Before creating my final product I constructed the cover for my own college magazine. This prepared me for my final product as I had to design and create a name, tagline, a colour scheme all with my genre and target audience in mind. I also had to take images and keep to my However for my preliminary task I only created a front cover, then I made flatplans for my double page spread and contents page; this was to show my understanding of creating a college magazine's double page spread and contents page layout.
Since my preliminary task I think my level of technology use has improved, I now understand how to use programs such as Photoshop and Indesign to a more advanced standard. My understanding of Magazine importance in the media industry has developed quite alot, I now realise the appeal an audience finds in a magazine.
Before starting my final product, I just knew the basics of using an Apple Mac, PhotoShop, InDesign and Blogger. I had never used the internet applications Prezi and Slideshare before, however I now know how to use them and also embed my Slideshows and Prezi's to my Blogger. My preliminary task introduced me to programs on the Apple Mac computer, however when it came to my music magazine I feel I used alot more tools provided by programs such as InDesign more efficiently. One of my most used tools was the 'Dropper tool' it allowed me to replicate colours and use them throughout my magazine; I found this useful especially when I was blending in objects or I needed to cut out something from the background and replicate the colour to fill in the gap.
I also think my photography skills have improved, I'm not a great photographer especially when it comes to photographing people and objects however I feel I have improved since my preliminary task. I also feel asthough I understand the angles and shots used on different genres on magazine, what these shots and angles can sometimes suggest about a magazine and how the different shot types can affect the way a photo is seen.
Before starting my final product I wasn't aware of how significant the layout of a magazine could be when it comes to selling and distribution. The right layout, colours and font all affect the genre and target audience and how well the magazine sells. All these aspects help to create the exact magazine the correct target audience is looking for.
