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MAGAZINE PRODUCTION WEEK 1 - A Draft Layout of the FRONT COVER


Until we get Indesign up in this room it's going to be tricky to actually complete design elements of this unit - however initially you just have to PLAN it which doesn't require Indesign. Complete this part in the following way and remember to carefully give the post the right title. The moderator is going to want to see a Print Production Process that goes from Week 1 through to Week 8. Complete this first part of your Print production process in the following way.

1. Open up a new blogpost. Call it 'Print Media Production Week 1'.

2. Insert the subheading - 'FRONT COVER DRAFT LAYOUT'.

Have a look at this, yes I made it in MSPaint, I'm an old man. But it's a basic draft layout of how I think the front cover of my mag should look (yes I'm making a mag too).



As you can see, it points out where images are going to go and where text is going to go and that'll do.  HAVE A LOOK AT A MAGAZINE - you'll find there's a bit more on the front cover than just an image and the masthead. I want you to create your own DRAFT COVER LAYOUT just as I have, choosing where you're going to put the different elements that will make up your front cover. Remember this DRAFT LAYOUT shouldn't contain any colour or images or different fonts. Just make it a and simple layout plan for your front cover. REFER BACK TO YOUR PROPOSAL TO REMIND YOURSELF OF THE KIND OF MAG YOU ARE MAKING. Do those mags go for a minimal look or are their front pages busy with detail? 

Also bear in mind - if your final front cover isn't laid out exactly like your draft layout that's FINE so long as the changes are reflected in your final production diary. So don't worry that you HAVE to stick to your layout. As you start using Indesign you may find certain aspects don't work - trial and error will get you to a great front cover but for now you just need to show you have  an idea you are aiming towards. 

3. Once you've created this draft layout, screenshot it into your blogpost. For merits and distinctions add a paragraph EXPLAINING why you've decided to lay your front cover out this way. Have you been influenced by looking at mags and if so which ones? Can you screenshot in examples of covers that are similarly laid out? 

4. Add another heading: "PRODUCTION DIARY WEEK 1' and then explain to me exactly what you've done today in a short paragraph.  


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