OCR – Level 3 Cambridge Introductory Diploma in

Media

Unit 14: Producing a Print based Media Product

P4 Evidence

Name: Emily ThompsonCandidate Number: 6107Center Name: St. Andrew’s Catholic SchoolCenter Number: 64135

Set Brief - Print

Project/Brief –

Music Magazine & Promotion

Contents:Title: Slide:

Mood Board 3

Equipment 4

Test Photography 5

Pre-Production Material 6

Production Process` 7

Post Production Publishing Tools 8

Front Cover – Step By Steps 9 - 11

DPS – Step By Steps 12 – 14

Conclusion 15

Unit 14 – Producing a Print Based Media Product – “Mood Board – First Idea”

Q – “Discover Great Music”Using the verbal code ‘discover’ can ‘signify’ (De Saussure) to the reader that they will find something interesting and new. From this in relation to Katz’s theory, the purpose of the magazine is to ‘inform and educate’. The strapline of my magazine will include features like this to appeal to a large target audience.

Before taking the images for the front cover and double page spread I looked for equipment that would be suitable for taking professional and high quality photographs.In the fields I have only planned to use a tripod (to reduce blur), Canon camera and a light reflector. I cannot use artificial lights as this would be difficult to obtain a power source. Therefore the light reflector helps to capture light and reflect it onto a subject to highlight certain features better.

For the studio lighting I will be using two tungsten lights, this means that when taking the images of the subject there will be no harsh shadows as they will be placed both sides.I also chose for the subject to sit in front of a plan white background, this is so that in the post-production editing stages it will be easier to conduct advanced hair selection.

Unit 14 – Producing a Print Based Media Product – “Equipment”

These images are excess images that were taken on the planned location photo-shoot. They all followed the plan of including a natural bright green background whilst the artist had a laid back approach and informal style for the photographs. The variations of the photos can be seen because of the changing angles and positions of the artist. This was done so the best lighting, angle and scenery could be captured to demonstrate a professional quality of photograph.There were more challenges than originally thought for this photo-shoot, based on the original image plan. There were some restrictions on taking photos as parts of the location were on private land, this meant that if permission was not gained then the magazine would not be able to publish them. This issue was resolved when a similar location was found nearby that did not have an restrictions. Additionally several locations were used to find the best lighting for the photograph.

The studio images that were taken had fewer problems than the outdoor shoot. This was because it was in a controlled environment where the lighting and angle could be better monitored. In the studio several images were taken to develop the best angle, this can be seen in the screenshot of the unused images. One of the limitations that developed when taking the photos in the studio was the lighting, only two lights were available when the plan was to use three. However this issue was resolved when instead of the third light we used a light reflector to intensify the light.

Unit 14 – Producing a Print Based Media Product – “Test Photography”

Unit 14 – Producing a Print Based Media Product – “Pre-Production Material”

I used the pre-production material to ensure that all of the original plans stayed the same. However the final image plan slightly changed when we were on location and taking the final photographs for the double page spread.One of the problems that we came across was that the location did not have the best lighting, due to the time of the day. Therefore the photographs were taken in a different location not far away from the original so the best light could be captured.This problem with the weather and lighting was mentioned in the image plan within the ‘potential hazards/risks’ section. Therefore we were prepared for any unplanned events.

Another area that was changed from the original hand drawn draft final plans were some of the colours. An example of this is for the puff promotion I originally decided to use a darker blue colour, however this was changed later on to a lighter colour so the promotion would not clash with the main magazine logo.

Unit 14 – Producing a Print Based Media Product – “Production Process”

It was important that when I was carrying out the tasks that were set on the production plan that everything went according to plan. Part of the production process where there were several stages that needed corrections was drafting and deciding the final interview questions.On the production plan it was predicted that the interview plans would be ready by the 22nd November 2014. These were then proofread on the 23rd November. Below are the before and after plans for the interview. The first draft includes some red text where some of the information needs to be changed to make it seem more professional and similar to the style of the magazine. Also included is the final draft this has been proofread and changed in relation to the red corrections on the first draft.

Unit 14 – Producing a Print Based Media Product – “Post-Production Publishing Tools”

The first thing that needs to be done when creating the magazine front cover and double page spread is to create the blank canvas. This is where all of the text, images and colour will be placed on top. To create a new Photoshop document follow File>New, a dialog box will pop up and you will be able to customise several features. I chose to create the canvas size in centimetres, I felt this will be easier to measure other aspects on the document with the ruler tool (Ctrl + R). Once I had decided the width and height of the pages, based off of my research from my magazine of inspiration (Q Magazine), you then have the option to ‘Save Preset…’. This feature enables you to keep the sizes of the new Photoshop document for later versions, this will be very useful for future magazine editions.

