The document describes the steps taken to design the front cover of a magazine using Photoshop tools. These include using the Quickmask tool to isolate parts of an image for the cover, adding text with the Text tool, adjusting brightness and colors of images, and arranging the various elements. The final cover features band images and text describing the main feature article, with consistent effects and colors applied across elements. Minor adjustments were later made to positioning and colors for improved readability and design conventions.

1. Firstly I decided on one of the images I wanted to use on the front cover. I liked this image but did
not want the background, so had to turn on the Quickmask tool which covers everything in red. I
then had to make sure everything that was in red were the things that I did not want (so essentially
the entire person would be without the red overlay). I then re-toggled Quickmask meaning
everything un-selected would have “marching ants” around them. The image below shows roughly
what I would keep uncovered. When I reactivate the Quickmask tool everything I said above would
happen.
I then cut out that section of the image and paste it into the document as shown below.

2. This shows two images that I produced in the same way by employing the Quickmask tool.
This print screen shows me placing text onto my front cover using the Text Tool. I select the option
and drag out a box to a size of my liking. This enforces the parameters of the text which can be
adjusted to my will at all times. I entered text for one of my coverlines and the ‘subheader’ for the
main coverline as well as the catchphrase “British Alternative Music”, which is what BAM! Stands
for.

3. This print screen shows the rest of my coverlines, along with the date and issue number being
inserted. These were all produced using the Text Tool.
This print screen shows the insert of my magazine in the top right corner. The insert was advertising
a trip to the Download Festivsl 2013. The circle was created using the Ellipse Tool and the text was
one again created using the Text Tool. The Ellipse Tool works very similar to the Text Tool in the fact
that when I am placing the shape I can select its size and hold shift to keep it in good proportions. I
can change the size of it at my will.

4. This shows the strapline positioned at the bottom of my magazine. I created this strapline with the
Rectangle Tool (which works in exactly the same way as the Ellipse Tool) and the Text Tool (which I
will be using a lot throughout my magazine)
This print screen shows my finished title, with an added line inside the insert and a line below the
title “BAM!”. Both of these were created with the Rectangle Tool, which I have already touched
upon. I created the main title using a logo generator found on the internet. I was given permission to
use this logo generator by my teacher as I was able to freely edit the logo to my will and personalise
it to suit the magazine that I was creating.

5. This shows the main coverline being inserted into my magazine which showcases the main feature,
the alternative rock band “Origin of Sin”. I created this coverline in the same way in which I created
the main title, “BAM!” (using an online logo generator).
All of the images in my front cover feature the same effects. I included a slight colour overlay of the
same red as the main title of the magazine because it would help make the main images more
aesthetically pleasing to the audience instead of just being boring and mundane. It helps make my
magazine stand out above the crowd.

6. I also included a drop shadow because it adds a sense of realism to the pictures.
This shows the finished front cover, with one more added image. Due to the difference in lighting
the middle image is slightly lighter.

7. To combat this problem I edited the brightness in the image and then reinserted it into the
document.
As you can see, the middle image is darker now, but still somewhat brighter than the other band
members.

8. I used the brightness/contrast tool to make them all of a similar brightness. This makes my
magazine front cover easier on the eye for my audience.
After a small resizing of the main headline, the front cover is complete. It provides a nice balance of
colours with reds, golds/yellows and blacks being prominent.

9. After further reviewing of this document I decided to move some things around. The barcode was
moved to the bottom right corner because this is a convention of front covers, the “WIN” insert was
moved to the bottom right to make sure my audience cover most of the front cover, the line below
BAM! Has been cut short, the headline and descriptor for the headline have swapped colours to
allow for easier reading and a banner has been introduced into the top right hand corner of the
magazine to entice the readers.