This would not be possible for me since I don’t have access to international styles.
In order for me to continue with this topic, I’d need to either buy clothing that represents
other cultures, or ask people if they have clothes of that style.

A new idea that I've thought of is an article on summer essentials when going to a tropical
location. I could include items that people wouldn't usually consider while packing. I could
include clothing items, accessories and other things that could be useful on a trip.

One page of my two page spread will be an advertisement. An idea of an ad I could use is
for sunglasses. Since I own a pair of Ray-Bans, it would be easy to take a picture of a model
wearing them and creating a full page ad out of it.

Two page spread topics

When deciding on what topics to write my two page spread on, I wanted to consider the main kinds of stories that fashion magazines focus on. I researched some of the more popular kinds of articles that writers cover. Some ideas that I found interesting are red carpet looks from different awards shows and beauty hacks.

However, one topic that stood out to me was covering looks from different countries. Taking the different fashion traditions represented in multiple parts of the world and researching just how diverse fashion is throughout the world is very interesting to me. Also, since my edition of the magazine will be in either summer or spring, I could do my research on the different trends in the hotter months. This will allow readers who are interested in diverse fashion trends, to learn more about the industry.

Not only could this be a good spread for readers because of the new information, but it would also be very fun for me to research.

Source:

Top 10 Topics to Pitch to Shopping & Style Magazines. Freelance Writing. Freelance Writing. Retrieved from https://www.freelancewriting.com/magazine-writing/write-for-shopping-style-magazines/

Color schemes

The color scheme of a magazine is very important because it is one of the first things that a
reader notices. The title of the magazine should be a color that is used throughout. It should
also depend on the cover image that is used in the background.

This InStyle magazine’s color scheme is very simple with few dominant colors. The main background is white with the title background being blue. Also the dress of the model is green which acts as a statement color and is incorporated in a few of the cover lines.

This Elle magazine incorporates all pink and purple cover lines with the exception of one which
matches the model’s outfit. I like how the outfit used on the model is very neutral and doesn’t clash
with the bold colors of the cover lines. This prevents the magazine cover from looking too busy or
overwhelming.

After researching and looking at multiple magazine covers, the ones with simple color schemes
appeal more to me. It prevents too much attention being taken away from the model in the picture.
Colors that I’d be interested in using for my magazine are yellow and white with pops of other bright
colors. I think this would be fitting seeing as I’m planning on making a spring or  summer edition
magazine.

Website softwares and name ideas!

Having good ideas and concepts for my magazine is very good, but not knowing how to bring those
ideas to life, is a problem. Considering multiple options for the making of the magazine is essential.
When searching ‘magazine making software’, many choices come up. One website called “5 Must
Know Magazine Layout Maker Software to Design Impressive Magazines” gives great options. A few
of them appear quite complicated so I make sure to try and find one that I will be able to navigate easily.
One website that catches my eye at first is called FlipHTML5. This appears to be a software that converts
‘plain PDFs into interactive digital magazines with page-flipping effect’. It is made so that a reader would
be able to click on links and watch videos. After looking further, I realized this website isn’t exactly what I
need for this project.

Another website that catches my attention is called Blurb. At first glance, the website appears to fit my
needs so I download the software. Once installed, it prompts me to make a name for my magazine. Since
I hadn’t begun to think of names, ideas now come to my head. One of my first ideas is to look up
synonyms for the word fashion. A word that stood out to me was ‘craze’. I liked it because it’s a word
that people don’t hear too often and it embodies the genre of the magazine which is fashion. This is my
initial title for my magazine. Also, I am looking forward to playing with my magazine making software.

Source: 5 Must Know Magazine Layout Maker Software to Design Impressive Magazines. Retrieved from http://fliphtml5.com/learning-center/5-must-know-magazine-layout-maker-software-to-design-impressive-magazines/

Initial research...

Today, I have begun to do my primary research on fashion magazines. My teacher advised that the first
thing that we should consider when researching is genre and target audience. These have been a main
focus for other projects that have been done in the past as well such as our music project. The first thing
I googled when beginning research is “how do fashion magazines target their audience.” This seemed to
me like a good place to start seeing as it incorporates both genre and target audience. I learned that
fashion magazines tend to downplay luxurious things. They focus on promoting cheaper and easier
alternatives instead of trying to make the reader feel pressured to acquire an expensive item. An example
would be a headline from Elle magazine: “Style for Less: The Best Under $50!” This would be a good
strategy to use for cover lines in my magazine.

Source: Voltolina, V. (2009, January 19). Fashion Magazines’ New Target Audience: ‘Recessionistas.’
Retrieved from https://www.foliomag.com/fashion-magazines-new-target-audience-recessionistas/

My thought process...

Right now my partner Maya and I are in the process of deciding what we want our magazine to
incorporate. Doing a fashion magazine is our initial thought process. This seems like one of the simpler
options especially since we’ve done some prior research on this genre. Since we fall under the target
audience of fashion magazines as well, I think it might make creating our own a bit simpler. Since we
live in Florida where the weather is mostly tropical, we want to make our magazine editions in either
one of the spring or summer months.

The most difficult part of this project for me will be coming up with a story for the two page spread of

my edition. I want to make mine about something that I’d thoroughly enjoy writing about. The element
of this project I’m most excited about is the design of the magazine. Playing with color schemes and
layout has always been things I’ve enjoyed. Being able to do that for my own magazine edition seems
like something that would be fun and interesting.  

Some magazines that I will be researching and getting inspiration from in this blog will be Elle, Vogue,

Glamour, Cosmopolitan, etc. These already very established magazines will be a good place to start
when trying to think of ideas for my own edition.

         

Genre Research #2

Genre- Fashion
Genre conventions (content)- Fashion magazines include fashion, beauty and lifestyle tips. They also usually include advice on how stay fit and looking your best.

Genre conventions (production techniques)- These magazines tend to use a lot of editing on photos used in order to portray a sense of perfection. The models used are made to look perfect and are usually what attract people to purchase the magazine.

Magazine sample #1- Elle Magazine includes beauty tips, fashion trends and news on different celebrities. It helps to positively influence women to feel good about themselves. There are also some negative effects that have to do with self esteem.

Magazine sample #2- Vogue includes the latest fashion news, beauty coverage, celebrity style, fashion week updates, culture reviews and also videos. There are many different features in this magazine that help women overcome many issues.

Other examples-