Complete Front cover for my music magazine

This is my official and final front cover for my music magazine. Personally, i feel as though this front cover has been successful as i have chosen a colour theme that suits both male and female audiences. Also, i have contrasted colour which creates bright and bold affects. As well as the use of bold and interesting typography creating this affect. Therefore, the magazine suits my target audience of male and female teenagers of age 15-19 years. Furthermore, i have not referred to anything that targets an individual sex (male/female). This is why i have used the colours chosen. I like how the photograph chosen shows lighting and enlightens the front page giving off vibrancy, tones and textures. Also, the pose of the model looks professional and modern. Additionally, i feel the layout and the design of the magazine cover, allows detail to be shown throughout. To begin with, i edited the photograph separatley. Firstly, i created a 'new A4 paper size document', after this, i opened up the photograph i wanted to use. Then, I altered the contrast and contrast levels and changed the curves levels. This made the image more intense and bold by enabling more texture and colour tone to be created. After this, i added another layer and used the 'lasso tool' to go around the opened photograph of my model. Once i had selected this, i clicked 'edit, copy', 'edit, paste'. This added the image to the new layer without the background. Therefore, the background was a plain white. Using the 'fill tool', i added a black background that had a more black block colour than the original background of the image. Creating a better affect. Next, i began to add typography to the image. Although, i made sure that the text layer was in front of the image layer so the text could be seen. I done this by selecting the 'T(type) tool'. This allowed me to add information to my cover. In addition, i could alter the colour of the text and change the font by using the 'colour chart' and selecting the right shade of colour. So, this helped me make a contrasting affect in colour on my magazine cover. Using the 'fonts drop down list' meant could choose the type of font i wanted. Plus, i could alter the intensity of the text by selecting wether i wanted it sharp, bold, crisp or italic. Once i added the text, I decided to move the layers around. So that my mast head text layer was behind my photograph. This has made a positive impact on my music magazine by making the model on the page look 3D and realistic. Finally, i used a barcode image from google image, a plain gold circle image from google images, a plain blue square, as well as a plain red line. I dragged these into photoshop, selected the areas of the image i wanted with the 'magnetic lasso tool' and again, selected 'edit, copy' ,' edit, paste'. These features have created positive impacts on my magazine by adding shape and making it look professional. Finally, i added an issue number, website and information that will be included in my music magazine. In my opinion, i am happy with the outcome of my front cover and now i am planning to go ahead designing my contents and DPS page.Photoshop tools used...

The Brightness and contrast levels helped me adjust the amount of contrast and lighting in the image. Making the vibrancy increase and create a more contrasting coloured image.



The Curves levels created a similar affect on the image, making the image have lots of texture and colour tone.

The Lasso and magnetic lasso tool helped me select the areas of an image i wanted to copy and paste onto the magazine layer.

As for the Horizontal Type tool, it allowed me to add text to the magazine layer.

This is the fonts drop down list where i could choose the font i wanted on my magazine cover, if i didn't like a particular font i could always change it to another, from a lower case, to upper case, to bold or a less intense font.

These are the different types of font styles i can choose from. For my front cover, i mainly focused on using 'Bold' because i wanted the features on my front cover to stand out.

This is the colour chart in which i could choose the right shade of colour for my font.

Finally, the spot healing tool helped me erase any under the eye bags and spots/ marks from my model's face in order to make them look flawless/ photoshopped.

Beginning to design my front cover

I have started to design my front cover for my music magazine. I am currently choosing the right colour scheme and typography for my targeted audience genre. Therefore, i am taking my time to complete it. Moreover, I like how i have placed the image in front of the mast head. It almost looks 3D. Furthermore, i like the use of white text against the dark background colour. This shows contrast,tones and textures. However, i may alter these details of the front cover as i think of how i want the outlook and layout to look like.

