Research And Planning: Collage

This is my collage of what appeals to me and what types of fonts and colours I would like my magazine to be like. Here I have searched a few of my favourite music artists up and found their logos and put it in a powerpoint. I have also searched up existing magazines which are similar to the one I wish to create. I have found some fonts which I like and have made it clear of what colours are appealing in my eyes for the magazine. 

I think that most of these images are black but they are made to be effective by there being a bright colour to go with it so then it balances the black out. For example the logo for "Kerrang" is effective because it is blocky but although it is black, the white balances it out as it adds light to it. With the photo of "One Republic" the image is black but there is a colourful paint effect that goes down on the image. With "Plan B"'s logo, it is mainly black but the bright pink tints it up again due to the difference. The contrast of colours make the logo look effective because as they are opposite it catches the eye quicker. 

Research And Planning: Double Page Analysis

This is a double page spread for a rock magazine. This is from "Kerrang" and it fits in well with the criteria of a good magazine. This is a good double page because it is bold, eye catching it and it gains the readers attention straight away.
Firstly, the title which goes over the two pages is the first thing the reader notices and this is great because the article below will explain what this means. The double page magazine has a bold title and this is important because it sums up the two pages. The font of the title is good too because it links in with the theme of the magazine and the genre of the magazine. The font isn't too much but it isn't too simplistic. This makes it good because this way there isn't too much on the page. The colours black and white are also not too complicated which makes it look more professional.
There is a large image on this double page spread and this is good because then it balances out the amount of writing it has on the double page spread. The image is good because the model is wearing red and this links with the theme and the genre of the magazine. The model also has black hair and she fits in well with the conventional idea of a person who listens to rock music. The model is also known to the rock industry so this attracts attention straight away.
This double page spread is good because of the actual content on it. The size of the font for the main part is good because you cannot read it and this is good because it's not too large. This is also good because when you actually read it then it will look big. The size of usual double page font is 11 or 12 and this is big enough to read. If it was bigger then this will actually be too large.
There is a footnote here too which is good because it shows that the text starts on this. This is made to make it clear to know where it starts.
There is also a little summary just above the big part where it summarises what the text is going to say. This is not too large nor too small. It is bigger than the main body text because this way it can be easily seen by the reader.
The background is white and this is good because it doesn't make it look too complicated and it balances the rest of it out. It makes it look simple yet still effective. This is because if it were some other colour then it would look like there is too much on the page but because it is white, it doesn't look like it's all over the place and it looks really neat.

Research And Planning: Contents Page Analysis

This is a contents page for "Kerrang" magazine. This fits well with the target audience because it has one of the biggest bands known to the genre of magazine. This contents page is also really good because it appeals to the target audience easily. It fits in well with the theme of black, yellow and red. The magazine has a huge title which still fits with the front page.
The contents page is really good because of the neatness to it. Every part of the contents page is so sleek and so on point. The layout of it is so precise. This gives the magazine contents page a good finish and makes it look professional.
The contents page is good because the size of the font is also really good. There is no font which is abnormal. The font is also consistent. It is all the same font but in a different colour so it doesn't look like it's too much. The contents page is also got font which isn't uneven. The name of the band is the biggest font after the title and this is good because so then the person reading the magazine can then see clearly that there is a big band obviously within the magazine. The part where it says "Tickets and meet and greet" is really bold and this is good because you notice this straight away and to the fans of this band, they will certainly want to buy this as it would give them a chance to meet their idols.
This is a good font too because it is one of the biggest fonts on the page which the designer has purposely done because this way it can attract the most attention.
This contents page is good because there are photos in it nut not too many. There is a main image then two little ones which are apart of the magazine. We also see that there is a written note within the contents page and this is good because it makes the magazine more personal to the reader. This individual who has wrote the little note is also a well known person within the rock industry. Black Veil Brides are one of the biggest bands in the rock industry and a note from a member of the band makes the reader feel that this would be a really interesting magazine.
The actual content on the contents page is also really good. This is because there is not too much but enough to tell us what is inside the magazine. The content is also good because it gives some brief information on each part of the magazine.
The background of the contents page is white and this is good because it is not adding too much of an effect and it isn't too simplistic as the bright colours added to the page evens it and it goes unnoticed.
The colours are effective because the yellow stands out really well with the white and it fits with the theme of the rock magazine. The red is also conventional for the magazine so this is well done.

