__These six covers are my personal favourites published since November 2009, when I joined BNY. I'll try to explain why I think they are the best. In chronological order – and by lucky coincidence, there's two from each year:
No. 38, 04 December 2009:
The graphic cover – using the iconic language of the Magasin logo, showing about two thirds of it, with the CEO squeezed into the triangle of the M – he is a man under pressure, and it shows. The clarity of the motif and the sparse use of colour, using the BNY logo red, makes this cover stand out in all simplicity.
No. 39, 11 December 2009:
An example of the basic rule for the cover of BNY: We are the magazine for the CEOs, so we should show the faces of a CEO whenever possible. Pointing the camera in the direction of the CEO is not enough, there has to be that special "magic touch" – or agreement between the photographer and the 'victim' in order to have a result that is really something. In this case, "The art of quitting in time" is simply written all over Don Ø's face – and the picture tells the story. The assymmetric placement of the photo underlines the feeling of something gone wrong. This is not the story of success.
No. 01, 15 January 2010:
The first issue of 2010, with a large documentary/presentation of couples with power. Very symmetrical layout, but the surprise lies in showing only half the face(s) of one of the powerful couples. A little on the 'light' side, this cover story is a smooth way to get in the swing after a Christmas holiday.
No. 21, 18 June 2010:
A perfect example of the importance of planning, this photo of the two business men with their feet in the water is a play with the words of an old Danish expression – if Denmark is not thinking globally, we’re stuck in the local duck pond. Getting these guys to roll up the trouser legs of their impeccable suits took the persuasion of a great photographer, Erik Refner.
No. 05, 23 February 2011:
The profile of the CEO of Denmark's largest company, in a silhouette that is almost a caricature. This is a graphic favourite of mine – the power of black and white standing strong. Indeed, you may not recognize the man straight away, but we brag that our readers are intelligent, so we can allow ourselves to speak in a subtle voice and ask that they use their skills – and imagination.
No. 21, 15 June 2011:
This very minimalist cover design was decided upon when the photo shoot of four regional directors showed mediocre results. We prefer to show the people – the chief executives – but in this case, showing the beer they are all trying to sell became the object for the cover. The photo is not a masterpiece, but diving into a glass of beer this way is a welcome variation from showing the face of a CEO.
The runner-ups
These three covers were almost as good as the best:
No. 36, 20 November 2009:
An institution of Berlingske Nyhedsmagasin, the nomination of the 50 Best Places to Work in Denmark is published every year. What to do – this year? Again? Well, the big number is the simple answer to the question. Using large type all across the page is easy – but it should be used sparsely, twice a year or so. The small cut out face of a person helps make this cover human, not just a cold graphic.
No. 34, 05 November 2010
This one was easy, actually – (re)using the design of the well-known commercials for the Tuborg Christmas beer, which in itself is an icon in Danish advertising. The snow flakes on the dark blue background is immediately recognizable, and the only question was – how little is needed for people to see what it is all about? We decided to include the steering house of the characteristic truck, just to be sure that everybody would join the party.
No. 02, 02 January 2011:
One of the very few women in the top of Danish business – Lone Fønss Schrøder was photographed in the fading light of day after a long meeting. An example of a good photographer's work under terrible conditions – Søren Bidstrup had about a quarter of an hour but managed to escort the lady into the street and shoot some wonderful, poetic images.
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