PRACTICAL SKILLS

Practical skills, Production and Post production process

Under this section I will present production and post production process of my project development, as well as my final project

MY FINAL PROJECT

PRE-PRODUCTION

This is my production schedule and it displays the work that I plan to complete each week. I found this helpful as it organised my tasks in an understandable visual display

This section displays my pre-production for this project. I began with drafting my two poems which are the first pieces of literature in the magazine. I created two drafts for each poem, in order to craft and edit them to complete the final product. Whilst doing this, I also began the first drafts of my poetry page design, so I could begin to visualise what the final result would look like.

I then moved on to writing the first draft of my short story, in which I wrote two drafts including the final draft. I also wrote a plot structure to organise the story in a well-planned out way.

As I did previously, I began to start planning out the design for my short story page and created a few drafts for this.

I tried to make sure I was receiving continuous feedback from my tutors during this process in order to understand what is going well and what I needed to improve.

My next step was to draft my feature article and use relevant structures to write it.

After I had completed the first and second drafts of my feature article, I planned to begin my evaluation.

Plot Outline for short story

Story structure of poetics:

Dramatic action: Main character arriving in Los Angeles, seeking out a new beginning.

Inciting incident: It is revealed that the main character has lost her baby, and is suffering immensely with her thoughts

Objective: Main character makes her way to a large bridge, intending to jump off to end her suffering

Recognition: She realises that she is once again pregnant, and life is worth living in order to keep her baby safe

Reversal: She steps off the bridge and comes to the conclusion that this is her new beginning.

I used the poetics plot structure as my short story has less of a traditional plot and includes poetic language, therefore this structure would be the best fit.

According to Aristotle, the plot is the most important element of a story or drama — it is what ties all of the components together and allows us to follow the narrative. He defines plot as "the arrangement of incidents" within a story. Aristotle stresses that plots should be structured logically and in a manner that follows a beginning, middle, and end

Design Layout plan

As part of my pre-production, I decided to design a rough estimate of what I wanted my front cover to look like using lines and shapes. Forming an idea before making my finished design helped me to follow a structure and understand how I could effectively create a front cover that catches the eye of the reader and makes them more inclined to delve into the content itself.

Text in all four corners creates a balance and doesn't disrupt the main image. Causes reader to divert their eyes to read each bit of information.

Circle-shaped centre focus point of the cover. Draws attention to the design immediately. The round shape softens the bold title, which creates a harmonising contrast.

Title curved around the centre image. Draws everything together and connects the most important aspects of the cover.

Use of different kinds of shapes brings the piece together as a whole

PRODUCTION

Writers Journey

The initial concept for my project idea was to create a magzine for teenagers that speaks freely about the topic of mental health, and how it affects teenagers. Personally, a magzine is my preffered form of media and I wanted to create something of my own. I am also very passionate about mental health and believe we as a society shoul be actively trying to lessen the stigma around talking about it.

'A Fib in a Fable' Poem first draft

Second draft/Final product

Seven years old, lost in the dreamy haze of life,
Hearing princess tales, each night like a knife.
Beauty, a beast, a prince to save the day,
Books on the shelf, gathering dust, they lay.

Fourteen and still, no princess grace,
Insecurities hidden behind a delicate lace.
This princess desires her tower's embrace,
Drowning in doubts, a timid disgrace.

Sixteen, she swallows the poisoned apple's sting,
Drinking, smoking, trying anything to cling.
Revisiting Sleeping Beauty, a familiar fling,
But waking to her own nightmare, a bitter zing.

Her knight in shining armor, a harsh confrontation,
Not the hero she dreamed, just a rude aberration.
Back to age seven, drowning in frustration,
Realizing those tales were just a fleeting sensation,
A flicker of hope in life's cruel inundation.

Seven years old and enthralled by the hopeful nature of life
Seven princess stories read to her every night.
A beauty, a beast, and a saviour prince
Such books have been stored away,
Not been dusted since.

Fourteen years old
Still no princess face
Timorous imperfections wrapped up in lace.
This princess would like to remain in her tower
Caught up in self-doubt
An eternal chance to cower

By Sixteen she had consumed the poisoned apple
Drinking and smoking
Anything she could grapple

A re-read of Sleeping Beauty had much appeal,
Though waking up to her living nightmare
Seemed such a bad deal

At last she was greeted by her knight in shining armour
Though no knight he was
A brash reminder of karma

Seven years old again
She pleaded with pain
No wonder they were only stories
A glimpse of fictional hope
In a shower of rain

Tutor feedback

I took the suggestions and feedback from my tutor and made a few tweaks in my final edit. It was helpful to understand the reason why certain aspects of my poem weren't flowing as well. It was also good to know that the theme of this poem had been conveyed in the way I wanted it to.

