Evaluation Question 2

How does your media product represent particular social groups?

Within the magazine market, I would say that Dare is most alike NME, it being my main source of inspiration when producing the publication. NME may be conisdered to have a niche audience - a very specific segment of readers, and this is likely to be the case for my own due to the similarities in music genre. I believed it was vital to use somebody on the cover who is within the same age range of my targeted audience, as it would allow more people to understand and relate to the artist, therefore I deemed Leanna apropriate for the role. I thought I would compare my own cover image with another picture taken from an older copy of NME, in an article about Lily Allen. It is evident that there are multiple similarities between each photo, such as pose, costume and camera angle, which is vital if I want to convey a realistic media product.

The first thing that may be most noticeable is the matching in clothing between the two artists. Both are wearing loose-fitted plaid shirts, although different coloured, and are dressed in a casual manner. They have an untidy look to their appearance, with their hairstyles also purposely styled in a rugged, scruffy way, which well portrays the traditional indie, cool and contemporary kind of style, and is commonly worn by the youth of today. If I were to dress Leanna up more elegantly or seductively, this would detract from the artist herself and portray her as the opposite to what she supports. Leanna prefers to be renowned for her music rather than fashion or lifestyle, so wears what she feels comfortable in rather than what may be viewed as "more attractive".

Lily and Leanna are also posing very similarly. Both are leaning forward with their head raised so they are staring directly at the camera, although Lily's is tilted more to her right. Leanna's photo was taken as a high angle shot, whereas Lily's is almost directly at eye level. This could be conveyed either way, with a suggestion of dominance or superiority to the character, or perhaps even vulnerability. Direct eye contact with the reader provides a sense of intrigue and provokes its audience into wanting to learn more of the artist, consequently buying the magazine issue. Leanna's eyes are also slightly squinted, as though she is "giving evils", and her glare suggests she can be ruthless and has a hardened edge to her charcter. Their mysterious, perplexed facial expressions may also suggest they hold a secret, one that would be revealed throughout the article - again, convincing people into purchasing the magazine. Their posture also symbolises confidence within themselves, as their hands are placed on their hips and this could often suggest that they are courageous and determined in what they do. Their poses may also convey a daring attitude, which would undoubtedly support my choice in title and merge well with my entire idea for the magazine. This, along with the sensibility shown in the interview itself, could portray the specified social group in a positive light as it suggests dedication from Leanna, and faith in being herself, which may encourage young people to change their behaviour and show their individuality - or the older to change their opinions of typical stereotypes.