Costumes/Props/Mis-en-scene (LIGHTING)

 For my "Switchin Styles" Magazine, I will need certain tools that will assist me on completing my front cover, table of contents, and my double page spread. Based on my survey results, 54% of people believed the setting of my pictures should be in a barber shop. I agree with the results, as it creates a more professional feel. I plan on taking pictures of my models inside the barber shop. Because my photos will be inside a building i'll have to utilize artificial light. I will need to consider the angles in which i take these pictures and what shadows are created to keep my photos consistent. Since my step-dad is a barber, and owns his own barbershop, I will be able to take my photos there.

The Ring Light shown above will enhance the quality of each photographer that will be included inside the Magazine. The sole purpose of this tool is to create an attractive catch light on the models and hair products that will be shown throughout the Magazine. I have access to this type of equipment and will be very useful in making sure my pictures are clean.

These pictures are examples I will be referencing when taking my photos. I notice how the lighting is evenly distributed, meaning theres no spotlight on just the hair and you can clearly see the face and background of the model. The lighting is soft, but not too bright or dim. In the last example picture theres a vignette filter on the photo. The vignette filter makes the borders of the photo either lighten or darker, this then gives the illusion of a focus on the subject. This might be an interesting technique to incorporate to have my audience's eyes focus immediately to the models hair.

For my advertisement of hair care products I can put the products in good lighting to take pictures and then edit the photos onto a white background (like the example image above). This makes the brand look professional and clean. Another option is to take photos of the products in the barber shop. While taking photos of the products with a noticeable background can draw a readers attention away from the product, it can also make readers feel more trusted as the product will feel more reliable.

COLOR SCHEME

In the survey I made and sent out to my family and friends, there was a tie between 2 colors for my hair magazine. I gave the option of black and gold, navy blue and black, grey and white, and grey and black. The two options that tied were black and gold & navy blue and black. I personally like both these colors together and think they would be perfect for my project. Gold is a very different color than navy blue and white because it can have so many different shades and tones. I believe the color scheme of black and gold was more masculine and eye catching than the rest. I will also be shooting my pictures inside the barber shop so my models will be wearing shades of black clothing which will look very sleek and classy up against the gold masthead.

Example of the  shades of gold I could use in my magazine. This color can be used for the text or font and designs on the pages. 

The different gold colors could be used for the subheadings in my magazine because it will stand out against the black background and compliment the main gold title. 

A good example of a basic black color I could use for my magazine. This color could be incorporated into the clothing of the models in photos, whether it be the actual products or the background its a good color to mix with. 

I will use the color black for the cover lines of the magazine cover and double page spread. This example above from TIME magazine shows how magazine designers will use the accent color font on top of darker backgrounds. The color gold represents wealth and luxury. Which are all things I want my magazine to give off to readers to feel attracted to.

MASTHEAD

My magazine will be named "Switchin Styles". I chose this title because the whole concept of my magazine is that each article will have a different hair style which indicates a change of style. Even though this was not the most popular option on my survey, It goes with what i'm trying to achieve. In my survey, where I gave people 7 title options and they had to pick which one they'd rather see. The title I chose will fit very well with my hair magazine for men.

Vogue magazine logo/ masthead

The Vogue magazine logo font comes off as fancy and elegant. It is a guideline of how i want my title to look and give off the same vibes.

Allure magazine logo/ masthead

The allure logo is shown with all chunky, lowercase letters. This font won't be used for my magazine because it looks immature and I want letters that will flow together.

Merriweather font

The font that I will be using for my masthead is called Merriweather. The masthead will say "Switchin Styles". This font also got 43.5% of the total votes on my survey. It makes the words flows very elegantly together and have great, big uppercase letters. Using this font for my masthead will create a sophisticated feel. The color scheme for my magazine will be gold and black.  These colors will pop out, while also complimenting the pictures. I wanted a color scheme and title that won't draw attention away from the models but will also be appealing to the eye.

MODELS

                         Model #1: Ryan Ugalde                                           Model #2: Juan Castro

Magazine page: Cover and double page spread

    From the survey, 39% of votes desired a young Hispanic male model. I will use either the one on the left or right for the reason that their hair is very much taken care of with nice loose curls. Both models are handsome, by the picture you can see that they have good hygiene with clean skin and hair. The hair models have the low fade, a hair style where the hair on the sides isn't a traditional fade but is still effective when it comes to the line up. Both models prefer a darker look but still like the bald skin feeling. This is a common haircut and style for Hispanic young man which will grab those who can relate. 

Model #3: Collin Teschky

Magazine page: Table of contents and double page spread

    A young white male with straight hair that wears his hair to the side is a perfect image for the cover page. It provides a fade that is more subtle than other fades. The taper fade starts at your ears, follows your hairline back to the neck providing a sharp look for those who like to keep a safer and simple look.  This would be a great way to promote a classic cut for those who lack knowledge of this type of cut.

RESEARCH FOR DECISION

 

The most popular name for this magazine is "The Cut," however, there is a magazine that obtains this magazine name. With that being said, the option I will take into consideration would be "Switchin Styles," reason being it corresponds with the objective of the magazine. Which is to provide all styles for men in all hair textures and colors, and possibly switch their style.

More people sided towards a young Hispanic model to see on the front cover of this page, nevertheless, I will take it into consideration by providing the main hair textures, including African American with tight curls and kinks, Hispanic young man with straight/slight curly hair, and Caucasian individuals with generally straight or wavy hair to broaden my magazine making it more effective. 

Majority sided with having a tutorial on a particular hair texture and style, I think this was chosen as it gives readers and insight on the author. Giving an idea of their abilities, personality, and their knowledge on a hair. As well as provides visuals for readers, especially if they're unknowing of the hair style but can tell their barber or stylist on what to do.

Black and gold was the prime color scheme for the magazine, but I believe that I'll be incorporate themes of white or grey, as I think it is a modern look for hair magazines. I approve of gold and black as the colors go hand in hand with each other.

The setting of a barbershop was expectantly the most chosen vote, I think this is for the following of barbershops being a positive environment. Commonly the setting of where people talk left and right, where people walk out the door satisfied, and most importantly most men travel to a barbershop rather than a salon. Additionally, this setting would work for me personally since I have the ability to take shots inside a barbershop.

Merriweather was the popular font, it is designed to be highly readable on screens and magazines, the simplicity within this font gives the opportunity for the models on the cover page to pop out. As well as having the font spaced out would be the best bet so the magazine appeals more to the eye.

I agree with the results from the vote with promoting hair styling products, it is common for hair magazines as it follows how to hold certain hair styles. I will also try to include most of the other options as they can provide useful information for readers such as Manscaped, the best grooming tool that allows you trim or shave a man's body to enhance his appearance. 

 

I agree with the majority vote on the best angle of the models head should be displayed of their side profile as it follows how the haircut looks like. However, I will also try to include other angles such as a forward perspective so readers can see how the hair is worn and styled.

AUDIENCE PROFILE STUDY

 

Double Page Spread Analysis