Question 7: Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you think you have learnt in the

progression from it, to the full product

Antony Pettersen

How good do you think your preliminary task was?

I think my preliminary task was a good effort based on the set of skills and knowledge of the software I had at the time when I started it. Despite this I feel that, now, looking back on the preliminary task I could and should have probably done a lot better although in conclusion I think it served its purpose – To get a chance to design a magazine and as preparation for the main task.

Had you used the software before this task or was this the first time? How easy or difficult was it to use?

Before starting the AS media course I had not used the software programmes Photoshop or In Design. To begin with it took me time to get used to the software and all the processes they entailed but after I finished my music magazine I feel like I have a good understanding of the software.

When you started your main task what did you realise about market and audience research that you didn’t

perhaps focus on as much for your student magazine? After starting the research for the student magazine I realised

there was a lot more to focus market and audience research on then from the college magazine. This was due to the content of a college magazine being around a wide range of topics. Also the research for a college magazine could be easily conducted e.g. in the classroom due to everybody being a student. The music magazine was more specific to different types of music meaning that the pool of information available first hand was greatly reduced. This means I had to focus more on gaining reliable information from different resources. On top of this there were a lot more avenues to research e.g music magazines in circulation meaning that there was a lot more to focus on.

How did you use your semiotic knowledge and awareness of codes and conventions to produce

work which looked professional?

I used my knowledge of semiotic knowledge and awareness of code and conventions to make my final product look professional. As explained in evaluation question 1 and in my research in planning I started off by research conventions of magazines which gave me a good basis to begin my design from. Whilst designing I continually referenced my magazine design with magazines that were in circulation to ensure my product looked as close to, and referenced, a product already on general sale.

How did you make use of time effectively?

I used time effectively by ensuring at all time I was working towards a final goal which would ensure all my work kept me on track and focused. I also used my time to conduct research and through using this research I made sure my product was fit for purpose. This means I used the time to lay the groundwork and then used the information to ensure my product was the highest quality.

Looking at your page designs explain and pick out examples as to how your skills and design and photography skills have improved or altered by answering these

questions:

How did you improve your photography skills?

I improved my photography skills through the task through researching music magazines and looking at the photography used as well as just purely taking photographs and by taking more time setting up the set, models pose and the use of props.

How did your Photoshop and In Design skills improve?

When I first started the course I did not have the skills or knowledge for Photoshop and I did not have the skills to successfully use InDesign. As I grew more accustomed to the programmes and after gaining experience using them my skills improve and using this set of skills I have managed to produce a professional piece of work.

How did you develop skills to produce the article?

To develop my skills to produce the article I analysed magazine articles and looked at their mode of address. After I had done this I simply just used my own imagination and knowledge of literature to write the article.

How much more important was house style for your final piece?

The House Style of my final piece was one of the most important aspects. This is because all magazines are based around a house style which give the reader the impression everything there reading is connected to the magazine. It also makes the magazine look professional due to it all being of a similar style and due to my brief being to make the magazine look professional as possible it makes the house style very important.

How much more professional does your main product look and why is this the case?

I believe my media product looks very professional. This is down to the house style, photography, layout and design. These features are very important because if they are not done to a good standard the final product looks a mess and unprofessional