Evaluation

Evaluation

I believe my magazine cover challenges other schooling media’s because I have considered taking inspiration from other formats; then re-inventing them in my own way. For example, I emphasised content like my headline, I used a banner. As well as this I deliberated on the ‘Misbourne’ colour scheme and reasonably applied it into my work to create an identifiable house-style.

In addition, the product was aimed towards 6^th Form students and parents. According to my peer assessment I achieved this successful, Holly articulates the words ‘sophisticated’ and ‘current’ and Anna follows by saying ‘erudite’.

However, despite these advantages there are definite rooms for improvements: as specified from my peer assessment and other verbal feedback.

One of the main criticisms of my original design was that it was not enough variety of design features. This decreased the attraction level when it’s key I accentuate on these elements. So taking this point into contemplation I added a puff a pug.

Moreover Anna states that my text ovals gradually became too dark against the black background. This became an issue as the text does not stand out enough: ‘Iceland’ and ‘£1500’. It’s important the magazine catches the eye of the audience and with buzzwords not popping out then there is no chance my aimed social group wouldn’t be drawn in.

 As divulged from the format research it was a frequent consistence that magazines promoted school activities. The appeal was striking to myself a (6^th Form) and to parents too. Having this in mind I used the Iceland trip for year 12 students as well as the year 11 prom and most importantly the GCSE and A-Level results. This gives the school an interest.

 To carry on an interested mind set I added caption underneath the main image as well as a Thomas Edison quote. This highlights that student’s display an enjoyment during their schooling experience that is inspiring and motivational for the up-coming students and parents that wish for their child to attend Misbourne.

Furthermore my peer assessment enunciated consistently there was a creative flow running throughout. By successfully ensuring the cover was engaging it defies from the typical school front cover to be ‘fun’ and ‘unique’.

To further improve I should add extra/ sub images. Although I have added in the school’s logo and the ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat’ theatre production poster they were not my own images. The extra photographs will give the audiences a visual clue to the overall content of the magazine. Likewise it adds interest to the cover with more colours and encouraging the reader to take more information in effectively.

 In conclusion I believe that the magazine cover was a successful despite the improvements I have now learnt from.

Peer Assessment

I showed a couple of my fellow peers my first draft of the front cover, here they answered my questions by recording their own opinions down in the table. I hope to take actions on further improving my work by fixing the negatives stated. After gathering this feedback, it allowed me to make further amendments which will allow me to improve my final version. 

Front cover design

Photo Selection

‘Potential photographs for the front cover's main image and my analysis of them’

Successful

These images had a good sense of photo-graphical maturity. I used techniques such as leading lines and attempted bulls eye composition; which ensured the photographs looked professional and sophisticated, as well as creative with the experimentation of angles frequently divulged from the following. In addition to this the variety of perspectives reflects the school life in a vision that’s smart and successful.

Unsuccessful

Unfortunately the photographs circled in red were not going to be featured in my front cover; for many unsatisfactory reasons. Firstly the bookcase and keyboard images were irrelevant to the narrative I hoped to portray. ‘Misbourne students strive for success’ was a headline for motivational purposes which is why I wanted to demonstrate the journey of hard work and dedication not to promote the school’s facilities. Secondly the definition and quality of the photos were diminished not making them clear or appealing. Furthermore when my model moved I didn’t set my camera’s shutter speed quick enough, resulting in her face being disorientated. Lastly other subjects of the frame were cut out and looked unprofessional.

Room for improvement

The two photographs that were circled as ‘room for improvement’ were almost good enough to be considered as successful. However the tweaks were un-editable in Photoshop software due to the raw impact. The main problem was angle and perception it was taken; this cannot be changed. Although the images were in focus and there is a good use of composition i.e. Leading Line the angles are slightly off in both my model/focal point and frame.

Shooting Schedule

This email conversation confirms that my model is able to assist with my photo shoot on the date I have set. We also discussed location, time and presentation.