The student created a magazine for a media coursework project that involved extensive editing and design work. This included editing photos by cutting out models and backgrounds, editing text fonts and layout, and making drafts and improvements based on feedback. The student used Macromedia Fireworks to create shapes and layers and Adobe Photoshop Elements to select and erase backgrounds. For the final project, the student made improvements such as changing to a black background for more realism, bolding the header font, and adding elements like a 3D circle to engage readers.

1. My use of Technology on my Media As Coursework By Sophie Hawgood

2. Editing and Designing For my project I had to create a magazine, which involved a lot of editing and designing. I had to edit the photos I had created and cut around the models as erase the background then place them onto my magazine cover, contents and double page spread. I edited fonts, their size, colour, width, boldness, italic and I even edited the text including language. I had to create drafts as my planning before I started on my final design, this was good as I could make quick and simple improvements before creating the piece. I also then made change through out my project, with continuous improvements, receiving feedback as I work through my peers and my teacher, including their suggestions.

3. Macromedia Fireworks In fireworks you can use the shape tool to create all different shapes to feature on your piece of work. I decided to use the round shape tool to create the circle on my front cover. This tool also allows me to create boxes, I used a box on the top of my contents page as this allows me to separate information The subsection tool allows me to select the different layers to rearrange or edit my work. This is a good tool for making quick changes that can make a big impact. The text tool allows you to be able to write your text, you are able to change the colour, font , size, make it bold, underline and make it italic.

4. Adobe Photo Shop Elements 6.0 For editing my photo shoot pictures, I had to cut around my pictures and edit out the background. For this I had to use a careful skill using both the magic wand and quick selection tool. The magic wand picks pieces of the background saving you time, you are able to change the tolerance so it will select more/ less than you need. The quick selection tool, also allows you to select what you need to be erased in much smaller details. You can also change the tolerance to increase/decrease your selection. This tool known as the paint bucket tool allows me to change the background, I decided on a black ground, So my models will stand out and look more focused on. I can also change my colours here.

5. My Improvements For Front Cover I started off with a white background, but then decided to go with a black background as they look more realistic and professional. I also decided to change my fonts, making my header bolder, as its more eye-catching and clearer to read. I decided to make simple touches such as adding a 3d look circle with writing in as this also catches the readers attention by standing out. I also fitted the text around the models and moulded it to fit, so the models are the main attraction to the eye, engaging to the readers first.

6. My Improvements For Contents Page I improved my contents page by adding columns which are often used in magazines, I also added a quote below the model, which is often featured in my genre of music. I then added other simple improvements such as adding the date, and other pictures featured in my magazine. I also added a box called BEATS EXCLUSIVES, this is a main attraction on my contents page as they involve the most important and exciting stories and as it stands out the readers tend to read it first and they have to be engaged to carry on reading.

7. My Improvements For Double Page Spread