BRIEF
You are required to design a style-setter for a magazine of your choice, existing or imaginary.
SOLUTION
I decided I wanted to create an adventure magazine for young adults to make them aware of fresh, exciting
activities and events, encouraging them to try something new. Based on the idea of air, land and water, there will be three issues a year, each one focusing on a different element and including articles and reviews based on activities, sports, events e.t.c to do with that element. The issue I designed was based around water and includes several different style articles, all of which are connected through the theme of water. The magazine is aimed at adventurous young adults who are looking for something exciting and away from the ordinary. The name ‘SEEK’ is based on the audience being thrill seekers and seeking new adventure. The use of the tracing paper for the front cover gives the viewer an insight into the magazine whilst also creating intrigue. It will be used on every issue, this guarantees continuity and creates brand identity but allows the viewer a peek into the issue.
The body copy for the magazine is Gill Sans Light, this is a light and airy typeface that works well with the subject matter. The header typeface, Couture, is strong and bold which reflects the nature of the content and the target reader. The colour palette for each issue changes ensuring it ties in with the subject matter, each issue will have a strong, bold palette of colours which is attractive and attention grabbing. As this issue is based on water, the colours used are a strong palette of blues.
The design of the magazine is quite simplistic yet has movement and is dynamic to reflect the subject matter and keep the reader engaged and excited. The design is led by the content of the magazine to appeal to the target audience who would be put off by static, blocks of text. The use of typographic elements and photography ensures it engages the reader. The stock chosen for the magazine is light and smooth, reflecting the subject of the magazine, the sleek feeling to the magazine also reflects the notion of water. The stock is to be considered for every issue. It is lightweight so it is accessible for readers to take away and read wherever. The tracing paper cover also acts to shield the magazine from water, ensuring that it is durable and suited to the reader’s environment. The dimensions of the magazine were chosen to create the perception of a strong, tough magazine that is a compact, easy magazine to carry around.
Close-ups
