2. In order to begin creating my front cover, I first had to
open a new document in photo shop. Since I am creating
my front cover first, I had to name my front cover ‘Front
Cover’, preset it as ‘International Paper’ and change the
size to A4. As a result of this, my new, plain document was
created (as depicted on the right).
3. Using the chosen photo for my front cover, I
opened the photo on photo shop and then
dragged the photo onto my plain document
(as shown in the print screens).
4. I then dragged my photo onto my new document. My photo was
now addressed as layer one on my document. Using the ‘Show Form
Controls’, I readjusted the size of my image to fit perfectly on my A4
page.
5. Firstly, I took my image and converted it into black and white and then I
selected the areas where I wanted the colour to reveal back in the image.
In order to do this, I took layer one and clicked and dragged it to the new
layer icon. As a result of this action, layer one copy was created.
6. With layer one copy highlighted, I then went to the new adjustment layer icon. I then selected
Hue/Saturation.
7. The result of selecting ‘Hue/Saturation’. As a result of this, I could now change the saturation of my image.
In my case, I would like to change my image into black and white:
8. I dragged the saturation slider all the way to the left, resulting in a read of -100 in saturation. I selected
Okay and my image was now in black and white.
9. The result of sliding the saturation slider all the way to the left. My image was now in black and white:
10. I then went to layer in my toolbar and clicked on merge down that applied the adjustment layer to the one
layer at the top.
11. The result of selecting merge down. This applied the adjustment layer to the one layer at the top:
12. I then clicked on Layer, Layer Mask and then Reveal all.
13.
14. With black selected as my foreground colour and white selected as my background colour, I used the
paintbrush tool to paint over anywhere where I wanted colour revealed (black revealed, while white hid).
In my case, I revealed the red colours on the models lips, and the red colour on the centre of the vinyl
record. In order to do this, I used the paint brush tool.
15. As explained on the previous slide, I wanted to reveal the colour on both models lips and the Vinyl Record.
16. As a result of my actions, I revealed the colour on both models lips, as well as the colour on the Vinyl Record.
17. Finally, I shut of the background layer and then selected layer, merge visible so that I was left with one
layer with black, white and colour.
18. As you can see in the print screen below, I was left with one layer with black, white and colour:
19.
20. Representation
As exhibited in the image on the right, I
edited my image by revealing colour in
a black and white photo. However, I
have not yet included the key
conventions for a magazine front
cover, such as a masthead, main feature
headline, cover lines and so forth. On
that account, I had to ensure that I
incorporated these conventions onto my
front cover to ensure that I created a
brand image for my magazine, through
the use of a masthead and house style
(colour theme and fonts). To begin I
created my masthead (as displayed on
the next slide).
21. Second Draft
As exhibited in the image on the left, I created my masthead
by placing a rectangle in the allocated space above my
subjects/models heads. Using the rectangle tool, I drew a
rectangle and later filled it in, using the colour red (matches
the models colour lips – generating a clear house style). I
then layered my text on top of the rectangle, stating ‘Vinyl
Revival’ using the font Algerian. I used white as my font
colour so that it stood out on top of the red rectangle. I then
used the Ellipse Tool to create a rounded, black circle (like the
shape of a Vinyl Revival depicted in the image), which I then
placed next to my text. In addition to this, I then placed
another white (smaller) circle on top of the bigger black circle
to create a look a like Vinyl Record. Furthermore, I placed the
letters ‘VR’ inside my smaller white circle (Algerian Font),
creating a brand image and logo for my magazine. Unlike
most music magazines, I wanted my masthead to flow
naturally, instead of a bold masthead that exclaims the
magazines name. After creating the masthead on the left, I
came to the conclusion that an italic masthead would give
off the impression that the artist on the front cover has
signed their name onto the magazine, generating an
authentic style. On that account, I decided that the masthead
pictured on the left was too formal, and therefore needed to
change into an italic font, allowing the magazine to flow.
22. Font: Initially, I chose my font by
selecting the Type Tool, which is
found in the Tools panel along
the left side of the screen. As
displayed below, I chose the
‘Horizontal Type Tool’ since this
ensures the text is typed straight
across, creating an easy read for
viewers.
