Evaluation of the Preliminary Task

In preparation for my final AS Media piece I was assigned to design a front cover and contents page for a school magazine. At first, we researched several different existing school magazines in order to grasp the layout, fonts and articles regularly seen within a school magazine. Before I began working on my own magazine I carefully analysed and evaluated a variety of different existing school magazines. I found this reserch process beneficial as it enabled me to widen my knowledge on the magazine system; from draft sketches to the final product. I considered several different layouts and styles which would solely be aimed towards students; reflecting the young, fresh and funky theme desired by my demographic (reflected in my survey).

Whilst producing my school magazine I both developed and challenged the conventions and forms of a 'typical' and 'average' school magazine. I felit it important to include a real sixth form student within my fornt cover; thus appearing more realistic to the reader. I gained inspiration for my front cover layout from an existing music and fashion publication; developing good existing ideas whilst creating a unique look to my magazine. Through the use of my image on the front cover I have conveyed a certain theme to my magazine; mirroring the studying element of school life. I went through the long process of expreimenting with several fonts that I believed appeared professional while at teh same time fresh and existing; reflecting the demographic. I also looked at several existing title name fonts as I wanted to use a font which was not widely known or partnered with an existing publication. I ahve challenged the existing convention of a existing school magazines by including articles that I feel represent pop culture amongst teenagers; including debates concerning fashion and television shows as well as upcoming local events such as concerts.

My school magazine doesn't represent any particular scoial group. Whilst taking photographs around the school ground, I felt it essential to reflect the cultural diversity of social groups within Fortismere. However, when I chose my final main image I was aware that it was only a single figure in the frame rather than a group although I know this photo is appropriate in relation to the theme of exam stress as many students revise on their own. I believe the figure's clothes and hairsyle doesn't portray Fortsimeres' 'style' in any way, due to the fact it is just the single figure.

The school will be the main distributor of my magazine; copies being left in the two Sixth Form common rooms so students can read and acquire issues when it suits them . Due to the sudience solely being Fortsimere students(information relative), no media institution would sell it as the auidence is specialised and minimal. It is possible that shops in close proximity to the school may want to stock the publication in order to inform the local community about Fortismere's events and achievements. In addition to this, the magazine could be made available at the Sixth Form open evening in January so that possible newcomers can get an insight into Sixth Form life without having the pressure to ask existing students.

My target audience are the students who attend Fortismere's Sixth Form. I hope my magazine is reppresentative of these styudents' minds; what they are interested in and what they want to find out about. An example of how my magazine is representative of my demographic is my front cover; the figure is sat at her desk with her head down, studying for her looming exams, surrounded by a sea of revision books; my magazine will be published in the fornight before AS and A level exams will be at by Sixth Form students.

Through the constructing process I have greatly developed my Photoshop skills. Photoshop is a professional software taht many magazines on the current mark use in order to edit graphics. I ahve used this software so I too can produce a publication which looks professional rather tan amateurish.

To conclude, I am very satisfied with my final front cover and contents page as they appear unique yet realistic. I especially like the way I have postioned my figure in the photo as well as the colour scheme present in the font. At the beginning of the project I was aware that the traditional Fortsimere colours of green and yellow may appear garish, however I believe that the colours fit in well with th main image; mirroring the youth and liveliness of the school. I felt it was key to use original photographs for both my front cover and contents page in order to reflect the themed visions I had for my magazine. I hope that the modern style and up-to-date content present within my magazine will appeal greatly to my demographic.