EXERCISE 2:
The
local design magazine, which I had selected to do further research on, was
Enjin. The focus was the content and style of the magazine.
About:
Enjin
magazine originated from South Africa. It is seen as the only magazine based on
the latest trends as well as new technological developments which professionals
are in search of, in order to keep up to date with the global economy. The
magazine outlines issues experienced within the fields of design and
advertising. This print magazine is also available online and expresses the
technique of visual communication. Enjin magazine focuses on areas such as: advertising,
graphic design, illustration, digital media, photography and illustration. This
provides an insight on a wide variety of topics that will interest its readers.
Logo:
The logo is enclosed by a thick
stroked, rectangular border/ box, which has a slit of breathing space, created
by the “J” of Enjin. The single, san-serif “Enjin” based in the middle of the
design is connected to the border and is black in colour as well. The brand
name is bold and seen in quite thick strokes as well as large sized type. The
slogan: “MAGAZINE FOR CREATIVE PROFESSIONALS” is seen in uppercase, black
san-serif type, but less decorative and more simple and rigid. This line is
aligned to fit within the length of the border-like box. Spacing within the
border and outside is equal.
The
layout is clean and peaceful. The branding is always the strongest element
consistently seen throughout. Each cover design suits the topic to be discussed
further within the content of the magazine and the use of the different types
of media, e.g. the photography links to the mood and environment of the reader.
All type is left aligned on this cover and is seen in white, making it pop out
from the sophisticated darker tones of the photography. The overall look is
contemporary and fits within the context. There are always lots of visuals
which compliment the text. A 2 or 3
column grid is always used for organization.
Type:
As we can
see, the Enjin loves experimenting with the design of their typography, making
a variation for each and every different occasion to come created by the
members of the team.
Typefaces
are kept to occasionally a restriction of a single typeface or a variation of
two choices, one for headings and the other for body text. This keeps
consistency throughout the design. Colours are always changed to either suit
the mood, photography or imagery of the design. Typography is also depicted in
various sizes and weights. It also depicts forms of hierarchies in design as
well.
Content:
The content
is very unique and contemporary. Imagery is an important aspect to Enjin and
text is just a brief insight of what is being depicted. The design is new,
fresh, innovative and conceptually strong according to each section/ topic. Professionals,
graphic designers or people within the design industry are is where the
emphasis is directed towards. The content reveals designs of these specific
fields: advertising, graphic design, illustration, digital media,
photography and illustration. The purpose of Enjin is to inform and provide a
clear understanding in the form of education relating to its readers.
Style:
Enjin magazine makes use of a variety of colours, font
sizes, weights and mediums: photography, illustrations, mixed media and many
more to express each topic of discussion. This is great in terms of adapting to
the atmospheres of the different interests of the target markets. As we can see an ancient yet humorous
approach to design was taken in this layout as the colours are quite dull and
mellow. They create an overlay over the visuals.
Genre:
Enjin is the only publication based in South Africa to
express the fields of Design/ Graphic Design and technological gadgets.
Niche/
Target Market:
The target market consists of specifically
professionals designers/ graphic designers and even upcoming designers. People
who wish to keep up to date and informed about the latest of news within their
community and even those who seek inspiration. The target market would range
from teenagers to adults, so from 13 – 40/50 year olds. The designs range from
being fun and playful to serious and political as the age group gets older.
Links:
Image 1:
Image 2:
Image
3:
Image
4-7:
Image
8:
http://issuu.com/enjincr/docs/enjin47
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