Process
Sketches
When I first started sketching, I was really lost and unsure of what kind of layout should I be using as I’m unfamiliar with doing magazine layouts. So I roughly looked through some of the past senior’s work and researched some online layout to look for inspiration. I roughly planned out where should the images and text be, however, the pages look rather plain and I’m still quite lost at that point in time.
After the consultation, mentioning my concerns regarding the plain looking of my zine. Ms. Shirley encouraged that white space is good for the design. The definition of white space doesn’t mean literally empty, instead, we could add in shapes and textures to enhance the overall look. Ms. Shirley has also guided me along with reminding me of the emphasis on the images so as to be able to lead my viewers with the hierarchy of images to look at.
Having the idea of transitioning from old to new and, black and white to color, I have decided that my first spread will be black and white photos. Followed by the second spread that is only filled with colored photos and finally, the last spread is a mixture of both. Having that in mind, Ms. Shirley had also further advised me that the last spread could be adapting the style of drawing over with colors within the stripe that I have found as a reference.
Version 1
At first, the Chinese word couldn’t be seen properly as it blends with the background. Hence, I have edited the photo in photoshop to make that particular area darker in order to allow the white Chinese words to pop.
Decided to use analogous color scheme of red, orange, yellow as the background base color to give a more happy and cheerful feel to it. In the first two spread, both seem to be too plain. After consultation, I was advised to add texture such as lines or polka dots to solve that issue.
Some of my classmates have also given me feedback that my first spread seems rather rigid. Hence, Ms. Shirley advised me to use left alignment for my text instead of using justify alignment that will make people feel too serious and rigid! (Omg? I did not know that? hahaha)
Also, besides being very plain, my second spread’s images do not have a hierarchy at all, making people not knowing where to focus on. Hence, I have to make the three images varying in sizes from big to small.
Upon gathering feedback from my classmate, the border around this spread was really distracting. I was advised to blow the image up and shift it to the right.
Finally, for the back cover, I have decided to create a map to show the places I have went to. I have made the map half colorful and half greyscale to show the distinction between to new and old area around Tiong Bahru neigbourhood that I have explored!
Version 2
I have made necessary changes as mentioned, to all the spreads and these are the outcomes! Having upwards diagonal line texture, word arrangement and the stripe of illustrated design helps with further expressing the cheerful energy of the zine.
While the circular shapes convey the message of harmony and protection. Symbolising unity, commitment, love, and community bring out the essence of the zine that aims to bring out the colorful, positive and new energetic side of Tiong Bahru.
As for the back cover I was advised to have the circle on my front cover to continue to my back cover to make my zine look more as a whole!
Reflection/ Take away
- I have learned to be more appreciative towards designing layout because I’ve realized that it is really tough only after I have tried it! When you are faced with 3 spread of blank pages, 1 cover and 1 back cover page. Being expected to throw in, filled it up with text and images. Furthermore, designing and expressing your own theme, making use of design rules to help with the expression in order to allow your viewers to understand and feel the same way that you have envisioned your zine to be is not an easy task!
- This project has allowed me to realize my weakness which is I’m really inexperienced in design layout and it is something that I should brush up on! I need to practice using more of the graphic design rules such as visual hierarchy, the meaning of text alignment and etc!
- This project has allowed me to open up my creativity and allowing me to learn to see things from different angles and perspectives(things that others do not notice, things that are crazy and out of the world or non-existence) in the eye of a designer!