Final Submission

Due to the current predicament, I was not able to reshoot with my model for new photos. However, I would have loved to have a shoot with my model in different locations, such as more by the ocean to push for a more environmental initiative. I also would have liked to have a wider variety of outfits, such as ones showing off more sustainable fashion. Along with being unable to reshoot, I wasn't able to tweak much on the submission software-wise because I don't have the technology from home to do this. Similar to the photoshoot, I did have some tweaks in mind that I would have done if not for the situation. 

First, I want to swap out the teal tone of the words "environmentally chic" in the title page for a more earthy green tone. The teal is a bit too bright for the theme I was going for. 

Along with this, I wanted to include more photos within the two-page article, and perhaps position them in a way that is more cohesive rather than scattered. 

Creative Critical Reflection

https://prezi.com/view/ltUDiQWJM10YXZz7Efpw/

Creative Critical Reflection Question #4

Throughout the process of my magazine creation, I utilized several different types of technology features. From the use of editing I used on my photos to the graphic design software I used on the pages of magazine, I was able to effectively use technology to my advantage. 

For example, for my photos, I used an iPhone XR to capture them, where I used the portrait tool to adjust my lighting by using the "natural light" feature. Along with this, I used the square paneling feature for a more crisp and structured design for my photos. As for editing on my photos, I used the apps VSCO and Storyluxe. Within the VSCO app, I used the filters AU5 while sharpening the photos to +2.6 for a more editorial finish. As for the Storyluxe App, I used the filter Ashbury to add more lighting to the photos where it was lost. 

To continue, I used Adobe Indesign for the cover page of my magazine. This can be seen in my use of the rectangle frame tool, in which I expanded it to the entire length of the magazine cover to fit my photo in before I added anything else. After that, I used the rectangle frame tool again for a text box to fit my title in. I used the eyedropper tool to input the plum color first, then inputting a teal color for the text itself. In the bottom corner, I used the rectangle frame tool for the third time to promote my social media outlet. 

For the table of contents and two-page article, I used Microsoft Publisher. The table of contents uses several individual rectangles to properly display the page numbers in a sleek manner. Within each text box, I inputted the line tool to separate the number from the content below. I used the California FB font to accomplish this. As for the two-page article, I started with a blank canvas, while utilizing the same burgundy color scheme seen in all four pieces of the magazine. I outlined white framing for the text using the shape tool and left open spaces to input my photos using the insert pictures tool. I outlined the two-page article with an argyle pattern all the way around, using a similar burgundy color scheme, with some soft pinks to complement the red. 

Creative Critical Reflection Question #3

Throughout the development of my magazine, I started without any experience in creating my own brand or having a standard idea of what I was trying to accomplish. While scheduling my photoshoot, I was unsure of where I should have my locations be. This proved to be a bit difficult when reaching a consensus of when my model would be free, especially because I planned to have several locations planned throughout the city of Sarasota. We were able to plan accordingly within two consecutive days in a week of my photoshoot period. I was able to take photos on Siesta Key, downtown Sarasota, and St. Armands Circle. The photos came out well, despite some technical concerns I had when taking the photos. I used an iPhone XR to capture the pictures, which had fantastic quality but at times it was hard to find effective lighting, that truly showed what impression I was trying to give to the audience, which was "confidence." Now, it is nearly impossible to tell your model how to pose a certain way while also exhibiting a specific emotion. However, despite my initial concerns, the photos came out perfect! This gave me the boost to continue on my idea of the magazine, and what things I was passionate about. I came to the conclusion that I was heavily inspired by fashion and the betterment of the environment, so why not clash the two into one magazine. This is where the name Environmentally Chic stemmed from.

From November to March, I was able to develop a range of skills in the production of my magazine, I was heavily inspired by the poses used in Vogue photoshoots while putting my own twist on them. This is where my production design came from, where I used the colors of the photo to incorporate into the overall theme of the magazine. For example, I brought the plum red color of the leather jacket in the photo and tied it into all four pieces of my magazine. I believe this is a strong evolution of creativity and the branding of my magazine, and the cause that it stands for, which is seeing the change in the fashion industry through sustainability. 

