Final Evaluation Question 6

What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

Cameras:
To take my images I used a standard SLR camera, which was a ‘Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28’. Although this wasn’t extensively extensive and a specialised camera, it is my own so I am comfortable with all of the settings and certain techniques used to create high standard pictures. I used this camera to take pictures of the models on the front cover, contents page and the double age spread. However if I were to change things next time I would use a more credible and reliable camera that produces high quality, and magazine potential images. I changed the cameras aperture in order to make the depth of field a lot smaller. This way the main attention was focused on the face, rather than the background. I learnt that by increasing the shutter speed the picture became a lot sharper.   











Computers:I mainly used the school computers as they are installed with all of the editing software needed to create a successful magazine. The computers were reliable and were equipped with all of the platforms of media I needed. With the speediness of the computers my time was spared efficiently and rarely needed to do extra work at home. Although I have a PC at home with Photoshop installed, I found that my laptop was working overtime and after a while became slow and unreliable with saving important documents and files.

Lighting:I used two soft light boxes to make the quality of my photos better, but to also eliminate any traces of shadows that can occur when using flash photography, etc. This allowed me to follow Terry Richardson’s steps in creating bright images which makes the complexions on the models faces flawless and airbrushed.   

Flickr:
I used flickr to download most of my camera roll and present them in a professional way. This way I could see all of the test shots and final shots and compare them in quality and potential. My peers could see this on my blog and I got feedback from teachers as to how I can improve them in the final shots.











Animoto:I used animoto at the start of my research and planning. I created a 25 word pitch which included some of the ideas and themes that I would like to occur within the magazine. Animoto allowed me to present it in a professional and quirky way, portraying the personality and features of the magazines future content and graphology.








Blogger:Blogger was probably one of the most used technology during the process of the making of my magazine. I updated the blog whenever I had inspiration and ideas. I also included presentations, images and pictures that I had taken along with some feedback from fellow peers and teachers. By keeping a track of my process I could refer back to any stages in the research to finalise any more inspiration from the research and planning stages. It helped having the dates of posts as I could then plan the timings and ensure that I meet the deadline without hesitation.













Microsoft Word:I used this word processing software to spell check all of my work and to write up my double page spread to see the word count so I could plan the positioning of the double page spread.

 











Internet Explorer:The internet was essential to me within the research and planning stages as wanted to research other magazines in order to inspire me to take in all of the conventions of the magazines and portray them within my magazine. I also looked at certain artists and bands websites so I could look at how that particular person has been represented towards the genre of their music. Some of the websites that I went on were; http://lookbook.nu/ . This website gave me many ideas and inspirations on ways I could have dressed the models featured in the magazine. Some of the poses featured on ‘lookbook’, gave me an insight on how I could improve the way my artists were presented, leaving a quirky and edgy vibe towards the magazine. Other websites were; www.loudandquiet.com and www.i-donline.com. I used the internet to download my font ‘Blackout Midnight’ on www.fontsquirrel.com/fonts/Blackout.  

PaintI used paint many times to transfer certain images and to edit them which was a quick and efficient process. Although these steps could have been done on Photoshop, I felt that I was more specialised on a simple design pack such as paint. I edited the ‘DIVISION’ logo and title on here. The tools were simple and easy to follow; it was an extremely reliable form of media.

Adobe Photoshop CS6 ExtendedPhotoshop was the editing software I used throughout the making of my preliminary magazine and my final magazine. I used this on the school computers as they ran really quickly and efficiently allowing me to get my work done quicker. On Photoshop I learnt how to cut around objects or people (models) in an accurate way by using the magnetic lasso tool, it left a really neat edge around the object/person. I also edited some of the photographs on here, such as airbrushing the models slightly (I didn’t need to do much airbrushing as the lighting helped eliminate any redness or blemishes that the model had).

