Magazine covers (monthly)

Monthly magazines are slightly different from weekly magazines. One main aspect of the difference is the price, montly magazines carry a larger price tag, but people usually over see this, as it has a months worth of information in it. The monthly magazine usually comes out a month in advance. With in these magazines, a high selling point is the free gifts advertised with in the product, this helps draw the buyer away from the price and focus on the freebie.

This issue of clash offers a free DVD. People may buy this issue of the magazine for the DVD only, or may be attracted too the magazine then convinced to buy it by the free offer involved. The DVD that is included with the magazine 'Lives of the Artists' helps clarify a specific genre of of music. The same DVD is sponsered by the magazine Relentless. This is clearly a popular DVD and will attract the reader to the magazine.

Relentless has a classic black and white look, its images are also in black and white giving it a older look to it. It is not vibrant or colourful, it catches peoples attention through a colder, sinical feel too it. The text is wrote in black with fancy writing that had a memorable pattern to it. The writing of the title is not the biggest writing involved meaning that the main focus is not on the title more on the 'Lives of the artists' this may be the main feature too attract the reader. Also the 'Lives of the artists' is central on the page. The automatically draws attention to the reader. The three main images are in block sqaure structure, this makes the magazine seem neat, and although the pictures contrast the classic image.

Clash has the opposite look from relentless, although it is not brightly coloured, it has a coloured image and looks more modern. The largest writing is the title, it has an emerged 'a' and 's' too create a signature aspect that the public will remember when it is seen. Unlike relentless, Clash has a large title too attract the readers eye too that part, therefore hoping them too remember the name and not the offers involved. The second largest word that catches the readers eye is 'Love', this is part of 'Courtney love' but the love is in larger font. This is a popular fashion icon and star, so it attracts the reader in through recognition of the star. This cover has made it clear that the magazine will be highly focused on this certain star.

The image of Courtney, is very high fashioned, she is wearing red lipstip and has red blood on her hands, red is associated with danger, lust or love all of which are deep emotions, sensing that the music could be rather emotional, known as emo music. She also has big bold hair that makes her look fierce suggesting there is wild music involved with in the magazine. All aspects hint too the reader the type of genre of music inside.

There is not much text on the rest of either magazines, they both have in common of the simplicity of each layout, it indicates enough for the reader too know the stories that may be included inside, but leaves a lot of room for new surprises. In both magazine covers i feel it is not easy too tell which type of music is involved through the structure and images.

Magazine covers (weeklies)

Kerrang

'Kerrang' is the title of the magazine, and is produced with large, bold font. The writing is all capatilized and the colour scheme is WOB. All these features develop a technique to make the title stand out and look bold. It indicate that the magazine contains bold music. There is an exclamation used at the end of the title, to put emphsis on the title, it could create an image of shouting. This could indicate the music is loud. The writing has what looks like cracks through it, or has been 'smashed' this could show signs that the music could make you want too smash things.

The colour scheme is all relevant, they are blue white and black although pink is used but is minimal. By using black and white shows it is classical but including the blue and pink could suggest it is for girls and boys. As we connect these colours to that stereotype. The colour blue is percieved as cool, and this may be the message the magazine being put across. The colours are bold, and enhance eachother, making the text stand out.

The main block of text is of the band 'Enter shikari & the king blues' this is the main feature of the magazine and their biggest selling point. It also creates the genre of magazine that Kerrang is. The inside of the magazine will include things to do with the band, and may appeal to fans and a specific audience. It also helps promote the band and by including the main image of the band memembers emphisises this point. The image of two of the band members are seen as cheeky, with one man winking and pointing and the other behind him with an expression on his face. This percieves a certain attitude and style of the band and magazine. The image is fun and casual suggesting that inside the magazine is informal and fun.

There are other images used on the front cover, of other different selling points and attractions too readers, this helps the magazine appeal to a wider range of audience as it covers a wider base of rock music. Another selling point is the competition highlighted in a circle box, this attracts readers because it involves a talking point. Things that are being advertised are set in bold often highlighted in pink, this helps the reader locate the text easier.

