One of author Steven Covey’s seven methods of success is to begin each endeavor with the end in mind. Developing a future news story is an engaging way to build excitement for your idea by envisioning the possibilities of a world with your concept already in it. An idealized story is a unique way to explain the need or benefit of something by imagining the impact of its creation. If you are able to present your concept as a success, by showing its potential merits and a positive outcome, you are more likely to get buy-in from those who are initially uncertain about it.

Your goal for a Cover Story Mock-up is to answer the question What will this_____have done? This requires you to consider the potential cultural impact of your idea and to frame its success around how people would ideally respond to it. When you begin with a positive ending, it’s easier to rally people around the development of your idea.

• Shows a successful future state.
• Promotes a shared vision.
• Gains support from decision makers.
• Inspires your team.

• Identify a new concept to promote.
• Assemble a team and some basic drawing materials.
• Select a relevant magazine and draw the masthead.
• Date the magazine as if it is a future issue.
• Write a newsworthy headline and a subheading.
• Draw an illustration for the cover artwork.
• Write the first paragraph of the story.
• Draw supporting illustrations for the inside spread.
• Include callouts, quotes, and sidebar stories.

• Make it realistic. Don’t be frivolous with the fiction.
• Engage an expert designer for visual refinement.
• Circulate the magazine article to rally enthusiasm.