DPS Design Idea 1 (Edited)

DPS Design Idea (1)

Kerrang! DPS: Language and Register

For this article, the tone and formality is mainly formal, clear and informative, but the content of the quotations drag the formality down to informal due to a change in tone which turns firm, loud and anticipative. A key aspect of the tone of the quotations is the use of bad language which is definitely informal. So overall, the formality and tone is neutral, with a use of both informal and formal tones and language.

The use of quotations is plentiful and effective to entertain the reader and to inform the reader about what the band is thinking and feeling straight from the horses mouth. The article is set out quite like an interview in the way that it's set out in sections, each with a sub-heading such as “They're trying something new” and most of the text in each section is quotations from the band members. The introductory paragraph does have less quotes in it than the rest of the article, but they are still used to reply to or explain what has been written about them.

The varied use of vocabulary helps enhance the article and encourage readers to read on and enjoy reading it. Of course, as mentioned, the text in the quotations definitely uses many varieties of words which are self explanatory, but as for the rest of the article, there is still some uses of powerful/strong words such as “shrieking”, “blasting” and “radical”. Most of the outstanding words are adverbs and descriptive words, most commonly associated with powerful/strong words.

As for punctuation, there is no exaggerated uses of exclamation marks to add enthusiasm. All the rest of the punctuation is used correctly which helps the development of the sentences. There are plenty of long sentences used to fit in the large amount of detail and there is evidence of compound sentences being used. The use of quotes have been added correctly too, fitting into the article well.

Double Page Spread Analysis (2)

This is a double page spread from Kerrang! Magazine with its usual colour theme and layout for a DPS. This article is picture led as the whole left page is taken up with a staged photo of the band, Rolo Tomassi. The photo is obviously staged because the band members are modelling/posing for the shot. The right page is taken up by the headline, sub-heading and the editorial, all in the usual style of Kerrang!. The headline is large and bold, using the red and white to make sure it contrasts well. The way the headline/sub-heading background is done like a splatter of paint makes the magazine look unclean but formal and clear. This will appeal to younger audiences.The editorial uses the common use of leading caps, highlighted in red to help it stand out against the white background and black text. Not only is the first letter highlighted but the first two words are in red to start the paragraph. This occurs at the beginning of every paragraph in the editorial, the red text is in block capitals to enhance it further. Another use of block capitals is in the headline and sub-heading which doesn't stop it from being easily readable because the headline is short and in large letters and the sub-heading is also rather brief, the letters are fairly large and the contrast of red and black helps the text to be easily read so the use of block capitals is not a negative aspect. There is a use of a puff on the DPS which looks like the sub-heading in the layout and colour theme. The puff is a quote by a band member from Rolo Tomassi. Quotes are commonly used in magazine articles to indulge the readers and make them feel that the band is talking out to them. There is a short banner/puff on the right hand page used as an 'equation' to show the magazine's opinion on what the band is made of by using aspects of the band. The byline is under the sub-heading, out the wat of the editorial and image.

Double Page Spread Analysis (1)

This is a double page spread from a rock music magazine focusing on a band being represented by an equal amount of images and text. The article is picture led due to the large main image filling the left page along with a few smaller images along the bottom of the double page spread. The selection of images all follow the same sepia/black and white tone. The article text font is small, sans-serif and white which is a popular choice to use in a magazine editorial. It looks clear and formal which makes it easy to read, encouraging the reader to enjoy the magazine. The headline is also sans-serif, bold and in block caps which enhances it. The red leading capital at the beginning of the article stands out because the top and bottom line of the headline uses the red colour too - this follows the house style colour theme. The images are not staged as the leading photos is shot at a live event where the band, MCR, is playing. The headline is a quote which is a good thing to use in a magazine because it directs straight to the band. As well as the text and images, there is not a lot else on the page except for a vertical banner and a puff in the top left corner of the double page spread. 

Possible Front Cover Design (WTH PHOTO)

Select or Reject: Positive/Negatives of Photos (2)

I really think the angle of this photo makes it really good and effective because of the way the model is looking up to the camera which makes the viewers feel like they are looking down at the model especially because the model is on her knees and the position of the guitar makes the model look smaller than the guitar. This provokes the viewers to feel sympathy for the model and gives the shot a 'cute' feel. The choice of background colours really helps the model blend into the black wall and do the opposite in the lower half of the shot. The black wall and wooden floor separated by the white stripe works well and separates the photo up really well. The neck of the guitar stands out extremely well against the black wall and has caught the light just perfectly as well as the rest of the guitar where the blue has turned out bright and clear. The empty floor and blank background (wall) leaves the photo free from distractions therefore keeping maximum focus on the model/guitar. The positioning of the model's arms really look good and make it look as if the model is protecting the guitar, adding focus to it.

A fault I have noticed with this photo is down in the bottom left corner where I have accidentally included an object that is not meant to be in the photo. I could crop this out but then I would be cropping out the model's shoulder so I shall have to decide if I shall use it or not. Another issue I have noticed is that the model's coloured hair roots are showing up too much against the blackness of the rest of her hair. This is easily noticeable but I could edit it in Photoshop and solve the problem.

Select or Reject: Positive/Negatives of Photos (1)

I thought this photo is one of the best I have taken because of the angle of the model and the contrast of the colours. The green and orange/red background works well against her black hair and white/blue clothes. Also, the model is wearing a bit of fake tan which, when edited in Photoshop, will contrast against her hair and enhance her face. The reason I like the angle of this shot is because I'm at an angle to the model and not stood right in front of her. Her head is also slightly turned to her left making these angles work really well with each other and giving an effective posture. Her hair at this angle covers enough of her face and leaves a parting from her neck to her chest which makes it look that little bit more better. I'm glad with the background because of the way each side of the model is different. On the left, the background is clearer and has more of the orange/red colour and trees further back. On the right, there is a tree closer up to the model and has less emptiness.

The only negative thoughts I have about this shot is I have taken the photo slightly too low and missed the medium close up method. Although I have done this, I still think it looks great and I haven't got too much of the model in the photo.