Official Vogue magazines

This image was taken in Palma Airport ( Majorca). Whilst waiting for my flight in October 2016, i came across these vogue magazines, in which found inspiring. i decided to take a photograph of them because i liked the poses and facial expressions the models perform on the front cover. I like how the 2 magazines, contrast because they use different colour tone techniques. For instance, one of them is full of bright and intense colour that expresses the idea of 'Excitement', so it looks modern, using many bright tones and textures. Whereas, the other magazine cover, is the oppersite. It is more traditional, as it uses the colour scheme of black and white. In addition, it is more dramatic as the model has a serious facial expression. The magazines were placed on a shop shelf in the window. This is a way of making the people walking past ( the audience) notice the magazine, so they will purchase one and read it, gathering a larger audience. Therefore, this is a way of advertising.

Research into 'Dafont'

The website 'Dafont', is an online 'Type' website that allows you download different styles of text. Ranging from cursive typography to bold/ intense typography. Moreover, you are able to download the fonts to the 'Mac' software and then install them into photoshop. Therefore, you can use new type styles instead of using Photoshop's ready made fonts. Below is the stages of downloading a font style from 'Dafont'...



By selecting download on a font style, it will transfer to the web download, drop down list at the top of safari...



Selecting this, will open the font in the downloads area of the 'finder'.



Lastly, the font will be listed as a PNG image, a TTF and a RTF. Selecting the TTF and then clicking, 'Install', will allow you to open the font in Photoshop. So, next time photoshop is used, the font will be on the drop down list.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LW-eQTG23A

Comment on how inspiration has helped me develop ideas

The inspiration i have included in my blog supports my thoughts and ideas because i have looked into official products and developed knowledge in national products like 'Vogue' and 'Elle'. Moreover,  these have supported my thoughts for style of image, typography/font, captions, quotes, language and colour schemes. Therefore, i can create a product that enables me to relate my theme of magazine to the target audience, in order to engage them.

WIX Template research

http://www.wix.com/website/templates

Wix Template is an online web page maker. You can select the design you want to use for your web page and then start the process of creating your web page. This is a quick and easy method for making a web page for your media product. When designing my web pages, i will use a 'WIX' template to design it. In my opinion, using a template allows my product to look more official and professional, rather than creating you own website from scratch on a software, such as photoshop. The template, allows the layout to look more realistic. You are able to change color, typography, text and add images to the template. Below is the process of which tools i used to add changes to the template and add my own ideas...

 
To begin with, once you have made your account on 'WIX', the first stage of creating your template is by selecting the theme of product you are designing. To the left are the options you can select. therefore, you would select the option closest to the style of web page you plan to design. For me, the best option would be 'Designer'. This is because the style of web page would be creative and unique.




After selecting the option, 'designer', i was able to search for the style of template i wished for. so, this was more accurate for finding a template to suit my theme o 'fashion'. I scrolled down through each template, to finally finding the correct template that i thought worked well for my 'Fashion' theme.



Some useful tools for editing the template on WIX...

 



These tools are useful as they enable you to alter the navigation style, the button design on the web page and the color scheme of the background. So, you can completely transform the template into your own design. Also, you can drag and drop image into the image templates given, within the features of the web page. Moreover, these changes are quick and easy and support your outcome of your final web page design.

Facial expression research Millum and Ferguson

Millum and Ferguson focus on gender facial expressions. Such as male and female. These facial expressions are what would appear on the front cover of a magazine or media product. The expressions and have names such as, 'chocolate box' and 'carefree'. In addition, Millum and Ferguson recognize the expressions that are presented in image used for media products. The facial expressions have meaning and purpose to engage the target audience, wether that be male or female.

Ferguson
 Ferguson looks into the facial expressions of female models and targets an audience of the female genre. Although, this isn't always the case. For example, the expression, 'Chocolate box' is smiling without teeth and the expression 'Romantic' is used to attract oppersite genders. The expression is flirtatious and appeals to males if the model is female. Other expressions of female models include Invitational, which is similar to 'Romantic' is engages the male audience by using emphasis of the eyes, to create an attraction.

Millum

Millum focuses more on the facial expressions of Male models. The names of the expressions used are; 'carefree', this is to describe a facial expression that shows confidence. 'Practical' describes an expression on daily basis. As for 'Seductive', it describes a slight smile. This is used on many media products to make the model look pleasant. 'Comic' is an expression that is exaggerated. This is most likely to be seen in fashion magazines as facial expressions are over the top and are unique because 'Fashion' is a big part of the model industry. Finally, 'Catalogue' is a neutral look that is used in less popular fashion products. so this may not be used in magazines that are regional and will be used in national magazines.

