I'm pleased at how quickly i was able to adapt to using the software which was completely alien to me at the start of the year.
Unfortunatly i wish my front cover had columns on both sides with text and not just on the left hand side.
Tuesday, 12 January 2010
Blog 11 - The finished product!
Here is my magazine.
I'm pleased at how quickly i was able to adapt to using the software which was completely alien to me at the start of the year.
Unfortunatly i wish my front cover had columns on both sides with text and not just on the left hand side.
I'm pleased at how quickly i was able to adapt to using the software which was completely alien to me at the start of the year.
Unfortunatly i wish my front cover had columns on both sides with text and not just on the left hand side.
Tuesday, 5 January 2010
Blog 10 – Feedback
I sought feedback from my fellow media students on my finished magazine design. They were interested in my work but found it lacked energy and a wow factor. They felt I could have employed more colour and used a wider range of techniques to emphasis parts of the text. We were all surprised to learn about the skill required to produce a successful magazine. This final design is not a random process but rather one involving a high level of craftsmanship in order to connect with the target audience. The magazine designers use many tools & techniques to grab the attention of the consumers in a fiercely competitive marketplace. The job of the magazine staff is to sell their magazines. They do this by representing a lifestyle which is desirable to the readership.
I had asked my friend to feedback my magazine on the popular networking site facebook. This is what she had to say about it:
I have taken the feedback onboard and i agree with alot of what has been said.
I had asked my friend to feedback my magazine on the popular networking site facebook. This is what she had to say about it:
I have taken the feedback onboard and i agree with alot of what has been said.
Blog 9 – Evaluation. Of the finished Magazine
On reflection I felt that there was some room for improvement in the design of my magazine. I feel I should have been more creative with the title choosing one which had more resonance and meaning with the readership. Perhaps a tag line to inform the consumer of the genre of music under review would have been helpful.
The basic structure of my front cover followed the rules learned during the research phase of the assignment magazine title at the top, image in the centre of the page and feature headings in a column down the left hand side. I feel however that the overall design lacked zest and was a little too bland. The front cover especially has to be eye catching and grab the attention of the readership. I think I could have done better in this regard. I failed to connect with the adventurous, fun loving side of my target audience. I could have done more with the text changing the size, font and introducing shadows and frames to emphasize different words and phrases. My effort is too uniform. My target audience is seeking a good time would be looking for something a bit more rebellious and lively. Their quest is adventure, letting their hair down and having a good time. They have few responsibilities. I might have photographed the DJ with an expensive watch to highlight success and a hat to or a T shirt with a motif to make him look more funky and contemporary.
I thought I made good use of the props in the main image on the front cover as this emphasized a direct link with equipment used by DJ to mix records. I might have added a bit of fun by introducing a smaller inset image people clubbing on holiday. The DJ featured on the front cover is young, athletic and healthy matching the aspirations of the target audience. This was a good choice of leading figure.
Evaluation Contents Page
I was quite pleased with my design. It featured text and images. Adding question marks engaged the audience. Employing bold heading with page numbers and some sub text to add more flavour worked in my opinion. I hope this would persuade the consumer to want to buy the magazine and read the article in full, Perhaps I could have been more creative with the numbering using different sizes and designs. I liked my use of the image flagging up the word “escape” as this is one of the ideas which my readership should latch onto and value. I think I have missed the opportunity to talk about and promote fashion as this goes hand in hand with the music. This fashion is used to form an identity and challenges the status quo. My target audience would value this concept.
Evaluation Double Page Spread
I applied the idea that a double page spread involves a large image on one page supported by text on the other. I feel however my image did not work. It featured the DJ flanked by another couple of guys. I was trying to convey a cool image and used young people but did not follow up with any explanatory text. On reflection all my images related the males which would probably alienate the female readership. I thought my use of a question and answer interview format worked well. This language was conversational and engaging. If I was redoing this work I would add a picture showing people smiling and dancing in party mode.
The basic structure of my front cover followed the rules learned during the research phase of the assignment magazine title at the top, image in the centre of the page and feature headings in a column down the left hand side. I feel however that the overall design lacked zest and was a little too bland. The front cover especially has to be eye catching and grab the attention of the readership. I think I could have done better in this regard. I failed to connect with the adventurous, fun loving side of my target audience. I could have done more with the text changing the size, font and introducing shadows and frames to emphasize different words and phrases. My effort is too uniform. My target audience is seeking a good time would be looking for something a bit more rebellious and lively. Their quest is adventure, letting their hair down and having a good time. They have few responsibilities. I might have photographed the DJ with an expensive watch to highlight success and a hat to or a T shirt with a motif to make him look more funky and contemporary.
