Welcome

Welcome to my Blogging page, here you will find the initial ideas and the many exclusive products created upon the whole section of the media course. Throughout the blog, I will introduce in every aspect of each big changing moments on what has been discovered by me as an student. Initially I shall take note of the each and every crisis which I have faced which will then been internally solved over the period of time.

Other features that I have encountered are the many special tools and task’s which is all relatively new to me due to technology wise advancement. Some examples include the new editions of PowerPoint prezi and the use of photoshop.

Also included within the blogging is my preliminary task (School magazine) as well as the nature magazine. Overtime, you can see the improvements made after each task that has been set, even small changes such as changing the font size makes up for the final presentation. Initially, it has been tough but every little tips helps

Finally, I would like to state that many of my experiences (consisting of positive and negatives) will be shown upon the following blog.

Thank you for taking your time to read this.

Evaluation

The evaluation will be presented on the follwing online program prezi.


http://prezi.com/js2hrknxpf3g/evaluation/
http://prezi.com/js2hrknxpf3g/present/?auth_key=md3cuqz&follow=jhpuvhxd7pne

Front cover

This is my front cover, I have implemented all my ideas within the magazine as it retrospectively looks as same as the planned creation.

The existing magazine has bright background which acts as a perfect lighting due to the fact that the picture of the main protagonist is wearing black, this therefore lets image stand out. A large variety of fonts has been chosen, Black font was the best due to the atraction purposes as it also stands out of the white background.

Orange background has also been used to represent the main features of the magazine, such as the other main story lines. Blue and red fonts has been used on the side of the page as they create some sort of clash which also gives some sort of eye catching attention. .

Contents page

Here, I have provided the contents page where some components have been changed. Overall the features here are moderately unique. Some added styles that I have added is the light on the bottom hand left corner which eventually fades on the right top hand corner. This effect has boosted the attractiveness of the magazine as it used to look dull due to the background all being just one contemporary color. The fact that I was going to choose a dark contrast for this magazine was not as good as just using plain black, so, I have obviously chosen the right styles and effect.

Font color consist of white and black, Black had to be used within the bottom left hand corner as the white font would be camouflaged against the white lighting background and vice versa would happen if it was done with the black font on the black side of the page.

Red has been used for each of the dividing section headers as it stands out from the white banner given. More so, the White banner has been slanted to create a unique style effect as compared to being straight, it did not look as stylish.

Images has been cropped carefully, The fact that I have place the protagonist as the bottom left hand corner was just one of the many effects that added on more compliments from others as both the fade out effect and the picture fits together like a puzzle.

 

Double page spread

Here is the following double page spread. 

The double page spread was the hardest page to create as it requires double the amount of effort, so much space had was blank after trial one so more pictures as well as text has been added to motivate the entire double page. Consistently, a white back ground has been used as well as the style of black corners/edges has also been added to fit the house style. 

Many varieties of color and font has been used to collaborate the two pages, however, are only featured in small detail as they should not create too much attention as suppose to ruining the pages with rainbows. 

Red font has been used to define the interviewer and black font has been used to define the interviewee, this allows the audience to easily distinguish which is which within the script.

Detailed text has been applied, times new roman was not the style that fitted in perfectly, On the other hand Arial was much pro efficient as it fitted the style that I was aiming for.

Front cover

So Far, my front cover is making its way towards the end, I have started with one of the initial picture that I have chosen out of the rest due to it looks as it seems to stand out more than the rest of the pictures.

Moreover, the picture has been cropped out with the lasso tool with great accuracy as well as the use of feathering that has helped take out any irrevelant sides.

Within the top, I have chosen to create a banner which would be used for a catchy headliune
The Name of the magazine "acez" will be places

The use of photoshop

Upon exploring Photoshop over the summer, I have found more styles to choose from as it had seemed that everything is coming to me now. I have gained more knowledge on how to use photoshop, The great thing about this is that now I have the confidence to finish off my Music magazine as I can apply mroe advance skilsl onto the page without going through any hassle.

