New designs for niche publications

New editor of Saltwater GIRL magazine angles for sophisticated redesign. Saltwater GIRL magazine heads into 2011 with a refreshing new design aesthetic, bolder and more confident with the support of a core base of 23 634 loyal readers.

Newly appointed editor Candice Meiring believes that cleaner design with less clutter is what the Saltwater GIRL niche is after. And she is ready to deliver. One lovingly handcrafted page at a time. "More than ever our readers are responding to more visual, less text heavy pages. Our research has shown that as much as our market devours fashion stories, articles on dating and entertainment news, they are increasingly becoming more attracted to beautiful visuals with little or no text, where the image speaks for itself." This marries well with the highly aspirational surf and beach culture that characterises Saltwater GIRL's roots and defines its proud heritage as a product that was born as an insert out of award winning Zigzag Surfing magazine a decade ago.

Meiring continues, "I am inundated with requests from readers for more full-bleed inspiring beach or fashion shots that they use to dress their walls, lockers and stationery. We recently ran an exciting poster series where readers submitted their own artwork in any medium. Finalists were uploaded to our website where users voted for the best creative execution. This was ultimately printed as an A2 poster and bound in the magazine. This initiative tapped into our reader's creative spirit and encouraged an exciting cross-platform interaction. It was a phenomenal success."

The motivation behind the redesign is one hundred percent reader-driven and Meiring attributes this shift in her readers as a greater respect for the power of the print medium. "On a daily basis, our girls are exposed to so many flickering TV images, a plethora of dynamic web content and chunks of bite size mobile content. I believe they're simply craving the simplicity and beauty of a printed page. Their relationship with this medium is completely different to that they have with other forms of media. Proudly South African Saltwater GIRL magazine is a treasured friend she invites into her life to inspire, inform and encourage her. We are happy to continue to nurture the relationship we share with this trendsetting girl with content, imagery and an environment that she can't get from anywhere else."

In a recent ABC confusion, Saltwater GIRL had its surf and beach roots taken quite literally when their figures were confused with those of who have resigned from the ABCs. Always at home at the beach, but not necessarily with a fishing rod, the Saltwater GIRL circulation is far from resigned and sits at a very healthy niche of. Saltwater GIRL publishes eight issues per year and is made by South Africans for South Africans.

Afropolitan celebrates 20th edition

The Afropolitan Magazine is preparing to celebrate its 20th edition after five years of successfully offering the best in business, lifestyle and cultural content.

Launched in May 2007, the Afropolitan (partnered by Kaya FM) has grown to become a recognised leader amongst black business executives, and echoes their passion for living the good life. Past editions have not only had a firm grip on international current affairs but have also reflected the sexy, afro-centric lifestyle that is rooted in our rich cultural heritage. The Afropolitan's strong journalistic core has produced many inspirational tales of personal triumph, business success and controversy over the years.

This highly anticipated Collector's Edition is due to hit shelves in January 2011 - an injection of inspiration to kick-start your year.
Special features of the issue include: The Top 20 Afropolitans whose success in both business and the arts have impacted and uplifted the economic and cultural fabric of our global community; the best photographic and fashion images from the past five years and SA's Top 20 most exclusive travel spots. Plus, the Collector's Edition will launch our new, slick Afropolitan design and novel Home Décor and Gadgets section.

Testament to the Afropolitan's success over the last five years, are the advertisers who include some of the most exclusive upmarket brands in Africa. Celebrations have already begun in anticipation of the 20th Edition with special advertising opportunities across all platforms, including: print, web and digital newsletters.

To date, 27 000 registered Afropolitans are kept up to date with all the latest news, views, and opinions via our digital platforms. The Afropolitan movement is also gaining momentum through the success of our social platforms (Facebook and Twitter) reaching international Afropolitans across the globe. And to top off the brand experience, local Afropolitan events are held every two months to launch each new edition. The events are a great opportunity to rub shoulders with like-mined readers and enjoy great music and awesome venues. The Afropolitan's Exclusive 20th Edition will be available from Exclusive Books, CNA, Spar and select retail outlets.