My reflective log is where I am able to discuss what I have done each day to contribute to my EPQ. I will update it every day or every couple of days to reflect on what has gone well, what I may work on changing and what I need to do as well as putting my feedback in and how I will be changing work to fit these.
Tuesday 22nd October
Today I began my year 2 EPQ. We started by as a class looking through a PowerPoint as to what the different options we could choose from were and what we would be able to do for each one. My first initial thoughts are that I would like to do advertising and marketing and create a musician as I want a future in music marketing. I will look into this further as advertising and marketing is not something I have done before.
For my work in todays lesson, I will be choosing my top 3 ideas and then looking into example of them. I have started with my number 1 choice - advertising and marketing and have started looking into Charli xcx and the marketing of her album Brat which has trended over social media.
Thursday 24th October
Today I have continued my research into Charli xcx and Brat and how it has been marketed to gain popularity. I looked at different brands and people that have used brat to help promote their products and services but also how this has inevitably helped Charli xcx promote brat. After researching the Brat campaign I have done an overall evaluation of this method. I have then made a start by researching Beyonce - Cowboy Carter and the advertising used for the album.
Friday 25th October
Today I have continued in looking into Beyonce's album Renaissance. I have started by looking into how the album had been announced through the use of marketing. I have again looked at the social media posts ect.
After looking at the social media side of the albums marketing I have began to look into the albums advertisement, tour movie and print advertisement. I have looked at this album campaign as the marketing devices that have been used are all what I would like to use.
Saturday 26th October
After looking into each different form of marketing that has been used in Renaissance, I have conducted an evaluation into why each device has worked well and how this has helped it sell albums, tour tickets and movie tickets.
Once I finished my report and evaluation of Renaissance, I have then moved onto Beyonce's next album - Cowboy Carter. I have followed the same structure of research by doing a brief understanding of what the album is and the context surrounding it. Next I have looked into the two adverts used to promote the album and explained what it shows and the background of this.
I have then looked at the Levi's jeans advertisement which was a collaboration between the two. Beyonce had made the song "LEVII'S JEANS" and Levi's then had her in an advert for their jeans with her song.
After this I looked at the print advertisement for Cowboy Carter. This was similar to the Renaissance print advertisement but is quite basic.
After this I did another evaluation of the overall effect of the marketing for Cowboy Carter and how this may have effected the success.
Overall, these examples and reflections are good to use as I can have a visual idea of what has been done and then think about why it has been done. For my marketing and advertising campaign to look at examples of these can help me gain and gather ideas as well as inspiration for what mine can look like and reflecting on this will help me over the course of my project.
Monday 28th October
Today I worked on my third idea. This is a film marketing campaign. I started this today as I did not need to go into as much detail as I had done with my first idea and I thought that doing this early on would allow me to spend more time on my proposal.
I looked at two different film marketing campaigns, one of these was for the horror film smile and one of these was for the action thriller Kill Bill Volume 1. When I thought about film marketing campaigns these were the first two that came to mind. This showed me that they were done extremely well if they were the first things that came to mind.
First I looked at smile and the use of their physical marketing as well as their advertisements. I explained how each example had been done as well as how this would make the audience of each advert feel and how this can lead to the success of their product. I also included my own personal opinion of the advert as I felt it would be good to give my own consumer reaction to this.
After looking at Smile's marketing, I have looked Kill Bill Volume 1's print marketing. I provided the different images and then looked into what had been done and why this good. I found these advertisements to be incredibly creative and such a good representation of what the film was and made the viewer interested. This is great as I believe this is a strong way to market a film. If I was to work on marketing for a film I would like to get really creative with my work and have examples like these two.
Tuesday 29th October
Today I have started my proposal. I have started by having a brief idea of creating a upcoming pop star and having my marketing devices be using an advert, a poster and creating a album and doing the artists social media.
I have gone into detail about my different aims and objectives so that I can reflect on what I would like to do whilst creating my FMP and what will benefit me in the long run. I have worked on outlining the way I aim to work and the tasks I aim to complete. By doing this I can work towards self set guidelines that will benefit my work overall in the long run.
I have then moved onto discussing what I want my technical focus to be. I have discussed a couple of technical aspects of my EPQ and my work that I want to continue to work on. These specifically being the use of my camera work and my editing skills. I have selected these as I have struggled in the past with my editing and reflecting on this will help me throughout my EPQ coursework and over the course of the year.
After this I then looked at my contextual focus. This is such an important part of my EPQ. This is due to everything I do in my EPQ and work needing to be backed up and needs a reason for it being done. I was not sure about what I wanted my contextual focus to be but I have had the idea of more of a "rags to riches" idea - challenging the connotations of "nepo baby's" in the music industry. Along side this I have thought about what my unique selling point would be. I have chosen to look further into having my artist be firstly very transparent in their image eg showing how their organic growth has made them aware of certain things ect.