Creative Critical Reflection Question #2

Throughout my research into different types of magazines, I have found several types of ways that these products are able to engage with their audience. For example, Vogue magazine was able to evolve their ways of communicating with their audience with the changing times of technology by using a digital platform and promoting their social media outlets within their website. In the future, I would like to take inspiration from this marketing technique and integrate a similar website for my magazine, Environmentally Chic. Along with this, I researched two smaller magazines known as, Frontlash Magazine and FairFashion Magazine, where they both utilize weekly newsletters, in which any customer that accesses their page is brought to a pop-up about subscribing to their magazine for updates and information via e-mail. I found a liking to this technique because of the way it utilizes customer recall, and the ability to continuously bring customers back to the site. Therefore, within my website, I plan to utilize an effective newsletter pop-up to ensure my customers are staying longer than a one-time visit. 

For my product, I plan to distribute it in several different ways. Through my vast research, I found that achieving the most customer feedback is the key to success. Therefore, my traditional distribution model will develop slowly by starting small and utilizing mailing lists and newsletters. As my readers increase in size, I plan to develop specific packaging that is catered to the theme of my magazine, which is the environment and creating a sustainable future with fashion. This could be utilized through the use of eco-friendly poly bags, which enhances my environmentally-conscious initiative. 

I expanded deeper into my exploration by researching other magazines for the distribution techniques that they utilize. Through this, I found that GQ Magazine uses videos as one component of their digital distribution model, where they use "boyish" titles to their videos to capture their male-catered audience. Although my audience does not have a set gender, I found this extremely effective because I could use it to target individuals that show interest in sustainable fashion and benefitting the environment. Along with GQ Magazine, I looked into Vanity Fair Magazine, where they utilized Instagram Stores as one component of their digital distribution model. I found this very effective, in the way that it allows their content to be easily accessible through one's phone, which was also seen in the development of the Vogue App, which allows a greater following. 

Therefore, my distribution plan includes creating my own brand through the use of colors in my packaging, which was seen in my submission where I incorporated, the color, plum red, through each piece. This develops a cohesive design, in which my audience will associate those colors with my magazine, creating a consistent following. For digital distribution, I plan to develop my own website with that same color design, along with creating a way to access my content easily, such as through my own app in the future. 

Creative Critical Reflection Question #1

Within my magazine, I have utilized several conventions to effectively accomplish the meaning I was trying to get across while using them.

This can be seen in the image I used within my cover, where I used a large image as my background while utilizing the angle from which the photo is at to exhibit a sense of the photo towering over the text. I used this convention to develop a sense of confidence, as though the model is exhibiting total fearlessness, ready to overcome any obstacle that is thrown their way. This emotion was cast to develop the overall meaning that my magazine stands for, and that is changing, specifically in the environment. The outfit seen in the photo is also important, with the bellbottoms displaying an era that focused on environmental change, in which they were largely popular in the seventies, or the "hippie" era. 

To go into more detail on the photos used in my magazine, the location of my photoshoots is a largely important convention. This can be explained in the locality of the photos, in which are all taken in the city of Sarasota at different spots within the place itself. I wanted to use Sarasota to promote my photos because of the environmental changes that have been made here, such as the Sustainability Program, which is directly combatting climate change in a positive way. I photographed my model in ways that showed the perspective of life itself, where both photos were given the impression of being "lifted." I did this to push a sense of movement into the photos, which is symbolic to the ways in which the Earth is always moving or "changing." 

To continue, my choice of color is largely important within each component of my magazine, from my cover page to my two-page article, the use of a plum red is tied into each piece. I used this color to distribute a sense of timelessness, along with the color being a tone that is easy on the eyes of the reader. Along with this, the color of  "plum red" is known to display a sense of longevity, where life is always transitioning and changing, and again, I would like my magazine to display stories of change. 

I took large inspiration from Vogue magazine when deciding on which conventions to use, especially with the way they take their photos as if they are speaking directly to the audience. This is why Vogue has been so successful and iconic throughout the years because they always know how to speak to the reader and never put out a dull piece of work. 

