Inside page layout

The image above shows the layout i have chosen for my inside cover page. From research into several other papers, i found that the majority of their inside pages are split into different sections. Within these sections, several small stories are featured, one of which is carried on from the cover story. I also hope to include the use of columns and margins to help split and differentiate between stories. Its very common to feature information about the paper along the top of the page hence why i chose to include the date, page number, and advertisement of technological convergence along the top of the page to help informs the reader effectively. I learnt from research that bar lines are often included within the top third of the page, however, these barlines are often quite thin and black which causes them to appear less dominant on the page. Therefore i decided to include two parrallell barlines following the colour scheme initiated on the front page. This helps the lines appear bolder on the page aswell as ensuring the colour scheme is maintained throughout the paper which helps give it more flow. Images of local people and local business advertisements are commonly included within the inside pages of newspaper hence why I want to include them in mine as they helps show the reader that the paper is local which would trigger the interest of local readers.

Userfeedback on this inside page:
'The use of large images help balance out the large amount of text which makes it more interesting to look at.'
'I like the blue bar lines along the top of the page because it helps add colour to the page'

Final cover layout

The image shown below shows the final layout which i have chosen to use for my newspaper.

The inspiration for this layout came from combining my initial ideas for the layout of my front cover, yet a large amount of inspiration was taken from the Evening Post cover as i feel that the layout of that particular paper worked the most effectively. The use of banner ads along the top of the page work effectively as they help give the reader a clearer insight as to what the newspaper contains as well as giving the adverts a sense of dominance and importance on the page. The idea of featuring a large image filling the page works well as it helps give the image and therefore the story a sense of dominance as well as helping fill space. A floating text box will also be used containing the article to help ensure that the image doesn't appear too overpowering by breaking it up well. The idea of featuring a second story down one side of the page was inspired by the Evening Post cover and also helps ensure that the image doesn't appear too overpowering on the page. Also, the fact that this story is on the left side of the image helps ensure that the second story still maintains a sense of importance as it fits into the customers eye flow effectively making up for the fact that the story doesn't have an image included. The colour scheme used was inspired by a mixture of my initial ideas. The use of blues help give relaxed and peaceful connotations which would helps ensure that the reader feels more comfortable reading the paper. The use of black for the nameplate and headlines works well by ensuring that they stand out effectively on the page and the use of black which has connotations of power and dominance help convey their importance on the page. The idea of featuring two bar lines beneath the nameplate helps underline the nameplate itself which also helps give it a sense of importance and dominance. The idea of including information

User feedback on this page:

• 'I like the fact that an image fills up most of the page because it makes the cover more visual to look at rather than just looking at writing.'
• 'The blue colour scheme is pleasant and calming to look at which makes the cover not too overpowering.'
• 'I like the way the story is in a box on top of the image as it makes it clear which story the image belongs to.'

Initial cover ideas

The images below show ideas which could possibly be used for the layout of my newspaper cover.

Idea 1:

This idea was mainly inspired by a mixture of the Bristol Observer cover i researched and the Evening Post cover i researched. The idea of featuring the use of banner ads along the top of the paper was inspired by the evening posts and would work effectively as it would help give the reader an insight as to what the papers contents includes. However, the use of advertisements at the top of the page could take attention away from the nameplate of the newspaper giving it less dominance and importance on the page. The colour scheme chosen was inspired again by the evening post. I feel this colour scheme works effectively as blue commonly associated with the idea of calmness and tranquility which would give my newspaper a calming, relaxing effect on the reader which would make them feel more comfortable reading it. The use of the two bar lines featured beneath the nameplate was inspired by the North Somerset Times. I wanted to include this feature on my page as it helps underline the nameplate which gives the nameplate further dominance and importance on the page. It also helps link in the colour scheme effectively. The use of two separate bar lines allow me to include information about the paper such as the date and advertisement of technological convergence as well as information about the papers content which would give the reader a clearer insight into the content and help them decide whether or not the paper appeals to them. The idea for the main body of the front page was inspired by the cover of the Bristol Observer. However, i don't feel that it works too effectively as the image could easily be confused to be related to either one of the stories shown which could easily confuse the reader  and put them off reading the magazine. Therefore its unlikely i will use this idea in my final layout plan.

User feedback on this cover:
'I really like the variance in blues used on the lines but i think the blue title comes across as a little bit over powering.'
'I don't really feel that the image is very dominant on the page and at first glance, i wouldn't know which story it related to.'