Wednesday 30th October
Today I have continued with with my proposal again.
I have moved on from looking into my contextual focus and have began thinking about who my target audience will be. Target audience is super important to understand and make sure that content is aimed at them as it can affect the success of the product. Finding a demographic means I will further be able to look into what this chosen group commonly like and views they may have.
Next I moved onto what skills I have, and what I will developing. For myself I discussed my soft and hard skills and what these are. These were traits such as my use of teamwork and communication and the use of editing software such as Premiere Pro.
After looking into my top skills I then created a top slice. A top slice is where I can display a technical aspect of what I will be working on. I thought about what specific software I want to use and how well I know them. For me, I have always struggled to use Photoshop and have used it less than any other software so decided to work on this. I created a extremely basic mock up idea of a poster as I have aims to use Photoshop to make a poster or for any social media posts ect. I experimented with changing the background and adding text and images, overall I know that I have a lot left to do but it was a good reminder to different settings in photoshop.
Thursday 31st October
After completing my top slice, I am still continuing with my proposal and have now moved onto my research plan.
In my research plan I have explained what each type of research I will be conducting is and why I will be using it. For example, I have explained the difference between primary and secondary research and the importance that these different types have. It is essential to my project to have a variety of research as this will help prepare for what I am making. I have listed a few different websites that I may use that always have reliable, useful and informative recourses.
Recourses and budget was my next section of consideration. Understanding what recourses and the budget I have to use these is beneficial is it me and I can follow this general idea through my research and later in my production so that I do not overspent and only spend what is essential to my project. There are ways around getting the recourses I will need without having to spend a fortune which is really good. This can be done using platforms such as Ebay or Vinted.
Considering different issues I may face in my EPQ is necessary as it may enable me to limit the risk of running into any issues before they happen. So I have looked into factors such as Health and Safety, copyright issues and environmental issues. I can work around these by carrying out risk assessments, giving my uploads different YouTube property's/settings and buying second hand and limiting my use of single use plastics.
Monday 4th November
Next, I looked at my milestones. Milestones are different from objectives as an objective is what I want to achieve and my milestones are how to get there. I have outlined that I will be able to cross examine my work with other musicians marketing campaigns whilst carrying out my campaign to see if the two align in the similarities of marketing structure. I also explained that I will be able to do constant evaluations of what I can do to look into if I have met these aims as well as receive feedback on my work. I created a gannt chart as will make a action plan which will outline what my plans are, when I will carry this out and how it can help.
The last step in my proposal was to think about a contingency plan. Contingency's are put in place so that if I face an issue I can use the contingency and hopefully it is not an issue. It can help keep my focus focussed and maintained in case of an emergency. I discussed issues I faced in my previous work and how I have learnt from that. I explained that I f I was to run into any issues I would belive its most likely for these to be in production or post production as this is what has happened to me in the past a number of times. This can be technical issues with equipment or how the shots end up looking.
Tuesday 5th November
Today I have gone back to working on my second idea development option. I had previously explained that I had left this out so that I could focus on my proposal after completing my first and third idea development.
I have listed a documentary as my second idea as I enjoyed making one in my first year and I would like to make one again but on a more personal topic.
I have started by looking into Miss Americana - Taylor Swift as this documentary shows a range of typical features seen in a documentary such as interviews, vox pops and pre existing footage.
Thursday 7th November
Continuing looking into Miss Americana and the narrative of the documentary, techniques the audience of the documentary, why it is a good documentary, why a documentary would be chosen over a short film, review the scale of production behind it (budget and crew) and how this may influence my ideas.
Friday 8th November
Today I received feedback from my supervisor Rob on my idea development and proposal. We discussed a range of different aspects of my work which may need improvement and would benefit my overall project. This my feedback:
"IDEA DEVELOPMENT
Please clarify is BRAT a marketing company as it is unclear if they are a band, musician and who owns BRAT? An individual, a company? It is unclear how BRAT works. Does it market companies and individuals or market themselves?
I think you have to be clearer on the development by marketing companies and brands in relation to products or celebrities. At the moment your initial ideas are not focused on how the thematic idea of what is being sold in constructed to gain interest from a perspective audience.
PROPOSAL
Be clear on the concept and theme of the artist. What is their USP? Why have you chosen your three marketing devices? What is the core element that will gain interest from a perspective audience and potential fanbase?
Detail more specifically what core skills you need to improve on. Rather than say (editing skills) be more clear on what aspects you actually refer to."
My verbal feedback and discussion with Rob emphasised these points.
As well as this we had a discussion over what this specifically meant and the details I would need to add or alter. Since receiving this feedback I have gone back and changed these things. By doing frequent check ins and gaining feedback I can ensure that any changes made make the quality of my work better.
