6. What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constucting this product?

In researching my target audience I found that it was a lot easier to use the internet to obtain results and create a online survey (through QuestionPro). As I had access to many more resources than I would have if I conducted the research by hand, having to go around to every person and ask them to fill out my questionnaire. I was able to get reliable and valid results more efficiently and quicker using social media such as; Facebook and Twitter, and I was also able to target my audience directly. it was also easier to attain research of secondary data such as the data which I found on interent use.


I used Serif PhotoPlus x4 to edit and manipulate my images in order to create a hyperreal effect. I felt I had to create this effect as my audience are attracted to these images as a result of being brought up with them all over the media -they aspire to be these people because societies ideology (Maslow's hierarchy of Needs). This was the first time that I have used this software and although overwhelming at first once I got hold of teh basics it was a lot easier and quicker. First I removed the background of my images using the cut-out studio so that the images edges would be sharper.

Front Page

Contents Page

Double Page Spread

I then whitened their eyes using the dodge tool and even added make up to one of my models by using paint.

Front Page

Contents Page

Double Page Spread

Then I removed any blemishes to ensure they look flawless.

 Then it came down to enhancing and reducting certain areas of the girls bodies that magazines would change in order to fit on with that hyperreality image. For instance I enhanced certain areas of the body males find attractive. 

And I also removed certain parts that weren't smooth enough, and which wouldn't be considered as flawless. Using the thick/thin tool (which helped to either enhance or diminish a part of the picture) and the erase tool I was able to create a similar effect to the image as magazines such as Q and Vibe do.

I also wanted to brighten some images to create a more professional, polished look, as seen on the double page spread.

The disadvantages of Serif is that when manipulating the image you could not undo it unless you wanted to undo all of the previous manipulations you had already done to the image. Serif was acceptable in the sense that it got the basics done. However, photoshopping would have been a lot better and would have helped me create a more professional look as serif is not a professional software that would be used by major publishing houses. I realise now that editors control all aspects of the designing process especially the images, as they need to create an appropriate mode of address for their audience. Something which I have tried to demonstrate.

Having manipulated my images I could now begin the construction of my magazine pages. In doing this I used Microsoft Publisher. I enjoyed using this software as it made the construction a lot easier. Obviously compared to major publishing houses, this software was not at a hugh standard however it still managed to help make my final magazines as professional as possible. If any drawbacks, it would be that at times I would have preferred to type on Microsoft Word as my work would not be moved around that often tehrefore wasting valuable time. But all in all, as I had used the software before I was more familiar and therefore did not have to learn where everything was and what it did (as I did with Serif) and I was able finish my pages more efficiently.