In what way does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
After researching some of the work that had been created in previous years, I decided that it was important that my work had one main image that would capture the eye of the reader. While also have smaller images on it as well, however they did not need to be as eye catching and obvious. All images that I placed on the front cover and contents page needed to be relevant to the school as to make it clear the intended purpose of the magazine. When choosing the font size I decided that they title of the magazine had to be the biggest so the reader could quickly attain the genre of the magazine. While on the contents page I made all of the font the same size and colour to show each article was as important as the last one.
How does you media product represent your social group?
I believe that my magazine goes against the general stereotypes of school. I believe this to be so as, in my magazine the teacher on the front, Mr Sherlaw, is pulling and funny face and this creates the image of him being fun and easy to be around. This subverts the stereotype of teachers always being serious and having no time for fun. My picture of the two student also seem to subvert the stereotype that they are always having fun as they are both looking very serious and also when you look at the sub heading below you see they are try to do serious acting within the school.
What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
My magazine would be distributed with a public school such as Whitley High; this is because some of the articles aren’t particularly serious and perhaps would don’t be as well received in private schools. Also even though the lexis isn’t particularly formal I don’t believe it could be distributed in school of a younger age group. I believe it would be distributed to show people who don’t attend the school, but are possibly thinking of joining some of the diverse things thins school has to offer.
Who would be the audience of your media product?
My main target audience would be children looking to join the school to show some of the things you can do at the school that weren’t lesson based, or were linked to lesson be could also be pursued outside of school. For example having to actors on the front cover advertising guys and dolls show how the schools staff is willing to go the extra mile for their students learning and more importantly their enjoyment.
How did you attract/address your audience?
I tried to attract my audience with stories that may intrigue them. I also tried to do this with the use of pictures. I used formal lexis, but I would consider it to have been in a formal tone. This makes the leaflet seem easier to read for someone who may not know the school while also making the school seem like a friendly and welcoming place.
What have you learned about the technologies from the process?
I have learned a great deal on the tools I can use within photoshop that allow my product to look professional, while also making the creation of the magazine easier for myself. While I found out that the camera can be quite temperamental as you have to refocus the lens after every shot. While I also learned how detailed the camera can be and how they can offer create issues for you if you don’t use them correctly. For example without the correct lighting some potentially good photos can’t be ruined. I think most importantly though, I learned the importance of having separate layer for every little addition to your work, otherwise altering working and be a slow and awkward process.