Magazine Cover Review

            The cover of a magazine is something that most people probably overlook, yet the great importance behind the cover can determine whether people buy the magazine itself. It’s something that seems so simple but is quite literally the tool to lure people in and gain their attention for a magazine. when “Americans overwhelmingly saying that they feel as if they have less time than ever before,” it’s important that the magazines cover catches the eye since there are other things to focus on (Scherer, 2002). Personally, I’ve never gone out of my way to buy a magazine to see the content. It has always been something you pick up and browse through as you’re waiting for a service at an office or other building. To see the level of design and details demonstrated, it took me by surprise. I never noticed all the small intricacies that separate one magazine's style from another, and the information they are trying to portray through their photos. It’s also very interesting to see how they use the style of the article can appeal to a specific audience they attracted over time. Articles like Vogue and Essence appeal to high-class fashion styled people through their use of modernity and sleek imagery with additional fancy font. This modernity and simplicity was mentioned in the article as popular because of the, “lack of patience with long magazine stories” (Scherer, 2002). The advertisements in the magazine are selectively and strictly based on their realm of fashion. The appeal is to those who either have a lot of money and care about fashion, or individuals who like to browse the items they long to have one day. Both articles follow that strict pattern so the regulars who purchase the article get exactly what they are looking for , and their following is developed from then on. This can also be seen in magazines like GQ and Rolling Stone, but in a different fashion. Through their bold and iconic covers, both magazines are very upfront with their viewers about the prominent social issues occurring in our modern day and the magazine's stand on the issue. You’d think most brands would avoid this, so their magazine could appeal to everyone without negative comments, but both magazines understand their exact targeted audience. If you don’t like their standpoint on their issues, then you most likely won’t be reading what they have to say.

            Strict formulas creates a loyalty within the brand and the viewers know that they will stay true to themselves, despite what others must think about the issue. Some other articles, on the other hand, focus their subjects on the advertisements they offer. Southern Living was a great example of a magazine that showcased a variety of creative cover with many projects that you can do at home and the user can also purchase the products as they’re shown. If you’re an active follower of these types of magazines, then there is a revenue that is almost guaranteed for the brand itself.

            Based on the class views and discussions about the magazine, the magazine has become more of an appeal for my portfolio project. The project seems reasonable although I’m not the most creative student. Reviewing all of these magazines could greatly assist me in creating the magazine cover and the content pages as far as my style and what to talk about. This magazine project also seems more within my realm of production compared to the movie title sequence.