1. Qu7) Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you
have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
At the beginning of my coursework, I completed a preliminary task. I enjoyed designing the college magazine and getting
research as it gave me a taste as to what the real coursework would be like. Having completed my coursework now,
looking back my designs were simple and unoriginal which has made me realise how much I have learnt and how I have
developed my skills since the preliminary task.
Preliminary
Magazine Cover
Along the journey I learnt that audience research and analysing results is important when creating something for a
particular target audience. I thought that I could just get through my work with only my personal opinions and style,
however, receiving feedback and then working on it made me realise that you have to capture the audience needs in your
magazine. Also, by analysing results and then applying feedback to my magazine, I soon began to realise that it was having
an impact on my product because it looked so much more professional. And I became happier with it.
In particular, I learnt all about the conventions of magazines better. When I purchase a magazine from a store I just look for
an exciting front cover and I don’t actually take in the typical conventions. I found this very interesting, and I found it fun
applying the conventions to my own designs. For example, applying a mast head that was behind the image, pull quotes,
puffs and specific layouts were all part of a music magazine’s typical conventions.
I cannot believe how confident I am using InDesign and Photoshop now. I had used Photoshop before I began my
coursework, however I did not know how to use all the different tools effectively. Moreover, I had never used InDesign
before and I enjoyed creating my designs in this software because it was simple and easy to use. I created my perfect
designs and I am so happy with how they have turned out. If I need to use InDesign again, I will be a lot more confident
when using it.
I am a keen photographer and I enjoy taking and editing interesting shots. I had a clear idea in my head as to what kind of
shot I wanted to produce for my front cover. I learnt that locations and colour and camera angle was extremely important
particularly to fit into the shot conventions. I have a better understanding of all the elements such as mise en scene, angles
and detail.
Peer assessment and individual evaluation definitely helped me to improve and develop my products. I learnt that you
need to give positive criticism in order to improve a develop skills.
Overall, I really enjoyed the coursework, especially the production and planning.