Total Film Magazine Front Cover
On the first version of my magazine front cover I began with creating a document and altering the resolution, making it 300dpi which is the ideal resolution. I then changed the dimensions to suit Total Film magazine, making the height 220dpi and the width 285dpi. Once the document was the correct size I needed to insert my original image and make it a floating window so the document now had two layers. I used 'control' and 'T' to resize the image and pressed 'enter' when it was an appropriate size.
Margin guides were important as they are essential for the cover of a magazine. I added these by using the ruler tools in order to position them accurately.
When it came to editing I began with using the 'unsharp mask' tool in order to make the outline more harsh and to accentuate every part of the image slightly but I made sure I did not risk over-editing. I then experimented with curves, using the RGB and red curve to stick with the red theme. This meant the red shades were highlighted more, particularly the hair, which is what I intended to do.
The dodge and burn tools were essential when editing my front cover image. I used the burn tool more on the left side of the model to create shadow, creating a sense of mystery as the model is not completely exposed. I then used to dodge tool to make the red lipstick more vibrant and create contrast between the two sides of the subject's face.
This was followed by adjusting the brightness and contrast which was the final thing I did in terms of altering the colours on the image. Increasing the brightness and decreasing the contrast meant a slightly more cinematic effect was created as it began to look slightly unrealistic which is the aim for a film magazine.
I briefly used the clone stamp tool to touch up some areas of the face in order to make the model look even more unrealistic as this is what is expected from a reader of Total Film magazine. I took time to make sure the subject's face was not too over-edited as this may be unappealing to sophisticated readers as they would expect every little detail to be perfect in a magazine like Total Film.
The dodge and burn tools were essential when editing my front cover image. I used the burn tool more on the left side of the model to create shadow, creating a sense of mystery as the model is not completely exposed. I then used to dodge tool to make the red lipstick more vibrant and create contrast between the two sides of the subject's face.
This was followed by adjusting the brightness and contrast which was the final thing I did in terms of altering the colours on the image. Increasing the brightness and decreasing the contrast meant a slightly more cinematic effect was created as it began to look slightly unrealistic which is the aim for a film magazine.
I briefly used the clone stamp tool to touch up some areas of the face in order to make the model look even more unrealistic as this is what is expected from a reader of Total Film magazine. I took time to make sure the subject's face was not too over-edited as this may be unappealing to sophisticated readers as they would expect every little detail to be perfect in a magazine like Total Film.
Once I was satisfied with the image, the next step was to add the masthead and the main cover title. From research, I found that the font of the Total Film masthead is 'eagle bold' which meant I needed to install this font onto photoshop as details like this make my front cover look even more like a possible Total Film cover. I positioned the masthead approximately 2cm from the top of the page meaning it covered just over half of the subject's face. I then added the text which is positioned inside of the letter 'F' in 'FILM', being 'TOTAL', using the Franklin Gothic Heavy font already installed on photoshop.
Another detail that was essential was the positioning of the masthead and main image. I made use of the pen tool to carefully cut out the top part of the subject's head from the image and changed the order of the layers in the layers window to make sure the image of the model was on top of the masthead, just like how it is positioned on Total Film magazine.
The next step was to add the other images that I planned to place on the magazine's front cover. I added relevant images to my front cover which included film stills from films made in 1990's. These images were placed below a related subheading and were positioned in a film strip formation which is a technique I replicated from Total Film magazine. I needed to resize and reposition the images in order for them to fit into the shapes I used to create the film strip. Due to the fact Total Film often uses different width images inside of the film strips I replicated this however, I made sure all of the images were exactly the same height to make it look a lot more organised and professional. To do this, I measured all of the images against one in the film strip which meant they fit perfectly inside of the film strip.
I also added a bar code and issue number to the front cover as they are a convention of Total Film magazine meaning I was able to make my piece look as professional and similar to a genuine issue of the magazine as possible. I placed an image of a Total Film bar code I found through a simple search on Google images which made the front cover look significantly more effective. I also used simple text to create an issue number and date to the front cover in the top right of the front cover just above the masthead which is the conventional positioning for the text.
Finally, it was extremely important that I added numerous cover lines to the front cover in order for it to appear as professional as possible. I chose a variety of subjects for the cover lines including upcoming movies and popular actors right now. These allowed me to fill up a substantial amount of space on the front cover but still use relevant and interesting information. It was also important that I followed similar fonts to the ones used on Total Film magazine front covers such as Eagle Bold for larger text and Franklin Gothic Medium for small text such as cover lines.
Overall, I am happy with the colour scheme I used as that is a major convention of Total Film magazine so it allowed my front cover to appear more professional and can immediately be associated with the magazine.
I am also happy with my choice of fonts as they are simple and understandable but able to stand out due to the addition of drop shadow on the larger text for example the 'Laurie Taylor' cover line.
To improve my front cover and follow the conventions even more I could add button and corner sells however, due to using a large amount of cover lines, I did not want to risk overcrowding the page as it would not look as appealing to a sophisticated audience of high and professional standards.
On the other hand, the film strip technique which was inspired by an issue of the magazine is a major strength of my front cover. I tried to replicate a film strip from the magazine as much as possible onto my front cover and this required resizing and repositioning images so they would fit into the film strip in an organised manner.
Another detail that was essential was the positioning of the masthead and main image. I made use of the pen tool to carefully cut out the top part of the subject's head from the image and changed the order of the layers in the layers window to make sure the image of the model was on top of the masthead, just like how it is positioned on Total Film magazine.
The next step was to add the other images that I planned to place on the magazine's front cover. I added relevant images to my front cover which included film stills from films made in 1990's. These images were placed below a related subheading and were positioned in a film strip formation which is a technique I replicated from Total Film magazine. I needed to resize and reposition the images in order for them to fit into the shapes I used to create the film strip. Due to the fact Total Film often uses different width images inside of the film strips I replicated this however, I made sure all of the images were exactly the same height to make it look a lot more organised and professional. To do this, I measured all of the images against one in the film strip which meant they fit perfectly inside of the film strip.
I also added a bar code and issue number to the front cover as they are a convention of Total Film magazine meaning I was able to make my piece look as professional and similar to a genuine issue of the magazine as possible. I placed an image of a Total Film bar code I found through a simple search on Google images which made the front cover look significantly more effective. I also used simple text to create an issue number and date to the front cover in the top right of the front cover just above the masthead which is the conventional positioning for the text.
Finally, it was extremely important that I added numerous cover lines to the front cover in order for it to appear as professional as possible. I chose a variety of subjects for the cover lines including upcoming movies and popular actors right now. These allowed me to fill up a substantial amount of space on the front cover but still use relevant and interesting information. It was also important that I followed similar fonts to the ones used on Total Film magazine front covers such as Eagle Bold for larger text and Franklin Gothic Medium for small text such as cover lines.
Final Version of Front Cover
Overall, I am happy with the colour scheme I used as that is a major convention of Total Film magazine so it allowed my front cover to appear more professional and can immediately be associated with the magazine.
I am also happy with my choice of fonts as they are simple and understandable but able to stand out due to the addition of drop shadow on the larger text for example the 'Laurie Taylor' cover line.
To improve my front cover and follow the conventions even more I could add button and corner sells however, due to using a large amount of cover lines, I did not want to risk overcrowding the page as it would not look as appealing to a sophisticated audience of high and professional standards.
On the other hand, the film strip technique which was inspired by an issue of the magazine is a major strength of my front cover. I tried to replicate a film strip from the magazine as much as possible onto my front cover and this required resizing and repositioning images so they would fit into the film strip in an organised manner.
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