A follow-up of my previous mock magazine entry. Despite encanto being a fake magazine, I got a bit into it and went ahead and designed Jan.-July 2008 (April’s not ready yet). Comments and suggestions appreciated. 
click to enlarge thumbnails
I’m having some dilemma over the masthead, “encanto.” I like the drop shadow on it, but I don’t know if I should also add the embossing or not.
Before (drop shadow only)
After (drop shadow + emboss)
I would suggest to leave only the drop shadow. I feel it’s better to leave it more simple. Also, I like the masthead on the left side of the cover. Typically mast heads are on the left so when they are displayed in a magazine rack, the mast sticks out and the buyer can see the magazine name. I like the type treatment of the cover lines–how there’s a consistancy. Also, I very much like the different styles of art on the cover. Two months has figure drawings and the others have photographs. I like the work you’ve done here.
Thanks for the comment and critique Erika. I agree with pretty much everything you said. I’ve come to the conclusion that the drop shadow alone is cleaner and yet distinctive enough. Also the left masthead is very logical. I guess I will have to figure out how to incorporate that….