Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt from the progression of it to the full product?

Since creating my preliminary task, I have definitely expanded my Photoshop skill to create a much more effective magazine. As well as my increase in Photoshop knowledge; I have also had a point of reference when creating my music magazine because there are many examples on the internet and in shops.

Some of the main features in Photoshop that I have expanded is the creating things from scratch such as the different font styles and all sorts of shapes and grids that have been used in my double page spreads. I have also broadened my knowledge of editing the actual pictures, with the adjustments and the tools such as burn and dodge to create unique effects in my magazine.

There is definitely a big contrast between the layout of the two magazines, My music packs a lot more information in a more refined and structured way. Whereas my preliminary task is very random and is very hard for someone to read and focus on one thing in the image.

The images in the magazines also contrast in quality, With two photo shoots in a studio and on location, my music magazine has a variety of images that are very interesting compared to the simple shots that I took in one day for my preliminary task.

I have also learnt skills such as text wrapping and cutting out images from the background through an assortment of different ways, such as Colour Range, Magic Wand tool and the Quick Selection tool. These skills are very useful when creating a professional looking magazine.

When taking the photos for my music magazine, I took into consideration my target audience and the desired effect I wanted from each shot, in comparison; I just took a few photos that would fill up the page for my preliminary task. Also, another thing that was very important to the success of my magazine is the red, black and yellow colour scheme which is present in all pages of my magazine. This helps with making the magazine seem realistic and is another reason that my music magazine is much better than my preliminary task.

 When creating my front cover, I took into account my target audience and the kind of articles that they would want read in my magazine, I also have a substantial amount of sell lines which shows that the magazine is full of articles which will interest my target audience. In comparison, my initial magazine had very little sell lines.

The cover photo itself is definitely more eye-catching and interesting compared to my preliminary task image, through the compositional rule of odds, the image is very pleasing to the eye and would interest people in the shop looking through the magazines. The colours are also vibrant which goes well with the bright yellow sell lines.

Overall I think that my Photoshop skills have vastly improved since my preliminary task, as well as my creativity and understanding or what makes a good magazine.