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Final Project

After some quick edits and frustrating corrections, I present to you the March 2018 issue of  Stagger!

https://www.flipsnack.com/staggermagazine/work-on-this-one.html

Telling The Story

This article is very important. It impacts not only my grade, but it is the story of a very close friend. She has given me the privilege to publicize her private and honorable story. The purpose for this piece is to inspire others. Even though this is a school project and is limited to a small audience, I still want to give a good story so I can fulfill the purpose. Here is the back of the book summary:

Iniya lived in South India for the first 10 years of her life. Being part of a big family has influenced her view of the world immensely. Knowing that every relative was only at most 4 hours away reassured her that no matter what, she would have her family to support her daily. The opportunity for a new job in the United States prompted her father to uproot the family for a promised better life. Iniya never comprehended the shift of customs that were placed upon her by the American society. Only realizing it after 2 years of maintaining an "apple pie" life.

I don't want to release any more details about my article, so I guess you'll just have to come back next week to see it!

Good News and Bad News

I always like to end positive so here comes the bad news:

I have yet to be satisfied with my Table Of Contents! I find that by limiting it to one page, it looks a bit less elegant and "simple" than how it looked before. Not only that, but I need to find a way to state that that page is indeed the table of content, since it isn't as clear as it was before. To resize everything and move it to make room for the heading is going to be SO annoying and frustrating! This table of content has become a NIGHTMARE!

But onto better news!

The advertisement and layout for the two page spread is ready. I believe the layout is perfect, but knowing myself, I'll keep editing the advertisement a bit more from time and time, nonetheless the general idea is there.

Following the black on the right and white on the left theme I created a while back, the advertisement holds a black boarder. The biggest issue I had was finding the main advertisement line. There was a lot of confusion. I first had the idea of "You're safe on our wings", but a close friend believed that this hinted at the fact that the passengers would be placed ON the wings of the plane. Of course she knew what I meant, but she suggested "You're safe with our wings." I don't know about anyone else, but that sounded a bit strange to me. In order to avoid all confusion and awkwardness, I opted out for the phrase seen above.

Now layout!

 

I wanted to keep it an even number of pages, so I thought about removing the page of just a large image in order to avoid another page full of words, but I couldn't. Since I am making a photojournalistic magazine, images are a must. Not only that, but the stories should be longer. My magazine isn't made for minor stories, therefore the amount of information presented should reflect that.

I'm starting to see the finish line, but I still have a lot to do. Gotta keep focused!

Buffering

I'm a bit behind schedule.. Thankfully I delegated two weeks for "review", also known as "Just incase I need more time", which clearly I do.
Coming back into class, it was pointed out that my two page table of content may not be as finished as I thought. The lines on each side of the page align with each other, but that may be the biggest issue. In a traditional magazine, The crest between pages will eat away a bit of the pages and lift them too. This combination will jagger the lines of the table of content, therefore it will take the readers a bit more trouble to associate with page goes with which story.
After many different variations, I untimely have to make my table of content on one page. Having my table of content on one page is a bit difficult for me. If I'm thinking about adding a description to each story, the one page will definitely be overcrowded! Yet that isn't my major problem. Some of the titles are too long, hence the page number won't fit.
In trying to find a suitable way to create my table of content, the problem of what will replace the other page of the magazine presented himself. Of course the only answer is an ad, but that just adds to the things I must complete, and I am already lagging behind.
As mentioned before, I was ready to complete one ad (which I have) but to complete two!? Looking for a way not make another ad, I opted to making the "two-page story" into a four pages. By doing so, there is no need for an advertisement. However, this does mean I have to write more, and since this is the number one thing I dread, it was a sacrifice I needed to do.
I hope that when writing about Iniya's experience in moving to the united states it will be easier as it is in my head.

Final Table Of Contents

As mentioned before, I needed to revaluate my table of content. It lacked pages, appropriate images, page numbers for the images, and the sizing was too big. Seeing that I only gave myself 3 days to work on the table of content, I shouldn't be surprised it didn't excel my expectations.

Now that I have given myself more time to generate story titles and I've been given feedback on how to move forward, my table of content is finally complete.

