Self Assessment

As part of a marking exercise we were asked to mark our own blogs based on the same criteria as the Peer Assessment task we did. I decided that I think my blog so far is at a much higher standard than last year, and last year I was given only a D for my research and planning. Based on my posts and the content in the posts is relatively proficient and at a better level than last year. I gave my blog so far 13 marks which is a grade C, Level 3. However I am yet to complete my blog therefore I hope to improve it to a even higher level upon completion.

Magazine Name- Final Decision

After thinking about magazine name I want to come up with names that really represent a successful magazine. Therefore I have thought of some more name to accompany the front runner, Exposure. For example names such as La Mode, Forma.

I chose the new three options because I liked the idea of using the word fashion and changing the language to come up with another way of having my magazine called fashion without it coming across tacky.

When looking at the new names I really like "La Mode" because it sounds very fancy and really shows connotations of fashion. As its int eh french language where fashion really blossoms I feel like this is a really goof choice for my magazine.

To develop this Idea i have decided to see what it looks like in the different fonts I chose.

Finally the chosen name for my magazine is La Mode.

Front Cover Extended Flat Plan - Fonts

I then went through my fonts I have previously chosen and adapted my ideas to come up with the fonts I actually want on my front cover.

I chose two different fonts, a more structured font called 'Bebas Neue' which is used for the Mast head, Sell lines and the Main Sell line. I then chose a more laid back font called 'lazing on a sunday afternoon' which was used for the descriptions, issue number and the price.

I chose these fonts because I think they look good together and they represent the genre of magazine I want.

However as I am yet to decide on the sell line the font may change because the particular words may not look right in the font I have chosen at the moment.

Colour Scheme

When thinking of a color scheme I have to think about the actual theme of my magazine, As I plan on having a autumn/winter addition I need to come up with the colors that represent that particular season.

For Winter I decided on very cool tones, such as blues and treys, however I also included black and white as these colours will obviously be part of the magazine based on there diverse nature.

For an Autumn edition I chose reds, browns, and yellows, based on the connection it has to autumn. When I think of autumn I think of the leaves and trees, and all the colours that are around in that time.

I will post an update when I decide on the theme of the magazine and the colours scheme I have chosen.

Font Choices - Initial Ideas

When coming up with font ideas I have used the website Dafont.com to help me find various style fonts. I first searched through the website and looks for fonts which i think are very similar to the type i want in my magazine. I chose to look for three different font categories for the 3 different fonts I need.  I then decided on three font ideas for the three different jobs of the fonts. I want a font for the mast head and age titles, Then another for an editors note, and another for the main text and sell lines.

These are the fonts that I have chose, I am yet to decide which fonts I want for each part of text in my magazine;

Magazine Name- Initial Ideas

When thinking about a name for my magazine I wanted to think of something that represented fashion and beauty however I also wanted something that was short and catchy and wasn't too obvious, Therefore I have been playing around with some names and trying to think of something which I was for my magazine. For example Exposure, InTouch or Original.

I also thought about certain initials. which could stand for something more obvious, for example TFM (The Fashion Magazine) or BFM (Beauty Fashion Magazine)

To help with my research I am going to ask my focus group on Facebook.

Ancillary Task- Website- Reconstruction

My reconstruction is the bottom image. However I used a lot of the original website on mine. I did recreate the image, Title, subtitle and the borders on the page. When looking for inspiration for my website pages I will use vogues website because It looks very clean and simple, however it includes a lot of different tabs and page options. I made the model pull a similar pose, as she has a similar hair color this really helped with the reconstruction of the image. I then used the main sell line on that image and copied it over, however I had to edit out the background and place it in front of my image. I also took another vogue magazine and replaced the original one with the new one in the bottom left corner. I then added a new page title. I searched through the fonts to try and get one as close tot eh original as possible.

This will help with the creation of my magazine because I now know how a website can be set out, the type of images and page titles.

