Student Magazine Photos

When designing my student magazine, I had to ensure that I had a variety of good photos. I decided that the picture on the front cover had to be a medium close up with the main object/person situated to the right taking into consideration the rule of thirds. This is because, I wished for my student magazine to look as professional as possible. As well as that, so that I could easily design around the photo without it getting in the way.

This picture was considered to be on the front cover of my student magazine however, the angle the photo was taken wasn't relevant for a front cover photo. As well as this, the food included in the photo didn't look too appealing and distracted the audience of students to picking up and reading the magazine.

This picture was appropriate for student life but it was irrelevant for a front cover; it was posed and the people in the photo were looking down at a book. Research from other magazines suggests that if the person in the photo is looking out (bringing the effect of the person in the photo looking at you) it would influence the audience to pick it up and read as it has a form of persuasion and engagement.

This photo was good for the front cover of my student magazine as it was a medium close up with other students in the background socialising. This brought a light hearted effect and may of encouraged students to read the magazine. The reason I didn't use the photo for my front page was; it was awkward to position the left thirds as the focal point was on the left.

As a challenge, I could of gone against the 'traditional magazine layout' rules and place my left thirds on the right but I didn't wish to take the risk. As I am new to this topic, I'd rather develop my skills of creating a magazine for my music magazine. 

Student Magazine: Contents Page

When designing my student magazine contents page, it began to look more like a double page spread. Even though this did look like a double page spread, I remained to keep it as it was with slightly altered text so that it remained a contents page. Because of this, I remained observant on ensuring that it didn't go too off subject. 

Student Magazine Contents Page Drafting & Progress

The above screen shot shows the progress of my student magazine contents page. I have designed my contents page to have a professional outlook and impact the audience of South Downs college students. Further to this, I have decided to have a modern outlook as I felt that it would be more appealing for students. 

I have used a bold headline which ties into the colours of South Downs college so that it is recognisable and is remembered throughout future issues. 

The programme I am using to create my magazine is Adobe InDesign. When creating my magazine, I have lines and borders that help me to where I wish to position certain objects such as photos and text.

When creating something on Adobe InDesign, I use a sidebar which allows me to navigate around the software to construct my magazine. The sidebar gives me the option to add colour, shades, pages and text to what I am selecting.


This sidebar is also similar to the one to the right. However, it allows me to do more effects and create additional things that are appropriate to be in my student magazine. This sidebar allows me to make shapes, add text, move objects around the page, flip between pages and preview what I have already done. As well as a multiple of other things, this bar is highly important in the work I create.

Student Magazine Front Cover

I have taken into account the use of left thirds on my magazine front cover. As well as this I ensured that my cover picture was a medium close up of a student as this was the most appropriate way. 

To improve the front cover of my student magazine, I feel that I could add a logo to support the recognition of the magazine and to make it more appealing. Also, I would ensure that the person in the picture would be more posed, with facial expressions a little more vibrant. I feel that the font colour used in my left thirds is good as it is a similar colour to the magazine title.