Seeing that I needed more stories and pages, I made the decision to thin out the black and white spacers. A member of the group meeting suggest that a description for each title would be appreciated. At first I didn't really think descriptions would be necessary and there was no room to put them in after the thinning, yet as shown above, there was, after all, some room. Although I do believe that the text cluster the page more than I would normally like it to, the title's do require a caption to express the intent of the magazine.
The text and style of the layout was not the only thing redone. I finally was able to fill out the pictures on the left side of the table of content! The toughest part was associating an image with the "Family vs. Individualism" story (page 85). I was between a family portrait or the image seen in the page. The deciding factor was that a majority of the family members would not be clearly visible, due to the fact that the framing would obstruct the view, removing all meaning to the picture.
Overall, I believe that my table of content is differently unique and informative. It maintains true to the image of Stagger and of myself. I'm glad I had the opportunity to re-examine the table of content before having to turn it in.



One point to my past planner self. Zero for my panicked future self.

Layout

Knowing that writing isn't my strong suit, I encouraged the completion of the two page spread by starting to put together the layout.
In learning about the different elements of a magazine, the most important thing to keep in mind is to have your text flow. One wants to avoid overwhelming the readers with too much information, therefore the occasional break of images avoids this issue. Furthermore, grids for text is the best way to guide the readers, so that each column break transitions them to the next column with no confusion.
Since Stagger maintains a photojournalistic genre, images are a must for the the two page spread.

I know that I will be working with the "My New Identity" story, therefore my text will consist of personal re-encounterments of the subject's experience. I'm thinking either interview style or personal story/telling. I'll decide soon.
Keeping you updated!

Advertisement

Magazines are FILLED with advertisements, it wouldn't be right to not include an advertisement appropriate for Stagger. Not only that, but since the story I am generating for the project requires 3 pages, an advertisement fits perfectly to make my magazine flip book complete.
Since my magazine is about people and diversity, some sort of traveling advertisement would work best.

After many hours of research I've pinpointed Airlines as a mean for advertisement:

• It is a service industry, meaning it is selling an experience rather than a product. Similar to the Stagger magazine, rather than show casing specific products, Stagger display's the experience and expertise of individuals. 
• According to the Journal of Business Case Studies, the four main matters airlines must respond to are "Intangibility", "Inconsistency", "Inseparability", and "Inventory". Those are the 4 issues I'll have in mind when forming the advertisement. 
• Additionally, there are many "psychological underpinnings" which one must keep in mind when constructing an advertisement. An airline ad such as American Airline’s, formats an advertisement with personal and casual language structures which forms a connection between the customer and the establishment. The simplicity, yet elegant advertisement is the role model for what I want my advertisement to look at. 
• The target audience for most airline companies are young adults as they the largest age group who fly's constantly. Hence many airline's pushy nature to get flyers to buy in on one of their mile reward programs when they are just forming their credit score. 

Respectfully, Stagger represents a voice for individuals who are just getting their footing, therefore a new and small airline company is perfect for Stagger. Not only that, but the "family business" and personal connection to the audience goes well with the Stagger image.
Time to get to it!

Citations:
> (n.d.). Retrieved March 27, 2018, from http://www.marketing-schools.org/consumer-psychology/marketing-airlines.html
> Tibrewala, R. K. (2011). Case Study: Eco-Jet Airlines. Journal of Business Case Studies (JBCS),5(6), 67. doi:10.19030/jbcs.v5i6.4734
> American Airlines Postcards. (2018, March 20). Retrieved March 29, 2018, from http://wahsonline.com/2017/02/20/postcard-corner/
> (n.d.). Retrieved March 28, 2018, from http://www.marketing-schools.org/types-of-marketing/targeted-marketing.html

Picture Perfect

I was able to get a hold of one model before they were whisked away to vacation with their families and friends, Iniya. As I said before, I've only known her for a few months, and only through school, therefore, I thought the whole experience was going to be an awkward one. After picking her up and then a short drive to the community park, I was already sweating bullets. I had a set idea of what I wanted the pictures to look like, but I didn't what to put Iniya in an uncomfortable position in which I wouldn't capture the raw emotion I craved.
However, the whole shoot went amazingly. Instead of me coaching her, Iniya's friendly vibes aided to calm me down. She was amazing, owning the camera and thinking throughly on each pose she presented to me. She was not even a little bit scared of the camera straight up in her face. She glowed. I am so impressed with her.
I was able to collect more than 70 pictures, but I've narrowed it down to 40 pictures. This is a lot, I know, but their were so many positions that I couldn't leave out! Yet one picture stood out the most to me.

