Wednesday, 5 February 2025

print brief research and planning


1) Find at least five music magazine front covers (either current or former magazines as many have stopped their print editions) aimed at a similar target audience to your project (mainstream music audience) and research music magazine key conventions. For each one, pick out one design idea, convention or image/text style that you could use in your own print work.










2) Find at least five double-page spread features from music magazines on Google images. How are they designed? How are text and images displayed? What design tricks can you borrow from your examples?









3) Find at least five magazine contents pages - ideally from music magazines - from Google images. How are they designed? How are images used alongside text? How are page numbers displayed?





 



4) Find at least five music artist tour posters from Google images. How are they designed? How are images used alongside text? Which UK venues would suit your artist or band?










5) Read at least three example music interview features from newspapers and magazines to learn the format, writing style and content for a music magazine interview. You may wish to use the following to help you:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrN3Dx3EBVI
https://speakout.org.uk/local-music-artists-interview/
https://www.musicandliterature.org/features/2014/6/21/an-interview-with-maya-homburger


Planning and sketching

1) Plan the content and cover lines for your front cover:

1. Front Cover (Page 1)


front Cover Image Idea: 

A striking image of Hadiya with a confident, stylish pose. she’s wearing her signiture jumper possibly holding a mic, with a dark urban backdrop that aligns with her persona.


cover Lines:

“Exclusive Interview: hadiya Talks New Music and Life Changes”

“Hip-Hop’s Stylish Rebel Returns”

“Top 10 Tracks You Need to Hear This Month”

“Inside: New Releases, Tours, and More”


slogan: "sundaze".


2. Two-Page Interview (Pages 2-3)


page2 " The Road to Reinvention”- headline

Design 

Using bold, modern fonts.

Keeping  the color scheme edgy — black, white, and a bold accent color like red or yellow.


Layout Idea: Hadiya  on one page.

Text on the second page with quotes pulled out in bold.

Use dark tones with white or gold text for a sleek, modern look.


 page3 Title: Hadiya Unfiltered: New Beginnings and Old Demons


Introduction Paragraph:

Hadiya  sits down with us to discuss her evolution in the music industry, her latest album, and the ups and downs of fame. From her struggles with identity to her  future ambitions, she gives us an inside look at her personal and professional life.


Questions & Answers Example:

interviewer : Your latest album seems more personal. What inspired that shift?

Hadiya: Life has thrown a lot my way recently. This album was my way of processing it all — the highs, the lows, and everything in between.


interviewer: What message do you hope your fans take away from your music?

Hadiya : I want people to know it’s okay to be vulnerable. Life isn’t perfect, and neither are we. But that’s where the beauty lies.


2) Plan the images you will use for the front cover - use the elements of mise-en-scene (CLAMPS). One main image and two smaller images required to meet the minimum content in the brief.


Main Image (Hero Shot) Centered on the Cover

 A bold, confident shot of the artist (Hadiya) looking directly at the camera, reflecting her musical identity.

CLAMPS Breakdown:

Costume: A casual but stylish jumper with a hijab, representing her unique fashion and personality.

 Lighting: Well-lit with a soft glow, giving a polished and professional magazine feel.

 Actors: The artist (Hadiya) in a confident stance, hands in pockets or crossed for a strong presence.

Makeup: Natural and minimalistic, keeping the focus on her expression.

 Props: Possibly headphones or a microphone, reinforcing her identity as a musician.

Setting: An urban background (graffiti wall, studio, or city skyline) to reflect her modern music style.

 

Smaller Image 1 Performance Shot

Concept: A live performance image of Hadiya singing or performing in the studio.

 Costume: A different stylish outfit, still modest, with stage lighting.

Lighting: Dramatic lighting with shadows or colored lights for a concert feel.

 Props: Microphone or studio equipment.

Setting: Stage or recording studio, showing her in action as an artist.


Smaller Image 2 Behind-the-Scenes Shot

Concept: A natural, relaxed moment of Hadiya in a music-related setting, like writing lyrics or discussing music with a producer.

Costume: Casual outfit, possibly a hoodie or oversized jumper.

Lighting: Warm, natural lighting.

Props: Notebook, laptop, or recording gear.

 Setting: A music studio or creative workspace.

