Question 7

Question 6

6. What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?


When I was in the stages of creating the school magazine, my camera skills were poor as I was taking photos from all sorts of range however as I progressed towards creating my music magazine my knowledge upon camera angle, shots and sizes developed through peer support and help from teacher. When creating my school magazine I began on fireworks which I was familiar with however I was told to use Photoshop as it would be more suitable. My primary focus on Photoshop was to use it to edit my images, create my mastheads and ultimately produce my music magazine. When I began using it my knowledge was very weak which was a problem as I had no idea of how to use it however through experimenting, trial and error and being taught new things my skills developed greatly. This programme was very useful to me in developing my overall product as the pixel quality made my product seem more realistic and appealing. This is a good thing as it made me magazine more realistic which gave it a greater appeal. One example is I used an image of myself and manipulated it by adding tattoos on it which was challenging although after a lot of work, the results were great as it appeared exactly how I imagined it would. This was useful to me as it allowed me to make my images more realistic and overall make my magazine as a whole seem more real. One issue that I had was having to cut out the background of my images, this is because I had to use a rubber tool and a mouse which made it appear inaccurate and less appealing. However using my resources I overcame this as a teacher aided me and taught me a more efficient way of removing the background which was a strong factor in creating my final products.

Question 5

Question 4

Question 3

Question 2

 

Question 1

Final Double page spread

This is my final double page spread, the changes I made from this to my finalised product was to incorporate both the large platinum masthead and the large Rajveer masthead, this is because i was told that they are eye catching plus it ties in with my target audience as one my questions in my questionnaire was what would most appeal to them and the most common answers were image and masthead. Therefore i ensured i met this requirement throughout all my products in addition i made sure i considered all the ideas gathered through analysis of current magazines. Another change i made was alligning my text so that it is all in line and together plus ensuring the interview didnt cross pages like it did in my draft. Overall this in my final finished double page spread product produced through trial of my drafts and further development through feedback from peers and teachers

          

Double page spread drafts

                    

When looking at what went well on my first drafts of my double page spread from my verbal feedback from peers and teachers was my editing upon my image, this is because I used a range of tools on Photoshop to edit my face onto another body which required skill therefore I was told this was done well as it appeared as realistic. Another element of my double page spread was the even but strict use of colour on my double page spread. This is good as it creates a link between my double page spread, contents page and front cover in addition would appeal the my target audience as the colours that came up in my research was red black and white therefore I am successful. The idea of rotating the masthead and enlarging it was a good idea as it brought more attention to that side of the page in which the image of the main story (me) was located. Similarly in the masthead of the top double page spread, brought more attention to the interview side of things. Therefore both drafts had elements which were successful. When considering what I found difficult would be maximising space and the editing of the image. Editing the image was difficult as I wanted to ensure it looked as realistic as possible. For feedback I was told to reduce the text size and add more text. This is because the content was too short for an interview and to ensure it stayed on one half of the page as they usually don’t overlap in current double page spreads. I was told for the main one to attempt enlarging both mastheads on both pages therefore the page would be more eye-catching and follow more of the conventions of current rap and hip hop double page spreads. This is because they usually either bring more emphasis on the interview or the image, rarely both. The next advice I was given was to ensure the text was aligned so that they were at the same level and width between each other.

 

Using the analysis of double page spreads for my genre I began to produce paper and digital drafts. The bottom three are my paper drafts and in each one I considered features I identified through analysis although I tried to incorporate my research results produced by my questionnaire. On the first paper draft (at the top) I decided to have text in two columns on one half and an image on the other half. This would follow the conventions of the rap magazines therefore appeal to the target audience as it would be similar to another rap magazine. On the other two drafts I’ve still followed the conventions of the first draft although have altered the layout to create different views. I used these drafts to help develop the two digital first attempts of creating my music magazine.

Double page spread editing process

 

This is the image I began with, I chose the image as I thought it would be the perfect image to edit upon the background image I chose to edit on

This is the background image I decided on, came to this decision as it a rap artist on stage and this was the perfect design for the idea I wanted to create using my research and analysis.

