Preliminary Task

Preliminary TaskSchool magazine IntroductionFor my AS level media studies course work, my first task was to produce a draft front cover and content page of a school/collage magazine, featuring a medium close up shot of a student with an appropriately laid out text and masthead. Through this I have completed research that has developed the necessary skills needed to make a foundation portfolio. This will demonstrate my grasp of the DTP program. I have analysed 3 front covers of school magazines and 2 content pages, in theses I have identified the terminology and analysed the use of: typography, layout, language, colour, camerawork, mise-en-scene and mode of address. From this research I have been able to plan my school magazine by doing a hand drawn draft layout, sample of font styles and sample colour schemes, in order to make my magazine the most professional and accurate it can be. Front cover analysisSchool magazine

Front cover AnalysisTypography- The style of the fonts on the front cover contrast. The masthead is in a large italic fancy serif font which connotes that the magazine has a certain element of class and exclusivity. It is also large in size so to catch the readers eye. The selling lines however are in a smaller san serif font as to make it easy to read against the main image. Layout- The layout of Chosen Hill is organized around the main image, this shows the magazine is formal and co-ordinated. The masthead is positioned at the top so it is the first thing the reader sees and the main image is central so it also catches the audiences attention. The best selling lines are outlined in black which draws the readers gaze. The date and cost of the magazine (being Free in this case) are located at the top hand corners of the cover as they are not main selling points, and do not interest the reader.Language- The language used on the front cover is short and snappy which relates to the target audience (teens) and allows the magazine to subtly revel what's inside with out giving away too much.Colour- the colour scheme for Chosen Hill is blue and black, these two contrasting colours tie in with the school uniform of the main image and are eye catching to the audience. The black text stands out against the pale background and the uses of red, yellow and green draw attention to the text as it is bright and colorful. The blue text with the black outline highlights a main selling line.Camerawork- the main image is an eye level medium long shot of a student. This is so the text can neatly fit around the central image and so the audience can see the students uniform (so they can relate to the model). The subject has a relaxed pose and a friendly facial expression. This is inviting to the readers and will make them want to read inside the magazine.Mise-en-scene- the model uses the banister as a prop as she leans against it, this creates a relaxed and friendly vibe which will attract the target audience (teens). The wardrobe choice for the model is relevant to the school (as it is the school uniform) and to the colour scheme. This is so the magazine looks colour co-ordinated and so the readers can relate to the model. The setting is in the school, the paleness of the trees and white window panes make the model and the text on the cover stand out.Mode of address- the verbal and visual modes of address communicate with a desired target audience. The featured articles are written in a simple, straight forward and easy to understand way so the students can relate. The image is of a casual girl next door student which the readers can also identify with.

Front Cover Analysis Typography- The mast head is contrasting as the word college is in a large san-serif font, this is so it can be easily read (even from behind the main images) and lifestyle is in a smaller, less bold font as the magazine wants the readers to see that this magazine is all about college. The selling lines of the magazine are in a smaller san-serif fonts, this is to make the text easy to read and due to the magazine wanting the reader to see the masthead first. The fonts connote that the magazine is young, fun and bold.Layout- The layout of College Lifestyle is organised, the text frames the central main image which is visually pleasing and looks professional. The masthead is situated at the top of the page as the magazine wants the audience to read this first. The lead story is positioned just under the masthead as the magazine wants the readers to focus on this next. The prize button is under the masthead on the right hand side so it grabs the audiences attention. Language- the language used is current and contempary which appeals to the target audience (teen college students). Colour- the colour scheme of collage lifestyle is dominantly black and green, these two contrasting colours highlight one another and will make the magazine stand out on shelves. Camerawork- the main image is an eye level medium long shot of a model who embodies a college student. The photograph was taken from this angle so the model can make eye contact with the readers and entice them. The photo was taken as a medium long shot so the readers can focus on the wardrobe choice (the jacket and accessories) and see the Law, Business and Society book the model holds, this will attract readers who have similar interests.Mise-en-scene- In the main image, the prop used is a book on law, business and society this is due to many college students being interested in this subject, which may gain the magazine more readers.Mode of address- the magazine is communicating to the audience through the text and image. The text is current and fashionable which speaks to the target audience. And the image is of an attractive college student which will entice the target market. The tone of a College magazine is young, fun and formal due to the audience it wants to attract, the articles featured and the layout of the text on the cover.