Idea 2:

This idea took most of its inspiration from the Evening Post cover. I find the use of a much larger image  helps dominate the page a fill space which gives the story a sense of importance. Also, the use of a floating textbox immediately illuminates which story the image is associated with which avoids any chance of confusing the reader. Also the use of a floating textbox helps break up the image effectively therefore ensuring that the image doesn't appear too overpowering for the reader. Unlike the previous idea shown, i have chosen to make the nameplate black which creates connotations of power and dominance which would help the nameplate appear dominant on the page. However, this idea only includes one bar line beneath the nameplate which would include general information about the newspaper. However, i find that the previous idea's use of two bar lines works much more effectively as it leaves room to include information about the newspapers content which increases the likelihood of the paper's content triggering the readers interest. Another differentiation to idea 1 is the featuring of the adverts along the bottom of the page which was inspired by the Bristol Observer cover. However, i do find that putting the adverts along the bottom of the page causes them to lose their dominance on the page which could cause them to appear less important. Therefore its much more likely that i will feature the adverts along the top of the page.

User feedback on this cover:
'The bold black title works well and helps the title stand out on the page.'
'I really the way that most of the page is filled with an image as it helps fill space and is much more visual than just looking at writing.'

Logo Research/Planning

Following research into traditional newspaper, i found that the majority of newspapers include a logo on their masthead which accompanies the nameplate. The logos vary from random shapes to specifically meaningful objects. As my newspaper is a local paper, i want to ensure that Bristols heritage is included within the paper. The font selected for my nameplate helps do so by reflecting a slightly nautical theme, as does the blue colour scheme. Therefore, i have chosen to include an anchor for my logo as it will help reflect Bristols nautical heritage which will help show that the paper is local and trigger the attention of local readers.

In order to gain some inspiration when designing my logo, i have chosen to include some inspirational images below.

 I find this logo is very simple, which helps create connotations of simplicity which could look effective next to the nameplate of my newspaper as the font is very detailed. Therefore the simplicity of this logo would ensure that it wasn't too overpowering. However, the fact that the logo is very symmetrical and simple could create connotations of structure and organisation which would make the newspaper appear very structured and organised as opposed to relaxed and comfortable to read.

 I find this logo very interesting as it combines the use of lettering to the logo which could help link the logo into the nameplate more effectively. I also find the use of swirls and flicks interesting as it help make the logo much more intriguing. However, the use of such swirl could make the logo appear much more feminine which could limit my audience as well. Also, the logo does appear very bold which, next to my nameplate font, could appear slightly overpowering, therefore its unlikely that i will include this technique in my final logo

This logo appears very interesting as it combines several nautical aspects such as a ship wheel and rope. This would help create stronger nautical connotations to strengthen the idea of reflecting Bristols heritage within the paper. I also really like the way the logo appear slightly cartoon like with the use of a distorted anchor and bold mixture of colour which helps the logo appear fun and interesting. However, the fact that the logo appears so animated could cause the paper to appear less mature and could limit the audience to a younger population. Therefore its unlikely that i will use such aspects in my logo.

This logo also uses the idea of combining several nautical aspects. This would also help create stronger nautical connotations which would help strengthen the idea of reflecting Bristols heritage. However, unlike the logo shown above, this logo appears much more structured and formal, similarly to the first logo mention. This would therefore ensure that my newspaper appear formal and informative which would follow the traditional conventions of a conventional newspaper.






Overall, from researching the logos shown above, i hope to include aspects from each of them. I want to ensure that my logo has very obvious nautical connotations to help reflect Bristols nautical heritage. I also want to ensure that my newspaper appears fun and exciting through the use of colour and pattern, however i still want to ensure that my newspaper appears formal and informative as so i must ensure that the logo doesn't appear too overpowering, especially when featured next to my nameplate font.

Advert Research

Following the decision to include a retail advertisement offering 25% off of a retail store and the opportunity to win an iPad inside the paper on the cover of the newspaper, i chose to conduct some further research into existing adverts of a similar style. This will help me ensure that the adverts that i generate follow the traditional conventions included in a stereotypical retail advert and competition advert. Therefore i have chosen several adverts which i find particularly inspiring and analysed their most successful aspects.

Retail advertisement
The image shown on the left shows a retail advertisement for New Look. I find that the simplicity of the advert helps make the advert appear formal and matter of fact which would work effectively in my newspaper as it would help create connotations of formality which would help the advert follow traditional conventions of a typical newspaper. I also like the way that the model featured appears happy and cheerful as it helps create connotations of fun which counterbalances the simplicity to ensure the advert doesn't appear boring. However, the use of black and white makes the advert appear very bland which would mean that the advert wouldn't appear very bold on the page. Also, the simplicity of the models outfit doesnt really advertise the company very effectively therefore i hope to enasure that the outfit included in my final advert appears bold and exciting to portray the company in a much more positive way.