This was the image after I removed it from my body, I used a range of tools including magic wand, eraser, and smudge tool and opacity percentage. I used the magic wand tool to remove the large areas of colour that I did not require, this made it easier than just erasing the large areas. I then used the eraser tools for the sharper areas which weren’t as easy to remove. I then used the smudge tool for the areas such as the hat and beard that were interfering with the manipulation process.

 Here is the final edited image with my face (the main artist) although I wasn’t happy with the background as I believed it would be a barrier when trying to apply text and other elements.

  This is the final edited image, as you can see I used the eraser tool to clear all the background and used a simple plain black canvas that would allow me to apply text upon the page. Therefore this is the complete image used for my background and main image of my double page spread.

double page spread images

This is the first image and the chosen image for my double page spread, i chose this image as i was given the idea of applying this image to a current image background therefore this image was the most suitable as it had the perfect postioning to be applied to the other image as well as following the representations of other rap arist as displaying a powerful and fearful image. This is portrayed through the arms crossed and the facial expression which would increase the appeal from the target audience as the image follows the represenations.

 This is one of the images i considered to use for my double page spread, it was an good image as his strong and powerful posture followed the conventions of rap therefore it would appeal to the target audience as they would be able to identify that it is a rap artist. The negatives are that using this image wouldnt link as the person is different to the image in the front cover therefore it wasnt suitable.

 This medium shot was also considered as it followed the conventions that i wanted to create such as power and dominance although my facial expressions were quite sad and i was facing the wrong direction in what i wanted. Therefore i felt this image wouldnt be suitable for my double page spread.

The last image i considered to use was also a  medium close up and illustrated the conventions displayed in the first few images although i felt the lighting was too poor. The lighting i wanted was high key as it would be easier for me to edit the image therefore this would not be suitable. This image was also not suitable as i facing to far to the right therefore there was not enough of the face being displayed.

Double page spread analysis

                          

                                            Evaluation

Final front cover and contents page

       

                                                                         Evaluation
This is my final music magazine, the changes I have made include as new background which I feel is more succesful as the text stands out more on the darker background and the magazine fits in more with other front covers and contents pages of this genre. Next on my front cover I removed all the widows so no single words or symbols were on theirselves, this ensured my page and text looked professional. I then removed the banner which was going across the body, this was because it was overpowering the main image which would go against my target audience and wasnt common in current magazine covers. For my contents page I made all the feedback changes such as align text, background and move quote away from platinum as it appeared too clash. To end, now I can distinguish a link between my front cover, contents page through the use of colour and background. This ensures my magazine covers fit in alongside others of the same genre through successful feedback and research.

First attempt at front cover and contents page

                

                                 Evaluation for front cover

This is the feedback I received from my teacher for my first draft of my front cover, when looking at what went well the editing of my image by adding the tattoos was done very well, I know this as it appears and realistic and can identify a clear link between this image and the image of Eminem that I'm trying to imitate. The image is also successful as the tattoos, chains, clothing conform to the stereotypes and representations of hip hop and rap therefore my target audience could easily identify it is a hip hop and rap magazine. The masthead I used is also successful as it appears as powerful and eye catching which links in with my questionnaire results of being one of the largest and most important things upon the page and again links in with the representations of rap which is power. Now looking at what I found difficult would be editing the image, this is because it required skill and failure making the correct tattoo look realistic on the cover although with aiding from peers and teachers, I was able to do it fairly well. Another area that I found difficulty in was creating enough cover lines, this is because I was short on space and I did not allocate everything accurately. Now by looking at the feedback from my teacher, I need too space away my text and masthead away from the sides. This is because in real magazines you can identify that they leave a small area from the page all the way around when using text. The next advice was too close up my headings, by this I mean to reduce the gap between each line so that text appears tighter, this ensures that text is not all over the place and reduces wasted space. Another bit of advice I received was too leave an area around my masthead, this is because most mastheads leave a graphic area around it and the other elements surround it. The last bit of advice was to reduce the size of the barcode, this is because when you look at existing covers you can identify that the barcode is usually very small therefore this would help make my magazine cover appear realistic alongside other front covers.

