Indesign Trial Layout

I have put together a very simple layout design on Adobe Indesign, I mostly did this to learn a bit more about the software and how to use the paragraph styles tab. Here is an image below of what I created:

I started a new digital publishing document, designed for an Ipad landscape. I increased the size of the margins, as it is an app and also added columns and guide lines.

I then pressed the window drop down menu and clicked styles- paragraph styles and this box came up:

As you can see, I have created a few layers with slightly different characteristics according to he text type. I adjusted these paragraph styles by double clicking the layer.

The image above shows where I chose font, type size, kerning, leading, etc. I also made sure that hyphenating was off on each section.

These paragraph styles were created because it is a lot easier to click that specific style, according to what section you are writing throughout the production process. It means that you don't need to keep recreating the same styles when writing more in the same theme. For example when writing the main body text, this should be the same throughout the whole book so it looks more professional and put together, this is made a lot easier using this method.

Vintage Effect on Photoshop

I have researched and looked into creating a vintage effect on an image in Adobe Photoshop. I found a website that had clear step by step instructions on how to do this. Here is the link: http://www.digitalartsonline.co.uk/tutorials/photoshop/vintage-effects-photos/#10

It gives the effect that a newly taken photo, was taken back in the 60's without looking too processed. Here is the image I took off the website above, demonstrating this effect:

Although this looks like an old photo, there is an Iphone in the image which proves this was actually taken fairly recently!

I decided that I would like to give this ago myself, so I chose a new image and tried my own example. Here is the before photo below:

This is the after result from all the effects that I added:

I used many different adjustment layers including; lens correction, noise, high pass, hue/saturation, curves, levels and contrast. These all create a vintage effect and makes the image look a lot older and therefore not as good quality, as this would be correct at this time.

60's Fashion Research

The theme of this project is 'The 60's'! I have chosen to especially look at 60's fashion, and also magazine covers of this time. Below I have a screenshot of my sketchbook, which shows some fashions and outfits that were popular in this day. For example I have included coloured tights, shift dresses, mini skirts, pointed shoes, bold patterns and flowey sleeves.

On the image below I have put together a mood board of many different 60's magazine covers. I have included models such as Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton, who were very popular supermodels in this time. In many of the images it also shows the dress code, style and makeup that was favoured in the 60's and how it is presented on the magazine covers.

London Museum Trip

Yesterday, our publishing group travelled to London to visit the Victoria and Albert museum, specifically to see the 60's Revolution exhibition. This started at around 2, so had some time before and after to explore other London museums, for example I also went to the Natural History Museum, as well as the Science Museum. Here are some pictures that I took during the day:

I really enjoyed the 60's Revolution exhibition because I like the music and especially the festival section within the exhibit. It was created so it felt like you were in a 60's festival, with live music and bean bags on the floor. It was also interesting seeing the different outfits that 60's stars wore and the scandals that happened during that time as well.

I also thought the Natural History Museum was fascinating, seeing all the dinosaur and extinct animals/mammals skeletons that use to live on earth.

Business Side of Publishing

There are three main stages in the book production process;

• Copy-editing- this involves reviewing the manuscript for grammar, spelling mistakes and consistency.

• Book page design and layout- this is where an overall design direction for the book is created and a prototype is printed.

• Book printing, binding and shipping- books are printed and stapled or bound, then books are packed and shipped.

The potential set backs that I could come across during this process would be either a spelling mistake or a grammar issue in the first stages of production, however this can easily be resolved and sent back with the corrections made. Also when a prototype is made, there could be a problem with the design element of the book, or a layout error where the printer cuts off the sides. This again can be corrected by having another sample copy made, until I am happy with the final book.

I have researched that it is best to publish a book under your publishing company rather than under your name. This is because it grants you legal and financial protection and this means that money cannot be taken from you personally and instead your company if anything goes wrong.

Ways you can get your book sold in a well-known book store;

Pay a substantial amount of money to have your book on their shelves.

^ Taken from another blog linked here.

Although, you can register to have your book on an online book shop like Amazon. However a lot of actual book shops do now request to go through their head office. Below I have another screenshot form a website linked here.

This shows my research on the process of getting your book into a well known book shop.

Other ways I can get my book out there are on online shops and having simple advertising on social media sites and maybe a video ad on youtube for the promotion of my book. This would also spread the word and eventually if people buy the book online, they can write reviews.

Makeup Book Research

This is the start of my makeup book research. Below is a picture of what I drew in my sketchbook, along with a variety of ideas that I came up with that relates to my product. For example, I thought about including blank face charts at the back of the book, so that the audience can come up with their own makeup looks and draw it onto the template. 

I have also looked at other makeup related books on the market that could be a competitor. My research showed that the best selling makeup books were; Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual, Be Beautiful, Jemma Kidd Makeup Secrets and Rae Morris Express Makeup. A lot of these include step by step instructions and in a detailed written order. Although, my book would only give certain tips and techniques rather than a how to process, as I think this way of learning is quite old fashioned and a more photographed guide would be a lot more appropriate. However saying this, it could separate my book from the market and be something new and exciting for makeup lovers!

I also found that there are makeup books on the market that are aimed towards teenagers, which shows makeup techniques that suit young skin and the potential damages of wearing a lot of makeup at a young age. I am going to include a teenage chapter within my book, showing makeup looks suitable for a younger audience. For example, looks with just lipgloss, blush and eyeshadow, rather than eyeliner and mascara, as this is a bit too intricate.

Target Audience Research

This is my secondary research on the target audience for my book. I looked at other similar books already out on the market and found out the main readers of the most popular authors. A book that I found was really popular was; Bobbi Brown, Teenage Beauty: Everything You Need to Look Pretty, Natural, Sexy and Awesome. Cliff Street Books, New York, 2000.

This book is specifically aimed towards teenagers, which shows that there are a lot of teenagers that are interested in this type of book. This would mean that they could also like my beauty handbook, as well as a lot of other age ranges. This is because the Mini Makeup Handbook would have chapters for all different age groups, including teenagers and older women.

My book would have a positive outlook on beauty for teenager girls. It would show how to apply makeup correctly, without encouraging the readers that they actually need it. It will also have an almost conversational tone, so everyone can understand the text clearly and easily.

This again would attract a more younger audience, however there will be a variety of models throughout the book from younger girls, to older women in their 40-50's. Also showing face charts on all, for the readers follow the tips and techniques. It will include very simple, easy looks that can take just 5 minutes and more difficult, dramatic looks which would take a bit longer. Therefore, it is aimed at any ability level, from beginner to professional.

This book is going to be advertised as a staple for girls of all ages, teaching teenagers the basics and older women on how to do certain looks or wanting to try something new. Also finding out what colours and looks suit them, according to age and skin tone.

Business Product Idea

Our task is to come up with a publishing related product, develop a business plan and bring it to market. I have decided to go for something along a topic that I'm really interested in. I am going to create a photographic book which includes makeup template images and actual photographs of people with that specific makeup look. It will include chapters on looks for all ages and skin colours, as well as what is best for them and what colours compliment their skin tone.

The book would not be a step by step how to guide, however it would include tips and information on certain colour combinations etc. For example below I found this face chart on Google Images:

I would use these on each page showing the look designed on a template, then on the opposite page a photo of a real person with that same look to show the audience what it looks like on skin. Below is an example of a filled out template:

On the same page of the chart is where I would write the main body text and then just have the next page a full photograph like this one below:

My target audience would be mainly girls ages 15 onwards who are interested in makeup, on the other hand it is also aimed towards older women who would like some tips on how to apply makeup and what suits their skin type best. It could also give these types of people inspiration to try something new.