Here is my flat plan of my new desired front cover. It is much more simple in comparison to my old one. This was the initial plan for my magazine. This week I plan to take pictures for my new front cover and contents page and hope to get both done this week. I feel that although my new front cover is more simple it would be more effective. XXL magazine has a similar layout where they just use one main image as the focus of their  magazine rather than smaller images scattered around the page. I feel that this looks too much like mainstream magazines and it does not stand out. However I really want my one to stand out and make a statement.

On the left is an image of my final front cover, and on the other side is an image of I-D's 'youthful' issue. Before I started my front cover, I visioned my front cover to be more like this one. Although I like my first attempt, I am not 100% happy with it. Because I have not got long left, I have to take new images as quickly as possible.

Here is a particular contents page I like the look of from Vibe Magazine. It challenges most conventions of a typical contents page, the unusual order of the lettering really stands out for me. It is unique therefore the reader could see that this magazine is different from the rest. The grey gradient backdrop can be seen dull and boring however it looks sophisticated and classy. The V shape seen in the background stands for Vibe. I noticed how the models legs are also in a v-shape, making the page more creative. Also, the use of the model makes the page looks even better. She is wearing very simple colors. This makes the page look natural and not so 'messy'. She is also very attractive, this could also appeal to more male readers. The image of the model is a direct mode of address as she is looking straight at us, this will instantly attract the reader. Finally, the page is informative and easy to read. Different fonts have been used for the text however it all flows and fits in with the page.

Here is a mood board of different contents pages. As I have not completed my contents page yet, this would give me a few ideas of how to lay my one out. I have noticed different conventions are used for different genre types. The music magazines tend to have larger images rather than fashion/celebrity gossip etc. They focus more on the text. The layout is also more 'messy'. During my research of contents page layouts I have decided to take inspiration from Vibe Magazine. I will do a deeper analysis of the contents pages.

Here, Miley Cyrus has unveiled an acoustic version of her latest single, Adore You.

The 21-year old has stripped things back on the new version of the ballad, showing off her vocals rather than her body. The video currently stands on 368,809 likes and 198,449 dislkes. Despite Miley's previous socially unacceptable antics, this video seems to be doing her justice. On my blog, I uploaded some news about Miley and her smoking on stage. Keeping my readers updated on particular artists would be a good idea. They are also up to date with music news. 

J. Cole, Busta Rhymes and Bruno Mars are also slated to perform at various Super Bowl weekend events!

Kendrick Lamar is slated to perform at the ESPN Super Bowl Party at Pier 36 in Manhattan, New York. Robin Thicke joins him on that line-up. The Roots are set to join Run-DMC, Busta Rhymes and others as part of Bud Light Hotel's concert showcase bill, which is slated to take place at Bud Light Hotel Amphitheater in Manhattan, New York. Drake, Diddy, J. Cole and Busta Rhymes are among several rappers slated to perform at Super Bowl weekend events. Upcoming events such as this would interest my readers as they are highly anticipated. The artists performing all specialize in hip-hop and rnb too. 

During some general research I found out that legendary hip-hop duet OutKast  have confirmed a 40-date tour, according to MTV news.

In celebration of the group's 20th anniversary this year, founding members Big Boi and André 3000 are planning to perform at over 40 festivals this summer of 2014.“It's truly an honor to celebrate 20 years and still be free to do music the way we choose,” Big Boi said in a statement. André 3000 added: "And imagine, all we wanted to do was rap! I am thankful to have been a part of a group that allowed me to explore anything that came to mind and have fun doing it.” OutKast have sold over 25 million albums globally since their debut, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, was released in 1994. I think news like this would excite my readers as Outkast are just the type of artists I would want to feature in my magazine. They also have a wide fan base despite not making new music in years. Hit songs such as 'Hey ya' have proven to be popular in the America as well as the UK.

Here, I have created another mood board. This time with more pictures. I have added pictures of  mainly rnb and hip-hop artists as my magazine genre focuses on this. My mood bored has a picture of the late Aaliyah Haughton,Tupac Shakur and the iconic rap group, NWA. These are some of the many artists that has made a big impact on music today and I want to keep this sort  of history within my magazine, remembering those who paved the way for artists today. I have also included images of artists and actors that were really popular during the 90's such as rnb group TLC and Will Smith. I want to entwine the 'old school' feel to my magazine as I find that many young people prefer this to today's music. As this is my target demographic, I would have to include images and information that suits their interests. Also, there are not many music magazines that talk about hip-hop and rnb during the 80's and 90's. Images of the front covers of Source magazine has also been included in my mood board as I loved the layout, it is simple yet effective. I hope to take some inspiration from this magazine. Gold teeth also known as 'grillz' and 'boomboxes' are very popular amongst the hip-hop scene, using props in my magazine could also interest my target demographic easily. Finally, I have also aded a picture of two models wearing 'Pyrex Vision Clothing' these sort of clothes are popular with hip-hop artists such as ASAP Rocky and Kanye West. Again, this all relates back to the genre of my magazine. Fashion is a big part  of my magazine as it influences young people. I find that whatever celebrities find fashionable, most young people would too.