#throughthefields

Some of the pages so far in my magazine: 

Testing out the printing: does it work? how does it look?

Before I officially start printing my final piece, I want to test every aspect, making sure it is up to my standards. My magazine is going to be A5. I thought this would be the most suitable size as the magazine is a freebie and will only contain a few pages displaying the spring clothing collection. I am not sure how many pages yet. 

The images above are test pages of the wrap page (front, back, inside front and inside back cover). I wanted to test out many things; quality of images, text, layout, quality of paper, size of gsm, border and overall appearance. From the outcome of the testing, it didn’t go to plan but I have learned many things. Firstly, I did like the finish and quality of the paper. This was just used from the printer at my college which I believe was a laser photocopier; smooth and crisp and the front cover image came out clear and not blurred which was a relief. The issue with the printing was that it smudged the image when it got fed through the printer again to print on the other side. This issue can easily be avoided in the future as I can try a different printer or do a test run/cleaning process before. Secondly and a major issue was the layout of the print itself. When designing the magazine on InDesign, I used full pages and made sure that the positioning was equal. Then when pressing print, the software automatically adds a border which cuts off the outside of the image. This is clearly seen in the first image where the flower illustration has been cut off. This is annoying as I will have to cut the pages and play around with the software more, but at least I know now. Also, it moves text. The back page with the information is not centred like it was on InDesign. 

Mood board for my mini magazine: using my imagery

Here I have placed my imagery I plan on using for my mini magazine into a mood board. I have done this to understand the tone and colour scheme on a better scale compared to the brand guide. I can already see the magazine coming together and I haven’t even begun InDesign yet. 

I really like this mix of imagery; the calm pastel tones with earthy accents. I think they have delivered the exact aesthetic I am after; Edwardian Jane Austen mix but with a modern, fresh approach. It’s classical and romantic. 

This week has been eventful but successful. 

behind the scenes: I have attached a photo of behind the scenes of the photoshoot. It displays the space I was working with. You can really see the use of natural light I used, shining through the windows. 

With the first photoshoot completed for my brand, I am proud of the outcome, especially when I doing it solo and using a self-timer. My aim was to create a cottage-core, light edgy photoshoot which showcased the clothing collection and additional accessorises the brand sold. I am really pleased that I did my research and planned the shoot before as felt I was more organised and the photos came out more professional. The photos used would be for advertising and eventually a final piece which I haven’t planned yet. The previous research from Westwood and McQueen has helped me develop my brand further. I really have enjoyed experimenting with different outfits, materials and patterns inspired by my influences. With editing, I plan on refining the images e.g. erasing any imperfections, and adjusting the brightness and contrast if needed. 

What went well? the background came out better than expected. From using objects and a set-up in my house on a low budget, I think that the photos came out rather professional and as if it was in a studio. I like the high use of materials and textures used from the cotton sheet to the brick wall. It looks run down which was my intention, like a studio or warehouse. This urban aesthetic is very popular because of its bohemian down to earth vision. I felt this aesthetic fitted well with my cottage core brand because of the craftsmanship and devotion to simplistic life against modern society which I discovered during my research at the beginning of this project. Modelling by myself was easy and I enjoyed experimenting with poses. I am more confident in this area now if I wanted to pursue it further. It wasn’t a hassle and I quickly got it done which was time-efficient. Finding the clothes to wear was fun and interesting. I was inspired by the Brock collection, Westwood, McQueen and film costumes such as pride and prejudice, Jane Eyre etc. My favourite outfit from the shoot was the Victorian button-up white shirt with the long boho skirt, tights and cowboy boots. This was because it fitted my brief perfectly; modest but edgy and wasn’t over the top against the background. For the tights, I took influence from McQueen, who used black accessories to accelerate the warrior look. This look still fitted the cottage core rule book with charming white cotton, puffy sleeves and flowy material. 

Even better if? From being mostly happy with this photoshoot, it is difficult to criticize. If I was to adjust this, I would have used more than one model. Both genders show the diversity in the brand. But, as it was a solo photoshoot I didn’t do this. I would have also changed location to give variety like being outside and using the advantages of nature/the countryside. If I decided to do a second photoshoot, this is what I would do to reflect my cinematography research.

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