Introduction to Independent Magazine Layout Short Course
Course description
Course overview
This Mac-based course is aimed at anyone with an interest in the exciting and vibrant world of independent magazine design. With a focus on practice-based learning using Adobe InDesign, you will be guided through each stage of the editorial process from initial concept to implementation. Short subject-related lectures will examine both historical and contemporary approaches to magazine design over the past century. Investigating and experimenting with typography, hierarchy and composition, you will be guided through each stage of the creative process, developing practical and conceptual editorial skills.
Defining an original topic or theme as your starting point, you will compile mood boards using visual research to inform your direction. Examining audience and market will involve an exploration of typography, grids, image styles and colour ways to determine a relevant visual language for your own publication. Simultaneously exploring the role of author, editor and designer you will undertake testing and development, experimenting with content and composition to define your magazines unique visual language. Developing your visual language through typography, composition and graphic elements to communicate your subject matter will enhance your visual communication skills. Applying your page layouts across print and digital page layouts, you will gain a deeper understanding of the principles of successful editorial design.
Articulating your ideas through individual and group feedback sessions aims to enhance your visual communication skills in a collaborative, supportive environment. Test printing and reviewing your magazines pages in stages as a group will provide the opportunity for constructive tutor and peer feedback. Analysis and development of your page layouts will help define a unique visual identity system that speaks to your audience.
Who this course is for
This introductory course suits students seeking to produce a dummy print-based magazine for development or publication beyond the course. Anyone wishing to expand their editorial knowledge and skills through guided, practice-based sessions would also benefit.
Key information
Topics covered
Practice-based InDesign exercises will introduce you to the following areas:
Grid systems: principles and purpose
- Columns and rows as groupings of units that create the visual structure of all printed and screen-based layouts. A grid system subdivides a page vertically and horizontally to achieve any number of different layouts
Typography:choosing and using type
- Classification, selection and arrangement of typographic content achieved using visual properties such as weight, scale and colour
Hierarchy: emphasis and message
- Simple choices in typeface, size, weight, and position on the page can strengthen representation of the concepts, objects and actions that words describe
Page layout: composition
- Effective composition will consist of a clear focal point, using other elements of lesser importance than the focal point and emphasising accents in a way which makes the visual
Image selection: effects and treatments
- The selection and application of content, emphasizing elements of greater importance. This is achieved using visual properties such as scale, colour and style.
Learning outcomes
- Work with your own content to explore a chosen topic or area of interest
- Receive expert advice and guidance to encourage experimentation and development of your practice
- Develop a distinctive, outcome showcasing your creative magazine layout skills
- Produce PDF artwork files to facilitate printing your publication after the course concludes
- Digital badge and certificate of attendance
Materials
- Pens
- Pad
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- USB stick or access to equivalent cloud storage
IMPORTANT - Adobe ID Login for Short Course Students
Students will need to create an account with Adobe (unless you already have one) to access the Adobe suite at the college - instructions are included below. You will need to use a personal email address to create this. If you already have an account with Adobe, please make sure you bring your login details with you on the first day of the course.
Please note:
The software will only be accessible when logged into a UAL networked computer
The same account can be used outside of the University, but software will only be accessible through a personal paid subscription that students will need to set up independently
You can still create an account on the day but doing this beforehand will save time and avoid delays to the start of the class
If you already have an Adobe ID/ subscription you can use this on your short course rather than setting up a new account
During this course you may be using Adobe Photoshop. If you do not already have Photoshop, you can sign up for a free 7-day trial of Adobe Creative Cloud. Please note a credit card is required to register for the free trial. The subscription must be cancelled on the date provided by Adobe if you do not wish to continue into a paid account.
To create an account students will need to:
- Go to Adobe Sign in page
- Select 'Create an account'
- Enter your details and select 'Create account'
Tutor
Lisa Gellender
Lisa Gellender is an Educator and Creative Director with extensive creative industry experience. Building on a successful career working at Coley Porter Bell and Design Bridge, Lisa formed Gellender Creative in 2004 to provide specialist branding and editorial design for a prestigious range of clients including Selfridges, London College of Fashion and Defected Records.
Revisiting her passion for graphic communication, Lisa completed an MA in Graphic Design at UAL in 2014, thus facilitating her transition into education in 2015. Extensive practice based experience underpins her teaching methods whilst informing curriculum planning and delivery. Alongside her part time role teaching on the BA Graphic Communication course at University of the Creative Arts, Lisa is an Associate Lecturer on the MA Fashion Journalism and Media course at London College of Fashion and the BA Graphic & Media Design course at London College of Communication.
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