Magazine cover analysis (23 Sept 2014)

In this lesson we were taught how to properly analyse a magazine cover. 

As a class we analysed this magazine cover: 

• Medium close up is used, we can see his attire.
• The colour red is used to connote danger, however white creates a sense of purity.
• Direct mode of address, looking straight at you.
• The line “people have been comparing me to Tupac” attracts attention.

After I then chose my own magazine to analyse which was also on vibe too:

•    Close up shot of Usher, centre of magazine
•    In front of the title to show his importantance, main attraction
•    Ring, watch, sunglasses to show wealth
•    Bright bold coloured fonts and titles to capture attention
•    Captions like “Usher, He’s No.1” make people want to read it
•    Focused on his hand gesture because it looks like the controversial “middle finger” rest of his body is slightly blurred

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Evaluation

The first step to completing the induction assignment was to do some research on music piracy. Having to research facts and opinions on the piracy of music, especially the opinions of music artist was not easy. I think what went well with the research is that I found a lot of artists opinion on piracy. However not many facts but luckily I already got some from the class discussion we had the lesson before. Also most of the artists opinions I found while researching where pro piracy. Therefore I had to ask my fellow classmates for their take on the subject.

Next I had to summarize all my notes into a 400 word essay of a sort. This required me to put all the research in order and section each side of the arguments. I found quite easy since I don’t really struggle in writing. But I had to write it in a magazine article style, this included rhetorical questions etc. I had a little bit of trouble writing my own opinion and what side of the argument I was on but in the end I got there.

Now it was time to actually create the magazine spread using the program “InDesign”. This was my first time using this software so it too some time to get used to how to work my way into actually making the magazine. It took me a few lessons but I managed to get a few images and some titles on the pages. After I laid out everything, I exported my essay onto the magazine. Overall I found it very difficult to use the program and I still do. Eventually with the help of my teacher and classmates I finally finished it.

Finally I made a blog on blogger.com to publish my magazine article. Also this will be where I will be putting all my coursework. We all had trouble creating a blog as the internet was not working as we all tried to make a blog at the same time. Eventually over the weekend I made a blog. Then I put my article online, to do this I had to convert the InDesign file into a jpeg and then upload it to my blog.

My feedback that I received was quite helpful as most of was positive. They said it was very neat and well laid out, but they also said I need to write more about my opinion. This was helpful because it gave me a clear view of what I need to do next time.

Finished Article