School Magazine: Contents Page General Research

I have decided to research contents pages of various different magazines which I hope will help me when designing my own contents page for the school magazine. I have chosen several contents pages, each with differing layouts and main features.

This contents page is rather good as it clearly shows the magazine features down the left hand side of the page as well as a image, which corresponds to one of the features, which are coded with page numbers. A review is also shown at the bottom of the page which insures the magazine has an additional feature. the layout is very simple, yet effective, with the colour scheme being mainly sliver and black, with a slight hint of red which stops the colour scheme from being too boring and uninteresting. I think I would probably use this layout for a school magazine as it is clear and concise, although I would have to make the colour scheme more interesting to grab pupils attention.

 This contents page is rather similar to the first one, however, the page is busier, and has the features, which are likewise page and colour coded, down the right hand side, not the left, which I prefer. There are also numerous images which correspond to some of the features and make the magazine look fuller and more interesting. The colour scheme still involves the grey, which I like, but I think the busier look will probably be more appropriate for the school magazine and more appealing to the target audience.  

This contents page, unlike the other two, have much more colour, which is apt considering it is actually for a fashion magazine. This contents page has the main image at the top of the page and a introductory column on the left hand side, which although I think is a nice touch, I do not think suitable for a school magazine. The features are much smaller on this contents page and although under clearer headings, I do not think are as clear. I do actually like this contents page as the images add a splash of colour to the otherwise dull colour scheme but I do not think it is as suitable for a school magazine, although I will keep it in mind when creating my contents page.

This contents page is extremely effective with the dark colour scheme and rather strong image which grabs the readers attention. The features, which are on the right hand side, are pretty small and slightly difficult to read. I do, however, like the idea that unlike the other contents pages, an image is the main focus which is extremely interesting and eye catching. This then means the magazine is interesting and also allows the contents page to show the main focus of the magazine. I think this is obviously an excellent technique for a fashion or music magazine, but I doubt this would be as effective with a school magazine, although I still like the minimalistic colour scheme that seems to be shown throughout my research.

 This contents page is probably my least favourite as although it looks professional, the white background is very uninspiring and leaves the page looking slightly bland. There is also unused space, such as in the left hand corner, which unlike the previous contents page, does not add to the overall effect. The features are still coded by page numbers which makes the features easy to find. I think this layout, however, would not suit a school magazine as it would not capture the pupils attention, it needs to have either an effective image or a brighter colour scheme.

School Magazine: Front Page Design Sketches

I am going to use one of the following to design the school front cover of the magazine. I have incorporated the title, image, logo, slogan and text into each design although the actual designs vary.



This is my first hand drawn design for the front cover. Although it is extremely basic, the design shows that there will be a coloured block at the top of the page, much like the general research suggested. This block will correspond to the colour scheme of the school. In this design, the logo will be positioned at the top of the page, with the slogan underneath. Additionally, in this design, the text will be in the bottom left of the page. I have tried to design this with my research in mind as the image will also incorporate the main feature, which is introducing the new ICT suite. 

This is the second hand drawn design. This design,. however, does not have the block at the top of the page, although the title is in a similar place to design one although the logo has been moved to under the title with the slogan just under that. The bar code in this design has been placed in the top right hand corner, along with the price and issue number. The text in this design is at the top of the page. The image is the same design as that of design number 1.

This is the final hand drawn design. Unlike the other two designs, this has a different image with three pupils using ICT equipment, all facing towards the camera. The logo is positoned in the top right hand corner in this design, with the slogan above the logo. In this design, the barcode is to the left and the text to the bottom right. The title is still in the same position.

Overall, I would most likely use the first hand drawn design as I like the idea of a coloured block where the logo and title can be positoned. I also like the logo in the top right hand corner with the slogan positioned underneath. I also like the idea of using two models, instead of three, as I beleieve this will be easier to shoot yet also provide a better front cover as this could otherwise be slightly crowded. I also like the idea of the text in the bottom left hand corner. 

School Magazine: Front Page Specific Research

I have decided to focus on students using ICT equipment for my magazine which is to welcome students to the newly refurbished ICT suite. 

This image is of a young girl using the ICT equipment. This shot only includes one model using the ICT and is mainly focuses on the student, not neccessarily of the ICT equipement. 

This image is of a selection of pupils and shows them engaged in the ict equipement. Unlike the previous picture, this image shows a long stretch of pupils which i beleive is more effective.



School Magazine: Front Page General Research

I have researched into school magazines and found a range which I think are appropriate. I will then use this research to inform my specific research when designing my own school magazine.

 

 

 

 

 

School Magazine: Brief

The magazine is for parents and students who belong to Wilmington Grammar school for Girls. The school is for girls aged 11 till 18, with around 120 students in each year, including sixth form and 70 members of staff. The magazine will focus on welcoming the students into the new ICT media suite. This is the first issue of the magazine and will also be used to inform the existing parents and students of upcoming events, results and school trips.