Sunday, 31 March 2013

Double Page Spread Images and Layout

Within my post-feedback changes for my double page spread, I mentioned that the font, layout and photographs need altering. Having found some new fonts, and taking some new photographs, I now need to focus on the overall layout. To do this I wish to take inspiration from existing products in order to have a starting point and idea about the overall appearance. The example I used in the 'Post-feedback Changes' post was an article about 'Solange Knowles' from 'Vibe' magazine; as shown below:


There are a few particular elements within this 'Vibe' magazine example that I really like and feel could be translated, adapted or provide inspiration for my own double page spread. For example, the 'separator' lines, which section off the top half of the page, help to define areas of text and pictures. I also like the use of several images that are similar style shots of the artist in slightly different poses; this is something I feel I could definitely recreate as I have several images within my new photographs that show my artist 'Sapphire' sitting down. I really like these images, and the use of this sort of separator line would provide an object for the artist to 'sit' on. Below are some test edits on similar lines, which I have created as an experimental element for the final double page.



Friday, 29 March 2013

Double Page Spread - Article

For my final product, I have edited and altered my article; below is the new article for my double page spread:


Thursday, 14 March 2013

Font Changes

Here are some font ideas for the double page spread, as I feel a better font would help add more interest within the pages. This decision was influenced by peer feedback that suggested the fonts could be altered to look more interesting. I have chosen to look at messy and painted style fonts as I think these fit the best with the magazines style and the artist's style as they are more relaxed and fun. The examples below are taken from www.dafont.com. The pictures underneath the example fonts are mock-ups that I have created using my edited and cropped Double Page Spread photograph and the example fonts to see which look the most effective as a title for my artist. The font and layout ideas within these mockups would be one half of my double page spread.




Monday, 11 March 2013

Edited Photographs

Below is an edit (Left), against the original (Right), of my chosen photograph for the front cover of my magazine; to edit this image I used Photoshop and several YouTube tutorial videos to develop and improve my skills of cropping, airbrushing, colour changing and editing lighting/contrast/saturation. I also learned new skills such as how to use masking to get a better finish on a cropped picture. However, I think there are still improvements that could be made to get a more realistic and professional finish on the picture.



Below is another edit (Left) and original (Right), this is a shot with the second outfit that I intend to use for my double page spread. I think that I have progressed again whilst doing this photograph's editing, as this picture has a more realistic finish in comparison the the front cover image above. However, the edit below is before cropping, which may effect the overall finish of the photograph.






Saturday, 9 March 2013

Extra Photographs

As well as the new photographs of my cover artist, that I have taken for my final products, it was also made clear within my first draft feedback that the use of extra, high quality photos and images in the contents page would help the overall finish of the page. I also found within my research that this is a conventional feature within pop genre music magazines; therefore, I have taken a variety of new photos. These photos provide me with choice on what I do or don't use, some of these are shown below:

Male Artist:



Concert/Tour Images:



Friday, 8 March 2013

New Photographs

After receiving my feedback I decided to retake some photographs for my final magazine. This time I used a better camera and lighting to improve the quality of my photographs. I will also spend more time editing the photographs before placing them within the magazine format as this will help to improve the overall finish. I will also use online tutorial videos available on YouTube to help me improve the professional quality of my editing.

Cover/Contents Photographs:


Below are the new photographs that I have taken for my final cover, and possibly, contents pages. I think that these pictures will look much more professional as the lighting within them is considerably better than that within my original photographs. The costume, make up and colours are also better, as the dress helps to tie in with the glamourous appearance that I want my artist to have on the cover in order to create impact and make a statement; this is then emphasised by the colour of the dress, as the bright and vibrant red will grab the readers attention. Within post-production, I plan to edit these images within Photoshop to create a glossy cover photo finish, which will give my product a much more professional finish overall.








Double Page Spread Photographs:

For my double page spread, I have again decided to use a second outfit. This outfit is similar to that in my front cover images from my first draft product; however, this it a much brighter, colourful and playful look, which I believe will look better within my magazine. Having a second, more casually look will help to create a relaxed and chatty look for the interview within the article, making it more accessible for the reader. However, it also allows me to play both sides of the artist in varying shots, as I can use glamourous cover shots and playful article shots.