1. Q7. Looking back at your
preliminary task, what do
you feel you have learnt in
the progression from it to
the full product?
Holly Beaumont

2. Q7. Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the
progression from it to the full product?

3. Q7. Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the
progression from it to the full product?
When I initially completed my preliminary task I felt
happy with it. Looking back I now understand that
there are various areas which could be changed in
relation to making it look more conventional,
contributing to the professional ‘look’ of the
magazine.
When I first began creating my preliminary task front
cover, all of the technology was new to me, meaning
the final product is likely to not be of a high standard
as opposed to if I had experience with using
technologies such as Photoshop.
Magazines which follow conventions help contribute to
ensuring it looks a lot more industry standard as opposed to
not having some sort of structure to follow, as this would
make it look shabby and unprofessional.

4. Q7. Looking back at your preliminary task,
CONVENTIONS: what do you feel you have learnt in the
progression from it to the full product?
Main Image:
Header:
Masthead:
Selling Line:
Price:
Date Line:
Barcode:
Main Cover Line:
Footer Bar:
Pull Quote:

5. UNUSED CONVENTIONS:
During the production of my magazine, from the list of + Header
conventions on the previous slide, 5 were not used.
+ Selling Line
On reflection, I can now see that the use of a header + Price
would ensure that my reader find the magazine
appealing enough to read it. A header would also
+ Footer Bar
potentially lure them in due to it giving the audience an + Pull Quote
insight into the content within the magazine. Similarly, a
footer could have been included for reasons such as this.
A sell line would also contribute to making my magazine
more conventional due to the fact that it entices the
audience. A catchy sell line would give the magazine a
light-hearted, relaxed feel; perfect for college life.
The price is one of the main conventions which should be
included on any genre magazine, although, I think the
reason behind not using this convention is simply due to
not acknowledging this as an important convention. After
progressing to the production of my music magazine, I
know understand that it is vital.
I decided not to use a pull quote on the front cover of
this magazine due to the fact that it is a magazine which
is not necessarily article- heavy; it does not feature
‘celebrities’ which can be used as a major selling point;
making it irrelevant.

6. Q7. Looking back at your preliminary task,
CONVENTIONS: what do you feel you have learnt in the
progression from it to the full product?
Main Image:
Header:
Masthead:
Selling Line:
Price:
Date Line:
Barcode:
Main Cover Line:
Footer Bar:
Pull Quote:

7. UNUSED CONVENTIONS:
After identifying the conventions of magazines
on the previous slide, my magazine includes
9/10 of these. The reason behind not using a
header is due to the fact that I did not feel as
though it was necessary in relation to the fact
that my magazine already includes a footer,
giving the audience into the features within the
magazine. Although, if I was to go back and
change something about this magazine it would
be to include a header which includes
information about subscriptions/competitions
within the magazine.

8. BROKEN CONVENTIONS:
This particular element of my music magazine front cover
refutes the idea of conventions in relation to the fact that
the masthead is usually placed on the left hand side,
whereas I have situated it on the right. The reason behind
doing this is due to the fact that I believe the left third
looked more effective when it primarily included cover
lines as opposed to the inclusion of the masthead
alongside them. This would make it look a lot more
crowded, possibly making it look unprofessional. I also
feel as though it sends out a message which accentuates
the importance of the magazine; it doesn’t just blend in –
it stands out. The fact that it is unconventional also
contributes to the idea of it having an iconic look, making
it easily recognisable; a further advantage.

9. CHANGES I WOULD MAKE:
If I was to re-do my front cover, using the knowledge I
have now, I would be more adventurous in relation to the
background as opposed to just leaving it as the default
which was included with the image. Although, it does fit
with the grungy image I initially wanted to portray to my
target audience.
I would also, as stated previously, include a header on the
top of the magazine to lure in potential customers due to
giving them a brief insight into what my magazine has to
offer within. This would include the advertisement of
competitions or subscriptions due to these areas being
one of the highly voted elements which my audience
would like to see. The fact that these would be presented
on the front cover would secure a purchase on their
behalf.

10. OVERALL:
The preliminary task allowed me to become familiar with the software I needed to use
for my music magazine in relation to using Photoshop to edit photos, text and
manipulate particular features.
The comparison between both my preliminary task, and final products also allowed
me to develop knowledge in relation to maintain a house style and create continuity
throughout my magazine. My final product follows much more of a strict plan
regarding colour scheme, this was continued throughout my magazine to ensure
continuity was maintained.
The fact that I had this initial experience made me feel a lot more confident regarding
conventions of a music magazine and how to use them effectively. The feedback from
my peers in relation to my preliminary task enabled me to make changes to ensure I
would not make the same mistakes on my music magazine. It highlighted areas with
an issue and allowed me to improve them. The improvements helped me ensure my
music magazine front cover was completed to the highest possible standard.