The current focus in my media studies class is researching programs and magazine cover designs in those programs to consider for our magazine cover. Of the various programs I researched, I am particularly interested in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, and Canva. I am also interested in potentially using Marq to create a portion of my magazine, however, I most likely wouldn’t want to use it for my cover design; the other programs I explored seemed more fitting for creating a magazine cover.
Pictured below are the programs I chose to research magazine covers in more depth (Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, and Canva respectively):
These three images are from Google.
Adobe Photoshop:
Magazine Cover Example #1
I found this cover example on the Adobe Stock website. I liked this magazine due to its font choice and the use of various serif fonts. The cover is visually appealing since the font colors complement the main cover image. Regarding its formatting, I like how there isn’t too much text, the text doesn’t take away from the rest of the magazine, and there is variation in font size. Overall, the aspects of this magazine cover example effectively imply a certain feel to its audience; the gold and gray color palette signify elegance and confidence.
Magazine Cover Example #2
I also found this magazine cover example on the Adobe Stock website. I like the mix of font sizes—the fonts aren’t too large—and text spread across the page, creating a less cluttered look with a visible main image. I also like the bolded masthead and the addition of a skyline; I am considering adding a skyline to my magazine cover. Not only that, but I like the white font color as it adds simplicity and provides contrast from the dark colors in the main image.
Magazine Cover Example #3
Like the two other Adobe Photoshop magazine covers, this magazine cover is also from the Adobe Stock website. This magazine is visually appealing through color choice and formatting. In particular, I like how the font color is consistent on the cover, it works well with the background and illustration color(s), and a color gradient fills the text. I also like how some text has a larger font size than others and has italics when necessary, emphasizing certain words. The text is formatted around the main image, creating a sense of neatness and a more visible main image. It is worth noting that the main image partially overlaps the masthead, alluding that it should be the spotlight. I also think this magazine has the right balance of text—enough to present information, but not too much that it distracts the audience from the main image.
Adobe InDesign:
Magazine Cover Example #1
I found this magazine cover example on Template.net, which one can download and edit in Adobe InDesign (the other options are Microsoft Word, Apple Pages, or Microsoft Publisher). Of the countless templates, I chose this one as it is simple, yet effective. It also caught my eye regarding the unique editing of its masthead. I like the use of the mirror effect and how the mirrored text is slightly transparent; it gives a dreary effect, correlating to the main image (a crying person) and cover lines (such as “Depression Diaries”). Since the magazine's topic is mental health, the color palette is suitable; mental health disorders are a serious subject, hence the dark and somber color scheme. I also like how the text doesn't distract from the main image.
Magazine Cover Example #2
One can find this magazine cover template on Template.net. I like the use of shapes on the cover as it implies architecture, correlating to the magazine’s topic of design and buildings; the rectangles and squares further allow specific text to stand out. I also like the difference in typography in the masthead—such as the kerning and font size—as it adds contrast and emphasis on “bloom,” which has a bigger font size than “magazine.” The two-toned background creates a more detailed cover, and the uniformity in sans-serif fonts creates consistency.
Magazine Cover Example #3
One can also find this magazine on Template.net. Considering the cover image of this magazine is very detailed, I like the simplicity of the text formatting. In other words, the text has a consistent font color, and the cover lines are in one area, allowing for a neat and easy-to-read magazine cover. I find the editing of the main image captivating since the smoke is unique and makes readers focus on the camera rather than the photographer’s face (which the smoke hides). I also like the addition of a white border on the cover, as it adds more detail and creates the look of a picture frame.
Canva:
Magazine Cover Example #1
This magazine comes from the Canva website, and I chose this out of the diverse options as I found it visually appealing. One aspect I like about this magazine cover is the color choice; the dark green background complements the model’s light green outfit, and yellow adds a burst of color. Another aspect I like is the yellow shape surrounding “New!”; it stands out from the rest of the text, which is directly above the background. I also like the cursive text of the bottom cover lines since it stands out from the rest of the text, which has different fonts.
Magazine Cover Example #2
I also found this magazine cover on the Canva website. I wanted to analyze this cover because I found it visually appealing, and I wanted to explore more magazines in the Cooking, Food, and Beverage genre. I like how this magazine isn’t overcrowded with text since it leaves more room to showcase foods that its articles will feature; displaying some images of its recipes on the cover engages its audience and makes them more likely to hold interest in the contents of its magazine. I also like the variation in font sizes and the smoke coming out of the food in the main image; the addition of smoke adds complexity to the image and indicates that the food is freshly baked, a factor that may entice readers into wanting to eat, and therefore, make that food.
Magazine Cover Example #3
I found this magazine on Canva. I like the consistent sans serif font this magazine cover uses as it is simple and easy to read. I also like the yellow rectangle and lines which add detail, emphasis, and brightness—especially since the cover image isn’t very colorful. Similarly to the third magazine cover I analyzed from Adobe InDesign, this magazine has a white border which I like. Since the text is located at the bottom corner and left side of the magazine, it doesn’t take away from the landscape. Its website is written vertically, unlike traditional text, which is a unique detail.
Pros and Cons of Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, and Canva:
Using Canva to make my magazine cover would be beneficial, considering it provides many tools, and I am very familiar with the platform. I am relatively familiar with Adobe Photoshop, and therefore, it would be a suitable option for creating my magazine cover. After using Adobe Photoshop in this class, I learned how beneficial this program is for editing photos and creating graphics, hence its use in editing my main cover image and creating a magazine cover. Although I’ve never used Adobe InDesign before, I’m willing to challenge myself and become familiar with this program. I would also consider using Adobe InDesign since it is beneficial for designing magazines and multi-page documents with substantial text and images.
After careful consideration, I want to use Adobe InDesign to create my magazine cover as I feel like it would best suit my needs in creating a magazine cover. As I previously mentioned, this program is useful for creating multi-page documents with large amounts of text and images. I am also interested in becoming familiar with another Adobe program.
Analyzing magazine covers in Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, and Canva was an educational experience as I learned more about the formatting of magazines in different genres. I also learned the difference between the two Adobe programs while finding magazine covers. I am also considering using Marq for other aspects of my magazine, however, I wouldn't want to use it to create my magazine cover as it doesn't fit my needs.
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