College Magazine Research

Photoshop Practice

This front draft of a magazine was created on Photoshop. The whole purpose of creating this was so we have a feel for the software and have a understanding how to layout images and mastheads. Previously I looked at other front covers and I realised that the artist on the cover is always in front of the masthead. I also used rulers for the margins so I know that where to place my texts when creating the actually magazine.

Evaluation

                                         Evaluation

I think my research skills have improved as I gained access to information very quickly. It wasn’t that hard researching about the file sharing and illegal downloading because the research is all secondary research and I knew the information will be reliable. Talking about reliable, I used sites like BBC and the guardian to get information about my research because they were trustworthy sites and are quite popular. I think the BBC site was more useful because it had a variety of different information and also had statistics to show that the statements being made are true. However, I did use primary research by asking pupils in my class their views on both illegal downloading and file sharing. And I had advantages and disadvantages which was very useful because I understood the pros and cons.

Because my research skills were quite good, it made my journalistic skills easier. I had to write very formal when writing up the journalism because it was targeted at adults and also people in their late teens. The reason why it was targeted for them was because I wanted it to be read like if it was an article in a newspaper. One important thing I had to bear in mind was that I didn’t want my article to be biased; I had to include both sides of the argument for and against illegal downloading and file sharing. Also when making specific statements, I had to back it up with quotes because statements on its own can just be made up. I needed to support it.

I think using In Design was quite easy. Because I had used it before so I felt comfortable using this software. There was a lot of thing I had to think about when creating my DPS (double page spread) such as: layers, fonts-style, logos, headers etc. Because I was making my article into a newspaper format, I didn’t really need to fuss about making it look all colourful and stylish. The design was suitable and appropriate and I tried making it attractive at the same time so when people look at it, they would want to read it. I tried creating my newspaper like the metro so I added the metro logo on the top to make it look professional. I tried to not add too much text because I know that will bore the readers so I tried including sufficient text and information.

I had no problems with setting up my blog. It was easy to do. Our blogger URL had to be named in this format: studentnameasmedia.blogspot.co.uk. Once that was created, we then had to upload our DPS and that’s the first thing that should come up when viewing the blogger. I had used blogger previously so adding new posts was nothing new to me and I was already aware how everything works. One important thing about our blogger was that a sidebar was necessary because it makes it easier for people look for specific tasks.

Once our DPS was uploaded successfully, we had to get other people to view our Double Page Spread and leave comments/feedback. The feedback I got was all positive and people seemed to actually like my work I produced. I thought I would have some negative comments but knowing that people liked it, it really boosted up my confidence. The feedback they gave was understandable and I agreed with all of it. I think now when I create magazine covers in the future, I would feel confident in designing them as I know I have capabilities to try making something look attractive. 

Now I have done my research, journalism and created my Double Page Spread, I need to set some targets for improvements for the future. I think what I am lacking on is including statistics. I hardly include them and I need to make a habit of adding it to my research because they are important for backing up specific statements. I also need to learn to plan before hand when creating something on In Design because usually I have no idea of how to create things and end up over thinking. So more planning is much needed. And when you plan, your DPS will look very good. Another thing I need to improve on is that when I’m creating a DPS, I need to keep referring back to my target audience because I don’t want to make something look boring if it’s for teens and I don’t want to make something look fun if it’s for adults. I think that formal language is appropriate for both teens and adults in my opinion. One last thing I need to improve on is primary research. I feel as if I don’t have much primary research and I need to start using them because I can’t always use secondary research. There should be a balance.

Production Schedule

Article on the Music Industry