By using the gradient function, I have design a well abled nice looking background, by right clicking on the page, a wider variety can be chosen as this expands the choice. The selection can also be rotated horizontally and vertically giving another few options to choose from.

The gradient tool can be changed for specific purposes such as changing selections of colour to be used upon the page.

Another tool that can used to help improve the bland background created by using the gradient tool is the filter section, the filter section transfers the chosen layer into a much  more detailed and specific designs.

All will feature special effects and the list varies from one end to another. For example, for stylish purposes, one can use the smudge selection to change the overall background providing smudges and marks from one place to another.

One selection that I have enjoyed using is the stained glass tool which has been applied within my banner for my initial music magazine. It has greatly improved the perspective of the whole magazine, it looks more professional than it ever has looked.

 Layers can be added also as the the filter buttons overlays the previous design, so you can use the filter button as many timess as you want however, each time, the details in the future will be added onto the last sketch. 

Pictures

Last week, our photoshoot began. many pictures were taken but only the one's with the most potential were chosen to be presented on our magazine.
My shots varied from low shot to high shot and from long distances to close shots. To bring more detail and atmosphere upon the photos, the nature of the sunlight was used to capture a more specific picture as it added an encrusted style around the figure.

Instruments were used within the shots to add more of an approach to our targeted genre which of course was 'classic rock'. During the photo shoot, the guitar was held in many various positions to show more leverage upon the main protaganist.
One example was to place the guitar on top of 'ones' shoulder while looking away to show the impression of the the person being mighty and stylish.
One other example was to take a side shot of the main protagonist while sitting down beside the wall to show depression as well as the characteristics of confusion

ACEZ - Initial Ideas

Upon today’s lesson, we have been set with a task to create our own Draft mock up magazine to which we stood in front of class and began to introduce the specifics of the magazine pitches.

The magazine was a major draft, however it had some good initial ideas which could be used to implement on my real magazine.

Fonts, Colour and Sizes
The size of the selling line was roughly large in comparison to most of the text, his was to induce attractiveness towards the members of the society, most probably to the main target audience that has been specified. The Colour I have chosen is red over blackish, blue, neon background. This gives it an impression of rather being cold and slightly anticipating which is one of the main targets that I have aimed for.

At the bottom of the page, the main headline is in the colour blue which is opposite to the selling line. This gives an fire and water clash that recreates a crusty, rocky atmosphere. Clash is the best adjective to describe this. The main headline is relatively large but is slightly smaller towards the selling line.

Sidelines/cover lines are represented on the side to show that other contents within the magazine, the cover lines that introduce a topic upon any band will retain its original font image of the band's name E.G, Guns and roses cover lines will still have the two guns and roses. This is initialized to create customer attraction.

House style shall consist of it being red and blue as well as black, this functions as a nice contemporary look for my magazine which would establish what sort of magazine it would be like; Dark, Cold and heavy metal pure substance.

Images
The main protagonist that has been chosen for the front cover will be me and the band. The image will be featured in the main front page (centre) to represent the idea of it being the main topic upon the magazine.

Main logo will be represented by the Ace of spades, this gives the magazine a brand image.

Coverlines
Coverlines will remain at the side of the page left and right.

Comparisions

Media course work

Comparisons between “Q” and “Total guitar”

Reference towards pages

Upon looking at the Q contents page, there seems to be quite a lot of images compared to the text. However, it is the total opposite for Total Guitar, it seems to be that there is more text compared to images. Both have made the same amount of references towards the magazines pages but could do with more.

Images

Certainly, “Q” has used a lot more images for their contents page, this may have an influence to the target audience as most probably their audience is viewers that like to look at pictures/art instead of text. The main image that is put forth is the one of the main cartoon protagonist (Gorillaz)

Total Guitar magazine has based around their contents page around more text. Most significantly, it has a paragraph or two upon an music analysis. Only one main image stands out and that is relating to the main topic (protagonist) of the magazine.

