Evaluation FINAL

Part 1:

Part 2:

Front Cover FINAL

Contents Page FINAL

Double Page Spread FINAL

Billboard FINAL

Final Website

http://bodminmedia.com/JamesFord/FordFinalWeb/index.html 

Construction Progress of FINAL Front Page

Creating the Front Cover of my magazine is what my target audience will see first and therefore be one of the biggest selling points for my magazine. The front cover not only needs to look attractive and appealing but it also needs to have a unique selling point such as the articles and the content so that my potential audience will pick my magazine over a competitor. So to start with I choose out a really eye catching image that will stand out to my potential consumers and also show off the location. The image will contrast what is actually inside the magazine so a nice portrait image of the sunset will tell the audience of what they would expect inside the magazine. The photo was originally a landscape but I changed I cropped it so that I kept the sun and the sunset glimmering down onto the sea. I also kept in the man sitting down on the left to give the image a bit of live and some visuals. 

The next aspect I added was the masthead. Originally in my flat plans I was thinking about having a white text concept that would be used through all three of my products but for the masthead I wanted it to stand out so having a different colour font would make it stand out more. Additionally the black font would also be bold which would really dominant the upper third of the front cover. As the background colour here is a soft orange a black font would stand out more against this than a white one. The other bonus was I could use a white text for my articles and any other texts so this will contrast against the masthead and give it more of a dominance figure.  I put in my first article to see what it would look like and the white seemed to work well on the front cover. As I have two lines of text for this article I decided to have the main headline in a strong bold white text and the underneath having a softer white text so the texts could contras each other and stand out. The article name I went with was something that would directly relate to the image used on the front cover. So I went with are article which I named 'Summer Sun' because of obvious reasons likes with my main image. 

After reducing the gap between the lines of the text on my main article I added in my remaining articles in the 'dead space' of the front cover. Originally I was going to place them on the right hand side of the sun but the would of overlapped the sunshine which is glimmering down amongst the sea. So the best place to move these two articles to was the dark space in the lower right hand corner of the cover. This would work well as it allows the image to stand out along with the text standing out as well because the white text would be against the black background. The articles I decided to use here relate to my double page spread and also promoting my magazine to a teenage audience. 

The next stop was to fill my magazine up with a bit more content. I was happy with the amount of articles on my front cover as I didn't want to over crowd it and as I wanted to keep it looking like a professional lifestyle magazine. So I added in some content at the bottom of the magazine. I firstly added in a grey box to make the writing stand out more and then applied the text in the same style as I have as the articles. I got this inspiration off looking a previous lifestyle magazines in my region and I believe it looked effective. I then turned down the opacity of the the grey box as I only wanted it to be subtle to make the text stand out. 

The next step was only a small one as I added in a short sentence underneath my masthead to give it some more depth. The sentence was 'Cornwall's Number 1 Regional Magazine'. This feature again is in the classic white text that I will use throughout my products. This slogan may also be used on some of my other products. I seen this feature on some magazine as well and I felt like it would be appropriate for mine to add more depth. 

I felt like slowly but surely my front cover was coming well to look profession and to set the standard of the rest of my products. I needed my front cover to look very professional and appealing to my target audience as its the first thing they may see that relates to my magazine. I added in the final feature such as the barcode, price and date. When writing in the date and price again I used the same white text technique. This concluded my final cover I disbelieve there is anything else that needs to be added to this and therefore decided to leave my cover like this. 

Screen Grabs of Editing Process (Contents)

I was looking at many regional lifestyle contents page in order to get inspiration in how to create my a successful and professional one. When creating any of my products I always start with the image and work everything else around it. For my contents page not only did I need a really appealing image but I also needed one which had a lot of dead space so I could fit it all my contents. This landscape image had a nice visual point in the coastline but also has a lot of dead space above and below it. In these areas I will be able to add in all the contents of my magazine. As the sky also has a very little amount of clouds and the sea had no structures of rocks in it both of these areas are perfect for text to be inputted. 

The first step is to add in the title and the date of the magazine as this is conventional for a regional magazine. I decided to have the title and any other fixed text that would occur in the magazine in a non bold soft white font. And the only bold font is the month that would change monthly. This gives the text some contrasting and makes them stand out more. I also decided to leave my contents in a lower case font s that it fits my younger target audience better. 

Now I needed to fill the contents page up with a lot of content of what will feature inside the magazine. So to start with I was playing around with what font and colour choice I was going to put all my text in so when adding in it I went or a bold+italic style along with a non-bold+soft style font so that they would contrast and I could continue this with the actual ext below. I put the page numbers and the main story in a bold white text and the rest in non bold to add depth to the page. 

I continued to do this when adding in my regular sections segment. The only part I changed with this segment is to have one line in bold and the next in a softer font. This was done because there is a lot more text in this segment and you could easily loose track of where you're reading. So by doing this it makes it easier to read and also makes it look more professional. 

I added in my final section that I had lined up was the competition section which normally does occur at the end of the magazine. So this is why the page numbers were high so that it indicated that it was the last section for the magazine. As competitors was only one word I decided to have this is a bold and italic font style so that it fitted with the rest of my contents page.  

