When constructing my product, I have learned a lot of new skills such as using photoshop effectively, using blogger etc. I have also learned about websites that I had never heard of previously, such as slideshare and prezzi.

Throughout the process of making my product, I used Blogger to document my progress. I used blogger, as I feel it gives an organised structure to my coursework, making things easy to find. During the construction of making my product I learned how to use this website properly, and how to upload photos, prezzi’s and slideshares on to it.

I used Photoshop to making my contents page, front cover, and to edit my images. I had never used Photoshop beforehand, so I developed a number of skills in this area. I now feel I can effectively use Photoshop, and to a high standard. I chose to use Photoshop, as I feel it provides a professional finish to the product.

Before After

I used Microsoft Publisher to create my double page spread. I used publisher instead of Photoshop, as it handles large quantities of text better. I followed a template for a double page spread as well on this software; this allowed me to create columns, change widths of borders and move everything into the place I wanted it- which I didn’t know existed. So I have broadened my horizon of knowledge in this platform.

I used a website called dafont.com to get new fonts for my magazine. Before this product, I had never come across this website- so in the process of making my magazine, I had learned a new way of getting exciting fonts other than the basic Microsoft fonts. The fonts I chose were then downloaded into my Photoshop and publisher programs enabling me to use them. This showed me what the internet has to offer when designing products, as I though I would be limited to a small selection of fonts, where using dafont.com- I actually saw there were 1000’s.

I used Firefox and Google when researching prior to making my magazine itself. When doing my searching online, I was exposed to many sources of information I had never come across, websites with all magazine demographics as well as magazine websites themselves. I also used google to obtain a barcode to use on my magazine- which there was a huge choice of. This showed me how useful the internet it when researching and that possibilities are endless.

Like I am doing currently, I used Slideshare to present many of my blog posts. I had never come across this platform beforehand, so while constructing my magazine, I had learned yet another skill that I can develop further in the future. I also learned how to embed these slideshares onto my blog.I enjoy using slideshare as it enables me to create longer blog posts without making it look messy- and it gives a professional feel how I can have more than just text on my blog.

As well as slideshare, I also came across a feature called Prezzi, which lets you create online mindmaps and embed them into your blog. I again had never heard of this- but once using it a few times I soon picked up how to use it correctly. I enjoy using this as well, as I feel it adds more depth to a blog, and makes it more interesting to read.

When taking my main images I used a Nikon DSLR, and for concert pictures, I used an iPhone 4S. I had never used a high quality camera before, so while making my magazine, I had learned many photography skills such as zooming, blurring and using a flash. I also learned how to use a white background and how to use lighting to create shadow. I feel this camera was the right one to use and it delivered me with good quality pictures that look professional.