Research: Characteristics

Below I have mentioned some of the major characteristics that are seen in a Fashion, casual wear magazine for Women.

• Clothes:

 Plain, simple and decent and not that extravagant.

• Make up:

Follows the contemporary trends. Natural or light make up or according to the clothes worn by the model.

• Hairstyle:

A variety of hairstyles used, tied hair, open hair or semi-tied hair. Whatever, hairstyle best fits the clothes.

• Typography:

The font style used is sans-serif to give a casual impact.  

•  Background/Settings:

The setting is usually indoor and the background is most of the time plain in very rare cases the shoot is done in an outdoor location.

• Expression:

A serious expression or the model could be smiling.

• Body Language:

Is casual and spontaneous.

• Accessories:

Delicate and light jewellery worn. A necklace, studs or bracelets worn. Bags could be used.

• Colour scheme:

Too much bright colours or too much light colours are not used a balance is maintained.

• Props:

Could be a chair, sofa,bench or pets.

• Masthead:

The font used is sans-serif as it is curvy and gives a casual impact.

• Puffs and pugs:

Are used to catch the attention of the audience.

The content the magazine contains:

• On clothes
• The latest fashion
• The hairstyles
• Make up
• Where to get outfits from
• Shoes

Research: Similar Magazine Research

Here are some magazine similar to my genre (Fashion) I will look at these for help to better understand the codes and conventions when it  comes to fashion magazine.

Research: Genre

Genre: Fashion

Sub Genre: Casual Wear for Women

A genre adopts the codes and conventions of other texts in that similar genre and the content and style tells us what genre a media texts belong to. 

The genre I have chosen is fashion and the sub genre is casual wear for women. Fashion is of great importance in our society and our appearance is greatly affected by the clothes we wear. Fashion matters in our day-to-day lives. As, we see casual wear attire has become very popular in Pakistan especially in the teens and young adults. Teens want to experiment with their looks. According to the statistics the Pakistan's youth population is 30%. 

The casual wear is the Kurta with Jeans and Trousers. Tight half sleeve and sleeveless shirts with Capri trousers and a top and jeans have also been adopted. The casual wear is inspired by the American fashion. The youth feels that casual wear is comfortable and gives them a freedom of expressing themselves. There are no magazines on casual wear to guide the women and keep them up to date on the latest fashion. I have a general knowledge on this sub genre. But, I will have to do a lot of research and conduct  a survey in order to understand my audience. I am going to take this as a challenge as it does not belong to my culture, but to a foreign culture adopted by our society. But as it is becoming dominant in my society I want to help the audience so they could have the right guideline on casual wear. A lot of Pakistani fashion designers are launching their casual wear collection. Which shows that casual wear is becoming dominant in our society.

Preliminary Task:(Final Cover Page and Content Page)

COVER PAGE

CONTENTS PAGE

Preliminary Task: (Final Content Page Evaluation)

Preliminary Task (Final Cover Page Evaluation)

Below is presentation on the cover page evaluation. 

Presentation created on: Microsoft PowerPoint

Preliminary Task:(Mockup Overlay For Final Selection)

As I made a mockup for my magazine previously I placed the main image on the mockup. Below are the are the results.

This is how I decided to  place the the photographs I have taken for the main image on the mock up of the magazine cover page. This is an example of how the photographs for the main image will look like. This will help me decide which is the best fit for the cover page. From the mock up overlays I will decide the final image I will use for the cover page.

Below is the selected final image for my magazine.

I have chosen this mock up overlay because the model has a stronger eye contact with the camera and perfectly fits on the cover page and the cover lines wont look congested on the cover page as they will come on the sides of the cover page and wont overlap with the model as compared to the rest of the images as there is more room on the sides. As compared to the rest of the photographs the hairstyle of the model is perfect and has a way better posture as compared to the rest of the photographs.

Preliminary Task: (Short Listed Images For The Cover Page)

 These are the pictures that I have I have short-listed for the main image of the cover page. I have short-listed these pictures because the model has a better face expression and the exposure is correct. Also, the model has a way better posture as compared to the rest of the pictures. The model also has a strong eye contact with the camera in these pictures.

