Prelim Task

Evaluation of prelim task

Did you plan your magazine? If not, what have you learnt about the importance of research and planning?

I did not plan my magazine before designing it. However, I have learnt about the importance of research and planning during the process of me creating my front cover to the magazine as I looked at other examples of different magazine front covers and contents pages to see what they do is correct. I then used what they do and implemented it into my magazine.

What technology did you use to complete the task and how did you use it?

To complete the task I used Serif PagePlus X6. I used it to create my front cover and contents page. Using this software, I was able to use different pictures that I took and place them onto my magazine. I also used the Cutout studio in PagePlus to delete any unwanted backgrounds or people that wouldn’t be needed for the magazine. Also, using PagePlus I was able to use a design for my magazine which made it stand out and not just be a normal blank page. I was able to use other tools in PagePlus for my text such as filter effects which I used to make my masthead. I made the masthead 3D, added a slight drop shadow, added an inner shadow and used the colour fill. I used the square rectangle tool to create a section for my contents page that I used to number pages.

Did you encounter any difficulties? If so, what were they and how did you overcome them?

During the process of making the magazine, I did encounter an issue with the cutout studio as I could not get a smooth edge around the student I was using. This left the image looking jagged. Also, it took a while for me to think of ideas for stories I could include on the magazine.

How successful was your magazine? Please identify what worked well, and with hindsight, what would you improve/do differently?

I think my first magazine was successful as I used a good design that makes it look quite professional. Also, the front cover is sectioned well with different stories and pictures as they are not cluttered and are clear to read. I used tags on the magazine which would help draw in people’s attention. For example, “exclusive interview”. I also think that the masthead stands out as it is bold and colourful. If I was to improve my magazine, I would maybe add some more pictures and stories to the front cover which would draw in more attention and make it more appealing.

What have you learnt from completing this task? Looking ahead, how will this learning be significant when completing the rest of your foundation coursework, do you think?

From this task, I have learnt that I should research different magazines that are like mine before creating my own as it benefited me when I saw different examples of other magazines. I have also learnt about the different tools in PagePlus and how I can use them to enhance my magazine.