Self Evaluation

Looking at the mark scheme and comparing it to my magazine draft I can see that I have some areas of excellence, however this is overshadowed by some basic features which are included in my draft. Below is the list of features I have included from each list (Basic, Expertise and Excellence).

Basic	Expertise	Excellence
-          Empty space -          Suitable photos -          Basic cover lines	-          Use the three colour rule, black, grey and red -          Range of Photoshop tools  used -          Different fonts used for masthead and cover lines	-          4-5 layers -          Eye catching Masthead -          Careful consideration of colours used -          Interesting fonts

Print Mark Scheme

Mark Scheme Print

Test Shots - Edited

The above photo is the one featured on my contents page, the far one is the original photo taken in my photoshoot, the one below it is the final one used, after editing. What I wanted to achieve with this photo was to enhance the headline feature I was using about the act (Jerry Cooper) having a bad attitude, and a sense of arrogance. I felt the only way I could do this was to darken the photo, however if I did this it would take away the affect of the guitar being there. So I had to darken the photo but use a tool to lighten the area around the guitar, which has produced my desired affect.

Test Shots - Edited

The above photo is one from my photoshoot, afterwhich I decided I was to use this one on my front cover. Below is the final photo after I had edited it using photoshop. I had to use certain features within the photoshop package, such as the lasso tool to cut out my model, I also had to use the spot healing tool to remove spots, moles etc. In addition I used other features to brighten the photo, and included extra lighting effectts to get the correct light on the final photo. I also had to tilt the photo, and adjust the rotation so that it was in the correct position for my front cover.

Magazine Title

As I stated previously in my blog, I decdide upon the title Amplified, and that it was to be in black to coincide with the original colour scheme I had chosen. However, now that I have recently decided to change my colour palette, I decided that it would be best if i alted my title so that it was in colour to help make the front cover more vibrant. I chose that the title would be the same colour as the guitar, which I chose using the special select tool within photoshop.

Change of Colour Scheme

Upon creating my intial mock magazines, we realised that my colour scheme would not be eye catching enough if found on a shop shelf, and is not vibrant enough. So I took this on board and decided I would include an extra colour into the intital colour scheme I was using which was, black, grey and white. This extra colour was red. I chose the colour so that it matches the colour on the electric guitar. From the colour palette above I am now using number 3. I have also decided I will re-edit my photos so that they are normal colour (and not black & white) this is becuase we thought it would enhance the extra colour on the front cover, and make it more attractive. Below are two examples of the different front cover, the first one is my original mock idea, black & white, and the second is my draft which I am entering, extra colour.

Double Page Spread Draft 3

Contents Draft 3

Front Page Draft 3

Double Page Spread Draft

Contents Page Draft 2

Front Page Draft 2

Contents Page Draft

Front Cover Draft

Test Shots - Edited

Below is the first of a few examples demonstrating how I have edited my test shots using photoshop and the features within it.

Here is a close up shot of my model - this photo is to be featured on my double page spread. Upon reviewing the photos I knew I would have to edit the photos to make them more photogenic, e.g. by removing moles/spots etc. This is because I identified during my research that virtually no magazines show models with any kind of facial blemishes. So below is how my photo finished once I had edited out any unwanted features.

Colour Schemes - Existing Magazines

Here is another magazine cover, this time from NME. As you can see again they are following a similar style to Q magazine with the black & white. Also included in this front cover is their logo - which is in their recognisable red font. Also NME have included a blue cover story. This is obviously intended to help the magazine & story stand out, but it also helps separate up the page- because without it, it would be boring, and lack that style which I feel that the alternative coloured font adds. I have stated before that I am using NME (and Q) as my inspiration, and what I have noticed from all of their magazines is that they always follow the same colour scheme. I feel this is to add to the consistency, and to help give the magazine an individual identity. I have also noticed that they both follow a conventional colour palette of black, White & Red. Which continues with the consistency theme, and I feel helps give the magazine stylistic feel to it. I have also identified that they usually add another colour (like the above example) to help give the magazine an extra edge. I have taken from my research into magazines, that I will now include an extra colour, or at least change the colours around on my front cover, to try and help it stand out more - to give it an 'extra edge'. However, I must do this with caution, as I want to stick with my simplistic look, and not to divert away from my chosen colour palette.

Colour Schemes - Existing Magazines

Above is a magazine from Q featuring Paul McCartney. As you can see they have produced a simplistic magazine cover, which is something I am hoping to achieve. They have also used the a similar colour scheme I am going to use. Q have used the black & white, however included a splash of red to enhance the immediate impression the front cover will give - especially whilst on a shop shelf. I was originally hoping to produce a similar simplistic look to my front cover, however, now I have produced some mock examples of how my front cover will look, I now feel that my front cover may be too boring, and lacking in vibrancy - which is the same opinion as my teacher. So I have decided I may have to think about incorporating an extra colour onto my magazine cover, such as a red. As I feel this will give the magazine an extra stylistic feel to the magazine, and help attract extra customers.