Blog 4 - Flat Plans

I produced flat plans for the different pages of my dance music magazine utilizing the conventions and knowledge obtained from my research of existing publication and target audience.







I considered the layout of the front page using a grid based on three rows and three columns. I used this to roughly size & organise the text and images.





I brainstormed titles for the magazine thinking of words which might connect with my target market possibly relating to their aspirations or linked with the dance music experience. My list included:

• Thirst
• Groove
• Boom
• Adrenaline
• Funk
• Noise
• Neon
• Shout
• Club

I set up a focus group to present and review the options and Thirst topped the pole. The group felt that thirst worked on two levels; firstly a thirst for knowledge, excitement and fun which are experiences sought after by the healthy and energetic fan base, secondly by expending high levels of energy dancing in busy clubs builds a thirst.

My research showed that most magazine covers featured a mid shot or head and shoulder shot of an individual as opposed to a group. The main article in the magazine often relates to this person. I took this on board and decided to follow this established convention. I am conscious that the front cover is very important and greatly influences the sale of the magazine.

I played around with the position of the primary and secondary feature headings adopting a three colour palette (red, yelllow and blue)for the text as this is the standard convention.

I turned my attention to the contents page again using a grid to help structure the information. My page layout consisted of the header containing the name of the magazine, the month and date and the heading contents. In line with the trend followed by other publications my document included various images of different sizes and content together with text in the form of headings and sub headings set out in columns. Another common convention I chose to adopt on my contents page was a section relating to the free CD showing the track list.



I decided to adopt the standard convention for my double page spread based on a large image on one side and text on the other. I used two colours for the text, less than on the front cover. My double page spread features an image of a world renowned DJ, with an introduction setting out his achievements followed by a question and answer interview which is a popular format. My intention is to use informal language incorporating question marks, street jargon and technical references or acronyms used by the target audience. The script will pose open ended question designed to engage the reader in a conversation. My readership enjoy talking about dance music, sharing fashion tips and learning about the latest technical innovations and learning about famous DJ’s and rising stars understanding their influences and views.