1.6 Objectives

As written by Duncombe (2008, pp 103, 104) and agreed by Mohd Rom (2010) and Gevaert (2011), designing music magazines with fanzine graphics such as handwriting and cut and paste layout will have better aesthetical value to it. Readers will appreciate it more because of its intimate and personalize looks. Readers will be more interested to buy and keep the magazine, similar to the other products from the music industry; compact discs, cassettes or records –most record companies and artist will provide unique design covers and inlays to accompany them to attract the listeners. They will not only listen to their music, but buy and keep them (Brannon, 2009).

The pages layout will look spontaneous thus making them distinctive and eye-catching. This will make the magazine stand-out on the market shelves (Gevaert, 2011). Bhaskaran (2006, pg. 6) states that there are so many printed materials that it is easy to become jaded with what is on offer. Today’s publication designers must work harder to connect with the readers on both an aesthetic and emotional level.

Six key areas that can be explored and experimented in a publication design as written by Bhaskaran (2006, pg. 8) are;

·         Format

·         Grid

·         Typography

·         Colors

·         Cover or masthead; and

·         Use of imagery

However, design aspect shouldn’t override the content, and vice versa. The two should work hand in hand to support and bring the best of both aspects. 

This research will analyze the acceptance and preference of fanzine graphics to be incorporated into music magazines. Thus, this research is hoped to suggest one of the methods for printed music magazine to exist alongside internet and mobile technology.