Decision Making
“MATRIARCH” is a magazine for my mother. She reads Oprah, Real Simple, and Good Housekeeping, but I wish there were publications in existence geared for workingwomen. This is a magazine with a feminist edge meant to educate and entertain those who keep one foot outside of the domestic sphere.
And, yes, I realize Sarah Palin is an interesting choice for a feminist magazine. Although I do not support her politics and it is evident that she does not favor women’s rights issues, she is a positive example for women who juggle a family and a career. The story I selected details her most recent endeavors, including a new documentary series on FOX.
The headline works on a few levels. I was inspired to name my magazine Rogue as a play on Vogue, and the image of a rogue elephant came to my head. A rogue elephant leaves its herd and behaves in an aggressive, often violent manner. Palin is famous for her “maverick,” independent thinking and assertive campaigning. In addition to this symbolism, Palin titled her memoir Going Rogue, and the elephant is the mascot of the Republican Party.
Choice of Typeface
I drew the elephant on my first spread with the pen tool in Illustrator. His trunk forms the “g” in “Rogue.” The headline font is Cochin. It was very professional looking and conservative, which counters the playfulness of the “g.” For the deck head and captions, I used the Futura font family because it formed a strong contrast to Cochin and the body copy (Janson). The decision to make my drop cap in Futura was a conscious one, although I know it breaks a principle of Gestalt. If I made it Cochin, the reader would not even notice the difference between it and Janson, however.
Color information
I used color as the main source of Gestalt throughout the feature spreads. Palin is famous for the red suits she wears, and I used the eyedropper tool to draw the red from her jacket on the first spread (C=21 M=96 Y=84 K=11). It appears in the deck head, drop cap, and pull quote. The gold used in the elephant and byline came from the glasses’ earpiece (C=37 M=43 Y=66 K=9).
The Cover
I feel like I need to explain the cover. I went with a pop-art vibe using different effects in Photoshop, and layered a plastic elephant mask over her face. Frankly, I grew tired of looking at pictures of Sarah Palin’s face and wanted to do something unique with the cover. The silhouette might stand out on a newsstand, but I worry the elephant nose would offend some Republicans.
First, perhaps my favorite part of your magazine design in the use of the elephant to make the "g" in the second spread. It's a small detail that really looks great. You have also done a nice job of picking a photograph that leads the eye right to the title.
ReplyDeleteThe cover is also well done. It's artsy and creative to catch your attention, but also contains enough information. I guess my only gripe with the cover is the color choice of the background; it is subtle, but perhaps too subtle.
The third spread is also well done. Not too many pictures so that it looks cluttered. You have also maintained a nice gestalt through out the magazine, with the use of the reds and browns.
On the whole, very well done.
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ReplyDeleteI love the overall concepts you've created for your magazine. The theme of your magazine is very well expressed through your design. Your titles are very clever and I'm impressed by how much thought you have put into them. I like your idea of the Rogue elephant and how it relates to Sarah Palin's success as a working mother.
ReplyDeleteThe images that you've used compliment each other well. I particularly like the one that you used on the third spread- it is a bit more interesting than the others. I think it's great how you incorporated your sidebar into an extra spread that really is visually interesting. You also created good visual hierarchy through your color palette. The repetition of the red is perfect in visually expressing the fact that Palin is a successful and respected woman (by some, at least).
My favorite aspect of your design has to be the design of the title for your story. I can't believe you drew that elephant with the pen tool! It works perfectly as the "g" in Rogue. I also love the typeface you've chosen as well. It is elegant and formal, suiting the essence of the article well. Plus, the fact that Palin is looking at the title gives it even more authority and emphasis.
The only suggestion I have is to make the deckhead either a different color or a bit bigger. It is a little difficult to read and doesn't really stand out enough.
Overall, your design is well thought-out. I would definitely read it!