Wonderlust Magazine Process Book
The Problem:
Students will survey and apply the principles of graphic design to the creation of one 24-page magazine by showing a good understanding of the marketplace. In addition, students will demonstrate the power of storytelling by creating original imagery tied to editorial content.
Brainstorming:
I began wanting to create a magazine that exclusively catered to the arts, in its many forms. I eventually narrowed the subject matter to art, literature, music and film. I wanted it to be sectioned and easy on the eyes, as well as the brain. I was able to secure an interview with a favorite artist of mine, as well as bring in a rich variety of content. There needed to be an overlying theme to glue all these forms of art together. Color, repetition, shapes and other aspects would be used to achieve cohesion.
Research:
I needed to research similar publications and the design choices that gave them success, as well as try to create my own style and brand voice.
Analysis:
I took articles, interviews, magazine research, color palette ideas, and several other pieces of information to assemble a foundation by which I would begin constructing my idea. I recruited a friend of mine to write an article as a "movie critic" of sorts. Together we came up with a persona for the character and a story that he would tell. I reached out to Mister Reusch (an amazing artist) for an actual interview. To my delight, he agreed and a new section was born. I used my Stephen King research to create a main article for the magazine. I used my former band to populate the music section. With enough pieces gathered to start building, that's what I did.
Ideation:
I made sketches and iterations of the illustrative components that I wanted to implement into the magazine's structure. It was also during this phase, that I realized I wanted to add several more illustrative elements throughout. I also realized that this would add much more production time.
Here is a video documenting my magazine cover creation.
Development:
Throughout the project's developmental stage, there were several checkpoints that served to keep the class on track with deadlines. I had produced several variations of content layout and spread design. At one point, a printed copy of the magazine was created and turned-in to be annotated. Areas of concern were addressed and alterations were made. Throughout the process, the magazine was quite dynamic. I changed some aspects of the original color palette, as well as some typography choices. Below is the finished product.
A Reflection:
I thoroughly enjoyed making this magazine. Although we had a choice to select an existing magazine to reinvent, I knew that I wanted to create my own. It was only through this choice, that I would be able to truly express my artistic vision. The process was mind-blowing and eye-opening. The amount of planning, research and design work was more than I anticipated. However, my fascination with this project is what kept me focused on the prize. I am extremely proud of my creation and grateful for the knowledge I've gained through its completion.
