Preliminary Task - Evaluation

Did you plan your magazine? If not, what have you learnt about the importance of research and planning?


Before I made my front cover and contents page for my preliminary task, I had a look at some front covers of other school magazines. It made me consider the general layout and tone of the genre. For example, it made me realise that I didn't need to clutter my front page. I needed it to be to clear and tidy as the magazines tend to be targeted towards an older audience (e.g. the parents rather than the students). Here's some examples of magazine covers I found:

 

What technology did you use to complete the task and how did you use it?

For my preliminary task, I used Serif PagePlus X9. This was my first experience with this software so I was learning it as I created my magazine.

• I learnt how to use layers to create a washout background image for my contents page
• I learnt how to turn objects transparent so you could still see the main image. This is apparent in the bar at the bottom with the plugs and kickers
• I learned photo composition so that the girl was the main focus but still allowed you to clearly see the main story

Did you encounter any difficulties? If so, what were they and how did you overcome them?

I didn't really experience any specific difficulties, however it did take me a long time to get used to the software that I was using as it was my first experience with it. However, with time and practice I soon got used to it and was able to overcome any minor difficulties I had with the program.

How successful was your magazine? Please identify what worked well, and with hindsight, what would you improve/do differently?

I believe that my magazine was fairly successful overall. While it doesn't look as good as the examples above, I'd say it went well for a first attempt. I think the masthead works well as it gives the magazine an overall professional look however I think the main image makes it difficult to read the main story.

What have you learnt from completing the task? Looking ahead, how will this learning be significant when completing the rest of your foundation coursework, do you think?

I feel that I have learned a lot about creating a magazine cover and contents. Looking back I can see what has and has not worked with my school magazine, for example the masthead and plugs/kickers worked well but my main story didn't work well with my photo's composition. I will take all of this into account when I start my foundation coursework as my new knowledge of Serif PagePlus X9 and research ideas will allow me to create the best music magazine of my abilities.