I thought I made good use of the props in the main image on the front cover as this emphasized a direct link with equipment used by DJ to mix records. I might have added a bit of fun by introducing a smaller inset image people clubbing on holiday. The DJ featured on the front cover is young, athletic and healthy matching the aspirations of the target audience. This was a good choice of leading figure.
Evaluation Contents Page
I was quite pleased with my design. It featured text and images. Adding question marks engaged the audience. Employing bold heading with page numbers and some sub text to add more flavour worked in my opinion. I hope this would persuade the consumer to want to buy the magazine and read the article in full, Perhaps I could have been more creative with the numbering using different sizes and designs. I liked my use of the image flagging up the word “escape” as this is one of the ideas which my readership should latch onto and value. I think I have missed the opportunity to talk about and promote fashion as this goes hand in hand with the music. This fashion is used to form an identity and challenges the status quo. My target audience would value this concept.
Evaluation Double Page Spread
I applied the idea that a double page spread involves a large image on one page supported by text on the other. I feel however my image did not work. It featured the DJ flanked by another couple of guys. I was trying to convey a cool image and used young people but did not follow up with any explanatory text. On reflection all my images related the males which would probably alienate the female readership. I thought my use of a question and answer interview format worked well. This language was conversational and engaging. If I was redoing this work I would add a picture showing people smiling and dancing in party mode.
Blog 8 – Planning and Evaluation of the article
Mixmag Annie Mac Feature
The language used in the double page spread about the leading radio one DJ had a conversational tone (smack bang in the centre of London) using the language of the target audience. This helped formed a bond with the readership and also involved quotes from the DJ to add extra intimacy. The language was quite descriptive to paint a word picture and create imagery. The summary paragraph posed a question “Can the empress of whoop=whoop fill the biggest boots in the industry?, this is a hook to grab attention.
Mojo Gene Simmons Feature
This feature incorporated is a headshot of Gene Simmon made up in his iconic face paint with his tongue out. His black hair frames his face. The picture is short in black and white which increase the dramatic effect. The eyes are gazing directly outwards. On the reverse page in large text is an introduction to the article posing a number of questions and quotations from the rock star. The article is written in a conversational tone with more quotes. The article takes the form of an interview in the star’s house. We are given a guided tour. The idea is to give the target audience an idea of the man behind the make up. Gene Simmons talks about his current projects and reflects on past experiences. The language is heavily descriptive and sets out to paint a picture with words.
The language used in the double page spread about the leading radio one DJ had a conversational tone (smack bang in the centre of London) using the language of the target audience. This helped formed a bond with the readership and also involved quotes from the DJ to add extra intimacy. The language was quite descriptive to paint a word picture and create imagery. The summary paragraph posed a question “Can the empress of whoop=whoop fill the biggest boots in the industry?, this is a hook to grab attention.
Mojo Gene Simmons Feature
This feature incorporated is a headshot of Gene Simmon made up in his iconic face paint with his tongue out. His black hair frames his face. The picture is short in black and white which increase the dramatic effect. The eyes are gazing directly outwards. On the reverse page in large text is an introduction to the article posing a number of questions and quotations from the rock star. The article is written in a conversational tone with more quotes. The article takes the form of an interview in the star’s house. We are given a guided tour. The idea is to give the target audience an idea of the man behind the make up. Gene Simmons talks about his current projects and reflects on past experiences. The language is heavily descriptive and sets out to paint a picture with words.
Blog 7 – Photoediting
I discounted some of my photographs because the lighting was poor or because the quality of the photographs were not clear. I wanted to show the DJ in the best light emphasizing his features. His hair is well groomed and complexion clear and fresh.
I used Adobe Photoshop to edit my photos, i found this to be a very useful piece of software because it was easy to use and alot the effects emphasized my album well.
To add text and to arrange the photos on the magazine i used a programme called Adobe Indesign, at first this was complicated but when i learned how to use the tools it became a vital piece of equipment to make the magazine.
I also later on in making my magazine used a programme at home called 'GIMP' it is allot like Photoshop and they are fairly similar to use, perhaps GIMP is a little less complex though. Here are some screenshots of what the user interface looks like.
On the left hand side is a layers table, this allows me to click on different layers and allows me to edit different layers and it gives the option to order the layers with the background being at the bottom, rather like a if papers were stacked on top of each other.
On the right there is a toolbox which contains such things as brush's, Texts, burns and smudges. All of these i have used in my magazine.
On the top row of GIMP there is a effects menu i have used the Gaussian blur effect and the pinch and whirl effect to give my magazine the young factor and to make it interesting.
I used Adobe Photoshop to edit my photos, i found this to be a very useful piece of software because it was easy to use and alot the effects emphasized my album well.
To add text and to arrange the photos on the magazine i used a programme called Adobe Indesign, at first this was complicated but when i learned how to use the tools it became a vital piece of equipment to make the magazine.
