1. Q7. LOOKING BACK AT YOUR
PRELIMINARY TASK, WHAT DO YOU
FEEL YOU HAVE LEARNT IN THE
PROGRESSION FROM IT TO THE FULL
PRODUCT?

2. RESEARCH& PLANNING
 For my preliminary print task, I researched a variety of
magazines, however, I failed to analyse any school or college
magazines. Due to this, I was unable to identify my target audience
throughout the planning and construction of my magazine. Therefore I
don’t think my magazine would have attracted my target audience
successfully nor convey the typical codes and conventions for a school -
like magazine.
 Because of this, I now knew that it was vital for me to look at
magazines that reflected the same target audience that I intended for
my main print.
 So I explored and analysed many existing magazines which were the
same genre as my magazine, for example I looked closely at NME and
Q so I could understand the forms and conventions to a great
extent, this will additionally attract my target audience effectively.
Also, the content of my final magazine was greatly influenced by the
research of these popular magazines.

3. RESEARCH& PLANNING
 Additionally, I used a variety of online tools such as Voki, Prezi and
MindMeister, which helped me to summarise the feedback I received
from my target audience, which would help me to improve my work.
 Also, I chronologically ordered my posts onto my blog so that it is
manageable. Also, I made sure that all of my posts were tagged and
categorised, so that it would be easier for me to refer back to my work
and previous research.

4. TIME MANAGEMENT
 During my preliminary task, I gave myself very little time to
plan, research and construct my magazine, because I desperately
wanted to meet my deadline. I feel that because I rushed it so
much, this effected the quality of my preliminary magazine, as well as
the depth of my planning.
 But this time, I have managed my time more effectively so that I meet
my deadlines either early or on time. I went about this by using a
checklist which I could refer back to, which had an organised list of all
the pieces of research and extra work that I wanted to complete by a
particular date. I have definitely found this beneficial, because I have
been able to plan efficiently without falling behind.
 Additionally, I had more time to gather audience feedback, which has
helped me to make improvements to my magazine so that it reaches its
full potential.

5. SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
 Initially, I had very little knowledge and experience with using a variety of
software and hardware, such as Adobe Photoshop, so I used online
tutorials to help change this. However, I decided to use Adobe Photoshop
because of the multitude of tools I can use to edit my pictures will help to
enhance the quality of the pictures. I feel that my pictures now look more
in line with professional practice, because I learned how to alter the
contrast and saturation of my picture through this software and the new
skills I have developed.
 Additionally, I have been able to develop my photography skills and
understanding of camera shots. Throughout this task I have learned about
the composition of a shot, as well as other elements such as mise-en-
scene. This is evident through the pictures I took, because there is a
variety of camera distances and angles.
 I have also developed skills from the blog itself. Before this course, I had
never used a blogging website like WordPress, and now I can create posts
with embedded images, YouTube videos and other links from Prezi, Voki
and SlideShare.

6. CONSTRUCTION OF PRELIMINARY
& MAIN TASK
Preliminary Main

7. CONSTRUCTION
 As you can see, there is a significant difference between my
preliminary and main task, and without a doubt my main magazine is
the stronger product. I feel that the quality of my magazine looks very
professional and the appearance and content of my magazine appeals
to my target audience. This is down to the increased amount of
research and planning I have conducted throughout the task, which has
helped me to really understand the forms and conventions of a music
magazine.
 Furthermore, I have gained and developed a new array of skills, which
has definitely improved the professionalism of my magazine and the
quality of my pictures.