Front Cover Layout Idea:

Main Image: Centered, bold, dominant image of Hadiya.

Smaller Images: Positioned on the side or at the bottom to create a visually engaging layout.

 Typography & Colors: Modern, bold fonts with black, white, and gold/red accents for a professional look.


3. one-page tour poster advert (Page 4)


Title:

Must-See Tours and New Releases


Sections to Include:

“Hadiya  On Tour” – Dates and locations of her upcoming shows.

“Top 5 Hip-Hop Albums This Month” – List new mainstream releases.







4) Write the 400 word interview feature you will use for the inside page spread. This must be 100% original and written by you. It may help to use a Q&A approach to this interview. 



Exclusive Interview: Hadiya – Rising Star Breaking Barriers


Q: Your music has a unique blend of sounds. How would you describe your style?


Hadiya: I’d say it’s a mix of R&B, hip-hop, and a little bit of old-school soul. I love storytelling in music, and I try to make every song feel personal, like I’m having a conversation with the listener.


Q: Growing up, who were your biggest musical inspirations?


Hadiya: I grew up listening to Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, and Nas. I admired how they poured emotions into their music. I also love contemporary artists like Jorja Smith and Snoh Aalegra—artists who bring depth and soul to their sound.


Q: As a hijabi artist, do you feel pressure to break stereotypes in the industry?


Hadiya: Definitely, but I embrace that challenge. Representation matters. When I was younger, I didn’t see many artists who looked like me, so I want to show that you can be yourself and still make great music. I don’t have to fit a mold—I can create my own lane.


Q: Your latest single has been blowing up! What was the inspiration behind it?


Hadiya: “Reflections” is probably my most personal track. It’s about self-growth, learning from mistakes, and moving forward with confidence. I wrote it during a time when I was questioning everything, and it became a reminder to trust myself.


Q: If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be?


Hadiya: That’s tough! I’d love to work with Kendrick Lamar—his storytelling is next level. Also, Mahalia or H.E.R. because they bring such an effortless vibe to their music.


Q: What’s next for you? Any projects we should look out for?


Hadiya: I’m working on my debut album, and I can’t wait to share it. It’s a mix of everything I love—raw emotions, smooth beats, and a little bit of attitude. I’m also planning a tour, so fans can expect live performances soon!


Q: Any advice for young artists trying to make it?


Hadiya: Stay true to yourself. People connect with authenticity. Keep learning, keep pushing, and never let anyone tell you that you don’t belong. You do.


Q: Your journey hasn’t been easy. Have you faced any major obstacles in the industry?


Hadiya: Absolutely. As a female artist, and especially as a hijabi in the music world, I’ve had people doubt me before they even heard my music. There were moments when I felt like I had to prove myself twice as hard just to be taken seriously. But honestly, that only made me work harder. I let my music speak for itself.


Q: What keeps you motivated when things get tough?


Hadiya: My supporters, my faith, and my love for music. There’s something about creating that makes me feel alive. Even on the hardest days, I remind myself why I started. And when I hear from fans who say my music helped them through something—that’s the real reward.


Q: How do you balance staying true to yourself while evolving as an artist?


Hadiya: Growth is important, but I never want to lose sight of who I am. I take inspiration from life, from the people around me, but I always check in with myself. If a song doesn’t feel real to me, I won’t put it out. Music has to come from the heart.


Q: Final words for your fans?


Hadiya: Thank you for believing in me! This is just the beginning. Keep chasing your dreams, and never be afraid to be yourself.


And there you have it.Hadiya is proof that talent, passion, and staying true to yourself can take you anywhere. Keep an eye on this rising star—she’s just getting started, Thank you.



5) Plan and write the text for your tour dates page. This will need to include a range of features and interviews that are not related to your artist but that do fit your target audience and brief (mainstream music magazine). 


Contents Page – Tour Dates & Events


Artist: hadiya 

Tour Name: endless summer Tour 2025


Tour Dates & Locations:

May 15 – London, UK  (O2 Arena)

may 20 – Paris, France  (Accor Arena)

May 25 – Berlin, Germany  (Mercedes-Benz Arena)

June 2 – Rome, Italy  (PalaLottomatica)

june 10 – Madrid, Spain  (WiZink Center)

June 18 – New York City, USA  (Madison Square Garden)

July 5 – Los Angeles, USA  (Crypto.com Arena)

July 25 – Tokyo, Japan  (Tokyo Dome)

August 12 – Sydney, Australia  (Qudos Bank Arena)

Tickets go on sale April 10, 2025!



