Behind-the-Curtain Editorial Features: Humanizing the Magazine Team
Magazines are always a labor of love, but rarely do readers get to see the inner workings that go into producing a glossy publication. In recent years, more magazines have begun publishing "behind-the-curtain" editorial features that give readers a peek at the process behind the final product. These profiles reveal the hard work and creativity of magazine staffers, from editors to art directors. They also offer an intriguing glimpse into the personalities of those who make it all happen.
The most popular type of behind-the-scenes feature is an in-depth profile of the magazine's editorial director, often written by one of their own writers. This gives readers insight into how the magazine's philosophy comes together, as well as how it's developed and shaped. The feature may include interviews with other staffers and contributors, as well as photos and illustrations from the production process.
Another common feature is a look at the magazine's style team, which curates each issue's fashion spreads and ensures they fit within the overall aesthetic. Style features typically focus on individual stylists or teams, including their backgrounds and inspirations. Some even explore specific shoots and how they were created.
Finally, many magazines now include a behind-the-scenes video series, allowing viewers to follow along as their favorite issues come together. These videos can be short documentaries or even reality shows that chronicle the entire process from concept to finished product.
Behind-the-scenes features are important because they humanize the magazine industry and show the collaborative nature of creating any publication. It's easy to forget that real people are involved in every step of the process, from brainstorming to fact-checking to layout design. By putting a face (or several) to the work, these articles remind us that there's more to a magazine than just the printed pages we hold in our hands. They also provide an intimate glimpse into the personalities and passions of those who bring us our favorite publications.