The document compares the author's preliminary task to their full product. There were improvements in several areas from preliminary to final versions: 1) Images were of higher quality in the final product due to using professional equipment and lighting in a media studio. 2) Typography and front cover design were more developed in the final version, with experimentation of different fonts, sizes, and effects to look more professional. 3) The masthead design was more detailed and polished in the final version thanks to increased InDesign skills learned through research and experimentation.

1. LOOKING BACK AT YOUR
PRELIMINARY TASK, WHAT
DO YOU FEEL YOU HAVE
LEARNT IN THE
PROGRESSION FROM IT TO
THE FULL PRODUCT?

2. MASTHEAD
Comparing the masthead head to my preliminary task and the main task one, there is an evident improvement between the two. For my preliminary task, I
have used a simple and basic font, which is similar to my actual task, but the main task masthead is much more bolder. However, I did this for my real task
because it was a code and convention that I had to follow in order to produce a successful and professional R&B magazine masthead, I also used a sans serif
font comparing to the preliminary task I used a serif font., again this is because I was following the conventions but for the preliminary task I just used it
because I liked the design. Also, at that time I didn’t know the difference. Likewise, I did this due to the lack of InDesign skills to be able to edit the masthead
to look proficient and interesting. For that reason, I tried to change the font of the letters ‘A’ and ‘V’ and made them bigger to help me make the masthead
look slightly more appealing and have a better design and edge to it, so I am able to attract college students, as this was my aim. I had to do it in this way
because at that time I did not know how to use the adjusting features , such as kerning, leading, small caps, vertical scale etc. As for the main task masthead,
I kept all the letter the same as I want it to be professional following the R&B conventions. In addition, I used some of the adjusting features to help me
make each letter look bolder and attractive. The preliminary task one consists of a simple gold colour which I used in my colour scheme. As for the main task
masthead, I definitely illustrated how I started to experiment and play around with different tools and effects on InDesign, such as drop shadow, inner glow,
outer glow, stroke and gradient, not to mention the way in which I did not just add I simple plain colour, but combined shades of the same colours.
The two mastheads are also similar as they both hold some interesting concepts. ‘ACHIVERS’ was chosen to describe the magazine but yet not to give to
much away. For example, the audience are easily able to tell this has got to do with education, as through schools and colleges this word is used the most
to inspire students to achieve a certain goal and become achievers. Therefore relates to colleges but needs the person to think carefully in order to get it,
which is similar to the masthead ‘VOLUME’ this instantly allows the audience to know it is related to music. However, they need to think thoroughly in order
to know its related to the R&B genre, which volume is normally associated with R&B as this type of music needs to be turned up. For the preliminary task, I
also added this masthead with other designs in my questionnaire asking my target audience which one they prefer.as for the actual task I did not do this
because I felt as my audience did not have a wide range of choices and they weren't able to choose none of them, if they didn’t like any. So for that reason,
in my actual task I thought of a different question that will enable me to create a masthead they like and at the same time follow the conventions.
Therefore, I give them colours put into categories, such as dark (burgundy black, etc.) or pastel (pink, bright red etc.). Here they where able to have a say in
the colours chosen for the masthead which will engage them, have a wider range to pick from as they all have a colour they prefer and that was in my
question. Also, at the same time I was able to follow the convention, as seen through the masthead they choose dark colours, which goes perfectly with the
R&B style.
In comparison to my preliminary task, there is definitely a lot improvement overall, as all the elements of the masthead I chose strongly meet the
conventions and target audience.

