Research- Magazine Genres

 

Research- Magazine Genre 

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Hi Blog!

    Today in class we were assigned to research possible magazine genres that we would like to use. 

After some thorough consideration I have narrowed it down to three. Fashion, Travel or Fitness. After choosing my three potential themes, I conducted some basic research about what makes a strong magazine, choosing the best layout for your genre type and recommend tip and tricks. 

    Well I was reading over one of the articles it suggested these really good idea, to make a mood board of potential fonts, colors and designs. I LOVE this idea and I will definitely be using it, I will most likely look on Pinterest! Some other basic information that they recommend was that before choosing your design elements to start by clarifying the magazine mission. After that then you make sure that the color platte and fonts go with the message that you are trying to convey. 

FASHION 

    When we were told to research and pick a couple of different genre, fashion imminently was my first thought. I love fashion magazines, I love keeping up with the latest trends and seeing what is considered "in" and "out" specifically Vogue so I knew that had to be in inspo. When I was looking over their different editions, I noticed that every cover is very minimalistic, they cover is usually one posed photo and very little coverlines. Next I realized that about 80% of the time the masthead's color is chosen from

 the cover photo. 

 

   

    All of the topics discussed in the magazine are very modern and trendy, they usually have a very famous and well know celebrity on the front meant to attract eyes and spike curiosity. I looked over a website that is called 'best vogue covers of all time' and a common trend among all of them. Mostly all of them have they cover photos the first thing you notice is there eyes, it feels almost as if they are looking at, you drawing you into the magazine. It's almost like it saying "read me read me" 

    As I was researching I decided to find out some basic continuity between every fashion magazine. First the most common is to sell and aspire through visuals and editorial. Magazine's do this by crafting quality images, videos and compelling stories. This allows costumers to fantasize and dream of elevated lifestyle. The next one I researched was shaping trends, most magazines act as trendsetters through celebrity feature articles and celebrity endorsements. 

   

TRAVEL 

    My second topic that I decided to explore is Travel. It is recommended to focus on the specifics, even though there is a lot to talk about in a certain travel destination like Paris, if you list a lot of general information it can scare off the reader, it you must identify a niche. You will need to come up with unique angles for articles and coverlines. Unlike fashion there is not constant new fashion trends, for a travel magazine you really need to deep dive and to be able to hook your reader. I have decided to look specifically at Traveler Magazine. 

    The photo chosen for the cover is always a breathtaking photo of nature with little to no distractions.  (people) The cover is very minimal, the fonts are very thin and gives off an inviting feeling. I have also been noticing a lot of these magazine do not have any puffs or banners. The cover is meant to get a relax vibe like the one you would get on vacation. 

    The content inside of the magazines usually includes travel tips like (where to get the best hotel) (what to avoid well visiting) (what to pack), as well as culture and cuisine. These types of magazines are usually VERY detailed, they list of a lot of what seems irrelevant information. Overall I like this genre and is one my top choices. 

    Like I did for fashion I decided to research continuity between every travel magazine. One big example of this is through the theme, most travel magazines choose a very similar message to convey. For example they choose adventure, culture or relaxation. They do this to promote mental well being and the humans natural desire to travel. Another common continuity is "show us don't tell us". This is where magazines this is the KEY into getting people off the coach and on the way to the airport. Instead of doing a basic boring long article, designers will use beautiful nature photos to sensory detail and use specific moments to let the reader imagine if they were really there.  

FITNESS 

    The third topic I would like to explore is Fitness. I feel like this one of the less popular genre so I could have a niche perspective. On the front there is always a person who is very in shape and healthy. Unlike fashion or travel magazines the cover is very crowed with puffs and coverlines. There are banners everywhere, overall a lot of information on the cover. On almost every fitness magazine I have looked at there is a positive quote or phrase written somewhere, I really like this contribution it makes it feel genuine to the reader. 

   

    Most of the magazines that I looked over had the same couple of topics: nutrition advice, workout routines and expert reviews. Another similarly between all Fitness magazines are there seasonal cycles, for example depending on what season you are in, the editor will add seasonal motivation "New Year, New Me" and "Summer Shred" this is meant to match readers lifestyles and is a successful sales tactic. The last continuity I researched and explored was the visual style used on covers. For example bold headlines they used make the magazine easily identified as fitness. Next is quick consumption, easy to read tricks for weight loss and easy to make meals. 

    Overall I really like how these covers are NOT minimalist they are fun and engaging to readers. 

    I am unsure if I 100% like this genre I really like the creative freedom that it gives me there are so many possibilities. 

 SOURCES

https://glamobserver.com/24-best-vogue-covers-of-all-time/

https://blog.flipsnack.com/how-to-design-a-fashion-magazine-like-vogue/

https://pwa.magloft.com/articles/how-to-start-a-travel-magazine-guide