The document describes the process of creating a magazine cover in Photoshop. Key steps include: adjusting an image size for easier editing, selecting the subject and refining the selection to isolate her from the background, placing the background behind her and editing colors, adding additional design elements like text and shadows, and applying a lens flare filter to blend the layers together. The final cover was produced meeting the planned genre and production goals.

1. PHOTOSHOP PROCESS

2. I created an A4 document (as this is the size of typical print
media) and placed my cover image into it. Using the move
and transform tools I adjusted the size on the image to make
it easier to work with.
This gave me a larger image, making it easier for me to see
the edges of her hair and shoulders.
I used the quick selection tool to select the background of the
image as I wanted a different setting in the background. I
inverted this selection so it became a selection of her
instead.

3. I used the refine edge tool to clean up the selection, making
her hair more defined and giving it a more professional
look.
This gave me a cut out which I could manipulate better. It
would also show the background once I put it in.
I then placed the background behind her and used the move
tool and transformations to change the part of the image
shown.

4. I edited the background as the brighter colours did not work
well with my theme and genre. I did this using varius
adjustments including hue & saturation, curves and brightness
& contrast.
I did the same for the other image, trying to match the colours
as best I could.
This worked to some degree however there was still a few
harsh lines, to overcome this I applied a lens flare filter over
both layers to combine the two better.

5. Behind the image of her head I put the masthead of the
magazine, as this arrangement is a typical convention of all
magazines not just specific to music.
I then added the main cover line using the same font as my
masthead.
I then added a drop shadow to give a better more
professional effect and to make the text clearer.

6. I then began to add more cover lines to fill up space and
give more information about the content of the magazine. I
mentioned that this was the first issue and was free, to
entice more readers, I also included the “win” to help with
this also.
This gave me my
final cover page
which I feel fits
my genre and
meets the
production plans
I had put
together as best
I could manage.