The document discusses the technologies used at various stages of creating a music magazine. During the preliminary task, the author used Photoshop to become familiar with tools like the text and shape tools. For research, Google was used to analyze existing magazines. Planning involved using Twitter to contact a model. Production used a Canon camera and Photoshop for editing photos. Post-production involved using Photoshop and DaFont software to construct the magazine. Evaluation presented the work using familiar software like Word and PowerPoint as well as Prezi, expanding the author's technology knowledge.

1. What have you learnt about
technologies from the process of
constructing this product?

2. Preliminary Task
During the creation of my preliminary task, I used
technology such as Photoshop as aid. This was my very
first encounter with such software so I felt the
preliminary task allowed me the practice and
experience I would need once I would create my music
magazine. I quickly discovered that the two most
important tools I would use are the text tool and the
shape tool (pictured). The text tool enabled me to
construct the appropriate font sizes needed and the
shape tool allowed me to create the banner at the
bottom of my page which would help attract the
interest of my college readers. The colour pallet allowed
me to experiment with a variety of colour’s; some of
which I would come to deploy into my music magazine.

3. Research
During the creation stage of my magazine, I felt it were
appropriate to research existing magazines to acquire a
professional feel that I would deploy into my work. I used
the search engine Google to analyse magazines such as Q
and NME, the later of which I took inspiration into
creating my final product. I researched front cover’s,
contents pages and double page spread to ensure that I
would provide myself with the best knowledge possible.
Due to the fact that I was unfamiliar with Apple Mac’s, I
had to adapt to the new version of PowerPoint so that
my work wouldn’t falter.

4. Planning
For the planning section of my task, I
used twitter to contact my model to
discuss the location, costume and props
that would be required. I used the
Twitter app on my phone as it is efficient
for me to quickly gain response. I used
this app to gain knowledge of what my
primary audience are interested in.

5. Production
• In order to create a professional looking magazine, I felt it would be
vital to use a widely recognised professional camera. I decided to
use Canon to achieve the look I wanted. A general convention for
most magazines are for the model pictured to be pictured against a
clear wall, which is usually white. I decided to follow this
convention as it is realistic and professional. This was my first
experience with a hi-tech professional camera but I did feel I quickly
adapted to the skills required to operate it. I acquired skills of
editing photo’s in software such as Photoshop and uploading to my
blog. I made my model wear a large black coat as that is a popular
convention among rock stars that feature on rock magazines. This is
also a classic look that I feel the camera is able to pick up on. During
my preliminary task, I used my iPhone to capture photos. Both of
this equipment could be difficult for a user that has no prior
experience. However, I felt through my knowledge of family digital
cameras, I had a very basic understanding.

6. Post-Production
I used the professional software Photoshop to construct my music magazine.
By the end of creating my magazine I had enabled myself to become
confident in using a software which I had no prior experience with. One tool
that I found quite appealing and helpful was the ‘spot healing’ tool, which
essentially allowed my model’s skin to look more flawless and provide with
the ability to hide any unwanted blemishes.
Another software that I heavily used during the creation of my final product
was DaFont. This is a font software that provided me with thousands of fonts
with a variety of styles. I had never used this software before and I learned
how to correctly import this as it was again, something I was unfamiliar with.
The new skills that I have acquired have allowed me to follow a professional
standard for my magazine that show a huge progress from when I created my
preliminary task at the beginning of my course.

7. Evaluation
• During my evaluation, I used a variety of websites and software’s
that allowed me to present the ways I created my work.
• Software's such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint were
already familiar, as they have been my default presentation for
numerous years. However, I showed off my skills and furthered by
knowledge by using them again.
• However, I decided to expand my knowledge of presentation
software use the website Prezi, which is a mind-map at the core but
with the addition of colours and animation. Although I found this
difficult to begin with, I soon grasped the way the technology was
set out. Therefore, enhancing my knowledge of the software's
available to me.