Third Quarter Submission

In my final 3rd quarter submission, my three revisions have been made in alteration of the rough draft submission from last semester.
The revisions seen in my title page were monumentally different than my prior submission, in the way that I made to target an audience that should take my cause seriously, and should catch the eye of the viewer to want to read more. I made this happen through the use of a larger image as my background, using the angle of the photo to make it feel as though it is towering over the text. The box lettering around the title of the magazine uses teal and maroon to tie in with the color seems in the image itself, which is what I plan to do with every issue that I publish. Along with this, I included our Instagram handle: environmentallychic_, which is an up and running account.
The revisions seen in my table of contents are also reflective of the large steps that I could took to maturing my magazine, by taking on a more minimalistic style, using slender fonts and lines to separate each number, which allows the audience to be able to read the text easier, and therefore use it for it’s purpose instead of causing confusion like the one seen in my last semester submission.
The revisions seen in my two-page article are tweaked greatly in comparison to my prior submission, while repurposing bits and pieces of the interview, and formulating into one that flows nicely, and does not include any awkward pauses. Along with this, I have included the color scheme seen in my title page and table of contents, therefore continuing the theme seamlessly. By adding new and old pictures into the article, and formatting them in a way that wraps around the text has been an art that I have recently began to utilize, which is why my last semester submission was lacking in that area. With this in mind, I have decided to become familiar with the programs known as Indesign and Microsoft Publisher, which have allowed my creativity to branch out incredibly.

3rd Revision

Rough Draft Submission

Third Quarter Revision 

Within my rough draft submission, I chose a very subpar layout, with little design and creativity involved, while inputting my images in a messy and disorganized manner. Along with this, I ended my prior draft with a very awkward and unfit ending to the interview, which made it feel as though the project was unfinished. In my 3rd revision, regarding my two-page article, I chose to format a border, using the same color scheme from the title page and table of contents. I also used text boxes to format the text in a way that was pleasing to read, while tweaking the interview to include a conclusive yet bright ending, with a call to action to the audience to take part in the environmental initiative, and how anyone could make a change.
I made these alterations to the two-page article because I liked how it flowed with the rest of the magazine, and felt as though it displayed my images in a way that was what I intended, along with practicing and balancing color with pink, black, and maroon.

2nd Revision

Rough Draft Submission 

3rd Quarter Revision 

In my submission that I provided last semester, it was incredibly mediocre and lacked the professional vibe that I was initially going for. I chose to use Microsoft Publisher instead of Canva, which provided a pre-designed template and was not original. Within my revision for third quarter, I chose a minimalist design, and made sure to make it more professional with the font and overall look of the table of contents.  I believe this layout will ensure that my magazine will be taken more seriously, especially with the environmental initiative that I am trying to push within my marketing campaign. However, I did combine the color of the hearts in the rough draft submission with the background color in the third quarter revision.

1st Revision

 Rough Draft Submission 

3rd Quarter Revision 

My third quarter submission contrasts greatly from my submission from last semester. I decided to go for a more minimalistic design, and used a different program to accomplish my vision. I become acquainted with the program known as Indesign, and decided to craft my cover page with the tools provided and start from scratch, rather than using a pre-designed template in my last semester submission. I differentiated my color scheme as well, and decided to match it with the colors seen in the picture. While doing this, I decided that for my magazine, I wanted to color coordinate each issue to the colors seen in the cover picture. This would bring a more individualistic touch to each magazine that would be published, and give the audience a feel for what was inside. Along with this, I added my Instagram handle for my magazine, which I had mentioned in my marketing plan that I would be utilizing. 

Distribution Plan

In planning the distribution of my magazine, I have researched several techniques. For example, while researching Vogue magazine, I was prompted with their newsletter, which is apart of the standard distribution model. However, the newsletter was used on their website, which contributes to the digital distribution method. Along with a newsletter, Vogue has recently been utilizing their own app, which digitally distributes their content in a completely accessible way, where consumers can read their favorite magazines at their fingertips.

While researching standard distribution models, Howard Wilmot described the best way to create an audience, and have your magazine distributed evenly among the target population, you must create a brand. Branding will launch the magazine into success by creating remembrance of your magazine, meaning individuals are bound to return and read your magazine for a second time. Wilmot describes branding as having a set color scheme, which I could utilize with earthy tones, such as greens and browns, in my packaging. He mentions how important packaging is with distribution, and the lasting impact it should leave on the reader. 

As for digital distribution, I could create my own website with these same earthy tones as the color scheme. Within my website, I could implement a newsletter, which will prompt readers with a subscription to my magazine.

