Skills Development

Double Page Spread

1

This is the start of my DPS.

As you can see I have chosen my own photography with a Long shot image. I used this particular background to add drama, colour and excitement.

I changed the levels of the image to make it darker and grungy.

I started by opening a Photoshop document and using an A3 document which I then rotated.

2

I then added a blue filter onto the image to add depth. I used blue due to the fact my magazine is ‘BlueCassette’. I used the graffiti background and it sets an urban feel and looks good for the indie/rock theme.

3Afterwards, I added a quote, I used white as it’s bold and looks dramatic, it will catch the audience’s eye! I used this type of front purely because it’s a type writer font and has a stylish twist to it! I achieved this by selecting the text tool and drawing a text box, then typed my pull quote. I used white because it stands out on the dark background, it also looks good with blue.

4Next, I added a new layer with a blue filter for the page, I played around with different opacity and had to choose from these two, I went with the lighter images as it’s more subtle and looks better with the F. I then decided I preferred the background with out a filter and just to have it plain!

I used this Drop cap for impact, it’s dramatic. I used the font Orator as I've been using this through out.

At first I was going to use green for my Drop cap bit instead I chose blue for my Drop cap. I selected the blue from my photo ( the graffiti), to set a clear theme. – Blue.

I chose a simple font for the Drop Cap so i could make it as big as possible.

5

As you can see, these colours are now the same and set a flowing theme.

6

I thought I would like to use black for my font, as it will stand out well on the blue, it will also work with the photography as there is black and dark tones within the image but after I experimented I decided this wasn’t an appropriate colour to use to due the fact it over powers the page and doesn’t look pleasant…

7I then added a filter (again) to see if this would look better with the black font, in my opinion, I feel it looks much better but I’m still not happy with it!

I changed the opacity of the filter to 7% and then to 4%, I decided that 4 was the best option as it’s subtle but still looks effective.

8

I’ve added a blob/indicator and page number to the bottom right of my DPS, but it’s rather dull and boring at the moment so I’ll have to think of something to brighten It up, I feel that I have used far too many filters for my magazine and I need something more creative!

9

I didn’t want to use a filter but I have…I chose a black solid line for a design feature which goes through my page number and black block, I used this as i was inspired by Q magazine. I think it looks rather good, I then cropped the line so it finishes at then of the black box, rather than going through the blob too, as it’s rather hard to see the blob!

10

So this is my DPS so far, as you can see I have tested the text colour and have gone with the black, I have inserted columns, and this is what I would like it to look like, but I’m also going to insert a quote in the middle of the page and have the text around it…

I still think the text is rather large but I will gradually change this!

11

I got feedback, and one recommendation was too add Freja’s name to the left top corner of the image. I added this as many rock/indie magazines have this feature and it looks rather good, it also fills up more room and adds more colour/impact/drama.

12I added this eclipse, and adjusted it to the right size in order for it to fit my pull quote. I made the eclipse blue, due to the fact my colour scheme is blue – BlueCassete. I changed the opacity to 6%, this is because you can see the pull quote better with the drop shadow and you can just about see the eclipse and it’s not bold in your face. My body copy will now mould around the pull quote/eclipse.

13I have now inserted my body copy/interview. I had to create 3 text boxes at equal sizes and insert my text. I also had to make my text surround the circle/quote and this was rather tricky, I then justified the text which made it much easier to mould around the circle.

14

This is my finished DPS. As you can see, I have kept a flowing theme through out, used my own photography, my own body copy and I'm very proud with my outcome, even though I found it challenging at times.