MAGAZINE DESIGN AND REDESIGN CASE STUDIES AND TESTIMONIALS
Designs That ‘Wow’
Niche magazine publishing is all about clearly defining a highly targeted audience, getting to know that audience really well, and then delivering content that resonates with them. SPARK Publications works with some amazing niche magazine publishers who serve their audiences with beautiful and engaging content. Here are just a few examples.
“SPARK Publications whole-heartedly understands our vision and has been vital in seeing it come to fruition. They make the process of publishing a magazine effortless and enjoyable. We could not do it without them!”
—JJ Bissell
senior vice president and director of Bissell Companies
Ballantyne Magazine
Bissell Media
Bissell Companies approached SPARK Publications in 2000 to help launch a lifestyle publication for residents and business owners in Ballantyne, the company’s upscale master-planned community in the Charlotte area. SPARK Publications designed the look and feel of the new magazine and served as its creative director. In 2008 and 2016, the magazine underwent redesigns to keep it fresh, upscale, and timely.
Ballantyne Magazine is now the definitive source for information about living and working in the Ballantyne area. Each quarter, 40,000 copies are distributed to residents, businesses, and hotel rooms in affluent areas of south Charlotte.
Loss Prevention Magazine
LP Media
The founders of LP Magazine wanted to launch a national niche magazine for the 60,000 retail loss prevention (LP) and asset protection professionals working in the United States. LP professionals are tasked with mitigating an estimated $35 billion in loss due to theft, fraud, and errors each year. The magazine required a very professional and organized design with high-value content in order for major national retailers to sign on and accept it as an ongoing resource. In 2001, SPARK Publications designed the cover concept, nameplate, and interior pages to appeal to LP professionals using bold colors, clean lines, pertinent photography, and a consistently branded format. The magazine has gone through three redesigns to accommodate the changing world of loss prevention as well as LP Media’s expanding business.
Published six times per year, LossPrevention Magazine (now called LP Magazine) has been going strong since it launched in 2001. It is now the centerpiece of a multimedia company that includes a European edition, a digital magazine, a website (with archives), webinars, podcasts, a virtual trade show, and a nonprofit foundation that runs a certification program for industry professionals.
“SPARK Publications has always exhibited professionalism and business acumen that sets them apart from their competitors. Their willingness to go the extra mile in support of the launching of LossPrevention magazine was critical to our national success. They continue to support me and the magazine with outstanding services that are critical to our maintaining the leading position in our industry.”
—Jack Trlica
editor of LP Magazine
“I simply think that it is a great idea to have an open forum type of magazine that really highlights local small businesses and the thoughts, opinions, and insights from the individuals behind those businesses.”
—Ed Doughty
Managing Director of Epic Capital, reader and contributor to b2bTRIBE
b2bTRIBE
SPARK Publications
Fabi Preslar wanted to impact the entrepreneurial ecosystem and the lives of small business owners working tirelessly to support our economy. In 2014, she used her firm’s expertise and technology to launch b2bTRIBE, a magazine for diverse and engaged small business owners and entrepreneurs in the Charlotte area. To get business owners involved, the firm croudsourced content with a portal where business owners could contribute news briefs, helpful articles, and opinions to the magazine. Ad sales and art submissions were also automated through an advertising portal.
b2bTRIBE has become an award-winning platform for building personal and professional relationships. The editorial content includes practical knowledge and advice articles, news briefs, event save the dates, and entertaining Q&As that show off the personalities and values of the individuals who participate.
