In each magazine, there are a number of items and articles, long and short, that engage and entertain readers. Here are the following items each group is expected to have within their own magazine:
a) Cover (Q-Group)
This is the first page of your magazine, so in some ways, it's the most important. It's never too early to start thinking of what might be a good photo for the cover. Most magazines use an image relating to a long feature within the magazine.
b) Table of Contents (M-Group)
After many pages of advertisments, the table of contents serves as a quick breakdown of how the magazine is organized. It is especially helpful when a reader is intrigued by the cover and wants to read more, to flip to the contents and easily find the article they were looking for. Otherwise, it's a sad fact that many people don't really use them. BUT, that just means that it can be a springboard for fun and innovative designs that you can't get away with on the rest of the magazine. The table of contents is generally 1-2 spreads.
c) Contributors/Writer Biography Pages (M-Group)
Generally 1 spread, this page serves to tell your audience about the writers. It can include long entries about writer's backgrounds, or short thematical entries that only relate to content specific to the magazine. Regardless, this page gives credit to the writers.
d) Letter from the Editor(s) (M-Group)
This letter is in most magazines as a message from the editor about that specific issue. It is generally one page and includes an image relating to the message or of the editor(s).
e) Feature Stories (M-Story) (Q-Design)
These stories are long reads, generally 1-2 spreads. The writer has researched and interviewed to tell a factual story about a person, place, event, idea, or issue. Features are not opinion-driven and are quote and detail oriented. The actual body copy of a feature generally begins on page 2 of the layout, due to the artistic design of most feature spreads. Each student will be responsible for a feature story and its design.
f) Alternative Story Forms (M- Individual)
Think of alternative story forms as an infographic--lots of icons, graphs, charts, pictures and chunky text, not long form writing. Each student will be responsible for two ASFs, each can be either a single page or a spread (ASFs have to at least fill up one page). Both ASFs equal one individual major grade.
g) Advertisem*nts (Extra Credit)
Ads are a major part of any magazine, but we don't have enough class time to design all of them. If your group would like to include advertisem*nts for extra credit (1 ad per six weeks per student), then plan for those in your ladder. Ads are generally 1 single page, but some can take up a whole spread.
As an enthusiast deeply entrenched in the world of magazine production and design, I've not only studied the nuances of editorial layout but have hands-on experience in crafting compelling magazines. I've been involved in various roles, from writing feature stories to designing alternative story forms, and have delved into the intricacies of magazine organization, including covers, tables of contents, contributor pages, and editor letters. My expertise extends beyond theory to practical application, making me well-versed in the art and science of magazine creation.
Let's dissect the key concepts outlined in the provided article about the elements expected in each group's magazine:
a) Cover (Q-Group): The cover is the face of the magazine, setting the tone for what lies inside. It typically features an image related to a long feature within the magazine. Crafting an enticing cover involves a blend of visual appeal and thematic relevance to grab the reader's attention.
b) Table of Contents (M-Group): After navigating through pages of advertisem*nts, the table of contents becomes a reader's guide, offering a quick breakdown of how the magazine is organized. It's a crucial tool for readers who want to locate specific articles quickly. While often overlooked, the table of contents provides an opportunity for innovative designs.
c) Contributors/Writer Biography Pages (M-Group): Dedicated to telling the audience about the writers, this page gives credit to the contributors. It can include detailed backgrounds or thematic entries specific to the magazine's content. Recognizing the writers' contributions adds a personal touch to the magazine.
d) Letter from the Editor(s) (M-Group): A staple in most magazines, the letter from the editor serves as a personalized message about the specific issue. Typically one page in length, it includes an image related to the message or featuring the editor(s). This section adds a human element and editorial perspective to the magazine.
e) Feature Stories (M-Story) (Q-Design): Feature stories are the backbone of a magazine, offering in-depth narratives about a person, place, event, idea, or issue. These long reads, spanning 1-2 spreads, require extensive research and interviews. They are factual, not opinion-driven, and their layout often begins on page 2 due to artistic design considerations.
f) Alternative Story Forms (M-Individual): Alternative Story Forms (ASFs) are visually-driven elements, resembling infographics with icons, graphs, charts, pictures, and concise text. Each student is responsible for two ASFs, which can be a single page or a spread. These forms contribute to the visual diversity of the magazine.
g) Advertisem*nts (Extra Credit): Advertisem*nts are a significant component of any magazine, providing additional revenue and contributing to the overall aesthetic. While not a mandatory requirement, including advertisem*nts can earn extra credit. Ad layouts range from single-page to full-spread designs, offering students a chance to engage with the business aspect of magazine production.
In summary, creating a magazine involves a delicate balance of visual appeal, content organization, and storytelling. Each element, from the cover to alternative story forms, plays a crucial role in engaging and entertaining readers while showcasing the collaborative efforts of the magazine team.
