Magazine Cover - Magazines Part II
Blog #4 - Magazines Part II
You also need to know a little more information about the types of magazine covers that have been used through the years. Here are the most common types:
Cover types
1. Image Based
Using real world photos as cover.
One or a few people on the magazine cover, mostly on fashion magazines. The intent is that the person on the front cover attracts the attention of the public and sells the magazine.
Can be other images, such as landscape or food, depending on what the magazine focuses on, especially for non-fashion based magazines.
2. Illustration Based
Using illustrations - drawings - as covers.
Was the norm in the early days of magazine publishing, since it was the only way of making covers. Has lost its popularity. Currently highlights out-of-the-ordinary topics or humorous topics. Mostly computer-illustrated now. Most magazines that are illustration based are independently published and do not depend so much on newsstand sales.
3. Type Based
Using typeface, words, and/or "word art" as covers.
It is seen more often than illustrated covers, but still rare. Gives the shocking or striking effect on a topic to attract attention. More emphasis on the typeface of the word, as that is what expresses intended emotion/ tone towards the audience.
4. Concept Based
Using a mix of Image, Illustration, and Type based approaches as a cover
It best presents a strong message, with a shocking effect or a funny effect towards the audience.
Must be easily interpretable, or easy to process for viewers, usually difficult and equivalent to making a good joke to appease a large crowd.
Usually seen in business magazines, news weekly magazines, independent magazines, magazines as an addition to newspapers and subscription-only publications.
Finally, what is the relationship between words and photos on magazine covers and why is this important?
You also need to know a little more information about the types of magazine covers that have been used through the years. Here are the most common types:
Cover types
1. Image Based
Using real world photos as cover.
One or a few people on the magazine cover, mostly on fashion magazines. The intent is that the person on the front cover attracts the attention of the public and sells the magazine.
Can be other images, such as landscape or food, depending on what the magazine focuses on, especially for non-fashion based magazines.
2. Illustration Based
Using illustrations - drawings - as covers.
Was the norm in the early days of magazine publishing, since it was the only way of making covers. Has lost its popularity. Currently highlights out-of-the-ordinary topics or humorous topics. Mostly computer-illustrated now. Most magazines that are illustration based are independently published and do not depend so much on newsstand sales.
3. Type Based
Using typeface, words, and/or "word art" as covers.
It is seen more often than illustrated covers, but still rare. Gives the shocking or striking effect on a topic to attract attention. More emphasis on the typeface of the word, as that is what expresses intended emotion/ tone towards the audience.
4. Concept Based
Using a mix of Image, Illustration, and Type based approaches as a cover
It best presents a strong message, with a shocking effect or a funny effect towards the audience.
Must be easily interpretable, or easy to process for viewers, usually difficult and equivalent to making a good joke to appease a large crowd.
Usually seen in business magazines, news weekly magazines, independent magazines, magazines as an addition to newspapers and subscription-only publications.
Finally, what is the relationship between words and photos on magazine covers and why is this important?
Words emphasize a tone, or a powerful emotion that gives off towards the audience. Photos are used to attract the audience and make them interested in the magazine.
When used together, cover lines and images can make a magazine stick out amongst the multitude of other magazines and send a clear (intended) message to the audience.
Keep in mind that both the image and words on a magazine cover must be clear and understandable, as they both serve to attract attention.
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