    

Inspiring Websites- 'Bazaar' magazine website

Bazaar Magazine Website...
http://www.harpersbazaar.co.uk



Main Features...
.Title
. Drop down list
. Image use
. Font style
. Colour tone

Bazaar magazine is a popular National magazine in the UK, that has a theme of 'fashion'. I find it inspiring because the Title is eye catching when glancing at the web page due to it's large scale. Also, i feel the title gives off the idea of 'Confidence' because it is so big and stands out so much. i think the name of the magazine is unique, which makes it link to the idea of it being unique.

The drop down list, again is similar to 'ELLE' magazine's web page. However, Bazaar's drop down list uses oppersite colours. For instance, a light background and dark font is used on ELLE's website. Whereas, a dark background and light font is used in this web page. Therefore, the 2 websites contrast.

Images used are focused around props and the model's of Bazaar magazine. This is a way of advertising the fashion accessories and giving the audience an idea of the theme of the magazine ( fashion). 

The font style is creative and allows the magazine web page to be recognized. Also, it is in upper case font, which enables it to stand out and capture the audience's attention. 

Inspiring websites- Elle magazine

Elle Magazine website....
http://www.elle.com



Main features...
. Title
. Drop down list
. Image use
. CGI ( computer generated image)
. Font styles ( Typography)/ Quotations and captions
. Colour tone
. Search tool


I am inspired by ELLE magazine's web page because there are pacific features used, which allow it to engage the audience. The list above shows the main features of the web page. 

To begin with, the 'Title' is unique and captures the audience's attention instantly because it is bold and the style of font used is creative. This allows the identification of the fashion company to be represented. Giving readers something to remember this by. Furthermore, a drop down list is made on the web page, to enable the target audience to select the area of the website they want to visit. We can notice this in the three lines listed next to 'Fashion, Beauty, culture, Life and love and Horoscopes'. These are also presented as a drop down list allowing you to select the area of the topic you would like to view. Although, the three lines will list more drop down list style features.

Next, the 'Image use' in the web page is widely experimented with. This makes the target audience age range an important idea. The images include young models that show the page is targeted to a younger audience. Considering the costume and props the models use and how their body language is brought across. The composition of the shots show us this. alternatively, we can notice the audience through just glancing at the web page because of it's colour use and many other features.

'CGI' ( computer generated image) is not noticed in the image but the link to the web page will show that the images change, almost like a slideshow. This allows all areas of the website to be advertised and it a persuasive technique to engage the audience.

As for the use of 'Font styles', there are many unique styles used. It is easily noticed that there are many upper case font styles used for important information in on the website. This is the information the reader should notice first. This is mainly used for captions that include persuasive language and use language such as alliteration and metaphors. 

Colour tone in the web page is contrasting and uses light and dark tones, allowing important details to stand out. The colours used target a 'female audience'. As there are light pink tones. Giving the audience an impression that the magazine is for young females. We notice this in the use of images as well as all the models used are females. Black font is used quite a lot which is fascinating because it's simple yet it contrasts really well with the background colours.

Finally, the search tool is an easier way of accessing areas on the website. By searching for the feature, all the information that relates to this will appear. In my opinion, the search tool is useful and is a quick method for frequent viewers and audience of 'ELLE'

Costume, hair and props

Below, is a simple guide from 'vogue' of the main things that stand out in fashion to the target   audience.

Makeup- The makeup used on the model represents the mood the magazine is trying to give. For instance, if the model is wearing bright eyeshadow like blue, green or red, it gives off a positive mood and an exciting atmosphere towards the audience. It also represents an element of 'creativity', as the style of makeup is usually unique and gives a hidden identity/ disguise theme.

Costume- The costume worn by the model is usually a dress if the model is targeting a female audience and is female themselves. Furthermore, some magazines, use male and female models. So, the style of costume can change depending on the gender of the model.

 Shoes- Surprisingly, the first thing the audience notice in a fashion magazine image of a model, is their shoes. This is if the image has been taken as a long shot. The reason for this is that a long shot shoes the everything about the model, including costume. Whereas, a close up shot would not  show this. As it focuses more on the facial expressions. The shoes are usually unique and refer to fashion. So, they can be out of the ordinary.

