Evaluation
This is my completed college front cover and contents page.
I have constructed both pages myself. Before starting this task, my initial plan was to mimic a standard college magazine which had a feel of an urban magazine-this was because I thought it would appeal to young people as it would relate to the youth culture of urban music and lifestyle. I used my own photography for both pages and got another classmate to be a model for the photographs. I used my iPhone camera therefore the quality isn't the best. We took the photos inside which is another factor affecting the image quality as the lighting inside was not ideal. As for the cover star, we decided to use a school folder to be used in the images as a prop as this would correlate with the educational theme; which is what the magazine would be based upon. While laying out both pages I took into consideration the correct placing of the image. If placed in the right position, adding titles, cover lines and other conventions would make my magazine look very similar to a house style magazine layout. For both pages I used adobe Photoshop which allowed me to easily place images and text. Using my newly found knowledge of magazine features and placement, I applied this to constructing my pages including key conventions found in everyday magazines. I found this hard at first as I was not familiar with the adobe Photoshop but as time went by, I gradually understood how to use it the software and was able to quickly adapt to it.When creating both pages, I used layers on Photoshop which made it easier to edit each section. After I had completed both pages, I then had realised I had to use InDesign for my contents page instead of Photoshop. While using adobe, I found out many new techniques which I could use to make my magazine stand out. I used a shadow effect on most of the text; including the sky line. I added an eye-catching puff on the front, informing the reader about what would be within the magazine. I added a barcode, price and also the date which the issue has been released on; this would add authenticity to the magazine. I played around with many different colours to see which best suited myself and also would commonly be used in a typical music magazine. I used the 3 colour scheme of black, white and red. The colour red has connotation of danger and could be seen as a striking colour-This allows the reader to be drawn into purchasing the magazine. The colour red could also symbolise strength and boldness and I think this compliments the use of black as together they come across very bold-this could intrigue a young audience. I think my chosen colour scheme is very effective as the red draws the red draws the reader into continue to read. I researched other magazines similar to mine and found that most used a monochrome effect (black and white) and my addition of red would extra colour and life to the pages-making them visually attractive to the public and also encourage the reader to continue reader as they might find it exciting and new. I also tried to make the masthead as bold as possible, making it the largest text on the front cover. I included red text to make certain information stand out to the reader. On the contents page, I made the main text colour red as it contrasts well with the black background. I also wanted red to be the main colour on this page because the background of the image on the contents page is red; making red the most dominant colour. This colour scheme would run through the whole magazine.
For improvement, one way I could have improve my work would be: I could have used better scenery to enhance the photography and also I could have developed the images by using special effects and other tools within Photoshop. The photographs lacked emphasis on the models features as the lighting was not the best. Another way I could have improved my work would be by including more educational information on the front cover, within the cover lines. This would have added to the authenticity of the magazine. I also believe my magazine lacked excitement and individuality-a way of improving this would be by adding eye-catching conventions such as a puff which stated the price or changing the colour of certain text. I believe my colour scheme was effective, however it could come across as dull and uninteresting. To battle this I need to add identity, authenticity and also develop on typical conventions.Finally,another way I could have develop both pages would be by exploring the software to add more to what the public would see. I could make the front cover more visually appealing. From research I have done, I have found out that 63% of social media is made up images, making it more appealing to young people. By adding more images to my pieces, I could enhance it to become more visually appealing and attractive which would help aim it more at my targeted audience. The image below is evidence for visual appeal is very important wanting to catch the attention from the public.
Furthermore, I believe that my use of colours and specific text allow my front cover and contents page to stand out. Especially the masthead and cover lines are I have made them bold and eye-catching for the audience. I tried to make my pages as professional as possible, using standard conventions and trying my best to fall back from the amateur look and feel. My chosen font was simple and easy. I used several different fonts for all the varied due to importance and how I wanted the magazine to be perceived by the audience. My target audience would be young people-mainly college students who attend Leyton as well as other external students or individuals interested in the college itself. I also tried to use language which would be able to relate young people. I also wanted to use short and snappy sentences and reading long paragraphs may not appeal to young students. Taking the thoughts into account, I wanted the language and visual presentation to appeal young people as much as possible.
