The major magazines in the US have a lot to think about when
deciding on a cover for their latest issue. Because most magazines come out
monthly, their editors know that people will be passing the newsstands and
laying eyes on their cover layout decision for 3 to 4 weeks, so it must be
impactful as well as having a good shelf life. This is a much bigger job than
just piecing together pretty pictures.
To complicate this matter, most of our major magazine
publishers in America also distribute their wares to other markets abroad like
Asia and Europe. Now they have to design a cover that will suit those
very-different tastes. It must take a wealth of knowledge of foreign cultures
and plenty of boots on the ground overseas to ensure that their cover layout
has the impact intended and does not offend.
Now let us flip this concept a bit. What if the US magazines
found it easier to be impactful in the foreign markets, but were afraid of the
consequences of their actions here in America? Does that sound a bit Orwellian
to you? Well, it is a fact and there is proof on Time Magazine’s own website,
where they show you what the covers of their different magazines look like in a
given month.
Check out the website linked above and go back through the
past year’s publications.
