Re-presentation

There are three different kinds of character typing:

1. An archetype is a familiar character who has emerged from hundreds of years of fairytales and storytelling.
2. A stereotype is a character usually used in advertising and marketing in order to sell a particular product to a certain group of people. They can also be used ‘negatively’ in the Media – such as ‘asylum seekers,’ or ‘hoodies’.
3. A generic type is a character familiar through use in a particular genre (type) of movie.

I believe in my magazine i have used 'the stereotype' where I have tried to use three good-lucking women in an attempt to sell my product. 

Again I have used them in the same way but have tried to take a slightly different approach with the way they're being portrayed. The second model is laughing in his image which gives off a more light-hearted feeling and the first image of the model smiling also does the same. These images are completely contrasting to the front cover where the models are acting more seriously and giving a different impression.

Key Questions about Specific Representations

• What is being represented?

The two models are being represented to the audience with the ultimate aim of enticing potential readers into wanting more and purchasing the audience. 

• How is it represented? 

It is represented through the use of images placed in various locations in the magazine. It is done by the differing expressions and positions the characters are modelling. 

• How is the representation made to seem 'true', 'commonsense' or 'natural'?

The representation is made to seem true by making the images realistic and relateable. The use of 'true' modelling positions and the natural feel/mise en scene of the models ensure they keep their relate-ability with the reader. The models are shown just as themselves; they're not wearing any facial make-up or props, and they are wearing clothes that the audience can see themselves in. 

• Whose representation is it? Whose interests does it reflect? How do you know?

The re-presentation is the vision of the photographer, editor and magazine creator, which were all of my roles within this project. So ultimately it is mine. I tried to reflect the interests of my target audience to ensure they are able to relate to the characters who are featured within my magazine. During my research I had seen previous example of other magazines employing this technique in order to try and appeal to their intended audience, and so I did the same with the aim of drawing in the biggest amount of readers. 

• At whom is this representation targeted? How do you know?

The re-presentation is targeted at 17-23 year-olds who would assign themselves to the 'indie scenesters' tribe; (UKTRIBES.co.uk). I know this as I have dressed my models in the typical style of clothing that these people like to wear. During their magazine interview; the characters also talk about sharing similar interests with that of the reader. These are all elements that contribute towards creating a sense of similarity between the characters in the magazine and the reader. The idea is to 'trick' the target audience into befriending the band members at first glance; this then spikes their interest in both the band and their magazine article which should (hopefully) pursuade them to purchase the magazine. 

• What does the representation mean to you? What does the representation mean to others? How do you account for the differences?

To me, the representation means that I am able to make a connection between the characters and myself. This is through the presentation, their image, thoughts, feelings etc. 

• How do people make sense of it?

• With what alternative representations could it be compared? How does it differ?

• A reflexive consideration - Why is the concept of representation problematic?