Introduction to preliminary task

The preliminary task consists of using DTP (Quark/Publisher) and Photoshop which should be required to produce a front page of a new school. In this case I am using my high school, ‘Heston Community School’ to design my front page of my magazine.
I hope to achieve and to create a positive impression of my front cover, as I would like it to seem eye catching and interesting. Additionally, I would also try and learn to extend my knowledge of Photoshop and to improve my skills which can be considered in the future for greater uses.

The main requirements for this preliminary task are to have a medium shot of an image, situated on the front page. Along with the medium shot image, appropriate laid out text and a masthead should also be included on the front page. I will try to use these requirements to portray an affect towards the reader. This includes the deliberate positioning of the features of the front page, in order to present an eye-catching approach towards the target audience.

‘Heston Community School’ has accomplished a great success of rebranding the school as having built a new building, known as the ‘Hogarth Building’. As a result, my idea covers on how the school has developed in a positive manner. This is because the new building offers new equipment, such as computers and interactive white boards. In addition this will prove beneficial to students, particularly the sixth formers as they can use their free periods and study in the new library.

The new building for students, especiallu for A- level pupils, hence making my target audience the sixth form group, specifically 17- 19 year olds. When creating a front page for this particular audience, the front page should seem to convey a funky and young adult appeal, to attract certain individuals. Additionally, I hope to suggest a trendy magazine cover, however, I should do this very carefully. This is because although the magazine refers mainly to pupils, this does not mean that older people (teachers) or even younger students can read the text. Therefore I hope to create a range of audiences by creating the magazine consisting of a balance of style and yet having a sense of professionalism. Teachers should also read this magazine because the magazine should also convey a more structured and informed manner, thereby suggesting appropiate material for them.

The purpose of my publication is to inform students and teachers about news and any events that have occured or that are going to take palce. The magazine should also raise the voice of students show what certain people think about differnt issues. Teachers should also be informed as trips and other situations may affect them.

If my magazine was real, I think it should be distributed monthly. The reason for this is that the magazine focuses on the the different things hapening in the school. Although some individuals know what's occuring in the schol but may need an update, which is why I think it would be best if the magazine came out monthly. This will also create an idea of something new every month and therefore the magazine will not get boring.

I will try to attract students and teachers to read this from different features of the magazine. For example, the typeface will not seem too childish, such as ‘bubble writing’ and at the same time not too strict. I will also use a fair amount of bright colours and images to create an eye- catching magazine. On the magazine there could be a possibility that it could also attain sub headings and a few bullet points, explaining what the magazine content is.

In order to achieve my full potential of creativity, I will experiment with different programs. Photoshop is one of the programs that I enjoy using as it provides great effects, which can be applied to my uses. It will also assist me in attracting my audience from the creative design tools it has. Another element I will test is the layout of the page. This may prove significant as it may determine how my magazine is perceived from viewers.