Monday 28 November 2016

Front Cover Progression (Day 2)

I then opened a new Photoshop document and set the dimensions to Height: 28.5 cm, Width: 20.5 cm and Resolution: 72 pixel/cm. I then used the Paint Bucket Tool and a new layer to create a white background.

Next, I used the Rectangle Tool to create a black bar at the top of my page; I plan on using this to advertise on of the most eye-catching pieces of information to the reader.
 I decided to use the black bar as a way to advertise "Two free albums" to the reader. I believe that by using white text on a black background, this will be one of the first things the reader sees when looking at my magazine.

Using the font and name that my survey voted for, I created a main title for my magazine. I decided that the light green used, gives my title stand out very well as it is very noticeable, yet not too harsh on the eyes.

I then searched http://www.1001fonts.com/ for a suitable font for "Three Days Later". I ended up deciding on a font similar to that used in a comic. I believe that this font implies that this font makes the band look "fun"; this font also compliments the models used as they aren't looking very serious. I've placed the text in the centre of the page as this will make it clear to the reader who the models are.


I then added a quote under the title which relates to the article. The white compliments the black clothing of the models very well, making it easily stand out.


I decided to use some rock bands who I researched earlier and some stories that a currently surrounding them. Using the white and the same green as the title, I was able to create some intriguing headlines.


I then created an issue number, issue date and price to the top corner of the magazine. The price was chosen via the results of my questionnaire. The black text used allows the text to stand out enough for people to easily read despite the small size of the text.


Next, I added a barcode to the bottom right of the page. I decided to add a barcode the the front cover of my magazine as this was a common convention of rock magazines.




I've decided to add more text on the right half of my page, this is because there was a large amount of space which I believe was a good spot for more headlines.


So far this is my front cover, for now I believe it is complete but I may edit it in a few days if any of my opinions towards it change.

Wednesday 23 November 2016

Front Cover Progression (Day 1)

I started off by taking photos using a camera and tripod with a green screen for the background as that would make it easier to edit out the background of my models later.

I imported this photo into Photoshop after deciding between two other photos, however I believe that this photo is the most suitable for a rock magazine front cover.


I began editing the photo by using the Quick Selection Tool. This allowed me to easily specifically select my models. By using the green screen, the job of only selecting my models was very simple.
I then used the Masks tool as well as inverting the mask in order to remove most of the green screen in the background.

Next, I used the Refine Edge function as well as the Smart Radius function in order to delete even more of the green. The green on the image was a problem as my model's hair was very thin, yet noticeable if I deleted these strands of hair from the model as shown below:

I've decided to go ahead and use the Blur Tool and the Smudge tool in order to attempt to get rid of some of the green.
I used those two tools, as well as the Eyedropper Tool and the Brush Tool in order to change some of the green into hair as simply erasing some of the hair was not an option.

Monday 14 November 2016

Flat Plans for Front Cover

I've decided to do a flat plan for my magazine, 'Dynamic'. The plan that I have created, seems to fit the common conventions of other popular music magazines. I believe that this design will give my magazine an edge as it is not cluttered like some music magazines. This approach which is not too simplistic. This will be the best approach to creating a music magazines as most 'cluttered' magazine front covers seem be too harsh on the eyes and not look very professional. My questionnaire also indicates that my target audience should be 26-30 years old, this implies that I should keep the magazine from becoming too cluttered in order to be most appealing to this age group.



Wednesday 9 November 2016

Magazine front cover planning

Since I have decided I want to have three members to my band 'Three Days Later', I have went ahead and researched other popular rock music magazines such as RollingStone and Kerrang!

This magazine contains three members of Biffy Clyro for the front cover models. The three members have quite serious expressions. There is a basic grey background, this has been used to highlight the three models; this also makes the ginger hair of the models stand out well. The dress-code for these models seems to be smart-casual, this keeps the band from looking too formal which will allow the audience to gain a sense of personal identity as they can relate to the models.


This magazine contains the members of Rush for the front cover models. These three have a more happy expression than the previous cover. The photo is a medium close up, which allows all of the members to by in the photo; it is also staged as the members aren't in a very natural pose. The solid white background makes the dark clothing stand out very well and highlights the three band members.