This is the feedback i recieved from a peer for my first attempt at my contents page, when considering what went well, the idea of the masthead 'the Top-Side' taken from the masthead 'the A-Side' was a good recreation of an existing magazine. This is a good thing as it allows me to follow the conventions from current magazines which will appeal to the target audience as my magazine appears more like a real rap and hip hop magazine. The image i used was effective as it was an medium shot with high key lighting, the use of the high key lighting creates a sense of importance about the person on the cover. This also relates back to my results from my questionnaire of creating my image to be one of the most significent elements on the page therefore i am linking it more with the target audience.Now looking at what i found difficult would be the layout of my contents page, this is because when i analysed a range of rap contents page they all illustrated a variety of conventions which were all different therefore i found this a challenge. Now the changes i will make, firstly it was to allign all numbers, text and headings, this is because it would make the page appear more organised as a contents page. Next was to add more text as there was not enough text on the page compared to contents pages i analysed, this would also make my page appear more like a contens page. The last change was to try implement a new background in which i will try use a black brick wall as i feel it will follow the conventions better.

Process for front cover tattoos

This was one of the magazines I analysed and liked very much therefore I decided to follow the conventions of this magazine for my own which would ensure it fit in with the representations of rap and hip hop and appeal to my target audience.

This is the image I began with, I made a peer take a photo while I was trying to imitate Eminem plus following some of the stereotypes and representations of hip hop and rap artist. As you can see I have my arms crossed and wearing a chain like Eminem.

This is my first tattoo decision, "Original gangster", I came to this decision as when searching on what tattoos artist tend to go for is something involving that gangster and thug life. When editing the tattoo onto the arm I had to use the magic wand tool to remove the background of the tattoo, this then allowed me to place the tattoo on the arm and see the skin. Then I had to use the skewing tool, this allowed me to curve the tattoo as if it went along accordingly to the position of my arm. The last tool I used was the eraser tool, this is because I had to remove the areas in which the tattoos overlapped onto the other arm.

This was my second tattoo, "Only god can judge me", I chose this tattoo in particular because I found that hip hop and rap artist tended to turn to God on various occasions plus I found that an inspirational hip hop artist, Tupac had this tattoo. For this process I used the same tools as the first tattoo, magic wand to remove background, skewing tool to manipulate it and eraser to remove the overlapping areas.

This was my third tattoo, a rose surround a cross, this is because it had symbolism of death or loss of somebody close which I thought was suitable as rap artist who have lost someone usually tattoo their name on their body or show some sort of respect. When applying it to my body I had to use the eraser tool to create the effect the tattoo warped around the arm and magic wand tool to remove any unnecessary background area.

This was the fourth tattoo, this tattoo displayed masks, drugs and money. I chose this because I felt these representations linked in perfectly with the representations of rap and would appeal to my target audience as the idea of use of drugs and having loads of money is seen as a dream lifestyle to my audience. When editing this tattoo I use the magic wand tool to remove all the areas I did not want plus I used the eraser tool again to remove any overlapping areas.

This was my final tattoo, the tattoo said "south side" on two guns, and this is because I found that a lot of hip hop and rap artist represent an area in which they have rivalries with other areas. Therefore I felt it was a good idea to use this tattoo. When editing this tattoo I used the eraser tool to remove the areas which the vest covered and I used the magic wand tool to remove the irrelevant background area.


With all the tattoos I edited the opacity and fill, this allowed me for each individual tattoo lighten or darken each tattoo to ensure it looked realistic on my body. This is the image I will use on my front cover for my music magazine.

               

Background Ideas with evaluation

                                

The first image is a grey/ black wall which is the background I have decided to use for my magazine cover. The reason I had decided to use this background is because I felt using a brick wall will stand out more than a plain background plus it fit perfectly with my research. This is because the magazine covers that I researched either used black, white or grey but in some instances other colours were used depending on the main story of the magazine.

The second image is a light grey brick wall which I took as part as my research for backgrounds. Although, the image is taken at an angle therefore I felt it was not suitable for my image or cover lines however the colour of grey was effective as fitted in with other Rap magazine covers.

