ENTER MAGAZINE _ A RUSSIAN RIDDLE

ENTER MAGAZINE

_A RUSSIAN RIDDLE

THE [STUDENT] BRIEF + THE CLIENT

The client is the well-known Time Out magazine. Originally started as a counter-culture publication, the magazine is still well known for its non-conformist stance on social issues.

Although they currently offer over 100 guides, they had a strong desire to reconnect with their rebellious roots through a new UNCONVENTIONAL TRAVEL GUIDE. This new guide was to be released under a new brand entity and feature an editorial structure that stands out from the crowd, far away from the consumerist typical layout.

Beside a cutting-edge and creative content, imagery treatment and typography are also paramount in this project.

When it comes to the demographic, the target audience is curious, well-educated, epicurean travellers that have no interest in joining the mainstream experience. They rely on facts yet, they have a sharp eye for detail and are clearly attracted to beautiful aesthetic.

THE COVER: TRANSPOSE, AGITATE AND PASS THROUGH

I worked around the notions of counter-culture, destination and change in order to define the core identity of this new travel guide. I also wanted to insufflate a strong organic connection. I was naturally drawn to the idea of a spirit animal. But not any animal: the octopus. An animal which has no bones (no typical frame structure) and uses water through a funnel to be propelled in the opposite direction. An animal with tentacles that can move, grab and reach and the ability change colour to adapt in different environments and blend in. I used collage technique to feature contradictory styles or feeling and produced complex and unique visuals that intrigue and challenge the viewer. The Sophomore project from motion designer Constantinos Chaidalis was a major source of inspiration. There is definitely a strong sense of oddity and mystery. Two notions that are also very much relevant to the octopus. This cover features a rich colour palette and mixes different image treatment such as bitmap, illustration and photography. It’s not about what the viewers see, but about how they feel or want to feel when travelling in Unconventional destinations. I played with orientation and white space to bring structure to the unstructured. And want the viewer to look twice, to stop and really analyse the visual, to start a conversation.

THE SPREAD

This is a visualisation of an article from acclaimed author Liza Premiyak. The article explores the Trans-Siberian Express life-changing, intense experience. To reinforce the concept and convey the overarching values of the magazine, the spreads were set on a modular grid.
Different formats of papers and textures were combined to enhance the reader experience and support the inspiring content. As the article unfolds and reveals itself, the reader is fully immersed in a unique sensorial and visual experience.