The difference here is that Total guitar has integrated a real life human artist unlike “Q” which has the favoritism of cartoon images.

Considerably, both magazines have used big lengthy images to fill up their left hand side of the page, both are approximately using the same amount of space (halve a page). This layout maybe a favourite design by these two magazines which is something that should be taken down upon analyzing the contents page.

Fonts and sizes

“Q’ famously known to use Red and white, has yet done it again, it seems to be that they have put forth red and white as their house colour and it does not look like that it will be changed within the future.

The heading is always the largest (refer to Q contents page and Issue 284) as the sidelines are relatively small in comparison. Large/medium fonts that appear (refer to page numbers e.g. “54” and “planet Mika” are presently used to encourage the audience to link up to the page.

Total guitar Contents page is yet started with a Large heading “Contents” while using the same font colour as “Q”; red and white. It seems to be that Red and white is a very fashionable colour that is used by both magazines.

Upon looking to the right, One of the main headings are highlighted in black which has some sort of attractiveness it.

Audience

“Q” is relatively a magazine that aims roughly towards older viewers (rough guess of 25 to 35 or even over). The magazine sidelines have all to prove as the a range of variety of music is placed upon the magazine, even some sidelines do not have any relativity to music which is quite extraordinary considering that a music magazine and a gossip magazine is different.

Total Guitarist’s audience is aimed at the older generation that is really/entirely created upon the basis of rock, Hardrock, metal rock, classic rock and so on. The selling line even has some hints towards the production as mainly guitarists or the use of guitars don’t as much appear in rap, pop, RnB and so on.

The technicalities of the target audience are different, For “Q” the overall basis that they are targeting are easy going, simple users which live a normal life.

For Total guitarists, the audience that is targeted is mainly users that have the care to take the time slowly. They also hope that the reader s get inspired rather than be fascinated, more or so to be influenced to each and every artists opinion no matter what status that they have.

(No offensive attacks were to be made towards any viewers, I apologize for my stereotyping activities that were made in this paragraph or any other)

Conclusion

To summarize, “Q” is an extensive magazine that aims at a larger audience. Compared to Total guitarist, the audience is mainly selective and has range, however the range is quite large.

Both magazines have similar techniques such as the font and layout. The only major difference is target audience and the comparisons of text to images.

Gorillaz Analysis

Media Coursework

Front page cover

Upon reviewing this magazine, it has been seen that the front cover of “Q” has seem to quite reflective on there initial music perspective, “Gorillaz”, majorly known as industrial music band has quite influence the target audience with the cartoon drawings.

Issues upon the sides are not relevant to each other, such as the Wayne Rooney and Kabasian sideline.

The central image is imaging and reflecting on the views of the band Gorillaz which has quite a popularity upon the world, the front cover image is almost recognizable in any other circumstances due to the actual animal relation cartoon as it presents cartoon drawn “Gorillaz” that creates an imagery of the famous brand.

(Gorillaz is a band that has substantial influence towards the industrial rock category)

As always, the main selling line is the capital “Q”  which provides a perfect emphasis upon the magazine which is again almost recognizable. The create this control/attactivenes towards the members of the public by using big white font colour as well as over size 100 font. Mostly, the selling line stands out due to the red background.

The overall message the artist is presenting is “Gorillaz” the band is on the run again. The image is presented by a big, massive wave with a boat carrying the Gorillaz (impression of the band members) up on the tide. The big header which is provided in a stylish way (big white bubble) is also listing that the “Gorillaz” set sail again.

Overall, the message is informing us the viewers that the  band is rising up to the top and gaining attention from the media as well as becoming more and more successful.

The slogan which always appear on the magazine (reference to the magazine “The UK’s Biggest music magazine”) is certainly an appeal towards fame and fortune. Almost certainly are they putting forth the contextthat they are the best.