Ancillary Task- Billboard- Reconstruction

I chose to reconstruct this billboard due to the impact it make. The model is a very well know singer, Madonna. She is modelling for the well known company, Dolce & Gabbana. I recreated the billboard by having the model wear sunglasses and have her hair positioned similary to the model on the actual bill board. However I did have a problem getting the two exactly the same as i coulent get the background to be the same dark colour as the actual bill board. Therefore I decided to leave it white, then this would allow me to give reasons why I couldnt do it. This will help when creating mine as I now know that I cant physically do certain things. I did however add red lipstick to the model, Althought its not at a high level of quality it was only very roughly done.

 

 

 

 



Time Management- Update 2

My research and planning is borderline completion, apart from various video feedback, which are yet to be filmed and uploaded, I have done a lot of my work. However various bits and pieces which will help me get a higher mark still need doing, for example my reconstructions of the ancillary tasks and the deconstructions of a billboard.

My images will be complete during october half term, However I am yet to book the studio, as I want to ensure that my images will be at a higher quality and will help me achieve a higher level.

When looking at the rest of the action plan I am confident that I will be able to keep to the rest of the deadlines.

Shot List

To plan for my photo shot I filled out a table to help me keep track of the type of images I need and the variety I want. This will help me keep on track and will allow me to take only the required pictures, rather than wasting time on images I won't use and don't need.

Here is my Shot List;

Peer Assessment

As part of a class exercise we were partnered off and asked to follow certain criteria and mark each other blogs. I was partnered with Katie. We then gave each other our blog addresses and looked through the blogs. Katie looked through mine and then gave it a mark based on what she thought my blog was worth and if i followed the criteria in that certain level. Katie marked my work a 15/20 which means it was a level 3 based on her opinion of my blog.

Here is the marking sheet and criteria we were given;

Katies comments included;

"Nice blog layout"

"Good deconstructions"

"Good use of Facebook page to collect research"

"Really good reconstruction tasks"
"Good research into conventions of your chosen genre"

"Really detailed analysis in the deconstructions- you've broke down the conventions really well."
"Well done :)"

Katie also suggested that I could "update my blog with more time management information" therefore I will make sure to add a post every week to allow an update on how well I'm following deadlines and if there are any problems.

Was this task useful?

After taking part in this task I thought that it was good to get a second opinion on how well my blog is coming along and what I can do to improve it. I also found it helpful how i got to look at Katie's blog and see how much work she's done in comparison to mine. Katie's blog is very detailed in the description of her research and planning, therefore I could use this for inspiration in the standards that my blog should be at. However as Katie has chose a different brief from me we both have alternative tasks to fulfill in order to make sure our blogs are tailored to our chosen products.

It was also very useful as we got to look at the criteria that the marker will be following therefore I know what they are looking for and what I need to do to achieve a higher level than last year. I will use the criteria to make sure I am on track and doing what I'm supposed to do. Its also very useful as I can see exactly the different topics within the criteria and what they require to get a level 4.

The Recce

1.     Are there any potential hazards that could pose a health and safety risk where your photo shoot will take place?

When taking my images for my final product I will have to choose a location where there will be no hazards therefore I need to choose somewhere safe. I think due to huge task ahead I will need to choose a place where the background can be easily edited so I can have a clean looking image. The location is most likely to be indoors in a well know place I trust, therefore there will be no hazards. There could be potential objects in the way but nothing to hazardous to cause a major accident.

2.     What will you do to ensure these risks are minimised?

If there were any hazards or risks I will have to make sure that anyone involved in my photo-shoot are out of the way and not at risk of being hurt or injured. I also won’t allow the photo-shoot to go on if it means there is a risk of someone being hurt. If the objects in the way were causing a problem I would have to move them out of the way therefore the problem would be minimised.

3.     Will the time of day/weather affect the outcome of the photos? Have you allowed for this?

As the images will be taken inside the weather outside wont effect the images. The time of day for the images would have to be suited to when the studio have a slot for me, and when my model is free. The photos are definitely been taken during the day inside a studio.