When writing my second draft, I added some more lines to the poem, in order to portray my theme of mental health effectively. I also tweaked some of the language in order for the poem to flow better and become more engaging for the reader

'Labyrinth' Poem first draft

In youth's bright dawn, I wander free,
Through paths unknown, unsure, yet key.
With dreams as vast as skies above,
I journey on with hope and love.

But shadows lurk within my mind,
yearning and trepidation , a constant bind.
Through twists and turns, I find my way,
Struggling to see such light of day.

In this impenetrable maze of highs and lows,
I search for peace, where chaos grows.
Mental storms, they rage and roar,
Yet still I strive for something more.

I learn to breathe, to slow my pace,
To find calm within this race.
To cherish moments, big and small,
To rise again each time I fall.

So here I am, young and unafraid,
Navigating this escapade.
With courage strong, though battles steep,
I'll face each challenge, rise and leap.

For in this journey, wild and true,
I'll find myself, both old and new.
Through struggles faced, and lessons learned,
I'll grow and bloom, my spirit yearning for liberty.

'Labyrinth' Poem second draft

In youth's bright dawn, I wander free,
Through paths unknown, unsure, yet key.
With dreams as vast as skies above,
I journey on with hope and love.

But shadows lurk within my mind,
yearning and trepidation , a constant bind.
Through twists and turns, I find my way,
In beds of worry which I lay

In this impenetrable maze of highs and lows,
I search for peace, where chaos grows.
Mental storms, they rage and roar,
Yet still I strive for something more.

I learn to breathe, to slow my pace,
To find calm within this race.
To cherish moments, big and small,
To rise again each time I fall.

So here I am, young and unafraid,
Navigating this escapade.
With courage strong, though battles steep,
I'll face each challenge, rise and leap.

For in this journey, wild and true,
I'll find myself, both old and new.
Through struggles faced, and lessons learned,
.A twist of fate will soon turn

Short Story First Draft

A new beginning. People used to tell me that was what I needed. A new beginning is what is happening now, isn't it?

My newly freckled cheeks bathe in the pure Los Angeles sunlight as I leer at the bustling crowds of young, fresh faces across the boulevard. I envy the innocence and purity of the gaggle of girls, arms interlocked, golden hair swishing back and forth like gossiping trees in the wind. Their blissful naiveté is something I lust for once again, a fresh sense of ignorance keeping my urges at bay. My mind is infected with the peril I have endured and the violence that has corrupted my once innocent soul. I can still hear my own shrieks echoing across the sickening off-white room in which I was situated—the kind of white I now associate with pain.

I can still feel the cold sweat inching down my forehead, nurses clutching on to me as if they had an ounce of affection in their scrub-covered soul. The smell of blood still burns my nostrils as I remember that day. They say death is the price of love; however, I disagree. Love is a cruel execution, and I am the executioner.

Watching such nonchalant societal normality only fed the roaring flames inside my head. I have been a forest fire. And I am a forest fire. And I am the fire, and I am the forest, and I am the people watching it. My baby was the fresh, pure water needed to extinguish my never-ending sparks, to combine our elements, and to harbor peace.

So, here I am. I was desperately attempting to contain my tears, seeking out a new life. I am without my baby, yet I still feel as if she is coddled in my arms—her cold, lifeless body is unsuccessful at taking away from the unconditional beauty I knew she held.

I reluctantly swung my legs out of the taxi, instantly missing the warmth of the worn seats and the stench of cigarette smoke that engulfed me in a blanket of nostalgia. The colossal palm trees towered above me and mocked my cowering stance as I stood underneath them. Once I began walking, it was as if I couldn't stop—a temporary distraction from the shrieking bloody mess that had set up camp in the front of my mind. Once I reached my destination, a sense of peace washed over me, smoothing out my frown lines and raising the edges of my mouth, much like a puppet on a string.

Short Story Second Draft

A new beginning. People used to tell me that was what I needed. A new beginning is what is happening now, isn't it?

My newly freckled cheeks bathe in the pure Los Angeles sunlight as I leer at the bustling crowds of young, fresh faces across the boulevard. I envy the innocence and purity of the gaggle of girls, arms interlocked, golden hair swishing back and forth like gossiping trees in the wind. Their blissful naiveté is something I lust for once again, a fresh sense of ignorance keeping my urges at bay. My mind is infected with the peril I have endured and the violence that has corrupted my once innocent soul. I can still hear my own shrieks echoing across the sickening off-white room in which I was situated—the kind of white I now associate with pain.

