Module Evaluation

Overall, I believe that COP three has extended my theoretical knowledge of feminism in design, giving myself a greater insight into the construction of women through editorial design. With the information gained I now know how magazines are specifically coded to promote themselves to a specific consumer, and the negative effects in which relate to this.

In terms of design, I gained a vast knowledge surrounding feminist editorials and the general aesthetic in which they maintain. Allowing myself to explore with a different style in which I had previously not tested.

Final piece & evaluation

The construction of a feminist magazine alongside accompanying artefacts was devised in relation to the critical report. The publication itself focuses directly upon feminist issues removing connotations associated with traditional women’s magazines, such as the key ideology that a man is the route to happiness. The general aesthetic promoted highlights a rhetoric of mimicry, removing negative connotations surrounding femimity. The accompanying artefacts include three poster variations and a sticker set, all relating to the content contained within the publication.

As the aim of the practical outcome was to offer a different platform for those who have been previously indoctrinated by women’s magazines, it may be suggested that this has been completed through the construction of the feminist publication. Removing connotations towards body image, androcentric sex tips and the need of male approval, the publication highlights that being feminine, funny and intelligent are not mutually exclusive. The magazine also offers an articulated documentation of feminist issues whilst promoting diversity and debate.

In terms of the 18-24 year old target audience a range of coding has been implemented to specifically market the publication towards this demographic. This including the general editorial of the publication, focusing upon untraditional layouts and a range of stock. Contemporary typefaces have also been used in order to further appeal to this demographic.

To further gain the consumers attention additional artefacts were included, in which become a key selling point as they are not captured within traditional women’s magazines. Variation was also explored, with the consumer getting one of three limited edition posters, making the experience personal.


When considering the demographic, personality types were also outlined ensuring that the promotion of the publication is efficient. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter were selected as promotional devices as these are most widely used by the demographic.


When evaluating the effect of the final piece it became evident that all those who currently read women’s magazines are not going to alter their buying habits and change to the feminist publication. Although if only 2% of the current readership changed that would mean over 8,000 women would no longer be indoctrinated by ‘glossy’ magazines but rather gain knowledge of feminist issues. If these consumers then discussed these issues with friends and family the publication may gain a greater audience resulting in the demand of other feminist publications. This over a period may therefore result in feminist magazines becoming part of mainstream printed media, reducing the readership of ‘glossy’ magazines, and their damaging effects.

Making the pack

Stock

Stock was widely considered for both the stickers and posters developed, with an environmental choice being selected for both in relation to my practice as an environmental designer. This also relating to ethics embedded within feminism. 

Variation 

 In order to make the sets appeal more to the demographic, a range of posters have been placed within the pack, making it a suprise for the consumer as to which they get. This may also promote multiple purchases off the consumer.

The four P's

Price

In conjunction to the previous research, it is evident that the final piece may be sold for a similar price as large-scale women's magazines, such as heat, £1.50 being the mean. As a result of this, the consumer would not have to compromise on price. An essential element when considering a working-class demographic.


Production

In terms of production, the magazine will be devised using soft touch matt stock, removing connotations to traditional women's magazines. 
Promotion

An array of promotional devices will take place predominantly on social media campaigns as these are likely to be the most effective. Promotion will occur through a range of deliverables including competitions, memes and videos, all outling as to why the content is relevant to the everyday consumer.

Place

In order to combat traditional women's magazines, the feminist publication will be placed in a wide range of locations including supermarkets, newsagents and shops directly targeted at a younger demographic, an example being Urban Outfitters.

how cheap can the publication be made for

When researching production costs it became evident that the publication, on a mass scale, could be printed for as little as 24p per copy. As Cosmopolitan sold 438,000 copies last year, I believe that if the publication was massed produced there would be a sufficient audience for it.

Outlining that if only 2% of Cosmpolitans readers changed to Witch, 8760 copies would still be needed, making this financially viable. 

Social media platforms

Nearly everyone in the UK between the ages of 16 and 24 uses social media on a weekly basis, according to the most recent report from Ofcom (the UK’s communications regulator).

Facebook

Facebook encompasses 78% of the UK population – almost double its nearest rivals, LinkedIn and Twitter. This dominance explains Facebook’s recent runaway success in attracting digital ad dollars.

Twitter 

Twitter offers an easy sharing platform with tweets being simply sharable. The usage of both mobile apps and desktop webpages for this application allow it to be transferable on all platforms.



The mock ups devised all aim to engage the consumer through social media platforms. This in turn creating a demographic in which is interested in the area. Key talks and videos will be shared as sort videos are often prefered by this demographic. 

Promotional instagram

The instagram account would promote a range of deliverables relating to the magazine, whilst mocking traditional women's magazines. Meme culture would play a key role, specifically targeting the intended demographic. 

In order to initially gain a working-class following, the instagram would offer competitions, such as winning a free issue, poster or sticker set. This, in turn, making the following engaged with the product.