Colours that are almost seen in every “Q” magazine is Red and White. The reasons of using Red and white is due to the fact that each of the colour incorporates within each other, both of the colours makes the text stand out which is basically what the Magazine is trying to do.

Magazine Pitch

Within this summary, I will be explaining the market research of multiple music magazines. all information will be taken in and be assessed whilst being compared to one and another.
After, all present information will be analysed inorder to create my own Music Magazine pitch.

Market research
Genre - Currently, I have searched many thousands genres of music, all which are unique in there own ways, whilst exploring it has been discussed by our teacher to look at different genre types instead of the usual; Rock, heavy rock, Metal, rap and so on. The purpose of this was to expand our existing knowledge which would help in practice of creating our Magazine whilst exploring and researching many oppurtunitys to increase our expression to each and every type of music.

Upon looking at the list, I have found many different types of genres, however, only a handful was chosen due to the closeness of me and the music, those consist of: Rock, Classic Rock, Spanish classical as well as Rap RnB.

Of course, if I was to create the best Music magazine that were to my best of the abilities, I would have to choose one of the genres that I can closely relate to so Rock in my opinion was the best choice out of all.

Audience
Upon stumbling of the gender and group ages many magazine that was bought, it seemed that Male customers from the age of 15 and above enjoy buying Rock magazines, The audience that I aim to meet are clients who like to express there views and the joys of rock. Preferrably, I would like to aim at the younger generation whom have the talent of playing guitar as if they were at veteran level.

Name - referred as...
Mostly, upon meeting famous and well developed magazine's, there tends to be a slight enhancement upon the title, take Kerrang! The Music Magazine grabs more attention upon using the exclaimation mark. If customers refer to the magazine, rather than speaking with a soft and calm voice "kerrang", the voice will be lifted up due to the emphasis given upon the exclaimation mark.

Other Magazine also include ViBe, Rolling stone, Clash, Classic rock and etc, all names given have the power to create an image within the audiences mind which allows them to remember the specific title of their brand. Much to the extent that clients can view 1/4 of the front cover and still be able to notice which brand the magazine is.

House font style

From looking at front covers on the internet to looking at front covers in the newsagents, almost (not necessarily) that the main colour used upon the headlines as well as the backgrounds are white.
Looking at a perspective

Photoshop V2

Photoshop - School prospectus

Upon stumbling to create a photoshop for a school design, I have actually increased my awareness in Photoshop, To be honest, once you figure how to learn the basic points, you will get the hang of it, and of course it does take quite a bit of time.

Here, we were presented with a task which we were supposed to create a school prospectus magazine. Yet, same as last time, we would have to take pictures of the school and myself within the picture which would be used upon the program photoshop.

As me and abdul was paired as partners to take photos, it was mostly me in the pictures.
Front gates, main buildings, the middle of the school, gym and the new sixth form block were places for the most ideal capture shots. While the outside conditions wasnt the most enjoyable, it certainly added a different aspect when looking at the picture. (you will see what I mean when you look)

Whilst using photoshop, many ideas were present infront of me and I decided to choose the best for obvious reasons, quite enjoyably, I cutted myself out of one picture and placed it onto another page.

Feathering was a great technique whilst using the lasso tool, this feature allows the user to cut without having the use to concentrate hard on what they are looking at. Any small parts that is no use will be covered up with a blur which hardly affects the final project.

The prospectus that I made is not at its best format right now, I admit its not the best but its quite a draft for the final design.

Photoshop!

Ere's a new image for ya, my first photoshopped image ever created by the one and only me!
Frankly it took quite a bit of time, approximately 9,999,999,999 years. Buts its finished to the standards I want it to look like.

Dont expect too much of it though, I know it doesnt look as if it is the best but hey, got it done

Meanwhile, I will still be using youtube to look for many more tutorials. Photoshop still sucks by the way. So much lag in so much time....

Raging on my classmate

PREZI - First creation

Here I present to you my very first PREZI powerpoint, Its not the best however it it not the worst.
I will get the hang if this interactive program unlike Photoshop.

