Magazines Part II

Image Based:

The main attributes of an image based magazine cover are one or few persons facing the camera and smiling. However, over time magazines have taken different approaches on image based covers such as the person not facing the camera or smiling, etc. Sometimes, but not often, the covers won't have people in them at all.

Illustration Based:

The main attributes of an illustration based magazine cover are an illustrated image of something funny or out of the ordinary. In the past, an illustrated magazine cover was the only option but now it can add a uniqueness to the cover of the magazine. The majority of illustration based covers are published and sold independently.

Type Based:

The main attributes of a type based magazine cover are only having words and no pictures. Type based covers are rare but are more common than illustration based covers. Using only words adds something powerful and unique to the magazine cover. Over the last few years type based covers have had a come back.

Concept Based:

The main attributes of a concept based magazine cover are a mixture of images, illustrations, and words. Using a concept based cover is a good way to easily get the message across to the audience. Using a mixture of words and pictures does a good job of getting across a clear yet powerful, or funny, message.

Words and photos have an important relationship when it comes to magazine covers. Individually, both words and photos can help get across the message that you are trying send. However, when strategically put together, words and photos can create something way more powerful. If you experiment with the placement of the words and photos it makes a magazine cover that has a way bigger impact on the audience.