Designing a zine might seem like a small task, but at my internship, it became a thoughtful exercise in visual storytelling. The goal was to create a compact, print-friendly format that celebrated the artists currently in residence while honoring the quiet, process-driven nature of the space.
“Designing the zine was akin to constructing a bridge, a delicate balance between showcasing and connecting the artists’ work with the broader public.“
It was a process of distilling their complex processes into a format that was both accessible and respectful.
Finding the Tone
From the beginning, the tone needed to be understated but intentional. The zine project wasn’t a flashy promotional piece but a document of presence. The artists often included work in progress, research, or exploration. I wanted the layout to reflect that sense of unfolding.
“Each spread needed to give breathing room—not just for images, but for the ideas behind them.”
A clean grid and a minimal color palette maintained the focus on the artwork. The headlines and type choices were subtle yet considered, and fragments of artist statements were integrated to give readers a glimpse into each practice. This balance between functionality and aesthetics was key to the zine’s design, inviting the audience to appreciate the thoughtful approach.
Designing for Print and Experience
Designing for Print and Experience: Designing a zine that could be produced in-house yet felt polished was challenging. It had to be legible, tactile, and easy to reproduce—qualities aligned with the residency’s scrappy, flexible energy.
Reflection
This project was a powerful reminder that design doesn’t need to be loud to be impactful. The zine, a quiet but potent artifact, became a physical record of a moment shaped by multiple voices.
“In a world of digital noise, creating something thoughtful in print felt meaningful and grounding.”