Practicing magazine front cover techniques using photoshop

I have created a music magazine front cover using photoshop and an image of Selena Gomez. To begin with, i used an image from google images and opened it in photoshop on an A4 International paper size document. I then used the 'Magnetic lasso tool' to select around the image of Selena. Without including the background. After this, i used the 'edit copy, edit paste tool' and it opened up a new layer. Therefore, there was just the shape i pasted and a plain white background. I decided to add a plain grey background to the image as the typography would stand out against this color. As well as the image itself. I done this by selecting the A4 white paper layer and selecting the 'fill tool'. This allowed me to select the shade of grey i wanted. Furthermore, i began to add my Mast head. I picked the colour 'Red' because it's bold and contrasts well against the other colors used in the image. Also, i picked a font style from the drop down list. The name of the music magazine is 'VOLUME'. I picked this because it links well to the theme of the magazine as well as the generation it is aimed at. originally, the mast head was placed in front of the image. Therefore, it did not give off a good affect on the cover. So, i moved the image layer in front of the text layer. To make the text look as though it is behind the image. This gives off a positive affect, making the image look 3D and realistic. Next, i began to add the typography and cell lines. by using the 'Type tool'. I picked pacific colours that would look bold and give off contrast on my cover. I have used a mix of upper case and lower case font which makes the cover interesting. Moreover, i included a banner which is shown across the bottom of the magazine cover. This looks professional and gives off quality on the cover. the colour black looks good on the cover as there are a lot of light colors used. Finally, i added a barcode and website address. This also makes the cover look professional and modern. Personally, i like this cover as it is energetic and shows a good composition. I plan to use this for support when i come to create my music magazine front cover, contents page and DPS. I will refer to the colour theme and type for support. As well as this, i plan to use a graphics colour pallet to help me decide what colors look best together and give off a positive outlook.



                                                               Original image

   

   

Chosen front cover photograph

I have chosen to use this photograph for my front page because i like the pose and the idea of the photograph being a close up. In my opinion, it will grab the readers attention instantly. Also, it looks professional and suits my target audience. I will experiment with this photograph using photoshop and i will adjust the brightness, contrast and levels of the image to make it stand out, as well as make it look of a high standard. Moreover, i will experiment with typography, fonts and colours. Until i get the correct style of font and colour.

Using Photoshop tools, i have adjusted the image to make it look professional and flawless. I have used the brightness and contrast tool to adjust the brightness and contrast levels. This has made the image more bold and intense.Furthermore, i have used the spot healing tool to erase any spots or noticeable marks on the face. As well as hiding the dark circles under the eyes.

Font type ideas for music magazine

I particularly like these font styles below as they are bold, unique, stand out and link well to my target audience. They are interesting and would engage my target audience as the fonts show excitement and style...

photoshoot for music magazine

Photoshoot for music magazine...

Above, are 2 contact sheets of the photoshoot i took at the Sunderland University David Puttman Centre. Personally, i feel like the photoshoot went well and i took some successful photographs which i like and will use in my music magazine. Below are a few examples of the best photographs,which i may use in my magazine for the front cover/contents page/DPS.

Attending photography studio open day at Sunderland University

When i attended Sunderland university, i didn't intend to take any photographs. Therefore, i didn't take my photographs while i was at the open day. I preferred to have a tour of the place and get to know the place first before taking my photo-shoot of my model. When i went into the photography studio there were students shooting a model for a 'fashion project'. The poses and body language she used inspired me. So, i have took them into consideration for when i shoot my model. furthermore, i was fascinated with the equipment that was used and the good quality photographs that were produced.


Once i had the tour, i went home and thought about booking a slot to use the photography studio in order to get my photographs. Recently, i have been in contact with Collin from sunderland University-David Puttman media centre and by email, I have organised and arranged to use the photography studio on the 27th of November 1 o'clock till 3 o'clock. This gives me enough time to sort out my models hair, makeup as well as it giving enough time for them to change into the clothes i want them to wear.

Below is a map of Sunderland university...

rejected images

To begin with, there are a few photographs which i considered using for my music magazine. However, the pose and composition of the photographs aren't the right theme for a music magazine. As well as the makeup and pose. Below are some photographs i considered using...

Alternatively, my music magazine will include a different model and i have an idea of how i want to shoot the photographs, referring to poses, angles and body language. As well as makeup and costume.

My model will have a pose in which relates to my targeted audience ( age 16-19 years). Therefore, i will ensure my model's body language is appropriate and has a music theme to it.





Below are some examples of the poses i will have my model perform...

I will ensure that my model can perform a few of the above poses in order to make sure that my music magazine can look professional and reach good standards.

analysing photo-shoot plan

Organization of my model for my music magazine

Organising my model...
To begin with, i will use a friend for my music magazine model. I plan to send them a text message in advance and organize dates and times to shoot them. Therefore, they have plenty notice and can find the time for me to shoot them. In addition to this, i will ensure that they are ok with me taking photographs of them and using them in my music magazine and internet sites, such as blogger. Furthermore, i need them to be ok with my decision of their image. So, i will take a few photographs of the items/ makeup styles/ props/ clothing/ hair styles i plan to use on them. This means that my model can then decide if they would like to be photographed or not. If not i will repeat this process until i find a model. Once i have found my model for my music magazine and have made arrangements with them and know their free time, i will email Collin from the sunderland university David puttman media centre. After this, i will arrange a time and date to use the centre's photography studio. By using a professional photography studio, i can get good quality photographs from it of my model, which will help me achieve a good grade for my music magazine.


