Q7. Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

Holly Beaumont

Q7. Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

When I initially completed my preliminary task I felt happy with it. Looking back I now understand that there are various areas which could be changed in relation to making it look more conventional, contributing to the professional ‘look’ of the magazine.

When I first began creating my preliminary task front cover, all of the technology was new to me, meaning the final product is likely to not be of a high standard as opposed to if I had experience with using technologies such as Photoshop.

Q7. Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

Magazines which follow conventions help contribute to ensuring it looks a lot more industry standard as opposed to not having some sort of structure to follow, as this would make it look shabby and unprofessional.

CONVENTIONS:Main Image:

Header:

Masthead:

Selling Line:

Price:

Date Line:

Barcode:

Main Cover Line:

Footer Bar:

Pull Quote:

Q7. Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

UNUSED CONVENTIONS:+ Header+ Selling Line+ Price+ Footer Bar+ Pull Quote

During the production of my magazine, from the list of conventions on the previous slide, 5 were not used.

On reflection, I can now see that the use of a header would ensure that my reader find the magazine appealing enough to read it. A header would also potentially lure them in due to it giving the audience an insight into the content within the magazine. Similarly, a footer could have been included for reasons such as this.

A sell line would also contribute to making my magazine more conventional due to the fact that it entices the audience. A catchy sell line would give the magazine a light-hearted, relaxed feel; perfect for college life.

The price is one of the main conventions which should be included on any genre magazine, although, I think the reason behind not using this convention is simply due to not acknowledging this as an important convention. After progressing to the production of my music magazine, I know understand that it is vital.

I decided not to use a pull quote on the front cover of this magazine due to the fact that it is a magazine which is not necessarily article- heavy; it does not feature ‘celebrities’ which can be used as a major selling point; making it irrelevant.

CONVENTIONS:Q7. Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

Main Image:

Header:

Masthead:

Selling Line:

Price:

Date Line:

Barcode:

Main Cover Line:

Footer Bar:

Pull Quote:

UNUSED CONVENTIONS:

After identifying the conventions of magazines on the previous slide, my magazine includes 9/10 of these. The reason behind not using a header is due to the fact that I did not feel as though it was necessary in relation to the fact that my magazine already includes a footer, giving the audience into the features within the magazine. Although, if I was to go back and change something about this magazine it would be to include a header which includes information about subscriptions/competitions within the magazine.

BROKEN CONVENTIONS:

This particular element of my music magazine front cover refutes the idea of conventions in relation to the fact that the masthead is usually placed on the left hand side, whereas I have situated it on the right. The reason behind doing this is due to the fact that I believe the left third looked more effective when it primarily included cover lines as opposed to the inclusion of the masthead alongside them. This would make it look a lot more crowded, possibly making it look unprofessional. I also feel as though it sends out a message which accentuates the importance of the magazine; it doesn’t just blend in –it stands out. The fact that it is unconventional also contributes to the idea of it having an iconic look, making it easily recognisable; a further advantage.

CHANGES I WOULD MAKE:If I was to re-do my front cover, using the knowledge I have now, I would be more adventurous in relation to the background as opposed to just leaving it as the default which was included with the image. Although, it does fit with the grungy image I initially wanted to portray to my target audience.

I would also, as stated previously, include a header on the top of the magazine to lure in potential customers due to giving them a brief insight into what my magazine has to offer within. This would include the advertisement of competitions or subscriptions due to these areas being one of the highly voted elements which my audience would like to see. The fact that these would be presented on the front cover would secure a purchase on their behalf.

OVERALL:

The preliminary task allowed me to become familiar with the software I needed to use for my music magazine in relation to using Photoshop to edit photos, text and manipulate particular features.

The comparison between both my preliminary task, and final products also allowed me to develop knowledge in relation to maintain a house style and create continuity throughout my magazine. My final product follows much more of a strict plan regarding colour scheme, this was continued throughout my magazine to ensure continuity was maintained.

The fact that I had this initial experience made me feel a lot more confident regarding conventions of a music magazine and how to use them effectively. The feedback from my peers in relation to my preliminary task enabled me to make changes to ensure I would not make the same mistakes on my music magazine. It highlighted areas with an issue and allowed me to improve them. The improvements helped me ensure my music magazine front cover was completed to the highest possible standard.