PHOTOSHOP PROCESS

I created an A4 document (as this is the size of typical print media) and placed my cover image into it. Using the move and transform tools I adjusted the size on the image to make it easier to work with.

This gave me a larger image, making it easier for me to see the edges of her hair and shoulders.

I used the quick selection tool to select the background of the image as I wanted a different setting in the background. I inverted this selection so it became a selection of her instead.

I used the refine edge tool to clean up the selection, making her hair more defined and giving it a more professional look.

This gave me a cut out which I could manipulate better. It would also show the background once I put it in.

I then placed the background behind her and used the move tool and transformations to change the part of the image shown.

I edited the background as the brighter colours did not work well with my theme and genre. I did this using varius adjustments including hue & saturation, curves and brightness & contrast.

I did the same for the other image, trying to match the colours as best I could.

This worked to some degree however there was still a few harsh lines, to overcome this I applied a lens flare filter over both layers to combine the two better.

Behind the image of her head I put the masthead of the magazine, as this arrangement is a typical convention of all magazines not just specific to music.

I then added the main cover line using the same font as my masthead.

I then added a drop shadow to give a better more professional effect and to make the text clearer.

I then began to add more cover lines to fill up space and give more information about the content of the magazine. I mentioned that this was the first issue and was free, to entice more readers, I also included the “win” to help with this also.

This gave me my final cover page which I feel fits my genre and meets the production plans I had put together as best I could manage.