Review- The Design Process

Review- The Design Process

Before Photoshop

Before beginning the editing process, I investigated into EMPIRE's layout and the tone of the film. I looked into the colour scheme of the fonts and the creams, which helps the readers see the writing without straining their eyes. 

I also picked out a photograph I would use for the poster, one in which both characters are shown in the photograph. The image above (top) was not only suitable for this but gave great depth for the film, summarising the fear and bravery of the protagonist. The depth of field suggests Jane's importance as a aspirational character and the influence she has over the character.

Editing Process

Proportion: In my design Process I began with blocking the image. I placed grey boxes measured to the size of the page (cm) in order to have to correct scale of my font. I used the 'Measure' and 'Snap' tools in order to give the correct measurements of the text boxes. 

Background: I used a white background to resemble the paper that would be used in the printing process. The grey tiles (mentioned above) helped give depth to the image and give an interesting layout to the article. I used the combination of these design elements as a skeleton, allowing me to experiment with the tone of the article without having to worry about the placement during the writing process. 

Main Title: I was able to use the selection tool which gave me the most accurate font colour possible. I went through the font options and matched the style of the font to the one seen in EMPIRE. I could not find an exact replica and instead focused on the art Deco style.

T: The letter 'T' enforced the font in 'At Cinemas' giving the article a house style that made it look professional and less distracting. 

Picture: I used the photo mentioned earlier and placed it in a similar style to the Revenant Review. I felt the combination of framing and placement in the article was pleasing to the eye and gave the reader the affirmation that this was a professional product in which they could trust the article at hand. 

Stars: I used a splash in my review in order to aim the magazine at my target audience better. I felt a splash would draw in the readers attention and give them insight into the review, and combined with the photo the tone of the article. 

Title: I placed the title above the stars to give prevalence to the film, connecting the rating to the name. This makes the review more remember able and stick in the readers mind afters viewing, allowing them to either recommend the film/ review to friends, or as an option to see it in the cinemas. 

Black Font: I decided on a neutral font that would not distract from the 'In Cinema' or the photo. I wanted the reader to be engaged in the text and felt that if the font was dramatic it would make the article harder to read and turn readers away. By choosing 'Goudy Old Style' as the font the text became easier to read, even when at a size pt. 

Black Lines: I used the black lines in a similar way to EMPIRE, enforcing the retro house style that my article is replicating. I used the shape tool to draw two lines, and then stretched a rectangle in order to get a thicker middle line. I placed these with the help of the Snap and Measure Tools           (blue lines) which helped me stay in proportion and framing during the editing process. 

Text and Tone: I went for a light-hearted tone that EMPIRE are known for using in their reviews. In 'The Revenant' Review, the writer uses the cliche 'Revenge is a dish best served cold' I decided to use these puns in my review, using the term 'Anything is possible'. I chose this because, like the Revenant review, it links into the films title and themes of the film. The Impossible Goal is about achieving the Impossible, and the themes of reaching a goal are spectacular.

Summary: I also used the cliche in the introduction, tiring in the tone and the colour theme of my article: 

I wanted to juxtapose the media typical idea of success and use it in a narrative that was realistic. I used the technique of listening whilst playing on 'Blood, Swat and Tear' to 'Mud, Sweat and Intense Pressure' to play on the psychological concepts of Stephanie's goals and the team that ignore her. 

Initials: I added initials at the end of the text in order to add as a bullet point at the end of the review. This signified the end of the review and gave the reader the personal touch of the writer.

Width of the white border: I kept a 5 cm gap between the border and the grey box in order to keep space for overspill and allow for the printing process to flow easier. 

Conclusion:Upon final inspection, I decided to change the font of 'In Cinemas' as readers felt it gave more of a circus vibe to the magazine. I realised that I could not find a font closer to the art décor of EMPIRE's so I went for a simplistic font. This helped reinforce the professional feel of the magazine.