Billboard Final

Billboard Draft

Billboard Editing Evidence

After deciding upon my landscape image for my billboard, I realised that the photograph needed altering slightly to make it appear brighter as well as highlight the blueness of the sky. To adjust the colour of my image, I dragged it into Photoshop and experimented with adjusting the saturation levels on my image. Consequently, this brightened my image and gave it lighter, more 'positive' appearance, therefore representing the genre more and appealing to the audience.

Billboard original images & reflection

I wanted my billboard to feature an area in Cornwall that is distinctive, and therefore be easily recognisable by the audience. I photographed areas in Newquay, such as Fistral Beach and the Headland Hotel, to demonstrate to my audience the purpose and genre of my billboard.

In regards to reflecting on this photo shoot, I believe that it was successful, and I was happy with the quality of the photographs. I tried to consider a range of different camera angles, and I also tried to photograph areas in Newquay I believed to be unique and iconic, such as the Headland Hotel and the large flip-flop on Fistral Beach. This would ensure that if these images were used for my billboard, they would easily be recognised by the audience, and would reinforce the fact that my regional magazine revolves around Cornwall. 

Billboard Flat Plan

Billboard Photography Research

I wanted my own billboard to demonstrate the genre of my magazine in a way that ensured it was clear to the viewer what I am trying to advertise. As my magazine is regional, I wanted to use a landscape photograph on my billboard, ideally of a particular landmark or area that is well known in Cornwall, therefore easily recognisable to the viewer.

I therefore researched various landscape images, in order to gain a better understanding on the different types of camera angles, and the positioning of certain objects. I also considered the rule of thirds, and if I applied this within my own billboard photography then this would ensure that I would have space for any text needed.


The photograph above demonstrates a long shot at a eye-level camera angle. It clearly demonstrates a landscape photograph, and would work effectively in a regional magazine. It also makes the audience feel engaged in the photograph due to the clear imagery.



This image would make it clear to the audience on the purpose of the billboard, as it is regional and showing the audience a part of the countryside. It is also photographed at a low angle, which gives the image more power and significance.




This type of image is a close up shot at an eye level camera angle, and despite the background being blurred out, the audience would be easily able to identify that the location of the photograph is at a beach. The positioning of the object would make it easy to place text relating to the advertisement at the side of the object, therefore making this photograph effective for a regional billboard.

Billboard Industry Research

Institutional research for billboards:

Billboard costs in the UK vary depending on the size and location of the billboard. Typically, a standard billboard costs £500-600 for 2 weeks, and a smaller advertising billboard cost £240-£270 for 2 weeks. (taken from http://www.signkick.co.uk/blog/how-much-does-billboard-advertising-cost/)

However, the prices for billboards range depending on certain affecting factors, such as size, location and the display period. The location pricing depends on the amount of footfall, which refers to the volume of pedestrian or vehicle traffic that passes an advertising site. For example, in busy built up areas such as London, billboard advertisements will be viewed frequently by a wide range of people, therefore possibly creating a wider audience demographic and therefore more appeal. However, Impressions can also be a determiner of billboard costs, as this refers to the number of times people are likely to notice an advert. This can be beneficial to areas such as those with built up traffic.

Billboard advertising space is typically sold in 2 week periods, and the cost of renting a billboard increases according to the length of time it is rented for.

In reference to the magazine industry, billboard advertising is important because it builds recognition amongst consumers and creates more awareness of the product being advertised. It also creates familiarity amongst an audience, as they are being exposed to something they may see more than once.

Billboard Codes and Conventions

Codes and Conventions of Billboards:

• Unique imagery to stand out against the scenery and capture the audience's attention
• Usually one main image (if a magazine is being advertised, it is typically the front cover of the magazine on display), either positioned in the centre of the billboard or to the far side 
• If text is present on the billboard it is in a large, bold font to stand out, and alongside the main image (if one is included). The font is also easy to read
• Relevant information, such as a date and company name, to inform the audience on the purpose of the billboard
• Colours that complement each other to attract and appeal to the viewer
• Placed in locations that are frequently accessed by the public e.g. busy streets, bus stops etc.
• For magazine billboards, the masthead is usually repeated in the typography section to reinforce familiarity within the audience
• Words such as 'Exclusive' and 'latest issue' are also included, depending on the genre of the magazine 
• Professional, organised layout that is aesthetically appealing to the audience 
• Usually a dominating masthead to capture the audiences attention as well as inform them on what the billboard is advertising 
• Occasional direct address with the inclusion of a slogan

Billboard Analysis 2

• The inclusion of a variety of different magazine issues demonstrates a sense of diversity, therefore appealing to the audience by showing that this particular magazine creates varied content to appeal to their viewers by keeping them entertained
• The wide separation of letters from the masthead suggests that the positioning of the layout has been carefully considered to appeal to the audience 
• The use of the colour yellow connotes warmth and happiness, and contrasts effectively against the black and white typography
• Inclusion of important information such as the magazine title and release date will appeal to the audience, as it is informing them on when new issues of the magazine will be released
• All of the typography is in capital letters, which makes the billboard look more appealing as well as making it stand out more 
• The clear photography connotes high production values, as it demonstrates professionalism

Billboard Analysis 1

• The repetition of the magazine title reinforces a sense of familiarity with the audience, therefore creating a more personal connection between the audience and the advertisement
• The preview of the magazine issue will appeal to the audience because it is presenting certain content that will interest them
• The inclusion of a celebrity also appeals to the audience, and females in particular, who have an interest in celebrities and fashion
• Including 'exclusive!' makes the billboard appear more important and desirable, therefore making it more appealing to the audience
• As red typically connotes strength and power, this is possibly included to give the advertisement more status and significance
• The red also contrasts effectively with the white text, making the text stand out and become more eye catching 
• In terms of typography, a variation of text sizes are present to demonstrate the importance of the text. For example, the name of the celebrity featured in the issue is capitalised to stand out further and gain attention from those members of the audience with an interest in celebrity lifestyle
• The inclusion of a website name will appeal to those who prefer digital versions of magazines. It also means that their audience demographic will possibly expand
• The positioning of certain objects, such as the image and typography, shows that the layout of the billboard has been carefully considered, therefore connoting high production values 
• The phrasing 'third anniversary issue' demonstrates the success of the magazine, therefore appealing to the audience 

Final DPS

Final Contents

Final Cover