For a couple years now, the premium themes market has been growing steadily and the competition has been elevated.   Designers are pushing each other to be more innovative trying to earn your dollar, which is great for potential buyers like us, but can sometimes be difficult to for a new theme designer to jump in and hold their own.

One guy that has successfully done this, in my opinion, is Pavel Ciorici of WP Zoom.    Earlier this year he released his first premium WordPress theme, the Yamidoo theme.   The title of the theme is interesting enough that it grabs your attention, then when when you look at the theme, it is hard not be impressed!

Now, Pavel has released his second premium theme, the Zenko theme, which I wanted to mention here.  With this new magazine theme, the homepage design is a traditional magazine theme layout, but is designed in a way to feature the most important content in areas where readers will see it.   Here is a default sample of how the homepage features your top content:

Zenko Magazine Theme Homepage

The homepage is also very image intensive, which is an important part of a magazine-style homepage to draw the readers attention.   For the internal pages, the Zenko theme switches to a more traditional blog page layout with the sidebar on the right side:

Zenko Magazine Theme Post Page

A full live demo of the Zenko theme can be viewed here.

The Zenko theme also includes a number of great features.   Some of my favorite parts are the featured content and popular posts on the top of the homepage, the built-in navigation designed to function like the WP-PageNavi plugin, and of course the footer area, which was designed to provide a place for you to put your less important content (footer is a great place to put categories, archives, etc. so they are available for readers that want to find it, but is also out of the way for people not looking for it).

Other features included with the Zenko theme:

• Built in support for Google Analytics and Feedburner
• Integrated Banner Management System
• Custom templates for categories, archives
• Auto-resizing and cropping for images
• Threaded Comments for WordPress 2.7+
• Built-in widgets
• Support for WordPress 2.7.1
• Cross-Browser Compatible – tested on IE (6,7), Opera, Firefox, Safari, Chrome.
• Flickr widget
• Theme Documentation
• Integrated Theme Options
• Tabbed Widgets
• Widgetized Sidebars
• Built-in Gravatar Support for Authors & Comments
• Drop-Down Menus
• Integrated social bookmarking in posts
• Photoshop Files (.psd) included

I also had the privilege of digging through the backend of this theme and was glad to see the code structure is very SEO friendly and well setup for someone who prefers to manually hack their code.  Another thing that I really liked was the fact that this theme doesn’t require any WordPress plugins or custom fields to function properly.   I always try to find at least one thing missing, and the one feature that I couldn’t find was the option of a traditional blog template for the homepage, which has become a pretty common addition with most premium themes.

Pavel also has a very competitive pricing structure, which allows just about any WordPress user to be able to acquire one of his themes.   Currently, the Zenko theme can be purchased for $69.00 (single-use license), $119.00 (for 5 site license), or $149.00 (developer’s license).

Have questions?  Want to learn more about this theme?  Check out the official Zenko theme page by WP Zoom.

Though there are a number of popular magazine WordPress themes on the market, including a number of great free magazine themes, I think it is pretty safe to say that none have been more popular over the past year than the Mimbo theme (and the Mimbo Pro version).

This morning I just noticed that my friend Darren Hoyt, the author of Mimbo and Mimbo Pro, has updated his original free theme, calling it Mimbo 3.0.

Here is a screen shot of Mimbo 3.0:

You can view the live demo here.   Here are the updates features in the newest version of Mimbo:

