(on printing, binding, layout/aesthetics)
I did originally state that I hoped to print a spiral bound version of the publication, but then also a normal stitched version just to ensure all went to plan. However, my print slot did not go according to plan as the only slot available was with a new student print-room worker who was still getting to grips with the machinery. This posed a problem for me as I ended up only being able to afford one copy of the publication and their were some minor issues which had to be resolved.
I stayed with the normal 120gsm matte stock used for the main body pages of the publication, however my delivered stock for the cover pages from GF Smith was unusable due to printer compatibility and then too many wrong print settings set by the student-worker. This meant I had to settle with a normal 200gsm matte stock which once bound together, wasn't too much of an issue. Due to time restraints in my print slot and all the setting testers the student had to go through I was unable to get the small glossy lookbook printed there and then double sided, instead I settled for 270gsm gloss paper single sided due to busy-ness on the printers. This was something I had to downgrade to however again, you wouldn't know any different upon initial viewings. I also realised through trimming and the binding process afterwards that I also had pages 3-4 printed on a different gsm stock. This was a fault of the student in the print room which I couldn't get changed due to there being no-slots but I can analyse from this that I need to be more proactive with my printing to leave enough time for adjusting faults before the deadline in the future.
As I only could afford one copy to get printed, I had to ensure this was the final version! But thanks to the higher weighted paper used and the more accurate use of guides to cut the holes out for the binding, it did work very effectively whilst looking very professional. The white spirals did appear much more in-sync with the publication than the black ones. The black appeared too shiny and tacky, whilst the white stayed consistent with the white page colour and did not defer the attention from the content on each page. I was initially worried about the process of binding because of the tedious process of cutting each hole individually with a scalpel. But it proved to be very efficient and rather easy to do upon the use of proper stock and a sharpened scalpel, adding more of a hand-made feel with more of a complex twist on spiral binding, complimenting it being a luxurious lifestyle editorial mag without being too glossy or flash; thus satisfying the diverse audience of young people who listen and are getting involved with the dance music industry.
My layout for the publication does appear consistent throughout being very legible and readable thanks to the setting /alignment of text on the page. Although I did use a varying grid, it was only for title pages so didn't cause a problem in my eyes or the people of whom I got my feedback from. From my feedback it did become apparent that these pages actually split the publication up well, enhancing the negative space. The type used sets the correct visual mood for the style of magazine I was going for, also satisfying readability, etc. The use of the same type for main body aswell as a bold version for titles did enhance the consistency. Looking back at it now the magazine articles do feature a lot of hyphens splitting words up on different lines, which was down to the justified type alignment I used. I did attempt to rid some of these but due to the small column widths and varying word lengths I didn't follow it through. This is something that I'd like to look into and find out how to avoid/sort this problem out with my editorial design.
People picked up on the inclusion of a more personal ad for my growing collective 'DesignersWhoDj.' and they were complimentary on how I linked he article and the two modules together for more exposure. It appears rather professional and advertises how to get involved well! The rest of the magazine flows well including the various articles from Seth Troxler and his opinions on the music industries, festivals, drugs and the environment which are all featured articles which would attract the stated target audience for a quick read. Feedback suggested the simplicity of the cover but the content behind it would immediately attract the right people to it and the choice of type for the 7" was well justified down to having the most character in letterform.
Other points which people picked up were the fact the content pages take you to the start of actual article not the title page, but I can justify this through being similarly modelled on the sample mags I researched from.
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