Distribution Research-Vanity Fair Instagram Stories

As a wider-topic magazine, that covers politics, entertainment, celebrities, and fashion, Vanity Fair has adapted ways to distribute their content digitally. Along with their website and social media outlets, Vanity Fair has invested in creating a variety of Instagram Stories for their following, therefore allowing for easy-access to their content at the fingertips of whoever comes across their page. These Instagram Stories include bit-by-bit interviews, news stories, and commentaries on recent topics. By having the stories easily accessible, they have a developed a expansive distribution model, where advertisements for Vanity Fair can pop-up on your feed without directly following them.

I can utilize this distribution method by including examples of sustainable fashion, and inspiring my following to contribute to the environmental initiative. 

Distribution Research-Vogue App

As one of the oldest and well-known magazines, Vogue has been known to adapt to the times, and distribute to their vast audience in the most effective way possible. From primarily using paper distribution of their magazines, they have shifted to using digital distribution in several different ways. Through the development of the Vogue website, they have began using several social media outlets to catch the attention of their audience for a wider span of time. For example, they use a newsletter which is directly prompted to the consumer once they click on the website, along with links to their Facebook, Pinterest, Youtube, and Twitter. A newer introduction to their digital distribution is the Vogue App, which includes several features.

The heading, "The only fashion app you will ever need," is incredibly important to Vogue's competitors, by being one step ahead in the game. I can utilize this digital distribution method by creating social media outlets, such as Facebook and Twitter, and developing a audience for my magazine. Once I have a steady following, I could invest in a similar app to the Vogue App.

Distribution Research-GQ Magazine Videos

As a fashion magazine, directly targeted towards a male audience, GQ magazine has utilized the use of a few advancements in digital distribution. This can be seen in their website, under the section of "GQ videos." By publishing their videos directly onto their website, they are able to creatively include their video style, by using a black and gold color scheme, similar to their magazine color scheme, which contributes to branding. By targeting a male audience, they distribute their videos using more informal, "boyish" titles to their videos. They also primarily include trendy, male celebrities within their videos.

This digital distribution is incredibly effective, especially due to their audience having heavy male influence. I would be able to include this digital distribution into my magazine by creating videos that directly target my audience, meaning it could target individuals that show interest in sustainable fashion and benefiting the environment.

Traditional Distribution Model-Magazine

According to Howard Wilmot, a certified expert in the development of newer businesses and start-ups, has recently gone into detail about the ways to distribute a magazine efficiently, to achieve the most customer feedback. He describes these traditional distribution models as starting small by utilizing mailing lists along with subscribing to a newsletter, which customers should be prompted with as soon as they click on the magazine website. He also mentions the use of packaging when delivering your magazine as a print copy, and incorporating your brand into your packaging. For example, I could utilize this with Environmentally Chic by using warm tones, such as greens and browns, within my packaging. Along with this, I could incorporate eco-friendly poly bags, which will enhance my environmentally-conscious initiative.
Wilmot then describes the importance of identifying key locations when distributing your magazine. For example, a luxury magazine which services higher class individuals should be marketed within car shows, five-star hotels, distinguished film festivals or fashion shows, etc. I could utilize this method by distributing my magazine at local coffee shops, bookstores, and farmers markets to attract the type of customers that are interested in benefiting society in a way that is artistic, such as using sustainable fashion to benefit the environment.

Marketing Plan

 Through my previous audience engagement research, I was able to thoroughly understand the marketing process and techniques involved with published magazines. I observed these marketing techniques through a larger and well-known source, known as Vogue, and was able to see how they evolved their techniques with the age of social media and the Internet as an entirety.  Along with this, I researched two smaller magazines, that have been growing their audience within the past five years. Frontlash Magazine and FairFashion magazine both utilize the use of a weekly newsletter, in which any customer that accesses the page is brought to a pop-up about subscribing to their magazine for updates and information. This is a extremely popular marketing technique for most online magazine platforms because of customer recall, and the ability to continuously bring customers back to the site, rather than a one-time visit. I also chose to research these two smaller magazines because they primarily promote solutions to issues within the fashion industry. For example, the initiative within FairFashion's magazine is to use sustainable clothing to cut down on fast fashion. Frontlash magazine promotes this solution as well, but they also tie in a feminist perspective, with the empowerment of women being at the center of the magazine's attention.
 Therefore, within my research, I have become accustomed to several types of marketing techniques and have decided to formulate my own. In taking inspiration from Vogue, I would like to use several digital platforms, such as an Instagram and website. Within my website, I am going to incorporate a newsletter where customers can choose to subscribe for new information and ways to get involved with the environmental initiative using sustainable fashion, which is the root of Environmentally Chic's cause.