I can still feel the cold sweat inching down my forehead, nurses clutching on to me as if they had an ounce of affection in their scrub-covered soul. The smell of blood still burns my nostrils as I remember that day. They say death is the price of love; however, I disagree. Love is a cruel execution, and I am the executioner.

Watching such nonchalant societal normality only fed the roaring flames inside my head. I have been a forest fire. And I am a forest fire. And I am the fire, and I am the forest, and I am the people watching it. My baby was the fresh, pure water needed to extinguish my never-ending sparks, to combine our elements, and to harbor peace.

So, here I am. I was desperately attempting to contain my tears, seeking out a new life. I am without my baby, yet I still feel as if she is coddled in my arms—her cold, lifeless body is unsuccessful at taking away from the unconditional beauty I knew she held.

I reluctantly swung my legs out of the taxi, instantly missing the warmth of the worn seats and the stench of cigarette smoke that engulfed me in a blanket of nostalgia. The colossal palm trees towered above me and mocked my cowering stance as I stood underneath them. Once I began walking, it was as if I couldn't stop—a temporary distraction from the shrieking bloody mess that had set up camp in the front of my mind. Once I reached my destination, a sense of peace washed over me, smoothing out my frown lines and raising the edges of my mouth, much like a puppet on a string.

The tips of my toes hovered over the ledge of the bridge, and cold, sharp air whistled profanities as I took a deep inhale. ‘One foot after the other’ is what I told myself. One after the other.

Just as I was about to plummet to my previously determined fate, my stomach began to cramp, as if something had made its way into my womb. I stepped off the ledge and immediately began to cradle my stomach. Another cramp—kick-like. My baby had come back to me, by my side, at last. I prayed to a God that I did not believe in and reveled in my new-found thaumaturgy. This was my new beginning.

DEVELOPMENTS

In order to develop this story I focused on the main theme I wanted to convey and how I could structure it effectively. This is why when making changes in my second draft, I added a paragraph in order to piece together the story.I found that this development added a conclusion and allowed the story to flow better.

Feature Article first Draft

Hey, young minds! Let's dive into a crucial topic that affects many of us: mental health. In recent years, there has been a concerning rise in mental health challenges among young people, casting a shadow on our well-being. From the pressures of daily life to the impact of social media, various factors have contributed to the worsening state of our mental health.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health conditions are becoming more prevalent among young individuals globally. The demands of academic success, the influence of social media, economic uncertainties, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have all added layers of stress and anxiety to our lives, making it harder to navigate our emotions and mental well-being.

The digital world, especially social media platforms, has become a double-edged sword for many of us. While it connects us with others, it also exposes us to unrealistic standards, cyberbullying, and constant comparison. The pressure to portray a perfect life online can lead to feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, and anxiety, impacting our mental health in profound ways.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further compounded these challenges. The disruption of routines, social isolation, and uncertainties about the future have heightened feelings of stress and anxiety among young people. It's okay to feel overwhelmed during these unprecedented times, and it's essential to acknowledge our emotions and seek support when needed.

So, what can we do to protect and nurture our mental health? First and foremost, let's start talking about it. Opening up to trusted friends, family members, or mental health professionals can help us process our feelings and find support. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Schools and educational institutions also play a vital role in supporting our mental well-being. By offering mental health education, access to counselors, and creating safe spaces for open discussions, they can help us build resilience and coping strategies to navigate life's challenges.

In conclusion, our mental health matters, and it's essential to prioritize self-care and seek help when needed. By fostering open conversations, building supportive communities, and advocating for mental health resources, we can work together to stop the worsening trend of young people's mental health challenges. Let's stand together, support one another, and navigate this journey with empathy and resilience.

Feature Article second Draft

Hey, young minds! Let's dive into a crucial topic that affects many of us: mental health. In recent years, there has been a concerning rise in mental health challenges among young people, casting a shadow on our well-being. From the pressures of daily life to the impact of social media, various factors have contributed to the worsening state of our mental health.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health conditions are becoming more prevalent among young individuals globally. The demands of academic success, the influence of social media, economic uncertainties, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have all added layers of stress and anxiety to our lives, making it harder to navigate our emotions and mental well-being.

