I want to write a magazine article for my second unessay. It is a moderately casual medium, but also a good way to convey research. After researching the subject I found that the big challenge in creating a magazine article is balancing information and aesthetics. According to a presentation done by the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism, art is the central focus of magazine articles. No one wants to read a piece that is filled with random pictures and scattered text, even if it may be compelling. Structure is essential in creating an effective article. I learned that the piece must convey an abundance of information in a confined area while providing a pleasing structure that allows the audience to read throughout the article smoothly. Every extra element has the potential to create clutter. Therefore, each part of the article should be cultivated with a specific purpose. Finding that balance between intellectual stimulation and art will be the most difficult part.
Magazine articles have particular elements that are universal. The theme and articulate layout need to be consistent throughout. For example, margins, folios (usually containing the magazine title, issue date and page number) and textual settings should be the same, page to page. I learned that certain aspects such as the heading, leads, captions, body, sidebar, subheadings, byline and pull quotes are fundamental to magazine articles – they separate a bland article with a compelling, aesthetically pleasing editorial. But creative devices such as rules, kickers, indentations, fonts and serifs are all ways to enhance the quality of the article and make it appear more professional.
In conclusion, the content and general layout of the article will be strictly up to me. I think less writing is better because clutter is very unpleasing to the reader. Using the features that I researched will create a fascinating article that will hopefully draw the audience in both intellectually and aesthetically.
- Dawson Matthews
Magazine articles have particular elements that are universal. The theme and articulate layout need to be consistent throughout. For example, margins, folios (usually containing the magazine title, issue date and page number) and textual settings should be the same, page to page. I learned that certain aspects such as the heading, leads, captions, body, sidebar, subheadings, byline and pull quotes are fundamental to magazine articles – they separate a bland article with a compelling, aesthetically pleasing editorial. But creative devices such as rules, kickers, indentations, fonts and serifs are all ways to enhance the quality of the article and make it appear more professional.
In conclusion, the content and general layout of the article will be strictly up to me. I think less writing is better because clutter is very unpleasing to the reader. Using the features that I researched will create a fascinating article that will hopefully draw the audience in both intellectually and aesthetically.
- Dawson Matthews