The image to the right shows an advert for Topshop. Similarly to the advert shown above, this advert utilises the use of simplicity through the use of simple poses and black and white. However, unlike the image above, the use of moody posing and lighting portray the retail business as dark and intense which is not the effect i hope to achieve in my advert. Also, although the juxtaposition of a black and white image with a coloured one helps ensure that the image doesnt appear too bland which would help the advert stand out on the page effectively. However, the fact that the coloured image seems to have a blue tint which gives the image cold connotations and the other colours used dont seem as bold which could prevent the advert from appearing bold and dominant on the page.

The image to the left shows an advert for the retail business of H&M. This advertis my favourite of the three as it utilises a variety of conventions which make the advert appear appealing. The use of bold colour and the logo in red helps emphasise the company and would ensure that the advert appears bold and dominant on the page. Unlike both of the adverts mentioned before, this advert features both men and women as opposed to just women which would help ensure that the advert doesnt just appeal to women. Also, the use of an action shot helps create connotations of excitement and fun which would also help portay the company positively as well as ensuring the advert stands out effectively on the page.

Opportunity to win an iPad
 The image to the right shows an advertisement for the opportunity to win an iPad 3. I find that the simplicity of the advert works well as the use of a white background help ensure that the colours stand out effectively. However, the juxtaposition of the white iPad against a white background could cause the ipad to become lost within the image which defeats the point of advertising it. The use of fuchsia works effectively as the colour appears bold and bright against the the white. However, the use of such a feminine colour, as well as the use of a flower shaped background for the 'win' and the inclusion of the flower on the iPad could make the advert appear very feminine which could limit the audience to just females. Therefore, its unlikely that i will use this colour on my advert.

The image to the left shows another advertisement for the opportunity to win an iPad. Unlike the advert previously mentioned, this advert uses much more gender neutral colours such as red and green which avoids the advert appearing limited to appealing to one gender. The advert also appears much busier than the simple advert shown above with the use of a patterned background, quite a lot of large text which could work effectively as the advert would appear very bold on the page. However, the use of such background and text could cause the actual iPad to appear lost on the page as well as the advert appearing much too busy for the page. Therefore its much more likely that i will incorporate the idea of simplicity within my advert so that it doesn't appear too overpowering on the page.

The image to the right shows another advert for the opportunity to win and iPad. I feel that this advert is the most effective out of the three that i have chosen to analyse. I find that the utilisation of simplicity in this advert works effectively as it allows the majority of the focus to be placed on the ipad itself. However the use of a white iPad against a white background could cause the iPad to become lost in the background therefore its unlikely i will use this technique in my advert. Although the first advert mentioned also utilises the idea of simplicity, this advert combines the simplicity with bright, bold and gender neutral colours which helps avoid the advert from appealing to just one gender. I also like the way that the iPad is set to its home screen as opposed to a flower as it also helps ensure that the advert doesn't appeal to just one gender.

Advert Ideas



The image above shows a few possible adverts which i could involve when creating my own newspaper. The majority were inspired by adverts which are typically involved in a traditional newspaper. The idea of including advertisements for local businesses and local hairdressers would work effectively as it would help promote the smaller businesses and the fact that they are local would help trigger the interest of local readers. Therefore its much more likely that i will include oppurtunities for the reader. The use of discounts and oppurtunities to win things such as an Ipad or Iphone are much more likely to appeal to the audience as they are benefitting from buying the paper which would make it much more successful. However, i must ensure that each of the oppurtunities appeal to both male and female readers of a range of ages therefore i have chosen to counterbalance each of the oppurtunities by offering a chance to win and Ipad and a 20% off voucher at  a local independent clothing store.



Headline Font Ideas

Similarly to my nameplate, i want to make sure that i consider a few possible fonts which could be used for the headlines in my newspaper. A few of my decisions are discussed below:

Headlining Font

The initial font that i considered is shown above. The use of simple bold black lettering helps the letters stand out effectively and give the story a sense of dominance and importance. Also, the fact that the letters are capitalised help give the story a sense of importance too. The use of longer, narrowed letters helps create a sense of urgency which would also ensure the story seems important and serious which would work effectively in my newspaper. This font is also very similar to the fonts used for headlines in other newspapers which, although would ensure the paper follows typical conventions of a newspaper, could avoid the newspaper appearing different and unique which could possible avoid the newspaper triggering interest. Therefore its unlikely that i will use this font for the headlines in my paper.