3. IMAGES
In terms of images there's a huge contrast in the images I used in the preliminary task
and the images in the main task. This is because of the way I have manipulated and
costume/props used in my images. For example, looking at the preliminary front cover
image the close up mid-shot looks a light washed away, the editing for the background
is bad as the edges look too sharp and has low quality. This is because I did not take
the image in the media studio with all the professional lighting equipment, I also used
my phone so for that reason the quality looks really bad. In addition, the shadow is not
placed correctly and too far away from the image, making it look un-realistic. In
comparison, when taking the photos for my main task, I had to grey/white backdrop
and set of artificial lighting which allowed me to have a professional and high quality
images. This allowed me to experiment with the amount of lighting that would be
captured in the image, which I did well as the images looks very professional. Not only
that, but due to the drop background I was able to easily crop out the background on
Photoshop and add my own, which contrasted really well with models clothes. Also,
due to the fade grey to white background allows the image to really stand out. As for
the shadow I also made sure I do not make it to far but just enough to make the image
standout and looses the sharp edges. This was an improvement I learnt, due to the
mistake I did in preliminary task for the content's page image and for the front cover I
did not add a shadow, which made the edges look to sharp. This is also due to the lack
of Photoshop skills, but the developed them in my actual task.
This is similar to the image I used, the colours of the image look washed away, bad
manipulation and it is fading towards the edge, which doesn’t make it stand out.
Also the lack use of direct address does not grab the audience attention nor does it look like they are engages with the magazine as the model isn't
looking at the reader. In comparison, the images I used for my main task appear more realistic, due to the amount of detail and concentration that I
have put into them. Also due to the equipment I used such as the DSLR camera I used made the images look a lot better with high quality. Also the
tattoo I have added, costume, hairstyle and accessorise really empathises the R&B style and convention. As of costume, for my preliminary task I
did think of the custom but not as thoroughly. This is because the model is wearing a school uniform which dines the aim of my magazine. It is also
worth mentioning that my preliminary task really helped me when it came to choosing the shots. This is because, due to the mistakes I did such as
not planning the images, etc. helped make sure I learn form that and do not repeat the same mistake. Finally, even though I haven't created a
double page spread for the preliminary task also shows how my image manipulation skills have developed.

4. TYPOGRAPGHY/
FRONT COVER
The ‘Eras bold’ was one of the key fonts in my magazine, this is because it was part of my house style, as I used this frequently
throughout my magazine, which definitely adds to the continuity to my product, therefore suggests professionalism.
In terms of typography, I believe that I have improved in terms of meaning and positing of text. There are a few similarities between
the preliminary task and the main task, including catchy cover lines and the positing of some of the texts. For example, for the main
cover line I used a very catchy main cover line to draw the attention of my audience. However in terms of fonts and designing I
experimented a lot more when it came to my main task. This is in order to look more professional, effective and bold. As for the
positioning of the text for both magazine I placed it towards the bottom, giving it the most spread out space. This is because it will
stand out a lot more, appear bigger and instantly grab the audience attention as it is the second biggest feature on the front cover
after the masthead. They are both also positioned on top of the main image. However, in terms of colour, I used two different colours
for each main cover line as it depended on the colour scheme of the magazine. For both magazine this shows a sense of continuity
and professionalism.
The masthead has some similarities but is much more developed, as I have used a bold font. However, in terms of affects and detailed
designing I haven’t done this for my music magazine a lot more. I also spaced the masthead in the same place. I was able to create a
much more developed and professional masthead because I was a lot more skilled at InDesign, due to the amount of research and
how much I experimented into it.
Similar to the preliminary task, I used different fonts which were similar to create meaning and used different sizes. For example, ‘Easy
ways to create any APPLICATION!’ but the font I used wasn’t very effective this is because I didn’t really take my time choosing the
correct font. This is because I didn’t believe it was as important due to the lack of research. However, in terms of colour it stood out
against the background. Due to this mistake I then made sure I do not repeat the same thing in my music magazine, therefore I
started by experimenting using different fonts to find the most suitable one that I could use for the majority of my cover lines,
however, for some key words I used different fonts but quite similar and different sizes and added same detailing such as kerning,
leading etc. This to emphasis the importance of each word, this is the way I used typography. I done this because through the
research I did I could not use a lot of fonts on my front cover. For example, ‘ 2 FREE TICKETS TO MATT BALKE’S CONCERT’ I thought
this made the cover line even more fascinating and intriguing. The fonts overall look very professional and isn't too busy. It is also
noticeable how I made the key words bigger and added small detailing. Also the most important cover line I made it bigger than the
rest. For example, for the main cover line (name of artists) it is larger and in bold which would attract attention as readers would
know this artist and would approach the magazine due to this famous artist.
The colours are also much more professional and stand out, given my house style of burgundy, black and white, which I successfully used throughout the rest if the
magazine for consistency. For my preliminary task, I never planned for a consistent house style colour, however, the colours where very close and looked planned as it
was a coincidence and I simple choose them due my liking. This was bad because it may not attract my audience due to me not selecting that attracts them. Also the
colours I picked out didn’t stand out a lot as gold and dark green are very close and dark colours. Overall, due to this I was able to improve my main task and not repeat the
same mistake.

