Blog 1 - Introduction

Before embarking on my main coursework, I completed a preliminary task designing a magazine for my college. This provideded an opportunity to experiment and learn about some of the basic construction principles. The link to this exercise is as follows: http://lewissdcmediaas.blogspot.com/

I have chosen to design a front cover, contents page and double page spread (dps) for a new dance music magazine. Dance music covers various sub groups or genres including; techno, house & dub step. It is very popular amongst my age group and those in their twenties and early thirties. I enjoy listening to this sort of music in clubs situated close to home in Brighton. I have also ventured further afield attending dance events in London involving world renowned DJ's and frequented most of the famous clubs in Ibiza. Having first hand knowledge of the DJ personalities, fashion, venues & language provides useful information for this assignment.

To document my progress and to review the decision making process, I will use use a blog (online log). The task involves researching existing magazines to grasp conventions and techniques employed in construction of the publications. Understanding and defining the target audience is important to achieve commercial success and obtaining feedback prior to launch is another key aspect for consideration.

Producing the magazine will involve the use of industry leading Adobe Photoshop and Indesign media software packages. These will be used to manipulate the images and develop the page layout typography to achieve a unique brand.