I apologize for the spacing!I actually started preparing for this project last spring when I enrolled for GRA 217. I started collecting my TIME magazines and hoping to find a feature article that would trigger my interest. I knew that I wanted to use a news article because I knew that it was going to be hard. It would force me to research photographs that were not just found on Google.com and would force me to get passionate about the article. The Detroit article not only inflicted emotion but also had very vivid visual cues and many active verbs to use. I also knew that the subject (auto industry) would be fun to come up with headlines.
I immediately thought of the “Run on Empty” headline but the first spread visual took a while. I was having a difficult time including pictures, text and a graphic that complimented the headline. The dashboard idea fit and I was able to use this idea throughout the spreads in order to combine the visuals. Each separate dashboard circle was drawn using the line and circle tools. The headline was also supposed to shadow the gasoline tank with colors and shape. The Detroit skyline was also traced and perfectly framed the dashboard.
The main typeface families that I used were ITC Franklin Gothic, Century Expanded LT Std, Helvetica Rounded LT Std and Helvetica Neue LT Std. Within each family, I used multiple faces to create texture with the information (seen mainly on the cover page and on my side bar). I also themed each family on a separate page, for instance, I used mainly Helvetica on the cover and ITC Franklin on the first spread. Overall, I made sure that the typefaces were readable but fun in order for them to go with the classy news centered automobile magazine that “The Fifth Gear” is.
Side bar information: http://www.freep.com/section/COL14
Article Information: Okrent, D. (October 5, 2009). The Tragedy of Detroit: How a great city fell—and how it can rise again. TIME: Special Report. Retrieved November 1, 2009). P. 26-34.
Photos: http://abcnews.go.com/Business/Economy/story?id=6373992&page=1
http://www.autofans.be/sites/default/files/images2/bmw_5_series.jpg
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/11/21/klobuchar_auto_bailout/
http://www.freedomsphoenix.com/Uploads/Graphics/171-0802112216-closed-factory1.jpg
http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2008/12/1/1228149609552/Gallery-US-car-industry---001.jpg
http://nowaday.biz/wp-content/uploads/detroit_02.jpg
http://detroitrhetoric.net/Detroit_Landmarks_Website/Final/LinksPage.ht
Color Information: Pantone 2756 (Red)
Your magazine layout is very unified and I love how you used the circle shape from a car's gas and speed readings as a design element. I also think the cityscape works really well. Your text displays great use of visual hierarchy as well. Your magazine layout is a good balance of interesting design and well organized information!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your layout! The idea to use the use the dashboard as a gestalt was genius. Your cover photo is really life-like and actually looks like the car is going to drive out at you -great angle! Your photos really add to your design and I like your use of red, white, and black. I think it makes the type standout; and I know Professor Taylor said something about disliking black backgrounds (I don't know if was just related to web layout or in general) but either way I think you did a really good job with it - it works for you. Overall GREAT result!
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