Preliminary Task - Audience Feedback

As you can see I have decided to get audience feedback through social media. I have chosen to ask those who fit my target audience (16-18 year olds) with what they think of my final front cover and contents page resulting towards coming out with various responses as you can see. Some of the responses have just been a quick thought and overall saying about what to improve whereas with others you can see they have put much more thought into it. For example, 'Shirina' has looked online for real media texts and a college magazine to make a comparison with my work, then she has told me how to improve and what I did great overall.
All in all, the feedback is positive as well as supportive in which it will help me in the future.

Preliminary Task: Final Magazine cover and Contents page cohesion

Here is my final front cover and contents page for my magazine as part of the preliminary task.

I believe they came out successfully and matches each other such as the use of feature colours and graphics. As I have spent time and effort on adjusting the layers and overall editing it such as the brightness, and experimenting with the background shadowing I am not only pleased with my work but, have also impacted in a positive way as I have picked up on new key skills. 

I made use of making the fonts similar yet different to create a professional and intriguing look for the target audience (aimed at 16-18 year olds). 

To improve, I could have added more text onto the right hand side of the front cover, like I have with the contents page, as it does feel a bit empty.

Chosen Photos

These are pictures used to complete my front cover and contents page. 

I have used the first model shown as my front cover as she is always smiling and giving a good impression of her school and lifestyle. As I am creating a college based magazine it's ideal to hold a prop which relates to a students studies such as this A-Level History book. As well as just holding onto the book it's almost as if she's hugging it showing passion and dedication towards her studies. 

For the next two models I have also decided to play around with a book once more but have experimented in different ways. 

For instance, in the first one the model is focusing on the audience as she uses angle of gaze to draw in attention. The model has the book wide open to a page where it possibly shows freedom and happiness which also comes from her expression making a positive impact. 

However, with the next model is looking down still in a happy mood creating a positive atmosphere again as she shows she's deep into her studies.

Lastly, I have also taken a picture that is different from the others as these students are again happy but are not using any props and just having a laugh together as college is not just about studies but is also where we meet lots of new people and build confidence.  

Does my layout match my flat plan?

As you can see here is my flat plan front cover and my final front cover. You can immediately spot how I have changed things and how my flat plan has helped me as it was a base or even a starter.
You can tell straight away that the model's position is not as I expected as firstly, my task was to take a mid shot of the model and secondly, over many shots this was the best. However, I have kept the base of having a history book the same as the model takes the subject as well as being passionate towards it. My mast head is also very obviously different as I initially was going to have it named 'Passion' however after talking to my teacher about it, it didn't really go as time went on therefore I decided to change it to 'Flourish' which fit the front cover much better and overall looked great.

After adding in the things I planned such as the 'Exclusive Interview' and Model's quote I began to think of new things to add and make my magazine less boring. I started to thing about the font's colour as well as making one font bolder than another to stand out and correlate. I also went on to thinking about other things that may seem more interesting and less about studying such as fashion! I thought of many new ideas along the way which was quite hard at first but became easier as days went on.
I also initially wanted a graphic to draw the readers attention, I included one but not in a star shaped as planned. I changed it to a circle as I personally thought it was simple but bold as well as going well with my cover.

Overall my layout was a base to begin with and supported me however I have changed many things along the way such as the main conventions; the model and mast head. This suggests my layout does not match my flat plan entirely but isn't completely different.

Model consent forms

Here are pictures shown of the models used in order to complete my front cover and contents page. They have signed a contract through a consent form to show I have permission of taking their photo.

Flat Plan

Here, I have created a flat plan which immediately shows my plan towards what the outcome of my front cover and contents page of the magazine may look like.

A flat plan is there to help and support me along the way to quickly get on with what I'm doing without confusion, apart from any changes being made for the better therefore plays a significant part of my preliminary task. 

Shot List

Here are my shot lists that I intend to use for both my front cover and contents page. 

I have included the shot type, location and mise-en -scene.

I have thought of various types of shots which are medium shots, medium long shots, long shot, close-ups and medium close-ups. I have also thought of the camera positions as I have thought of using a low angle to show a superior shot to create more of a powerful feel.

 Furthermore, as you can see I have added a two-shot as I thought it may add comfort and show that college isn't just about books but also builds confidence especially whilst having fun with friends. 

Reader Profile - Preliminary task

This is Maria Alvarez, she is a creative and confident 16 year old who has now begun sixth form and will shortly be turning 17. Maria has chosen Fine Art, History, Business Studies and Spanish as her A-Level choices which are quite broad and different to one another as she is unsure of her career plan at this moment. Maria has two different learning styles which are visual and verbal hence why she has chosen Fine Art and Spanish. 

Maria loves to draw in her free time and add to her work in art as well as going to Spain to meet her family every year. In addition, she also watches Spanish movies and TV dramas in her free time to improve and benefit her Spanish. 

She has had a struggle during her GCSE's to remain on schedule and meet all her deadlines for school therefore is hoping to change this problem. Moreover, she has found it hard already as she settles in to her first year of sixth form as it is a bit overwhelming but is getting used to the feeling. 

Overall, Maria plans to make a positive impact on her performance at school by figuring out what career paths she could choose and how to meet deadlines furthermore, stay on top of everything and have a balance without hesitation or stress.

Magazine Deconstruction - Preliminary Task

To begin with, this is my task where I have deconstructed a magazine contents page. I have identified the target audience, picked out conventions used and described how they are presented. I think every choice that has been made was suitable for this front cover for example the model, Zendaya, is posing a certain way not only to grab our attention but to also think about why she is doing this such as giving us an insight on some fashion tips based on her reach towards her shoes.
During this task I have gone over these key terms which has helped me to remember and comprehend.
Overall, I have explored through this task in a positive way which has therefore benefited me and will hopefully help me with my preliminary task.

Introduction and Brief - Preliminary Task

My name is Fatima Khan and I will be studying media studies for A-levels.
I'll be posting all of my media work on here including my brief for the first project.
The brief is to create a front cover and contents page for a school or college related magazine therefore it must be clear for the target audience.

My magazine will be college related therefore the age range would be 16-18. As it is a stressful time of year with a a huge jump and impact on ones abilities, my magazine will be to help these students such as by giving tips and tricks.

As we swiftly move through the month I hope to come up with many more ideas and create a great, successful magazine front cover and contents page.