My magazine Tropix
will use media language to construct a fashion magazine predominantly on
culture for women of ethnic minority backgrounds who have a passion for
individualism, ethnic culture and self-discovery, within the sophisticated
16-25 year old AB demographic. Tropix will be distributed by Bauer; a
professional entertainment network of multi-platform brands which have a gap in
the market for a magazine of ethnic culture.
It follows the typical
layout of a fashion magazine such as having a powerful shot of the fashion
model on the front covers. I will be styling the models in outfits that stand
out in order to explore my theme which is a cultural appreciation towards
ethnic minorities. The front cover will consist of my model being centred which
follows the regular format of magazines.
Mise en scene:
One of the shots used
for the front cover of my magazine will be a long shot of my model Ria; who
will be wearing western clothing with a twist along with Asian attire. She’ll
be holding onto a silk scarf (commonly known as a Dupatta in south Asia)
covering a lot of her upper body. Through editing I will enhance lighting to
make it look more dramatic. This idea fits with my concept really well as the
theme of my magazine if representing the minority of the UK and my model is
mixed heritage (India and Jamaica) so overall represents both aspects of her
cultural identity. Similar themes will also be repeated for the contents page
as the theme of cultural hybridity will continue; having more models of ethnic
backgrounds styling them to embrace their culture or others. However, my
magazine is more focused on ethnic cultural vibrance. Other types of angles I
will explore for my magazine will be low angle and close up shots of my models
in order to make them seem powerful, dominant and in control which are
essential characteristics for fashion models.
This magazine
represents individuals through visual creativity as I’ll be experimenting with
a variety of locations around London such as Dalston market, Shepard’s bush
market and a lot of studio work exploring gel lighting to enhance colours and
costume.
Media Audience
The target audience
for my magazine are ethnic minorities and those that appreciate individuality
and culture.
The message received
from my magazine would be self-empowerment and knowing that being ethnically
and culturally different is something to be proud of.
Once building a high
rating of viewers the magazine would be sold in popular stores such as urban
outfitters and Topshop around central London and Shoreditch to reach that
culturally aware audience but also inner city areas such as Hackney and Brixton
newsagents so that it’s accessible for the target audience of ethnic minorities
and also those who have an interest for ethnic culture.
I intend to use
digital convergence, which is the interlinking of a brand through
digitalisation to reach a wider audience. The other platform will be a website
which will include a similar layout to my magazine by using similar images;
reinforcing the theme of cultural appreciation and the same font so it’s
visibly obvious. Another aim of the website is for it to be easier to access
and just as visually pleasing for the audience. This media convergence is
effective as it creates synergy such as through a segment of my magazine called the ‘BollyHood
series’ which will be presented in both platforms.