5. CONTENTS PAGE
As seen through the two contents pages the layout is very different due to the amount of research I did when
looking at existing magazine contents page. The layouts are very different, this is because it contains a lot more
detail due to research I did on many different music magazines. Looking thoroughly at existing magazine allowed
me to make my contents page a lot more professional and make sure I have all the small detail, as I have
mentioned already. I noticed that they tended to make the colours of the number different to the sub-heading
and the alignment line on the left. This makes it much more easier for the reader to know where the next
content starts from. In addition, the use of different colour for the number, makes it stand out a lot more, which
is easier for the viewer to read and see. It also allows them to easily navigate through the magazine. There are a
number of similarities between the preliminary contents page and the main task. Preliminary, the title of the
contents page is very similar, this due to them both being called ‘CONETNTS’ and placed at the top of the page,
with a contrasting colour that goes with the colour scheme, background and masthead, which demonstrates a
sense of continuity. This definitely represents this as the contents page, however, I have developed it further by
adding the masthead and date . This refers back to some of the research I have done on different music
magazines. Furthermore, both contents pages included a heading and then information for each page although I
believe that I also developed this further in my music magazine by making the title different colour to the rest of
the information and the number, like I mentioned before. This makes it stand out a lot more and allows the
audience to see it clearly and instantly. Moreover, I have made the size of the content much smaller and aligned
the contents on my music magazine, this is due to the research I have conducted. It also make it more neat, and
more visually pleasing. The use of picture is evident in both contents page, however, I much prefer the image on
my contents page. This is because the shot I used grabs the audience attention a lot more and draws them in to
reading the contents. This is also reinforced due to the direct address used. However, for my preliminary task I
used a medium shot of a student revising, I felt like the angle at which the image had been taken did not look
right, especially when placed on the burgundy shade colour background with the shadow. For the sub-heading,
‘Features’ and ‘Reviews I have underlined them in order to make them standout but at the same time looks neat
and simple. I have developed this from my preliminary task, a previously I only wrote the sub-headings.
Moreover, for both contents pages I haven't included ‘editor’s comments’ this is because for my music magazine
I conducted some information which did not need me to do this, for the music genre that I have created. As for
the preliminary task due to the lack of research I did I did not know I needed to include this element. Overall, all
the decisions I made for certain features definitely indicate a development in ideas, to make my music magazine
appear as professional as possible.

6. The font that I used the most for my contents page is ‘Calibri’ I used this for the majority of the page accept the title . In terms of
the title, I simply placed the masthead there, this is because it is the name of the publication besides the title ‘Contents’ which
was a convention I found in a number of music magazines.The font I used is ‘Impact’ this is because it is bold and simple which
makes it easy for the audience to read.Also through my research into typography in other music magazines, I realised magazine
with similar genre to mine use a bold and simple font to grab the audience attention and at the same time easy to read and
simple. In terms of why is used ‘Calibri’ font for the content, this is because it is a sans serif font and very simple, therefore it is
very easy to read, which allows my audience to read it quickly and understand it.
The colours I choose contrast together as I made sure I use similar background to my front cover, which I did (grey and white
fade). I made the sub-headings in white this is because it stood out against the background and through my front cover the
white colour was mainly used for the really important elements.Therefore I reinforced this by doing the same on the contents
page. It is also simple and stand out which I followed on from some research I done on similar music magazine.
Moreover, I really like the way in which I have only included one image to really grab the audience attention and draw them into
reading the content.Also the way I have placed the contents makes it really easy for the audience to read through it, as it very
simple placed one after the other.
Finally, I did not include a subscription feature, this is because through my research I did not see this on contents pages of
magazines with similar genre to mine. So for that reason I decided to follow the convention and not add it. this also keeps the
contents page very simple, therefore there is nothing to distract the audience and the focus is on the main image and contents.
Overall, I feel that the decisions I made for the fonts surely reflects the research I done over the contents page in particular,
copying the general layout as well as visual presentation.

7. WHAT I WOULD IMPROVE IF I
DIDTHISTASK AGAIN?
The main improvement I would do is time-keeping. Even though, I had a time table to
work with, in order to keep track of where I was going and what I had to complete
through each session. However, by the end of the research process I felt that I did not
have enough time to really go into the research that I wanted to do. I would have
preferred to go in to much more detail on why every detail is used.
In addition, the contents image really frustrated me this is because during the
manipulation I spent too much time on it and at the end I felt as it still looked like it was
manipulated.Therefore if I had more time I would make sure I manipulate it more
carefully or actually take the image with the women's hand on the model.
Thirdly, I feel like I could have added more language features into my double page spread
article.This is because it would have made it a lot more interesting and will draw and
make the audience to keep reading to find out the full interview.
Overall, I am very happy with the way in which all of my magazine pages have turned
out. this is because they look very sophisticated, professional and realistic, looking back
at the codes and conventions I have researched previously.