Evaluation

Some elements of my media product follow the conventions of real fashion magazine however there are some elements of my magazine cover that subvert the conventions of real magazines. An example of how my magazine cover follows the conventions of real products is the use of angle of gaze. On my fashion magazine cover, my model is looking directly at the camera which is a typical feature of real fashion magazines. My fashion magazine also follows the colour-scheme convention; real media products often use black or white along with one or two colours. On the other hand, I use a mid close-up which prevents the reader from seeing the model’s full outfit, this subverts the convention of the use of mid-shots and long-shots which real media products use to show and promote the model’s clothing.

During the planning, research and construction of my media product, I used several media technologies such as Prezzi, After Effects, Google Forms and Photoshop. I used Prezzi to present my Research Rationale in a creative and organised way. For my Focused Audience Research and my Reader Profile, I used Adobe After Effects to create videos which allowed me to present my research and ideas visually to keep my audience engaged. I also used Google Forms for my audience research to present accurate statistics. For the construction of my magazine, I used Adobe Photoshop which allowed me to add coverlines, graphics, a barcode and a masthead.

For my NEA, I want to improve my time management as I think during my practice I wasted time playing around with the different features of Photoshop. I think that I will be able to manage my time wisely during the NEA due to the fact that I am now familiar with Photoshop and I have developed my skills. Although I think I planned my magazine well during the draft, I want to spend more time planning for the NEA as I think a more detailed plan will prevent me from wasting too much time on other elements of Photoshop.

I enjoyed both the planning and the practical sides of creating the magazine however I preferred the practical and the experience of using Photoshop. I think that my organisation was good and allowed me to create my ideal magazine, though, it could have been better. I think that the prelim allowed me to be more creative with my decisions.

Use of Font

For my masthead, I used a san serif text which shows that my magazine isn't extremely serious

however the use of the goldish colour maintains an aura of professionalism. I used this font due to

the plainness and simplicity of it. It isn't too vibrant or flashy which reflects the theme of my

magazine. The 'Issue 45' in the masthead is serif as it is the professional element of the

magazine.

I used the same font for all coverlines therefore there are only two different fonts on my front cover: masthead and coverlines. This font is also san serif which shows that my magazine is relaxed

however the gold graphics show that it takes itself and it's readers seriously.

Exploring Shot Types

In media products, different shots are used to reflect different themes and ideas.

For a fashion magazine, I would consider medium long shots, mid shots, medium closeups and sometimes closeups the best shots to use. This is due to the fact that fashion magazines almost always show the clothing of the model.

For my own magazine, I think that I would use a medium close up where my model is looking directly at the camera. This would emphasise the theme of 'self-reflection' and naturalism that I want for my product.

I think that a portrait shot would be better than a landscape shot for a magazine as it allows the model to be captured without the need for constant cropping.

Model Consent Forms

Priya: Model for my Reader Profile

Manal: Model for my magazine & test shots

Choice of Magazine Brand Name

I chose the name Kyoko for my fashion magazine. Kyoko is a female
Japanese name that means 'mirror' which is often associated with appearance and fashion.

Mirrors have a symbolic attachment to self-awareness and they always reflect the true image which hints at the theme of naturalism throughout my
magazine.
I think that this will interest readers as they will appreciate the subversion of
the common standards of beauty shown in many fashion magazines today.

I also chose this as my brand name due to the fact that I personally 
think that the brand name 'Kyoko' is unique and catchy which will make it stick in the reader's head.

I think that the symbolism and meaning behind my title will intrigue reader's as not
many fashion magazine's have brand names with specific
meanings.

Test Shots & Mise-en-scene

The majority of my shots are mid close-ups where my model is looking directly at 

the camera. This was to reflect the name of my magazine which means 'mirror' 

by acting as though my model is looking in a mirror.

Shots where my model is looking away from the camera were used as I wanted to subvert the conventions of angle of gaze, however, this would present my magazine's theme

as rebellious which is not what I wanted. My theme is simplicity and naturalism hence

why my model isn't wearing any make up and why there is minimal mise-en-scene.

There is very little mise-en-scene in my shots as the theme of my magazine is simplistic

therefore I used a simple white background - this would also be easier to manipulate in

Photoshop. The model's poses are kept to a minimum in most of my test shots due to the

fact that my magazine is naturalistic and promotes casual fashion rather than flamboyant

fashion.

Flat Plan