The art of magazine covers: 20 incredible examples from 2012

i-D: The Whatever the Weather issue

i-D magazine could be described as the coolest of cool; a fashion, film, music, and culture magazine that showcase their models in only the most stylish of ways. This stunning photo from Chen Man compliments the beautiful colour scheme perfectly, with gorgeous make-up and fashion to boot. Notice that every model that has graced the cover always has their right eye closed or covered.

Wooden Toy: Music Edition

Wooden Toy Publishing Co. is an award winning and independent micro-publishing house, whos main title is the Wooden Toy Quarterly. A design-heavy contemporary culture and art publication, the magazine appeals to creatives and culture fans alike. The stunning packaging and print design was created by WASTE and the music edition cover was penned by Ken Taylor.

the Room: Issue 15

The Room magazine was founded in 2004 with the aim of reinforcing high fashion and its quality media in Hungary. Only on its 15th issue, the magazine's covers continue to impress. This shot was crafted by photographer Miklós Surányi with fashion editors Ali Tóth and Anikó Virág taking care of the outfit.

Arc: The post human conditions issue

Arc is a brand new digital magazine from the makers of New Scientist - so you already know it's going to be good. They explore the future through the world of science fiction and question, ideas, and concepts. Although the magazine is a quarterly digital offering, you can also purchase a collectable print edition, which we suggest you do with a cover like this.

CA Collection: Photography

Design magazine Computer Arts launched their Computer Arts Collection earlier this year; featuring issues based around branding, typography and illustration. This photography based cover was designed by art editor Luke O'Neill, who has also led the design on the whole collection. A stunning addition to any designer's bookshelf.

Clash: The Film Issue

Clash is quickly becoming the most sought after music, film, and fashion magazine in the UK. Not only for its content but for its design, which features stunning photography, typography, and graphic design. This cover was crafted by art director Rob Meyer, with Christian Oita taking care of the portrait photography.

Fukt: Issue 11

Germany's Fukt magazine is only published once a year, but boy is the wait worth it! Set up by Nina Hemmingsson and Björn Hegardt in 1999, Fukt is publication for contemporary drawing with each issue's design an absolute feast for the eyes. The design for this cover was created by Ariane Spanier, with assistance from Maria Nogueira.

Wired: October

It's hard to choose just one Wired cover, seeing as every issue's design is brilliant in its own way. However, it was the use of colour on this magazine cover that really caught our eye. Art director Andrew Diprose is responsible for Wired's impeccable design reputation and we think he keeps getting better with every issue.

Let's Motiv: Issue 76

Let's Motive is a free French magazine, which is distributed in Marseille, Lille, Bordeaux, Lyon, and Toulouse. Concentrating on urban culture, the magazine has proved popular with the locals. This art deco illustration was created by Malika Favre - who is currently exhibiting her work in London - with art direction by Cécile Fauré.

Milwaukee Magazine: Best Burgers

You'd be forgiven for thinking that the Milwaukee Magazine may not be renowned for its design and magazine covers. However, this stunning cover mixes photography and various typography so well that we just had to feature it. Art director Kathryn Lavey really shows off her talents with this one.

That's it for now! We'll be updating this list, so please do let us know if you see any design worthy magazine covers in the comments box!