I decided to go with an indecisive point of view for this magazine cover. I know we are supposed to pick our stance on CC and design based on that; however, I don't work in the public school system and have not had any personal experience with CC. I have only heard what others have said. So, having said that, my stance is on the fence. It could theoretically go either way. Ignoring all the negative comments I've heard, I am bring a neutral magazine cover. Ideally, it would allow someone to read both sides of the debate, and then form their own opinion on facts, and not just what they have heard.
With the text I present, I want to grab attention with my main idea. I want the reader to see the words 'common core' and instantly be drawn in. From the text on the side, I want to give the reader an idea as to what they can expect to find inside. With the picture of the woman, I am showing a "normal" person thinking about this idea. Since 'on the fence' is an idiom, the picture of the fence (which is representing the common core debate) is bringing the whole concept together by giving the reader a concrete view of the abstract idea in their head; which side of the 'fence' are they really on.
- The first media language technique that I used is humor. I believe that the way the title is written is a witty way to combine words with some common math characteristics. Under the title is a set of parallel lines, another item commonly found in math. I suppose not all would find this funny, or even make the connection, but it's fun either way.
- The second technique I used is individuality. With providing this unbiased image, I believe I give the reader a change to be their own person and make their own opinions based on facts.
- The last technique I incorporated is emotional appeal. The common core usually sparks debate, so in this image, I try to offer a calm backdrop with no bold claims or accusations being made.
Very inventive magazine title! Your magazine looks like it contains the answers to everyone's questions about the Common Core through the use of words like "in-depth" and "extensive", as if your coverage in your articles will be very thorough. With your use of words like "busted," and your image of the blank chalkboard ready for listing the pros and cons, he reader will want to find out what's inside your stories that will help them fill in those blanks and discover the myths. Pretty intriguing.
ReplyDeleteLOVE the title you came up with, very clever! Ironically, I've heard more complaints about the Math standards than any others. I like how your subtext is Plain Folk using the white picket fence. I also like how you repeat the word "Common" on the cover while distinguishing between the three stories about the CCSS. Dale Carnegie always said you have to mention something three times for the audience to remember it, and letting the audience decide on their own instead of just pushing a viewpoint is a good technique when appealing to independent thinkers.
ReplyDeleteI am immediately calmed by this blue sky. I feel happy and at home with the white picket fence. I am also struck by the title because I am a math person! I like that the text says “an extensive in-depth look at both sides”. I think both sides will be presented letting the reader make the choice. The image of Pros and Cons sets up a list for you to decide. I had to look harder to see the right side colored comments, but I think they support the Common Core and I’m glad that the word “common” is used in all three.
ReplyDeleteI like how you neatly put the barcode, date, volume and price in the right bottom corner. I don’t pay much attention to them on the front of magazines so I really didn’t know what to do with mine.
I love your title, very clever! The white picket fence is the epitome of the "American dream", and a perfect example of plain folk. I could see right away that your target audience was your average American family. Like you, I do not have a lot of experience with Common Core standards, so I wrote from a neutral point of view as well. I like that you aimed to present facts and bust the myths surrounding Common Core, instead of trying to get the reader riled up about an already hot topic. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteI thought you did a great job of creating an unbiased, indecisive cover. You were still able to employ persuasive techniques, even though you were not trying to convince people one way or the other.
ReplyDelete