Final Evaluation Question 7

Final Evaluation Question 5

Question 5

Final Evaluation Question 4

Final Evaluation Question 3

Final Evaluation Question 2

Final Evaluation Question 1

Final Magazine-Division Magazine

Double Page Spread Article

In the latest video for ‘13’ indie/alternative single released by Rosa Leigh earlier this year, the innovative singer is touring rural areas around the country to spread her love for music. Her incredible husky and muted tone leaves us pining for more. Since February last year Rosa has been working exceedingly hard to get where she is today, an English phenomena. Her age is the prime time for success, therefore living her life to the max whilst she can. However fame has not gotten to her head, her hard work is paying off. Having a healthy lifestyle, shows her dedication for her fans. I got a chance to speak to Rosa, and her calm and collected ways came so natural to her. She enlightened me on her road to fame. ‘It is such a cut throat business; you can be dropped at any time’.  Music is her passion for life. It is what gets her through the day. ‘Whenever I am feeling down, I pick up my guitar whatever notes my mood reflects’. This is why her music is portraying her raw emotion on stage. I asked her who her role model was during her childhood and she gave me a surprising answer; ‘You would think it would be an old school indie band such as Oasis or Pulp, but in actual fact I worshipped Beyoncé. Everything about her inspired me; she was a true R&B legend’. Even though her role models do not reflect her genre of music, instead she has found a style that suits her unique voice. Her high work ethic is unbelievable, whilst at work she can still endure her hobby. Within the media everybody questions new artists and bands on how long their music can last for. Whether or not they will be a one minute wonder, or a music sensation. Rosa commented on this statement and she feels that she will alter her music slightly to fit the types of genres that are popular for the era, but still keeping her unique twist which makes her recognisable. ‘There may be times where I release an unusual track that can relate to a wider audience and engage as many people as possible. Sat outside London’s Covent Garden Rosa looking impossibly fresh faced, she explains how the release of her debut album was a coincidence rather than an incredible plan. ‘It was accidental that ‘13’ was realised/made, I had a few ideas of the types of song choice I was going to go for, but didn’t realise until after my album ‘Beginning’ was  released it was such a huge hit with the industry’ she comments more. ‘I started composing straight after the release in the stress of my busy schedule’. The accidental album took about 5 months to complete. Rosa has confirmed collaboration with Jamie XX. It is all hush hush at the moment. ‘I am really excited for this opportunity. All I can say as of yet is that the single will be released early 2014’. It’s a long time to wait but extremely worthwhile. Bring on 2014! All new artists get overwhelmed with the work load, gigs and upcoming festivals, they need time to rest. ‘If I relax I feel lonely and get paranoid’ she says. ‘I like being on my own but have to constantly be keeping my mind busy, such as playing my guitar, reading a book or going out for a run’. ‘I enjoy writing and keep notepads full of ideas for future songs and albums. I love to draw so have numerous scribbles and sketched from when I travel around’. Travelling is probably one of the highlights of the job. Meeting new people and breathing in cultures that you can really appreciate. ‘I love to travel, and spread my music worldwide but also taking in other people’s genre of music’. She says, ‘However there is nothing better to coming home after a day in the studio, and spending time with the family’. Style and aesthetics are widely judged upon. Rosa Leigh’s style is somewhat unique but very normal, which makes us feel at ease.  ‘I’m not one for fake tan and heavy eye make-up as it is not my image, but the way I look reflects my music’. ‘I am a true red head’. We all envy her subtle red tones running through her tips and roots. ‘I love my hair, and before going back to my natural state I was every colour under the sun, but starting my career I couldn’t afford a mishap in the media, as I would get criticised heavily.’ She laughs. ‘In this industry there is the perception that every celebrity has to be perfect, and more and more people are getting wild surgery. I have come to terms with the fact that I am not perfect. I take care of my appearance, yes, but don’t’ let it control my life’. There are downsides alongside the job apart from the constant media attention but also family commitments ‘Family commitments are hard to attend to, such as Grandparents birthdays, mothers and father’s day. It hurts me as well of them to constantly let them down. However recently I have been putting my foot down and not let my job take over my life’. Fame doesn’t necessarily bring happiness. Gradually becoming more focused Rosa has made her way to the top of the charts, speeding past big names and pop sensations. With Reading & Leeds festival creeping up in a fast pace she will be one of the top artists on stage. ‘This will be my first festival. I am shitting it, but it is what I love doing, therefore I am going to enjoy it and make the crowd go crazy’. ‘Everyone’s high as kite at summer time.’   

Here is my double page article. Before I asked questions to my artist, but I struggled to think of the right sort of question that would suit my artist. So I chose to write a full article with my artist talking, and I used quote marks to indicate that she has spoken. 

