The construction stages of my magazine

I began by deciding which image would look most effective upon my front cover, once I had decided upon this image of model number 1, I began to think about the background and text designs I would eventually use. I like this image because it’s plain to see, that the main article is about a fashion show as this model is posing for the camera. Also the fact that she is smiling shows how it isn’t a strict and professional fashion show, but a more fun and unprofessional school fundraiser, allowing people to enjoy themselves.

At this point in the construction of my magazine I sampled using gradient tool for my background, using the colours purple and pink, this in an attempt to target my appropriate female audience, while making it stand out. Similarly I tried out different fonts for my title to see what would both, stand out and look appropriate on my magazine.

Later I decided that the background of my magazine should continue to be a gradient, however with the use of different colours. I eventually decided to use blue and purple, which were the colours that were most popularly voted for, when I did my audience research. Using the baby blue rather than a deep, midnight blue helped to continue targeting my female audience. One of my decisions being (as described in my flat plans) was that the name of my magazine should definitely be slanted to appear more attractive to perspective readers, an idea which I obviously ended up keeping.

I really liked the idea of using either a swirly or at least more imaginative font, as it would not only stand out but also send the message that students, teachers and parents will enjoy reading this magazine. Including a range of enjoyable topics to enjoy reading.

When I had decided upon my font style, I added a thick dark shadow to it. As you can see the contrast of colour between the white writing and the black coloured shadow, is prominent and easily seen. Then I added the issue and date lines in pink, therefore, using colours which would target my appropriate audience, however using a dark pink suggesting maturity. Informing readers that my magazine targets adolescents and older people also.

At this point I was beginning to construct the content of my school magazine’s cover, while trying to stick to the appropriate colour scheme, fitting with my house style. Using whites and pinks to compliment the purple and blue I had already used. Also deciding where my logo would go.

I had to create a logo for my school, so I used the shapes available on Photoshop, to get a tree image (to fit in with my school’s name). Then turned it into a green glass button, (green- in relation to trees and leaves) then added a drop shadow to make it stand out. Finally I made it the appropriate size and added text, originally I tried a light purple colour for the text to see how it looked, but later changed it to dark purple.

I added a bottom strip and sampled the colours, to decide which would look most effective. Slowly adding more of the article names, and fitting them in place, being conscious of the size and font of my text.

This is my completed front cover. Which I have tried to construct carefully, in order to attract my appropriate target audience.

Constructing my Double Contents page

When I was ready to make my double contents page, I began by turning the page into A3 size. Keeping with my house style, therefore using the same colour scheme for the background, as I used on my front cover. Similarly using the same font on this title as I used on my front cover, for my magazines name. Plus I featured the school’s logo to make it obvious that this magazine is from that particular school.

My original idea portrayed on my flat plans was to feature a Head Teacher’s comment, directed at the parents/carers, students or the teachers. Basically talking about the school and it’s progress. I tested it with different colours to decide which colours would look most effective.

I continued, trying to fit all of the contents required in, to it while stinking to the house style, I decided to use pink as my font, to target my specific audience.

Eventually I decided that, displaying the Head Teachers comment, took up too much room. So instead put that as part of my contents, to be portrayed later on in the magazine. I started to put my images onto my contents page, deciding where to place each image.

I later decided to make a ‘collage’ of images on the one side of the contents page with the inclusions listed on the other side of the page. I eventually decide to use a blue, clear font, that matches my background. Portraying contrast between the colours.

I added drop shadow to all of my images and then put them together on the page, facing different directions.

This is my final contents page, I eventually added page numbers and turned them bright pink so that they would stand out. I like the use of the collage as it is unique and different.

Preparing my images for my School Magazine

This audio sample describes the ideas and reasons behind the eventual variables in the production of my school magazine. Also giving constructive criticism into my own work, in discussion with other students.

Evidence

Book Debate Images

These particular images appear less posed and more as if the students are in the middle of their book debate and are discussing their reasons for liking what ever book they are in favour of. Plus I especially like the use of angles in these images, as they look more interesting and you can see them with their books open looking at the text, as if they are in a great debate. Once again you see in these pictures another change in where they are sitting, the images of them sitting at the table make it appear realistic and believable that they are in fact discussing. These are some of my favourite images as I really like how the angles are used and feel that they would look creative, giving my magazine an intelectual and school like ambience.