Types of Software that can be used

Beginner-Friendly (Easy to Use): 

Microsoft Word / PowerPoint

• Easy to use with text and images

• Good for quick, simple posters

• Available in most schools and offices

Google Docs / Google Slides

• Free and web-based

• Great for collaboration

• Simple but effective for basic posters

Intermediate/Creative Use: 

Adobe Express (formerly Spark)

• Templates, photos, animations

• More creative flexibility

• Great for online or printable posters

Professional Design Software: 

6. Adobe Photoshop

   • Industry standard for graphic design

   • Full control over images, text, effects

   • Great for high-quality, detailed posters

7. Adobe Illustrator

   • Ideal for vector graphics and typography

   • Best for print-quality design work

   • Used for posters, logos, and branding

8. Inkscape (free alternative to Illustrator)

   • Vector-based design tool

   • Great for sharp, scalable poster designs

Main Purposes of Invite Design:

1. To Provide Key Details
   Includes the what, when, where, and who of an event—clearly and neatly.
   
   

2. To Attract Attention
   A well-designed invite catches the eye and creates excitement or curiosity about the event.
   
   

3. To Set the Tone or Theme
   The design gives a sense of what kind of event it is—formal, fun, casual, professional, etc. (e.g. wedding vs birthday party vs business launch).
   
   

4. To Encourage Attendance
   It’s meant to make people want to come—by being appealing, informative, and welcoming.
   
   

5. To Represent the Host or Brand
   Especially for business or formal events, the invite reflects the style, professionalism, or personality of the person or group hosting.

layout is super important in how a gaming magazine promotes itself and keeps readers engaged. Here's how the use of layout plays a role:

📐 1. Clear Structure and Navigation

• A well-organised layout helps readers quickly find what they’re interested in – news, reviews, previews, tips, etc.
  
  

• Headings, subheadings, and clear section dividers break the content into digestible chunks.
  
  

🖼️ 2. Visual Hierarchy

• Larger images and bold headlines are used to draw attention to key features, like the cover story or exclusive interviews.
  
  

• Fonts, sizing, and positioning help guide the eye through the page in a smooth, intentional way.
  
  

🕹️ 3. Balance of Text and Image

• Gaming mags rely on lots of screenshots, concept art, and character images. The layout ensures visuals don’t overwhelm the text – they complement it.
  
  

• Pull-quotes, captions, and text boxes add extra info without making the page feel crowded.
  
  

🧭 4. Interactive Feel

• Some mags use sidebars, mini-sections, or icons to make the page feel dynamic and game-like.
  
  

• Layouts that mimic in-game menus or HUDs can add to the immersive vibe.
  
  

🎯 5. Highlighting Key Info

• Important bits like ratings, release dates, “top tips” or “pros and cons” are often placed in boxes or different colours to stand out.
  
  

• This makes the content more scannable and user-friendly.

The use of character appearance in a gaming magazine is another key technique to draw in readers and promote the mag. Here's how it works:

🎮 1. Recognisable Characters Attract Attention

• Featuring popular or iconic characters (like Mario, Kratos, or Lara Croft) on the cover grabs instant attention.
  
  

• Gamers feel a connection to these characters, so seeing them makes the mag more appealing.
  
  

🌟 2. Visual Impact

• Characters are often shown in dynamic poses, with intense expressions or action shots (e.g. mid-jump, aiming a weapon).
  
  

• This creates a sense of excitement and energy, matching the tone of gaming.
  
  

🧥 3. Costumes and Design Reflect Genre

• The way characters are dressed or designed gives a clue to the game type:
  
  

  • Armour/swords = fantasy or RPG
    
    

  • High-tech suits = sci-fi
    
    

  • Casual wear or stylised art = indie or story-driven games
    
    

• This helps the mag appeal to fans of certain genres.
  
  

👁️ 4. Eye Contact and Expression

• If a character is looking directly at the reader, it creates a stronger connection – it feels more personal and engaging.
  
  

• Facial expressions (anger, focus, excitement) also communicate the emotional tone of the game or article.
  
  

💥 5. Representation and Diversity

• Including a diverse range of characters (different genders, ethnicities, body types) shows that the magazine is inclusive and reflects the gaming world’s variety.
  
  

• It broadens the appeal to different readers and can promote newer or less mainstream titles.
  
  

Lesson 2.2a - Masthead Design

• You must understand the conventions of video game magazines as well as how they market the games. Students must be able to design a basic video game magazine front cover

• You should be able to give specific examples of real magazine covers that feature video games and explain why magazines are both a good and bad way of marketing a game.  Students should be able to communicate genre in their front cover as well as make it appealing

• You might be able to discuss how magazine covers might evolve in the future.  Students might be able to use creative ideas in their front cover designs.

Task 01: Create 3 Mastheads for the "Pixel Pioneer" magazine cover using Photoshop.

Task 02: Identify the final design and evaluate why it is the best design. 

Mood boards (can use this to create your mood boards)

Adobe Illustration Tutorials