So I caught up with bits and pieces of work, fairly almost finished. For this blog, This will be my first time introducing a front cover of a prezi magazine.

Since I thought Matthew was so reliable in my class as he comes in once a month, I asked him what the catch-up work was. "To design a prezi powerpoint upon a front page magazine"
Not entirely if this was the truth or not but at that moment, time was not on our side.
After finishing creating the powerpoint, Matthew informed me that I done wrong. Instead of using prezi to produce a analysis of the front cover page, we were suppose to create an analysis on the contents page. Took me half and hour to create that article full of wonderous ideas.  Only to find that I have to restart again. But heres the preview anyway.

Heres the link anyways:
http://prezi.com/xbuzdjj6trnp/present/?auth_key=8s5qbd3&follow=jhpuvhxd7pne

PREZI - The next level powerpoint

Analysis of PREZI


Introduction:
Prezi, maybe the new powerpoint that would increase my awareness, definately is quite attractive as there are quite a lot of  of aesthetics to choose from. The fact that it is free as well means that I can use it with other purpose's unlike photoshop.


Upon analysing this web browser program, it has opened up a vast amount of ideas for future purposes.

Advanatages and Disadvantages


Advantages
The Pro's of using this Web program consist of it first being free, Since it is a web browsing program, requirements are fairly minimal; Internet, Flash player and partially an upgraded web browser.
Files can be stored online instead of being stored on a memory stick/external hard-drive. This saves backup and storage space.
Almost accessible anywhere, anytime and anyplace. Other advanatages of it include of it being quite fashionable to the present generation, current custom animations and slide transitions are helpful to increase audience attention as well as an increase in attraction.
Minor advantages such as being able to change size while within the slideshow also changes the perspective when compared to microsoft's powerpoint.

Disadvantages
Fairly Minimal Cons, however, there is a limited amount of choice to carry out, such as the text. Limited amount of text choice. All of the information will be placed on one page unlike microsoft, Many pages can be added and subtracted.
Limited amount of animations, a Major factor to include is that no music can be presented.
No presenter notes, The powerpoint is fairly hard to print of as all of the information is displayed on one whole big page, depending in the width and health the page may be even greater than an A3 Piece of paper. 


As for the slide transitions, it may develop minor motion sickness to the audience as the text/images move from one place to another. 
Major factor: Internet is needed!

Overall conclusion:
Mainly, since this is a web interactive program, I would be able to use it anytime and anywhere.
Link to PREZI is provided below:  


http://prezi.com/profile/welcome/?license_type=PUBLIC

Photoshop and whatnot

Photoshop tutorial
Upon wednsday 25th, Our class had a tutorial upon photoshop by a technician, mostly, everyone cried in displeasure as they kept confusing themeselves upon Photoshop. Either the technician couldnt teach or either I couldnt learn....

Limitations and first experience
I reached my limit as well, Photoshop was idealy not the best program for me to use, Ive had current details that even our teacher dislike's the program to the extent of quitting.
As for me and my classmates, many conversations include "why cant we use paint?! its so much easier and less time consumng". Yet, even though I had to agree with that comment, I knew that there is more advanced technology within the program that would be much better than Paint.

The fact that each and every picture that insert into photoshop is not called an image but rather a Layer, at first, confusion was very close behind but I managed to work around it.
Layers are acutally images that have been imported. Each and every Layers can be edited and much more. 

Lasso tool
Lasso tool aka cut out tool was one of the many features that took a long process and time to do, upon having a distorted object, very much it would take a long time to go around the outside of the object and cut the picture out thus making it into another layer. First time, it took me as long as 15 minutes.
not very impressive you see?

Other factors that brought displeasure was how Photoshop does not have copy and paste, oh the wonders of joy! Apparently, you had to "duplicate" the layer onto the other page, which was quite a wonderful experience for me.

Overall joy factor:
1/10

Introduction

Yo, Howard 'ere, currently starting blogging for AS Media,