Media Studies

1. Creating My Magazine
Cover

2. To begin, I used a layer
mask on top of the usual
plain background to get a
gradient effect. I chose the
colours black and white and
edited the gradient so it
flowed down the page. This
is to give the masthead
more colour and will bring
the reader to instantly look
at it, selling the magazine. It
also follows the rest of the
page as it subtly draws your
eyes down the cover,
reading everything along
the way.

3. For the masthead, I chose the
font ‘FRANKLIN GOTHIC
HEAVY’ for both words. I
ensured that the word fits
across the page to highlight
the significance of the
masthead. I then placed the
word ‘CINE’ on top of the ‘E’
to make two separate words.
I used the same font for this
piece of text too but in black
instead. I then edited the
opacity to stop it from having
such a harsh effect.

4. I have decided that this would be the
magazine header. It not only advertises
the issue of the magazine but also
highlights the fact that it is full of
information about up and coming
thriller films, something that would
attract fans of the genre. I have sized
the text so that it is the length of the
masthead, making the cover look neat
and ordered. I emphasised the word
‘thriller’ by changing the colour and
editing the text to italic. The font used
for the whole header is ‘ORATOR STD’
so it contrasts with the font of the
masthead.

5. I have added the small but important details just
underneath the masthead. This is so it is likely that
the reader will read them after noticing the title of
the magazine. This included the website of the
magazine and most importantly, the price. I did
the price in a bolder text to highlight the
importance not just for the magazine but for the
reader, as if they cannot see the price they may be
put off buying it for the fear of it being too
expensive. I have also added the slogan of the
magazine, highlighting its success. I have used a
fairly simple font to emphasise the sophistication
of the magazine.

6. For the title of the film I have used ‘ORATOR STD’ as this font
is much different to the rest of the fonts, making the title of
the film stand out as important and one of the main features.
I also did the two words in contrasting colours as this draws
more attention to it. I positioned the tagline just underneath
the title of the film but in a much smaller text, this is so the
title is seen as the most significant thing. I inserted a plus sign
at the top of this section of text so that the cover line
positioned above the film title will flow correctly.

7. I used the font ‘AGENGY FB’ for the names
of the films and ‘MANGAL’ for the title of
the cover line. I inserted a small red
rectangle to back up the sub-title to
ensure it stands out and draws attention
to the full cover line. To add a different
effect and to ensure that the names of
the films are distinguishable from each
other, I made every second piece of text
bold. I linked the layers together to create
one main cover line.

8. I used a similar effect for the other cover lines by
making the main lines in bold and the title in a regular
font. I feel that the bold font allows each piece of text
to stand out and

9. I have created a flash using two circles and text. To get the blurred effect I
used a bigger circle underneath in white and used the filter ‘Gaussian blur’ to
select the correct level. I then gently blurred the black circle on top in the
same way to make the two merge. I finally added text on top of the two circles
using the font ‘GILL SANS MT CONDENSED’ as it is slim and fitted well within
the flash. I made sure that the number ‘30’ was in bold to start off the text in
the flash to help the audience read it in a flowing way. It also emphasises the
number of films mentioned in the magazine highlighting how ‘jam-packed’ it
is.

10. I next added the text to the footer. I used ‘ORATOR STD’ as the font
as it is quite slim and meant that I could mention as much as
possible. I tried to use famous names and current films to make the
magazine seem up to date and full of knowledge about the modern
film industry. I then used a small circle between each phrase to
separate them. I chose the colour grey as it stands off of the
background but blends in with much of the cover.

11. At this point I inserted the image.
I firstly cut it out and then
dragged it into the magazine
cover. I flipped the image so it
fitted around the text better and
then edited the colours. I used the
brush tool to colour over the top
of the features on the mask in
black to make them much more
prominent. I then edited the
contrast and the saturation to
enhance the colour of the
costume and make the white of
the mask stand out on the whole
cover. I finally enlarged the image
so it slightly overlaps the
masthead, showing the
significance of the character.

12. Next, I added a long rectangle at the bottom of the page
just above the footer. This is where I will place images of
shots from the filming of the trailer. I then added four,
smaller rectangles on top of the large rectangle to show
the placement of the images. I finally used the brush tool
in the ‘clear’ mode to gently blur out the edges of the
rectangle to add the effect of the rectangle curving with
the page of the magazine. It also helps in blend with the
background. I lowered the opacity of the tool to avoid the
effect looking so harsh.

13. For this cover line I decided
the ‘ARIAL’ was the best font
as it is clear and allows the
text to stand out. I have also
made the name of the actor
red and the name of the film
white. This is so the reader
will read the actors name
first, drawing the attention
of fans, adding to the unique
selling point of the
magazine.

14. I have added the four images of
shots from the film trailer. This is to
show the reader ‘exclusive’ images
of on the film set, bringing the
audience into the actual film,
making them a part of the action. I
have edited the brightness and
contrast of each image to help it
blend in with the black background
behind each image.

15. I have inserted the barcode and publisher. I decided
that the bottom right hand corner was the best place
to position it as it allows it to be seen but does not
overpower the rest of the cover as there are more
important aspects.