Magazine Research

Objective
To source and collect similar artefacts that will act as models and stimulus for your design.

Task
Using the web (Pinterest, google search etc), reference books and actual printed examples, collect together examples of covers and double page spreads (DPSs) that interest you in terms of design.

Tip: go into a town library and photograph the cover and DPSs. Failing that, try WHSmiths in Shrewsbury.

Presentation
You have to get all of this stuff on your blog somehow. Try these methods:
Screenshot all of the Pinterest boards that you have collected.
Place all of your research photos into a Google Presentation (online powerpoint) and embed on your blog.
Make a physical scrapbook—photograph the separate pages.
Embed youtube / Vimeo videos on the subject of magazine design.

Checklist for assessment
Screenshots of pinboard (50+ pins)
Evidence of physical examples that have been photographed
Basically, the presntation needs to reflect that you have spent a lot of time and effort looking by yourself.

Deadline
tbc

Brainstorming list - ideas for a magazine name.

Pic 1


Pic 2

Objective
To begin forming ideas for your magazine.

Task

In your sketchbook, create a page of lists that evidence how you have arrived at the name of your magazine.
Start by using list titles like: Terms   Types  Tools  Classics   Adjective  Existing (see Pic 1)

Fill these lists by either using your knowledge of the subject or utilising the web to look on glossaries and terminology lists.
Then put the collected words into a thesaurus and see what you get.

Next, attempt to put these words together in different ways, maybe spell them differently. Fill a page.

This is the creative bit, don't feel restricted—the good ideas come when you let go a bit. (see Pic 2)

Presentation
Photograph and post to your blog.

Checklist for assessment
Plenty of relevant and irrelevant, creative ideas / clear photo / at least 2 full pages—lay it out the same as I have, but include more / clear written work.

Deadline
Start of Friday's lesson.

Mag Cover Photo

Objective

To work towards the copy of a magazine cover

Task

Choose a magazine that has some interesting design elements and look closely at the image. You are to recreate the cover using a camera and Photoshop/InDesgin. 

In order for you to get a decent result you must take the image yourself. Although we can touch up and edit images in Photoshop, there is a limit to what the program can salvage from a bad image. Therefore your image must be as good as it can be. Same pose, similar models, similar clothes, similar background and most importantly, same lighting.

Presentation

Post your contact sheet (what's a contact sheet?) to your course blog

Checklist for assessment

Plenty of trial and error when it comes to getting the correct pose.

Deadline

tbc

Good example of presentation layout

Magazine Covers - scamp copies

Objective

To further understand the part white space plays in a graphic artefact.

To become aware of how designers balance elements on a page.
Info: A 'scamp' is a first rough or mockup.

Task
Gather a range of front pages from different types of magazines. This can be via Pinterest or your own examples.

In your sketchbook, draw 24 front pages.

Look at your example and loosely sketch the page. Pay close attention to the light and dark tones—allow your brain to 'threshold' the greys into either light or dark tones. See my measly example above.

Presentation
Sketchbook

Checklist for assessment
24 covers.

Time needed
Two hours.

Deadline
Tuesday the 18th of October.

Reading task 2

Objective

To give you an overview of the history of Graphic Design in order to inform your written analysis work

Task

Read the chapters 2 and 3 of Richard Hollis' - The History Of Graphic Design.

N.B. Don't be put off, use a dictionary and the web for help. You are entering the world of grown-up reading with big words and concepts — if you don't work at it, you won't get it. 

Take notes in your notebook.

Write down 6 questions about the text.

Answer 3 yourself and bring 3 in for me or the group to answer.

Presentation

Photograph notes and post to blog.

Checklist for assessment

Detailed notes

Deadline

After half term.