Research

Action Plan

Week	Focus	Tasks	Needs
1	Planning and research	- Outline the Brief - Annotate 3 front covers and 3 contents pages of current/existing school/college magazines. - Show initial thoughts and ideas – aspects of the magazine – good and bad features	- Access to the internet - Analytical skills - Show organisation in planning and presenting my initial thoughts and ideas.
2	Production and audience needs	- Questionnaires + photography	- Audience. - Book space to use the green screen. - Get a camera.
3	Editing and drafting	- Image manipulation - Produce a mock-up and outline the content – basis for development.	- Access to IT.
4	Feedback and redrafting	- Consider other’s opinions and listen to input, then redraft to improve.	- Access to IT.
5	Editing and completion	- Develop a final piece and insert original images etc.	- Access to IT.

Initial thoughts and ideas

Initial thoughts and ideas 

Is there a gap in the market for school/college magazines?

I think that schools and colleges expect their students to know news and opportunities in and around their work place, but in fact maybe they aren't so informed. Within the school or college students may be oblivious to what’s going on and to make sure everyone is offered the same opportunities I think that a magazine directly for students should be produced. Not only to gain information about what’s upcoming but about recent events that the students would take an interest in reading about.
There is a gap in the market for school/college magazines that are directly aimed at their students. I think that a magazine aimed at this specific age group would thrive from the input and contribution of the students themselves, this will assure the magazine is going to be a hit and can continue In series.
To make the magazine appealing, a different format should be applied than to a magazine aimed at parents; too much information will possibly loose interest from this younger audience, they look for a flash of colour to interest them. Also images of the students themselves will give them a reason to pick up the magazine. The layout has to be effective, a younger audience doesn't so much mind a busy layout but simplicity is key, the magazine needs to be upbeat and easy to read.

Preliminary task brief

Brief

Overall my task is to produce the front cover and contents page of a new school/college magazine. First an action plan is to be created so that time is organised effectively. Research will need to take place in order to gain knowledge of the target market in order to complete my task to suit their needs and interests; research should identify whether there is a gap in the market for this type of magazine. A mock up of each should specify the layout and organisation of the pages. Original images must be used; an image manipulation program is required to complete the task as well as the application of creative and organisational skills. An evaluation at the end of the process will show clear understanding of what has been achieved or what hasn't.