Audience is the central reason why any media product is created. Without breaking down the demographics of your target audience your client will not fund the production or consider it a worthy creation to invest in. No product or media form is created for everyone. Even a bottle of water has a targeted audience. It is not made for everyone who drinks water.
In your audience statement you might address the following dot points.
• Some key demographic information (EG; age, gender, where they live, income levels etc.) Sometimes not all of these are relevant but most of the time they are so be specific, it’s ok if you feel like you’re stereotyping because in a way that’s what you are doing.
• What other media forms and texts does your audience engage with?
• What knowledge does your audience bring with them? What conventions etc. Are they aware of and expecting from your product?
• What aspects of your media product will they engage with and why?
I would firstly have a read of good examples of previous folio Audience examples. This section of your folio should be typed and at least the size of A3. That way you are very clear whom your product is created for and its purpose.
Audience Statement: By Student
My target audience are young women and men aged 17-30, predominately from Melbourne as well as surrounding suburbs. I aim to direct my magazine towards individuals who take pride in fashion, both physically wearing clothing and/or admiring different fashion styles. These individuals will possess a creative mindset, in turn giving them a drive to ‘stand out’ from their peers. The purpose of my magazine it to both inspire and allow my audience to believe they have the potential to be featured within the pages of my magazine. Furthermore, my audience will possess an interest in local fashion which aligns with seasonal changes, as well as global fashion which reflects diversity. My target audience upon observing my narrative will swiftly develop a ‘big heart’, and in response a great sense of acceptance for the wider community, as well as themselves. They would have a generous understanding of self-worth and self-acceptance. In addition, my magazine will not limit to people who are confident, but also to those who are lacking and wish to achieve self-worth and gratitude.
My target audience are people who are frequent users of social media, thus spending approximately 30% of their day to visit different social media platforms. These people will not only be viewing content, yet will often post photos due to their confident personality. They would predominantly use Instagram where they would follow accounts which are inspiring. It would reveal a sequence to variations of fashion, where my target audience would gain knowledge and reflect it into their fashion to convey feelings of being trendy. These individuals would follow influencers like Kendall Jenner, where they would engage with the fashion she posts on her Instagram. Her ideologies reflect her fashion as she doesn’t only inhabit one style of fashion, whereas her accounts broadcast multiple styles that show the latest trend within societies: thus, displaying her skilled diversity amongst fashion styles. My target audience would buy clothing on a regular basis to keep up to date with trends. Although some individuals may not feel it necessary to purchase fashion garments, instead they are happy with appreciating impressive fashion as a whole.
My target audience would be the people that are frequent visitors to their local cafes, but also enjoy going out at night to a place that is ‘trendy’ with friends and family where they are able to dress up for the night. These people would be often seen in shopping centres and street shopping on Collins street in Melbourne. In addition, my target audience would shop both instore and online, as well as have an interest in buying vintage luxury brands such as vintage Gucci glasses or a vintage Burberry scarf.
My desired target audience are strong willed leaders whom aren’t afraid to speak out in regard to controversial topics. They are satisfied through acknowledging themselves as inspiring to others, whilst refraining from being a follower. These people are referred to as extroverts. Therefore, they are commonly located amongst social gatherings, being themselves whilst conveying feelings of confidence. They have distinctive characteristics which align with the fashion choses they adopt in regards to constructing unique outfits.