Monday 11th November
Today I began my research section of my EPQ. Over the weekend I created a survey asking a range of questions about pop music, pop stars, the music industry and trends within these. After sending it around to friends and peers I have began to analyse these responses and what they mean for my brand image, awareness and the marketing I will need to do.
I have shared my survey questions on my page and explained why I asked them. I have then shows the answered and shared my thoughts on them and what this can mean for my how I will be carrying out my work and what I will be continuing to research.
Tuesday 12th November
Today I am continuing analysing my survey feedback.
Thursday 14th November
Today I have gone back to my proposal and written about how my artists will be called "Valentina Winslow" and the connotations of this name. I have also written more about my unique selling points as I will need to take this forward in my research and how I will be conducting my marketing.
Friday 15th November
Moved onto my action research, I have cmpleted a camera test by using a sony camera and also my mobile phone. I have tested using the flash on and off and also changing the lighting settings before taking these images into Photo shop to create a mock up poster. So far have only put my image in and found a couple of youtube videos to use that may help me.
Saturday 16th November
Today I am conducting my existing product ananlysis and what other pop artists have used that I may want to use as inspiration fo rmine. I have started off looking at 3 pop music albums as this is obviously the same genre as what I am creating and can help me take aspects from each I like. I have also looked at the colour scheme of each album as I need to decide on what colours I can use to infer things to the audience and also help back up my unique selling points.
Sunday 17th November
After finishing off my existing product analysis of 3 different albums and the aesthetics they use, I have created a very short survey and only sent it to a few people as a form of focus group. I will be looking into these answers and then using them to move onto my theming for the album.
Monday 18th November
Today I am finishing off my photo shop tour poster. I have done this by changing the property's of the images from my camera test to make them into silhouettes rather than just an image. I have also worked on different placements of text and more images.
Later on in the evening I have done Photoshop editing to create a logo for Valentina's branding. This logo will be added to the album cover, any social media accounts used to promote Valentina and her album.
Tuesday 19th November
In this mornings lesson I have done a colour analysis as survey feedback told me viewers, listeners and consumers wanted to see lots of colours in an album cover.
After completing this I have moved onto analysing tour posters and album posters from other artists, what I like about them and what I think is beneficial to the viewer and consumer.
Wednesday 20th November
Today I have finished off my poster analysis. I have moved onto creating my track list by looking into different pop songs and songs that are a mix of pop and another genre. I have looked at an Adele song and a Madonna song.
Thursday 21st November
Today I have conducted a lyric analysis for a range of songs. These are:
Hometown Glory - Adele
Ray of Light - Madonna
The Climb - Miley Cyrus
Mean - Taylor Swift
Brutal - Olivia Rodrigo
Rewind - Charli XCX
Friday 22nd November
Today I have written up about these songs and then once I have finished, I received feedback on my first draft of my research.
"Excellent and varied analysis around poster campaign, tour posters and album covers. You show a good understanding of these elements and why they have captured your attention. I would go back and just keep adding more information to why and how you will use some of the analysis you have conducted into your own marketing campaign to sell your musical artists. You do this, but in some aspects a little limited. Also, make sure that you focus on the themes of the artist and how that will show in your three marketing media devices. Remember that they should all connect somehow, either through colour scheme, design, attitude, logo design, location, etc. Action research is coming along, and shows your initial practical ideas nicely. I know it is not finished but so far so good."
Tuesday 26th November
Today I will be carrying out my pre production as I will be filming this afternoon. I have created a release form, a location recce, a risk assessment and some mock ups of what I want certain shots to look like. After the shoot I will export my photos to my google drive so that they are ready for my next lesson.
Thursday 28th November
Today I have began editing my front cover for my album using photoshop. I wanted it to be a simple image but with different connotations so I have altered the image slightly by expanding it out, and recolouring certain areas. I have also added fonts and altered text.
Friday 29th November
I have carried on editing my album cover and getting used to Photoshop.
Saturday 30th November
Today I have began posting images on the Instagram account leading up to my artist creating music.
Monday 2nd December
I have continued working on my album cover and back cover whilst also looking into the structure and any features that are found in album covers such as copyrights, barcodes and logos.
Tuesday 3rd December
Yesturday I finished my album covers and have order a custom made vinyl sleeve with my cover art on it. Today I have moved onto creating my album poster. My album poster is just a larger version of my album with more text on it. I do not want to take up more time than I have so once it is finished I have moved onto the next thing which is more our poster as I can always come back to it.
Later on I have started my tour poster but have accidentally used the wrong picture so am starting again.
Wednesday 4th December
I have finished off my tour poster today.
Thursday 5th December
Today I have done a range of different things, I have started by posting more content on my Instagram account, leading up towards the album announcement and release.
Later on I have moved onto beginning my Magazine cover.
