Mission
Declaration of purpose, defined by the qualities
and values you want to project ->reflect ideals
underscored by becoming aware of who your
audience is...
You can clarify the purpose by creating specific objectives
that will provide a framework for your publication.
->Goal seeking: considering style, character, point of view, and visual approach
Understand who your competitors are...and what you
can effectively convey that is unique and compelling
for the viewer-positioning
Establishing a reason for being
Visual Communications Magazine
To publish is to make public, to build upon a community through the exchange of information. -mixing messages, ellen lupton
We exist in a society that has a strong visual vocabulary, one that can navigate fairly easily through both text and imagery. Because of this sophistication, we as designers have the opportunity to explore type in a way that can be both imaginative and iconic, and in turn create something that is truly astonishing, while establishing a format that compliments and to some extent maintains an editorial vantage point.
A magazine unlike a book is a “warehouse” of dis-separate texts, produced by editors, designers and advertisers, it creates an environment of truly mixed speech. Because of this collaboration and multiple voices, magazines can represent a strong challenge.
Working with the concept of structure/clarity as our guide we will explore the process and ideas inherent in the development and completion of the interior/exterior of a comprehensive magazine.
The focus of this exercise will be placed upon the developing the “total” visual qualities of magazine design.
In this design activity you are responsible for authoring/designing the
following items:
>masthead-establish the personality and tone for the publication
>magazine cover (front)
>table of contents (1-2pages)
>a feature - (4 pages)
>one departmental sections (2page)
>special Promo design
Challenge the viewer to see, understand and interact with the publication, speaking to them (not above them) through the content and the design. Design projects the voice.
Visual Communications Magazine
The magazine will be based on some form of visual communications (i.e. packaging, typography, image, color theory, photography, a graphic designer)
I) Address Audience/Mission Statement for publication
This will set a tone with which to follow throughout your design
process.
II) Research current articles on vis comm, analyze grid structure of at
least 4 well design publications. This will start to set and solidify
the information used in your magazine. Analyze the architecture
of a published piece.
III) Develop a name, start creating a masthead for your magazine
This will develop by brainstorming, word association, creative thinking
and be intrinsic to the mission of your magazine. A multitude of
sketches, word associations and in-depth thought will be presented.
IV) Table of Contents
Full feature explanation of the contents of your publication (i.e. short,
in-depth explanations of contents)
V) One Department [2 page] Spread
One, encapsulated article highlighting a specific topic.
VI) One [4 page] Feature Spread
An in-depth, responsible article on vis comm.
VII) One printed [2 color] promotional piece
5.5” x 8.5” promotional piece tantalizing viewers to purchase your magazine.
•••• 70/30 - Your magazine will be mainly typographic in nature. Minimal use of imagery, or graphic content will be used.••••
Visual Communications Magazine TIMELINE
The sections of a publication categorize content. the make up of a publication is usually established by two distinct areas that are full of rich detail and tightly woven content: the departments and the feature stories.
Departments: are defined by topics that are delivered in a consistent order that are exhibited every time a publication is produced. Serve as a lead-in and a follow-up to the features. Provide a constant/consistent voice that a viewer grows to become comfortable with and expect.
Features: are the premiere stories/content/section usually longer in length 1500-2500 words. Theme/vantage may change quite a bit from issue to issue. Usually the defining editorial voice is couched in this section. Hold the most impact/significance, and provide for both flexibility and have the ability to surprise the viewer.
Each area/sub-area is defined by clear navigation and focus.
What is the central function of the table of contents?
What have you included?
How did you establish hierarchy and importance?
How did you create a system that a user is going to respond to, and use well?
Does it represent as a whole a systematic approach, driven by the use of consistent type, margins, folios... while offering sustenance thru flexibility and providing personality to it’s feature article -
express the visual and conceptual nature of the feature article?
Sufficient consistency for easy navigation balanced with variety to
delight and surprise the viewers
Clearly understand your role in the development of all the
components > brings to light a sense of maturity and experience.
Reveal/shows consistent feel/voice/character/attitude/personality/flow
Coherent/consistent
Reflected in:
-the exterior
masthead
cover elements
compelling/enticing
-type choices/relationships
face(s)/weight/style
enough range of choices to support all the different bits of
information>hierarchy
-positioning/structure
grid/arrangement-sensibly constructed
-page layout
also exhibits focus and concern for the content>hierarchy
-color choices, graphic content
Navigation is understandable and complete
-table of content: clearly developed/easy to follow/functional
-understanding the difference between what is a department and what
is a feature
-footers/headers/information placement usage
-viewer comfort/assurance
Pushed in a clever but accessible way
Pressed hard for an original solution
Audience awareness
