I’ve been getting lots of requests to release an episode detailing how to design a magazine cover. Well you are in luck! The episode is in production and will be released very soon.
The topic of magazine covers all come down to the photo you choose to use. Use the wrong photo and your magazine may never draw the reader to open it and continue reading further into your publication. It’s all about what draws the reader in and your photo selection is key to grabbing his/her attention. Aside from an engaging photo, keep in mind the mood it creates. Is it serious, funny or entertaining? Does it tug at your heart strings, provoke change or thought? All of this needs to be considered before ever opening Photoshop and laying out your cover.
People or Art: What makes an engaging cover?
I asked this question on the Design Like a Pro Facebook page and got a couple responses from fans saying they preferred people on the cover of magazines over artwork without people. People connect to people and it makes sense that we would be drawn to people on the cover of a magazine over a faceless piece of art. That’s not to say there isn’t a place for different forms of photography on a magazine cover though. It’s all about the goal and genre of the magazine. There’s no denying that the type of photography displayed on a magazine cover will ultimately be the deciding factor on how people engage with the publication and whether it draws them in enough to purchase and then read it.
The next Design Like a Pro episode will address this while walking you through the steps of magazine cover design. So fire up Photoshop, capture an awesome photo and get ready to dive into the next step in magazine design. Watch the tutorial below!
Your Turn...
People or Art: what engages you on a magazine cover?
