Magazine Cover Project
Follow the guidelines and instructions below to create your magazine cover.
Subject - Your magazine should be made up. Do not copy an existing magazine. Choose something you're interested in.
Images - You can use images on the internet for this, but make sure they are good quality images. Don't forget to check the resolution of the images! And remember 300 pixels = 1 inch.
Text - Watch your fonts! Make sure they are readable, and don't use too many different fonts. Most covers only use 2 or 3 fonts, but will change the size and color to differentiate them.
Contrast - Covers need to have a lot of contrast between the text and images. Pay attention to the images you use and the text you place over it. Avoid using outlines and drop shadows to create contrast with your text. Instead adjust the brightness and contrast of your image or use gradients to help.
STEP 1
Create a new folder on your computer to save your cover and other images in. You will turn in this entire folder when finished.
Research! Do a google image search for magazine covers. Change up words when you search to find different types of covers. For example, don't just search "magazine covers" - add words like cool, interesting, best, etc. to get more variations.
Copy and save your favorite examples in a folder on your computer. Save at least 5 examples of covers you like.
STEP 2
Create a New Photoshop document with the following settings:
Width = 8.5"
Height = 11"
Color = RGB
Resolution = 300
Add a .25" safe zone around your document using guides. Do not put any text or important images in this space.
When finished upload the folder you made with your cover in it. It should have your PSD file, your JPEG, and the research images you downloaded.Â
Graphic Design Students - Upload your folder to the Google Drive.
Yearbook Students - Upload your folder to the Google Drive.