This week homework we were to experiment designing feature articles. Sins during class i've decided to make a man food magazine which it would reach man ages from 25-30. The reason for this target audience it because there isn't a lot of man food magazine out there. I've create a unique logo for the magazine, that i believe represent my target audience very well, because it read food plus magazine, and the plus, i believe it represent more than just food in this magazine.
In the first design we were told to work with 2 even columns grid. I show to do a bold headline over a comedic image of a man pondering of eat two manly Cheeseburger. I've used a block box and bold to text to represent quotes from the reading. This work out well because, it really illustrate the grid and it conveys emotion. Finally, i use a drop cap to show the reader where the true reading start.
In the second design we had to work with a 2 uneven columns grid. In this design i tried to experiment with colors that would represent the text and the images well. I think it worked to my advantage to pick out this complementary color because it gives the article texture. I also use the orange box for the feature quotes and to also add more structure to the article.
In the third design we had to create our own grid. I show's to do a two column grid with the a big header in the left side.In this design I choice to pick a man with a goofy face taking a small bite of a big steak. I pick this image to add a little comedy to the article. I also did a dotted line up to a quote to change the eye level of the reader.I block the quote once again to show how important is to read the quote in the article, and also add texture.
If i was to pick one i would go with the first one because, i believe it represent the target audience very well. It just looks manly to me.
Jose - each one of these layouts could be considered successful in its own right, with clear headings, interesting page elements, and well-balanced pages.
ReplyDeleteHowever there is a content/image problem. The 2 spreads that contain "The New Face of Hunger" hold images that don't correspond to the content. This is a pretty serious article about the current issue of poverty and hunger in America - yet we see humorous photos of men and food. The doesn't make sense to me - and in fact could be considered insulting to the content. So.. .please rethink the images if you use that article.
The design concept behind the last Grid C is very strong. And with a change of image, could be really strong since it holds a very contemporary and interesting design with call out and directional line that pulls us from the bottom of 1st page to top of second. This is a really nice technique and I encourage you to continue working with the "look" and "feel" of this approach. It seems particularly appropriate for your target audience of men 25yrs - 40yrs.
Grid B holds an additional article (you only had to use 1 for this exercise) and it's interesting - although the running header is reading like the Ahead of the article... something that might throw off the reader.
Folios - the size of this adds a young, almost "fun" element to the page... and because that sense of "fun" won't always be appropriate, I wonder if you'd consider shifting the color of it to create a much more subtle, and less contrasting, element.
TO BE CLEAR: As per your request, I've given you permission to create a slightly different magazine, that centers more clearly on actual Food Cooking aimed at an audience of primarily men. You will be using at least 1 Department and 1 Feature article that I've supplied you with (which means this magazine will have some editorial "depth" and not include just recipes and fun stuff, but serious content also) and you'll need to add content that shows the focus of your slightly different magazine.
I agree with Coni about the images, I think you could find some that are a little more serious, but I really like the placement of the images (very dominant), and I especially like the image break on your second layout—it's interesting.
ReplyDeleteI think your page numbers might be a little bit too dominant (big and bold) and as the reader, it shouldn't be one of the first things I notice. It might be a good idea to shrink them down a bit.
The line connecting the title to the first paragraph on the last layout is great although I think the author's name is being lost a bit on the white–on–white text and photo. Is there any way you could make it stand out a bit more?
Asides form those small details, I think the spreads are really coming along, and I really like your new logo—it has a lot of movement in it. :)