After I added in all my sections I still had some dead space left at the bottom right of my contents page that needed filling. I decided to refer back to some exciting contents pages for regional magazines to see what they use. Some of them have a welcome or editors note so I decided to do this, just a short paragraph is a soft white text to fill up the dead space. 

To make it look more professional there was still a couple features that I could add. These features included a portrait of myself whom is the editor white a white boarder around it to make it stand out and to match the colour scheme. Furthermore I also added in my signature as this does occur in many lifestyle magazines additional adding in page numbers in white font. Overall Im happy with how my contents page came out. I believe the white text and colour scheme worked well and gave my contents page a vibrant feeling to it. 

Construction Progress of FINAL Double Page Spread

The next product that Im going to create is the double page spread. The double page spread needed to follow similar themes that I used in when creating my other products. My article that I constructed is about an actor whom is local about to perform at the Minack Theatre. So first of all I picked out my favourite image of Minack Theatre. when shooting on this day I was looking that the weather was so nice as the sky was clear and left the sea nice and blue and vibrant. This would work well for my double page spread as I will be able to position text over these areas. 

The first problem that I noticed is that with the image previously positioned the way it was when I added in my text in it would not look as neat. So I rotated the image around the other way and planned out how I was going to lay out the text. I always wanted the text to overlay the sea and the sky and with the image rotated this way it would work easier for me. I was going to place the title of the double page spread and a small paragraph of text on the left and the main bulk of the text split down into two columns. I also added in a thin temporary black line in the middle of the page where the fold of the page would be so I knew not to overlap these line. 

First step was adding in the title of the double page spread. I did place this is the top left of the double page spread in a bold and a contrasting italic font choice. I was going to have this text in white but it would not be clearly seen over the background and therefore I made it black which is fine because I did this with my front cover and that worked well. 

The next step was only a small step which included just adding in a  couple of line underneath the title. This was a feature that is included in a lot of double page spreads and therefore I decided to adapt this feature to my work. I also decided to keep this is a black text font as I wanted to keep some sort of theme throughout the page. 

Adding in the first paragraph was the next step. The article as a whole is a interview but this paragraph is more an introduction to what the interview was about. So I felt like this would be perfect  to fit underneath the title and then the interview would fit on the next page of the double page spread. The only problem here is I needed to create a text box that wouldn't overlap the structure of the theatre as the text is hard to to read otherwise. 

Eventually I managed to make this possible and the text fit perfectly by covering all the dead space while not overlapping the mid point of the double page spread or neither the structure of the theatre. This looks really effective there and again I decided to keep the text black and I would only use white text for the interview. 

I already had the full article written up so all I had to do was to copy the text over into two columns. The two columns were easy enough to draw up and then all I had to do was reduce the size of the text so it all matches and then change the font style into the same one used throughout the whole of the double page spread. When adding in my interview I decided to leave the reporters words in black and the interviewee's words in white so that the audience could clearly identify the difference between the two. 

The final step was to add in some features in order to make my double page spread look really professional and appealing to my target audience. Looking at double page spread lifestyle magazines I realised that a lot of them which had interviews did include an image of the interviewee. So I added in a small image at the end of the interview which I gave a white boarder to make it stand out against the background and not to get lost into the background. Furthermore I added in the name in a bold white text underneath. The final feature was to add in page numbers just to make it look more professional. I also added in the web address of my magazine along with the page number as this was conventional for a regional magazine. 

Construction Progress of Billboard

For my final billboard I followed common codes and conventions of modern lifestyle magazines as well as trying to connect with my target audience. I have done a lot of background research into my product before hand and learned about positioning and layout along with colour schemes and professionalism. Final I also created flat plans about my billboard in which was my inspiration for my draft billboard which I had open next to me when creating my final product so I could see what looked right and what didn't look as good. 

To start with I was happy with the image in which I used on my draft billboard so I decided to stick with this and use it again for my final product. the image has a a long causeway in which is full on rocks leading up to the main focus point, St Michael's Mount. The day was very clear with no clouds in the sky which was good because it left a lot of dead space around my main focus point for text. Furthermore this image is very vibrant which relates to my target audience and looks very attractive. 

The next step I wanted was to create an appealing masthead and find a correct position in which to position it. On my draft billboard I used the font 'Impact' which was very bold and would stand out against the causeway which is where I wanted to position it. My magazine masthead is actually 'OurCornwall' but to make it stand out I put it all in capitals so that it can stand out more. As billboards are not going to be viewed for very long I have to make it stand out as much as possible but without loosing its attractive factor. I only have it in black text here to get the font right, this was not final. 

Experimating next with a more of a rock theme. The best way to do was to use the rocks from the causeway and wrap it around the text. After following many photoshop tutorials I was able to do this but it required me to change my text font to this. You can argue that this font looks even more modern and therefore appeals to my target audience but I believe that it losses it professionalism. But this was a good start as I can see how to wrap the text and make it look effective. 

