First Art Magazine: Tips & Tricks...What I Learned!
- Felicita Hawes
- Jan 27, 2022
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 1, 2024
This project was supposed to be done a month earlier than... oops. Yet, again perhaps I was too ambitious in making a magazine. Yet, here's what I learned after my first one...
The magazine idea popped into my head in the fall of 2021 with the intent of pairing it as my final product for my independent research project of German 499. If you want the full details and tale of that project see my blog Post of the Denver Art Museum: Explore For A Little Inspiration
Though I finished the project particularly for school for my focus of Art History in German. Let alone an artistic magazine isn't quite heard of here at USAFA. Yet, I did it anyways, because no one was going to tell me what to do and no one was going to tell me no either, luckily.
So here's what I ended up doing...
ONE: Do Your Research.
Whether you have a team of elite designers, or you're like me who had a handy-dandy computer in front of her and did everything through Adobe. You have to figure out what you are doing.
The largest myth is that it has to all be done at once. As in step 1 "do all of the research at once" no. The research process is a cycle of learning and getting your bearings. I approach it more as building up. For example, when I first started this project I immediately started with my favorite part "How to design a magazine" or "How to make a magazine" there's hundreds of ideas or tips that will pop up, so pick one and stick with it. Try not to go down the rabbit holes. You'll be too overwhelmed. I know I was, especially because I wanted to do everything. Go digital, or hard copy, the pros and cons about it. You name it! Its all out there! But soon it will divert you away from what you originally intended.
So, know what you're doing and if you don't, take it one thing at a time. I learned one thing about design, such as specific placement to make things easy to read is vital. And I applied that to a test pdf in adobe. After I built that up I added in my external course research and findings as the semester continued. Essentially this was a growing and developing document/ packet.
TWO: Reach Out
The magazine itself I knew needed content so the easiest way and also daunting was to reach out to people. It took time, research, and a bit of luck. After some time Samantha Buttrick and Melissa Lakey responded to me. These two were willing to work with me on a complete whim! And they were great!
@Melissa Lakey
Melissa Lakey (left) was kind enough to let me interview her over the phone and see where her inspirations came from.
Melissa is an avid traveler and loves to draw on the go! From her car, to the local park she makes sure to have her sketch book in hand. She also taught me a pretty important lesson, that art doesn't have to be perfect or "realistic" and that there is a community out there.
I just haven't had the guts to dip my toe into that water yet. But this is a start I hope!
@Sam Buttrick
Samantha Buttrick (below) filled out my artist questionnaire. I know how daunting it seemed, random stranger DM-ing another stranger for help with a project. Some wanted something in return for this, and I don't blame them! Time is valuable, but I could give them what they asked for. I gave both the option for the questionnaire to streamline the process and keep it simple.
“Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.” - Picasso
If you need a template see this simple one here to get you started, keep it simple!
With that being said be clear to them what your goals are, mine was just to learn and try something new. Lord knows I did not want to do another darn essay! Especially since I had the choice. I wanted a break from the usual final projects or "death by power point" presentation where you'd talk the entire class half to sleep over a topic picked out and completed the night before. Believe me it happens, I've done it once or twice.
Here though, I had no pressures except for the pressures I set upon myself. Yet, it took time to reach out. I didn't know who would respond or if it would go well, but its important to remember neither is it for those you're reaching out to. Give it a shot though. You'll be surprised, I know I was.
THREE: Be Realistic
The hardest thing was not putting too much pressure on myself. (Also I put it in another language, but when I realized not everyone can read German, I had to put it back in English.) This takes time, so give yourself time, and it's okay to push back deadlines. Yet keep it within a reasonable scope and don't keep shoving it back. I also kept Melissa and Sam in the loop. I pushed it back from 01JAN2022 to 01FEB2022 due to school and jump training.
I had to be realistic with all the things on my plate. The same goes for those working on a team.
If you are wondering what sites or applications I used, they are listed below and completely free! (No you don't need to have an account) so no extra emails either!
Magazine Tools
Cover/ Pages: https://www.adobe.com/express/discover/templates/cover/magazine
Google Docs/ Word docx.
PicsArt App (iphone/ipad)
Free Photos
Usplash: https://unsplash.com/
Shutterflock Stock Photos: https://www.shutterstock.com/photos
Adobe Stock Photos: https://stock.adobe.com
FOUR: Have Fun With It!
This one is a bit of a gimme. Even as a school + personal project you got to make it fun. I had the liberty to choose what I wanted to do. Which made it all the more special and enjoyable. Especially during the stress of my Astro Final. Yet, this split it up and this was something for me that I'm willing to share with other people.
So if you want a peek into my research and also see some creative talent from Melissa Lakey and Samantha Buttrick check it out!
You can also find more on their sites.
STAY CREATIVE MY FRIENDS!
If you have any suggestions let me know! And if you want to support my blog or want to check out my other projects follow me on instagram or facebook at @Wildblondey to never miss a beat!
Stay tuned for upcoming adventures!
Comments