Front cover Analysis Typography- The font styles on the front cover contrast. The masthead is divided between college being presented in a large san serif font which connotes that the magazine is fun and young, it is also large in size so to catch the readers eye- meaning people who go to college will be attracted to the masthead. And the word life is in a smaller italic san serif font as it embodies the fun and detailed life a college student. The selling lines however are in a smaller serif font as its not as as important as the masthead. Layout- The layout of college life is organised, the text works around the main image neatly which is visually pleasing and looks professional. The location of the masthead is situated at the top of the page so the audience can read it first. There is a collection of prize buttons under the masthead on the left hand side so it grabs the audiences interest. Language- The language used on the front cover is catchy and relevant to college students interest. This kind of language allows the magazine hint at what articles are inside with out giving too much away.Colour- the colour scheme of college life is dominantly orange and blue, these two contrasting shades are eye catching and visually pleasing which will attract the target audience. Camerawork- the main image is an eye level medium shot of a student. This can be seen by the stereotypical styling of the subject as she wears glasses and is holding books (so the target market can relate to the model). The subject has a happy facial expression which is welcoming to the readers and makes the magazine more inviting.Mise-en-scene- In the main image, the props used are books and glasses which connotes that the magazine may have tips on studying which will attract many college students and glasses are fashionable which makes the magazine is current and intelligent.Mode of address- the desired target audience will relate to the verbal and visual modes of address. The featured articles are written in simplistic terms making the magazine an enjoyable and an easy read magazine for students. The image is of a casual girl next door student which the target market can also identify with. (Appealing to female readers and attracting male readers).Content page analysisSchool magazine

Content page analysisLayout- The layout of this content page is structured, the text frames neatly around the film which is visually attractive giving a professional feel to the magazine. There is no masthead at the top of the page. The different subjects are positioned around the image as the magazine wants the readers to look at the focus pull- the film, first. In the text different subjects are arranged and organised in columns making the information easy to read and making the magazine simple to navigate. The purple star shaped box with text is on the left hand side so it grabs the audiences attention indicating that this information is to be read first. Language- The language used in the content page is catchy and relevant to what is going on in the college where students live. The use of alliteration makes the articles look visually and orally appealing.Typography- The style of the fonts is continuous on the content page. The text does not vary in size which shows that all the text is of the same importance and so all the text can be written on the content page. Colour- the colour scheme of this content page is dominantly red and purple (with some grey, blue, orange and black), these colours are eye catching and also group together relevant aspects. Such as outlining photos with the colour of the section they belong to, for example; the blue out lined photo on the camera film is related to the blue boxed heading- (Oliver the school musical) and the orange outlined photo is connected to the orange boxed heading-(whats new?)Mode of address- the short catchy headings for each section are fun and interesting which will communicate to the readers. The visual element of the content page relates to the type of school the magazine is about- Preforming Arts. Camerawork- The images on the main visual element- the film, the photos are medium long group shots of the children who go to the school. The images represent school events and clubs which may interest readers and are also relevant to the articles inside the magazine. Mise-en-scene- The use of a pastel colour scheme frames and formats over all composition of the content page. The background colour scheme is relaxing and calming, yet is also bold and vibrant so to attract the eye of the target audience. The visual element is located to the left with the text fitting around it, this is so the image is the main focus and so the magazine looks structured and formal.Layout- The layout of this content page is organized around the main images. This shows the magazine is organised and visual. The mast head is in large font and a bright blue colour so it grabs the readers attention first. The rest of the texts vary in size according to their importance. It has a a prize button in the bottom left hand corner drawing the readers focus to a great deal/money off. Content page analysis

Typography- The mast head is in a large blue serif font, this is so the reader knows that all the articles are new and current . The numbers and headings of the pages are large to show which pictures can be found on which page and what they represent. The article titles vary from; rhetorical questions to quotes to rhymes . The fonts connote that the magazine is fun, up to date.Language- the language used is in style and student friendly which will attract the target audience -teen college students. Colour- the colour scheme for this magazine is blue and purple. These two complimentary colours tie in with the fun vibrant style of the main image and are visually eye catching to the audience. The colourful text draws attention to the information as it is bright and inviting. The large blue text at the top of the page has a small shadow which indicates that this is the most important text on the page.Mise-en-scene- The background colour (white) is fresh and gives a neutral base so the contrasting and exciting colours of the text really stand out as they pop on the page. The visual aspects on the content page are positioned complying to the rule of thirds so the readers eyes are naturally drawn to the images. Camerawork- The images on the content page vary from medium close ups to high angled long shots, the content being students from the school taking part in work shops and studying, which indicates that the photos are related to the articles featured. Mode of address- The relaxed informal language of the headings relate to the student readers and will make the content page easy to read and navigate. The colours and images are relevant to what they are doing in school and will make the magazine more interesting.Typography analysis School magazine Typography analysis

