Covers -- Magazine Layout Analysis

1.

I like that the main image has been layered on top of the masthead because it ensures that the main image is the first thing the buyer of the magazine sees. I want to do this for my magazine because I want my main image to be the focus as it ties in with the main feature of my issue (mentioned in my last post).

2.

I like that the background for the main image is the same colour as the background for the bar code, as it makes the entire layout look cleaner. I think I'm going to have a light grey background (similar to the W cover) and I'd like to incorporate the way Paper Magazine placed their bar code on the front cover.

3.

I like that all of the coverlines are on the left-side of the cover and that they're all in one colour (excl. the "PLUS") and that to differentiate them, Philadelphia Style has used different fonts. I'd like to incorporate this aspect for my front cover and play around with the wide variety of fonts on PhotoShop.

4.

I like that instead having "Issue 146" it only says "146" as this makes it seem like you can collect issues.

5.

I like that the magazines have stuck to the conventions of a magazine and have the masthead in it's traditional place. I plan to stick to this convention as my magazine is going to be called "South Eastern", so unlike W magazine, my masthead will have to go across the cover.

6.

I like that the feature information has been placed underneath the masthead as it looks cleaner and is more efficient for the reader/buyer because they know what they're gonna get from the magazine easier.

-- Additionally --

I like that all of these covers have one main image and that they all have clean layouts that are nice and easy to read.