Friday 6th December
Today I have predominantly focussed on my magazine cover today. I have made two versions of the same cover but one without certain text as I am unsure of the placement and layout. I have asked a small group of people to let me know what one they prefer as one is more authentic to magazine covers and one I think looks better visually.
Saturday 7th December
Today I have focussed on writing up about my different print advertising and social media posts. After completing this I have moved onto updating my Instagram account.
Monday 10th December
In today's lesson I have updated my Instagram and come up with a key post on explaining to followers who Valentina Winslow is and what her story is so far. This took quite a while as I had to write it all up on notes and and then format into Instagram. Once I finished this I continued updating my Instagram account and making sure I had all the posts I can currently post without my advertisement as I am still waiting on my vinyl cover. After completing my Instagram I have written up why I have done each thing on my artefact page.
In the evening I have gone back to my research section and am finishing everything off as well as correcting feedback.
Tuesday 11th December
Today I have continued on with my Instagram account as this is a great way to "connect with fans" and also is one of the main marketing devices that I will be using. To inform fans or anyone seeing Valentinas content on social media, I have posted the finished album cover and and the back cover as this is now able to show fans the tracks which will feature on the album and the overall final product.
After this I posted more images that I took on the photoshoot for the album, these images followed the same aesthetic of the album to keep on promoting the album. On each post I added more heartfelt messages of thanks to capture the audience and ensure that fans know and can see that Valentina is truly grateful. I have done this for a number of posts.
Wednesday 12th December
I have continued by posting on my Instagram account today.
Thursday 13th December
Today I have received my vinyl cover for my advertisement, I will be conducting my pre production before filming over the weekend. I have began by creating a story board and just making a few mock up shots and a rough description of each one.
Friday 14th December
After completing my story board, I have moved onto making a risk assessment and location recce. These have been kept very similar to the once I created for my photo shoot as I was filming in the same place and in the same way. I then made a shot list which finalised everything I was aiming to film whilst I was out.
Sunday 16th December
Today I filmed my advertisement.
Monday 17th December
After filming yesterday, I have exported all of my footage and began editing using Premier pro. Improving my editing skills is one of my aims so I am trying to get creative whilst still completing my advertisement to match the idea I have in my head.
Tuesday 18th December
Today I have finished my edit of my advert. I also made an extended version of it as I had more footage to use.
Sunday 29th December
After completing all of my practical work I have moved onto making my presentation to perform to Rob my supervisor to explain my project, give examples of my work and reflect and evaluate on weather I think I have met my aims.
Thursday 2nd January
Today I finished my presentation and have wrote up a script to go alongside my presentation so that when performing it I can deliver a good quality presentation which is well thought out and planned.
Friday 3rd January
Today I have worked on my feedback, going all the way back to the beginning of the project and updating my idea development. I didn't finish the last few options and ideas as I felt that I needed to move on to my proposal as by that point I knew what I would be making. I have gone back today to finish off the documentary idea development. I have focussed on music related documentary's as this would be what I would focus it on, I have looked into "Amy" and "Oasis: Supersonic".
Saturday 4th January
I have continued to update my idea development today, I have focussed more on "Oasis: Supersonic". Once I finished I have then moved onto my feedback. I have updated my proposal to ensure that it is clear enough and sets out what I am wanting to create and link to what my aims and objectives were.
Sunday 5th January
Today I have gone back to my Instagram account to ensure that I have all necessary posts and that they all link back to my contextual focus and technical focus is. After doing this I have made sure that all of my artefacts are updated and have been added to my website.
Monday 6th January
After making sure that everything has been added to my website I have gone through page by page to see if there's anything I am missing or anything that is unfinished. These things are: to add my proposal to a proposal document, Finish off my evaluation of album/artist advertisements and finish off magazine codes and conventions. A lot of these things completed around 80% of but just moved on so that I did not fall behind.
Wednesday 8th January
Today, I have finished writing up my album advertisement product analysis. I already found what adverts I was going to be using and had thought about what this meant for my planning of my filming however I just needed to write things up.
Thursday 9th January
Today I have began to write my evaluation, my evaluation covers how I think I have done in my project. I am able to look back on what I outlined my aims and see weather I think I have met this aim. I am also able to see what went well, what I would change and what I want to take forward and improve on in later projects.
Friday 10th January
Today I have continued to work at my evaluation.
Monday 13th January
Today I have continued to work on things that I have started by not finished, today this was the codes and conventions of magazine covers.
Tuesday 14th January
Today I have gone through all of my work and gone through all of my feedback to ensure that all of my work is up to date and to the best quality it can be.
Thursday 16th January
I have continued to improve my work based on my feedback.
Friday 17th January
Today I finished everything and have just gone back through to make sure everything is completed.
Monday 20th January
Final hand in.