The use of the contrast between teen vogue connotes that this is a young and vibrant teen version of the formal and stylish fashion magazine vogue. The teen is in a bold italic san serif font this represents teens to be relaxed, fun and informal. In addition the word teen is in lower case, this presents teens to be young and sweet, as lower case letters are like the infants of the upper case letters. Where as Vogue is in a bold serif font which embodies power and professionalism. The vogue is in upper case letter which represents maturity and class.The cosmopolitan magazine mast head is in a bold san serif font this connotes that the magazine is adventurous and informal. The uses of the colour pink shows the magazine to be aimed at young females and the reader will anticipate that the magazine will have feminine gossip articles. As cosmopolitan is in all upper case letters it can be interpreted that the magazine is bold and loud. With the name of the magazine meaning universally cultured the target audience will expect articles consisting of worldly news(on celebrities and fashion). This typography for Elle magazine is sophisticated and chic. The use of a san serif font presents elegance and experience. The spacing of the lettering signifies symmetry and consistency which creates a commensurate and uniformed look for the logo. From this mast head readers can expect a luxury fashion and beauty magazine. The tone for Elle represents exclusivity and grandiosity.ALGERIANHarrow solid ItalicBlade Runner Movie This style typography belongs to a serif font category. Algerian can be described as traditional and edgy. The capitalized letters mean that the font can be used for titles and subheadings as it catches the audiences eye. The white outline of the letters creates a 3D effect and makes the font more interesting to read and visually pleasing. This type of font is inspired by roman script therefore connotations are formality and strength.Harrow solid Italic is a san serif font that has a retro feel to it and is a digital form of calligraphy hand writing. As this typography is relaxed and soft it is likely to be used in magazines aimed at females. This font is informal and pleasing to the eyes which could relate to younger generation. These types of font are usually tilted slanted or oblique normally to the right hand side. The use of a bold italic san serif font with a white line running through it communicates a modernized and an urban ambiance. The white line running through the top of the letters connotes speed and excitement. This style of font could be found in a sci-fi magazine. As the font was featured in the film- blade runner, it can appeal to the younger generation.TYPOGRAPHY ANYALISISQuestionnaire sampleSchool magazine

School magazine questionnaire sampleQuestionnaire resultsSchool magazine School Magazine Questionnaire Results

Q1 lower secondary=6 upper secondary=4

Q2 Male=3 Female=7

Q3 Yes=9 No=1

Q4 Sports news=8 Food tips=4 Studying advice= 10 Career options=10 Horoscopes= 7 School fashion=7 School events=9 School clubs=4 Student opinions=8 Recommendation=2

Q5 Red=3 Orange=1 Yellow=2 Green=2 Pink=6 Blue=5 Purple=1

Q6 Yes= 8 No=2

Q7 Fun=4 Formal= 0 Both=6

Q8 Long articles=1 Short articles=9

Q9 Yes=7 No=3

Q10 Yes=8 No=2 Front cover and content page Rough draftSchool magazine

Magazine front cover and content page draft 1Colour schemeSchool magazine COLOUR SCHEME I decided on designing the magazine with this colour scheme as in the questionaries' these colours scored as the most visually pleasing. The background for the magazine will be of a world map as to embody that this is an international school magazine. The masthead will be in a light purple shade as that is a neutral colour that both genders of students like. The other colours will be used in the subtitles, depending on the target audience that the article will attract; pink for girls, navy for boys and green & red is for both.

Front cover and content page Initial designs School magazine

Magazine front cover draft 2Layout- I designed the layout for Clique so that the text works around the main image giving it a professional and organized feel which is visually pleasing. I decided to locate the masthead at the top of the page so it is eye catching to the audience. Positioning the press button under the masthead on the right hand side informs the reader that this is a November issue. The main image is positioned in the middle of the cover representing that this magazine is for the students of Prima International School. Typography- The mast head is in all one font, I chose a serif font as it embodies formality, professionalism and style. The selling lines of the magazine are in a smaller san-serif fonts, this is to make the text easy to read and it shows that the articles are fun and young, engaging with the target audience. The fonts connate that Clique is an organized academic magazine with fun and interesting articles.Language- The language chosen for the front cover is short and contemporary which will relate to the teen readers. The use of a rhetorical question intrigues the audience which will make them even more interested to read inside. Using words like sports news and studying tips will grab the audiences attention as many of them (according to my survey) have a lot of interest in theses subjects.Camerawork- For the main image I plan to use an original eye level medium shot of a student. I will style the model with a school uniform, so audience can associate the model with school, connoting that the magazine is a school magazine. The model will have a friendly facial expression which will welcome the readers, making the magazine more inviting.Mode of address- I would like the magazine to communicate to the audience through the text and images. The main image will be of an attractive school student which will entice the target market (male and female students). The text will be current and fashionable which speaks to the target audience, as it says this magazine is contemporary and informative. I would like the tone of Clique magazine to be young, fun and formal due to the audience it is created to attract.Colours- the colour scheme for Clique is predominantly blue and green, due to my survey research showing that blue and green are popular amongst the students. The colours tie in with the school uniform of the main image and are eye catching to the audience. The selling line text stands out against the world map background and the uses of red, orange and pink draws attention to the text as its bright and colorful (these colours were favored by students, this was also concluded in my survey).Mise-en-scene- The props that will be used by the main image will be text books so students can relate to the model. The wardrobe choice for the model is relevant to the subject of the magazine (school) as well as to the colour scheme. This is so the magazine looks colour co-ordinated, this is visually pleasing and will attract the readers eye. The background for the image is of a world map which connotes that this is an international school magazine which also relates to the target audience. Enabling the colourful text stands out against the pastel coloured background.

