Thanks to my media guru friend Pete - here are some free tools which can help your media work. Some you may know, some you may use already, some you may find just do the same thing as other apps you use, but they are all free and online and relatively easy to use.
1. Padlet: this app allows you to put together a 'wall' of stuff. It looks a bit like Pinterest but is probably best used as a way of everyone in class putting up their ideas on a whiteboard, so it becomes like a 'live team wall' for sharing ideas and work done.
2. Trello: this is effectively a 'digital to do list' and is ideal for long term group projects like coursework. You can organise things into three columns, for example, with 'to do', 'doing' and 'done' and gradually tasks shift to the third column, giving a sense of completion.
3. Piktochart is an excellent tool for making infographics, which can look pretty good and express your information in really clear, visual terms. When you login, it even has fellow members online to help you with problems! Here's one on computer programming:
4. Simplebooklet allows you to create attractive booklets from otherwise dull material and stick them online. It is a bit like templates for desktop publishing, but can certainly liven up your material:
If you click on the image above, you can go into any of the booklets and see what is possible. It would be a good way of producing a summary of your research and planning work from your blog.
5. Pixlr is a cut-down online picture editing tool. It doesn't do as much as Photoshop, but it is free and accessible anywhere. Give it a try.
6. Animoto: You may be familiar with this video editor, but if not, give it a try. It allows you to make up to 30 second videos out of stills, so is ideal for presenting bits of research as slightly more sophisticated slideshows.
7. Finally, Kickstarter- why not think about using it in combination with some of these apps and tools to make your project that little more 'real'? really helps you to get to grips with issues of audience and institution!
Sunday 23 February 2014
Wednesday 12 February 2014
Page sizes
You're now at the stage where you need to be considering your page sizes and layout.
For Publisher, look at a bleed of 184 x 262 mm.
Explain, in your blog, the difference between bleed and trim.
Set up your pages and start to import your work on to them.
Monday 10 February 2014
Help and pointers 10.2.14
UPLOAD – all the work you’ve done so far, including analysis, image editing etc. With the practical stuff, make sure you ASK other people – not just me – what they think (via blogger) and make use of their feedback.
THEORY STUFF (not a comprehensive list by any means, but things to cover) 1. Investigate your target audience. Be specific. Who wants to buy your magazine? Why? Think Blumler and Katz and Young & Rubicam.
2. Build up a complete profile of your ideal consumer. How old is the ideal consumer? What interests do they have as well as music? What socio-demographic do they belong to? How much disposable income do they spend and what does it go on? Be comprehensive
3. Exchange of texts. How will your mag get to the reader? Will they buy it from a shop or read it exclusively on line? What shop would stock it? Why? Think about mainstream stockists (WHSmith / Tesco etc) Vs independent retailers. Think about the content of your mag – would the big stockists feel comfortable selling your mag if it has ‘adult’ themes or images?
4. What are the advantages of mail order? Think how this applies to niche magazines (and identify a few) What are the disadvantages?
5. Deconstruction of other mags. What are the codes and conventions used? Do some magazines deliberately challenge established conventions (eg RayGun) What do you (and your TA prefer) and why? Compare the conventional (Kerrang! / Q / TOTP et al) to the unconventional (Raygun).
6. Check off the list Miss Howsam gave you at the start of the year. Make sure you have blogged all the pre-production work up.
PRACTICAL STUFF (not a comprehensive list by any means, but things to cover) 1. Name of mag / masthead design. What are the connotations behind your choice of name? Why have you chosen a specific font. What does that signify to you and your readership?
2. Layout ideas for P1 / contents and DPS. What are they going to look like? Maybe rough out a sketch or plan, photograph it and upload it to your blog (with annotations). What incentives will you offer your readers? Does a niche / indie publication need them as much as mainstream mags?
3. Images – what existing images do you like (and say why) – look at Ross Halfin, David Bailey and others. Look at my blog for more ideas. Explain WHY you have looked at (and edited) existing images. Explain that although you cannot use them in your magazine, you got to grips with the software and wanted to use it (Pixlr / Photoshop) to create new connotations to existing shots – then use the skillsets you have learned to enhance your own work. What mood / tone / vibe are you hoping to create with your own images? Does your TA think you have achieved your goals?
All of this needs to be blogged up ASAP – come and find me to discuss. Remember, this isn’t an exhaustive list – just some pointers.
THEORY STUFF (not a comprehensive list by any means, but things to cover) 1. Investigate your target audience. Be specific. Who wants to buy your magazine? Why? Think Blumler and Katz and Young & Rubicam.
2. Build up a complete profile of your ideal consumer. How old is the ideal consumer? What interests do they have as well as music? What socio-demographic do they belong to? How much disposable income do they spend and what does it go on? Be comprehensive
3. Exchange of texts. How will your mag get to the reader? Will they buy it from a shop or read it exclusively on line? What shop would stock it? Why? Think about mainstream stockists (WHSmith / Tesco etc) Vs independent retailers. Think about the content of your mag – would the big stockists feel comfortable selling your mag if it has ‘adult’ themes or images?
