A few basic steps towards constructing my college magazine frront cover

1. Constructing my Front Cover These are some basic screen shots of the main stages of construction

2. My first step was to capture some images which reflect the quirky style of a college magazine. I took several photos whilst out in norwich of my friends interacting and then selected one which I feel is bold, eye catching and stereotypical student behaviour – drinking! The subject is cheery which is attractive to most readers and she is a similar age to the audience the magazine is aimed at which I hope produces a feeling of engagement between the reader and the product. FIRST STEP

3. I selected a font from the website “dafont” after experimenting with the aesthetic effect of several. I chose to call the magazine PLUG IN as it is punchy and short which means it is easy to remember. It symbolises students getting involved and up to date and reflects the electronic age. As it is the main Mast head I wanted it to represent the young age of the audience and I chose black to produce the boldest appearance.

4. Rectangular block so that the writing can be read clearly The writing doesn’t obstruct the image

5. I decided to write in a bold red font as it contrasts nicely with the black and white layout and is vivid against the red background. By using red a feeling of urgency and importance is also suggested.

6. I used google images to retrieve an existing college logo to add to the authenticity of my magazine. I used magic wand to select it and copy it onto the correct layer via Microsoft word.

7. I created a tag line which keeps in theme with the electronic age of today and the colloquial style of teenagers. Again it is in capitals to produce a bold appearance.

8. I used google images to search for an attention grabbing sign which told the readers it was free. I liked the “trashy” feel of the font used and the black, white and red in keeps with the rest of my cover.

9. I added in details and slanted texts as these are finer details I picked up on by analysing existing magazines.

10. By selecting a scribbled style of font I think it appears to have been written by a student. I used an oval shaped bubble in the background to vary the layout and soften the appearance as the rest of it is geometrical and straight lined.

11. I slanted the writing to reinforce the quirky style of the magazine and prove it is not a serious genre and that the focus audience is younger than that of say vogue.

12. BOLD – to catch the eye

13. FINALLY I wrote in white as it is light and appealing It also stands out without obstructing the image too much. The figure is facing the camera and the eye contact of the medium shot really draws in the reader.