• No more custom fields. Most importantly, custom fields are no longer necessary to call thumbnails. Mimbo 3.0 includes a script that pulls images automatically from the post body, then resizes them with TimThumb.
• Support for WordPress 2.7. This includes code for sticky posts, comment pagination, threaded comments, wp_logout_url, and the rest of the new features.
• Sticky Posts. In the past, you had to create a “Lead Story” category. With the new version, that beige box contains whichever post you’ve marked as sticky, or whichever is most recent.
• Standard Bloggy Behavior. What I learned about Mimbo 2.2 is that a lot of people missed having a regular old blog component on the homepage, ie, simple chronological display. So I tried to retain the popular magazine-style layout, while organizing the middle column more like a standard blog.
• Featured Categories. Thanks to some great coding help from the talented Jean-Baptiste, Mimbo 3.0 has a custom control panel that sets featured categories with a configurable number of headlines
• Localization/Translation. As I’ve realized, there’s really no excuse for not localizing your WP themes so they can be enjoyed by people all over the world. Feel free to contact me with translation help.
• 125×125 Ad Support. Mimbo 3.0 comes pre-styled to work with the excellent WP125 plugin and its companion widget.
• Better body id/classes. As I’ve written about, this can make your theme tremendously flexible, but now things are even flexible-er. Tip of the hat goes to Thematic, by way of Sandbox.
• Multi-Level Dropdown Menus. People asked for them and now they’re here. They’re semi-transparent, too, if you use a decent browser.
• Custom Sidebar Conditionals. If child pages exist, they will now appear in the sidebar when viewing a page section. And on single post pages, the sidebar will dynamically display a handy “Related Posts” box.
• Better Custom Archives. Personally, I almost never browse by month or year. I prefer a full archived list with dated headers. Mimbo 3.0 comes with a custom template that displays posts organized by month, plus pagination.
• Better Author Archives. Looking back, it’s not really necessary to have the author bio included at the bottom of every single post, as with v2.2. In the new version, author archives can be viewed only when the person’s name is clicked. Also, gravatars are now used for both author photos and comments. No more lame hacks.
• Gallery, Inline Image & Caption Styling. There are now styles for all the various ways you’d insert an image in a post which became possible with version 2.5.
• More Widget Freedom. In the past, I probably included too much custom code in the sidebar whereas most of it could be replicated/re-ordered with widgets anyway. So currently, the entire right-hand sidebar (minus the aforementioned Page submenu and “Related Posts” module) is widgetized and pre-styled for your pleasure.

[Download the Mimbo 3.0 Theme]

Updated: May 13, 2012!

The internet is a dynamic place where things are always changing and adapting. And just like the internet, the blogosphere is also changing rapidly and seems to be particularly susceptible to trends. One prominent blogger will create a theme and the whole blogosphere will rush to follow.

One of the most recent trends in the blogosphere is the rise in popularity of many magazine WordPress themes. Many of them are paid themes, but there are also a few free magazine WordPress themes for people to download.  This post is our attempt to collect both in one place for your convenience, with the last few remaining free themes being highlighted at the top and the premium magazine themes being highlighted below that.

Of course this collection is being updated regularly so check back regularly to see what new magazine themes have become available!!

Free Magazine WordPress Themes

Scarlett Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Hamasaki Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Rebel Magazine Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Arthemia Free Theme (Premium Version Also Available)

Source | Download | Demo | Premium Version of Arthemia

Jello Wala Mello Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Mimbo Theme

Source | Download | Demo

WP Gold Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Morning After Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Forte Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Small Magazine Theme

Source | Download | (Unable to Locate a Demo)

Premium News Theme

Source | Download | Demo

Premium Magazine WordPress Themes

Lifestyle Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

WP Smooth Theme

Single-Use ($79.00), Multiple-Use ($179.00), Developer’s Pack ($279.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Elisa Magazine Theme

Included with FlexiThemes Membership!  ($19.95 – $49.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Zenko Magazine Theme

Multiple-Use ($69.00), Developer’s Pack ($149.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Spectrum Theme

Multiple-Use ($70.00), Developer’s Pack ($150.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Magazine WordPress Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Reflecta Magazine Theme

Included with FlexiThemes Membership!  ($19.95 – $49.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Blissful Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Manifesto Magazine Theme

Multiple-Use ($69.00), Developer’s Pack ($149.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Delicious Child Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

WP-Chatter Magazine Theme

Single-Use ($79.00), Multiple-Use ($179.00), Developer’s Pack ($279.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Initiate Magazine Theme

Included with FlexiThemes Membership!  ($19.95 – $49.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Sleek Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

WP Sublime Theme

Single-Use ($79.00), Multiple-Use ($179.00), Developer’s Pack ($279.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Estate Theme

Multiple-Use ($70.00), Developer’s Pack ($150.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Boutique Theme

Included with Elegant Themes Club Membership! ($39.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase Membership

Stunning Magazine Theme

Included with FlexiThemes Membership!  ($19.95 – $49.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Headline News Theme

Multiple-Use ($70.00), Developer’s Pack ($150.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

WP-Prosper Magazine Theme

Single-Use ($79.00), Multiple-Use ($179.00), Developer’s Pack ($279.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

News Flash Theme

Multiple-Use ($59.00), Developer’s Pack ($159.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Minimal Theme

Included with Elegant Themes Club Membership! ($39.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase Membership