There are two ways to inserting images into Photoshop. The first is by using place. File>Place, this will then open a pop up box where you can browse your files and choose multiple images to insert onto your Photoshop document. This will place the image onto the layer that you last had selected.The second way of inserting images into Photoshop is by using Adobe Bridge. This is an additional program that works in conjunction with Photoshop. Once Adobe Bridge is open you can easily browse your files and preview the image quality of the image on the right hand side, double click on an image to open it in Photoshop. This will open in a new document.I prefer to use Adobe Bridge to open up the images, this is due to the fact that it is easy to preview and compare the image quality beforehand, this saves lots of time.

Using the ‘Place’ option

Using Adobe Bridge

Creating a new canvas

Step One:The first process of creating the magazine was making the background colour. I chose to use the black and white gradient tool on the blank canvas and then slightly change the opacity so it would have this faded effect. I made sure to place the darker shading of the gradient in the top left hand corner of the canvas as this is where the logo will be placed. This is similar to the front cover of my magazine of inspiration, Q magazine.

Step Two:Once I had applied this gradient I then proceeded to turn on the ruler lines. This will aide me with the positioning of objects on the Photoshop document. The next stage was inserting the main magazine logo. I created the logo separately in another Photoshop document, therefore I placed the image on the canvas by going to File>Place.. The font that I used for the main logo was ‘RomanT’, I used this because the lettering was easy to read. After placing the logo I added the strapline of ‘Turn up the music’ on the right hand side of the box.

Step Three:The next important feature was added next, the main image. I edited this image in a separate Photoshop document so I could accurately select around difficult details such as individual hair strands. The technique that I used for this was my using the mask tool, and then radius. By adjusting the radius this enables you to control how much of the image is selected by slightly changing the selection area. I then softened the edges so they would not appear as harsh on the final product. Other corrections that I made on the image was using the spot tool to hide any skin blemishes, this gave the subject a clean look that was suitable for the front cover.

Unit 14 – Producing a Print Based Media Product– “Step-by-Steps – Front Cover”

Unit 14 – Producing a Print Based Media Product – “Step-by-Steps – Front Cover”

Step Four:The next stage of creating the magazine was to insert the barcode of the magazine. Inside the barcode individually I had to insert, social media site logos, the magazines website, date and price of the issue. Again I used the place tool to insert the image of the barcode. As well as the text tool to create details such as the pricing and date of issue. I had to make sure that there is consistency throughout the magazine, therefore I used the same font as the magazine logo to demonstrate this.

Step Five:I then decided to add the puff promotion to the front cover of the magazine. By following conventions that I researched from similar indie genre magazines I positioned this in the top right hand corner, opposite the magazine main logo. The shape of the puff promotion I chose was circular, this is so it stands out on the page from the rest of the information. The main colours for the puff promotion are blue and white; this follows some consistency to the magazine style, whilst also standing out with the interesting fonts.

Step Six:Then I created the main headline. I sourced the font for this from ‘dafont.com’, it is the style ‘justanotherstampfont – demo’. Once I downloaded the font, I sorted out the positioning and style of the lettering. To edit this I had to right click on the text layer and then select ‘blending options’, on here there are the selections of adding shadows, strokes and emboss. By adding some of these extra effects to the main headlines it makes it stand out to the rest of the text on page and it will be the first thing that is seen. When positioning the main headline I made sure to position it to the side of the subject, by doing this it will not take away any ‘star appeal’ (Richard Dyer) from the artist. Additionally the text needs to be easy to read so I kept the background the simple black to white gradient so it would not interfere with the colours of the text.

Unit 14 – Producing a Print Based Media Product – “Step-by-Steps –Double Page Spread”

Step Seven:After positioning the main headline I then created other features that would accompany the main headline. This included an interesting quote from the interview on the double page spread and an interesting title that will engage the reader. I wanted to keep the fonts for these two pieces of text simple so it would not draw attention away from the main headline. I used the consistent magazine colours of royal and blue and black so it would show the high standard of magazine editing. I also had to make sure that the text was appropriately positioned around the subjects face so it would not take away the ‘star appeal – (Richard Dyer)’ that they generate.