Organising costume, props, makeup and hair...

When i come to shoot my model, i plan to be specific with the costume style i am going to use. This is because my music magazine is aimed at a particular age genre. So, my photographs need to fit in with this idea, as i am targeting my music magazine to the younger generation ( aged 15-19 years). Because of this, i will ensure i use bright colours, bold makeup and appropriate props on my model. I plan to use my own clothes and props, this means i am more confident in organizing my shoot and know where to find things i need. Moreover, i also plan to use my own makeup and hair accessories and create my model's look the way i want it, as i know what i want my model's hair and makeup to look like. To help me create the look i'm after for my model, i will use professional magazine images with the same targeted age range. Therefore, i can get an idea of the styles i should use as i want my model to look as professional as possible. Below are some examples of magazine images i will use to help me create my model's look.


            Examples of professional magazine model images...

These magazine covers can help me achieve the look and style i want. Not only this, it helps me work out the right lighting i need for the photo-shoot and make my photographs successful.

Draft article for Double page spread

             Examples of double page spread articles

These examples of double page spreads contain different font styles and sizes in their articles. I will take this idea to create my article and plan to include similar features as shown in the examples above.

                                           

                                    Draft Article for Double Page spread

Flat plan for my music magazine

Flat plan for music magazine




front cover

Colour usage...

This is my flat plan for my music magazine. I have included all of the conventions i intend to use when i come to design my music magazine. In addition to this, my flat plan will support me with designing my magazine ,as it will help me locate where to place my conventions. The colors shown on the flat plan for each convention are the colours i will use on my music magazine. therefore, my flat plan shows that i am not using a three shade colour scheme and i am experimenting with colour. My intentions are to use bold color as it targets the younger generation ( aged 15-19 years) and stands out. For the Banner, i will use a turquoise blue with a yellow font inside of it. This is so that it will be easily noticed at the top of the page. Furthermore, the mast head will be red so it connects to both male and female audiences. As for the main headline, i plan to use an orange font, this is so it stands out as the main image will not be as intense as the color used for the text on the page. Also, it will give off a bold and positive affect. Plus, i will use a deep purple font for the tag line because i want it to stand out against the lighter sections of the photograph i use for my main image. Finally, the color used for my date and barcode will be a navy blue. I feel like i should make this less intense as it is not a main focus which a lot of people want to see, it is basically a bit more extra information on the front page for the target audience to see. Lastly, referring to colour, the barcode will be a basic black and white with a 13 digit number below it.

Image usage...

When i come to choose my main image for my front page, i will include miss en scene which will include a prop such as a microphone or guitar because of the theme of my magazine. This will also help my audience realize instantly what type of magazine it is. In addition to this, the body language of my chosen model will be in a particular pose in order to create an effect linking to the chosen theme of music. If i choose a female model i will include makeup as celebrities wear a lot of makeup. As well as the fact that their face looks airbrushed. On the other hand, if i choose a male model i will not include makeup but use photoshop to help me lighten facial features and skin tones. The camera angle will be straight on and the distance will be from the was it upwards(mid-shot). By using this type of shot and distance, i can ensure that the whole of the image is sharp clear and is a main focus of the front page. Additionally, image connotations can be recognized in my photograph. I plan to aim for a white/ black background setting so i can make sure nothing gets in my image that shouldn't be there. Many tones and textures will be seen in the contrast of colours in my image as well.
Text usage...My intentions for text usage, is t include alliteration in order to make my text, words and phrases sound good and catchy. Plus, my text will refer to my use of image choice. The main headline, sell lines, masthead and logo will be bold and easy to notice. It will be in a decent sized text to show the target audience that these are important features of the page.
Layout and font...The layout and font will be in different styles for different topics or tags that aren't related to each other. This shows clearly ,that they are irrelevant to each other and do not have a connection. The fonts i may use; although i haven't decided yet,;are: 'Apple Chancery', 'Arial black' and more fonts which i will think about whilst i design my music magazine.

Contents page

Colour Usage...  

As for the colour usage on the contents page, i also plan to use the colours i have use on my flat plan in my music magazine. The colours i have used are a contrast of light and dark so that the features of the page stand out. As well as make the text and font bold. In addition, the colours are suited to the topics on the page and to both male and female audiences.

Image Usage...

