Final Evaluation Question 7

Final Evaluation Question 7

Final Evaluation Question 6

What have you learnt about the technologies from the process of constructing this product?

Camera:
To take my photos I used a Nikon D3100. The high ability of this camera allowed my shots to be of a high quality and of a sharp, concise colour. The flash allowed an automated reaction to the lighting equipment to also ensure a high quality image was produced. The blank background allowed the image to be clearly isolated - all contributing to the overall quality and professional style of the shots. I learnt that using a high quality megapixel camera enhanced, not only the images, but the whole appearance of the magazine and played a huge factor in the professional look of the magazine itself. Images were also easier to take in fast sequences, which enabled me to capture shots of the model that look natural and not forced.

Computer/MacBook:
I used the school computers and a MacBook Pro to create my coursework. I used these for researching my target audience, music genre, and magazine stylisation. I didn't learn anything new about these machines during the task, however I did learn significant amount about the programs that I have used on these computers.

Photoshop elements:
The main platform that I used to construct my product was Adobe Photoshop CS6. Techniques I used that were implemented in my work included the use of new tools such as fading the colour of a text to create a translucent effect, used for the 'L' beneath my article on my double page spread, to create a more interesting design. I learnt new techniques from YouTube tutorials, which demonstrated step-by-step guides.

Blogger:
I documented all stages of my coursework processes on Blogger - I posted each stage of research, drafting, final pieces and evaluation. This is my first blog that I have frequently posted on and I have learnt how to use it effectively during the course.

Animoto:
Animoto is a platform that helped me create a video for my initial pitch that allowed me to add music, photographs, and words altogether to emphasise my magazine idea. This was embedded into my blog and also played in front of an audience and helped me represent my magazine genre and style more effectively. 

Flickr:
I used Flickr after I had taken images from two different shoots with my model. This online platform allowed me to create sets for each shoot, which then were shared onto my blog for easy and quick viewing. This also allowed me to browse through my photos and highlight/select the appropriate images that I was planning to use in my magazine.

Microsoft Word 2007
I also used Microsoft Word 2007 to construct the text to my article and contents before inserting it into my PSD. This helped me as it meant I had a secure version of the article and I could edit the layout straight away using the grid on Photoshop to achieve an equal distribution of text. I learnt that by forming my article first it was then easily transferred onto Photoshop and I knew which column proportion and amount of text would be needed in each space on the grid. Spell check was also useful on Microsoft as it ensured that my article read well and was professional with no spelling errors.

Final Evaluation Question 5

Final Evaluation Question 4

Try our slideshow creator at Animoto.

Final Evaluation Question 3

Final Evaluation Question 2

Final Evaluation Question 1

Evaluation Draft

Evaluation Draft

Second Draft Self Review

Front Cover

What went well

• Costume/style of model
• Colour scheme (Black, white, and red)
• Models place on the page
• Title of magazine and the font it
• The lighting which created the shadow falling onto the backdrop from the models right hand side - This gives it a three dimensional look

Even better if

• Experiment with different fonts for the heading and strapline
• Cut out the shadow that is made from the models left arm, as this looks accidental

Contents Page

What went well

• There is consistency with the font of the masthead on the front cover with the title 'contents' and subheadings, linking the pages together
• The 'mirror image' layout of the subheadings and description
• Colour scheme is consistent (Black, white, and red)
• Classic font used works well with the 'Lemondrop' font that is associated with the magazine 

Even better if

• Change the image at the bottom of the page
• Incorporate different models into the layout of the page

Double page spread

What went well

• The main image reflects and builds a representation of the artist's character/personality
• The faded 'L' in the background of the article creates an interesting feature
• Colour scheme is consistent (Black, white, and red)
• Font works well against the image and assists in creating a modern/simple design
• The shadow, deliberately created through the use of lighting, creates a three dimensional appearance

Even better if

• Change the size of the first paragraph of the article as it is significantly long for an opening paragraph and looks out of proportion in comparison to the following paragraphs

Evaluation of Class Feedback

As a result of giving my pitch on, both my teachers and peers gave feedback as to what they're opinion is on my initial idea for my magazine. Some raised questions and others praised elements of my magazine, which, consequently, gives me confidence to pursue that idea.

One issue raised was the choice of model/s that would be the focus of the magazine and who would be on the front cover, contents page, and double page spread. This is a key choice as the model/s would be the main image and the focus of the whole magazine, and therefore if the model does not reflect the genre of the magazine, does not look aesthetically pleasing alongside the other elements of the magazine, or 'fit' the design, then this could have a negative effect on the whole magazine.
After discussing this issue with peers, I have decided to base my model/s appearance/clothing/attitude on that of the female rapper "Iggy Azalea". I have chosen this artist as a model to base my own model on, as she represents the modern urban/hip-hop genre that I am aspiring to achieve and always stars on interesting magazine covers/photo shoots.

The choice of title for my magazine gained a lot of praise from my peers and teachers after I presented my pitch. The name 'Major' has a lot of depth to it regarding the genre of the magazine, as the magazine will include major, and upcoming, hip-hop artists. As well as this, the fresh, young urban 'scene' is becoming a major genre in the music industry, developing in terms of music and image. The magazine will also be published majorly, overall creating a Major magazine. This depth and explanation of the title was praised and the impact of the word 'Major' alone was also mentioned. Therefore, I am confident that I will use this as a final title for my magazine.

Another issue that was discussed as a result of my pitch was the location of which the photo's for my mock-up magazine will be taken. After consideration, I have decided that I will take the photo's with the model/s up against a blank wall or white screen to create a plain background, which can then be edited easily later on as a result. I wanted a simple mise-en-scene to create a modern appearance of the magazine and therefore a blank background would be suitable in achieving this.

I also discussed a price of £4.20 for my magazine, and the number of pages would be a minimum of 120. I think this is suitable considering the target audience, as the younger audience will still be able to afford the magazine at this price, however it is still at a price so that the magazine can be of high standard and quality and the pages can be glossy. The number of pages (120) would also be appropriate as it is a monthly magazine and therefore will be expected to have more content than a magazine that is released monthly, for example. The amount of content also reflects the price of £4.20.