In the end I gave up with the photoshop tutorials as they didn't work when using the 'Impact' font. So I decide to use the 'Horizontal Type Face Mask' I just typed over the causeway so the text almost looked transparent. Using the 'Impact' font makes this stand out from the causeway but not too much as i didn't want it overpowering the main image of tagline when I introduce it. 

I like the tagline because by making a small pun out of the masthead of the magazine along with the tagline. The font style is actually the same I've used across other products which I really like and I feel like it relates to my target audience. 

The final adjustment I came back and made was moving the tagline over to the left hand side so it looks more normal if you're reading rather than centralised.  

Draft Billboard

This billboard is a rough guide of what I want my final product to look like. This rough billboard follows on from my flat plans as this is where I got my inspiration from. When deciding what image
to use on billboard I had to find an image that had a lot of appealing factors while also having enough dead space around the main image in order to have the masthead of the magazine and also for the tagline.

This is only my draft billboard as neither of the text looks suitable for my product and neither has it been measured or centred. When constructing my final billboard I will be able to use this draft billboard as my my guide to creating a more appealing and professional final product. Some of the noteworthy changes I will like to make is changing the tagline at the top of the billboard into a similar font style and colour that matches my previous products to create a sense of familiarity. Additionally changing the masthead at the bottom to look like it belongs more with the causeway.

Website Draft Articles

St Michael’s Mount

Enjoy a fabulous family day out in which you will be spoilt for choice at St Michael’s Mount. From a variety of activities and events to enjoy such as exploring the beautiful sub-tropical gardens, climbing the castle, uncovering stories about the harbour and walking the causeway. You will be fascinated by the history, legends and myths surround St Michael’s Mount.

St Michael’s Mount many say is the stuff of fairy tales, Situated majestically on an island of its very own, sits a castle which is every bit as mythical as you may think. This is why it’s no surprise how St Michael’s Mount visitor numbers have rocketed over the past decade. Whether you’re photography, tourist or you’re heading outside to experience the breath-taking coastal walks; there is something for everyone at St Michael’s Mount.

At a low tide, the causeway appears from the sea and allows access over to St Michael’s Mount via foot, walking across the ancient granite cobblestones following in the footsteps of giants and pilgrims. When the tide is high, some of St Michael’s Mount’s boatmen will ferry you across the water to the island.

One of the most noteworthy points of interest on the island is the underground railway which was used in the 1900’s by the miners who worked there in order to carry many goods and suppliers over to the island. The railway is still in use today to transport goods over to the island but because of the step gradient, it cannot be used by passengers. The National Trust neither permits public access or viewing of the railway.

The island also offers you many guided tours or you can explore the island on your own and by your own pace. The island also has their own restaurant which overlooks the coast while you have a bite to eat. So whether this is a family trip, holiday highlight or even a personal dream, make sure you visit St Michael’s Mount and make it an experience to remember.

So why not visit St Michael’s Mount today?

Cornwall Water Activities

Cornwall is arguable the king of the UK in terms of surfing and other water based activities. Cornwall has many sandy beaches with a variety of different types of sea behaviour. If you are a surfer Cornwall has many beaches that have constant waves but if you’re in to other water sports Cornwall also offer many flat seas to suit different tides, weather conditions, mood and agility.

Harlyn Surf School are one of the first companies in the UK to offer Stand-Up Paddle boarding (SUP). Cornwall is a great place to learn and enjoy SUP and at Harlyn Surf School they have many different locations to show you. Beginner sessions mainly take place on the stunning Camel estuary however if the sea is calm then they do occasionally run the lesson from Harlyn beach.

Harlyn Surf School cater for everyone by offering a variety of different difficulties so whether you’re just starting out and would like a taster of SUP of whether you have had experience before and just would like to improve your skills then Harlyn have different lessons to suit everyone.  

Harlan Surf School will supply all customers with their own wetsuits and boards so check out Harlyn Surf School today for an unforgettable experience.

Lanhydrock House

The highly rated National Trust property of Lanhydrock House is a perfect place for everyone and anyone this summer. You can discover two different sides of the Victorian lifestyle from the kitchens, nurseries and servants’ quarters to the luxury family area’s and massive bedrooms.

During spring and the summer you can stroll around the vibrant gardens and woodland areas, explore the house and all of its decorated history and treasures.

Even though during winter at Lanhydrock, the house is closed, outside you’re never short of something to do there, with weekly park runs, lots of space to run about, fly kites, ride bikes and play in, wrap up warm though.

The weekly park run at Lanhydrock is becoming increasingly more popular with more people attending every week. You can enjoy this free family 5K around the parkland. It’s not a race, but a timed run, suitable for everyone. The park run happens every Saturday starting from 09:00.

If running is not your style why not try out Lanhydrock cycle trails? Lanhydrock has six different cycle trails which are all colour coded into their difficulty so there is something for everyone. All the trails vary is distance from 1 mile - 3 miles. Lanhydrock have their own cycle hire with bikes for all ages and abilities and you can hire for half or a whole day. Helmets are free when hiring a bike.

After finishing either your rise or run you’re sure going to build up an appetite with all this exercise so be sure to try out the Park Cafe, which has a variety of hot and cold food, snacks and drinks. The Park Cafe is located near the car park and the adventure play area.