Critical Reflection Question 1: Challenging conventions and social groups

1. How does your product use or challenge conventions and how does it represent social groups or issues?

My product challenges conventions by focusing on a more specific subject than modern outdoor magazines. My magazine focuses on the conventions of hiking rather than most outdoor subject areas that have a broader subject. In addition, the typical magazine cover has a large masthead that stands out from the rest of the contents on the cover page. In difference, my magazine cover has a less bold masthead. This keeps my cover page simple and draws the attention to the cover picture and surrounding elements of it. Additionally, my magazine challenged conventions by sticking to a specific color scheme throughout the elements of the magazine. In the Backpacker magazines, a large variety of colors are presented to visualize the content. On the other hand, my magazine uses colors that represent the wilderness environment, such as shades of green, brown, and gray, in which my magazine reflects. This keeps my magazine visually appealing and simplistic. Finally, my product uses conventions by presenting its audience with details about articles and spreads, displayed on the cover page. By including article titles and descriptions, presented in varying font sizes, the articles catch the viewers eye and intrigues them to continue reading through the magazine.

By using a variety of elements to represent its subject area, my product represents specific social groups. My product focuses on hiking trails, how to prepare for them, what to look for, and more pertaining to hiking. This represents a social group that takes interest in being outdoors and getting outdoor activity while also wanting to experience breathtaking views. My product represents this social group through the use of images and article elements that specifically appeal to this audience.