Cover of the Year vote 2025
Attention-grabbing covers can spark conversations, be a piece of art, or simply capture a moment or theme that makes the reader want to discover more. This award celebrates standout front covers from 2024 that were simply unmissable. Our judges have whittled it down, now it’s your turn to have your say.
Voting closes midnight 25 April.
Cover of the Year
Architects' Journal, emap
About the cover:
The AI-focused issue of AJ really pushed boundaries. AI tools were used to design the cover and essay speculating on how pioneering craftsman William Morris might have viewed the rise of the technology. Look closely and you’ll see how the AJ logo was reimagined for this edition, too.
Digital Frontier
About the cover:
The Curiosity issue cover is an invitation, an experience beyond print. A striking crimson design with die-cut holes teases what lies beneath, compelling readers to explore. This innovative, collectible cover stands out on shelves, driving engagement and conversation. It transforms the audience’s intrigue into action, embodying the thrill of discovery in print.
Harrods, Harrods Magazine February 2025 (drop date 30th January 2025), Harrods
About the cover:
Khloe takes London (and the Harrods Magazine coverspot). Harrods meets Khloe Kardashian just a stone's throw from its Knightsbridge store for this exclusive covershoot and interview.
National Geographic Traveller (UK), APL Media
About the cover:
Featuring an impactful image, showing the iconic Mount Fuji from an unusual viewpoint, this cover clearly communicates the destination in focus while also reflecting the specific angle of the cover story - ‘alternative Japan’. It helped the issue become the best seller on newsstand in the brand’s history.
National Trust Magazine
About the cover:
National Trust Magazine’s Spring 2024 cover masterfully blends heritage and digital innovation, celebrating Kingston Lacy’s Japanese garden. Featuring Takumasa Ono’s sumi-e illustration, it connects art, nature, and history. A gentle blossom animation enhances the digital edition, aligning with the Trust’s Festival of Blossom and its ‘People and Nature Thriving’ strategy.
New Scientist, Harmsworth Media
About the cover:
A best-selling cover which pulled off the tricky feat of sensitively but compelling speaking to one of the over-riding moods of 2024. It showcased New Scientist’s unique, evidence-based angle on this important topic, which matters increasingly to so many of us – and the promise of soothing our anxious minds.
Saga Magazine, March 2024, Saga
About the cover:
With a mix of traditional photography by Dan Burn-Forti and creative retouching by Lisa Sheehan, Saga’s March cover set the New Forest alight in a stark warning about climate change. In the accompanying interview, Packham told us how despite death threats, he would continue his fight to combat global warming.
Saga Magazine, November 2024, Saga
About the cover:
Eye contact is a must in cover design, right? Saga’s November issue delivers in spades. Shot by Jay Brooks, our shoot sees Alexander Armstrong, freaked out by hundreds of googly eyes. With playful use of type and a fun jumper, this cover is without a doubt eye catching.
Stylist, The Stylist Group
About the cover:
Absolutely everyone wanted this cover of Adam Brody, shot for the Christmas issue of Stylist. We were celebrating our favourite people of 2024, the ones we wanted to share a bowl of pasta/massive cake and an intimate chat with, and the star of hit series Nobody Wants This was guest of honour.
WIRED, Condé Nast
About the cover:
WIRED's 13th annual report on Europe's 100 Hottest Startups is a joyous, colourful celebration of the best businesses in the Eurozone and beyond, reflecting the excitement and diversity of the startup scene on our doorstep.