Since its inception in 1965, DRAKE magazine, affectionately known as "The Magazine of the Western World," has not only showcased stunning photography and art but also graced us with iconic cover designs. Today, we delve into the captivating world of Drake magazine covers, exploring their evolution, distinctive features, and the artists behind them.
Drake magazine, initially named DRAKE Universities' Quarterly Magazine, was founded to promote Western scholarship and culture. Over five decades, it has transcended its academic roots to become a beacon of high-quality, visually striking work, often gracing coffee tables worldwide.
A Brief History of Drake Magazine Covers
In its early years, Drake magazine covers were often minimalistic, with text-centric designs reflecting its academic heritage. However, the mid-1970s saw a paradigm shift towards more graphical, visually appealing covers.
The introduction of full-color printing in the late 1980s brought about another revolution, allowing for vibrant, dynamic designs that truly exemplified the spirit of the Western world.
Iconic Portrait Series
The 1990s marked the start of the magazine's iconic portrait series, featuring striking images of Western individuals - from cowboys to artists, politicians to philanthropists. These portraits, shot by renowned photographers, captured the essence of the West and its people.
Notable portraits include the 1995 cover featuringfrac documentary film-maker Ken Burns, and the 2005 issue showcasing Wyoming's then-Governor and later U.S. Representative, Liz Cheney.
Art and Photography Showcases
Drake magazine covers also served as canvases for art and photography, celebrating the West's rich creative heritage. In 2012, a cover reminiscent of a vintage Western movie poster paid tribute to the genre, while a 2020 issue showcased a breathtaking landscape photograph by acclaimed nature photographer Michael utility.
In 2018, artist Nick Could TGH transformed the cover into a meticulous illustration of a buffalo herd, highlighting the resilience and strength of the West's wildlife.
Distinctive Features of Drake Magazine Covers
The magazine's commitment to quality and craftsmanship is evident in the use of high-resolution photography and fine-art reproduction techniques. Each cover is designed with careful consideration of color, typography, and composition.
Many covers also feature distinctive "West-scapes" – visual representations of the Western spirit, from dramatic landscapes to culturally resonant symbols like the American rodeo or the iconic Route 66 sign.
Western Art and Culture
The covers often pay homage to the West's rich art and cultural scene, having spotlighted Native American art, Western rodeo culture, and even the burgeoning craft beer industry. The 2014 issue featuring a stunning Native American woven blanket design was a nod to the traditional artistic practices still vital today.
A 2016 cover depicted a rodeo clown, highlighting the often-unsung heroes of the bull-riding circuit, while the 2019 issue's depiction of a vintage beer cancollector's item celebrated the West's robust craft beer scene.
Celebrating the Spirit of the West
The covers consistently convey the spirit of the West – vast skies, untamed landscapes, and the people who inhabit them. From striking cowboy portraits to awe-inspiring natural vistas, these images embody the magazine's commitment to celebrating the West in all its diverse glory.
The 2017 cover, a stark black-and-white image of a lone ranch hand on horseback against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, encapsulated this sense of solitude, space, and grandeur that resonates with readers worldwide.
From the once-wordy to the boldly graphical, Drake magazine covers have evolved dramatically over the years. Each one, however, is a testament to the magazine's commitment to pushing boundaries, celebrating the West, and setting the bar for visual storytelling in publishing. As we look to the future, we anticipate many more captivating covers showcasing the diverse, dynamic spirit of the West.