Step Eight: The final process was to insert the magazines cover lines, I wanted them to stand out and not just be a bulk of boring text therefore I added features that would separate the text well. One of these features was inserting simple black lines in-between the individual cover lines, this is so it could be read more easily and is more appealing to the eye. Another feature that I added was using different colours, I made sure to insert eye catching colour such as red, white and orange that would capture the readers eye to the story, this would inform them of other content that is in the magazine. Finally I also used artists and bands original logos, this is so the reader would recognise the artists by their signature title and it also separates the text from the consistent magazine font.

Unit 14 – Producing a Print Based Media Product – “Step-by-Steps –Double Page Spread”

Step One:For the first step in creating the double page spread I imported the main image into the Photoshop. Then I changed the levels to make the whole image brighter and also adjust the contrast slightly. I felt that the colours of the page should stand out so changed the tones of the blues and greens in the image by going on the selective colours feature, this made the image become really attention grabbing and it highlights the genre of the artist.

Step Two:This next step was creating the main headline and stand first. I wanted to show consistency throughout the magazine so I decided to use the same font that I used for the front cover headline. I simply selected the text tool and chose the area where I wanted to the text to appear, I then adjusted some features such as the size and the spacing between the text. For the stand first I used another one of the magazines simple fonts, instead of using black throughout this page I wanted it to stand out so I decided to use the magazines consistent royal blue colour. This both highlighted the large

Step Three:The next part of creating the double page spread was to create the smaller details underneath the main headline and stand first. This included features such as adding the magazine branding, I did this by inserting the logo and then writing ‘Volume Exclusive’. By including this it connotes to the reader that they have exclusive access to the artist and the latest in depth information about them. I also included another small feature such as the credits to the writer and photographer. This was placed at the top of where the start of the article will be.

Unit 14 – Producing a Print Based Media Product – “Step-by-Steps –Double Page Spread”

Step Four:The main body of text was the next thing to be created on the double page spread. I had to check through thoroughly to look for any spelling mistakes before it was inserted. I placed the text into three different columns to make it easier to read. On the interview section of the text I made sure to include differentiated colours for the questions and answers this is so it is easier for the reader to establish who is talking. Another feature that I included was a stand first, this is at the start of the text and grabs the reader attention and draws them into reading the text. I made sure that all of the content that is added to the double page spread is similar to the house style of the magazine, this is so it shows consistency.

Step Five:As I could not fit all of the text onto one half of the page I decided to add a translucent column onto some of the image. I feel that this worked quite well as you can still see some of the image behind the text but the writing can still be read. It also takes up some of the blank space in the image which can distract the attention away from the image, by inserting this column now more focus is on the subject, enticing people to read the article and find what it is about.

Step Six:To make the page look more visually appealing I added a smaller image that was placed within the text columns, this helps to separate the text better and also provides the reader with more visual stimulation which will help them understand the article better. I felt that this image should be in black and white so it does not draw too much attention away from the main half page image.

Unit 14 – Producing a Print Based Media Product – “Step-by-Steps –Double Page Spread”

Step Seven:The quote on the image was the next element that was added to the page, I picked an interesting quote from the main bulk of text. The purpose of this is to be short and entertaining and needs to highlight an interesting point in the article that will make the reader want to read on. It has been placed over the top of the main image so it connotes high importance. Also I had to make sure that when placing this image that the text can be clearly seen, therefore I placed it over the stop of some of the blank space in the image above the subject.

Step Eight:The final step includes adding smaller details such as inserting elements of branding in the magazine. In the bottom corners of the pages I have included the magazines logo, page number and date. This will be consistent throughout the rest of the magazine.

Unit 14 – Producing a Print Based Media Product – “Conclusion”

In this learning outcome I looked at the main production processes. I focussed on the stages of production and how they take place to create the final product. The first thing that I created was the mood board, this illustrates several features in the magazine, such as colours, target audience and music genre. This is the main inspiration for the magazine.

One of the main production processes was taking and editing the photos for the front cover and double page spread, I had to make sure that I had all the equipment for the shoot, therefore I created an image plan. I have also included the test photography shots. These are the images that were excess and not needed for the pages, they illustrate the different angles and lighting that has been used. Many of the production processes are based around trial and error, the photoshoot is one of these.

I have also focussed this learning outcome on the production schedule that was created. This highlights the different processes that need to be completed by a deadline. This enables me to stick to these deadlines as each day is structured towards completing a certain task. One example of a production process that I included was the first draft of the interview for the double page spread and the final draft. I compared the two and this displays the amount of trial and error that many of the processes have to go through to become high quality.

Another important area was the step by steps, I created these when I was producing the magazine pages. Each image and text box demonstrates the change that has been made and the development of the pages.