When I was learning about the magazine conventions, I was fascinated by how difficult it is to navigate the tools to create a magazine portfolio. From a Canva experience, it’s not about just putting random text or stickers around a poster, it’s more about having proper materials to have in your cover. To utilize these tools accurately, we were told to use an Adobe software known as “InDesign.”For example, you need a masthead which is the top cover, you need feature coverlines, articles, and a puff/plug.These element are used to contribute to the overall message and visual impact of the cover. There are many genre conventions that come through these tools such as fashion design,music, design, etc.
For my magazine, I decided to do a genre convention regarding fashion, which I promoted a shirt that is made from the company Aston Martin. I wanted to promote a luxury fashion product that represented the exclusivty and bold style. My cover conveyes the genre through multiplie design choices: the dominat of the hero image of the model wearing the shirt, the color scheme that highlights the shade of red, and the coverlines that relates to the trends in luxurty and sportswear. The theme of red helps emphasise thriough typography and placement to draw attention to the fashion message. From the shirt to the color of the backround, helps elevate the true purpose and focus of the red style which is represented as a modern trend to be the power fashion of the year.
The magazine conventions I used including the masthead “Vogue Vibes,” feature coverlins such as “Red Is The Trend of The Year,” and the puff/plug announcing “Exclusive Winter Lookbook Inside!” help strengthen the magazine’s professionalism and effectiveness of the cover. These elements make the magazine more appealing, realistic, and marketable.
One of the biggest challenges I had with the software was to locate and create puff/plug shape. I did not know how to apply this tool in Adobe. It was very difficult for me to learn and navigate and find the purpose of using a puff/plug. After narrow research of its purpose and how to use this in InDesign, I was finally able to figure it out. All you have to do is click on the middle top corner of the software; you click on the rectangle tool twice. This will give you an option to choose an ellipse tool, rectangle, and polygon. For my magazine, I used the polygon shape to make a star shape to address the audience about how the genre which I am promoting, “fashion,” on the red shirt that is being provided and known as “Aston Martin,” is an edition that is exclusive during the winter season. After figuring this out, it made me more confident in navigating and learning more to progress into this software.
Some key takeways I have with this project, I was able to learn that magazine design goes far beyond creativity. This requires more planning and paying attention to detail, and mastery of tools. I learned that the placement of text, color theory, font choice, and even the smallest design components help influence the overall messsage and professionalism of a magazine. Now, I am able to learn how to use certain puffs and plugs to make my cover art more appealing.
The skills I learned were how to use the tools to make shapes in the magazine. In the editing software, I go to the left corner, and click which tool I want to use. For example, I drew a rectangle tool in to top right corner for my feature coverline, "The Power of Red In Fashion." This makes the magazine more appealing and stand out for what the genre advertisement is conveying towards the audience regarding the purpose of the Sportswear shirt. I also learned how to use the placement of text and how to navigate the mouse to readjust the text. For example, I can choose different types of colors for texts and fonts for my magazine by clicking in the right corner when clicking on texts. For my masthead, I used a "Bontoni MT", with a bold italic. This made the masthead to be more clear and match the color of the magazines. To adjust the text, I learn to click on the top left corner which shows a shaded mouse tool which allows to adjust the text and shape's alignment. From learning these aspects, I now feel more confident using Adobe tools and understanding how to design visually compelling pieces that communicate identity and purpose. These skils help me create a more polished and professional final portfolio.
Well, thats a Wrap! Stay tune for the next adventure we partake for the next blog!
For now, I will be signing off!
