The Making of a Magazine Cover: Behind the Scenes of Our 40th Anniversary Issue!

The 40th anniversary cover conversation started early – VERY early for a busy publishing company.

It was about a month before our final production deadline when we decided we wanted Salem native Arielle Rosmarino – also known as Miss Virginia USA 2014 – on our cover with the numerals “4” and “0.” The cover was inspired by another magazine cover I had seen featuring Nicole Kidman. 

As the art director, I was charged with finding Arielle and figuring out how to produce large numerals that would look good, stand freely – AND not blow the budget. I spent an hour fretting about the impossibility of the task when my Editor in Chief, Kurt Rheinheimer, saved the day by suggesting I connect with 4DD Studios, a 3D printing company located in downtown Roanoke. 

I immediately sent an email to see if 4DD could produce the numerals on a tight schedule. Saviors! I got an immediate response, followed up with a phone call for more information on the project. I worked with Jim McGeorge, and not only does he know his stuff, he prides himself on customer service and efficiency.

During the actual production process I was on vacation but did not have to worry. The team at 4DD Studios kept the LeisureMedia360 team updated, provided several miniature and to-scale samples to make sure we were on the right track, and during production of the actual numerals invited our Digital Publications Editor Jeff Wood and Graphic Designer Ruth Herdman to the shop to observe and film the production process. 

When I saw the finished product, I was beyond impressed. 4DD met my every expectation and for an art director, and that’s a gift!

The day of the shoot was a breeze. Working with Arielle was not only easy, but entertaining. She’s a true professional. And I of course have to thank the cover photographer Angel David Verde and his assistant Roxy Broom! David, for his incredible photography and understanding my creative direction, fluently. Roxy for her make-up touch-ups (something I would have never been able to do) and for not breaking the much-more-fragile-than-they-looked numerals!  

I have to say, this is one cover I am very proud of, and I hope many of you will agree. It’s a great tribute to a long-standing, very-successful, always-entertaining city magazine and publishing company!   

Thank you!

Caroline McKean, Art Director, The Roanoker magazine

Special Thanks:

• 4DD Studios – “40” Numeral Production
• Angel David Verde – Cover Photographer
• Roxy Broom – Photo & Style Assistant
• Ruth Herdman – Graphic Designer
• Arielle Rosmarino, Miss Virginia USA 2014 – Cover Model