Evaluation

Before I began designing my front cover, I researched a range of existing magazines. This was very helpful because it gave me an idea for a design and I could see how the different conventions were laid out. It also showed me what I needed to do to make it look as professional as possible.

I took a long shot of a student and zoomed in to make it look like a mid-shot. I used a mid-shot so the student fills more of the frame and you can see the top of the glass behind him. I decided to have a border around the cover because it makes it look more professional so you can read the skyline and promotional banner better because the colours contrast. For the text I added black drop shadows because it makes it look 3d and not bland. This also makes it look more professional.

I have successfully included all the conventions of a magazine cover; Masthead, skyline, promotional banner, sell lines, picture, date, issue number, price and barcode. This gives it a greater sense of realism and professionalism.

I am happy with my front cover because I believe it looks reasonably professional and I have included all of the conventions. Also I have demonstrated a good grasp of Photoshop by using drop shadows, transform tools, rectangle and circular shapes etc.