Dirty Headline

 Another font which i considered is shown above. Similarly to the 'headlining font,' the use of bold black lettering helps the letters stand out on the page and give the story a sense of dominance on the page. The use of capitalisation also helps achieve a similar effect. A feature that i find particularly interesting is the fact that the font appears slight aged and rough which i feel helps give the font the originality and continuity usually associated with a typical newspaper. However, unlike the font previously researched, the lettering is much wider and shorter which means the font loses the sense of urgency and seriousness which i feel is quite essential when choosing a font for headlines. Therefore its unlikely that i will use this font for the headlines in my newspaper.

Headliner No.45

The image above shows the final font which i hope to include for the headlines inside my newspaper. I find this font particularly interesting as it combines the most effective features from both of the previously mentioned fonts. It includes the use of bold black lettering which would help give the story a sense of dominance and importance therefore making it stand out on the page. The lettering is also very long and narrow which creates the sense of urgency and seriousness which would work effectively in my paper. Also, the font has the same aged, rough appearance as the 'dirty headline' font which would help generate the originality and continuity usually associated with typical newspapers, therefore its highly likely that i will use this font for the headlines in my newspaper. 

Further Story Ideas

Cover Stories
The two main cover stories which i hope to include in my newspaper are both local stories. The cover story which i hope to use includes a press release of the opening of the 'Hall and Woodhouse' pub opening soon on the marina. This story should include the following aspects to help ensure that the story is successful:

• Images of the current building process
• Information about other branches
• Information about the opening dates
• Interview with the new owners
• Interviews and opinions of local residents

The story i want to include on the inside page of my newspaper is a local hero rescuing a young toddler from an incident in Parish Wharf pool. The story should hopefully include the following aspects:

• Images of the hero
• Images of the child
• Image of the pool
• Interviews with the child, hero and the childs parents

Inside Page Stories
The main story i want to feature on the inside page of my paper will be continued on from the cover story focusing on the local hero rescuing a young toddler from Parish Wharf. Also, i hope to carry on the main story covering the 'Hall and Woodhouse,' onto the inside page so that i can ensure that more detail can be covered and the story appears in more depth. Other stories which i hope to include in my inside page are as follows:

• Local school events (DT exhibition)
• Students shoplifting

Story Ideas

 

The image above shows a few possible stories which could be included in my newspaper. When choosing my stories, i must ensure that the stories are local so that they fit in with 'The Bristol Press' so that the stories appeal to a local audience effectively. I would also like to ensure that the stories appeal to younger audiences as well as more more audiences to avoid the paper appearing too limited to one type of audience. Therefore it is less likely that i will focus too much in school related events as this will limit the paper to a much more youthful audience and focus more on local stories and events. 

Nameplate Font Ideas

Old newspaper Type

The image above shows a possible font which could be included in my newspaper. I chose this font mainly due to its name, however i do like the way that the letters have a slightly wobbly outline which characterises the font and makes it appear unique. However, the use of a wobbly outline could give connotations of doubt and the font could appear unsure which could make the reader feel unsure of what the words are saying. The font is also moderately plain and basic which eliminates any chance of this font being used for the nameplate it would not stand out on the page effectively. User feedback supports this point when it was stated that the font appeared 'bland compared the other ones considered.' However, it is likely that the font will be used in other places for my paper where the font doesn't need to stand out as much.

Goth Ball

Another font which i considered to use in my paper is shown in the image above. I chose this font mainly because i felt that it helped reflect Bristol's heritage. The use of flicks and individually characterised capital letters help give nautical connotations which could reflect Bristols heritage of sailing. I also found that the thick rounded lettering appears much bolder than other fonts researched which would help the font stand out on the page making it effective to use for the name plate. This is supported by user feedback when it was stated that the font is 'bold and strong.' However, the use of a larger space between the letters could give more relaxed connotations which means the paper could lack the formality which much more traditional newspapers include therefore it is unlikely that i will use this font within my paper.

Old English

The image above shows yet another font which i considered to use in my paper. Again, i found that this  font helped reflect Bristol's traditional heritage with the use of flicks, lines and crosses mixed into the capital letters which also give off nautical connotations. I also like the idea of the font appearing slightly medical with the use on flicking off of the letters and joined 's.' This helps give connotations of the newspaper being quite traditional and formal which would follow the traditional conventions of a newspaper. User feedback supports this point when it was stated that the font is 'very formal and old looking.' However, another piece of user feedback stated that the font is 'very similar to the daily mail font,' which would restrict my newspaper appearing unique or different therefore its unlikely that i will use this font for the nameplate on my paper.

