Preliminary Task

For the Preliminary Task, we were asked to compose a Front Cover and Contents Page for a School Magazine using Photoshop Elements. We had to come with some ideas for Stories and all other aspects in which would be included on both pages.

Front Cover

This was the first time I was using Photoshop, I had to begin to understand the use of Layers within the program so elements of the page could overlap and all come together. First of all I selected a Blank File and chose the size to be A4 (the size of the Magazine), I then simplified the layer so more things could be done to it. I then chose Enhance, and selected Auto Colourand then chose to change the Hue/Saturation tool to change the colour of the background. Ultimately, I went with a light blue colour to follow the theme of the school colours.

Next, I opened my picture I wanted to include as the Front Cover Person for the Magazine, so I opened the photo in another window and using the Lasso Tool I cut round the image, getting rid of any excess background in which could not be changed by enhancing tool. I then copied this image onto the A4 page. I then selected the re-sizing tool to make the image significantly larger and to fit the page.

After this was completed I needed to begin to include Titles and Stories on the Front Cover, so I selected the Text Tool, found an appropriate size forthe Title to be and chose this to be Black to contrast with the background so it stands out and positioned it in the Top Right-Hand corner. I followed this same pattern with the Featured Story, the Date and the Website. But for the Story and the Website, I had to change the layer down the right hand side, only once this had been accomplished it could be placed on top of the image. By using the move/resize tool, I could move & rotate the Text to be placed where I wanted it to be. I made all the Text White to it contrasts to the Title and works well with the background.

I decided I wanted to include a banner on the page, so using the Ellipse Tool, then selecting the colour I wanted the shape to be at the top of the Page (Black), I chose the Rectangular shape. I moved the layer along the right-hand side and placed it above the background and the image of the Model so it could be seen above the image. Then, used the Move Tool to vary the angle of the shape to make it stand out. After this was done I used the Text Tool to create some text, which I made Pink so it was completely contrasting to the rest of the page and would stand out on the black. Again, by moving the layer and changing the positioning of the Text by using the Move Tool, I was able to have the text be placed on top of the shape to make it look like a banner.

Finally, I wanted to create a price PUG, so by using the Ellipse Tool and selecting the custom shape option, and then selecting a shape which outlined a circle, and making the outline white. After this I could place Text within the excess space (in this case, the price), so I did this by using the Text Tool and then using the move Tool was able to place the text within the circle.

Contents Page

For the Contents Page, I completed this in a similar process as I did for the Front Cover. First of all, I opened a Blank A4 File, and then started off by changing the background colour for the page using the Enhancing Selection, then selecting colour and finally selecting the Hue/Saturation option, essentially making the background Black.

After this I opened each of the 3 pictures included on the Contents Page and, selecting each of them using the Rectangular Marquee Tool, copying and pasting each of them individually onto the page. Using the Move Tool I altered the sizes of the them to make them all the same size and positioned them each along the right-hand side of the page, leaving a gap in between each of the photographs.

Next, I decided to create all the text which was going to be included on the page, I done this by using the Text Tool, first of all by creating the Title for the page, putting the Text in Capitals, in Bold and Underlined so it is enhanced and stands out more over the rest of the text. I continued to use the Text Tool to create each of the stories which were going to be included on the page, and then using the Move Tool to position them where I wanted them on to Page, yet still leaving excess room to place Page Numbers.

That was the next step I took, creating the Page Numbers, for this design I chose to have each of the Numbers in blue, bold and underlined to make them stand out more significantly. I done this also by using the combination of the Text Tool and the Move Tool, to create the Text and then positioning them where it was suitable.

Finally, I wanted to add more detail to one of the images (the "Controversial Artwork" image). So I selected the Ellipse Tool, then selected the Custom Shapes option and finding an appropriate shape to fit the blocking out of an image. Initially I wanted to use a Cross ('X'), but this did not seem as effective so I decided to use the 'No' Sign Symbol as it worked better. I chose this to be Red so it stood out, once created I moved the Layer so it could be placed on top of the image. Then, using the Move Tool to resize the shape I placed it over the image.

Introduction to my Blog

Hey! My name is Aaron & this is my AS Media blog. Recently, we have just begun our media coursework which will be displayed and analyzed on here. The main objective of our coursework is to create a music magazine, which includes a front cover, contents page & double page spread. Throughout the process, I will be showing my progress & how the project unfolds. I will be focusing on the genre of electronic/pop & dance music.

Have fun reading! :)