The document describes the process of designing a magazine cover and contents page in Photoshop. Key steps include: 1) Importing the main cover image and resizing it to fit centered on the page. 2) Adding coverlines, issue details, and a barcode before removing the background to ensure accurate positioning. 3) Removing the background using the magic wand tool to avoid clashing colors and allow coverlines to stand out. 4) Adding a simple grey background for focus on the model and coverlines while maintaining the color theme.

1. The first thing that I did was bring my main image in and then extended the image so
that it fit exactly in the middle of my page and was symmetrical either side. At this
stage I haven't done anything to the image I have simply just brought it in and fit it to
size. I have left a white space at the top because I know I will be removing the
background of the image and so the empty space at the top will not matter. I also did
it so I had enough space about the model and so the masthead didn’t get covered as
it is important to have the masthead shown fully on the first issue.

2. I then added my main coverline, issue number, date and barcode. I have brought
these in before removing the background so that I can fit them in accurately and
ensure that they fit onto the front cover. I also did it so that I could fit the text around
my models body and so that when I do crop the background I know that the text
from my main coverline will still stand out.

3. I then removed the background of the main image using the magic wand tool on
Photoshop. I did this so the colours of the brick wall didn’t clash with my theme
colours, grey and purple. It also ensures that my coverlines stand out and the
background of the image doesn’t distract from both the model in the image and my
coverlines. Once the background had been removed I started to add my coverlines,
the plain background made the words stand out and lift off the screen. I also framed
them around my model so the attention wasn’t taken away from him.

4. Finally I added a grey ombre background. I rasterized the image so that it was of good
quality and fit it so size on my front cover. I chose a simple background so that all the
attention was on my model and the coverlines were able to stand out. I chose a grey
one so that it still fit in with my colour theme and allowed all the attention to be on
the model.

5. I got the idea of a plain background from the Kerrang front covers that I looked at,
almost all of them have got a simple plain background so I followed convention and
went with the simple grey background. I also followed the style of having my main
coverline really stand out so that it catches the readers eye. They have also included a
strip just like Kerrang has done, they have there's at the top and I have one at the
bottom. They both still do the same thing by letting the reader know what else they
can find inside the magazine.

6. On the left is the original image that I had taken and my final front cover is on
the right. After I got the image on to Photoshop I then adjusted it so that it fit in
the middle of the page with enough space around the sides and front. I then
used the magic wand tool and removed the background so it was a plain
background so I was able to add my own background to the front cover.

7. The first thing I did was bring my masthead from my front cover and create the
contents masthead. I kept the same colour scheme so that my magazine was
consistent. I have made the words ‘Riot’ smaller so that the branding from the
front cover carries on throughout the magazine but doesn’t take away from the
main masthead ‘contents’. I also changed the background so that it was just a
plain white and followed my colour scheme.

8. I then brought my images in one at a time. I added a border around all my images
so that they lift off the page and stand out the reader when flicking through the
magazine. I have also anchored them to page numbers so that when they look at
the contents page they can see the picture and find the exact page that they are
linked to an article within the magazine and will be able to find it easier.

9. I then finished it off by adding the contents information, all linked with pages
within the magazine. I then added an editorial so that I could make my magazine
more personal and directly address my readers. I then added social media
information and a website page so that people can find information about the
magazine in other areas than the magazine.

10. On the right is my original image and you can see the background from
where the white screen stops I have decided that I will crop that
background so that it can’t be seen when on my magazine double page
spread. On the right is my edited version and the background matches the
white back drop and you can see where it cuts off.

11. I have inserted my text onto InDesign and made it so it fits onto the right
hand side so that I can place my image onto the left hand. I will make sit
so my image fits across the entire left hand side.

12. My final double page spread has got my main image and then I decided
to add three further images along the bottom that all relate to the article
I have written. I have manipulated the background out of all the images
so that the cut off of the white screen can not be seen.