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