Learning the basics to StudioWorks

 In order for me to publish a magazine, I would need at least any material or program to write it. That's why I was to learn about StudioWorks. After watching a couple videos, I finally got the hang of it. Here's a list of what I can do in StudioWorks:

-Creating a text box

-Adding pictures

-Creating a colored background

-Selecting fonts and sizes for text

-Identifying the gutter, trim, and bleed

-Using text wrapping

-Adding frames to pictures

-Drawing lines

-Flipping and Inverting an image

-Adding shadows to pictures

-Setting the transparency

-Adding gradients to either blocks or color made by text boxes, or shadows

Inspiration for ideas

The next step I took was seeking inspiration. I compiled a list of 10 business websites and observed different elements and compared them, such as fonts, colors, photography techniques, target audiences, and overall messages. One thing I learned is that if there's something that you want a reader to immediately notice, like a sale on a product, you should use bright and bold colors, with more graphic fonts that stand out, but is there's something that you don't want a viewer to see, for example a disclaimer, or the terms to be eligible for a certain sale on a product, you should use smaller fonts, and usually colors that don't really stand out, almost blending in.

Choosing a theme

Another step I took was choosing my theme. I had the choice of working alone or in a group.  After thinking for a while, I decided to work in a group. I also had to think about the type of magazine I wanted to publish. In order to decide my theme, I sought the advice of several peers, looked at my options, since I would have to take photos on my own, and looked at magazine examples in class. I was even given an assignment, the "10 Theme Ideas" assignment, and thanks to that, I chose to focus my magazine on school sports.

Getting started!

The first step I took in my magazine project was learning the very first basics of media studies:

-What media is:

Media is about communication [mass communication in fact]; its primarily used to deliver information to the public whether it is for educational purposes or persuasion or even entertainment. 

-How strong its influence is: 

Media is essentially all about people. If enough people believe it media can greatly impact society for the better or worse.

-What it is used for:

It can be used generally for spreading information, documenting events, entertainment, and education.

-And finally, I learned about the big 6: 

AT&T, CBS, Comcast, Disney, News Corp and Viacom.