Preliminary Task

STACS 'R' US Front Cover.

This is my preliminary task. I was tasked with creating a front cover and contents page for a brand new school magazine. Before beginning I did a questionnaire asking people what they would like my completed magazine to look like - questions included what content would like to be seen (The answers given can be found on a previous post.) I have used my analysis to create a magazine that not only fulfills my expectations but also those of readers. It was critical that I used my questionnaire as a guide to create a successful piece. To begin I started by creating a magazine masthead. This would display the name I had chosen to call my magazine. The name I eventually chose after working around with other suggestions, was 'STACS 'R' US.' To create the masthead I used word, I used font tools to create the see through text on the red background. I think this was effective as it was bold, clear and also creative. I then added this onto a Paint.net file as my second layer after a white background. After this I added a further layer which I then added a image. This was a medium close up of my cover star. This was to be the main focus on the cover of the magazine I placed the image in front of the masthead using Paint.net to put a bigger spotlight on the cover star and show a positive relationship between the magazine and the star. Next to be added was a main cover line. This relates to my cover star and the story that links to her further on in the magazine. This cover line is placed close to the main image to highlight it relates closely to it and also shows the reader who the star is. I added a pug to my front cover in the form of an exclusive (about new trips) which is used to create more interest for a reader, ensuring they are likely to read my magazine. Along with the main cover line, other cover lines were included around the main image in a positive layout, to ensure it is not overwhelming. All of the stories will relate to the school and are to be mentioned on the contents page and inside the magazine. Other minor features I included was a barcode and dateline, as these are some of the codes and conventions of a magazine front cover. On completion of my front cover I began on my contents page. I once again used the same 'STACS 'R' US' masthead to show coherence between the front cover and the contents page. I also did it to remind the reader of the magazine they are reading. On the contents page I have included all of the stories mentioned on the front cover, including potential page numbers. I also also used a secondary image of the cover star on the contents page further highlight her as the main focus of the magazine. The contents page was also created on the Paint.net software. I used layers to piece together the contents page, just as I did with the front cover. Both the front cover and contents page have similar colours flowing through, linking them together. I have used Red, Black, White and Yellow - which were chosen from suggestions following my questionnaire. All of colours I think match and work together - this creates a successful house style.The two pieces match and are easily related to the same idea. I can use this task as practice for my final piece of work which I am working towards. It has taught me about public research and the importance of including the codes and conventions of a magazine.

STACS 'R' US Contents Page.