Since the style of my magazine consist of black and white, the shadow on her face ties to the theme. I was experimenting with editing, and filters, but overall I think the original image is better. You can’t forget the essential part of tightening the image with a crop.

The Ongoing Struggle

Time to find a new font, again. I find that Pinterest overwhelms me with so many possibilities that I forget the focus of my magazine, there for I will be keeping it simple. Apple has plenty of fonts built into my mac computer, each font family holds variation as well, bold, underlined, shadow, italic, etc. I carved out a 2 hour block to search freely for at least 5 finalist. This is what I came back with:

Based on the idea of my black and white style, my Masthead will maintain that style. I believe that with this, my table of contents is matching my cover page. (yay) After consulting 3 other peers, I went with choice number 2. Simple is better. I came into this project with a simple idea, but I somehow lost face of that. But no more!
Simplicity is the path.

P.S. I've been working on the Table of Contents. It's been frustrating to have each page match in exactly the same position so when put next to each other, the two pages that consist the Table of Contents would match, yet it has significantly improved. Check in soon for the final product.

Too much Information

It's time to get started with the cover page, but where to begin? Layout seems like the safest bet.

Popular female fashion magazine include Elle, Cosmopolitan, and Fashion. These magazine promote many coverlines highlighting various stories, but in my opinion, I think it clusters the cover with an too much information.

Relating to the ASOS magazine I've mentioned before, the cover image holds the most focus of the whole page. Not only that, but their cover is not so flashy or vividly colored which doesn’t take away from the image itself. The elements all work together as if they could all be found in the world in which the cover image was taken.
However an aspect of the cover page above which really makes it stand out is the the model's facial expression. I plan to use this as an example to harvest the model for my cover so they are able to capture the audience's attention... to be something they just can't ignore. I imagine many professionals study for years in order to master this skill, but I will only have about 2 weeks to grasp it.
Wish me luck!

Citations:

>Lawrence, M. (1970, January 01). New Fashion City. Retrieved February 28, 2018, from http://new-fashion-city.blogspot.com/
>Roberts, K., Mackelden, A., Holmes, S., Shneid, R., Tang, E., Saujani, R., . . . Associated Press. (n.d.). Elle. Retrieved March 01, 2018, from https://www.elle.com/
>Perle, L., Beck, L., Zaucha, A., Kamphausen, K., Urquhart, T., Hsieh, C., . . . Associated Press. (n.d.). Cosmopolitan. Retrieved March 01, 2018, from https://www.cosmopolitan.com/
>Female. (n.d.). Retrieved March 01, 2018, from https://fashionmagazine.com/tag/female/

Reevaluate

After the group meeting in class, I left with a lot of changes: font, genre, color, table of contents, and basically anything I thought I was going to do.
Not that the ideas and suggestions the group provided me weren’t amazing, I do find that this group meeting has made me revaluate EVERYTHING. Rather than be more interested and passionate to keep me going, I left class discouraged.
Seeing that I haven't taken pictures, hence far behind schedule, the stress levels has risen. I feel so unprepared. I don't know if it is magazine related or just other things and assessments around me that has caused me to unfocus.
Thank the gods for spring break i'm I right? I am not sure if it's the optimistic side of me or the desperation, I believe that after this break, I'll be able to come out of the break with pictures, a cover page, and an some form of advertisement for my magazine. I'm thinking traveling agency, but I'm not sure how to portray said agency.
In other words, my break from work will be no break. Here is a list of what I will make sure I complete:

• New font for "Stagger": The one I have now is too curvy. It takes away from the seriousness of the topic and genre. 
• Genre: I feel like I lack all the elements of what makes a fashion magazine, which isn't necessary a bad thing. I never intended to make a "fashion" magazine. Nonetheless, I need to reflect the layout of a full photojournalistic magazine. 
• Table of Content: I NEED MORE STORIES! I mean I knew that from the beginning, but I need a variety. I've lost inspiration and "topics" in which a magazine like "Stagger" would include. A detail the group meeting inspired was to include the page number of the story which is linked to the pictures on the Table of Content page. The large black and white dividers will have to become smaller in order to fit more stories, as well as some text to detail what the title represents. There are a lot of quirks which need fixing for the table of content to be complete. They aren't necessary difficult, rather they are specific and therefore fragile. The placement and sizing if every aspect is very specific so that the two pages will align with each other. 

