Evaluation Part 2

How does your media product represent particular social groups?

The particular social group represented in my magazine would be young adults which are into the rocky/indie side of music. This is represented through the music artists featured in my magazine and also the type of fashion and ongoing events such as Reading. On my front cover page, the medium shot of my music artist is represented as loud, outgoing and fashionable considering her arms are outstretched, with a confident facial expression showing her personality and clothing which is said to be ‘trendy’ at this current time. This links to the type of music because it is currently in the charts and popular similarly to this kind of clothing trend shown through the mise-en-scene. As this image reinforces that this artist is confident and fun, it foreshadows the fact that as the audience could relate to this, they should be outgoing too and be who they are and not hide behind anyone else. It proves that everyone should be accepted for who they are. This image looks approachable to the reader because she is not giving off any negativity or insulting anyone, she is being herself which is what the reader wants to learn about through the article. My contents page image represents the exact same as the front cover considering the main image is of the same artist and she wears the same clothing. As her hands are slightly over her face it is reinforcing to the reader that everyone is entitled to their privacy and secrets, also even though she is in the public eye she too likes to have her space and likes to be alone. This could also hint to the reader that they will find out some personal points about her in the article, and even though she is confident and outgoing, she can be shy about certain aspects. This enables the reader to relate, and informs them that she is still a normal girl, yet she has just followed her dream. As her facial expression is similar to someone in shock, it represents that she has a silly side to her, just like everyone, where they can totally be themselves around family/friends; the people that know them best. I purposely wanted my model to use this type of expression and body language, as it can have so many hidden messages and can let the reader relate to the character in so many ways.  The main image on my double page spread is a natural photo of my music artist, therefore is doesn’t look like she has posed for the photograph. This allows the reader to see the quiet side of the artist, which again everyone has. As the background of the main image is simple, it makes the reader focus on the artist and as she is casually leaning against a garage whilst smoking a cigarette (in her right hand) it emphasises her normality, and everyday life. Also, as young adults are sometimes associated with smoking, drinking, socialising, the fact that she is holding a cigarette the reader can relate, and this almost forms another social group. The other images displayed on this page reflect the article, showing her confidence and her real self, as a fashion icon, role model, normal girl from Kent, etc. Also, these images reinforce the rock/indie theme as she seems to have a loud persona about her considering her body language is always busy. I have chosen to have most of my images looking fun and busy because I think it tells the reader something about the artist which then also comes across in the article. Also, as one image is slightly more relaxed than the others, it makes it stand out and links to everyone having time for themselves, and chilling out/rest which everyone needs.