I also later on in making my magazine used a programme at home called 'GIMP' it is allot like Photoshop and they are fairly similar to use, perhaps GIMP is a little less complex though. Here are some screenshots of what the user interface looks like.
On the left hand side is a layers table, this allows me to click on different layers and allows me to edit different layers and it gives the option to order the layers with the background being at the bottom, rather like a if papers were stacked on top of each other.
On the right there is a toolbox which contains such things as brush's, Texts, burns and smudges. All of these i have used in my magazine.
On the top row of GIMP there is a effects menu i have used the Gaussian blur effect and the pinch and whirl effect to give my magazine the young factor and to make it interesting.
Blog 6 – Photos
I set up a head and shoulder shot of the DJ for my front cover. The picture is taken at an angle. The location is a studio or mixing booth. The picture takes up 60% of the front cover. Mise en scene is a French phase which literally translates to “put in scene”. This relates to the props used in the photograph. I have added a mixing board and draped headphones round his neck to signify the characters job. I have used a dark background and light text to create a contrast. The picture itself is in grey scale and the actor inside the picture posing as 'DJ Jasper' is looking directly into the Len's of the camera. If i was too take this photo again i would put the photo in colour and have more shoulder and upper body in the shot.
My second photograph was a full body shot that i had used on the final page when interviewing the DJ. For this studio-like shot i took a photo of the character standing in front of black curtains wearing what a modern DJ might be seen wearing.
Another photo i shot of was 'DJ Jasper' with two fans. This was shot against a white background and they are wearing everyday clothing. They are looking into the camera and are posing in a dance / rave style way. The lighting is bright and the white background contrasts the black background of the magazine. After receiving feedback on the photo i think in future ill compose the shot in a better location and take the shot from a lower angle to suggest celebrity status.
My third photo i took at a concert when seeing a DJ called Deadmau5 at a local club 'Digital' in Brighton. The photo clearly shows the DJ playing his set and he is central in the photo. The shot is taken from the crowd's point of view and i think the hands in the bottom of the photograph give it a lot more character. The lighting worked well and the world famous 'Mau5 hat' stood out as the central theme of the photograph. It was hard to keep the camera still and take photos but if i was to take this one again i would try and get it from more angles and one closer to the DJ and perhaps one futher away.
This photo was taken during summer at a local club / bar in Zante, Greece. I used this photo in a competition that Infinity magazine was running. Again i think it would be were my target audience would like to go and enjoy themselves. The photograph is bright and unspoilt.
The final photo i have used in my pictures is at another concert this time of the world famous 'DJ Tiesto'. The photo has a great background and it is very neon and it shows the colours expected to find at the club. The parts of the shot out of light help the viewer understand that it is night time. Again like the Deadmau5 pic is shows the crowd in shot. I think it captures club life well and works well in a dance music magazine.
Two other photos that i had considered using were:
I discarded this because it was bland and generally didn give off the 'wow' factor that i was looking for. Furthermore the camera was tilted at an angle were it might confuse readers. The character was not really central and one couldnt really relate him to a dance music magazine such as Infinity.
My second photograph was a full body shot that i had used on the final page when interviewing the DJ. For this studio-like shot i took a photo of the character standing in front of black curtains wearing what a modern DJ might be seen wearing.
Another photo i shot of was 'DJ Jasper' with two fans. This was shot against a white background and they are wearing everyday clothing. They are looking into the camera and are posing in a dance / rave style way. The lighting is bright and the white background contrasts the black background of the magazine. After receiving feedback on the photo i think in future ill compose the shot in a better location and take the shot from a lower angle to suggest celebrity status.
My third photo i took at a concert when seeing a DJ called Deadmau5 at a local club 'Digital' in Brighton. The photo clearly shows the DJ playing his set and he is central in the photo. The shot is taken from the crowd's point of view and i think the hands in the bottom of the photograph give it a lot more character. The lighting worked well and the world famous 'Mau5 hat' stood out as the central theme of the photograph. It was hard to keep the camera still and take photos but if i was to take this one again i would try and get it from more angles and one closer to the DJ and perhaps one futher away.
This photo was taken during summer at a local club / bar in Zante, Greece. I used this photo in a competition that Infinity magazine was running. Again i think it would be were my target audience would like to go and enjoy themselves. The photograph is bright and unspoilt.
The final photo i have used in my pictures is at another concert this time of the world famous 'DJ Tiesto'. The photo has a great background and it is very neon and it shows the colours expected to find at the club. The parts of the shot out of light help the viewer understand that it is night time. Again like the Deadmau5 pic is shows the crowd in shot. I think it captures club life well and works well in a dance music magazine.
