4. The improvements that I wanted to make from my preliminary task to my final production
are as follows:
The difference between my preliminary task front cover and contents was quite big as I used
two different models and different fonts. The only think I kept the same was the dress code
and the colour scheme of red green and white (The schools colours)this was to relate it back
to the school. There was a lack of attention to lighting in the front cover which meant that it
looked dark and not suitable for a cover of a magazine. The only form of technology I used
was the camera and Photoshop, both of which I was not very experienced with (changing
iso/shutter speed & manipulating the images) hence the outcome of the task.
The changes that I made in my final production were big to fit the task and to a professional
standard. I decided to use the same model throughout the task this was to attract the reader
to the model and form a personal connection with them (uses and gratification theory). Each
image is unique and is fit for its purpose. I used the camera to its full potential thanks to the
help of YouTube so that the images were at a high quality. To Edit the images and to enhance
them further I used Photoshop. To make it look like a music magazine I followed cos=des
and conventions of music magazines I based my work on (Hip Hop & rap)
5. The main part of my production was using Photoshop to make my magazine look
attractive and fit my task. An example of an effects that I had to use was making my
words stand out on the page especially on a white background its hard to see white
text. To overcome this I added a drop shadow to make the text clear and visible. I also
had to find suitable font and close gaps in-between letters to make the words fit better
on the page.
I also used enhancement tools to make certain aspects of the artist appear stronger such
as the eyes. I used Photoshop to make the artists eyes look bluer this is to attract the
readers attention more and to establish a stronger link between the artist and audience.
Also it could be said that it opposes the ‘male gaze’ theory as it appeals to women more
as the artist appears more to women and they may perhaps buy the magazine due to
the cover artist.
6. The complexity of the layout of the whole production was
better as I had a better understand on how to use layering. One
tool that was very helpful was the magic wand tool which
enabled to take an image and cut around it taking the aspects
that I wanted from it (model) and put it on a completely new
background where I could play around with the colour
gradients until I got the colour and look I desired. The
complexity of my production has completely changed too as I
learnt about the conventions of rnb/rap magazines, for
example the mise en scene and how minimal text was a good
thing as it does not bore the audience. Also having my text set
in columns in my double page spread so it looks neat and easy
to read for the audience.
By following my own advice from the preliminary production I
was able to stick to a structure and follow codes and
conventions to ensure that my final production was crisp and
looked like it would fit alongside other music magazines of that
genre. Thanks to the help of my research and blogger in which I
used to view and take other ideas from past productions.
7. My preliminary task masthead did not follow and
codes and conventions of my chosen genre of
magazine. It was a dark colour and wouldn’t
catch anyone's eyes. It had bad editing on the text
as I did not know what I was doing. Once doing
extensive research and spending time going
through Photoshop I realised that it was key that
a masthead stood out and attracted people. That
is why I used colours typical of rnb/rap
magazines, added a drop shadow and used an
impacting font to draw the audiences attention.
8. Everything that I learnt in my preliminary , final front cover and
contents page I took on board and used in my double page spread.
9. I found that from my preliminary task to my final
production there is clearly a big difference in
quality. This is because I put in time and effort
learning how to use all of the equipment
properly. For example The lighting and use of
digital camera meant that I could produce a better
image once I watched tutorials. I also had time to
play around with fonts and other features of
Photoshop to enhance the images. All of this
helped me create my final production.