Overall, I feel overwhelmed, but I think this stress will pay off at the end. In terms of the schedule, I can take pictures and edit for each aspect of the project accordingly. For example, when it's time to work on the two page spreed, I can designate some time to edit and take pictures for the said pages.
I really hope this huge delay won't hinder the quality of magazine I hope to produce. Wish me luck.

Portraits

I need to review some techniques before I head out to the field, so here is information I have on taking portraits.
To start off, portraits are a way of representing an individual. It is essential the absolute image, figuratively and actually, that anyone has of someone. There are many cliches about how "what is on the inside what counts", but that isn't to say appearances don't matter. As said in the youtube video, The Art of Portraits Photography, there are a lot of reasons why portraits hold value in terms of obtaining an emotional response. The connection and sentiment a portrait holds is impactful to the audience. The most effective way to captivate an audience's attention is through portraits.
The basics to keep in mind when taking portraits are set out by Fstopper's "7 Tips Your Camera Manual Never Told You About Portrait Photography". People may believe that having the best camera is the most important aspect of any photoshoot, they often forget the importance of the models posture and composition. The make-up and clothing all play a role in carting the best pictures out there. I'm not an expert in using cameras, but I do have a Canon EOS at my disposal thanks to my older sister.
Since I am focusing on the individual and what makes them who they are, close-ups are probably the camera shot I will be using the most. Referring to the Dummies article about taking close-up portraits, understanding the settings and features of a camera will aid me during the process. Tips on positioning the model and the importance of eye contact came up in the brief article.
Although I still may not understand any of the buttons on the camera, I feel better prepared for this new obstacle I am to overcome. New strategies and features I never had heard of surfaced because of my research. Truly, the Internet is an amazing place.

Citations:
> P., Hoyle, M., Finch, B., Diamond, J., & Levitas, E. (2013, August 8). The Art of Portrait Photography.
>Diamond, D., D., Facebook, Instagram, & Google. (2014, November 13). 7 Tips Your Camera Manual Never Told You About Portrait Photography. Retrieved March 15, 2018, from https://fstoppers.com/education/7-tips-your-camera-manual-never-told-you-about-portrait-photography-45422

>Taking Close-Up Portraits Using Your Digital SLR. (n.d.). Retrieved March 12, 2018, from http://www.dummies.com/photography/digital-photography/shooting/taking-close-up-portraits-using-your-digital-slr/

Meet Some of the Models

Finding the right people to represent Stagger was EXTREMELY exhausting. Most people I know shy away from a camera, and in asking them to look directly into the camera and give me raw emotion makes them run and hide. Nonetheless, I manage to find very interesting people to capture.

I've known Adriana for a little over a year now. She is nothing but generous and kind. There is not a day in which she couldn't bring a smile to anyone's face. For all that, like anyone else, she has had her fair share of struggles through life. More than I think any teenager should be even exposed to. I want to be able to relate her story with many other young adults that usually put on a "mask" in order to reassure the people around them. Adriana's involvement in the physical and emotional wellbeing of any stranger shocks me. Even though Adriana is all smiles, I hope to draw out a more sensitive or undefined side of her. Knowing that this isn't something either of us is use to, a lot of convincing will be in order.

Valentina is a gem. Other than being the best friend anyone can ask, her view on the world is drastically different from mine. Valentina's values and morals are not customary to mine, however we understand each other great. The anxiety and stress she endures on any given day is masked through her unique sense of style. Although she and many may believe her outfits as ordinary, I make out something completely exceptional. Family is something she puts above all other, therefore the passion and loyalty this young woman has is something I wish to highlight.

I meet Iniya only a couple months ago through a mutual club. She is very inspiring. Iniya is open and happy, something absolutely rare in a immigrant who moved to the United States with little to no friends. I've learned so much about the process of immigration through her story, and hope to highlight the importance of the system in my magazine. Iniya and her story will be the content of the two page spread. I will be feature the role culture has influenced day to day life.


I am super excited to be given the opportunity to represent these and many more individuals.

Content

While working on the Table Of Contents, I only now realize there is a strong theme relationship between it and the Cover Page. The Table of Content does not only indicate the information provided by the magazine, it reveals a consistent color style and layout for the rest of the magazine. Seeing that I haven't completed the cover page or have definitely decided on a layout, there has been a limit to my ability to create the Table of Content. None the less, I took this opportunity to experiment with many different applications in which I could use to generate my magazine.

