Judging Criteria

When making the shortlist selection, judges looked for covers that:

• Possessed a high standard of imaginative design, photography and illustration
• Struck a balance between encapsulating the brand whilst presenting something unexpected to the audience
• Intrigued and excited the audience with the main coverline
• Demonstrated a balance of imagery with coverlines
• Were impactful and leapt out from the crowded newsstands
• Spoke to the audience, not to publishing art directors
• Were supported by strong sales figures

The judges had a lot to say about the quality of covers nominated this year. Click on the below clips to hear which were their particular favourites.