Skills development

I have learnt a lot about how to create a successful magazine and developed my skills on photoshop and in design since the preliminary task. I have leant how important it is to consider the images used throughout all 3 products, for example how using direct mode of address can imply a relationship between the audience and the model, and how using the correct lighting and angle can improve an image. The image on the college magazine was taken outside and therefore had natural lighting; whereas my music magazine was taken in a studio where studio lighting was used and was arranged around the room considering elements such as shadow, brightness, focus and what type of shot I wanted it to be (e.g. close up/ medium shot). To further improve my music magazine images from my college magazine I chose to use DSLR camera with a tripod as opposed to a basic handheld digital camera. This meant that my images were a lot clearer and more focused as well as being a lot better quality which in turn made them look more professional, especially for the front cover and DPS image as they were close up shots.

Something else I have realised is very important to consider, is an eye catching house theme, that will attract the right audience and is consistent throughout the magazine. For example using interesting and striking fonts on the cover lines and for the masthead plus choosing the bold colour scheme; however, both of these elements can't be too over complex so I stuck to the rule of only using 3-4 main colours and fonts. In the college magazine I only used 2 sans serif fonts that weren't very exciting and wouldn't appeal to the audience. Whereas, in my music magazine I used a mixture of sans serif and serif fonts that connoted a modern, simplistic theme.

Photoshop devices

Colour replacement tool- I used this to edit all of main images of Lourdes. Instead of cutting out the model from the green screen and placing her on top of my desired background I used the colour replacement tool to change the background. By changing the fuzziness, hue, saturation and lightness I created a very natural and professional finish.

Clone stamp tool- I used this to perfect my model's face to give it a more air brushed and typical glossy magazine look. The result of this was that it cancelled out any decolourisation on her face which was visible on the close up shots. I also used it around her hair where you could still see some of the green screen background. It took me a wile to use it effectively; however, the result was successful.  

Text wrapping- I used this to arrange my pull quotes and body text in In design for my DPS. I found it quick and easy to do and ensured the layout and spacing of the boxes of text was well organised. To get it exactly how I wanted I adjusted the spacing around all the sides of the boxes.

Magic eraser tool- I used this to eliminate any unwanted background certain elements of my magazine. This enabled me to keep the house style I wanted as it got rid of any colours that clashed with the aesthetic.

To ensure I was creating a product that was right for my target audience I done a lot of research into other magazines that were similar to what I was designing. I looked at more mainstream magazines such as Q as I like the layout of the cover lines and then looked at more niche audience magazines such as ID and Clash for inspiration for the design elements such as colours and costume for the images. I think by looking at established magazine covers it helped me to create a product that was a lot more successful and professional than the college magazine. To finalise my magazine I ensured to proof read all of the text to combat any spelling errors or numbers being in the wrong order. I then also got opinions from people who would fit my target audience to see if they would pick up my magazine off the shelf and if they would change anything, and from that I adjusted a few elements such as making the main cover line bigger so that it was more eye catching.