The Walrus has done a classic portrait cover for their October 2010 issue, and I love it.


The photo of Mordecai was taken by Andrew Stawicki.  The Walrus editor and co-publisher John Macfarlane says,  ”Sometimes the obvious approach is the best approach. An iconic black-and-white photograph of the author of Barney’s Version, Mordecai Richler, to sell the story, written by his son, Noah, about the making of the film. Simple, powerful, and — we hope — a winner at the newsstand.”

Asked what is the best thing about the cover feature, Macfarlane said, “The best thing about the story is the way it weaves Noah’s memories of his father into the narrative about the making of the film—and his observations about the interplay between Dustin Hoffman and the crew on the set.”

While Rule #11 has been broken…Rule #1 is what matters with this cover.

Rule #1:  There are always exceptions to the rules

Rule #11:  Colour over Black & White

My prediction?  This is a Cover that Sells