Slight Changes

The slight changes I have made are the positioning of the barcode. Before the barcode was positioned in the border, now half of it is on the spine, then the other half will be on the back cover. I have also changed the positioning of 'The alternative magazine' to the other side, as I felt that there was too much lettering on the left hand side, therefore it needed balancing out. I also changed the wording at the bottom of the page to 'Quintessential English Rose', i felt that these words descirbed my artist Rosa Leigh best.

Second Draft Cover

Here is my second draft, as you can probably tell from my previous draft and posts it is completly different. after analysing my feedback I altered things slightly in order for the cover to look more proffessional, clean and minimalistic. I chose to use a border to seperate my image from the masthead, inspired by 'Loud and Quiet' magazine/newspaper. I have changed the font of the masthead to a font called 'Blackout Midnight' which I prefer to my other draft as it was too light and didn't really represent my magazine well. Whereas this font is bold, and could become recognisable with potential other copies of the magazine. the image is also different as i wasn't too pleased with the outcome of the other image I used, as there was writing on the top so there were limitations with tag lines. Therefore I have chosen to use this image of Ellie, as it looks proffessional. I made a few changes to the hair colour, as before it was a very light red colour but i wanted to enhance the colours slightly and make the red more vibrant. I think it looks very natural here, as it is a nice contrast towards the olive green peplum top. In the next photoshoot I will put Ellie in different types of clothing, perhaps a plain black top, that is minimalistic and simple, so the main focus and colour is her hair and lips. I have decided against taglines in this draft as I don't feel that it is necessary to use, however in my final design I might have to incorporate some catchy taglines of some of the indie/alternative singer/songwriters and bands at the current time.

Feedback

Mrs Abrahamson

• Clean lines and good photo
• Very good research and planning preparation
• The cover is a bit plain
• More cover lines are needed in the left side third
• More 'Music' contents
• Bring model closer to camera (close up shot)
• Article is too short
• Needs to be double the length
• Need to look at actual articles to know what questions to ask.

Mr Ford

Cover

• Change positioning and font of the cover lines
• Move the barcode to the left
• Great image
• 'magazine' is too long, needs to be in line with the 'N'

Contents

• Needs more than three areas ofsub headings
• Text needs work- look at real contents pages for ideas
• Too much space in some areas
• Remember its a music magazine
• Columns need to be the same width

Double Page Spread

• Good use of fonts
• Move the page number and website
• Not enough text
• Only five questions
• Read a few articles and copy the style
• More columns
• Brilliant images

Style Post

Here I have styled an outfit together that I feel will look good on my model and for the cover of my magazine. I want the outfits to be on trend/stylish, but comfortable and laid back. However I don't want it to turn out scruffy, my model has to look different, but like a celebrity and appealing for my audience. The tones I have gone for a within a certain colour palette of red, white, grey, black, and gold. Black will be the main colour in some of the outfits, as it links in with the colour of the masthead on the front cover of my magazine. 

LOUD AND QUIET

LOUD AND QUIET magazine is a free monthly magazine/paper that 'features new indie, alternative, electronic, and rock bands. Its style is known for being 'clean and minimal'. I love the style of the magazine as it is a different size to any other magazines, which makes it unique and successful. The clear typography has incredible potential, and is really bold, which makes the magazine recognizable. Inside the magazine the double page spreads are inspirational. The contents page is also simple, which relates back to the genre of the magazine. I will definitely be taking some inspiration from this magazine as the minimalistic look is something that I love in a magazine, making it an easy and enjoyable read.

Possible Fonts

I chose the name 'DIVISION' as it is inspired by 'Joy Division', but can also have different meanings. Such as a division in the music industry between old and new. I feel that DIVISION works well and by testing out some of the possible fonts below I can really have a feel as to what my magazine masthead will look like.

These are some of the fonts that I feel are appropriate for my final magazines. I love the top ones as they are bold, and are perfect for my title page. I feel that the 4th one is perfect for the font on the contents page and other necessary writing on the double page spread. I would like to keep the fonts very consistant throughout the magazine, to keep the the theme of indie/alternative. the second one i love, however I feel that it is really hard to read, and this could be a problem for the front cover. It could be recognisable for the irregular style of the font. All of the fonts I have chosen as I think the fonts will attract a certain type of audience. I might decide to change my fonts as I am making the magazine, in photoshop, for example, a certain font may look wrong or not aesthetically pleasing compared some of the others that I have chosen.

