What have you learnt about technologies from the process of

constructing this product?

Preliminary Task

During the creation of my preliminary task, I used technology such as Photoshop as aid. This was my very first encounter with such software so I felt the preliminary task allowed me the practice and experience I would need once I would create my music magazine. I quickly discovered that the two most important tools I would use are the text tool and the shape tool (pictured). The text tool enabled me to construct the appropriate font sizes needed and the shape tool allowed me to create the banner at the bottom of my page which would help attract the interest of my college readers. The colour pallet allowed me to experiment with a variety of colour’s; some of which I would come to deploy into my music magazine.

Research

During the creation stage of my magazine, I felt it were appropriate to research existing magazines to acquire a professional feel that I would deploy into my work. I used the search engine Google to analyse magazines such as Q and NME, the later of which I took inspiration into creating my final product. I researched front cover’s, contents pages and double page spread to ensure that I would provide myself with the best knowledge possible. Due to the fact that I was unfamiliar with Apple Mac’s, I had to adapt to the new version of PowerPoint so that my work wouldn’t falter.

Planning

For the planning section of my task, I used twitter to contact my model to discuss the location, costume and props that would be required. I used the Twitter app on my phone as it is efficient for me to quickly gain response. I used this app to gain knowledge of what my primary audience are interested in.

Production

• In order to create a professional looking magazine, I felt it would be vital to use a widely recognised professional camera. I decided to use Canon to achieve the look I wanted. A general convention for most magazines are for the model pictured to be pictured against a clear wall, which is usually white. I decided to follow this convention as it is realistic and professional. This was my first experience with a hi-tech professional camera but I did feel I quickly adapted to the skills required to operate it. I acquired skills of editing photo’s in software such as Photoshop and uploading to my blog. I made my model wear a large black coat as that is a popular convention among rock stars that feature on rock magazines. This is also a classic look that I feel the camera is able to pick up on. During my preliminary task, I used my iPhone to capture photos. Both of this equipment could be difficult for a user that has no prior experience. However, I felt through my knowledge of family digital cameras, I had a very basic understanding.

Post-Production

I used the professional software Photoshop to construct my music magazine. By the end of creating my magazine I had enabled myself to become confident in using a software which I had no prior experience with. One tool that I found quite appealing and helpful was the ‘spot healing’ tool, which essentially allowed my model’s skin to look more flawless and provide with the ability to hide any unwanted blemishes.

Another software that I heavily used during the creation of my final product was DaFont. This is a font software that provided me with thousands of fonts with a variety of styles. I had never used this software before and I learned how to correctly import this as it was again, something I was unfamiliar with.

The new skills that I have acquired have allowed me to follow a professional standard for my magazine that show a huge progress from when I created my preliminary task at the beginning of my course.

Evaluation

• During my evaluation, I used a variety of websites and software’s that allowed me to present the ways I created my work.

• Software's such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint were already familiar, as they have been my default presentation for numerous years. However, I showed off my skills and furthered by knowledge by using them again.

• However, I decided to expand my knowledge of presentation software use the website Prezi, which is a mind-map at the core but with the addition of colours and animation. Although I found this difficult to begin with, I soon grasped the way the technology was set out. Therefore, enhancing my knowledge of the software's available to me.