4.     Have you considered the background to your photos, particularly if taken outside? How will you ensure you will get the background you want?

I have chosen to take my photos inside a studio this year due to the problems I had during my AS level and the editing of the images. I want a white/grey background therefore this will allow minimal editing to the background and it will look more professional. The studio where the pictures will be taken will provide the backgrounds as it is a studio designed for photo-shoots and professional image taking.

5.     Have you considered lighting? What about the ‘problems’ of natural lighting, either outside, or streaming through a window? Will you need to use a flash? Have you considered reflective objects that might spoil the effect?

The lighting in the studio will be artificial therefore there will be no problems with unwanted shadows or streams of light. I have been in the studio before therefore I know that there are no windows in the room. The outfit of the model wont include any reflective objects therefore if a flash is used then it wont beam back and cause a problem with my images.

6.     Do you need permission to take photos in the place/venue you have in mind?

When taking pictures in the studio you need to book with the owner therefore I will need to contact him and make sure it is ok for me to use his studio, and to come up with a suitable time for everyone involved.

7.     Do you need to book time in a room?

Yes, you have to confirm with the owner of the studio of a date and time, This allows me to be organised. There is also a lot of other students using the studio therefore I have to be patient and make sure I allow the owner to fit us all in at not only mine but his convenience.

8.     Are other people/crowds likely to be an issue for you? What have you done to ensure that it will not spoil the effect?

The images are only on one person therefore there will be no other models used in my magazine. I will make sure there are no other people by keeping them out of the way of the photo area. The other people in the room will be behind the camera or out of view.

9.     Are you reliant on lifts/props/friends’ equipment/models? How have you planned that these things will come together at the appointed time? Plan B?

Obviously I am reliant on the model due her huge part in the success of my product. However when organising the shoot I will have to make sure she is free and we can come to an agreement when choosing a time and date. The camera, which is provided to me by the college, is also a huge part in the success as this will allow the images to be of a better quality. Obviously I need something to take the images with. If for some reason my model can’t make it I will have to look into making sure I have an alternative model if worst comes to worst.

10.  Finally, have you thought of every eventuality…?

I have thought about the model not being able to come, however I will try my best to make sure that the time can be of her convenience  along with the studio owners. The location will have to be booked, however there may be a problem with making sure my model is free when my slot for the studio is. The lighting will all be artificial as its inside, therefore there wont be weather problems and there wont be any unwanted shadows/light.

Double Page Spread Reconstruction

I made my model pull the same pose as the original model. She was wearing a similar outfit, the jumper. I then added the text very similar to the original. I picked the pink color directly from the original therefore the pink on my version is exactly the same. I then tried to get the grey background quite similar however it is a bit brighter than the original version of the double page spread.

This will help when creating my magazine because it is quite similar to how I want my magazine double page spread to look, mostly because it has one large image and minimal text, but mainly due to the overall feel of this double page spread. I found this reconstruction quite useful.

Contents Page Reconstruction

To follow on from me recreating a front cover I then had to re create a contents page. I chose this contents page because I feel like this was very similar to the type of contents page I want. I made the model change her hairstyle to try and mimic the model from the original. I then made my model pose similar to how it is in the original in hope of making the contents pages looking relatively similar. The colors used were pulled directly from the original therefore they are exactly the same. I made the reconstruction on photoshop the same as the front cover.

Front Cover Reconstruction

 As part of my research and planning I was asked to recreate a fashion magazine front cover. I chose this image as the model has similar clothing and similar hair. When taking the image I made sure the models pose was similar therefore I could recreate it. I then opened the image in photoshop and edited it so there background was fully white.  I then added in the sell lines and main sell line, when doing this I made sure that the writing that was bold was cold on mine and so on. When adding the mast head I had to make several layers so I could get the wording behind my model. I was constantly switching between the two images to make sure I got them as similar as I could.