Props- Props tend to be used to advertise the likes of fragrance adverts. For example, the model would be holding a perfume bottle to advertise it. So, props would be used on a billboard. On the other hand, props in magazine photoshoots are used like scarfs, hats and sunglasses. This is just an extra feature and form of advertising fashion products.

collage of front cover, contents, advert and article images

  

I've created a collage using Photoshop that consists of jpeg images of inspiring front covers, contents pages and advertisements. These images include basic features such as colour tone, texture, fascinating poses and facial expressions that make them look unique. In addition, there is contrasting affects made by the use of lighting and shadows created. The reason i selected these images from the internet was because they consist of a different range of body languages. As for contents pages and front covers, the typography and font used is interesting. Moreover, there is an artistic theme to the background of some images.This expresses the idea of 'creativity'. I plan to consider this collage when designing my product because it will support me with the use of image and layout.

Research into Facial expressions and pose

The facial expressions of model's in the fashion industry give off a connection with the audience. Eye contact, allows the audience to feel engaged in the magazine and it a persuasive technique to make the audience want to read the magazine. Below are a few images that represent model's facial expressions. These images will support me in the creation of my images and what compositions i will take the photographs from. As well as this, it will help me think of facial expressions, in which i can ask my model to perform when taking my photoshoot for my fashion product.



 To begin with, to the left is an example of a facial expression and pose which a model has performed.  I like this pose because it allows the audience to get the impression that they are targeted in the magazine. We can notice that the model is a young female, so in this case, the target audience for the magazine this image was presented on would be for young adults. mainly between the ages of 17-25. Pacifically, females. The idea of the image being in black and white, shows editing techniques have been used, in order to make a higher level of contrast in the image. The allows it to look of higher quality as well. The shot has been taken as a mid-shot. This allows the costume the model is wearing to be noticed, so we can realize the image refers to 'fashion'. Plus, it shows the audience the facial expression of the model, referring to the idea of 'Beauty' in the fashion idustry.


  In this image from a model photoshoot, the pose used is unique. Many fashion products, including magazines, websites and billboards, use this style of pose because it enables a unique style of photo to be created. Therefore, the audience can remember the image as it is different to other fashion companies photographs. This is a way of being remembered and 'standing out' in the industry. For instance, companies such as 'Vogue' and 'Elle' use this to promote their fashion title.

As for the type of shot that has been taken, we can see that it has been taken as a long shot. The reason for this is so that costume and body shape can be noticed. As the company is promoting 'Fashion'.

Most of the time, you would tend to find this style of image on a double page spread of a magazine or on a front cover. there isn't many accessories worn by the model in the photo. The outcome of this, may be that the image would not be used on a website or a billboard. as it may not advertise 'fashion' as much as another image.




This photograph is slightly different to the model photos above. Mainly because the image has been kept in colour. This allows sot tones and textures to be created, making the image look of a high standard. in addition, the pose used in the photo is unique and allows the audience to notice this. as for props used, the idea of using a 'panda', creates a totally different image that other fashion companies would not plan to use when photographing their model's.There is a connection with the costume worn by the model and the colour of the panda being 'black and white'. This shows us that the main focus of the image is the the 'black and white' idea. Linking strongly with the top the model is wearing. So, it allows the costume to be promoted when the audience glances at this image.

The pose allows shadows to be created on the wall in the background. It also gives off the thought of the model being 'confident'. In this case, it makes fashion look confident as well.

Inspiring billboards

   GUCCI

I like this Gucci billboard because it uses soft colour tone that allows contrast to be a positive feature. as well as this, the typography used on the Billboard uses white text, which looks good against the dark colours in the background. furthermore, the lighting used in the billboard is soft and uses the idea of 'High key' photography. Plus, the composition of the billboard is interesting because it has been designed as landscape. so, in this case, it captures the audience's attention.

                                                                      PRADA

This Prada Billboard is inspiring because it uses the contrast of light and dark to allow it to be bold and intense. Therefore, the audience recognize this to be important. Furthermore, the billboard uses typography that has style to it and is unique. This connects well to the theme of the billboard being 'Fashion'. In addition, it also expresses the 'creativeness' of fashion. Moreover, i like the idea of the fashion theme being 'Eye wear', as it shows a different style of fashion to clothes. this is because 'PRADA' is more of an accessory fashion based theme. The vibrancy of the billboard is bold and allow it to be eye-catching to the target audience. 

