Bitch magazine’s nameplate is always seemingly the most predominant thing on the cover, as it takes up at least 1/3 of the cover. The nameplate is always the same sizable, thick typeface on all covers and always placed at the top of the cover so in terms of hierarchy, the reader is definitely seeing “bitch” first. The publication also seems to have a pattern of keeping its nameplate in rather pastel colors, although there are rare occasions where its nameplate can be found in bolder colors. Ultimately, with its rather large layout on the page, Bitch’s nameplate certainly makes a powerful presence on the cover page of the magazine. Right above the nameplate on all publication covers is the statement “a feminist response to pop culture” in a much tinier, thinner typeface placed right above the “c” of “bitch” and right between the “t” and “h” of “bitch”, proving the purpose of the front page to ultimately draw attention to the publication’s very own name “bitch” more than anything, which is a rather blunt name to begin with. Of course, at the same time that It wants to draw the most attention to its very raw name “bitch”, it also wants to send the message that it is a feminist magazine and will contain feminist content, as the tone of the magazine is all in the statement provided right above its nameplate.
In terms of hierarchy, the very first information that is given to the reader in the 88-page print publication is usually the table of contents on page 2. The table of contents lists all of the sections of the magazine, which includes “first of all”, “dispatches”, “features”, “from the hq”, and “culture”. On the very next few pages is a “Who We Are” spread from page 4-5 and then a letter from the editor on page 7. “Who We Are” is capitalized, colored in pastel pink, and takes up the whole two pages, forcing the reader’s eyes to travel all the way from the top left-hand corner of page 4 all the way to the bottom right-hand corner of page 5. This 2-page spread consists of all information from who the executive director is to who the contributing writers are for the features. Photos are placed beside mini biographies in this spread, distinguishing contributing writers apart from one another. The photos are square-shaped, or profile-shaped, much like most of the images and photos throughout the publication. If there is one thing the magazine does not seem to experiment much with it’s the shape of images/photos. There is even a whole photo essay in Bitch magazine’s Fall 2018’s issue and all of the photos are very square and black and white.
Furthermore, I love how this magazine has organized the rest of its sections, as the sections completely speak to its audience. A few sections that are consistent in all print publications include “Love It, Shove it”, “Feminist Fill-in” and “Bitch List”. “Love It, Shove It” informs the reader on everything the writers and editors are loving and not so much loving in pop culture, and culture in general, at the moment. “Feminist Fill-in” is monthly advice from a feminist about rather arbitrary aspects of life and “The Bitch List” contains feminist favorites, from books to T.V. shows, that the writers at Bitch magazine recommend.
There is also always a “Features” and “Culture” section that are placed later on in the magazine; the “Features” section starting on around page 23 and the “Culture” section usually starting on around page 63. These sections are particularly distinguished from the rest of the magazine, as the introductory page to each of these sections are devoid from much design and say either “FEATURES” or “CULTURE” at the top right-hand corner with a list of all the articles in those sections placed right beneath. FEATURES and CULTURE are also capitalized on the page, so these sections are not very hard for the reader to miss.
Please insert larger images, so we can more easily see the elements on the page. Also, please crop to eliminate the black areas around the photo.