OUGD501 / PRACTICAL / CONCEPT

For a sucessful project, the body of work must effectively support the written aspect of the module, and also appeal to the designer. In this case, this is editorial design. Magazines, books and publications are still products that use certain design principles and methods in order to appeal to a specific audience. For the practical side to this module, it would be extremely interesting to delve into the many techniques companies use to advertise their publications, such as cheaper magazines catered to a lower class. 

To get a deeper understanding, it would be beneficial to analyse these publications such as Ok!, Hello or Heat magazine, and begin to comprehend the key aspects which are evident or reoccuring. Taking these principles, the idea would be to recreate parts of the publication by using different techniques and identifying how doing so may then attract those of a different, higher class. 

There are many avenues to take this idea which can be investigated thouroughly, to make an informed decision on where to take the practical piece.

OUGD501 / STUDY TASK 08

What were your initial aims?

To demonstrate how the design decisions within weekly magazines attract and perpetuate working class culture, and manipulating these decisions can attract a completely different audience.

What processes / strategies have you used and why?

Researching into the language used, the type, the colours and image. This is crucial to the overall aesthetics of the magazines and informs the target audience through design decisions. 

What literature have you read that informs this work?

GAUNTLETT, D. (2008) Media, gender and identity: An introduction. New York: Taylor & Francis e-Library.

CHOMSKY, N. (1988) The Chomsky reader. Edited by James Peck. London: Serpent’s Tail.

ADORNO, T.W. and Bernstein, J.M. (1991) The culture industry: Selected essays on mass culture. London: Routledge.

HERMES, J. (1995) Reading women’s magazines: An analysis of everyday media use. Cambridge, MA: Wiley, John & Sons.

Is the work effective (in terms of your aims)? In what ways? How do you know it is effective (testing)?

Yes. The work has demonstrated that target audience can be changed through the use of design treatments, in order to appeal to a higher class. The practical resolutions completed are designed in order to attract a high class professional woman rather than working class woman. Feedback conducted showed that these designs are successful and the aims have been fulfilled.

Does it communicate what it should do (in what ways)?

It demonstrates high class through the use of full bleed image, serif type and overall composition. Taking an organised route rather than the disorganised and cluttered originals this communicates upper class principles of quality and expense.

What are the successful elements and why?

The imagery is successful, especially the full bleed. Use of colour is appropriate and not too busy.

What areas need improving or developing further and why?

Organising the individual styles of the magazines and ensuring the resolutions fulfil the aims.