The student learned several things from completing the preliminary magazine task that helped with the full product. The preliminary research improved their understanding of magazine conventions and codes and analytical skills. This helped with designing both the preliminary and main tasks. Additionally, the preliminary task allowed them to gain basic skills in Photoshop and photography, which they could apply to produce higher quality layouts, cover, and photos for the main task. Completing the preliminary task was beneficial for developing their skills and producing a better final product.

1. QUESTION 7
LOOKING BACK AT YOUR
PRELIMINARY TASK, WHAT DO
YOU FEEL YOU HAVE LEARNT IN
THE PROGRESSION FROM IT TO
THE FULL PRODUCT?

2. Before I started on the preliminary
magazine, my knowledge of magazine
conventions and codes wasn’t wide or
detailed. However, during the research
section of the preliminary task, I was able to
develop my analytical skills and knowledge
of these codes and conventions. This really
helped during the designing stages of both
the preliminary and main tasks, which
meant that I could include as many
conventions and codes as possible in order
to make the pages effective and
appealing.

3. I used Photoshop for both the preliminary
task and the main task. This was the first
time that I had used Photoshop, and
therefore I didn’t have any skills
whatsoever. However, the preliminary task
gave me a chance to gain some skills in
Photoshop - and by the time I started on
my main task, I was able to use my skills to
produce a professional-looking front cover,
contents page, and double page spread.

4. I was also able to develop my
photography skills during the preliminary
task, and this enabled me to take some
good-quality shots for the main task. The
preliminary task allowed me to develop my
skills and I was therefore able to produce
higher quality media products in my main
task than I had been able to in my
preliminary task, which I think is evident
when comparing the front covers from the
preliminary and main task.