Evaluation

Evaluation

My main initial concept was to complete a subject linked with time through the years. I based my topic on the evolution of Hip Hop culture as I thought it would make a good theme. I have general knowledge in this subject and I can also include even more research. I was trying to inform people why this non -controversial topic is crucial to the day, age and society we live in. I personally feel without hip hop certain things such as Political justice would not be done. The topic does mostly apply to the older folks, as it did start in the late 80's. My project has indescribable relevance as it applies to everyone. Hip-Hop is everywhere and to state, it is not even just the music but the culture. My theme will consist of a magazine, as I have done many in the past, it is a good choice. I created a magazine, using Photoshop and InDesign to guide me. I would class myself as now having mastered the software. In my previous assignments I was clueless but I am very happy that I have improved, thanks to my teachers and the tutorials I watched on YouTube. This in my opinion has been the best project I am positive about only due to the fact that I adore the topic. There is so much to talk about and you can study people’s perspectives. I like how I already have advanced knowledge and I am adding to it too.

I completed primary research which consisted as a questionnaire to approximately 12 people. I think it went well and everyone liked Hip-Hop too. Though, I do wish I could have tried to construct a short interview with several people as it would have been an even better advantage to my project. My audience was clearly stated in my research. I even included statistical information of which kind of people listen to the genre most. I strongly linked my magazine to a famous Hip-Hop magazine company named 'XXL'. They are the hugest Music magazine in the world. Just like Hip-Hop itself it was formed in the United States of America and then exceeded to form global. When in the production of my magazine I thought I would have to go gather research to put into my article then I remembered I had done it already, In my research page I was very glad at this point so I just copied and pasted my original research. I planned my ideas quite well. I did already know I what was going to construct, regardless but the plan is just a guide I guess. Time has always been an issue when it’s linked to me and honestly I think it actually went well for once, due to the fact that I had my work timetable to look back on. I made sure for each day I would work on one particular thing so that it was balanced.

My audience for my product are obviously going to be older people who are active in the olden times. The Hip-Hop genre itself was formed in the late 80's. I am 18 years old so I would probably say from my age and onwards. The characteristics people associate with in the Hip-Hop culture is corrupt, I usually linked to police and crime. This is why people are sometimes deterred from the subject as they might feel there is a threat. Many people encouraged me to carry on my piece as they feel it needs to be heard as there is so many aspects and elements to talk about.

In my magazine front cover I used one of my personal photos as I felt it made reasonable sense to my topic. The image had my facial expression as with a mixture of docile and angry. The image is enhanced  so that it would catch the eyes of the audience. My music magazine evolved using the colours of red, black and white. I made sure I used these colours throughout. I got my inspiration from previous XXL magazines that I have read and also I honestly feel there is a symbolic meaning to it. Here is my explanation. The black and white consist of the racial corruption involved and then lastly, the red is meant for the bloodshed in the Hip-Hop world. One thing that would attract my audience is that I was very consistent in the design. I included text which mostly consisted of the same font which was 'Calibri' which catch the audience’s eyes. I included two drop caps with one of my pages as it did gives a professional feel to it. 

The background of my subject is linked to a political, social and historic elements. The political side would be concerning the law, police and the crime which has been committed over the years. People against it would probably say that Hip-Hop just evolves around negativity due to the shootings, murders etc. I know this but there is more to it. Similarly, my topic within my magazine does have a social background. I will include the social accounts for the 'Stanmore Music Magazine' which is my one. I would say everything in the society we live in is linked. Last of all there is obviously history in the genre. Many artists have died tragically so I have included some information about this in my magazine. 

My product does match the media conventions as many techniques have been included in my product. I included suitable text size also included a drop cap and I also included a pull quote; columns.   The main thing is that it must look professional and I don't think is my one is far from that.  It odes link to the conventions. I made sure every image included created an effect for the audience.

Honestly, from this particular project I have developed my knowledge on software like Photoshop and InDesign. I mainly used InDesign. At the start I was anxious because I didn't know how to use it properly. The software consists of many steps to have a successful and detailed final design. My teacher introduced easy tips for me to be successful. I took it upon myself also to watch tutorial videos on YouTube. I think that learning one thing each day is key because it stays fresh in your mind. The problems I encountered would probably be creating the Grid/margins. I found it hard to make it even. Another would be handling the Master Page. I did find it quite annoying due to the fact that it was sensitive and most times when I clicked it, it did navigate the way I wanted it to go. I used Photoshop to crop images (Erase the background) because I couldn't apply the same method on In Design. Personally, I prefer InDesign to Photoshop as I feel it easier to adapt to although gives you the chance to be free. In Design is limited in some ways.

My plan from the start was simple although it did contain some things that I did in my final design in the layout. I've learnt now that I will develop my plan before starting my design because it'll guide me. I thought my product was successful but it could have been better like for example I could have added more text instead of just images everywhere. Another thing I could have done to produce a better design was probably if I handled my time wisely. I have learnt this and I will most definitely apply this in my next project. The content of my product is good because I added key Information which would attract the reader. I used a range of various images which enhanced my design. Wherever possible, I used my own photography I feel that it was quite a simple design but it is still effective in some ways. I definitely feel my design went into the right direction that it was supposed to. The thing that I would say that was unsuccessful is that my final product is good in its own way but at the same time it is kind of simple and sometimes I want it to be more than that. I am still satisfied with it though. If I did have more time I would try to completely develop my plans properly. I sometimes feel like I already know that I am going to do but in all honesty, a plan is there for a reason and I must take advantage. Some did like my final design.