Evaluation 7.

7. Looking back at the preliminary task what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to a full product?

The use of my time varied drastically from the preliminary task to the main task. For the preliminary task I shot all my photos at one time which meant that unless I was organised, the variety would be limited. The main task encouraged me to utilize my time properly in accordance with the time taken to create each page. I planned out the construction of each page so that if there was a problem shooting a particular photo, I would have time to amend or even shoot a completely different one. In addition, managing my time meant that I was able to forecast when my models would be available to shoot the photos. I was much more successful managing my time for the main task, than rushing and failing to plan for my preliminary. The difference is clear. The use of settings and locations clearly infer that I planned and put a lot more thought into my main task as oppose to the preliminary which was created of instinct.

The ability to plan is key however I have definitely learnt the value of feedback from peers and essentially my 'target audience'. I was blind during the preliminary task in the sense I had no information to work from which would allow me to really specify my magazine to a particular audience. Although it is a school magazine which means that it's for students, there's no inferred age or gender, consequently meaning the result of the magazine was plain and lacked creativity. Because I had a target audience through research for my main task, I was able to reach out to my audience through the use of shot composition, layout and mode of address.

I did face problems with my photos for the front cover. I changed my photo three times, which emphasises the value of planning as I still had time to amend my page. At one stage my front cover converted to a Microsoft word document and I had to restart (although I'm grateful I did). Originally I had, in my opinion, the perfect image although I had shot it landscape which meant the photo would not be in proportion on the page. After taking a portrait image, I made the decision to colour my artist grey scale. Such a move would not have even been considered in my preliminary task. This technique complements my development of not only skills, but understanding of magazines. Having a grey scale image meant I had to select my colours wisely - I could not use certain colours which would have been fine if I used a coloured photo.

Regarding location, props and costumes, I really had to reflect on the basics of the hip-hop genre. Despite the fact my photos for the preliminary task were relevant to the magazine (school), I think my photos for the main task were that much more conforming. For my double page spread I wanted to create an image that could suggest anything from violence to reflection. I had to search for an appropriate location and managed to find a spot outside a barbershop. A barbershop is a universal shop so there is definitely a link to the hip-hop culture. The sheer thought process was non-existent during the preliminary task. For my props I used a hat, cigar, chain, bandanna and sunglasses. Research into the genre really helped me to pick appropriate props. There is definitely a hip-hop mentality sustained throughout my magazine.

My drafts were very important. Having a template to work from reiterates the principle of planning in the sense my use of time was ultilised by having a set course of action for every period spent working on my magazine. For my drafts I analysed several magazines of the hip-hop genre and using combined elements created my own original pages. Having a draft was definitely beneficial as a lot of the emphasis on creating the ideal magazine is reduced. With out a draft, in an attempt to make it look as professional as possible, there would have been a risk of having to many features or writing or even photos.