Other titles also recognised in the same week include Globe Magazine, Out100, The New York Times Magazine and The Big Issue Collectors’ Issue.
According to media blog, marklives.com, a popular anonymous blogger reports on a weekly basis regarding the best local and international magazine titles and gives acknowledgement to magazine covers that are, according to them, “well thought through, powerful and interesting (hopefully all three in one) and celebrate the combination of pragmatism, creativity and personal taste”.
The anonymous blogger describes INTIEM’s cover as striking, risky and beautiful. On the cover in question, famous singer Bobby van Jaarsveld smoulders shirtless with his wife, Annatjie, and the black-and-white result with bright yellow is a visual feast for the eyes.
According to Leanne Eksteen, designer and creator of the cover, the photo was ideal for a unique cover. “The black-and-white photo has a high contrast and I could experiment with yellow to make it ‘pop’,” she says.
“The photo, which was taken by Salomien Smal, portrays what INTIEM stands for – the unbelievable result of intimacy between a married couple who love each other,” says Annelize Steyn, editor and stylist of INTIEM. “In a marriage one often stands so naked and vulnerable in front of each other, but it is in these moments that amazing things happen and the ‘picture’ just works – as is the case with this cover.”
Liezel van der Merwe, managing editor of INTIEM, says there isn’t a more suitable front cover couple for this specific concept than Bobby and Annatjie. “They are such a role-model couple, and yet so honest and approachable. What stands out is how proud Bobby is of his wife,” Van Der Merwe says. “It also helps that they are both such beautiful people.”
Van der Merwe is delighted about the comments. “To be mentioned in the same league as leading international titles is a great honour and the feedback we have received as a result of this is wonderful. This mention motivates us to create even better covers and content for our readers,” says Van Der Merwe.
The cover is INTIEM’s December/January issue, currently available on shelves nationwide.