Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

The biggest thing I have learnt since my preliminary task has been to properly prepare before attempting to produce a product. I jumped straight into my preliminary task without adequate research on current examples of print, and without enough experience operating the software I had chosen. In turn, this meant I created a poor product. However, because of this I ensured for my full product that I spent an adequate amount of time researching both my audience and current examples of music magazines. This meant i fully understood the conventions of print and could efficiently, use, challenge, and develop them, whilst delivering a product that my target audience asked for.

My ability at image manipulation has also improved significantly between products. My preliminary task was very basic in its construction and therefore looked amateurish. The final product on the other hand looked wholly professional. By mastering layering and cropping I had the skill to actually use and develop the conventions of print, rather than having ideas which I couldn’t implement.

My understanding of the importance of colour schemes and fonts has also greatly developed. I now see the importance of font, and how important it is in determining the success of a magazine. It also helps to reinforce the message of a magazine by reflecting the tone of a piece. Colours are equally as important. They can give continuity throughout the magazine and work to attract a particular audience.