School Magazine: Finalised Contents Page

This is my finished Contents page which follows the theme set from my brief, ICT suite, along with other features of a school magazine such as the Science element featured in the magazine.

 For my contents page I used a total of two images as my contents research all had more than one image, bar one which was particularly effective although not suitable for a school magazine. Most of the research had around three images plus, however I did not want the contents page overcrowded, which I feared would happen if I added more images. I used images related to the feature of science as although my brief was about the ICT suite, I felt I needed to showcase other features of the magazine otherwise the images would have been too similar. I used the same blue colour as the logo and the front page for the titles and numbers along with the same maroon which was used in the logo and front page. I also used the black border, to correspond with the front page, which was in black and white. I used the same font as I used in the front page and ensured all the text lined up as this is considered good design. I used white font colour on the title as it not only showed up on the black border, but also matches the white lab coats which the students are wearing in the main picture. This is also considered good design. The numbers have also been outlined in bold to ensure they can be read. I am sure this corresponds to my brief and fits in with the school front cover.  

School Magazine: Contents Page Implementation

I designed my Contents page using the same software, InDesign, as I had previously used to create my Front cover.



I first inserted a border at the top of the page, this prevents the main image becoming too heavy, which would occur if the image was placed at the top of the page.

I then inserted the title, using the same font, Trajon Pro, size 60 as the front page to ensure the design element is consistent and professional. I also hung the black border slightly over the edge to ensure there was no white borders.

I then began to insert the logo by using the "place" function.

 I then selected the logo and moved it into position, by the title.

I then begain to create the actual contents page by inserting the page numbers and the page details on the left hand side. I used the same font and the sky blue that had previously been used on the front cover and in the logo. I aligned the features box with the logo for design purposes.

I then used the same blue for the number, although i used a sans serif font as this is considered good design. I used this colour to add some colour tot he contents page as the front cover is in black and white and coloud be considered boring if too dull.

I used two different fonts for the page title and then the details to add some interest to the contents page.

I continued on with this until all the page numbers and details were positioned on the contents page.





I then inserted the images from my second photoshoot and moved the layout around to fit both images in. 

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: Finalised Front Page

When creating the school magazine cover, I decided to focus on the opening of the new ICT suite which was specified in my brief.

For the main image on my front cover I used the last image from the 1st photo shoot with both of the models using the ICT equipment. I chose this image as although I originally intended to re-shoot, this image showed the students using the equipment which is what I intended for the front cover. Additionally, after editing, the image appeared to be much better than before, due to the natural light behind, which appears to look like an artifical soptlight on the two models and the ICT equipment. This therefore suited the look of the magazine, which I designed based on the previous general research. I used a black and white feature on this image, much like the image from the research and the thick, bold coloured block at the top of the page to place the school logo and magazine title on. The title was also designed with the general research in mind as the title features two different font types and is positioned in the same place. I believe this creates an effective and professional appearance as the title is eye catching. I also used just three colours, maroon, sky blue and white, when creating the magazine cover, which is considered good design. I also bleed the image over the frame of the document when designing to ensure, when printed, there would be no white border. Furthermore, I additionally tried to line up all of the features, such as the logo, text, bar code and title to ensure none of the features were hanging. 

I used the same font type for the main text which was also present in the logo and title. I also used this for the school slogan, which was positioned under the logo. This made sure the magazine cover was consistent. I also included basic information for a magazine such as bar code, price and issue number.  





School Magazine: Contents Page Photo Shoot

I re-shot my first photoshoot so I could use these images on my contents page. These images related to the fatures on the contents page and were much more successful as I had multiple images I could use compared to the last photoshoot. The overall lighting was a lot more successful as the students features were lighted better, meaning the images were suitable for the contents page.

This image has natural light from the window so illuminates the students well, especially as they are wearing white lab coats which reflects the light. I tried to make this photoshoot much lighter. This image is my favourite and I will use this in my magazine.



This image is much lighter, however the previous one is better as the students in this image have too much of a smirk and the test tube needs to be higher up to catch the light.

This image is a lot darker although I like the reflection on the table behind the students. I also like the fact that you can see the backdrop of the science lab. i would probably use this as a smaller picture in the magazine.

This image is slightly lighter than the previous one although one student looks disinterested and slightly awkward where she is not doing aything. This is probably one of my least favourite images purely for this reason.  

This image is successful as there is a back drop of the science lab, giving the image purpose, however it is rather cluttered at the bottom of the image. I would therefore have to edit this image if I was to use it.

This image, very similar to the previous one, is still cluttered at the bottom of the image. Additionally, both students seem to be laughing and although I want the students to be enjoying themselves, I want the pictures to be more serious, although I would still use this image if needed.

School Magazine: Front Page Implementation

The title of the magazine was then inserted by using the same technique which was previously used for the image.

The magazine title was then positioned over the block at the top of the page. This was taken from the general research for magazine covers.


I then inserted the logo into the document using the place technique.

This was then placed into the document and positioned in the top right hand corner. The barcode was then inserted and rotated to be positioned sideways with the issue number and price above it.

The text was then positioned in the lower left hand corner and changed to font type Trajan Pro and made bold to ensure it stod out from the image. The text was then made size 36pt. The text was then changed to the same sky blue as the block and the logo.

School Magazine: Front Page Photo Shoot

For my first photo shoot, I decided to use my specific school research and focus on shooting pupils focusing on ICT. I used a range of models, however, I believe the overall shoot was unsuccessful and will need to be re-shot in the future, with improved lighting and angles which will, ultimately, improve the quality of the photos.

This image is far too light at the back which makes the image look washed out. Additionally the model's faces are too dark which means the image is unsuccessful.

This image is a little better as it is not as bright however, the model's face is still too dark and is therefore still unsuccessful.

This image is too dark and does not look professional enough for a magazine front cover. The lighting here needs to be improved considerably.

Out of all the images, this is probably the most successful, especially when edited and if I was to use any of these images this would be the one which I would choose.