Project #2: Magazine Spreads. post-4

Since Mass Appeal hasn't published anything since 2002, I don't have any physical copies of the magazine. Fortunately, I am an avid reader of Bobby Hundred's (The Hundreds) blog and he recently did a post about the magazine. He provides numerous  photographs of the content of the magazine and I am able to see the grids used. I really like how simple the magazine is setup and the consistency of content/images throughout the spreads. This consistency is what I want to have in my magazine. 

Project #2: Magazine Spreads. post-3

The weekend is finally coming to close and I am now starting to work very hard on my magazine. I have been thinking about how to make my magazine more central or specific to Portland. I did some research and came across a cult magazine, Mass Appeal. Based out of New York, it contains a lot of culture that I find integral to one's personal style--exactly what my magazine is about. 

Project #2: Magazine Spreads. post-2

For my magazine I will be drawing influences from the United State's GQ magazine, a hybrid of the Supreme book #4, which is an American clothing company which published a book in a Japanese setting, and finally Japanese "look book" magazines. All three of these magazines draws on the concept of fashion or the way in which men dress. All of the magazines showcase an array of different outfits and how they work or don't work. They are also drenched with influences from pop culture, which shape a lot of the clothing being used and showcased in the magazines. 

One thing I admire about these magazines, is the amount of images dedicated to showing different styles of clothing and how to wear them. Something I am not very fond of is the organization. I believe there could be a more concise way of displaying images and information. With my magazine I want to have a better breakdown of sections and what they are, so the audience of 18-30 are not enveloped with a massive amount of information that it reads to quickly and not remembered. When the audience reads, I want them to be inspired and think out loud. To look at the entire magazine and think of it as a work of art that helps them enable their lives. But, is it possible to make something so visually appealing, concise and informative? Will the style and visuals of the magazine be too distracting?

Ultimately I want my magazine to focus on individual style. I know I will need to make this magazine very concise and specific in order for the content to make sense and interesting. Let's hope for the best.

Project #2: Magazine Spreads. post-1

I first started this project by reading Jack Williamson's The Grid: History, Use, and Meaning. I found it to be very informational and technical. I especially like the technical aspects of the grid particularly throughout history. I really appreciated how Williamson broke down the grid's history, uses, and meaning from the Medieval to Renaissance to the modern and finally the postmodern.

Something interesting is that I went to Powell's bookstore a week before reading about grids and I stumbled upon a book dedicated to using grids. It was a new concept for me and I was blown away by the benefits of using a grid system. I am personally excited to get started with the magazine project to put my understanding of grids to use.

Project #1: Mapping My Daily Routine. post-1-3

post 1

My initial routine was to map how I choose which clothes to wear. I am a very organized individual and all of my clothes are neatly grouped together. At times, my girlfriend becomes frustrated with me, because of how neat I am and my tendency to keep everything neat. 

I believe I have a definite way or process in which I choose which clothes to wear. I always start with what underwear I will need to wear, because certain pants, jeans and shorts require a certain underwear (i.e. boxers or boxer-briefs.) Next, I choose the shirt whether it be a t-shirt, dress shirt, or polo. Upon choosing the style of the garment, I must also see if it will require an undershirt or not. After, depending on the weather, I choose the sweater or jacket that'll match with what I've already chosen. After the main components of the outfit are chosen, I see if there are any accessories I feel would go nicely with the outfit. Finally I choose either black or white socks (depending on color of pants) and which shoes.

post 2

The weekend passes and so does my idea of my initial routine. I suddenly feel no excitement or drive to document my routine of choosing clothes. I decided on something I felt was more interesting and something I am more meticulous about. I will be documenting my routine of documenting and photographing new products I receive that I feel have details worthy of being exploited. 

I've gathered and pooled numerous images of products I have documented. I am now in the process of choosing which images I will use for the project.