Audience Profile

The audience i believe this magazine appeals too is a younger generation who enjoy listening to bands and going too music gigs. The reader must be interested in the genres of; punk,rock,screamo and indie music too enjoy the benefits of the magazine. I believe the age of readers would be between 14-25 as the magazine has basic language and is informal. Generally i believe the male population dominates the reading of the magazine. The type of person who would generally read the magazine would be more carefree and has different values. They are likely too be loud, bold and enjoy standing out. They may care less about work or studies and care more about material values. The magazine cover gives the specific whole round rock look which makes the readers feel comfortable. Both NME and Kerrange achieve appealing to their specific audience.

NME

The title is striking in this front cover, it is bold and the biggest block of writing used. It is capitilised but has a simple design. There are three colours involved in the title: red,black and white. These colours are all striking colours and can be percieved as bold. This shows that the music itself is bold. The colours used in the title run throughout the front cover of the magazine making everything relevant and related too eachother. The rest of the writing involved on the front cover follow the colour scheme and the selling points are in bold font.

The main attraction used on the front cover, is wrote in the second largest font and wrote in red too catch the readers attention. It says 'The Courteeners' with a quote underneath 'the public have spoken louder than the critics' this suggest that the band has an attitude and listen too the public rather than the critics and relate their success towards the public. This is a high selling point, as reader will become intruiged to know why the bands views are this way. Its show a true rock attitude, as the band beat the critics and readers may find that admirable. This promotes the band and helps the magazine gain more circulation.

Surrounding the main text is other selling points including the latest news and gossip involving bands and music festivals. This is a key point as it gives insight in to the magazine. NME has a different base of news, and is more formal and structured than Kerrang.

The main image, is of a man who is part of the band wrote about. This is relevant too the magazine and could show there is more information and interesting gossip about this man and band inside the magazine. The mise en scene of the image, as in his clothes follow the colour scheme of the magazine, red and black. This shows more structure. The image is dominant of the front cover, and is the only image used, this must mean that Noel Gallagher is the main feature that NME wants to be focused on. He represents a speicific genre of music and dresses too promote this genre as the audience would classically know as indie. He has a serious emotion on his face showing he takes his music more serious and the magazine is more serious than Kerrang.

Audience Profile

It is more likey that the audience for this magazine will be generally older and more intellectual. The magazine is more formal than Kerrang. I believe it may appeal to an age range of 17-28 and mostly dominated by males. The magazine may appeal to people who like too keep up with music as a hobbie or interest rather than a lifestyle, it may be a pleasure too read. They are likely in a higher occupation, with a wider vocabulary.

Preliminary Task - Final Product and Evaluation

For our preliminary task, i was asked to create a front cover and contents page of a school magazine. Basing my ideas specifically around the sixth form with in the St Mark's school, i developed a brain storm of all the positive elements enjoyed around the sixth form. Once i drew up a mock design i took the next step, taking photographs of images i wanted featured on my magazine. The pictures i photographed were specifically taken based on the ideas of postive sixth form aspects. I hoped this would appeal too future students, through what appealed too current students. The first picture i took, was of students demonstrating how they use their free time, i took the picture based in the common room, it shows that there is a comfortable place to be, but can also be used too work in. This shows the reader a balance between working and social interaction. This balance is what i believe it positive and one of the best aspects of the sixth form. The next picture i took was of a student demonstrating a drama act, reading from a script. The reason i thought this was a good feature to have on the front cover was because it shows talent and creativity. The students have a chance too express their passions and take part in numerous different subjects.The last photo i took for my front cover was of a students art work, i specifically took this for the wording wrote on the art. The words may be seen as inspiring. The way the sentence is put across is creative, merging a range of different talents.

For the contents, i carried through the creative theme and used a lot of art. The first picture i took for my contents was of St Mark's sixth form current head girl, Beth. I thought it would be a good feature to have Beth involved in the magazine as she has a big involvement in the sixth form, she is also an inspiration too what future students can aspire too do. The next image was of a students art work, i used this as it is an excellent piece of art and shows pure talent. The reason behind me choosing this image was to show of St Mark's talent among the students, and encourage students too try new things. The last image i used on my contents was of another piece of art work, this is a different type of art work, as it involves a collage on famous style icons. This shows the dedication and research put in to the work behind the collage of images, it also symoblises that the sixth form pieces together just as a collage does.