I plan to use an image of a band/ celebrity on my contents page. this will make the page better to look at rather than just being lots of texts and fonts. Also, the person picked to be on the image will refer to the current generation of audience i have picked. Moreover, by including an image on the page it adds extra colour and excitement to the page and so it is noticed by the chosen audience. Plus, the colours in the image will blend with the colour used on the rest of the page. Furthermore, the image will be taken from a low camera angle so the whole person in the image ca be seen. props such as a microphone will be held by my model on my contents page too and their body language and makeup will be noticeable as they will be a singer. Therefore, emphasis is shown in the body language.

                                                                        Text usage...

My contents page will include quite a lot of text in small font. this is because i have a lot of information to include on my contents page and the image will be taking up most of the space. So, i will use bright text and bold font so that my information is easy for the audience to read. Although, i need to pick a colour for my text that blends with the restive the colours used and shows texture. In addition, if i use metaphors and alliteration in my text/ quotes, then my magazine will capture attention and give off a positive affect on the reader. Imagery is also an important concept when i word my text. Imagining an image from words makes the magazine more exciting. Sell lines and slogans is another important feature which persuades the public to buy the magazine. Therefore, profit is made.


                                                                   Layout and font...

Additionally, i hope to use large, bold fonts for main features such as the main headline of my contents page. Alternatively, for my list of 'band index and features', i intend to use small fonts but still keep them bold. Using small fonts allows me to keep the space needed on the page for other things. Plus, if i use too much of large font, then my magazine will look unprofessional. This will also destroy the layout of the page and make it look untidy. The layout of the magazine is key and is recognised instantly by the targeted reader. noticing a messy layout means the reader will get a bad impression of the magazine. As well as this, the contents page is the second/ third page of the magazine so it must reach a high standard to keep the reader interested in reading the magazine. Furthermore, The layout should have an emotional theme towards the audience, when the audience look at the page it should impress them or make them feel a certain way. The outcome of my contents page will therefore, be energetic and full of energy to impress the reader. Finally, the key focal points of the magazine will be the information that is in the strongest/ intense colour along with a large size and unique font.



Double Page Spread

Colour Usage...

The colour used on my Double page spread will mainly be in the large main image i choose to use and the large font, such as, the main headline and the caption. As for the article, less colour will be used and i plan to use small back font. This is because when i have done research research on music magazines, many of their main articles are in black font. This is so it does not clash with the colour used on the rest of the page. As it could leave a negative affect on the magazine making it look to intense. Using red and blue for the main headline and caption means it can stand out and show the reader what the article is about. in my article, i have used an interview themed idea. Therefore, the questions i have used will be in a red bold font, slightly larger than the article text. I intend to keep my colour usage to a standard that is suitable and to not over do on colour, as this would give my double page spread a bad outlook.
                                                                       Image Usage...

Next, the use of image will be of one main image, which will be of the celebrity/ model, i use to talk about in my article. This means the audience knows the image and article are connected. Furthermore, the image i use will cover the whole of one page on my double page spread and the other page will be my article, caption and Main headline. In addition to this, i plan to make my image a close up from the shoulders upwards. This is so i have range of different image shots from different distances in my music magazine. makeup is a key concept i will usr on my model because the facial features will be the main focus of the image on my double page spread. by using makeup, more colours and textures are able to be noticed. The reader will also be able to take connotations and denotations from my image as well. Moreover, the setting of my image will be using a plain white background in order to make the image the main focus.
                                                                               Text Usage...

Emotions and feelings will be expressed on my double page spread throughout the article. This is because my article is designed as an interview. So the celebrity's opinions and feelings are discussed. The outcome of this, is that the targeted audience can take connotations and denotations from this. Also, i hope my double page spread will tease the reader into reading the article by including persuading types of language. For example, alliteration, images and metaphors. The main headline and caption will be catchy and persuading. Also, it will capture attention Plus, my double page spread will include a chosen designed logo which i will create online for my music magazine.


                                                                           Layout and Font...

I need to make sure my article easy to read considering it is in a small font. So, i will use a font style that is suitable and readable. On the other hand, i will make the headline and caption a main focus by using bright, bold colours. As for the layout, i will make sure my double page spread is spacious and not overcrowded with text, so it looks well presented. I will make my layout full of energy so that it appeals to both the male and female gender audience. Key focal points within the text will be easily noticed as it will be bold and stand out from he rest of the text. For example, I am using a drop Cap in my article that stands out from the rest of the text. As well as a different font style for important and key words in the article. Therefore, it is simply noticed by the reader of the double page spread. lastly, Creating dead space on the page, allows the audience to notice what is irrelevant and what is not. This makes the setting of the layout important, as it directs the reader to linked information, rather than having to work it out themselves.