23. Font: I came to the conclusion that the font
that I would use as my Masthead would be
“Freestyle Script”. Freestyle Script was
created by Martin Wait. It is an informal
display typeface, which perfectly renders
the spontaneous qualities of hand-
rendered brush lettering (linking to my idea
that my masthead gives the impression of
being an artist’s signature). Obviously, my
masthead has to be visible and so I sized
my text as 150 pt so that it is noticeable for
viewers. Furthermore, I selected the colour
red as it combines well with my models red
lips, generating an evident house style.
24. As you can see in the print screen
below, using the font ‘Freestyle
Script, the colour red and the font
size 150 pt, I typed ‘Vinyl Revival’
onto the allocated space for my
masthead (above the
models/subjects heads).
25. Using the ‘Show
Transform Tools’, I
readjusted the position of
my masthead on my front
cover (as shown in the
print screen below).
26. Using the ‘Show Transform Controls’
again, I used the rotate arrow to
rotate/slant my masthead. I applied
the new position of my masthead by
selecting ‘Apply’ to my
transformation.
27. As you can see in the print screen
below, my masthead now appeared
like a real signature. The use of a
slant conveys a true style for any
celebrity signing a document.
28. I desired a headline that was less conventional to
usual music magazines. Instead of writing on a
horizontal line, I decided to type in a circle on a
path. Conveniently, I had a perfect circular path to
type around, my Vinyl Record. In order to do this, I
used my shape tool to select the Ellipse Tool (circle).
29. I then selected the Paths
tool, as this way ensured I
didn’t make a new shape
layer.
31. Using the toolbar, I then selected the text tool,
which allowed me to type along my circular path.
I did this by moving my cursor/indicator across
the line until I saw the type tool. Once I had
clicked, I began to type.
32. Using the font Cooper Std, colour
white and font size 23.08 pt, I wrote
my headline around my circular
path. My headline states ‘The Lia
Beats – The Ladies Are Back In Town
And Are Here To Stay’. I also inserted
a barcode onto my front cover (key
convention).
33. Underneath my masthead, I stated
“ISSUE 1’ in capital letters to inform
viewers that it is a new magazine. I
used the font ‘Stencil Std’, Bold, 40pt,
Black as this is a bold and striking
font, size and colour to inform viewers
of the issue number. I also rotated the
text (ISSUE 1) as it appears as if it has
just been stamped on (seems like a
declaration). Furthermore, I also
layered the same font on top of my
original masthead, this time in the
colour white. As a result of this, my
masthead is much more
distinguishable, while still retaining
the house style (red, white and black).
34. I chose the font (Stencil Std – Bold – 18pt – white), as this was the same font that I
used for my ‘Issue 1’ text. Issue 1 & £4.99 are both informative forms of text and so I
had to ensure they were bold. As well as this, Issue 1 was coloured in white, whilst I
coloured £4.99 in white, generating a continuous house style.
35. I applied my transformation (price) by clicking Apply.
36. As you can see in the print screen below, I incorporated a
masthead, issue number, main feature headline, main
feature image, price and a barcode onto the front cover
of my magazine.
38. Conclusion
As you can see in the images on the previous slide, I did not incorporate all typical
magazine conventions that were exhibited on my first front cover draft (e.g. cover lines,
sub-headline, quote from artist, exclusive etc). On that account, it is clear that I have
kept my magazine front cover quite simple, in the respect that my front cover is not
jam packed with numerous conventions. I have decided to construct my magazine
cover differently to usual music magazines, since I have hardly given my target
audience a perception into what my magazine has to offer. Many may argue that this
is an extremely risky method to attract my target audience for the first time, however I
believe that consumers will be more intrigued and therefore enticed to have a look at
the magazine all the more. That being the case, consumers will be unable to
distinguish what the magazine has to offer, unless they look inside for themselves. For
that reason, my magazine front cover gives off the impression that it is of consumer’s
free will to take a look inside the magazine. It is therefore a magazine that is unfamiliar
to customary music fans, differentiating itself as unpredictable, creating a much more
exciting magazine for future viewers.
