Content conception, Art Direction, illustration and photography for the creation of «syn-» Magazine. Practical part of the Master’s Thesis of the Communication Design program at HKB.

The magazine presents androgyny from numerous points of view, all fitted in the three ways of experiencing the phenomenon: perception – the the look from the outside,portrait – the personal experience, and interpretation – androgyny as a source of inspiration and the origin of a creative venture.

A slightly manipulated Japanese bookbinding technique offers the possibility to communicate the different formats and and papers to the outside of the magazine. Visualizing the merger of opposing elements to a holistic medium.

The idea of two oppositions in one medium is visualized by using two colours that contrast themselves while not serving the typical clichés. In addition to that, a homogeneous yet diverse look is achieved by pairing printed and written letters.

«syn-» Magazine’s name comes from the greek prefix «syn-» which translates to the english word «together». Together is the exact idea of androgyny. Not only combining male and female, but various oppositions in one medium.

Both the content- and the visual conception of the magazine are aimed to support a biannual publication. The reader should have the opportunity to experience the magazine in different ways thus be offered a broader and longer enjoyment.

In addition to the content and the editorial design, the current production of the publication helps to convey the initial idea of androgyny, hence the idea of connecting two oppositions in one medium. Having said that it is quite understandable that the magazine at its present stage is not suitable for the market yet.

I really enjoyed working on the magazine – on all its aspects, during all its stages. Adding to this wonderful experience was collaborating with various creative colleagues in different countries, some of whom will be mentioned below. I am extremely grateful to my mentor Friedrich-Wilhelm Graf, who was always supportive of me and encouraged me to believe in my choices. I am happy to say that the master’s jury enjoyed the final product too.

Mentor: Friedrich-Wilhelm Graf / unfolded
Master Program: Communication Design
Institution: University of the Arts Bern/ HKB

Collaborators: 
Tamara Hauser / XXY
Joseph Wolfgang Ohlert / Joseph Wolfgang Ohlert Photography
Dominik Holzer
Jerry Bentsen / Mourning Wood
Claire Plassard

Fashion Shooting:
Fashion Designer and Styling: Tamara Hauser / XXY
Make-up Artist: Joelle Hodler
Models: Moana Bischof and Tim Wettstein
Assistance: Helena Schmidt