Preliminary Task: (Photography)

So finally after learning about the various angles and shots essential to take photographs. When previously researching for magazines as for my inspiration, I noticed magazines usually have mid shots, mid close ups and mid long shot and close ups. Its very rare that we see a full shot on a magazine cover page. I also kept in mind the type of clothes worn by the students in school. Keeping all this in mind I took my photographs. Below are some selected photographs from a total of 25 photographs I took for the cover and contents page. I also took additional photographs of shoes, bags and accessories to use them on the contents page.

COVER PAGE

 Mid Long Shot

Long Shot

Mid Long Shot

Mid  Long Shot

Long Shot

Mid Long Shot

CONTENTS PAGE

Mid Shot

Mid Long Shot

Mid Long Shot

Long Shot

Mid Long Shot

CONTENTS PAGE ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS

Research: Understanding the Resolution

As asked by our teacher I researched on resolution. As he said that general understanding about the resolution is important as it determines the quality of our work on the screen and paper. 

After doing some research I created a presentation. Below is a presentation on a brief Introduction on Resolution.

Presentation created on: Microsoft PowerPoint 

Research: Understanding Camera Shots

In our photography class we were also introduced to different camera shots. When it comes to the camera shot it is about how much of the subject matter you have included in your photograph.

Below is a presentation on the different camera shots.
Presentation created on: Microsoft PowerPoint
All images taken from: google.com

Research: Size & Software

We were told to research on the various sizes that magazines are printed out. After conducting my research on the sizes of the magazine I came to the conclusion that the majority of magazines were in portrait. The most common size was 7x10 inches or 8x11 inches.

The software we will be using:

Adobe Photoshop CS3

The basics of which were introduced to us in class such as working in layers and the basic tools we will be using. Below is an image of the basic tools introduced to us.

Image taken from google

All of the tools mentioned above are equally important however as mentioned by our teachers there are tools we will be occasionally using throughout the construction of our magazine such as the text tool, selection tool, move tool and cloning tool.

Research: Understanding Camera Angles

In another class we were introduced to different angles that could be used to capture an interesting photograph. How various camera angles are essential when it comes to photography. Which allows the photographer to capture a unique image.

Below is a presentation on Camera Angles.

Presentation created on: Microsoft PowerPoint
All images taken from: google.com for referential purposes.

Research: How Camera Works and Rules of Photography

We have a special photography class with the sole purpose of helping us in media studies. As photography is an essential part, without having an understanding of the basic rules of photography I won't be able to produce photographs to the required level.

In the beginning we were taught about how the digital camera works. We were taught about the main components of a digital camera such as the

• Lens
• Aperture
• Shutter
• Sensor
• Camera Software
• Memory Cards

A lot which I was familiar with. Below is an image of a handout provided by our teacher on how the digital camera works.

Our teacher introduced us to a simple rule "KISS" This is an acronym for Keep It Simple Stupid. Why she encouraged us to keep our photographs simple as it limits the number of things that distracts the eye from the main subject.

Another rule we were introduced to was the "Rule of Thirds". The photograph is divided into 3 parts like the image below.

Images from Google

Simply the rule of thirds states that the object of attention should be placed at the intersection of the dividing lines. (Green dots) But you can also place the object along one of dividing lines. If the object is placed in the middle it is less appealing to the eye as the human eye focuses on the sides rather than the middle of the photograph.

Framing is also important as it helps to decide where an image begins or ends this way the meaning of the image is constructed. A variety of camera angles can be used to frame an object into a photograph. The human infers meaning from the relationship between the camera and subject.

Preliminary Task (Name & Masthead Design)

Since this is a preliminary task and my magazine is going to be a school fashion magazine the name I decided for my magazine is "1a1 Fashion". As, we refer to this branch of  Lahore Grammar School as Lahore Grammar School 1a1. 1a1 is basically the address of my school.

After doing some research on magazines, I looked up different fonts for the masthead. Usually the fonts used in magazines especially fashion magazines are simple. Keeping this in mind, I tried various fonts which I could use for the magazine cover page. Below is an image of the fonts.

              
The final font that I have chosen for the magazine is: 

I have chosen this font because its simple and decent. The other possible fonts I have tried are not as good as compared to the font that I have chosen. The font I have chosen will look exceptional on the cover page.

