Question 7: Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full project?

I think during the preliminary task I learned basically how magazines were supposed to be produced and the different things you had to consider when making one. Also I learned what looks professional and what doesn't, how to use a camera properly and definitely how planning and preparation is key - although we pretty much winged it for the preliminary project, just going with whatever ideas came to us at the time.

I think my knowledge and skills about the magazine industry has greatly improved and my creative skills for coming up with an idea for a music magazine have been influenced by what I've been learning in class. However, the technology did limit me in what I could do, only because I didn't really have a clue as to how to use it effectively. I think if I'd have spent more time on the preliminary project getting stuck in with Photoshop and Quark Xpress, I wouldn't have had any issues when it came to the actual coursework.

I will honestly admit that my organisation of time has been shocking, but I think I've just about pulled it off! My magazine seemed so simple to create in my head, but going back to the technology - it just took me twice as long to do everything everyone else seemed to grasp instantly.

However, I'm quite pleased with my photographic skills as my front cover girl for Crescendo looks amazing, as I tried a couple of different shots and frames to get the final profile/portrait shot just right. The background wasn't necessarily what I would have chosen, but my time management wasn't brilliant so myself and the model ended up going out in the rain taking photographs of her in the woods - thinking a naturalism theme would work just as well!

Learning about the conventions of magazines has been really useful as before this project I would have never known what a screamer or a masthead was, let alone create on and talk about them!

Finally, I think the biggest thing I've learned from undertaking this project is that creating a magazine is alot of hard work and it hasn't been easy, but it has been alot of fun.