The future of digital magazines

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The future of digital magazines

By The Guardian Masterclasses

Date and time

Saturday, August 16, 2014 · 10am - 4pm GMT+1

Location

The Guardian

Kings Place 90 York Way London N1 9GU United Kingdom

Refund Policy

Contact the organizer to request a refund.

Description

Learn how industry professionals create compelling digital stories for the web, mobile and tablet

Advances in web technology have allowed magazine stories to be told in new ways. Ever since the iPad appeared in 2010, independent startups and major publishers have experimented with new formats for tablet, computer and mobile, with new titles appearing every week and existing brands finding ways to flourish. Today, the best digital magazines blend traditional design values – such as brilliant typography, layout and photography – with compelling writing, reader engagement strategies and seamlessly integrated multimedia.

In this one-day seminar – run in association with the Digital Magazine Awards – leading creatives working on digital magazines will share their experience of cross-platform publishing, over print, mobile, apps and the web. Attendees will gain invaluable insights into where the medium is now, and where it might be going next. Featuring talks from magazine industry commentator Peter Houston, founders of Ernest Journal, Jo Keeling and Tina Smith, and digital consultant Alan Rutter, you will leave with unique insights into how to create digital magazines that succeed creatively and commercially.

This course is for you if…

  • You're working in the magazine industry and are interested in exploring opportunities for digital
  • You're looking to create a digital magazine for yourself or for your organisation.
  • You're a writer, editor, designer or developer who wants to find out about the realities of creating digital magazines.

PLEASE NOTE: No specific technical knowledge is required to attend this event.

Course description

Mixing presentations and discussions, this large-scale seminar will showcase examples of successful digital magazines and the content strategies that made them successful. There will be plenty of Q&A time throughout the day to ensure that your specific concerns are addressed. Topics covered on the day include:

  • Different technical solutions for creating digital magazines
  • How to deal with multiple devices and screen sizes
  • Engaging your audience and marketing your magazine
  • Revenue models and advertising
  • Cross-platform publishing: print, mobile, apps and the web
  • Merging best practice in digital magazine design
  • What's coming next

Tutor profiles

Peter Houston is a magazine industry heavyweight and prolific blogger . He has worked in publishing for over 25 years, most recently with Advanstar Communications as group content director, focusing on content creation and management processes and publishing technology implementation. He has worked with magazines in markets from life sciences and technical electronics, to gaming, theme parks and construction. Peter first crossed the print-digital divide back in 1993, working on a CD-ROM series and first-generation websites with Global Sources in Hong Kong. At Advanstar his work centred on content strategy, resource management, staff motivation and skills development. During his five-year tenure he worked with senior management to facilitate the print-digital transition.

Jo Keeling is the editor and founder of Ernest Journal a new blog, iPad app and biannual printed journal for the curious and adventurous. Jo is an enthusiastic, versatile and really rather friendly editor with a passion for slow journalism, tactile design and independent publishing. In her 10 years as a journalist, she has worked as a staff writer on an Indian city newspaper, compiled over 1,000 walking and cycling route guides for Countryfile, co-authored a wild guide to the South West and launched Pretty Nostalgic, a vintage lifestyle magazine celebrating creative and sustainable living.

Tina Smith is art editor of Ernest , a multi-platform, independent journal for the curious and adventurous. From a print magazine background, she was among the first designers for tablet, and has continued to work in both media since. In 2010 she co-founded her first indie magazine, Lost in London, while freelancing around the big publishing houses. As part of the launch team behind Ernest, she is able to combine the fast-paced digital publishing world with the tactile joys of inky paper.

Alan Rutter is a journalist and digital media consultant. At Condé Nast he oversaw the UK iPad edition launches of WIRED, GQ, Vanity Fair and Vogue. He then went on to work in the Condé Nast International technology team, working with designers and editors across 11 global markets on developing content across mobile, websites and print. He has previously worked as an editor and journalist at Time Out, as online editor and deputy editor of the magazine, and as an editor and writer for the Telegraph, Men's Health, Jack and Maxim.

More speakers to be confirmed. Please check this page for updates

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website

Organized by

Welcome to Guardian Masterclasses – a unique programme of learning embedded within one of the world's most forward-thinking media organisations.

We offer a broad range of short and long courses across a variety of disciplines from creative writing, journalism, photography and design, film and digital media, music and cultural appreciation.

Harnessing the expertise and specialisms within the organisation, our courses are led by first class and award winning guardian professionals whilst also drawing on the skills and expertise of other leading figures at the forefront of the creative and digital industries.

The programme is aimed at anyone interested in personal or professional development whether that be refining your skills, focusing your ambition or simply broadening your mind and gaining inspiration.

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