I've had a lot of experience with the Apple application Pages, and though that is my preferred application for any writing assignment, it doesn't provided many features when trying to design a magazine.
From a past project done in class, I was able to discover an amazing application and website which was designed with graphics in mind. The application, Canva, is my best friend. It provides an endless amount of gadgets and features in which one can incorporate into their cover page, table of content, or two page spread. I highly recommend Canva to anyone wanting to create a magazine or any form of poster.
As stated before, their were some details I still haven't planned out, which limited my capability to create a FINAL Table of Content. Final being the key word, I was still able to make two, in my opinion, amazing Table of Contents to-be.
(Please keep in mind that my magazine will consist of more stories/pages. This is just a preview to what the Table of Contents could be. The images are place-holders. All were not a creation of mine, they were provided for free by the Canva website.)

During my first attempt, the youthful and color side of me came out a lot more than I anticipated.

The color scheme is more towards the feminism side. Color has a major impact on attracting a specific gender. Furthermore, I do maintain an informational layout, but there is a lot going on the page. The images are framed in a unique manner, appealing to the youthful side, but it takes a lot of the elegant and simplicity I was hoping to have.


My second version of Stagger's Table of Context consist of two main colors. Black and white. Referring to AllTop's article, The psychology of color for web designers, neutral colors is the way to go when wanting elegance and clarity. We live in the modern era, therefore we must remember the impact of a black and white combo.

I really like this Table of Contents. It provides shot intriguing headlines, as to not to overwhelm the reader. At first, there may seem like their is a lack of youth, but the unique and compelling frame of the images preview a story to come. Like the Andre Stanton referred to in his Ted Talk "The clues to a great story", the frame of the images promise that they will take you to a story that will be worth your time.
Although I wasn't able to finalize my Table of Content, I'm confident that time was not wasted, rather I gain a better understanding on how every element of a magazine must work together and tie in to each other.

Citation:
>Pages. (n.d.). Retrieved March 09, 2018, from https://www.apple.com/pages/
>Canva. (2012, July). Retrieved March 09, 2018, from https://www.canva.com/
>Colbert, A. (2011, February 11). The psychology of color for web designers [infographic]. Retrieved March 09, 2018, from https://www.alltop.com/viral/the-psychology-of-color-for-web-designers-inf
>Stanton, A. (n.d.). The clues to a great story. Retrieved March 09, 2018, from https://www.ted.com/talks/andrew_stanton_the_clues_to_a_great_story/transcript

WANTED: The Perfect Font

The search for the perfect font begins!
For guides, I looked to Smashing Magazine. An article about "5 Principles for Choosing and Using Typefaces". The article mentions that font represents the information stated in the text. The text may be well written, factual, and intriguing, but without a proper font to go with it, the message will not get the recognition it deserves. Font provokes emotions as well as reflects on the personality of the article/magazine.
In a fashion magazine, font has a large impact to the magazine's overall atmosphere. The feeling i'm going for is simple, yet youthful. In order to make a font simple and professional, you must relay on hard edges and clean lines, but add a twist to make it more youthful. Where could one find such a font?
Pinterest to the rescue! Using the 60 available pins on Stoklosa's folder on Media - Print, I found various new sites which offer a variety of fonts. After filtering through tons of fonts, I've narrowed it to these five:

I'm untimely between the second and third font. Both are from the TM Vinograd font-family.
To pick a final choice, I believe that the second form of Stagger will better suite the title of my magazine as well as the theme of the magazine. It is clean, mature, but also very youthful. Exactly what I wanted.
Coming into this assignment I was very nervous and worried that I would spend a ridiculous amount of time finding a font I wouldn't even love. Learning to manage my time and to limit the options to 5 top ones really helped ease the progress. I feel confident in my choice, which was not something I expected to say.

