Layout Planning
Before designing my layout I did some research into the features of a magazine front cover. Typical features include:
- A Masthead: which consists of the magazine title in a large size and eye catching font
- A line below with price of the magazine and date: this is usually in a much smaller size than the masthead
- Main article image: the image usually coincides with the theme of the feature article
- Main feature article: this runs along the left hand side of the frame as reader's eyes scan left to right they notice the feature article first
- Cover lines: other articles in the magazine which entice the reader
- Tag/Plug: to sell the magazine to the reader e.g. Exclusive Interview
- Top/Bottom strip: additional information or promotions
- Barcode: to scan the magazine for sale
The layout helped me organise my ideas and start to consider the number of features I would need for my magazine. My next step was to plan in more detail what text/imagery/colour would need to fill these spaces.
