FMP EvaluationWill Stewart

Production Process Evaluation

Research• The primary focus of my research was to identify and analyse the specific

qualities of a magazine layout. This included what kind of style the imagery and lettering was displayed with, usually specifically coined by the brand the magazine identifies itself with. By researching these subjects I was able to deduce the areas that best sell the magazine, namely the taglines, image placement, type of image, and the surrounding accentuations that help to catch the reader’s eye.

Planning• As with all of the other previous projects, the latest that I am allowed to

complete the project is the end of the week. Due to this time restriction, the week needed to be divided into necessary blocks where each part of the project could be developed appropriately. With the first block devoted to the front cover, and the second focusing on the double-page spread, each was a granted a specific time for completion, so that the project be developed regularly and without confusion.

Time Management• By dividing the time in the week to either the front cover or double-page

spread, I was able to avoid any overlap or conflict between the schedules. With the first half of the week focused purely on the front cover and the other on the double-page spread, I was able to securely allot each section of the project an appropriate time slot that was used for development. This strict schedule was used to prevent the different sections of the project from spilling over into each other, stalling production through a minor slip-up. If I had more time, I would have done more for the front cover, because I knew how much time double-page spread would take up, and might’ve rushed so that I could plan it out better.

Technical QualitiesMasthead – Large, used to attract attention, symbol of the brand, made to make an impression.

Centre Picture – Most dominant presence on the page, uses easily recognisable and renowned figures to hook readers by conveying a sense of glamour and celebrity, by presenting them in a high-quality fashion it establishes the magazine as a figure of high quality as well.

The tag lines around the main picture that advertise the inner articles all have a set style to them, setting up expectations for what kind of articles can be found inside the magazine.

Backgrounds – Usually block colours, so that the reader does not become overwhelmed, and the give the centre models a greater presence on the cover.

Aesthetic Qualities

Large, expansive, eye-catching backgrounds used to make an impression on the reader, attracting them to the article advertised. By making them as imposing as possible, the impact on the viewer’s mind is greater, but the style in which this is done decides the type of impact it has.

The picture the article is based on sets the tone for the article as a whole, displaying the type of content the article talks about through a visual medium. This helps the reader to decide whether they care about the article or not, so the picture must appeal to a large percentage of the audience.

The way the text is arranged around the centre pictures conveys how they are the focus, or origin, of what the article is reporting. By giving them the greatest page presence, they are the first thing the reader sees, and act as the main hook that draws the reader in.

Audience AppealThe main target audience are those between 15 – 35, and as such, are millennials, or those with a similar mindset. As such, I chose to include content that would appeal to those within that age group, mostly focusing around media or pop culture relevant during their generation. In order to properly convey this relevance, I chose Beyonce to be the focal point of the piece, with her quite possibly being the biggest superstar of the millennial generation, respected, admired and loved by millions the world over. Due to this, people are immediately drawn to anything that even mentions Beyonce, acting as a magnet and pulling people into it’s field. The fascination people have with those who reach megastar status is similar to a somewhat divine reverence, praising their actions and having thousands upon thousands of followers.

Peer Feedback

Feedback 1

• What did you like about the product?– I feel that the front cover is very colourful and vibrant, which

helps create an eccentric style. The written style accompanies this well.

– The DPS is written well, and creates a compelling discussion.• What improvements could have been made to the

product?– I feel that Beyonce’s image on the front cover could be made

slightly larger.– The masthead could also be increased in size to grab the

audience’s attention.

Feedback 2

• What did you like about the product? • I really like the detail of the writing and the pictures

used.

• What improvements could have been made to the product? I would probably use different background that are slightly less vibrant and that would fit into beyonce’s colour tones for her skin and outfits.

Feedback 3• What did you like about the product?

– I like the colours and shapes that you have created on the background and it works well with the titles you have created, it helps to demonstrate to the audience the theme of the page.

• What improvements could have been made to the product?• - The front cover is well put together but I would suggest a bit

more content within it to help advertise the magazine, this will draw the reader in. The double page spread is well laid out, but the picture is coming slightly off the page next time I would make sure this is centred.

Peer Feedback Summary

• What do you agree with from your peer feedback?– The DPS is well-designed and well-written, and the way it has been laid out

perfectly accentuates Beyonce’s style, the bright and bold colouration and text highlighting Beyonce’s personality. The front cover could have been meshed better with Beyonce’s style, and I was too focused on making it ‘unique’ to acknowledge Beyonce as the primary focus.

• What do you disagree with from your peer feedback?

• I believe that the DPS was as best laid out as I possibly could have made it during the one-week time limit, especially when concerning the text-based portion of he spread.

Peer Feedback SummaryThe factor that needs changing the most is definitely the front cover. The surroundings need to complement the centre picture, not contrast against it and the way I was so single-mindedly focused on making it as bombastic and eye-catching as possible that I completely neglected to take Beyonce’s own personal style into account. To rectify this, I would change the colour combinations so that they better fit Beyonce’s presence, complimenting her skin one, hair colour and clothing style so that nothing looks ‘on edge’, so to speak.