Citations:

>What Font Should I Use? 5 Principles for Choosing and Using Typefaces. (2010, December 14). Retrieved March 07, 2018, from https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2010/12/what-font-should-i-use-five-principles-for-choosing-and-using-typefaces/

>Media - Print. (n.d.). Retrieved March 07, 2018, from https://www.pinterest.com/tstoklosa/media-print/

>Fresh Free Fonts 2017 For Graphic Designers | Fonts. (n.d.). Retrieved March 07, 2018, from http://graphicdesignjunction.com/2017/02/free-fresh-fonts/
>TM Vinograd Free fontfamily. (n.d.). Retrieved March 07, 2018, from https://typemate.pro/tm-vinograd

Inspiration through Wonderland

I think the cover lines narrows the cover image. The fact that most cover lines are small and plain is something I can appreciate; it doesn't take any focus away from the cover image. The decision of making text which curves with the objects in the image adds uniqueness. The yellow color for the text is a bit surprising. It makes the cover lines somewhat hard to read, especially the line "Let me be.." However, the yellow also making the text subtle; it doesn't consumes the eyes of the readers. Overall, this magazine cover is simple and charming. It holds my attention, someone who isn't even a

                                                           fan of the artist on the cover: Lana Del

                                                           Ray.

The color scheme and makeup on the model is stunning! Match that with the "I don't care" expression on the model face... WOW!! The truth of how make-up, color, and hair has nothing to do with one's beauty speaks volumes with me. The colorful cover lines attracts the eyes, but it matches the color scheme on the model/cover image, therefore acting as a prop for the model. The image is covered up by the masthead and cover story, yet in no respect do they take away from the empowering cover image. This cover page is definitely one I will draw inspiration when editing.

Citations:
>'Honeymoon' by Lana Del Rey | Wonderland Magazine. (2015, August 21). Retrieved March 07, 2018, from https://www.wonderlandmagazine.com/2015/08/21/honeymoon-lana-del-rey/
>WONDERLAND Sept/Oct: Teaser #1 – Wonderland. (2013, March 21). Retrieved March 07, 2018, from https://www.wonderlandmagazine.com/2012/08/29/wonderland-septoct-more-teasers/#

Audience

Knowing your audience is essential to the creation of any project. Especially when the success of the company depends on the audience .

When we think of fashion magazines, most of us believe that women are the target demographic. Although there exist a superfluous amount of fashion industries focusing on women, today we can find a large range of fashion magazines who are targeting men: Men's Health, and GQ.



The target audience of Stagger is mainly middle class, young adults (mostly women), however it isn't exclusive to a singular demographic. Based on the Consumer Expenditure Survey, the middle class spends the biggest amount money on Entertainment in terms of their budget. Not only is the middle class more inclined to buy magazines, they are encouraged by the diversity in communities. An article that captured my eye, Understanding Social Class as Culture, indicates that the middle class values "[their] ability to make choices, pave [their] own paths, and voice [their] ideas and opinions". My magazine will link this need to vocalize one's beliefs through the use of photojournalism and the stories on culture.

Yet there is still one question to consider: How will my magazine attract both sides: men and female?

Here is how:

• Attention: Psychographic data on young adults show that those who make up this generation seek representation. The lifestyle and values of a person makes them who they are. In order to capture the attention of young adults, I will be utilizing relatable beliefs, cultures, and subjects from their generation that attract the different demographics. 
• Similar likes: The stories and clothing product provided in the magazine will captive both men and women. A story of an individual's lifestyle and customs, will included an outfit and cultural background. While an outfit may be the pivot of the female's attention, men may find the publication of the cultural background enchanting. By having fashion and heritage work together, I can draw both genders to the magazine. 
• Fashion: The middle class, young adults particularly enjoy their fashions. Following on the latest trends and industries, is something both genders find significant. However, there has been a shift. Young adults, or millennials, now focus on what is comfortable, affordable, and indie. Brand is no longer the focus of fashion. Both males and females appreciate fashion, puts the customers first. Stagger will prioritize their audience rather than the fashion industry. Charity donation will aid in the making of a platform, therefore Stagger will be donating a portion of their profits to local charities; charities which the costumers know about and find important. I'm still undecided about the idea of how the local charities will be chosen. Who knows! I might let the public decide through a survey which would be needed to be cut out from a page of the magazine and then mailed. In doing so, I would encourage more people to buy more copies of the same magazine issue. 

I imagine that represention of a culture will be challenging. This thought has yet to scare me away, therefore I am going to take it as a good sign!