While taking the photos i had too use a range of angles and camera shots too show my ability. I included using Medium close up, Medium long distance and close ups. This gives a variety of different techniques and i chance for the reader too see different details with in the shot.

After i had finished taking the photographs i moved on too focusing on my main product and proudcing my front cover and contents page. I uploaded my photos too photoshop, firstly concerntrating on my images. I decided i wanted too keep the layout simple as i thought the busier it looked the further away from the calm St Mark's atmosphere was captured. I kept a simple white background as this is bright, it looks fresh and clean. Then added my photos on to the base of white. The first photo added was of students with in the common room, i wanted this picutre too seem as a footer of the page, it is the largest picture used as i wanted to show the comforability of the sixth form, i used the lasoon tool, too cut out the parts of image i wanted too include, then feather it to make it seem softer around the edges giving it a more professional look, i repeated this with all the images i used. I then added the image of Zak Grace, a drama student, i emerged this image too fit in the top right hand corner of the page. The pictures seemed to blend well but i realised the text may not fit in so next i decided too create the heading, i used the largest size font available as this is what i wanted the reader to be attracted to most. The next piece of writing i wrote was 'west essex catholic school' this was in smaller font and i different colour. The colour scheme i used throughout the front cover and contents was white, black and red. I chose red because it stands out, black because it is sophisticated and white because it looks clean. I kept the same colour scheme throughout as i believe it is more professional. Next i added the last image i was going too include on the cover, the picture was art work, and i feathered the image also too blend with the others.

After completing the final little details such as, the date and issue number. i also included the logo too show that the school specialises in buisness and enterprise. This is a postive aspect towards the school, it encourages students that enjoy working with in that area.

After finishing my front cover, i moved on to create my contents page. I wanted the contents page to follow the same theme as the front cover, so they seemed connected and relevant towards each other. To do this, i used the same colour scheme for my background and text. Firstly i started by creating the text for the heading, i chose too use a bold style font and the second from largest font size. I kept the colour the same as on the title on the front cover. Next i started to edit my first image, just like on the front cover, i opened my image to photoshop, using the lasoon tool i cut out any of the image i wanted to keep, i feathered the side of the image to give it a professional touch. I placed the picture of Beth, in the left hand corner, i followed the same technique with every other image. Lastly i added the page numbers and content of the page. I used black on white with the bulk of writing. I decided to make the writing bold, as this will help the writing stand further out also helping it to be clear.

On my contents page, i included further page references that i thought would draw the reader in and appeal too a wide range of audience. I included

• Art fair
• Dance show
• Exam results
• Jesus Christ Superstar

as well as others, all these subjects are relevant to my magazine and follow the theme i used. They are all creative subjects, just as i went for a creative look for my magazine.

After finishing my final product i hoped that my magazine would appeal to a wide range of people and gave across a specific message. I believe that my front cover and contents page looks professional and captures the image of St Mark's Sixth Form.

As St Mark's does not have a school magazine, we looked at the school prospectus. We were asked too comment and anaylse the front cover of the prospectus and the message that is being presented.

The emerged images used show a comfortable, happy working enviroment, where sixth formers are working together or alone with complete happines. There are two images used, one of a working classroom which gives an insight on the ways the school runs its lessons as well as the facilities and companionship. The second image is of three girls who are of mixed race and looking happy and content. This gives the reader the impression that the sixth form is friendly and close connected. Looking into the images in more detail at the mise en scene, i focused on the uniform of the students, they are all dressed smartly but in what looks like comfortable wear. This gives the impression that although St Mark's is a smart school, sixth form is more focused on learning and independence. It also makes the school look modern through the facililites.

The students in the images all look very laid back and as though they were naturally working, this gives a good impression as it shows there is not any disruption in classes and that St mark's is a calm and helpful enviroment too work in.

There is a logo in the bottom left hand corner of the prospectus, this is a vital piece of information as it indicates to the reader specifically what the sixth form specializes in. This emphisizes that St marks is the best location to be when studying business and enterprise. This may appeal too a wide range of new students, as it helps them believe that they can reach their full potential whilst having a massive amount of support.

Lastly the title of the school is headed in bold writing which stands out from the darker background. The writing is in formal writing, and looks professional. The logo is too the left of the title, so it St Mark's is easily recognised anywhere.