Mocha Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Gourmet Cooking Theme

Single-Use ($59.00), Developer’s Pack ($99.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Platinum Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Tribune News Theme

Multiple-Use ($69.00), Developer’s Pack ($149.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Polished Theme

Included with Elegant Themes Club Membership! ($39.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase Membership

Amped Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Gadget Theme

Multiple-Use ($19.95), All Theme Junkie Themes ($59.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Streamline Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Evertis Magazine Theme

Single-Use ($69.00), Developer’s Pack ($149.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Serenity Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Blog Newspaper Theme

Multiple-Use ($59.00), Developer’s Pack ($179.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

NewsTube Theme

Multiple-Use ($29.95), All Theme Junkie Themes ($59.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Emporium E-Commerce Theme

Single-Use ($69.00), Multiple-Use ($99.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Monograph Magazine Theme

Multiple-Use ($69.00), Developer’s Pack ($149.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

News WordPress Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Cube Light Theme

Multiple-Use ($19.95), All Theme Junkie Themes ($59.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

WP Launch Theme

Single-Use ($79.00), Multiple-Use ($179.00), Developer’s Pack ($279.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

eNews Theme

Included with Elegant Themes Club Membership! ($39.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase Membership

WP Ellie Theme

Single-Use ($79.00), Multiple-Use ($179.00), Developer’s Pack ($279.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Lexicon Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Sea Light Business Theme

Multiple-Use ($70.00), Developer’s Pack ($150.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

My App WordPress Theme

Included with Elegant Themes Club Membership! ($39.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase Membership

Lumin Magazine Theme

Included with Elegant Themes Club Membership! ($39.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase Membership

WP Genius Theme

Single-Use ($79.00), Multiple-Use ($179.00), Developer’s Pack ($279.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Optimize Theme

Multiple-Use ($70.00), Developer’s Pack ($150.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Bigfoot Theme

Multiple-Use ($29.95), All Theme Junkie Themes ($69.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Going Green Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Bold Magazine Theme

Included with Elegant Themes Club Membership! ($39.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase Membership

Arthemia Premium Theme

Multiple-Use ($59.95), Developer’s Pack ($159.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

The Source Theme

Included with Elegant Themes Club Membership! ($39.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase Membership

Vega Magazine Theme

Included with FlexiThemes Membership!  ($19.95 – $49.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Memoir Theme

Included with Elegant Themes Club Membership! ($39.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase Membership

Crystal Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Newswire Theme

Multiple-Use ($29.95), All Theme Junkie Themes ($59.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Nova Theme

Included with Elegant Themes Club Membership! ($39.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase Membership

My Cuisine Theme

Included with Elegant Themes Club Membership! ($39.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase Membership

Fabric Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Yamidoo Magazine Theme

Multiple-Use ($69.00), Developer’s Pack ($149.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Glider Theme

Included with Elegant Themes Club Membership! ($39.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase Membership

WP Media Magazine Theme

Single-Use ($79.00), Multiple-Use ($179.00), Developer’s Pack ($279.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

In Review Theme

Included with Elegant Themes Club Membership! ($39.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase Membership

Church Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Outreach Church Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Magnificent Theme

Included with Elegant Themes Club Membership! ($39.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase Membership

Grace Church Theme

Single-Use ($59.00), Developer’s Pack ($159.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Chameleon Theme

Included with Elegant Themes Club Membership! ($39.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase Membership

Foundation Church Theme

Included with iThemes Builder Theme ($127.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Pretty Young Thing Kids Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Tapestry Theme

• Child Theme of Genesis Theme Framework

Multiple-Use ($59.95), All StudioPress Themes ($249.95)

Source/Demo | Purchase

WP Jazz Theme

Single-Use ($79.00), Multiple-Use ($179.00), Developer’s Pack ($279.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Newspaper Theme

Multiple-Use ($59.00), Developer’s Pack ($159.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

“On The Go” Theme

Included with Elegant Themes Club Membership! ($39.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase Membership

Daily Edition News Theme

Multiple-Use ($70.00), Developer’s Pack ($150.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

Aggregate Theme

Included with Elegant Themes Club Membership! ($39.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase Membership

WP Clear Theme

Single-Use ($79.00), Multiple-Use ($179.00), Developer’s Pack ($279.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase

WP-Glide Magazine Theme

Single-Use ($79.00), Multiple-Use ($179.00), Developer’s Pack ($279.00)

Source/Demo | Purchase