Subduction
Imagine a Magazine with a Westward Shift
Subduction
11 weeks, solo project
InDesign, Illustrator,
Photoshop, Office Suite
Project Manager, Researcher, Photo Editor, Designer
Typography, Layout, P
Instructor: Jill Vartenigian
Undoubtedly the West Coast leads in the key fields of technology, film and television, and online retailing. However key social and cultural issues are prioritized and driven by industries dominated by the virtual monopoly of the New York City media giants, the Ivy League’s grip on education, and the political might of the Beltway. How might a print magazine address the unique challenges of the diverse people living in the western United States?
With a design framework based on a formal organization, Subduction magazine visualizes independent thinking through bold, direct photography and thoughtful variations and interruptions of the design system. The layout allows for both long, in-depth coverage supported by expansive photography showcasing the distinct and diverse experiences of the people living and working in theWest.
Understanding that the proposed magazine would revolve around long-form essays, the goal was to organize the information in a structure that felt expansive and generous and featured the photographers' contributions on an equal footing. Work by Fernando Gutiérrez provided inspiration to explore options for the grid structure with blocks of color. Importantly, selectively breaking the rules and grid structure for emphasis gave the layout a fresh, sophisticated vibe.
