Monday, October 10, 2016

OUGD502 - Studio Brief 01 - NEST Issue 10 The Future of the Magazine

NEST as a magazine was created to provide a printed platform for students to showcase their work and gain exposure and recognition throughout the wider professional industries. Recent past issues of the magazine (under the editorship of Josiah Craven) have been highly successful utilising professional design and efficient distribution. However past issues have not been hugely successful in regards to the launch and extended audience reach of the publication.

During my editorship there are many changes that could be made that would further enhance the magazine:

Changes to the physical format of the publication (size, shape, materials, print production - keep it tactile!) could help to re-engage an established audience.

A wider distribution within the UK (Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle, London) would help to expand NEST as a platform, as well as distribution within Europe (Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris).

The creation of an online platform to provide additional and previously unpublished content would allow the magazine to feature a broader range of student work, moving image, interviews etc, as well as a digital archive of past issues.

Using social media sites to publicise submissions and new issues and connect with a greater audience, including industry professionals.

A wider collaborative effort with College students, enlisting the skills of designers and photographers to provide support in areas where my own skills are lacking.

Possible collaboration with local or national artists, featuring past work or current projects, which could help to raise the profile of the magazine and the students featured alongside them.

The introduction of in-college workshops run by tutors or practicing professionals, based loosely around the magazine's theme so students have a chance and are allowed time to create work for the submission.