1) The author had no prior experience with Mac or the software used to create the magazine, including Photoshop and InDesign. They were initially apprehensive but did their best with the preliminary task. 2) Comparing the preliminary contents page to the final one, the author felt the final version had a more professional font, coherent color scheme, and images that better corresponded to the coverlines. 3) Reflecting on completing the full magazine versus the preliminary task, the author believes a clear progression is evident from gaining experience with the software. They are pleased with the branding and finished product of the final magazine compared to the initial "tacky" version.

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

2. The beginning
From the outset of this project, I had never used a mac nor any of the
software involved in making my magazine. I had experience with Adobe
products, like After Effects and Illustrator as visual editing became
somewhat of a pastime a few years back, but never had I delved into the
2D and still manipulative software that is Photoshop and InDesign.
At first, I was slightly apprehensive and also worried that I wouldn’t be able to
achieve what I wanted to. Nonetheless, I did the best I could and in doing
so, I achieved as close to my vision as possible.

3. A comparison
This is the contents page for my South
Downs College magazine: InForm.
Although an understanding of layout
and structure is evident, I feel that the
overall piece needs refining. The font is
somewhat un-professional, alongside
the colours which seem to display a
‘tacky’ conveyance – however, a
corresponding colour theme is evident.
The images lack dynamics, interest and
don’t all correspond to their coverlines
– making them redundant.

4. This is the contents for my music magazine:
Frequency. I believe this presents itself as a
mirror for comparison in terms of progress.
The image corresponds with the main
coverline and there is a common colour
theme evident throughout – reinforcing a
branding and persona. The image itself is
more intriguing and links to the mystery of
‘Vinyl Face’, and hopefully acts as an
intriguing factor for the consumer.
Common to that of the magazines I looked
at, the contents provide a more informative
approach – hence the text-heavy
presentation (which also allowed me to
amplify the colour scheme nicely). Each of
the coverlines were given their own
description in an attempt to create an air of
professionalism and to evoke the main
tone of the magazine; a somewhat
informal, down-to-earth and humorous
approach. Note also the ‘free mix’ which
gives the contents more individuality and
adds to the overall creativeness of the
piece. The font I used, in my opinion, gives
a clean and smoother finish.
Frequency Contents

5. InForm Front Cover
This is the front cover for my South
Downs College magazine: InForm.
The image is very weak I feel, and
due to this the front cover is
instantly made less significant.
Although once again a colour
theme is prominent, the font
detracts from its intentional
impact due to its un-professional
illustration. The coverlines also
blend into the background of the
image and seem somewhat out of
place. Although conventions were
followed, I don’t think the
execution was correct.

6. Frequency Front Cover
This is the front cover for my South
Downs College magazine: Frequency.
From first glance, you are drawn to
the main image instantly and it
provides an interesting and intriguing
focus – in complete contrast to the
InForm image. The image is further
reinforced by the white backdrop,
which is far more professional than
the distracting background of the
InForm magazine. The coverlines also
appeal to the specific audience and
are presented in such a way to
compliment their situation. The main
coverline also links the to the image,
creating a compelling and professional
finish – alongside the ongoing colour
scheme.

7. A conclusion
To conclude, I feel a progression is quite
apparent. As I became more confident with
the software, I could create something more
professional and realistic. The preliminary task
provided the stepping stones to do so. I am
pleased with the branding of my product and
overall finish and enjoy being able to see the
progress I have made from a ‘tacky’ magazine
to one with personality.