Moodboard #2

Moodboard #1

Magazine Cover Research

 

This is one of my favourite covers that Company magazine have done, starring Alexa Chung. The masthead colour is bold and stands out above the other neutral colours used within the rest of the colour palette; the sizing is a perfect fit for the sizing of the magazine. The type of colour palette used has inspired me to create a magazine in this style, the neutral colours are great for a background which means brighter text and images can be placed over the neutral background. Alexa is covering the title as the magazine is well known to fashion readers. The fact that the magazine’s masthead is at the top is so when on a shelf, it is easily identifiable for the readers. The pricing is extremely prominent to readers as it is advertising a good offer of ‘£2’. The models that usually appear on the cover of this magazine are fashionable, young and original, reflecting on the magazines content. I love the font on the cover of this magazine as it is scruffy, and looks handwritten and I love the quirky style that is being represented. Quite a lot of text is written on the cover, such as, ‘The New Denim!’, ‘High-Street Edited’, although the cover line is short, it suggests what sort of content is in the magazine. The barcode is placed in an odd place as usual, but the barcode consists of the date, and the website. For a cheap magazine this is a successful cover, which has been made professional looking, and suitable for the target audience of 16-27 year olds. The position of Alexa looks really comfortable and chilled, which is the vibe I would like to achieve within my music magazine.



 

 

Dazed magazine is ‘The magazine with the long established reputation of having the best fashion, photography and art content in the entire world, Dazed & Confused also includes equally high-quality pieces on film editorial and music, and is one of the best magazines for any lover of culture’. The colour scheme is neutral but the clothes on Beyonce set the brighter scheme, making her the central mid shot of the magazine, implying that she will take part in some way within the magazine. The magazine masthead is covered quite a lot with Beyonce’s head, but as the magazine is well known around the world it becomes recognisable. The name of the magazine is really inspiring with a quirky vibe. Although, there is not much text on the cover, but as it a subscription magazine, collectors don’t really want writing covering the issues, there also appears to be no barcode on the cover which is also suitable for collectors ‘Beyonce pop vs life’ is a really enticing cover line, perhaps for an age range of 18-27 year olds. However this issue looks mature, than some of the other covers that Dazed has come out with. This implies that the magazine is targeting for a wider range of readers, suiting everybody’s needs.

 

Usually NME magazine masthead is red due to the colour scheme of black, red and white. These colours have still been used but the colour of Florence Welch’s (cover star) hair and the cover line incorporates the colour of red. Florence is behind the masthead in this issue, in some other examples of issues, most of the cover stars are layered over the top of the masthead, the font and sizing of NME is consistent throughout the issues. Underneath the masthead are the issue number and the pricing of the magazine, this is important information, so needs to be shown in an easy area, as the pricing and date is what is looked  at most in a magazine. The graphology used is extremely eye catching and attracts the reader’s attention. I love the fact that the word ‘Florence’ is the biggest font and boldest colour on the cover, as it is central and aesthetically pleasing. The idea of having something ‘free’ makes the readers want to buy the magazine even more as they feel as though they are getting things extra incorporated within the magazine, ‘free iconic joy division posters’, the word ‘posters’ implies that there is more than one poster. The barcode is placed at the bottom left hand corner, kept out of the way from the creative cover. I like the fact that it is discreet and not too ‘in your face’.  The magazine is classed as an ‘indie’ magazine, therefore has relevant singers and bands on the front cover such as Florence Welch. Her style and music really fits into the magazines genre. 

Possible Colour Palettes

The colour palettes that I initially want to go for is very toned down neutral colours for backgrounds, in my preliminary magazine, I used a neutral colour palette as I feel that is clean, fresh and simple, which made the magazine extremely professional and sophisticated, and very aesthetically pleasing for the audience. However after doing detailed research I want to use bold colours such as neon, (yellow, green and pink) as this appeals to an audience of a teenage market but by having some neutral colours added in, there is a balanced tone. I could also go into detail on certain colour palettes for different seasons.

Hexagon Magazine Preliminary

Here is my preliminary magazine for a school; I chose the name hexagon as it is associated with schooling and mathematics. I wanted to make the magazine cover and contents quirky, clean, and professional looking, as I feel this look sells with the audience type of sixth form students. 

I went with a neutral colour palette as it is easy on the eye, making Meg (model) and the masthead more prominent.