Research And Planning: Analysis Of Existing Magazines

I believe that this magazine is effective because it has the features of what makes a good magazine. Firstly, there is the three colour rule. This is effective because this way it doesn't look over done nor does it look boring. The magazine is also excellent because it is suitable for its target audience. The main photo is large. This is effective because this way it'll attract the target audience easily.

I believe that this magazine cover is also effective because the font is bold and simple yet rather effective. The "Hot Press" is something that catches the eye straight away due to the font colour and the actual font. It is something that is "blocky" so it looks like it's for all target audiences. Not just make or female. 

I think that the cover lines are rather effective because they still stick with the three colour rule and they are easy to read. They are also at the top and in one area meaning that they don't look random. There is also the barcode which makes the magazine look finished. The main part which attracts me is "script". This is because it links with the main image and the theme f the magazine cover. 

I believe this is a good magazine to analyse for my magazine because this is the type of music which appeals to me and the type of magazine I wish to create.

I like this image because it looks really effective. The lighting on this image is also quite effective as it reflects on the title. I also think that the positioning and the way that the band are standing makes the magazine cover look effective because this way it gives out the impression that they are succeeding and that the magazine will be giving something positive about them. The only other part of the magazine which doesn't link to the band on the front cover is the bottom cover line which talks about "Adam Clayton" and this makes it seem like the magazine doesn't only provide information on the band on the front but also other musicians. The colours also link with the colour of Mark's guitar and I think it has been done on purpose so then it still stays with the three colour rule. 

This is a magazine which appeals to its target audience quite easily. The magazine straight away gives out the audience by the word "Paramore" implying that it's mainly aimed at those who are into rock music. 

I think this magazine is well done because it is simple yet 

effective. The clean image makes it look quite effective. The three colour rule works well within this front cover and it's consistent. 

The font on the magazine is also effective because it is blocky yet still looking fresh. The boldness looks good because it easily catches the eye and it is easy to read. 

I think that the main image is something that  is also effective because the background is simply white but the clothing and the dress sense of the band makes it look better. The band image is effective because they look like the sterol typical image of what the genre of band they are. The female, has red hair. This is associated with "rock" cultures and so it appeals to the target audience they aim for. The band are also dressed in mainly black and grey. This is seen as one of the main colour themes apart of the genre of music they do. The rock culture is usually seen as dark and this is what the band are giving out. Although they maybe giving this representation out, the background colour, white gives the opposite. This makes the black and dark colours tone down and this is what rock magazines tend to do. 

The cover lines are effective because they aren't too long to read till you're bored nor are they short enough so you don't get enough information. The colours of the cover lines are also consistent and it links with the theme of colours for the band. The font of the cover lines is quite bold and it easily catches the eye. Although it is simple, it doesn't bore you which is what rock magazines do well with. The font size is also well as you are able to read it without hesitation and everything important is labelled and the sizes are all in proportion. 

There is also a barcode which is at the front making the magazine look much more realistic.

Although the magazines main image isn't a medium close up, I can still use this type of theme for my magazine. 

Research And Planning: Evaluation Of College Magazine

I think that the college magazine I created is suitable for the target audience. Firstly, the magazine I created has suitable font size. The masthead is the largest font size so that it looks like a real magazine. It is also a good font as it is bold so it easily catches the eye. I believe that the college magazine I have created is also good because it has suitable cover lines. Lines such as "We're a proud college" makes it more realistic and college like. I think that some of the colours I used such as green are quite effective because I took this from the interviews I had done and the majority of people said they liked green on a college magazine. Using brown was also a good idea as it tinted the green whilst still looking effective.
The magazine unfortunately doesn't have a three colour rule as it instead is quite colourful with numerous colours to it but this is something that I can improve on for my real magazine. I also think that there weren't enough cover lines on the front cover and it still looked unfinished because of this. I think that the magazine front cover and contents page doesn't entirely look like they are linked together and due to this it makes it look less professional. To have this improved I could have used the same colour scheme which I didn't. The photographs which I had taken were first inappropriate and due to this I changed them to suit the right task. I have taken a medium close up and added this to the front cover and it was also quite suitable for the environment that the model was in as it gave a college feel. I think that the lighting is great with the photo because it is quite bright but it isn't completely in your face.
I have also cropped the photo so then it fits to a medium close up size and this was done on Photoshop.
I think that the layout of my magazine is quite simple. To be quite honest, I believe that this isn't a bad thing. Due to this being a college magazine, it doesn't need a complicated layout so then people won't be able to make out where everything is nor read it.