6) Research and select the font or typography you will use for your magazine. This is a critical element of your print work - the brief requires a consistent house style running through all of your pages. 

1. Magazine Title (Masthead) – Bold & Iconic


Font Choice: Impact or Bebas Neue

 These fonts are bold, clean, and highly recognizable, making them perfect for a strong, memorable magazine title.

Example: VIBE MUSIC (all caps, slightly spaced out for a sleek effect).


2. Cover Lines & Headlines – Modern & Attention-Grabbing


Font Choice: Montserrat or Oswald

These sans-serif fonts are modern, readable, and stylish, making them ideal for headlines and main cover text.

Main headlines on the cover

Section titles inside the magazine


3. Article Body Text – Clean & Professional


Font Choice: Lora or PT Serif

These fonts offer a classic, professional look with easy readability for long-form text.

Interview text

Feature articles


4. Subheadings & Quotes – Stylish & Eye-Catching


Font Choice: Playfair Display or Raleway (Italic for quotes)

• They add a sleek, artistic touch, perfect for breaking up text and emphasizing k

Pull quotes from interviews

Section subheadings


5. Contents Page & Sidebars – Minimal & Clean


Font Choice: Poppins or Avenir

• These fonts are versatile and modern, ensuring the contents page remains structured and readable.


Color & Typography Style Guidelines:

Main Colors: Black, white, and a bold accent color (red or gold).

Text Formatting:

Masthead in ALL CAPS

Headlines in Bold

Quotes in Italic


7) Produce an A4 sketch of your front cover design and scan it/upload a picture to your blog.






8) Produce A4 sketches of your inside page feature with clear layout of where headline, subheading, images and text will appear on the pages. Scan or upload a picture to your blog.




9) Produce an A4 sketch of your contents page design and scan it/upload a picture to your blog.




Photoshoot

1) Who do you need to photograph for your front cover and inside page images? Remember, you need seven original images across the whole print production. 

one main model to portray Hadiya across different settings. 


2) What camera shots do you need? Write a shot list or draw a storyboard for your photoshoots. Make sure you plan a variety of camera shots you will look to capture - medium shots, close-ups etc.

Front Cover Shots:

1. Hero Shot (Medium Close-Up) – Hadiya looking straight at the camera, confident pose, hands in pockets or crossed. Dark urban backdrop.

2. Side Profile Shot (Close-Up) – A stylized shot to use in an inset on the cover, showcasing her signature jumper and microphone.


Interview Feature Shots:

3. Portrait (Medium Shot) – A natural moment, possibly sitting, looking reflective.

4. Performance Shot (Wide Shot) – Hadiya singing on stage, dramatic lighting.

5. Behind-the-Scenes (Over-the-Shoulder Shot) – Hadiya in the studio, writing or talking to a producer.


Tour Poster Images:

6. Live Concert Moment (Dynamic Action Shot) – Candid, engaging with a crowd.

7. Casual Relaxed Shot (Medium Full Shot) – Hadiya in a chill setting, maybe outside in an urban space, tying into the summer theme.


3) Plan the mise-en-scene. What costume, props or make-up will you require for your photoshoots?


3) Mise-en-Scène Planning


Costume:

Front Cover: Stylish jumper (signature look), hijab, minimal accessories for a modern aesthetic.

Performance Shots: A more stage-appropriate outfit—perhaps a statement jacket or a different colored hijab to contrast.

Behind-the-Scenes: Casual hoodie or oversized jumper for a relaxed feel.


Props:

Microphone (cover + performance shots)

Headphones (studio shots)

Notebook/Laptop (songwriting moment)


Makeup:

Minimal and natural, ensuring the focus remains on her expression.


Lighting:

Front Cover: Soft yet strong lighting to highlight features.

Performance Shots: Dramatic, stage-like lighting.

Behind-the-Scenes: Warm, natural lighting to create a relaxed atmosphere.



4) Finally, note down the time and date for your photoshoots. This may be inside or outside school (or a combination of both). You will have Media lesson time for this after the mock exams.

Next week 10th feb






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