Magazine Genre & Moodboard

Lately I’ve been fascinated by the way news, entertainment and social platforms shape politics and international relations. For my media project, I want to turn that fascination into a magazine concept. Below I will break down the genre I’ve chosen, some magazines that inspire me, and a moodboard plan showing the style and conventions I’ll follow.

1. Genre I’m Choosing

I’m planning a current affairs & media influence magazine aimed at students and young adults who are curious about the world.The magazine would mix journalism, culture, and design to explain how media affects diplomacy, activism, and global conversations — but in a way that’s easy to read and visually appealing.

Magazines inspiring me:

• Monocle – clean, global, stylish layouts.

• Time – bold covers and striking headlines on major world events.

• Bloomberg Businessweek – strong data visualisation and infographics.

These publications show you can tackle serious topics without being boring.

2. My Moodboard Plan

   
   

To turn research into something visual, I’ve drafted a moodboard plan. It helps me decide which genre conventions to keep and where I can add fresh ideas.

Conventions I’ll Follow:

• Bold masthead with a recognisable font to build brand identity.

• Powerful main image on the cover with minimal cover lines.

• Clear table of contents split into sections like Features / Reviews / Youth Voices / Global Policy.

• Infographics and photo essays to explain complex topics visually.

• Pull quotes, box panels and subheads to break up text and make reading easier.

• Consistent typography (serif for headlines, sans-serif for body) for a smart, modern look.

Creative Extras I Want to Add:

• QR codes linking to short videos or interviews.

• A “Voice of Youth” section for international students to contribute articles, art or photos.

• Special issues focused on one theme (e.g. streaming platforms, elections, or social media activism).

• Light pastel accents and subtle textures to make the design inviting but not childish.

Visual & Text Inspiration:

• Fonts: Playfair Display or Merriweather (headlines) + Montserrat or Times New Roman (body).

• Layout: grid-based TOC with small images and clear page numbers.

• Covers: one strong, full-bleed image, masthead either at top, on the side or overlapping slightly.

3. Why This Matters

   
   

This approach keeps the credibility of a serious publication but uses design choices that speak to a younger, digital-native audience. It also gives me room to experiment with storytelling beyond just words — through visuals, data, and reader interaction.