Research And Planning: College Magazine

This is my front cover for my magazine. I have done this on PhotoShop. I have added the cover lines and I have an effective masthead. I have also stuck to the colours which I needed to.

Research And Planning: Contents Page

Here this is my official contents page. I designed this in Indesign as you can see. I tried to keep to the same theme as my front cover so then it links together. 

This is my magazine without the guide lines. This was still on Indesign. 

Research And Planning: Photos For College Magazine UNSUITABLE

These are some photos which I had taken but didn't use because the lighting had been effected making it difficult to edit. Some of them also looked out of proportion and didn't seem to fit the "medium close up" size which I needed to do.

Research And Planning: Contents Page Draft 02

This is my second draft of my contents page. I have still used the colours which I am planning to use. With this one as I could not redo the font I have previously used, I have simply written the name but I have noted that it will be the font I have already used. I have also made a key point to where the word "contents" will be placed and I believe it should be placed beneath the name of the magazine rather than above it. 

I have noted what shots the photos it will take will be and I haven't made it too complicated as it is just the contents page. 

Reseach And Planning: Contents Page Draft 01

This is my first draft of my contents page. I have stuck with the colours I have previously used and I have still kept to what the people in the interview had suggested. I have outlined where the photos will be and roughly where the actual contents and page numbers will be.

Research And Planning: Start Of Magazine 01

Here I have just begun my magazine, I have done my masthead and this fits in with the colours I had initially wanted my masthead to be. I have also placed the date of the magazine and have started with cover lines. I will continue with this next time. 

Research And Planning: Props And Costumes

Costumes and props list:

Props: the props which I will be including in my medium close up for the college magazine are just books and pens

Costumes: My model would be wearing everyday clothes and something that implies that they are a college student.

My model will be in a college environment, this is so then it is quite obvious that they are in a college and that it is a college magazine.

Research And Planning: Masthead Beginnings

These are some mastheads which I designed as a task. For the first one, "Death Metal", I used this font because it looked conventional to the type of magazine it would be. I used these colours because red implies "gory" or "power" and this is how rock magazines are usually seen as. I also used a different font for "METAL" and this was because it then looked simple, readable and still effective.

I used a bubbly font for "Popworld" and this was because the word "pop" conveys this. Using bright colours was also a good idea as it easily catches the eye and it looks quite friendly.

Finally, I used a blocked text for "Popcorn" and this was because it seemed quite friendly and quite simple. This font also implies that it isn't aimed at a specific gender and it looks movie like. The colours are also quite simple yet they go well together. 

Research And Planning: The First Mock Up

This is the first mock up of my college magazine. I have drawn it out by hand and I haven't added colour yet as I will need to choose which colours would be best for the magazine. I have taken on board what answers were given to me by the students who I interviewed and you can see this where it says "exam tips", "99% Pass Rate" and it also gives student life examples. I have also called it something short and snappy as the students suggested but I have also made sure that it is something different to the norms. 

Research And Planning: The 5 Questions

These are the questions that I am asking the students who I interview:

1) What is the first thing you look for in a magazine?

2) What cover lines or stories do you read in college magazines?

3) What colours do you usually see in a college magazine?

4) What image would you like to see in a new college magazine?

5) What would you like this college magazine to be called? 

