Through creating a magazine, the author learned how to use several technologies. They gained experience using Photoshop to edit photos by removing backgrounds, fixing imperfections, and sharpening images. In InDesign, the author learned how to layout text and images in columns, use kerning to adjust spacing, and other tools. The author also utilized social media like Twitter and blogs to get feedback and share their work, as well as YouTube tutorials to learn new skills in Photoshop and InDesign. In conclusion, the author now has an understanding of complex techniques in Photoshop and InDesign and how different technologies can be used together in the creative process.

1. WHAT HAVE YOU
LEARNT ABOUT
TECHNOLOGIES
FROM THE
PROCESS OF
CONSTRUCTING

2. THE BEGINNING
At the start of this task my knowledge of technology
was very limited to the basics, such as uploading
single files and a very basic understanding of
programmes such as Photoshop and InDesign. The
majority of my work was done on an Acer desktop
computer, with some of it done on a laptop.

3. PHOTO-SHOOT
For my photo-shoot I used a Nikon D40. During my
first attempt of my photo-shoot I knew how to zoom
due to my basic understanding. Throughout the
duration of my shoots I learnt how to edit the
brightness of the picture. I also managed to use the
gridlock feature, this places grids onto the screen
when taking the photo, so you can easily locate the
centre of the shot. This was useful when attempting
to align my model centrally.

4. TEXT ON THE MAGAZINE
All of my text was copied and pasted into word and
spell checked to avoid grammar and spelling errors. I
also used synonyms to see if there was a better
alternative to the words I already wrote.

5. PICTURES ON THE
MAGAZINE
Once my pictures had been uploaded onto the computer, I
opened them up in Photoshop CS6. Before this I have never
had any experience of this programme, so it was all new to me.
I began by removing the backgrounds from the images using
the quick selection tool to do this. But I gradually learnt it would
not work this way every time, so I had to use the pen tool to
remove the background for increased precision. I then used the
air brush tool to remove any imperfections from the image. I
also used the sharpen edges tool to get a crisper image.

6. INDESIGN
After I edited the pictures on Photoshop, I imported them into
InDesign to be placed into the magazine. As I have never used
this programme before it was quite difficult at first, but I learnt
how to put all of the text into columns without using separate
text boxes. I also learnt how to use the kerning tool to remove
gaps in between my text, as well as the stretch tool.

7. EDUBLOGS
By using the blogging site, ‘Edublogs’ I was able to
communicate ideas through to people and measure responses
which helped me in the development of my magazine. Using the
site to blog all the processes in creating my magazine really
helped as I was able to keep up to date with all my work. I was
able to post any developments whenever I wanted. It also came
with the advantage of being able to look at other blogs. I could
create ideas and develop similar designs from others.

8. YOUTUBE
YouTube was one of the most important websites I used as I
was able to find tutorials on how to use certain features of
Photoshop and InDesign that I could not use. One of the
tutorials was on how to remove the background from an image http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTZ1HnGzm6E

9. SOCIAL MEDIA TWITTER
Previous to this task I was very familiar with social
media as I own accounts and use them on a regular
basis. I realised that it would be useful to use these
websites to get feedback and distribute my
magazine directly to my target market.

10. CONCLUSION
To conclude, thanks to the making of the product, I have learnt
how to use some complex techniques about how to use
Photoshop and InDesign at a high standard, and where each
tool comes in handy. But also through tutorials on YouTube, all
these forms of technology are responsible for the three products
I have created.