Citations:
>PROFILE: YOUNG ADULTS. (1995, April 03). Retrieved March 01, 2018, from http://adage.com/article/news/profile-young-adults/83060/
> Murphy, A., Sieracki, J., Fuentes, T., Rense, S., Crosbie, J., Daly, A., . . . Struyk, T. (n.d.). Men's Health. Retrieved March 01, 2018, from https://www.menshealth.com/
>Maxim. (n.d.). Retrieved March 1, 2018, from https://www.bing.com/cr?IG=4904989C450243CCB4BA6A02D697A392&CID=0DD960FB08F262283E536B57095D63C2&rd=1&h=Bk3EZnR-a1k70ru8J-HDPKYSIs3BPE2YYSiI6bpgOlo&v=1&r=https%3a%2f%2fwww.maxim.com%2f&p=DevEx,5063.1
>GQ - Mens Fashion, Style, Grooming, Fitness, Lifestyle ... (n.d.). Retrieved March 1, 2018, from https://www.bing.com/cr?IG=64EDC69DB18C40A1AF59566DC993169F&CID=1D4C903C0AC566B035539B900B6A6779&rd=1&h=0lGEwik2E8S8vSLJ1Nk1z5E6e0TqfZ3kInyWAnzbCZE&v=1&r=https%3a%2f%2fwww.gq.com%2f&p=DevEx,5058.1
>Understanding Social Class as Culture. (2016, August 17). Retrieved March 01, 2018, from http://thepsychreport.com/science/understanding-social-class-as-culture/
>PROFILE ASOS: Asos Timeline. (n.d.).

You got Mail!

Coming home after a long shift of work, I checked the mail as I walked into my house. To my surprise, a fashion magazine, asos, is addressed for my older sister. Seeing that she moved out 3 years ago, I saw no harm in keeping it. The cover image is of a famous young actor, Cole Sprouse, but that wasn't what attracted me. What attracted me the most was its simplicity. All the text on the cover maintains the same font and are white. Also, the colors making up the cover are light and clean, therefore not overwhelming the readers.

I decided to do some research on the magazine. This is what I learned:

• It distributed heavily in the UK.
• It focuses on fashion trends, but typically implements popular celebrities to express their fashion line.
• Their target audience mainly consist of 15-26 year old, high-middle class, females.
• A large portion of readers can be found through their online platforms.
• They ordinary stray away from lots of cover lines.

I wasn't thinking of fashion as path I would take with my magazine, but I see many opportunities with this category. Although standard fashion magazines tend to relay on a set of trend, I want to incorporate different cultural fashion.
I'm not sure of how I will be able to capture a variety of cultural outfits, but I'm sure i'll come up with something.

Citations:
    >Shop the ASOS Magazine. (n.d.). Retrieved February 27, 2018, from http://us.asos.com/women/shop-the-magazine/cat/?cid=25436
    >Cole Sprouse. (2018, February 25). Retrieved February 27, 2018, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cole_Sprouse
    >ASOS (magazine). (n.d.). Retrieved February 27, 2018, from http://ladygaga.wikia.com/wiki/ASOS_(magazine)
    >All products require an annual contract. Prices do not include sales tax (New York residents only). (n.d.). ASOS magazine: monthly
      reach by demographic UK 2015 | Statistic. Retrieved February 27, 2018, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/382304/asos-
      monthly-reach-by-demographic-uk/

Scheduling

With 45 days to complete this project, organization is everything.

Being able to remain on schedule is something I have mastered. It gives me a sense of relief to see distinctly where I should be on the project. I hate having to cram something in because of timing issues. I have given my self plenty of time to focus on important elements of this project.

