Introduction

For my final major project, I intend on producing a fashion feminist magazine as an outcome. In my reflective journal, I will be documenting my process of this project. I will also be reflecting and discussing any issues that may occur during the production of the magazine, and reflect upon the progress throughout. Showcasing evidence of the development of ideas and of any changes to my initial concepts.



Proposal Feedback  (Review, reflect, and develop)

Today I had an important meeting with my tutor, who will be guiding me through this project. She gave me feedback on my project proposal, on how I can progress and move this project forward. 

What went well:
"Great introduction including research exploring feminism in fashion and its cultural evolution... excellent project focus which clearly outlines your final outcome and the reasons behind your idea. You consider a global distribution and your reasons for incorporating a digital platform. Well considered USP that identifies your idea as a gap in the market."  

"The target market is described in detail using demographic terms including their lifestyle and income with a visual profile to support... Well identified competitors including detailed press pack information to help you further understand the competition and define your core consumer"  

- My unique selling point delivers the needed fashion editorial and content required by my market, but differentiates from other magazines with its feminism slant and approach to fashion concepts. 

Reflecting on todays feedback, I've learnt that I have clearly underpinned my target audience and competitors. Making me feel prepared to create a magazine that could be easily sold in my chosen target market. I've also acknowledged that their is a huge gap in the industry for a fashion feminist magazine, which leaves me at an advantage of creating an outcome that is unique and different. 

Initial magazine aesthetic concept

Initial styling inspiration and concept

"You provide a clear direction towards your intended aesthetic considering the challenges you may face to create it. Great visual inspiration to support and your test images really give us a flavour of the photographic style. Great focus on the modern woman and relevant styling that support the minimalist idea." 

This is my initial creative direction for the overall style of the magazine. I like the femininity and minimalistic approach but I feel its too safe and not pushing the boundaries as much as I would like. I want to develop the style of the magazine into something I believe will be more whimsical, creative and eye catching to my target market. Create editorials that are more thought provoking and capture the interest of my market. 

"Do be clear about overall content and tone of voice of the magazine" - This is something I will consider. I need to pin down exactly what my content will contain, and what tone of voice, as I have a target market that appeals to both millennial age and generation X (30s). 

"You include considered direction towards your overall branding and I agree with your intention to carry out a focus group for feedback - your appendix includes well considered questions that will really help you to define your proposal"  - Before I make a final decision on what direction to take regarding the overall style and branding of the magazine, I will carry out a focus group with my target market for feedback first. In my focus group I will provide questions, and mood boards of two style directions I would like for the aesthetic outcome. One will be the minimal idea presented in my proposal, the other will be a vintage direction that has a more of a quirky individualistic style. Which I'm leaning towards more but need to ensure my target audience find that style appealing. 

I'm very happy to receive a B1 for my proposal, though there are some problem areas I need to address for this project.  

• I mentioned in my proposal that I will also be making my magazine available on the digital platform, to suit the demands of the new digital age, and make my magazine more accessible and portable to consumers. However, I will find that this will add extra pressure on my production of the magazine and I'd rather focus on producing a print of high quality, rather than a print and digital with a lack of quality. 

•  As discussed, the issue of relying on an international company to print and produce my magazine isn't convenient and may be a risk to my productions schedule. Why? because I will be rushed to complete my project at least a month before deadline to send it off to printing company to give them enough time for it to me produced, processed and shipped to the UK. So I've decided to rethink my choice of production company to ensure I have a more reliable and sufficient delivery of my magazine. To avoid any problems that may occur using an international based company. Issues that the result will arrive late, affect my time management, or not print out to the standard I required.  

• Another issue I need to address, is how I will be promoting my magazine. This is a key element to consider. I plan to set up social media pages, on Instagram and Facebook to advertise my magazine once I've completed a few editorials and content. To give the target market a glimpse as to what is coming available soon.   

• To be clear about who will be doing each role in the production of this magazine; I will be the creative director. I will be styling each photo-shoot, and also plan and organise editorials, write the content of magazine, and design the layout of artwork and overall magazine design. I will be collaborating on photoshoots with photography and make-up & hair professionals that are available at Solent, as both of these skills are not my strongest. I will also be hiring professional models, as I believe good poses make a better fashion imagery.