The digital world, especially social media platforms, has become a double-edged sword for many of us. While it connects us with others, it also exposes us to unrealistic standards, cyberbullying, and constant comparison. The pressure to portray a perfect life online can lead to feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, and anxiety, impacting our mental health in profound ways.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further compounded these challenges. The disruption of routines, social isolation, and uncertainties about the future have heightened feelings of stress and anxiety among young people. It's okay to feel overwhelmed during these unprecedented times, and it's essential to acknowledge our emotions and seek support when needed.

So, what can we do to protect and nurture our mental health? First and foremost, let's start talking about it. Opening up to trusted friends, family members, or mental health professionals can help us process our feelings and find support. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Schools and educational institutions also play a vital role in supporting our mental well-being. By offering mental health education, access to counselors, and creating safe spaces for open discussions, they can help us build resilience and coping strategies to navigate life's challenges.

Moreover, policymakers and communities must prioritize mental health funding and resources to ensure that young people have access to affordable and quality mental health services. By investing in early intervention and destigmatizing mental health conversations, we can create a culture of support and understanding for those struggling with mental health issues.

In conclusion, our mental health matters, and it's essential to prioritize self-care and seek help when needed. By fostering open conversations, building supportive communities, and advocating for mental health resources, we can work together to stop the worsening trend of young people's mental health challenges. Let's stand together, support one another, and navigate this journey with empathy and resilience.

Magazine Design using Canva

My inspiration for my overall magazine design was to create something bold and bright, in order to catch an audience's eye. I also wanted it to have both vintage and modern elements. I began with creating the front cover. Below I have included the steps I took to create the cover. I used the app 'Canva' as my software choice as it is easy to navigate and is accessible, as well as including a range of templates that I used for inspiration.

I began with creating my background. I chose a solid colour as the base, then added a gradient orange circle in the center.

I found the circle gradient within the 'graphics' section. It has a range of graphics that you can simply drag on to your page and adjust the size/colour.

I chose a light orange in order to compliment my overall colour scheme

My next step was to insert my center image. I aquired this photo from pinterest and removed the background using the app 'Picsart'

The 'cutout', 'select', and outline options on Picsart that I used

My next step was to add all of the text. I kept the colour of the writing black as it appears more bold and eye-catching, and used a few different Canva fonts.

In order to create the curved effect for the title, I used the effects feature and selected 'curve text'. Below I have included some screen grabs of the features.

I adjusted the amount of curve to my liking and made sure that the title was still easy to read.

Finally, I added some more details, such as a banner and description of the mgazine contents at the top. I did this by using the preset shapes that canva offers, and changing the colour as I did previously. This is the final design that I was happy with as it comes across as virbrant, eye catching and unique, as well as including different elements from each of my inspiration photos.

First Drafts/other variants of cover

Before I created the final product/draft of my cover, I created three initial ideas. Below I have attached the images of them and what I did/didn't like about each of them.

This was the first cover draft that I designed. It isn't a bad first attempt, although I felt like there was something missing. The white, black spaces and muted colours didn't correlate with the vibe I was aiming for with my magazine, and I didn't think it would be that eye-catching to young people, however I do like the bold font of the title

This cover is similar to my final design, except the background is different. I had fun playing around with different textured backgrounds as I felt like it was an interesting design choice, although I felt like it took away from the main focus of the cover, which is the title and image and made it seem too overcrowded.

Again, this is similar to my final design, though I didn't choose this one due to the background colour. I do like the gradient effect, although the colour scheme seemed a bit out of place, and the fonts didn't pair well together.

As I created the inside pages of my magazine, I used the same techniques I demonstrated above. This included removing the background of images, using gradient backdrops, and using a range of fonts.

POST-PRODUCTION

Problems and Solutions

My main problems when it came to the production of my project was drafting my stories and making improvements. I tackled this issue by getting feedback from my tutor and my peers in order to get a second opinion and identify what I have done well and what I need to improve.

My other main problem was time management, and making sure I had enough time to complete all aspects of my project. The solution to this problem was to create a schedule to outline what needed to be completed and when.

Finally, the last problem I had was technical issues. My Canva software would often glitch and almsot crash, which was a worry for me when it came to saving my work. I overcame this problem by contacting my dad, who is an experet at IT and technology concerens, and he helped me reboot the app and backup my work.

Feedback

Short Story feedback:

Tutor Feedback:

That is a very clever little story - to get that much emotional impact in such a short story is a real skill - I think it could be even sharper and shorter even, but you have done a great job. It is an emotive and interesting storyline. Think about the language of the character when writing in the 1st person - sometimes you may need to pull back - not often and that is why certain lines stick out. If it is a supernatural ending perhaps there is room to continue the story - up to you. Works as is, but equally, as an opening chapter...?