  MICHEAL KORS

As for this Michel Kors Billboard, i especially like it because it uses pacific tones of brown to create colour tone. From light brown shades to dark brown shades. This creates soft tones and textures throughout the piece. As well as this, the white tones used in the background of the billboard, allow contrast to be created clearly. Therefore, this stands out to the target audience. In addition, the billboard uses a bold, upper case typography. This also creates a positive impact on the billboard.

Inspiring magazines- Elle

Color scheme ideas

This colour chart is useful for selecting contrasting colours that work well together...








 I particually like this use of contrasting colours because it uses both light and dark tones, that allow light and dark colour tones to be made. In my opinion, this will be a good colour scheme for my fashion product because it will create exciting colour tones.

I quite like this colour scheme. Although, i feel these will not create as much of a positive impact as the colour tones analyzed above because they aren't as contrasting and intense. Plus, i am debatable to weather the colour scheme will connect to the idea of fashion or not. As the theme of fashion is exciting and this colour scheme isn't as exciting as the colour tones above.

Further mast head ideas

Further inspirations...

I particularly like the pattern used in the masthead of this 'Asos' magazine. Asos is an online fashion store which has a few stores located around the world. Such as London, Japan and USA. I love the detail the pattern gives off in this design. It makes the masthead look textured and 3D like. It's unique and different to other magazine covers. Therefore, it can be identified. the brown background used allows the white masthead to be a main focus feature. This is important to engage the audience.

As for this fashion magazine masthead, 'Glamour' i love how the mast head allows there model to stand out. It is similar to the previous mast head on the 'Asos' magazine, that it allows a 3D like affect to be made. In addition, the mast head contrasts with the light blue background and allows intensity to be given off. Moreover, the cover is contrasting throughout and it is targeted to a female audience. This is represented in the pink font used for quotes and captions. Overall, with this cover, the mast head is bold and uses upper case typography.

Finally, this vogue magazine cover uses a unique typography style, which is why i find it inspiring. In addition, the font used looks hand written. Therefore, there is an element of creativity within the Mast head. The grey background and white typography combination is inspiring because we can notice soft tones and textures throughout the cover using this technique. This is something i want to consider when designing my fashion magazine, billboard website.

Finally, this 'Bazaar' magazine mast head uses dark and light tones to create contrast between the background and the masthead. I like how the dark background enables the white font to become sharp and bold. In addition, the style of the font is creative and connects to the magazine theme. So, this allows the font to be connected with the magazine and it also shows the audience this idea as well.

Mast head magazine ideas

                                    Inspiring 'Fashion' Magazine Mast heads...

                                     The inspiring mast heads below are fascinating and all have creative     
                                                               elements to them, including;
                                          style, shape, texture, colour tone and contrast...

 To begin with, i love the gold/ bronze affect the colour tone used in this mast head gives off. This allows the masthead to look professional d official. This could represent the idea of 'Vogue' being a popular magazine, appealing to a large national audience. Moreover, it gives off a bold and contrasting affect against the white background. 

As for this 'Bazaar' magazine. I love the intensity it gives off. This creates a high level of contrasting affects and stands out to the audience. the font is in a bright red and in upper case letters. This enables a positive affect to be made for the magazine because the audience will instantly notice the mast head when they look at it. In addition, the black background of the cover, enables the mast head to stand out even more. Referring back to the idea of the mast head giving off am intense affect. 

This 'Elle' magazine mast head is interesting because some of the letters are hidden and disguised. Although, we can still recognise that the mast head mentions the word 'Elle'. The idea of some letters being disguised is fascinating, as it allows the main image to look almost 3D and realistic. The impact this gives towards the audience is positive and it makes the rest of the cover look interesting, as it is linked to the way the features on the cover are laid out. The shape of the font is tall and sharp and has a creative style to it, which is why i like it.

Finally, this 'Marie Claire' magazine mast head is bold and inspiring because it look the main focus of the fashion magazine. I like the idea of the dark coloured background and using white font for the typography used. this creates an increased contrasting affect. allowing the cover to be eye catching towards the target audience. I like the shape of the font used for the mast head because it is unique and has style to it. allowing a positive connection to made towards the theme of the magazine ( fashion).

Font ideas

Inspiring Magazines- VOGUE