Bead Star Magazine first impression

I was thrilled to be selected as one of the winners in the Bead Star competition, and have been eagerly checking my mailbox every day, hoping my issue would be there. Nothing yet, but I couldn't wait, so I braved the holiday crowds and went out to Michaels this morning to sneak a peek.

I have to admit, I am disappointed in the magazine layout. I was expecting a beautiful, clean layout like "Stringing," but instead of showcasing each project with a full page layout and instructions, there is a large sponsor ad at the bottom of each page, which really detracts from the pieces, and gives a very cluttered look. Then you have to flip to the back to get the instructions.

Having worked in the advertising industry for 20 years as a graphic designer/art director, I am painfully aware of the "make my logo bigger" mentality of sponsors. Obviously, they need significant recognition in the magazine, but couldn't it have been more tastefully done? Like, how about each sponsor getting their logo on the page with each winning entry, and then a full page ad somewhere else in the magazine.

If I had not been involved in the contest, I would have never bought this magazine off the shelf. While many of the projects are terrific, the magazine itself is not very appealing to look at.

Erin

Thank you, Erin.  I'll just keep my money in my billfold, and the gasoline in the gas tank.

Stan B.

Thank you, Erin.  I'll just keep my money in my bilfold, and the gasoline in the gas tank.

Stan B.

of course, this will not prevent me from entering again this year--I already have some ideas kicking around in my head! I was really hoping they'd add a category for "natural materials" like wood, bone and shells this year. But looks like its the same categories as last year.

Erin

 I checked out Bead Star today at our local B&N, and I wasn't bothered with the layout; maybe it's just me, but I can block out the periphery and focus on the important content.  I thought the pictures were fantastic and I personally like it better when the instructions are separate from the main large photo of the creation.  I didn't buy an issue only because I forgot my current savings coupon at home, but I am headed back to get an issue.

 Add my hearty congratulations to all the winners, and to all participants!!  I wish I had the courage and gumption to enter a contest.

 Blessings!

I am very picky and critical of layout, probably because I do it for a living, so its the first thing I notice. I still really like the contest, though. You should really think about entering--its really not scary if you have the right attitude. This was the first beading contest I ever entered. You just have to tell yourself you're doing it just for the fun of it, and its OK if you don't make it to the finals. You'll never know how far you can go if you don't try. Take a chance--you have absolutely nothing to lose!

Erin

Congratulation Erin.

I am going out tomorrow looking for Bead Star.  I am buying Bead Star because It's the first issue of a new magazine and also because It was also my first time I had entered a beading contest and was lucking to be one of the chosen for the vote.

I also thought the cover for the magazine is very boring and ugly and by that I mean the colors used for the cover.  I would have thought they would have used brighter colors and would have come out with a big BANG. 

When I shop for a magazine the first thing I look at is the cover, a beautiful cover is what I always pick first and than I look at what is inside.   

I have not seen this magazine yet, but I have not really looked yet. 

Congratulations to all the winners!

This Monday I finally found and bought my copy of Bead Star.  I have had such a busy week I have not had time to sit down and enjoy the magazine.  Until tonight, I finally read the whole thing.  

The picture were great, I like the layout, I enjoyed reading the biography of the winners and I also like seeing who sponsored the prizes for each winner.

If you are a beader and buy magazines now and then, this is one magazine you should have in your collection (I sound like a commercial).  I can't wait till the next issue comes out.

 To be honest, I didn't put two and two together and realize that this was the results of that contest.  Honestly, I jump at every opportunity to get a new beading magazine, even if I only end up finding one project or article that is encouraging or helpful to me.  I have a different opinion of his issue.  I think the cover was attractive and contemporary.  The colors and style complement the winning project and is eye catching.  I also like the little bio's about the creators of each project and the description box of why it is appealing.  It was also nice to see which companies supported the contest.  I don't particularly like looking in the back for little typed instructions, but in this case, I'd make an exception.  I thought some of the winning projects were fantastic, and others made me wonder why I hadn't submitted something, but that's o.k.  Congratulations to the winners and next year's issue can't come soon enough.

Overall I like it too.  I haven't finished the whole thing yet, but so far so good.  I agree that some of the 1/4 page box ads are a bit annoying, especially when there are other boxes and banners with the same info on the page.  Seems like a banner ad at the bottom of each page would be plenty, but I understand the adverts help the mag to be published, so there you go.  Just my 2 cents worth.

I'm still sulking - I really wanted to enter last year and I was so hoping it would go international for 2009!

I love the design that won, though.

 We are redesigning Bead Star, stay tuned! Thanks for your thoughts.

Leslie