What are some basic guidelines when creating a magazine layout?

Question

I am currently working for a magazine and I want to be original, but I don't want my creativity to make it hard for the reader to follow the stories. I'm not sure of the usually font types, preparing for print, and things like that. Any advice, suggestions, or comments would be very helpful.

You may also message me or email me if you are a sort of expert in the field.

Answer 1

Before you try anything new, you should speak to your editor. Many will have a style guide or, at the very least, an idea of how their magazine should appear. Your ideas might not be in keeping with his or her plans.
If they agree, then look at other magazines and see what you like, and think about why you like it. All designs can be adapted and improved to suit your own publication.
However, remember that no matter how eye-catching your layout is, it must be readable. Most of your readers will not care too much about whether it looks pretty, they'll only want the information presented simply and in an easily readable way.
Good luck.

Answer 2

It's been a long time since I've done layout and design, but from what I remember, you need to be aware of white space. Let the readers' eyes have a break. Changing font during the article makes it tough to read, but having a "pull quote" in the middle or as a sidebar allows some white space.
Good luck.

Answer 3

I am a professional, and in all seriousness, I would recommend some quick visual "recipe books" that throw off a variety of layout templates. They will stimulate your creative juices as you try to wring your own variations on the templates provided, AND they will point you toward tried and true solutions when you are under a deadline crunch, and need something NOW.

You can pick up a couple of these books for under $40, and it should be useful every day at your present job.

http://www.amazon.com/Layout-Index-Advertising-Newsletter-Stationery/dp/1581801467/ref=pd_sim_b_4/103-2024015-4282241

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product//1581805012/ref=cm_aya_asin.title/103-2024015-4282241

Answer 4

i'm in the technique of having ours made besides. We additionally had a photojournalistic style, yet have long previous with the extra classic album. The magazine style albums are each and all the fad good now, yet i in my view think of they appear as if extreme college year books. i think of the style will fade out quickly. for this reason we chosen the extra classic album because of the fact it is going to consistently look undying. purely in view which you have much less pose-y pictures, would not recommend it won't look good with the raveled style. incredibly in case you have somewhat some black and white pictures. it is going to look very stylish. we are surely doing a miles less classic matte style the place it purely approximately appears like the image is between the pages, no longer on correct of it. So its nonetheless classic, yet with a twist of modernism to it.

Answer 5

remember that people read left to right! that is VERY important