Starting to research DPS layouts in magazines for inspiration and developing thumbnail sketches for the InDesign workshop brief project. Here, a selection of printed and online media from a range of magazine sources...
Topshop 214 supplement magazine S/S '11
Very fashion-focused the Topshop supplement magazine showcases wonderful fashion photography throughout. From talking to Beth, and getting to know her through the past year, aswell as her work, I certainly think that a more image- focused layout would suit her style of work- bold, bright and charming. I will do my best to showcase her varied and skillful work in the best way I possibly can.
Topshop 214 supplement magazine S/S '11
Another example from the Topshop supplement magazine- however, this time a little more text is introduced. In this image, I like the way that the photograph is stretched over the entire DPS- it really makes a statement and draws your attention in- curiousity alone leading you on to read the text or information in addition to it. Definately a layout and style to consider- it would certainly make an impact.
Topshop 214 supplement magazine S/S '11
Just my type of design- this is bold, punchy and clear and combines type and image more to the extent I would hope to in my designs for Beth. I like the idea of having one of the two pages completely dedicated to either type or image- yet keeping them interlinked through colour, style of typeface chosen, etc. Perhaps I could create my own typeface? Could possibly use as a header or title bar to reflect Beth's work and personality to an even greater extent.
Topshop 214 supplement magazine S/S '11
Another interesting layout from the Topshop supplement magazine- Intresting structure and balance of the photographs of the clothes along with the main bulk of text at the bottom. Interesting collage of the photograph at the back also, potentially an experimentation point.
ShortList magazine, Issue 167, 17 March 2011.
I really like this layout design by ShortList magazine- really simple but effective. Keeping it classy and cool with minimal colours- monochrome with a bold splash of read and key quotes in bold Bebas Neue typeface maintaing the edgy and punchy look. Good cut away style with solid and defined griding structure- definately more of the style I'm going for- keeping and maintaining an order but with a little bit of flare- particularly in the way colour and image are used and manipulated.
Stylist Magazine, Issue 69, 16 March 2011
Again- great bold style, bright and eye-catching (colour and image have so much to answer for!). I really like the structure of this double page spread- where the neatly aligned text box doesn't detract from the main focus and feature of the image- a style direction which is a necessity for advertising the best of Beth's design.
Stylist Magazine, Issue 69, 16 March 2011
Interesting layout here- slightly more abstract than what I would normally have chosen, with lots of conflicting context- yet it all seems to work quite well together. Interesting layout of the photographic images- looking almost scrap book like and very personal, not too formal a design- also with random, bright colours often breaking out from the greys and blacks to good effect.
Stylist Magazine, Issue 69, 16 March 2011
Really like the grid-like use of the stamp pictures here and the colours used- matching many of the key elements and blocks of colour throughout the layout and on the photographic images- fitting typeface also, a classic and formal style- very appropraite to the content.
Oh Comely magazine, Issue 5, March/April 2011
From Oh Comely, my favourite magazine (for photography, arts, design, lifestyle, baking- just brilliant! http://www.ohcomely.co.uk) showcases fresh, clean cut and innovative layouts and grid methods without being too extravagant and de-constructed. The page layout here, advertising and interviewing the blog 'http://birdsinhats.blogspot.com' with a neatly left-aligned text and portrait section on the right hand side of the page, with the image spread over the DPS though aligned to the center- really showcasing the artwork in the best way possible, and against a bright white backdrop which ensures the images are bright and eye-catching to the maximum. Great design.
Oh Comely magazine, Issue 5, March/April 2011
A similar story with this Oh Comely layout- keeping it fresh and clean with an emphasis on the white negative space around the images, drawing you in even more. The magazine constantly uses varying colours to act as a highlighting tool through it's pages- and a great example here of the sea foam blue typeface on the right side of the DPS emphasising the aquatic, natural colours of the left. Small changes and tweaks like these make a big difference.
Oh Comely magazine, Issue 5, March/April 2011
Again, more great design and layout (I really can't get enough of this magazine, incase you haven't already guessed)- I like the balance of the type and image over the two pages through centralising the content in the middle of the pages, making each page look equal- again, great use of negative space. I will really play around with this in my own designs to see what sort of aesthetic it will create in combination with the words and images I use from Beth's own designs.
Oh Comely magazine, Issue 5, March/April 2011
Alternately for Oh Comely magazine- with text heavy articles they often make great use of framing with images- as shown here, a good consistency and sizing of the photographs for a clear and "blocky" DPS- though clear and easily read, I think I would like to try and create a design slightly more experimental than this...though a good starting point.
Oh Comely magazine, Issue 4, Jan/February 2011
Really like the colours (or should I say...lack of!) used here- really crisp white on white tones. Perhaps something a little more colourful and vibrant would reflect Beth's personality- though applying orange on orange or yellow on yellow (etc) could be an interesting experiment to try.
Oh Comely magazine, Issue 4, Jan/February 2011
Again, an interesting griding structure of the photographs used here- I like the fine white lines breaking up the white images and once again leaking in the white space with minimal text, keeping the layout really clean and bright.
Oh Comely magazine, Issue 4, Jan/February 2011
Interesting use of block colour here- and definately a method and aesthetic to consider to match Beth's sunny disposition. Really like the white on colour type- must remind myself to try this.
Oh Comely magazine, Issue 4, Jan/February 2011
Soft and appealing use of colour here- a light duck egg blue which works well with the white- once again, keeping a fresh and spring-like feel to the aesthetic. I will certianly consider keeping a limited colour palette when designing so as not to detract too greatly from Beth's designs and the written content also.
Interesting use of imagery here- the two quite opposing images yet keeping a balance with the model in both. Need to remind myself, despite really like particular designs and layouts not to limit myself too early as I might miss a style or form which is just right. Bare my prefered ideas in mind, but don't be afraid to be a little abstract aswell.
Absolutely love this DPS- wonderful overlay of text over the image- the type and image clearly defined over the two pages, a clearly read and aligned yet styalised block content of the text and bold, popping colours- all the elements that I have researched and really like about magazine layouts and, in particular, double page spreads. Certainly the style I hope to emulate, and will go on to produce variations of this style in my thumbnail sketches and design development.
Sheila Stephani layout design, with photography by Donovan Dennis.
Great design- wonderful use of monochrome and greyscale tones and shades- adds a real drama to the content and aesthetic. Personally, I would make the leading a little more condensed on the type but great style- the typeface really fitting to the photographic image on the right. Again, another great example of the text and image on opposing pages working with one another- a really strong effect that is a must for me to try out.
And a brilliant design for the end of the blog post- great use of monochrome tones and shades using different weights of typefaces and centre aligning for a bold and dramatic look. This would certainly make an impression on the viewer.
