Magazine Research

Preliminary Task Evaluation

For the preliminary task, I had to create a magazine appropriate for the school. We had to use original ideas and images. I have my own digital camera, so was able to go around the school taking photos of things that could support my magazine features. I wanted them to represent the positive aspects of the school, so tried to take them where the grounds were looking presentable.

The title of my magazine is simple and relevant to the audience because it is the initials of the school. However, there could be a problem as it may be unclear to new readers as to what school the initials represent.

I used two fonts to be consistent - both are quite formal and serious. I chose the one used for the title, tagline and call out (Tusj) because of its sketched appearance - it looks like someone has drawn it, connoting ideas of creativity.

The font used for the lead article is similar to that of army stencils - these could be associated with rules and order. It fits in with the colour scheme of the issue, which I chose to give a contemporary feel, similar to that of the Sixth Form centre in the main image.

The smaller images highlight the content of the magazine and are placed at odd angles to give the cover layout some diversity.

The readers eye is drawn to the bottom left third where I have placed a banner; it provides a backdrop for other information that would be hard to see against the dark central image.

The text 'Memorial garden re-opening' is presented in a hand written style. This softens the hard appearance of the army stencil font, making the atmosphere of the school seem more relaxed.

For my contents page, I decided to keep the background plain so the writing is easily visible.

The pictures highlight new articles that the reader might want to look at. I used the same font as on the cover so it was inkeeping with the theme.

I feel the odd angles of the pictures compliment the straight lines of the writing, making the page less formal and basic.

The page numbers for certain features are displayed in a large clear font so they are easily accessible for the reader.

For the contents listings, I attempted a conventional layout with the names of features on the left and page numbers on the right. This is typical of most magazines.

The handwritten font and direct address of 'Dont miss the new Sixth Form building' makes it more personal and encourages the audience to read on.

Ideas for Coursework

The idea of making a film really doesnt appeal to me - it requires more than one person to create it, and I prefer working independantly. I dont know much about editing and the actual raw filming; my skills are unfortunately, not suited to this task.
I looked a lot at magazine last year, so know quite abit about the design and layout of printed productions. Im lacking somewhat in the technical terms though, but (fingers crossed) that'll be learnt through the course.
Im interested in photography, and my own digital camera which I could put to good use. My Adobe skills aren't amazing, but I know enough to create a professional finish to any publication.
I find Publisher simple and used it to create my last magazine - shown in the pictures.
The most obvious reason for me to do a printed publication is that I can put in practise the skills I need for my future career field.

Evaluation of Lit Fest Publications

(Above) Our final Lit Festival poster.

The subject of our campaign is clearly displayed through the design of the publication. We have used images of famous book titles to show that the Lit Festival is not just about classic literature, but about modern up to date books that appeal to all ages and tastes.

The classroom objects and the logo featuring the school emblem, indicate that it is a school event. The pen, pencil and ruler highlight and help seperate dates from the slogan, making it easier for passers by to tell which information is important. The Post It note makes sure that the eye is drawn to the starting date - crucial if people are to take part.

The image of an open book provides a background for the slogan and dates etc, and is a more interesting way of presenting the needed information. It veers away from traditional layouts of posters so people take more notice in what it has to say.

The logo itself features a hand written font that we thought reflected the idea that you can take part and re-create - everything is flexible.

We tried to use a double meaning in our slogan: 'Every Lit Festival has a story'. Literature, is generally about books and fiction, but every Literature festival is supposed to create memories that you can tell your friends as 'stories'.

...I have no idea how to explain the above haha.

You can see below that we have carried on the theme of the poster . We copied and pasted the most important features (Slogan, date, image and logo) to incorporate them into banner suitable for display in and around school.

Speed Meeting

To me, media is entertainment in all different forms.
I have chosen to study media because I am interested in journalism, so did it for GCSE and enjoyed the course- it has made me look at media with an analytical eye.
The last film I watched was Borat.
My favourite film is Mean Girls.
The last track I downloaded was Untouched - The Veronicas.
My favourite artist is Beyonce!
If I could be in a TV show it would be My Name Is Earl.
My radio is usually tuned to Radio One.
The last magazine I read was Grazia.
I use the internet for social networking, downloading music and researching.
The newspaper that I'd be most likely to read is The Guardian.
If I was to buy a magazine it would be Vice (although technically I wouldnt buy it; its free)
If I had to choose, I would rather be a journalist.
The song I wish I'd written is Feeling Good - Nina Simone
The advert that caught my eye recently is the Cancer Research ad; its really sad.
If I could interview any famous person it would be BEYONCE!!!!!
If I was a brand I'd be Motel.

102 minutes that changed America.

I watched a documentary last night on the 9/11 bombings. Very shocking seeing peoples own footage of the towers from their apartments and also of the jumpers - which they usually edit out on TV. Some of the videos taken were impressive and showed great compassion; people filmed not just the burning buildings but the chaos and people that followed after the plane struck.

I've seen various programs surrounding the conspiracies of 9/11 and can't quite believe that some people would think the government would have a part in the killing of so many US citizens.

One man who owned lots of companies in the buildings was furious about the attack. He was insistent that america should 'go over there and kill them all' - I couldnt believe the irony of it. Thats exactly what Iraq is thinking about America and England!

Donkey Punch

Saw a really good film last week: Donkey Punch. Gritty horror - got four stars in the Radio Times and from Empire. Starred Jaime Winstone who usually has a role in films that reflect real life - Kidulthood being one of them. She put on a Leeds accent very well!

The Guardians '24 hours in pictures' is really good. It shows scenes from all around the world that are relevant to the days news. It requires little reading but still gives you a rough idea of whats going on!

Just saw the Cancer Uk advert and felt that it was very real; the people didnt seem like actors. I think that those are the adverts that are worth making because they really get through to people and are memorable.

Back in the UK

It feels weird to read an English newspaper after reading the Hindustan Times whilst in India! I was shocked at an article that displayed the excitement over how many people in India were now using mobile phones - I think it was somewhere around 6 million, which is hardly anything compared to in the UK. There was also a lot of hype over the number of people that now have broadband over there.






Today I was annoyed at how many adverts there are in the Elle magazine I bought, and how the clothes are aimed at people who are much wealthier than the average person. Glossy magazines never seem to publish remotely affordable clothes - just designer, 'price-on-request' pieces that I can only long for.

First Entry

Ive studied Media at GCSE. I chose it at A level because Im interested in journalism and editing. When Im older I'd like to work in magazines.
I havent had the chance to write this earlier on in the holiday because I was in India so I havent exactly given myself a head start...

SOME OF MY MEDIA INTERESTS: I really enjoy reading The Guardian, especially the sections on Culture and Lifestyle. Other publications I regularly read are,

Vice - a controvertial magazine which contains some of the weirdest and, most diverse articles/photography you will ever see. Each issue is based on different subjects ie. The Fiction Issue (shown above). Every issue has new journalists which subsequently produce articles with a new style so Vice is never a dull read.

Local Magazines - Suit Yourself being a good example. It comes out four times a year and contains info about the goings-on in good old Bristol. Being pocket-size, its really easy to read on the bus and out and about.

Films that make you think such as Saw or Donnie Darko, or that are based on true stories (Catch Me If You Can starring Leonardo DeCaprio). Im not really into the comedy side of things; I only enjoy certain types of humour, although, I do have a fondness for Jim Carrey films!

I dont normally listen to the radio - its usually on in the car but I tend to be a passive consumer when it comes to those sort of things.