Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full project?
Looking back to when I started my preliminary task in September, I knew very little about how much knowledge one needed for the media subject. I knew very basic Photoshop and in fact hadn't even used the program before. I also had never used a Sony camera before, so this was all new to me. Using new software's and equipment expanded my knowledge and understanding of the media world and how magazine's are formed and the different techniques and skills are used. Using Photoshop now on a regular basis has improved my skills and I can now work faster than before. I find editing a whole lot easier now especially as I edited tattoos on my final front cover.
When I started my preliminary task I had never used Photoshop so I tried my best to avoid it, even though using it could of made my Sixth form magazine cover and contents pages a whole lot better. I wasn't use to the type of camera focusing and effects, although I tired to use as many angles as possible; for example dutch tilt. Looking back at my preliminary task, photos underneath, photo's were blurry or too dark. I had no real idea on a magazine lay out, or even the correct dimensions of a magazine.
My contents page had the wrong use of Dutch tilt, as it is meant to cause a dramatic effect; where as this is not needed for a sixth form magazine.
I have definitely improved the mistakes I had made in my preliminary tasks. Below are the front cover and contents page from my final product. The front cover was based on one photograph which was a strong portrait. My Photoshop skills are seen to have improved as there are various tattoo's on John. I also created a badge and added the brand's logo. This is to be given free with the magazine.
The contents page is very different from the preliminary task. When creating my preliminary task I had no idea how much information a contents page held. After doing contents page analysing I discovered what went on a contents page. Throughout my final pieces I stuck to a colour theme using grey, black, yellow and white. I learnt many conventions while doing my final pieces, for example a rock magazine always has a strong main image on the front cover, and that the contents page has three columns in which it lets the reader know what articles are inside.
There is a big difference between the layout of my preliminary task and my final piece. For example, the final piece looks more professional. The correct camera angles have been used compared to the preliminary task. The Masthead's link together and continue the branding throughout my magazine.
