Rare Use of Colorful Experimental Layouts
While generally restrained, Cheri experimented in some issues with vibrant layouts, collages, and unusual photo sequencing—especially in themed editions. These artistic flourishes added dynamism to the otherwise traditional grid layouts of most adult mags. This was particularly evident in late-90s and early-200s issues that leaned into art-pop design trends.
In the April/May issue from 1998, the editorial team put together an elaborate "Fetish Fun Fair" theme for their regular feature section. They included colorful graphics and textures throughout the page, creating a carnival atmosphere. The cover used bold colors to stand out against the black background, while the inside pages had bright patterns and illustrations. It also featured a collage of photos taken at actual fairs, with people dressed up as clowns, acrobats, and fortune tellers. For their "Love Lessons" column, they chose a retro-styled font and pasted it onto a psychedelic background.
Another interesting example is the May issue from 2004, which focused on sex workers' rights. It had a unique layout that combined photographs, handwritten notes, and computer-generated graphics. The cover showed a close-up shot of a woman's face, with a red stripe over her eyes like she was wearing a mask. Inside, each article had its own layout, ranging from a collage of images to a single image with captions. The "Career Corner" feature included a graphic that resembled a bullseye target, with different types of jobs listed in each ring. The "Sex Positions" tutorial included two columns side by side—one showing photos of couples doing various positions, and another listing tips and advice. This approach helped readers visualize ideas better and stay engaged longer.
In July/August 2005, Cheri published a special edition devoted to female body builders. Instead of focusing on traditional grid layouts or plain typography, they experimented with full-page colorful portraits of the athletes and detailed descriptions of their routines. They even included some comics, such as one where a woman lifts weights while her boyfriend watches TV on the sofa. These layouts were bold and eye-catching, making it easy for readers to remember them long after reading.
Cheri Magazine used experimental layouts sporadically throughout its run, but especially during certain periods when artistic trends allowed them to take more risks. Their creativity added interest and visual appeal to otherwise straightforward articles.