Two other photos that i had considered using were:
I discarded this because it was bland and generally didn give off the 'wow' factor that i was looking for. Furthermore the camera was tilted at an angle were it might confuse readers. The character was not really central and one couldnt really relate him to a dance music magazine such as Infinity.
Blog 5 - Fonts
Blog 5 - Fonts
The choice of font was a critical aspect of my project. I had to choose the colour scheme, size of text and style of typeface in order to convey information to the readership and secure their interest. I wanted to create a house style which set my magazine apart from others on the shelves in the shops and reinforce the brand.
I limited my colour scheme to four which reflected the bright, brash attitudes of the target audience.
My next task was to choose a style for the magazine title. I selected serif typeface because.
I ran the title along the first row of the grid. This ensured that it is prominent and easy to see. I chose an eye catching colour scheme and typeface.
I then had to consider the typeface for the main body of the text. Finally I had to think about ways to highlight parts of the text to draw the readers eye to specific areas in the magazine.
I got the fonts for my music magazine from a website titled www.dafont.com.
Here is a screenshot of Dafonts website, 'Clubland' is one of the fonts i had used in my magazine. After clicking on the download link and extracting the folder i had then installed them into the 'font' file on my computer. I then loaded up the programme i wanted too use and they were available.
Here are some screen shots of the fonts i will be using, where and why i will use them too.
'Atmosphere' is a cool looking futuristic style text i found on Dafonts website. I will use it as a sub heading because its quite bold and easily readable. It is a square like font and each letter it quite bold. I will use this on my contents page.
This is the second font i will be using. I will be using it for primarily page numbers. I like it because its modern and it links in well with technology, as usually Digital represents the future and analogue the past.
'Rezland' is another font i want to use in my magazine. I will use it for small paragraphs of information possibly under sub headings on the front page. On my two page spread i could even consider using it as a sub heading. It looks cool and modern and interesting all of which is what I'm seeking to please my target audience.
This will be the font i have chosen for the title of my magazine. I like it because its unique and interesting, also its critically eye catching and will make my magazine stand out from the others. I will use a yellow background behind the font to emphasize this.
'Imagine Font' is a font i will be using as for general bulk writing, perhaps on my double page spread. I will be using it the most frequent because its quite easy to read and understand but at the same time modern and fresh.
Example of fonts i chose not to use:
Even though i like the look of 'Masterplan' i don't think it suits my genre of magazine. Masterplan for me at least, gives off a rough and edgy look and my theme modern and crisp cut i feel that this font would work better in a more rock themed magazine.
The choice of font was a critical aspect of my project. I had to choose the colour scheme, size of text and style of typeface in order to convey information to the readership and secure their interest. I wanted to create a house style which set my magazine apart from others on the shelves in the shops and reinforce the brand.
I limited my colour scheme to four which reflected the bright, brash attitudes of the target audience.
My next task was to choose a style for the magazine title. I selected serif typeface because.
I ran the title along the first row of the grid. This ensured that it is prominent and easy to see. I chose an eye catching colour scheme and typeface.
I then had to consider the typeface for the main body of the text. Finally I had to think about ways to highlight parts of the text to draw the readers eye to specific areas in the magazine.
I got the fonts for my music magazine from a website titled www.dafont.com.
Here is a screenshot of Dafonts website, 'Clubland' is one of the fonts i had used in my magazine. After clicking on the download link and extracting the folder i had then installed them into the 'font' file on my computer. I then loaded up the programme i wanted too use and they were available.
Here are some screen shots of the fonts i will be using, where and why i will use them too.
'Atmosphere' is a cool looking futuristic style text i found on Dafonts website. I will use it as a sub heading because its quite bold and easily readable. It is a square like font and each letter it quite bold. I will use this on my contents page.
This is the second font i will be using. I will be using it for primarily page numbers. I like it because its modern and it links in well with technology, as usually Digital represents the future and analogue the past.
'Rezland' is another font i want to use in my magazine. I will use it for small paragraphs of information possibly under sub headings on the front page. On my two page spread i could even consider using it as a sub heading. It looks cool and modern and interesting all of which is what I'm seeking to please my target audience.
This will be the font i have chosen for the title of my magazine. I like it because its unique and interesting, also its critically eye catching and will make my magazine stand out from the others. I will use a yellow background behind the font to emphasize this.
'Imagine Font' is a font i will be using as for general bulk writing, perhaps on my double page spread. I will be using it the most frequent because its quite easy to read and understand but at the same time modern and fresh.
Example of fonts i chose not to use:
Even though i like the look of 'Masterplan' i don't think it suits my genre of magazine. Masterplan for me at least, gives off a rough and edgy look and my theme modern and crisp cut i feel that this font would work better in a more rock themed magazine.
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