4. What are the advantages of mail order? Think how this applies to niche magazines (and identify a few) What are the disadvantages?
5. Deconstruction of other mags. What are the codes and conventions used? Do some magazines deliberately challenge established conventions (eg RayGun) What do you (and your TA prefer) and why? Compare the conventional (Kerrang! / Q / TOTP et al) to the unconventional (Raygun).
6. Check off the list Miss Howsam gave you at the start of the year. Make sure you have blogged all the pre-production work up.
PRACTICAL STUFF (not a comprehensive list by any means, but things to cover) 1. Name of mag / masthead design. What are the connotations behind your choice of name? Why have you chosen a specific font. What does that signify to you and your readership?
2. Layout ideas for P1 / contents and DPS. What are they going to look like? Maybe rough out a sketch or plan, photograph it and upload it to your blog (with annotations). What incentives will you offer your readers? Does a niche / indie publication need them as much as mainstream mags?
3. Images – what existing images do you like (and say why) – look at Ross Halfin, David Bailey and others. Look at my blog for more ideas. Explain WHY you have looked at (and edited) existing images. Explain that although you cannot use them in your magazine, you got to grips with the software and wanted to use it (Pixlr / Photoshop) to create new connotations to existing shots – then use the skillsets you have learned to enhance your own work. What mood / tone / vibe are you hoping to create with your own images? Does your TA think you have achieved your goals?
All of this needs to be blogged up ASAP – come and find me to discuss. Remember, this isn’t an exhaustive list – just some pointers.
Monday 27 January 2014
W/C 27.1.14 Blumler, Katz, Young and Rubicam
Hi and welcome back.
This week, as well as continuiing to design, edit and take pictures, I want you to consider a little media by those people mentioned in the title.
Blumer and Katz pioneered media understanding by shifting emphasis away from the media product (in your case magazines) and on to HOW people actually use them.
What enjoyment do you get out of reading a particular magazine or watching a particular film or soap?
I want you to consider how their 1974 work relates to your own magazine.
Young and Rubicam's work is an extension of B&K. It investigates Maslow's investigations and brands the consumer in to a specific type.
Do some reseach in to the 4Cs (four consumers) and B&K work. We'll discuss in lessons and see how this can be applied to your magazine evaluations and blogs.
:-)
This week, as well as continuiing to design, edit and take pictures, I want you to consider a little media by those people mentioned in the title.
Blumer and Katz pioneered media understanding by shifting emphasis away from the media product (in your case magazines) and on to HOW people actually use them.
What enjoyment do you get out of reading a particular magazine or watching a particular film or soap?
I want you to consider how their 1974 work relates to your own magazine.
Young and Rubicam's work is an extension of B&K. It investigates Maslow's investigations and brands the consumer in to a specific type.
Do some reseach in to the 4Cs (four consumers) and B&K work. We'll discuss in lessons and see how this can be applied to your magazine evaluations and blogs.
:-)
Thursday 23 January 2014
Today and this week (23.1.14)
During the lesson today, you need to add your addresses to my 'following' list. This means when you upload work I can comment and help you with it.
Also, during this week, you MUST upload any pictures you've taken for your DPS, front and contents pages. Remember, you can take scenery and background pictures too and then map your talent (models / artists) on to the image later.
Make sure you get this uploading done, even if it's from your phones - you don't have to have a top of the range SLR camera to get the top grades - everything can be resolved and improved at the editing stage.
Finally, this lesson you MUST make sure you are ALL following each other as well as me. It is essential you comment on each other's work and offer CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. Commenting on other people's work and analysis not only helps them, but you as well.
This lesson, use the time to get your blogs in order - look at and comment on other photographer's work and decide how you want to progress with your images (posed, spontanious, live etc)
Choose one of the images (see my previous post for links) and say why it appeals to you. Look at professionals like Ross Halfin and David Bailey and consider (and blog up) why you think they're so good (and mention what inspiration you can take from them)
Have fun - look for the inspiration :-)
Also, during this week, you MUST upload any pictures you've taken for your DPS, front and contents pages. Remember, you can take scenery and background pictures too and then map your talent (models / artists) on to the image later.
Make sure you get this uploading done, even if it's from your phones - you don't have to have a top of the range SLR camera to get the top grades - everything can be resolved and improved at the editing stage.
Finally, this lesson you MUST make sure you are ALL following each other as well as me. It is essential you comment on each other's work and offer CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. Commenting on other people's work and analysis not only helps them, but you as well.
This lesson, use the time to get your blogs in order - look at and comment on other photographer's work and decide how you want to progress with your images (posed, spontanious, live etc)
Choose one of the images (see my previous post for links) and say why it appeals to you. Look at professionals like Ross Halfin and David Bailey and consider (and blog up) why you think they're so good (and mention what inspiration you can take from them)
Have fun - look for the inspiration :-)
Wednesday 22 January 2014
Circulation
The following link will help you understand the shift in sales, year-on-year on publications.
