IM FINISHED!!!

My masterpiece is finally complete...THANK GOD! This entire journey has been bitter sweet for me. Although my digital magazine didnt come out anything like I thought it would, Im happy with the finished product. This was one of the most stressful, nerve wrecking experiences of my life, but I wouldnt trade this experience for anything. This project was a lot of firsts for me. This was the first time I ever created a website, the first time I ever created a magazine, the first time I ever used Adobe After Effects, and the first time Ive ever created a projected that incorporated audio, video, and type.

I learned a lot throughout this whole process, but what was most significant to me was what I learned about myself. In the beginning I thought I was never going to be able to pull this off...but I did! And it didn't come out too bad for a first timer! Im really proud of what I accomplished for my senior project and I know that if I continue to push myself I'll only get better!

Almost Done!

Im FINALLY in the last stages of creating this digital magazine. All of the videos are downloaded and all of the layouts are complete. The only thing left for me to do is create the titles to each of the articles. Unfortunately, the Wix website only provides you with the WORST fonts EVER, for example, Impact, Ariel ect. For what reason...I have no idea! Although I had to make due for the actual written articles, I wanted the titles to speak to the viewer before they even get a chance to read the article, so I have decided to create the article titles in adobe photoshop. At least this way the title  will stand out and posses a significant reference to the actual article. After that its just minlor details that need to be adjusted. It should be complete by the end of the day, tomrrow at the latest. Im kinda cutting it close though...

Phase Two Continued...

Uploading my files on to my website wasn't as difficult as I anticipated it would be. Ive also spent several hours playing around with layouts and fonts on this website, and I think I got it down. Today the goal is to finish loading all of my videos onto the website as well as the articles that go along with them. Once I have all the files that I need I'm going start creating layouts for each one.

Phase Two: Create Website

Due to the fact that I'm lacking the necessary time, software, and technical skills to create a digital magazine like that of Alexx Henry Ive decided to create it in a much simpler manner. The magazine will be created as a website and the video will act as an introduction to the article. Once the video has stopped the last frame will appear on the screen and the article will appear. The reader will then have to click on a link to the next page which will start off a new video and so on.

I'm going to begin this process today now that all the editing is completed. For the sake of time I have decided to create the website through an external source rather than purchasing a domain and doing it completely from scratch. My flash website will be custom made and published through a website known as Wix. Unfortunately this website only allows videos to be uploaded if it contains a URL so in order to load my media I'm going to have to first upload them to YouTube.
I Hope I get this right the first time...not much time left.

Phase One Coninued...Again

Today I'm in the final stages of editing the videos. Although this is a very tedious process, as soon as I get into my groove it will be done in no time.
As I've been editing I noticed a problem I might run into. Unfortunately, due to the length of the video as well as the commercials I might be forced to edit some of the articles out because I don't want the magazine to be so time construing that only a selected few get to experience it. I haven't made a definite decision about it yet, but it is something I'm considering.

I have also completed an illustration of how I plan to display this magazine in the exhibition. The magazine will be accessible on a laptop computer that will be stationed on a desk. There will also be aphrodisiacs in a bowl and candles (possibly lit) to create a sensual ambiance. I am also planning on having some kind of awning covered in white drapery to surround the area where the computer will be. I might also incorporate a fan to blow the drapery and give the viewer a sense of romance and fantasy.

Good News

Not really having a good day, but I did receive some good news...my computer is finally fixed! Now I can spend less time trying to figure out whose computer I'm going to borrow and more time getting this project done.

Pase One Continued...

I must not have been praying hard enough because this was beyond difficult! I had to look up countless tutorials on the web in order to figure out how to quickly, yet effectively use this program. After four hours of trial and error I'm just now understanding what it is I have to do to get these videos edited the way I want.

All the video I am incorporating was found on YouTube, so I had to first download a YouTube/video downloader and a program converter in order to download and save the video files. All that's left to do now is import the remaining videos into After Effects and continue editing.

Phase One: Edit Video

My computer is still in the shop (big surprise right!), but thankfully I was able to sweet talk my way into borrowing a computer until mine is ready. Today I am going to begin editing and creating all of the necessary special effects to the videos that I have downloaded so that after the website is created all I need to do is upload it. This will be accomplished using the program Adobe After Effects; a program that I have never used before. Although I am up for the challenge, I pray that this wont be too difficult.

...Its Another!

Just got a call from the guy who is fixing my computer and it turns out the damage was worse than he expected and won't be ready when he promised it would. Now the earliest I will have it is Monday, but it could take up until Wednesday. That's a  HO' LOTTA TIME wasted for a project of this magnitude. FML!

If it aint one thing...

In my previous blog I explained that I'm going to be creating the video for each article myself, however, due to technical difficulties and a shortage of time I'm going to use video that has already been recorded rather than recording the video myself. The upside to this is that I have already successfully found all the video, articles, and commercial advertisements that I am going to incorporate.

As if that wasn't enough drama, my computer has just been damaged and wont hold a *expletive deleted* charge! Right when I'm prepared to create the actual website I have no computer to do it on...how LOVELY! The mission today was an epic failure and will have to be done when I get my computer, which will hopefully be tomorrow. Thankfully I have a computer I can borrow for a couple hours so I can at least update my blog...so I guess today wasn't a total waste...

The Plan

I'm going to incorporate 10-12 articles that touch on the following topics:

1. Stripping
2. Sex Til Marriage
3. Best Sex Positions
4. Dress Sexier
5. Spicing up Sex Life
6. How Sex is Healthy
7. Does Size Matter?
8. Masturbation
9. Pornography
10. Comfort with Sexuality
11. Tantra

This entire magazine is all about MOTION so I am going to incorporate video that I'm going to shoot myself to act as a theatrical introduction to each article. This magazine will also have commercial advertisements from companies and products such as Calvin Klein, Trojan, etc. Finally this blog will be incorporated in the magazine website via link.

My Vision Part II

So now that you've got a visual idea of what I'm trying to accomplish ascetically I can explain my concept. The purpose of creating this sex magazine isn't simply so horny individuals can get a cheap thrill, although I'm not judging anyone who does! In fact this could be considered somewhat of a compliment...but I digress. My Idea, however, is a little more complex than that. This magazine will visually ooze sexuality while at the same time be intellectually stimulating, which is something I personally feel this market is lacking and is in dyer need of. "Sexy not Raunchy" is the goal and rather than having articles that discuss issues similar to the competition; for example how to keep a man, I plan to touch on topics that the reader is not only interested in, but can relate to.

My Vision...

Hey Everyone!


My name is Ashley and I am creating a digital magazine for my senior project at Cal State LA. My vision is to create a digital sex magazine that incorporates text, motion, and aduio all in one. It is important to me that the viewer is able to take this "journey of discovery" with me, and for this reason I have created this blog to act as somewhat of a journal to document the process of the project from the beginning to the final product. Now before I get into any more specifics I think it is essential for me to take you on a virtual experience of what it is Im trying to accomplish. Here is a link of a digital magazine created by photographer Alexx Henry and his team that served as an inspiration for what I want to do...


Viv Mag Motion Cover Demo