Research: Codes and Conventions of a Magazine

Below is a presentation created by me on the codes and conventions of a magazines pointed out. As it is important to understand some of the major codes of a magazine before I begin towards my preliminary task.
Presentation created on: Microsoft PowerPoint

Below is another presentation created by me in which I have further in detail explained the codes and conventions of a magazine using a magazine cover page of Vogue.
Presentation created on: Microsoft PowerPoint

Preliminary Task (Mockups)

 Using the codes and conventions of a magazine that I learned through my research. I have come up with the mockup of the cover page and the contents page. Which will direct when constructing the magazine.

This is a basic mock up of how my magazine cover page will look like, where and how the masthead, tagline, issue date, pug, cover lines, main cover lines, buzz word and bar code will be placed. My aim being to catch the eye of the audience and tempt them to open the magazine. This is the reason I have tried to fulfill  the basic requirements of a cover page but on the other hand I have tried to make the cover not look congested.

Cover Page

I have made the mock up for the contents page this way because it will be easier for the audience to navigate through it. That is why I have put a separate section for the features and regulars.

Content Page

Preliminary Task (Inspiration)

As I mentioned in my earlier post for out preliminary task I have to make a school magazine. Therefore, I decided to make a school fashion magazine. But starting something from scratch always requires inspiration. Therefore, I looked at some existing fashion magazines. For example the cover and contents page. To help me have a better understanding of what a fashion magazine is sure I read fashion magazine often but I have never looked at them from the point of view on how they are made and do all magazine follow certain codes and conventions. The magazines I looked at were Vogue, Marie Claire, Elle, Glamour and Cosmo Girl and Teen Vogue.

Below is a slideshow of the cover pages of magazines as my inspiration for my own magazine.
Slideshow created on: kizoa.com 


I selected these cover pages because they have interesting color schemes how carefully they have selected the fonts and color schemes for the text, how the main image is still dominant even in the presence of cover lines and main cover lines almost on all sides and foremost importantly they follow the codes and conventions of a magazine. Also he photographs taken are very conventional such as a mid shot, cow boy shot and close up.During my research I came across magazines which really inspired me.

Below is a slideshow of the contents page of magazines as my inspiration for my own magazine.
Slideshow created on: kizoa.com

I am using these as my inspiration because they are easy to navigate through as the photographs are very nicely placed in accordance with the features in the magazine. Not a lot of photographs are used which makes it pleasing to the eye and does not give an effect of crowdedness. 

    

Preliminary Task: (Introduction)

Before, constructing a magazine for the Foundation Portfolio. I am going to do a preliminary task. Which will be a school magazine. Basically, its good practice for my magazine for the foundation portfolio. As, I am not familiar with the process of making a magazine. Sure I read magazines, but the process behind it I am unaware of. I will be posting the whole process on my blog weekly.

Preliminary Task:

• Cover Page
• Contents page

Just the beginning

Who am I? Fasiha Zaheer. My subjects in A levels are Media Studies, Sociology, Psychology and Business Studies. These subjects are related to each other and I hoping they will help me in Media Studies.  I believe in doing something different and creative. I love photography and making videos. Especially, music videos and advertisements. That is because I have taken part in some school competitions before. I love capturing those small moments in life. My inspiration? Are Movies. Genre? My favorite genres are comedy, drama and suspense.

Why Media Studies?

I love photography and movies and I want to learn how to improve my skills. Learn the depth of things. But, that requires me to learn the basics. Moreover, the world in surrounded by media 24/7 and it has a become a broader platform over the years. One of the major reasons I chose to opt for this subject is because it will require me to be creative and use my skills, its not all about the theory but I will get to apply what I have learned practically. This was a major reason I was drawn towards this subject but also my interest in photography and movies as mentioned before. Furthermore, this will give me an edge in the future as I plan onto pursue a career in media.

This is unit one, Foundation Portfolio and I am required to make a media product from a brief for a print or video. We as a whole class have chosen print and will be constructing a magazine.

This is an individual task. My blog posts will be about the process of producing a magazine from scratch. The research, planning and production. In the end I am required to add a perspective in the form of a creative, critical reflection.

Foundation Portfolio: (Magazine)

• Cover page
• Contents  
• Double-page spread