Magazine Cover Conventions Blog Reflection

     

    My genre for my magazine is centered around puppies focused on lifestyle & care. In order to convey this I used the techniques I learned about Magazines Conventions like what a cover image is and how to use coverlines correctly. The introduction of puffs and plugs also helped me draw the customers eyes to certain phrases in my magazine like "FREE puppy poster inside!" which adds an incentive to the customer so that they buy my magazine. 

  

    Using an effective cover image is also important in magazines, you want it to get the customers attention while still relating to your genre as well, I used my own puppy which fit perfectly with my genre. Since my puppy is an Australian Shepherd it adds to the "cuteness factor" towards puppies which can also raise sells since the breed is in demand and favored. Also the usage of coverlines also helps add interest into my magazine by creating catchy phrases it helps to tease the reader on what they'll be reading in the magazine.

    

    Some issues I had when I first started to create my magazine was finding a cover image that fit my genre and was still professional at the same time. I played around with some photos and found that the one I ended up choosing was ultimately the best choice since it was a perfect balance between playful and cute yet still professional and catering towards the genre. You can see the differences between the two cover images below and how they both impact how a customer would view the magazine.

                                

    old cover image                                                                        current cover image

    Another struggle was learning how to use the program but I got the hang of it once I played with the tools, I learned how to use certain shapes to add depth to my magazine and catch my customers eyes.                                                              

                                                          

    An Important key take away from creating this Magazine Cover was to try new things, for example my cover image if I hadn't messed around with different photos I wouldn't have found my perfect cover image and been left with one that wasn't very fitting for the genre. With these new skills I learned I'm confident in my skills with using Adobe Indesign to create Magazine Covers. All of these skills I learned helps with my portfolio project because I can apply them effectively and it has added depth to my knowledge with designing things.