Magazine content page draft 2Layout- The layout for Cliques content page is organized around the page numbers, this is so the magazines is straight forward and easy to navigate for the school students. The mast head is On the Cover this is so it informs the reader that the page numbers listed below are the ones featured on the cover. The rest of the text vary in size according to their subject and are relevant to the fonts advertised on the cover. There is a prize button at the bottom of the page grabbing the readers attention to show that there are prized to be won. Images are positioned next to the title of the article they are relevant to.Language- the language used in Clique is contemporary and teen friendly which appeals to the target audience (students). Colour- the colour scheme of this school magazine is multicoloured, these colours are eye catching and also group together relevant subjects that are also featured on the cover. The colour choices for the magazine is due to cliques target audience being both female and male and ranging from the ages of 11-18. These colours are contrasting therefore eye catching and visually pleasing which will appeal to both genders and all ages. Camerawork- For the images I will use original medium shots of students and teachers. One will be of a student reading a book which links to the article- studying tips. The next will be of one of the schools favored teachers which will attract the students attention. And the final one will be of a student with a current hairstyle that the female students will want to read about and try out.Mode of address- I aim for the magazine to communicate to the students through the text and images. The images will be linked to the featured articles. The text will be short and snappy which speaks to the target audience, as they will think that clique is young and fun as well as informative and school related. For the tone of Clique magazine I would like it to be relaxed and enjoyable whilst still including educational articles.Typography- The mast head is contrasting as the purple text is outlined by orange which draws the readers attention the the text, the text is in a serif font as this indicates a sense of professionalism and formality. The page numbers of the magazine are in a smaller san-serif fonts, this is to make the text easy to read and so that the font connotes that the magazine is young, fun and bold. The typography varies when it comes to the titles for the articles and each colour and text style is relevant to the words, such as the word studying as it contrasts in colour and size due to the emphasis being on dying as students today refer to the concept that way. This communicates that the magazine is current and is reporting on aspects of school life that students need the most help in.Mise-en-scene- The background colour (a portrait multicolored world map) is contrasting and exciting and gives an interesting base for the content page. As Prima is an international school the world map will communicate and appeal to the international students. The images on the content page are positioned complying with the rule of thirds so the readers eyes are naturally drawn to the images. Front cover and content page Final designsSchool magazine School magazine front cover

NOVEMBER ISSUE!School magazine Content page

evaluationSchool magazine EvaluationMy preliminary task was to create a school magazine front cover and content page.Firstly, I have used media conventions in this task, such as, for the layout of the magazine, I have based it on the conventional school magazine, giving my design a professional and organised feel to it. The font use on the magazine front cover is relevant to what is currently stylish as well as being easy to read, which is what students look for in a magazine. The images featured in the magazine are all original and comply to the medium close up shot which is requested. The content is relevant to school life and includes enjoyable and educational articles.

I have used media language in my product. Creating the intended effect for the use of shot types/angles is so the target audience can connect with the image, making them want to read the magazine. The mise-en-scene being the subject holding books and a back pack means the reader can relate to the subject as they have the same. The tie and shirt of the image creates a professional feel to the magazine and will make the target audience aspire to the image. The layout is organised around the main image which is visually pleasing which will attract the desired readers. The font use is contemporary and relevant to the meaning of the words making the magazine more interesting and alluring. The colour scheme is a mixture of many colours in order to attract both genders and to catch the audiences eye.

The magazine has communicated to the audience through various modes of address, the image is formal as to inspire young international students. However the language is informal due to the way teenagers communicate today which will attract the target audience and it is easy to understand and relate to them. The articles are about student interests, focused around their surroundings and school life making the magazine desirable. As well as having educational articles such as studying tips I have included enjoyable magazine activities like debates and pop quizzes. The magazine also includes sports news and school snack which encourages healthy eating and participation in sports activities.

I have developed many skills through out this task, such as, I have learned how to analyse magazine front covers in more depth and by using AS level terminology. As well as advancing my research ability I have also expanded my capability of planning, as I have had to be orgainsed both in collecting data and arranging information which has benefited my development in these areas. Having a deadline for this task has increased my productivity and has helped me with the transition from GCSE to AS level through encouraging my level of work to be in more depth and produced at a higher rate. In conclusion I have some criticisms of my work and given the task again I would have done some aspects differently, but over all I am satisfied with my front cover and content page design and I enjoyed completing this preliminary task.