The beginning to the end - A Portfolio

The media product I will be creating is a magazine for Cambridge AS Level Media Studies requirement.

  • Home
  • Preliminary Work
  • Research and Planning
  • Coursework Development
  • Creative Critical Reflection
    • Question 1
    • Question 2
    • Question 3
    • Question 4

 After months of hard work, I have finally able to finish my product.



Mockup from free picks and edited using Photoshop

Here is the flipbook link for easy accessibility: https://www.flipbookpdf.net/web/site/8db04e7b207a4d81eb1bd74c64ee24b3e2fa780c202504.pdf.html#page/1

Sometimes flip book links can expire soon. So I have decided to display the pages one by one.

Cover Page





Advertisement page and Editor's Note page



Contents page


Feature article page


Artisan's Page 1



Artisan's Page 2














 


The presentation was done in using Canva.Slides 1-9 Pictures taken from Canva royalty free images.

Slides 9-14 Original photos takes by me.

The YouTube link is below:


The text in the presentation is as follows:

How did your product use or challenge conventions and how does it represent social groups or issues?

By Sehansa Jayasuriya

The Issue
This heartbreaking image from Sri Lanka highlights the devastating impact of plastic pollution on wildlife.

In the center of the image, a lifeless elephant lies amidst a vast landfill filled with plastic waste.

Elephants, known for their intelligence and strong social bonds, often mistake plastic for food when scavenging in open dumps, leading to fatal consequences.

Sri Lanka, like many other countries, is facing growing concerns over improper waste disposal and its harmful effects on both the environment and local communities.

But now, I’ve noticed that people in my generation and even some from older generations are starting to care more about the waste we throw away.

For example, at my school, we have separate bins for different types of waste: plastics go in one, and cardboard and paper go in another. 
It’s a small step, but it shows that awareness is definitely growing.
Another promising example I’ve seen is the use of plastic bottles and polythene to make eco bricks.

This  how my magazine idea was born.
I wanted to create a space where others like me could find inspiration, learn new techniques, and realize that upcycling isn’t just about being crafty—it’s about creating a more sustainable and mindful lifestyle. 
It’s about giving new life to old things and showing that creativity can go hand in hand with caring for our planet.

How does my product(magazine) addresses this issue?
My magazine aims to educate readers about the potential of everyday materials, items that are often found at home or even on the street.
How they can be transformed into useful, beautiful products instead of being thrown away.
Showcasing like tin cans that can be converted into beautiful ear rings.
Convert cardboard into stunning Necklaces.
My magazine also  features The Artisan’s Corner, where readers are guided through step-by-step tutorials on how to turn waste items into stylish, eco-friendly creations.
It also showcases stunning products  created by different artists.

Conventions followed in my magazine
  • Masthead
  • Strapline
  • coverline
  • cover image
  • Bar code
  • color scheme
  • issue number and date

Conventions Challenged
I added a picture to the front that will be used for my magazine. 
reason: To attract audiences by changing the convention.
I also added a logo because  it draws the eyes when placed alongside the masthead.
Finally, the reason why I choose this cover image because the two different shapes has better contrast than the same type shapes.



 




Here is the link to  Question no 2 : https://emaze.link/@RYKPFDK/

Audience Engagement & Distribution (text only)
By Sehansa Jayasuriya

How I engaged with my audience
Pre production, Production and Post production

Pre production audience engagement
Created a Pin in Preterest and allowed my followers to comment it. I engaged with my audience by using surveys and research as the foundation of my magazine-making process.
Created polls using WhatsApp.
I engaged with my audience by using surveys and research as the foundation of my magazine-making process.DM to Facebook craft groups.

Production
Audience engagement - Behind-the-Scenes Sneak Peeks
I shared sneak peeks of some artisans' unfinished projects on Instagram and Pinterest as a way to spark curiosity and build anticipation among my followers.
These behind-the-scenes glimpses kept the audience engaged and excited about what’s coming in the magazine.

Post production audience engagement
My magazine focuses on the theme of DIY upcycle crafts, and while it was initially aimed at a more mature audience, I also want to engage younger readers. To do this, I plan to promote the magazine on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, which are effective ways to connect with a wider audience.
In addition, YouTube—being one of the most popular platforms today—offers a great opportunity to make the content more engaging. I could create a YouTube channel featuring interviews with the artisans involved, where they share their experiences and opinions on upcycling. This personal touch will bring the stories to life.

Distribution as a printed media.
I could also put out some examples of the magazine in stores in local bookstores, supermarkets, and newsagents. Craft fairs like Good market are excellent venues to distribute the magazine.

Distribution online
I could also put out some examples of the magazine in stores in local bookstores, supermarkets, and newsagents. Craft fairs like Good market are excellent venues to distribute the magazine.
Introduction
At the start of this project, I would describe myself as a complete novice in many areas. My writing abilities were still at a developing stage, especially when writing essays and articles. Those initial articles lacked imagination. Not only that, I was unfamiliar with software like Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign and before the production, my research skills were at minimum level. In addition to this, I also learned how to use the camera properly to get closer shots for different angles and the darker lighting when taking the photos. So, there were many production skills I learned throughout this project. The other important task I have learned is the proper time management.

Use of complex Software
Initially I started with using basic tools like 3D Paint and Canva, but eventually I learnt their limitations and introduced myself to more complex software. Using online tutorials and help of my teacher, I learnt how to use professional software like Adobe Photohop, InDesign and Illustrator which ensured high quality editing for my work. This further enhanced the quality of my work making it more appealing to the readers whilst the basic software wasn’t able to do so.



 

Using the Camera

Furthermore, I also gained a more in-depth knowledge of photography in general. I was not very familiar with all the properties of a professional camera and the composition a picture should have. Throughout my photoshoot I also learned a lot about lightning, photo angles and how to use lightbox for product photography.

Blog writing

Creating a blog was a major part to document my progress. I believe my abilities have grown with each and every blog, as shown by my preliminary tasks. My preliminary tasks demonstrate my growth and maturity throughout this course.

Time management, Mood board and Story board.

One of the things that helped the most throughout my magazine process was having a production schedule. When organizing and completing my production tasks, it was beneficial to have a time line as it not only allowed me to make sure I completed everything, but it ensured that deadlines were going to be met.


 

Using a story board and a mood board when creating the magazine offered me several advantages. A storyboard helped in visually planning the layout and sequence of pages, ensuring that articles, images, and advertisements flow beautifully throughout the publication.

On the other hand, a mood board helped me defining the color palette, typography, textures, and design style.

Enhanced research skills

By using my research skills, I was able to explore various craft magazines that were already published online. Visiting websites like www.issuu.com was especially helpful, as they allowed me to study different magazine layouts, analyze feature stories, and learn about the use of typography. This research gave me valuable insights into how craft magazines are designed.





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ABOUT ME

Hi, I'm Sehansa Jayasuriya and I'm a student at Ladies' College , Sri Lanka studying Cambridge media for my A-Levels. This is my journey of learning the ropes of media all presented through this blog.

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