Opening page of Vogue's Website, with social media outlets in clear view. 

I would like to incorporate this to give customers the option to view additional ways to stay connected. This will promote customer growth and recall. 

Vogue Instagram layout. 

Vogue Newsletter Pop-up. 

Audience Engagement Research-Vogue Magazine

As a magazine that began in 1892, and still continues to remain relevant to this day, Vogue Magazine must understand how to sustain and market to their audience in a effective manner. They have accomplished this through updating and changing their techniques with the times. I have found a similarity within my target audience and Vogue's through their expansive target population being a large age range, with focus on both men and women. Vogue chooses to market their brand in a inclusive manner, where anyone with a relative interest in fashion can be intrigued by the topics included. As Vogue evolves as a magazine,they have changed how they market their products, from print-based to digitally-based. This can be seen in the primarily print-based magazines they would produce to transitioning to an online platform with their own website and social media outlets, where they can collect income from multiple outlets. They have marketed their product greatly by including young and old influences, from Billie Eilish to Donatella Versache and Audrey Hepburn. They have also changed the way their magazines are stylistically created.

Old Vogue

New Vogue

By transitioning to a more modern style to their magazines, Vogue is able to maintain their audience while keeping up with the times of newer generations. They have also introduced the use of a active and popular Youtube channel, where most of their interviews are posted.

I would be interested in utilizing several aspects of Vogue Magazine's marketing techniques in the form of modernizing their forms of media, while keeping that iconic touch that they are always known for. In the future, I would also be interested in having a Youtube channel to broadcast interviews of individuals involved in sustainable fashion.

Audience Engagement Research-The Frontlash Magazine

The Frontlash Magazine is a independent magazine with several contributors and articles, where the central topic is based in progressive feminism and empowerment. They also utilize the topic of sustainable fashion, which is where I found similar content. This magazine is relatively new, with their recent stardom occurring within the past year. They have marketed their product greatly through the use of social media, such as Instagram, Facebook, and a Youtube Channel. Similar to the previous magazine, FairFashion, they also provide a newsletter immediately after clicking on the page and scrolling. Within their newsletter pop-up, they use a welcoming slogan which allows the audience to feel involved in the community. This magazine utilizes forms of digital media, through the articles and use of online social media.

I have found inspiration through the coloring of their website, with soft hints of orange and white, it is easy to read and comprehend. I plan to use this when putting together my own website, while taking inspiration from their use of media and newsletters. I also want to include the hints of a cleaner outline to their website, along with clever titles to each of their subheadings, such as "Progress a New Way" and "Fashion Get Inspired."

Audience Engagement Research-FairFashion Magazine

FairFashion Magazine is a relatively new publication. They have founded their magazine around a cause for sustainability within the fashion industry, which is where I found the most similarity between my magazine. They choose to market their product through personal interviews between individuals in the industry that plan to switch to a more sustainable way of purchasing clothing, with a major factor being buying a piece of clothing at a higher price to ensure it lasts longer, rather than buying multiple pieces of clothing at a cheap price and having those pieces of clothing last for a month, or less. This concept of utilizing sustainable clothing is the basis of FairFashion Magazine's brand. To market their magazine, they promise a newsletter each week with new sustainable brands to look into and possibly shop from to spread the word. The technique of a newsletter is a form of digital media to keep the consumer in the loop, which allows them to keep their customers for the long-term.

This can be seen in the screenshot above.
I plan to use this marketing technique with my magazine, Environmentally Chic. I am certain that this will continue to keep interested customers with the environmental issue of fast fashion, and how each individual can make a difference to propose a positive solution.

Feedback and Revisions

Based on my feedback and revisions, I have decided to improve on all aspects of my magazine (table of contents, title page, and two-page article), by using a different color scheme with more neutral tones rather than hot pink and black text. I want to use a different program rather than Canva and Google Docs for a more professional finish. I may also use different photos in my final product with more outfits and dimensions/poses.