Evaluation Question 6

What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

Throughout my project I have used computers and laptops in order to post things on my blog and research magazines. Computers have been essential due to the use of the internet and software such as Photoshop. Without computers I would have had to create a paper portfolio and magazine by hand; which is time consuming and the least effective method of creating a portfolio.

When using Photoshop to create my media package, I used tools that I hadn't used before in order to make the images and layout more effective and professional. When editing the images of my model I used the patch and healing tools to alter the colour of her skin, and to remove any blemishes and spots that were visible. I also used the magic wand tool to remove the background when cutting my model out, as well as the smudge tool to smooth the outline of the hair out and make it more realistic and less cut out. Even though I already had a good knowledge of Photoshop, whilst completing my project I learnt more short cuts such as Ctrl+T which were useful with moving shapes and layers, improving the speed of my work as well as the ease of use. I have also learnt that Photoshop is probably the easiest piece of software to complete a magazine on, due to the easy tools and accessibility that allows the user to import photos, edit them and cut them out professionally - as there aren't many other software alternatives that would allow the user to do the same things.

I used a Camera and tripod when taking my photos and from that I ensured the images were lined up and framed correctly. I also thought it was important that a plain background was used, so I had to incorporate one into my image and find/use a white screen; the images could then be cut out easily, as the outline of the model was clearly visible.

Animoto was used to create my pitch at the beginning of the coursework, and I had never used it before, so I used the simple instructions to create a video using images, text, transitions and music. I liked the overall effect of the video as it took the pressure off when standing at the front, and the components of the video made it exciting and entertaining, capturing the viewers’ attention and making them understand the concept of my magazine. I think using Animoto was more interesting than using something like a power point  as they're basic and not very professional. Animoto is a good tool as the limited amount of characters allowed on each text post - our brief was to use 25 words in total- means you have to use key words that grab the viewers’ attention; something a professional presentation would do. I learnt to be concise when writing a pitch and eliminate all of the unnecessary wording and 'waffle'.

To create a playlist for my magazine I used Soundcloud, an online music website that allows you to create a mix of songs and upload your own. I had never used this before as I only ever make playlists using iTunes, and creating a playlist on this was new and at first confusing. However, I quickly learnt how to add them all to one place and then use the share button to upload it to blogger, and the widget looks professional and allows the user to listen to all of the songs. Soundcloud allowed me to get a feel for the type of music that would feature in my magazine, and post it on my blog, letting others know the 'indie' style of music that would be featured.

After taking my photos I uploaded them to Flickr in albums, and then shared them on blogger. I have learnt this is a simple way of keeping all of the photos in one place, and also if they get deleted form my memory stick or computer they are in a safe online account that can be accessed anywhere. Also when using Blogger I downloaded the mobile app that allows me to create posts and upload images at any time using my phone, and this makes accessibility easier, as Wi-Fi can be found anywhere.

Blogger was also vital when uploading posts and ideas in the research and planning stages of my magazine, as it allows me to store images and posts containing information that I intended to be helpful. It also allows me to receive feedback from teachers and peers as they can comment on my posts and tell me what needs to improve, and what works well. It also allows me to post magazine covers I find using Google and other websites such as www.coverjunkie.com which contains a large collection of magazines from all over the world, allowing me to pick the most inspirational covers and use them to base or challenge with my magazine. 

When creating my initial mood board I used www.polyvore.com as the 'create' page lets me import photos and images that I want to use, and then arrange and crop them into whatever shapes I want. This allowed me to use a website I am familiar with to create a post for media, as I then shared the polyvore piece in a post on my blog.