Look at certain trends and think WHY they could be happening (and blog your theories)
Look at what genre of mags are selling more than than others and why this could be.
What factors (socio-economic, for example) could impact on revenue (which equals sales and money generated from advertising)
Also investigate niche magazines. Pros and cons. Broadcast V narrowcast.
Look at how much more dedicated fans become with each sub-genre but conpare and contrast that to the effect on potential sales.
Think about pros and cons of niche magaazines.
Deconstruct a niche mag cover and link it to its readership. Do purely niche magazines NEED to generate / find new readers?
Circulation, especially online circ, is usually a choice between chasing readers or establishing readers.
Does a publication try to chase as many readers as possible by appealing to as many people within that niche as possible, or does it keep and build on an established fan base.
For example, if you were producing a pop magazine would you chase readers by having a front cover which featured new and upcoming bands, or go for the more established route and have Lady GaGa on the cover, week after week, knowing that this would guarantee sales, but maybe - eventually - alienate a percentage of the readership?
Also, with niche mags, think about reader loyalty. A niche magazine can become a mouthpiece for a genre. If Metal Foces magazine backed a new up-and-coming band in the metal genre, the chances are that band, with the combined hype of the recod label's publicity machine, combined with niche mag approval, the group WILL become huge.
Obviously sales will be smaller, the more niche the product is, but don't forget revenue from advertising too, which is how all publications make their real money.
http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/magazine-abcs-full-circulation-round-first-half-2013
AND
http://www.mediaweek.co.uk/article/1207569/magazine-abcs-top-100-glance
Perhaps you can also compare that to the following...
http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/story.asp?storycode=48769
What do the results suggest to you?
Monday 13 January 2014
Photography for AS media
Hi all,
So, this week I want you to look at (as an extension of classwork) the work of some great photographers (Ross Halfin, David Bailey for example)
Check out this...
http://flavorwire.com/195349/10-rock-photographers-you-should-know
Have a look and get some inpiration.
Consider the pros and cons of: 1. Staged / posed pictures
2. Spontanious pictures
3. Live shots
4. A blend of any other the above (like this Charles Peterson shot of Kurt Cobain c1990 - just before Nirvana became global and were still playing smaller venues)
What do you want your models to do? How can you direct them to get the shots you want?
Never settle for taking just one or two snaps. When you're using the talent (models / bands et al) remember, THEY will get you your top grades, but ONLY if you TELL THEM WHAT TO DO!
Don't feel akward or embarassed about getting them to stand in a certain way, jump around, do whatever. Your marks depend (partially) on your direction.
Finally, remember they're with you but they're on YOUR time. Get them 'into role' from the moment they step in to your studio. Photograph EVERYTHING, not just the posed stanced.
Explain: "I want you to look and behave like a rockstar / spoilt teen icon / happy poppy boy band / Lady Gaga-type-weird postmodern icon / whatever"
Have them stay in role even while you're directing them. If they want to throw a premadonna-esque strop while you're shooting, then role with it.
Explain to your FRIENDS (before they step in to role) what's expected of them. Give them a day to think about it (how they'll behave etc... eg the hungover rockstar who really doesn't want to be there or whatever), make sure you don't know how they'll act in front of the camera, direct them, then take a lot (and I mean A LOT) of shots.
Have fun and enjoy the task. What's the worst that can happen? :-)
So, this week I want you to look at (as an extension of classwork) the work of some great photographers (Ross Halfin, David Bailey for example)
Check out this...
http://flavorwire.com/195349/10-rock-photographers-you-should-know
Have a look and get some inpiration.
Consider the pros and cons of: 1. Staged / posed pictures
2. Spontanious pictures
3. Live shots
4. A blend of any other the above (like this Charles Peterson shot of Kurt Cobain c1990 - just before Nirvana became global and were still playing smaller venues)
What do you want your models to do? How can you direct them to get the shots you want?
Never settle for taking just one or two snaps. When you're using the talent (models / bands et al) remember, THEY will get you your top grades, but ONLY if you TELL THEM WHAT TO DO!
Don't feel akward or embarassed about getting them to stand in a certain way, jump around, do whatever. Your marks depend (partially) on your direction.
Finally, remember they're with you but they're on YOUR time. Get them 'into role' from the moment they step in to your studio. Photograph EVERYTHING, not just the posed stanced.
Explain: "I want you to look and behave like a rockstar / spoilt teen icon / happy poppy boy band / Lady Gaga-type-weird postmodern icon / whatever"
Have them stay in role even while you're directing them. If they want to throw a premadonna-esque strop while you're shooting, then role with it.
Explain to your FRIENDS (before they step in to role) what's expected of them. Give them a day to think about it (how they'll behave etc... eg the hungover rockstar who really doesn't want to be there or whatever), make sure you don't know how they'll act in front of the camera, direct them, then take a lot (and I mean A LOT) of shots.
Have fun and enjoy the task. What's the worst that can happen? :-)
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