From creating the magazine, the author learned how to use photography equipment like DSLR cameras and how to set up backdrops. They also learned about lighting tools like soft boxes and reflectors and how they affect photos, particularly skin tones. The author became more proficient with Photoshop and InDesign through tasks like using the magic eraser tool and laying out pages. For the front cover specifically, they applied conventions from genres like a simple two-color scheme and used higher quality photography. The contents page was also improved from the preliminary task by using professional equipment and a more organized multi-column layout influenced by a case study magazine.