• 6 Days for Research: I need to focus on target audience. Every decision for my magazine comes down to target audience. The more information I can gather about them, the better. Knowing that research is my least favorite element of this project, I find that 5 days (including a weekend) will be more than sufficient time for me to collect extensive knowledge of my target audience. Not only must I find information on my target audience, but I must research special elements which photojournalistic magazines have and how I can incorporate those elements with fashion. Even writing about it now, I know that with all this information, all other aspects of this project will be much easier. 
• 3 Days for Table of Context: In terms of "Table of Context", I am dictating which stories would best suite my magazine. The Table of Context is something I've seen lead many students to lose points, therefore I have set out a specific slot of time to focus on the elements which would evaluate the quality of my Table of Context. 
• 4 Days of Taking Pictures: The process of selecting pictures and positioning a model is usually not an easy task. From lighting, background, and color, their are lots of details which must be decided in order to produce a stunning picture. I hope by giving my self a weekend, I'll be able to prioritize the task and really focus on producing the best images I could possibly do. After all, the most important tool of a photojournalistic magazine are the pictures. 
• 4 Days of Editing: A couple of touch up never hurts. Not only that, but the four images are to be selected at this time. I hope to have narrowed down my choices coming into the "Edit" stage, but knowing my indecisiveness, I'm sure to have my work put out for me. 
• A week for creating the cover page: The cover page is the very first thing anyone will see for my magazine. It is made to intrigue readers. Not only that, it sets the atmosphere and theme of a magazine. There is a lot of pressure that comes with the cover page. Fonts and colors will definitely take a day or two. 
• A week for the Two Page Spread: I already have lots of ideas for my layout. Keeping in mind the images I already have, I'll take the quality of image into consideration when deciding the placement and size of each image in my layout. Writing isn't a strong suite for me, so I'll have to set at least a day or two to edit. That is the most unwelcoming aspect of this project. Yet knowing that I will be able to expose diversity and information that I'm passionate about, writing the article becomes less frightening. 
• Close to Two weeks for perfecting the magazine: Doubting every choice I make is something I constantly do. This two weeks will hopefully allow me to polish all the hard edges. At the end of this time period, my magazine will be out for the world, and away from my hands. Almost like a mother and child, my baby should be strong enough to defend itself and be a division of my personality.

Wow. I think I intimidated myself... It will be fine!

I'm sure I'll thank my self later. It's all about the details, after all.

Time to get to work!

Genre

Choosing a genre might be the hardest decision of this whole project. Genre affects the entire magazine; from the layout to the advertisement, genre is significant. In order to overcome the challenge of picking a genre, I began to think about what my values and likes are. Artists have always fascinated me. To be able to portray a feeling through a still drawing or image is something that amazes me. An image can spark a movement. Take Steve McCurry's Afghan Girl for example. This image has impacted a whole nation. It was posted in every store and, because of this, it encouraged readers to follow the story of this immigrant. This image evoked change in a system and caused a lot of discussion.

Ultimately, I decided on Photojournalism as the genre for Stagger. One can go many routes in the photojournalism genre: documentary, portraiture, still life, landscape and street. In researching the benefits of going on either of the routes named above, the article, Art: 'Looking' at portraits in Harrisburg attracted me the most. The article mentions Robert Armetta and Catherine Prescott piece on a fellow neighbor, "Ted". The position and expression of the man speaks volume. Although the piece is plain, the man himself generates a complexity to his struggle and life. It stuns me how much a person's appearance and expressions can provoke strong emotions in important aspects of life.

I've decided that portraiture will be the central focus of my magazine because it allows me to tell the story of people of all ethnic, religious, and racial backgrounds. I will be able to give people labeled as minority a voice, which is something of great importance to me. Because an image may only reflect a story partially, I am given an opportunity to inform the public about the importance of topics through the text embedded in the magazine.

I aim to inform the public of local stories which deserve to be voiced nationally.
I also hope to give these stories justice as I exhibit by bringing it to life for the public.
Citation:

     > Afghan Girl. (2018, February 17). Retrieved February 26, 2018, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afghan_Girl

     > Photojournalism. (2018, February 17). Retrieved February 26, 2018, from

        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photojournalism

     > Joseph and Barrie Ann George For The Sentinel. (2018, February 14). Art: 'Looking' at portraits in Harrisburg. 

        Retrieved February 26, 2018, from http://cumberlink.com/entertainment/local-scene/art-looking-at-portraits-in-

        harrisburg/article_f352a02e-58b7-55dd-8062-2a051e1d8eb9.html

Welcome

My name is Natalia Arroyo and this is the start of my magazine, Stagger!

There is a little something you should know about me: I'm super impulsive. So when I was prompted to choose a title for this blog of mine, I wanted one that would reflect on my vibrant spirit and eccentric personality. Hence "Stagger".
While my impulsive buys shock my friends and family, it never ceases to astonish me as well.

The fact that Stagger is a pretty catchy and unique name makes it an even more appealing choice.

I'm very excited to see how this project will turn out and where it will take me!
I have no doubt this will be a stressful journey for me, but I also know it will be an unparalleled experience and opportunity to learn more about myself.