Preliminary Project - Completed Student Magazine

To create my student magazine I used photoshop and my phone to take the images on. The advantages of using photoshop is that it made it a lot easier to create the cover using layers and the different tools such as the shape tool etc. The disadvantage of using photoshop is that it was hard to get used to working the different layers and resizing the text etc. The advantage of using my phone to take pictures is that it was practical and easy to use in the location, however, the disadvantage is that the picture quality wasn't as good as a camera's and I couldn't control lighting etc as I wasn't in a studio.

An advantage of using photoshop is the different tools you can use, for example the shape tool.

First you click on the shape tool icon down the side of the menu.

After you've clicked the icon you drag your cursor from one corner to the other creating a box shape. Release your cursor when you are happy with the size of your shape. You can change the colour of your shape by using the box of colours next to it and choosing the desired colour

Preliminary Project - Layout of cover and contents page

I decided that the masthead colour should be white text and the box around it black as they appeal to both genders and create a smart classy look. I also decided to have the background of the magazine cover as white with the text as black as they are neutral colours and are unisex. I chose to have the main central image at a mid shot of both male and female students in school as it appeals to all students widening the target audience. The main image will include bright colours to contrast with the black and white theme of the magazine to draw the audience in. Also, I chose to include a pug at the top of my cover underneath the masthead which will be a bright blue colour also contrasting with the black and white theme. The pug will be a free giveaway of a school essential such as a free pen which will appeal to school students matching the target audience. On my magazine cover, I have also included a competition where the prize would be an iPad which appeals to young people matching the target audience. The footer at the bottom of the cover will be white text and the box around it will be black as both colours are neutral also mirroring the masthead and appealing to both genders.

The main headline for my magazine will be 'Top 10 revision tips' as every student can relate making it appeal to all school students. There will also be a secondary headline from every section of the magazine making it appeal to students in every situation. The text will be black on a white background to contrast with the masthead. 

The masthead's text will be white with the box around it to be black as it appeals to both genders and also mirrors the magazine cover's theme. The rest of the page will have a white background with black writing to contrast the masthead. I chose these sections with these stories because they appeal to both genders and all school students. The main image will be of a group of friends at school as it is positioned next to the 'social life' section. The editors letter will be brightly coloured to contrast and stand out from the rest of the contents page. 

Preliminary Project - Student Magazine Analysis

The camera angle of the model in the centre of the magazine cover is taken at mid shot. The models body language and facial expression gives the impression that college is enjoyable and is a calm and relaxed atmosphere. The model also appears to be stood in a park which is a relaxed and pleasurable environment. The oppositional reading for this is that college should be a place of hard work and the model is enforcing the idea that college is too relaxed.

The language is very informal making this magazine appeal to young people.  The magazine also covers controversial topics such as underage pregnancies and legal drugs. The oppositional reading for this is that it makes college sound potentially dangerous or at the very least morally corrupt. The preferred reading for this is that college students need to be made aware and warned of these dangers before its too late.

The colour theme of red and blue appeals to male readers along with the attractive model, however the female figure could act as a role model for the female readers. This suggests that it appeals to both genders. The preferred reading here is that college is for both genders.

The typography is sans serif as the font is informal making it appeal to young people, which is the preferred reading.

The model is also wearing relaxed cool clothing matching the colour theme of red and blue, therefore appealing to both genders.

Welcome to my blog!

My name is Sydney Isitt-Ager and I am in year 12 studying at BOA. This is my media studies blog which I will use to upload my work on my music magazine project.