Shannon Lewis | 3362 | A2 Media Studies

Friday, 29 November 2013

29/11/13 Update - Using Photoshop

In today's lesson, we had a lesson on how to use photoshop.
I learnt how to use the basics of the program, such as selecting a single object from an image and copying & pasting it onto a new page, using the filters and adjustments, and being able to change the size of the image .

Playing around with the image of Earth

I liked using the program and now I know how to create my digi pack and magazine page.

Wednesday, 20 November 2013

Ancillary task: Analysing CD covers

Jason Mraz - We sing, we dance. We steal things


This is the album cover to the album which includes my song 'Coyotes'.
Alice Kettle - Machine Embroidery
The design is simple and clear with a minimal amount of design. It shows that Mraz isn't too bothered about making his album glossy and revolved around him: the drawing of him (you can tell by the hat) looks as though a child has drawn it on Paint, giving it a childish, however still professional (modern art has become childlike due to how mediums are used).

The cover is just a plain black on white colour scheme, with the titles and picture centred. However the simpleness of this design can be still eye catching as the audience can quickly glimpse at it and know straight away that it is Mraz's CD. Also the plainness of it makes it stand out amongst the coloured CD's.











Jason Mraz - Love is a Four Letter Word



This cover is just as simple as the first one, in fact it has even less information than the other one: It doesn't include the title or the full album name. Also the word 'love' is not clear to read, as it is just made up of simple shapes and primary colours (and green), making it have a childish appearance. This again uses the effect of catching the audience eye by having it simpler to stand out. However this would effect the audience differently, as they would have to pick up the album add look at the back to see who it is by.


The back of the cover follows the theme of bright coloured text on white. Keeping it simple and plain.

It includes basic requirements of an album cover, such as the record label, website to visit, warnings of disposal and a bar code.

What I've noticed about this design, is that around the time it was selling, the cover was advertised everywhere on the internet. This shows that people may recognise the design, making them want to see it in person or buy it.






Jason Mraz - Mr A-Z


This album cover is older than the other two, which may go to show that he was able the have an extremely simple album cover, as he is a successful artist. This album cover compared to the other two has a real picture of Mraz in the centre showing the audience what he looks like. The design is a lot more fuller than the others as it has more going on: the picture of Mraz is on a photo card for an old fashioned slideshow with Jason Mraz's signature at the bottom left hand corner (making the name seem a bit insignificant) and the album name 'Mr.A-Z' large and coloured in with felt pen. I think that this would be again eye catching, as the image is framed and has a very casual yet unique feel to it.

 (Mr.A-Z pretty much says Mraz by the way, which I found awesome even though it took me awhile to realise it)


By analysing Mraz's previous album covers, I now have a better idea on how I can create mine based on Mraz's style: Simple yet creative and one of a kind.

Friday, 15 November 2013

15/11/13 Update

Today I managed to get a huge chunk of filming done today and some editing in last lesson.
I filmed Cristalle last light using the green screen, which turned out okayish; I used the small green screen, so it's slightly squashed. So learning from my mistakes, I used the large green screen to film Beth with.


 (I'm not that mean XD)

After moaning at Cristina for moving my camera about half way through filming  >:(   I went to film Tom's scene of him singing. First we went to get a cup of any-sort-of-hot-drink for him, as I needed to include it in his scene. It was stressful. I've never meet someone so indecisive of choosing a drink. In the end, I bought him a hot chocolate and we went of to film his scene in one of the music rooms. Ideally, I wanted to use the auditorium so I could use the lights to create silhouettes; in a lot of Mraz's music videos, silhouettes are used frequently. Tom did well and I managed to get some good footage.

Wednesday, 13 November 2013

13/11/13 Update

Today I've just been carrying on with editing my music video and trying to complete my storyboard (i've only got to colour it in!).


I've added on some more footage from what I've filmed Sunday of my friend's husky dog. My next stages are to film my singer and the green screen (hopefully get it done by the end of the week).

Tuesday, 12 November 2013

Ancillary Task - Analysing an existing website

The official One Republic website is simple and empty in design, creating a fresh appearance that is complimented by the CD cover inspired background. The layout is clear making it easy to use for the viewer, with its simple topic bar down the side and arrows to move images and text.


On the website the viewers are able to see news on the group on what they've been up to, what's their latest album, and when they are touring. You are also able to see clips of behind the scenes, live performances and the official music video to their single. They even include a page where the viewers/fans can buy merchandise.

The name of the band is in the style of their album logo on the top centre of the page, in line with the circle which shows the information when you click on either the arrows or labels. The heading suggests  how official the website is, as it is sophisticated and professional - pretty much like how the whole website is laid out.

Fans are also able to be part of the website by registering or logging in. This helps the fans get involved and keep updated on what is going on with the band.

The website includes a unique style of animals moving across the page everytime you click on a new slide. Again linking to the design of their latest album cover.


Wolf (band)
The music genre of the band in pop/rock and alternative rock. So does the style fit the genre? I'm not to sure if it does or not as it seems more concept based and not very 'rock like' - it's very peaceful probably because it is pop/rock making the tone of music calmer. However the animals the viewers of the website see popping up can be dangerous and are usually seen as iconic animals to rock because of their strength.

At the bottom of the page, it shows the sponsors, links to read terms and conditions, sign ups and 'follow us on' icons, such as  Facebook and twitter.

One Republic Website

Music Video of their 'Counting Stars song'


Album cover


Friday, 8 November 2013

8/11/13 Update

Today I uploaded the footage onto Final Cut and did some editing. I also added on the music so I could start editing properly.

I was going to film Tom today last lesson but after running around to find out if I could, I found out that it was in use. I asked Tom how learning the lyrics are going, but he says he is still struggling with the speed, however it doesn't matter too much if he doesn't get the whole song perfect as my music video is full of other scenes, so I'll only use the best bits.

Thursday, 7 November 2013

7/11/13 Update

Today I did some filming: I filmed the third coyote part for my video. The filming was successful and the actress performed really well without being camera shy. It didn't take us long and I believe I filmed enough for her part.

I'll soon need to film Tom's part and also the green screen bit with the coyotes, hopefully by next week.

Saturday, 2 November 2013

2/11/13 Update - FINALLY!!!!! :D

I have finally done it (not completed it) but I have drawn out my storyboard!!!
All I need to do with it now is to draw it in pen, colour it in, and write up the descriptions to each drawing.