Research: Magazine Genres

Intro: 

In this blog, I’m going to explore different genres within the context of magazines. I’m mainly interested in sports and music magazines, as I have already read some in the past, like Sports Illustrated, Billboard, and Rolling Stone. 

So, as of right now, I’m currently considering those two possible options; however, I still want to find a 3rd alternate option to consider, just in case I find something else that interests me more. 

 

Research: 

Teen Magazines: 

Teen magazines like Seventeen or the now-folded Teen People are fascinating because they don't just sell products; they sell identity. 

• What I did: I looked at how these publications use "relatability" to hook readers.  

• The Lesson: They rely heavily on bright, high-energy layouts and "service journalism" (advice columns, DIY beauty). However, research shows they can also create high-pressure standards for their audience regarding body image and social status. 

Music Magazines: 

Publications like Rolling Stone and NME historically acted as the "gatekeepers" of cool.

 

• What I did: I researched how music journalism evolved from 1960s counter-culture to the digital era. 

• The Lesson: Music magazines aren't just about the songs; they are about the culture surrounding the artist. A great music magazine cover can define a decade. 

 

 

 

 

Sports Magazines: 

The hero shot is an essential aspect of a magazine's power. Publications like Sports Illustrated and Slam emphasize athletic performance at its peak. 

• My analysis was based on examining how sports photography has developed through the "codes and conventions" of photography (fast shutter-speed, powerful, aggressive typefaces). 

• The Changing Nature of Sports Media - Sports media has transformed from being primarily concerned with the "what" (the scores) and now focusing on the "who" (the athlete's brand and way of life).

 

 

 

Analysis: How This Impacted My Project 

This exploration completely shifted my thinking. I realized that a magazine isn't just a collection of articles; it’s a niche community.

Initially, after finding out about it as another option, I thought I wanted to do a Teen magazine because it felt "current." But after looking at the data, I realized the Teen market is heavily saturated by social media (TikTok/Instagram), making a traditional print layout feel almost redundant.

 Music magazines were a close second, but they require a very specific aesthetic that can sometimes overshadow the subject. 

Sports, however, offered the most versatility. It allows for a mix of high-intensity action and deep, personal storytelling; a perfect balance for the portfolio. 

 

Reflection 

The next step of my project will be to find sub-genres within the context of Sports magazines, so that I can incorporate them into the product for my portfolio. 

 

The Decision 

Because of my interest in sports and how much they visually impact our world, I've chosen Sport as my Genre. I will be employing a sub-genre of sports that probably combines sports and lifestyle/culture. 

Using this approach, I hope to demonstrate my photographic talent and my capacity to write for a highly enthusiastic and focused readership.

Sources 

1. Flipsnack: 10 Sports Magazines to Get You Moving – A great look at sub-genres like Slam and Golf Digest.
2. KFF: Tweens, Teens, and Magazines – Insight into the explosion and impact of the teen magazine market. 
3. Rolling Stone History – How music magazines shaped pop culture journalism. 
4. Deloitte 2025 Sports Industry Outlook – On the digital future of sports media.