Research And Planning: Video Recording Answers

This is my video recording of three people answering my questions.
Overall people said that they noticed the image most when looking at the magazine because it was bold or something that easily catches the eye.
They also said that they notice cover lines which are mainly to do with exam tips and things which are interesting about the college. In the interviews the students said that they think the colours should be red, white and blue. This was either because they were their favourite colours or because they suited with the college. The students said they would like a female model because they were female. They also pointed out that the magazine should be called something short and snappy and something that would be easy to remember. 

Research And Planning: Medium Close-Up Examples

These are four examples of "Media Close-Ups". I know that I need to add images like this shot for my magazine.

Research And Planning: College Magazine Analysis 02

This is another analysis of a college magazine which I am analysing. The magazine has conventions which I think are important to have in a college magazine. 

Firstly the masthead is really bold and although it is behind the main picture, it still grabs the readers attention and it is still clear to read. The magazine is also really effective because there the cover lines are bold and clear to see. These cover lines are also something that catches your eye straight away and due to this it makes the magazine more effective. 

There is also a large main picture, this is important because this is what makes the reader most interested and this particular magazine gives the target audience away rather easily. The main picture is something that can distinguish between the magazine genres. 

There is also a clear barcode here and this is so then it can be scanned but this also gives a professional look to it and it is easy to spot too.

We can see that there is also a date for the magazine and this is an important thing that the magazine should have because this tells the difference between the old magazines and the new ones. 

You can tell this is a college magazine because of all these factors and more. The positioning of the college student also gives it away and the fact that he has books in his possession implies that he is a college student.

Research And Planning: College Magazine Analysis

This is the existing college magazine which I found on the internet. I have annotated it and posted it. I believe that this magazine cover is really useful and I do want to take some codes and conventions from it to add to my magazine. I have discussed this all in my notes below. 

Reseach And Planning: PhotoShop Challenge

This is the photoshop challenge I completed. First, I had set up the page to be A4 and here I resized the page with a tool which was at the top on "file". I then had to add the text "AS Media Studies" in Century Gothic, size 24 so I went on the "text" tool and added the text. After this, I changed the colour from black to red and this was simply done by highlighting the text and looking above where the colours are situated. I moved this font in the middle of the page after that and changed the colour of the background to blue. To do this, I clicked on the tool which allowed colour to be added straight away and I had to choose the shade I wanted so I did. 

After this I added a shadow onto the text and to do this, I clicked on the layer a couple of times until a box appeared and I clicked on "drop shadow". Afterwards I saved a photo of Bob Marley into my account and I removed the background from him. I dragged him to the blue background and had to change his hair colour. To do this, I had to use the opacity tool once again but as the colour of his hair was all blocked and completely black, as you can see, this had sort of failed. 

Research And Planning: Indesign Tutorial

In this picture, it shows a review for Spiderman 2. For this I learnt many skills to get the final piece. Firstly, I made the paper A4. Then I added guidelines so then it keeps the review nice and neat. Next, I saved the review onto my documents and I placed it onto the word document. I then had to make sure that it was proportional and I placed it correctly on the word document. I then added a title to it, by going on the text tool and changed the colour and font. Next, I saved the image onto my images and then made sure it was proportional. Finally I added the background and made sure it was sent to back.

Research And Planning: PhotoShop CD Tutorial

To make this CD cover I learnt a variety of new skills to make it work. Firstly, I had to get the CD out of the the image and I had to drag it to the background and the CD case. I then replaced it and then had to add the trombone and here I learnt how to use the magic pen tool which selected some of the image, I then went onto "similar" and it cropped all of the white out of it. This had then been dragged to the CD case and I changed the colour of it.

I then changed the background and had to change the type so then I could make it swirly. Finally, I had to personalise it and add my name via the text too. 

Research And Planning: PhotoShop Skin Tutorial

From doing this I have learnt a variety of new things. Firstly I have discovered the brush tool which allows me to make her skin look realistic even if I have added a colour to her face which isn't meant to be there. I also used the "opacity tool" which helps it to look more realistic rather than something random.  I also used the spot healer because then I could get rid of the blemishes etc from her face.
I also used the magnifying glass so that I can zoom in and out the image. This helped as I was then able to make it more precise and make it look more realistic.