I couldn’t find the vertical version of the iPad design cover, but I did find the print version. I really like the design because the picture is extremely powerful, and the nameplate is cool because it’s opacity is not 100%. There are slight differences between the iPad design and the print. For example the size of the typeface is bigger in print, and the spacing and cropping of the picture is slightly different due to the vertical and horizontal spaces used. I really like how the burst of the solar storm leads to the headline of the article, and I like the leading done on the headline as well. Overall, I really like the cover design done on this National Geographic issue.

iPad Magazine Cover:

Print Magazine Cover:

Unfortunately, this magazine cover only had a horizontal layout. I like it a lot though, especially because it resembles what I want my iPad designs to look like. The way the motorcycle bleeds off the top and bottom of the design really gives way to the engine and the pipes. The typography is well-chosen as well because it is sleek and silver; similar to the pipes of the motorcycle. The biggest difference between the digital cover and the print cover is that the type in the digital cover is larger. In addition, the image in the print cover appears to larger than the image in the digital cover.

The Alchemy of Gambia

by Will Bendix

Chasing Elusive Perfection on West Africa’s Coast

The sound of metal on metal scraped through the air with a crack, sending the pack of naked boys that waited nervously on the shore scattering into the shallows. Behind them stood a tall, orange creature with fibrous cords covering its entire body like the straw stalks of a scarecrow, with each hand clutching a long, sharp blade. The air was tinged with smoke and steady beat swelled from a nearby drum circle as the creature again smashed the blades together and wailed to the ocean. It was time to lop off some foreskins.