2. Prelim task for a college magazine :: LO1

I will be pastiching this magazine due to it having the conventions of a normal magazine.

My first attempt at a college magazine allows me to train creating a magazine and use conventions 

This dialogue box allows me to use good settings for a print finish of good quality. 300 p/inch allows more pixel density per square inch. A large size also means that printing will allow for a better compressed image.

This dialogue box allows me to change the colour or use the colour picker tool to select the colour of whatever element (layer) is selected. In this case, i am using the colour selection tool to select the UTC blue colour for the 'T' of the masthead.

I use the Quick selection tool along with the refine edge sub-tool to mask out the background of my subject. Here white represents the 'cut out' section of the image, however in reality clicking the 'ok' button will make this white area transparent allowing a background to go in place. Smart radius and contrast along with feather are used to create a more precise cut out of my subject.

Here i am using the transform tool to move my text and resize it correctly to fit its location. This interface is useful as it allows resizing, stretching, movement and centre placement of the selected layer all at one point, making it extremely effective to use.

Using a ruler, i position the text with a right alignment to all fit together. This allows me to create a margin between the image and text, which in turn creates a more professional finish. The ruler allows snapping of the two text laters to one place. 

My final image here shows my attempt of my first magazine cover. The use of blues keeps the house style similar to the UTC colouring; and hints of yellow create areas of importance to stand out over the less important text. In this case 'WIN!' is in yellow to make to reader look at this area more than the blue '10 iPhone 6's up for grabs'. I also added in a barcode which creates more realism and a transition of grey to black background in a circular motion. The masthead uses a white diagonal overlay which makes it stand out but also makes it unique. 

Three aspects of magazines i have learnt is the terminology for a magazine. Rather than being called a header, i now know it is labelled the masthead. I have also learnt about cover-lines and synergy and their importance to making a magazine.