In conclusion the prospectus has a warm feeling too it, as the colours of the background and writing are deep warm colours, also it over all seems a happy, friendly place too learn. It will make future students, feel welcome and invited.

During a media lesson, i was asked too annotate too university magazines using the technique denotation and connotation of design features. The magazines which i was asked too annotate were; 'Quad' an university in london, also the magazine 'Newsman' a university in Birmingham, Newman.

I firstly annotated 'Quad' magazine. The images used on the cover are structured and based on a white background making it easy and simple for the reader too see clearly what is being portrayed too them. A dominant picture of Queen Mary is used as she is the symbol of the university, this picture is based at the top of the cover beside the title. This shows an importance for the picture and allows it too dominate the cover. The rest of the images show a wide cultral range, success,history and sport. These aspects are appealing as they cover a wide range of interests. The structure of the images being boxed indicates that it is a more formal, neat university.

There is limited text to the cover of 'Quad' as the images explain most of the information. The text used is basic and quotes coverlines and article writers. A bold font is used and WOB is used, although red is included in the text too seperate the writers names from their quotes. The colour scheme for the text is all relevent and blends together, the white on black allows the text too stand out from the background making it easier for readers too see. The title of the cover is most important this stands out the most, it uses large bold font, and has the colour scheme of BOW, this seperates the title from the rest of the text on the page.

Secondly i annotated 'Newsman' magazine. The structure of this magazine was a zast difference from 'Quad'. The images used were emerged in with eachother, making it busy but also harder too create a clear image. The images are of the enviroment the university with holds. The images are relevant too the article being proudced.

There is an equal balance between the text and image, and the text used is bold, WOB. The main bulk of text is wrote in italic font. The background behind the font is very dull and does not highlight the writing. The colour scheme of the cover is not coordinated and the colours seem too be selected at random as they are not relevant too eachother.

In conclusion from annotationg both magazine covers, i got the idea that 'Quad' was the more formal, sophisticated, structed university where as 'Newsman' seems the more busier, free flow university.

Tutorial on Photoshop.

The class was given a tutorial on how too use photoshop and the elements photoshop has, this gave me chance too learn the basics of editing texts and images.
The task i was given was too make a basic chocolate advert using photoshops elements such as changing the lighting, texture, and enhancing colours.
To begin with i was asked too open a fresh page, by clicking new then cutsom and A4. I automatically saved this page by going to save as-format-photoshop. Next, i found an image of chocolate, right clicking the mouse i opened the file with photoshop. To begin editing i looked through the left hand toolbar and selected the magnetic lasson tool, guiding it around the outside of the image i wanted too keep, this allowed me too cut out any part of the picture that was not wanted. Following this i seclected-save selection; this allows me too save the image which were selected, after saving the selection i clicked select-feather-20pixels, by choosing 20 pixels softens the image around the edge making it look more professional. After softening the image, i copied the image and pasted it onto the page, re-creating a new image.
Now that the basic editing of the image was concluded i was able too move on too enhancing the image according too my own tastes and what i believe my target audience would appreciate.
We look specifically at:

• Filtering. filter-filter gallery-dark strokes. This abled me too decided on the texture of the image, i experimented with a few different textures until i decided on 'dark strokes'. This created a melted look.
• Enhancing. Enhance-adjust lighting-levels. This allowed me too adjust the shadow and lighting of the image. Although i didnt change the lighting levels of my image as i already liked the look of it, it is valuable for future references.
• Enhance-adjust colour-hue saturation. This changes the saturation of the image, it does not touch the lightness of it.
• Edit master-reds. This enhances the reds in the image.

After learning how the edit the image of the advert, we moved on too learning about using text on photoshop. I started by selecting the horizontal type tool (T) this allows me too write whatever text is needed. Too move the the text, i had too select the hand tool from the left side bar. After clicking the text tool, at the top of the page, i was able too change the font, colour and size. I had too make sure i kept too the same layer.

The final thing too learn was too be able too save the image but also knowing how to save it too my blog. To do this i had too click file-save for web-present-JPEG-25 megapixels(this changes the length and width of the image)save as-JPEG.

In conclusion this tutorial was very useful as it helped me understand the concepts of photoshop so in future when i produce my own products, i will be amazing at it :)