{"id":7524,"date":"2022-07-25T11:37:27","date_gmt":"2022-07-25T09:37:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.presspadapp.com\/blog\/?p=7524"},"modified":"2023-06-19T16:59:43","modified_gmt":"2023-06-19T14:59:43","slug":"layout-of-magazine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.presspadapp.com\/blog\/layout-of-magazine\/","title":{"rendered":"Layout of a Magazine is More Important Than You Think \u2013 See Why"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

While the magazine cover is like the house door inviting you to come inside, the layout of a magazine is like the interior that makes you want to stay inside.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Do you know the rule of cleaning the house saying that there are three types of things you need to keep: useful, pretty, and those you have an emotional bond with? It is similar to magazines. People buy and read regularly only those publications which are useful, pretty, and have emotional meaning for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each of these three issues \u2013 utility, prettiness, emotions \u2013 is the responsibility of a different team of people preparing magazines: writers, designers, and marketers. \u200b\u200bOnly their cooperation can lead to success. In this article, we take a look at one of the components of prettiness success – the layout of a magazine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why do we focus on this particular part?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As old birds in the publishing business, we think that a layout of a magazine is much more important than everybody thinks.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What is a magazine layout?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It seems to be obvious \u2013 the layout of a magazine is just the way designers mix pictures and words \u2013 and we could leave it at this point. However, when we continue to reflect on composing these main parts of a magazine (pictures and words), we find out that… it is not as simple as it might seem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

First of all, a layout consists of many more elements. When we talk only about words and pictures, we simplify the complicated design process. Secondly, the combination of these components is carefully planned and thought out with no place for randomness. Thirdly, it is a real art to find the right balance between all the pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To sum up, a layout is not only a harmonious relationship between text, images, and white space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s more like<\/strong> a shell of a magazine; the frame on which designers, writers, and advertisers build the rest; the systematic arrangement of elements on every page; template, and pattern consistent for the entire publication line.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The layout of a magazine consists of given elements repeated in all subsequent issues of a given magazine or in the magazine’s thematic sections. Examples of such elements are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  • headline,<\/li>
  • introductory paragraph,<\/li>
  • margins,<\/li>
  • typography (typeface, spacing),<\/li>
  • paragraphs structure,<\/li>
  • indentation, <\/li>
  • color scheme,<\/li>
  • graphic elements,<\/li>
  • initials,<\/li>
  • footers and headers,<\/li>
  • sidebars,<\/li>
  • thickness and color of the frame containing the photo or text.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    What we tentatively called \u201cmixing pictures and words\u201d is actually a making series of decisions that include issues like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    • the number and size of columns,<\/li>
    • placement of intentional whitespace,<\/li>
    • size, position, and number of images and figures,<\/li>
    • size of page margins,<\/li>
    • special effects like overlaying text on an image or rich media,<\/li>
    • chapter or section titles, or headlines and subheads,<\/li>
    • image captions.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      It should be emphasized that every point from the above lists refers equally both to digital and print magazines. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The publishing business has evolved, screens replaced paper, and the substantial world turned into a virtual one. However, there are things that didn\u2019t change, and basic print design rules are universal and used by digital designers these days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Online publications took over many layout elements from print \u2013 they have titles, headlines, images, captions, subheadings, etc. They are connected in specific proportions. Besides, elements like catchy headlines, succinct subtitles, and attractive photos are more valuable now than ever before due to enormous competition in the digital world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The same happens with magazine layouts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      How important element is a layout of a magazine?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      The layout is extremely important from a practical point of view. It enables the readers to easily orientate in large amounts of information contained in the publication by finding constant, characteristic elements. The main feature here is consistency. But if practicalness were the only layout function, every magazine would look the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The layout imposes a unique character on the publication and distinguishes it from the others, as well as makes people dive into the next pages with curiosity.<\/strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Of course, you can say that the content is the most important element of any magazine. And we will agree with it, as long as we consider the written word + design as the content. Only this connection makes the magazine complete, like two halves of the same apple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      To better understand the importance and the role of design, please watch this six minutes inspiring speech given by Jacek Utko, a newspaper designer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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