The next image is a red background with a radial effect, this use of red would be suitable for the rap magazine as red has connotations of blood and fear. These are both common themes that surround Hip Hop and Rap. However I decided to not use this image as the red did not look suitable with neither the main image nor the cover lines.

The next background idea was the plain white brick wall, the reason this was one of my potential background was because white has connotations of purity and an element of innocence which some rappers and hip hop artist secretly portray. However I did not like this image as the cover lines did not fit nicely on the background as it was to light.

The last image in my background ideas is a cloud light blue which I chose as I liked the idea of a cloudy background. This fits in with my chosen genre as Hip Hop artist usually smoke drugs, shisha and this releases a cloudy Smokey effect which why is I felt it would be suitable for my background. However I did not use this background as the blue did not fit in with connotations of Hip hop and rap and my research of existing covers.

Images for Front Cover with evaluation

                                    

The first image is a mid-shot of me and one other artist, the image follows the conventions of rap and hip hop as we are wearing black clothing, jewellery and have a fearless body posture. Although I didn’t feel the image would suit my front cover as most magazine covers have one significant artist on the cover.

My second image was another mid-shot and this also followed the conventions of rap as the idea of having my arms crossed illustrated my arrogance. However the reason I did not choose this image is as I felt by my body not directly facing the camera did not give the image a direct appeal to the reader.

  My third image could’ve been suitable as by me looking down I could follow some of the prejudice view of hip hop and rap artist that they look down on others. However again, by not facing the camera directly, it doesn’t have a direct feel towards the readers.

My fourth image was good in the aspect that I was wearing black which has connotations of death and darkness which are two predominant themes surrounding hip hop and rap. Although the fact that I am smiling creates a positive image which most rap and hip artist don’t portray as they are seen to be involved with drugs, guns and bad behaviour.

My final image is the image I chose, I came to the decision as I analysed a hip hop cover, ‘VIBE’ with Eminem on the cover in a black vest displaying his tattoos. By editing the image I hope to create a similar but unique version of Eminem on me. This would help my image conform to the themes of hip hop and rap.

Images for contents page

Using my research I identified that one area of importance was the image therefore I focused heavily on choosing the correct image for my page.

This is a medium shot of me in which I am facing the camera displaying a sense of dominance and power as my arms are crossed. This image is also rap related as the clothing is black and camouflaged and hip hop artist are seen as trendsetters. Although I didn't like this image as I felt the posture was too similar to the image for my front cover.



This is a medium shot of me which also follows representations of rap as the image displays a powerful posture as the arms are crossed. In the image I’m wearing black which is used to make people appear skinnier therefore I felt it was unsuitable for my page

 

This is the image I decided to use for my contents page because it doesn't have much black like the other two images therefore it has a strong representation of rap as they want to appear as strong and dominant. I also I felt this image is suitable as by not facing the camera illustrates the arrogance within the image which creates a strong representation of a rap artist.

Masthead ideas

 

 

 

 

The masthead name I decided to use for my hip hop/ rap magazine was Platinum, I chose this as current hip hop magazine names such as XXL have connotations of size and supreme. This is why I decided platinum as we know that platinum is better than gold and silver therefore it is seen as the best, this is the image I wanted to portray through my magazine. This is also appeals to the chosen genre as hip hop artist are known to get platinum disc awards as a prize for their great efforts. The first masthead has a diamond pattern overlay which is appealing as it fits the idea that hip hop rap artist wear shiny jewellery in addition it is very eye catching which is important. However I did not choose this as I felt it wouldn’t fit well with the rest of my text on the page.

 The second masthead uses a red banner with black font text, although these colours portray the connotations of hip hop and rap, I felt the bubbly font did not fit the genre type.

 My third masthead used a gradient fade for a banner and an appealing red font for the text which had inner and outer glow as well as being bevel and embossed. However I felt the banner wouldn’t be suitable for my chosen background.

My fourth masthead also used gradient banner which made it unsuitable for my magazine although the font used was appealing and with the correct colours.

The fifth and final masthead was my chosen masthead as I used a strong bright red which was eye catching and met the target audience as had connotations of blood and power, for the letter I, I used a platinum disc for the dot as it made my masthead more appealing and eye catching.