Snapshot of the group's Pinterest inspiration board.

This layout is very cool. The asymmetry of the spread is made up for by the symmetry of the photo. I love how the tex† takes up minimal space so as to highlight the photo. Great example of grid layout principles. The use of white space in the top left hand column is effective for drawing the reader's eye down to the text and then across to the image. I've experimented with this below.

Drafting ideas for layout. Based on a spread in issue 12 of Kinfilk Magazine.

This is my own design for a feature spread. Similar to the above image, I have pushed the header and byline text to the left to increase white space and enhance the impact of the image. I have also observed grid layout principles in my placement of copy text below the image. I feel that this is a very effective design; however, have experimented below with an alternative which I feel works better. 

As per feedback received during in-class presentations, I have decided to span the image across the entire spread here. I feel that this layout is more effective than the previous as the image itself is given more weight. I also think that spanning it across the two pages doesn't take away from the copy either. 

I absolutely love this layout. Its simple in its composition and the placement of text and image evoke a sense of calm on the reader. Though minimalist, this spread emanates warmth. This is interesting to observe as minimalist design is often vulnerable to giving off a feeling of cold austerity. The information hierarchy is very symmetrical and effective for informing readability, There is a clear point of focus and the rectangular composition of the left page is given interest by the organic shape of the fig which features on the right page. The unit's Elam reading notes the circle as a wild card element that can align but also accent rectangualr compositions. I feel that the organic shape of the fig illustration works in the same way here.

The way images have been juxtaposed against the text is really powerful in these layouts. I like the way the designer has created typographical hierarchy; however, also feel that the header text could be better complemented by body text. The body text in the top spread feels too small and is uncomfortable to read. 

Absolutely love the colours of imagery and how its been incorporated into the header text. Great layout principles and use of grids as well. While the left spread appears to be divided into six colums, the right is divided into three. It might be interesting to experiement with both of these in our magazine design. 

Inspiration for a feature title page. Love that the image spans across the two pages and complemented with unopposing text. I also like the way information hierarchy has been established here. The all-caps header sits with extra padding from the text and is highlighted with colour. The nonobjective element (I.e. the line sitting at the bottom of the copy), grounds the typesetting and also reflects the composition of the image opposite.

The right facing page in particular is effective for evoking audience interest. Those simple in composition, the script style header typeface juxtaposes beautifully against the copy to capture the mood of the image opposite. 

I love how the photos has been incoporated into the text. Great example of the form and function principles of minimalism. Highlights photography white giving the copy room to breathe. 

Use of geometric angles here is very effective for creating audience interest. I don't like the typeface choices; however, appreciate how it has been incrporated into the spread. Effective use of white space as well which appeals to minimalist design principles. 

I like how the text is juxtaposed behind the image, whih spans across two pages. Might be interesting to experiment with in my own designs.

Pinterest: I have taken inspiration from this layout and adapted a similar style to my own. I very much like the way the Kinfolk designer has established information hierarchy through contrasting fonts, use of non objective elements, and padding. See my own interpretation below.

Drafting ideas for the typographical hierarchy. Inspiration drawn from issue 12 of Kinfolk Magazine

Inspired by the above Pinterest layout. I have adapted a similar information hierarchy and made it my own with different typeface choices. I have drawn the background colour from the opposite photo. I feel that the text and photograph juxtapose nicely to create a well rounded spread.

In-class process meeting. Each member brought a magazine which adhered to minimalist design principles and we discussed what we liked and didn't like about each one. Kinfolk seems to have been the most favoured, as the group decided to adapt a similar grid layout and information hierarchy. 

Grid layout ideas for my pages (4 product pages and 8 feature pages). Looking at how minimalist principles are applied by the Kinfolk designers, I have adpated similar principles to inform these layouts (I.e. use of white space, non objective elements, information hierarchy).

Product page: first draft. I like this spread but I feel that I incoporate another element to make it visually more interesting. I also need to revise the information hierarchy and placement of non objective element between header and byline.

Product page: Final spread. Use of nonobjectve elements, circle element, and grouping to create alignment. Enhances white space. Padding more even that last. Drop caps incorporated

Product Page: first draft. Leave left hand side as is but right facing page needs simplification.

Product page: final draft. Incorporates better use of white space, non objective elements, and information hierarchy.

Final printed magazine

I was very inspired by the minimalist philosophies that Rosa Park and Rich Stapleton (founders and designers of Cereal magazine) use to structure the design of Cereal. Of particular note is how they both state the importance of images and words having as much breathing space as possible, even if that means sacrificing valuable print space. I have tried to adapt this with my pages designs and detail this further in my individual reflection. 

 

Reference: Tolley, Stuart. 2016. MIN: The new simplicity in graphic design. 2nd ed. London: Thames & Hudson.