Magazine directors talk words and pictures

By Riccardo Magliola

MA Magazine Journalism students were told of the importance of finding a balance between words and pictures during a visit by two of Highbury Houseís top division directors.

Jules Rogers and Sarah Bravo are the Creative and Editorial Directors for the Lifestyle division of Highbury House, which publishes a variety of magazines including Health and Fitness, Real Homes, Front, and DJ.

Rogers and Bravo met whilst working for Sally OíSullivan at IPC Media, where they were soon asked to develop their own title. Two months in a cupboard later and 25 Beautiful Homes was born.

Strong formula

Their first issue sold 80,000 copies, and IPC decided that the formula was so strong that it was developed into a monthly publication.

Since then they continued to work with Sally OíSullivan, launching other titles including Livingetc, and Real Homes. During this time, they have obviously developed a strong friendship, earthed in the balance between words and pictures.

Sarah Bravo said: "The relationship between an Editor and an Art Editor is incredibly important as words and pictures are linked beyond belief." 

Knowing your reader

She went on to explain the importance of knowing your reader when working on any magazine. This was reinforced in her summary, when she said: "A good editor should be able to edit anything."

Jules Rogers started by describing her role: "Itís my job to spend all the budget." She explained that about 90% of any magazine's budget will typically be spent on pictures.

This is because a magazine needs to have its own photography and photo shoots not only require models, a location, and a photographer, but also time, persuasion skills, contingency plans - and more chocolate than you would imagine.

More info:
MA Magazine Journalism >

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See also:
Highbury House Communications website >
IPC Media website >

Extra and related information

Our print and broadcast courses are accredited by the The Broadcast Journalism Training Council and the National Council for the Training of Journalists. Our MA Magazine Journalism is accredited by the Periodicals Training Council.