Hansa Gotisch

Another font i chose to consider was 'Hansa Gotisch.' Similarly to the font before, i chose this font due to the fact that the font appears to have medieval qualities which would help create connotations of the newspaper being traditional and formal which would follow the conventions of a typical newspaper. However the font could appear slightly more feminine due to the use of swirls on the capital letters. Yet, the use of jaggered lower case lettering helps counterbalance this and avoids the font appearing too feminine or masculine. Although a lot of the user feedback i obtain was mainly positive, the font was also commonly mistaken for the font 'old english,' which means that the font is not very individual or unique therefore its unlikely that i will use this font for the nameplate of my newspaper.


Germanica
 

The image shown above shows the font which i have decided to use for the nameplate of my newspaper. I like this font as i feel it has a combination of the best traits from the previously researched fonts. The use of flicks and lines on the capatalised letters help reflect Bristols nautical heritage effectively which shows the reader that the paper is local therefore triggering local audiences interests. Also the combination of the feminine curves and flicks on the capital letters with the jagged edges of the lower case letters helps ensure that the font doesnt appear to masculine or feminine. The font also appears moderately medievil which helps create old, formal connotations which would follow the traditional conventions of a typical newspaper. User feedback also helps support the idea that the font is 'original' and 'unique' which ensures that my newspaper will stand out effectively compared to other local newspapers. Therefore this is the font that will be used for the nameplate of my newspaper.

Newspaper Planning: Name Ideas

In order to ensure that i consider all possible names for my newspaper, I have created a bubble map listing all of the possible names. This will help ensure that the final decision for the name of my newspaper is suitable for my final product and will also help me obtain plenty of user feedback on each of the ideas to discover which of the names appeals to the audience the most.

The idea for the name 'The Daily Reporter' was inspired from the existing paper 'The Impartial Reporter.' I chose to take inspiration from this name due to its eccentric and bizarre nature implied with the use of the word 'impartial' which helps give the paper character and individuality. However the use of such an bizarre nameplate may put some readers off of reading the paper as the unique approach may not appeal to all readers, therefore I decided to replace this word with a much more normal newspaper related word, 'Daily.' This also helps tell the reader that the paper is daily which shows that the newspaper content is recent and up to date. However, after considering the user feedback which included statements stating the name was 'ok, but not outstanding in comparison to other names,' and that the name was 'a little bit obvious,' i have decided against this name as i would prefer a name which differentiates the paper from other newspapers.

An idea which i find interesting is including the papers location within the nameplate so that the paper can appeal to local audiences as they will be able to understand that the content is local just by glancing at the name. Therefore I brainstormed several ideas which involved Bristol and North Somerset related names such as 'The Bristolian Bugle,' which works well and flows due to the use of alliteration. Also, the 'Bristol Pennysaver,' and the 'Bristol Informer,' were also names i explored. Although the user feedback for these names included some positive comments that the names were 'innovative' and 'creative,' i still felt that the names lacked interest and were still much too obvious and classic for the more modern newspaper which i hope to create.

Therefore i chose to further explore the combination of classical newspaper names with a much more bizarre twist. The first name is came up with was the 'Gordano Pheonix' which was inspired by 'The Pheonix' itself. User feedback helped prove that the name was 'alot more interesting than the other names,' which shows that the name helps trigger the possible audiences interest which would help increase the likelihood of them reading the paper. Another name which i explored was 'The Bristol Eccentric,' both classic yet innovative, i find this name the most interesting and intriguing. The use of the word 'eccentric' helps give connotations that the newspaper is different and unique which helps inform the reader that the newspaper is slightly more individual than other papers. However, this name could give off connotations that the newspaper is too unique and therefore wouldnt follow the conventions of a traditional newspaper therefore its unlikely that i will use this name for my newspaper.

After considering all of the above names, i came to the conclusion that the name which i was looking for must give of connotations of the newspaper being classic and follow the traditional conventions of a newspaper yet still appear moderately unique and different compared to other newspapers. Therefore i came up with the idea to combine a couple of previously mentioned ideas to create the name 'The Bristol Press.' Although simple and basic, the name gives off much more youthful connotations with the use of the word 'press.' Also, the use of assonance with the silibance created through the repetitive 's' sound makes the name flow effectively and makes the name much more memorable.