CULTURIZE - THE DESIGN EDITION
This issue of our magazine is the design edition.
In this issue we will look closely on norms and ethics of designing different products. We will show what is okay and not okay to do.
There will be design examples that will show the difference between appropriation and appreciation. Also we will show off designers and brands who embrace different cultures. One of the most important articles will be about how important it is for designers to do their research for a product to succeed and be accepted socially.
MAJOR PROJECT – CULTURIZE
Culturize is the culmination of my bachelor’s degree in graphic design, a visual exploration of culture, identity, and personal expression through contemporary editorial design. From the beginning of this project, my goal was to create a magazine concept that not only communicates a message, but also stands out as a bold, memorable object in its own right.
For the magazine cover, I intentionally used a heavy black background to ensure immediate impact on a magazine rack, where lighter and more colourful designs typically dominate. This deliberate contrast allows the cover to command attention while supporting the central figure: a model styled with culturally inspired accessories drawn directly from my earlier mood board. Dressed in black with dark hair, the model nearly blends into the background, an intentional choice that shifts the focus toward the accessories and highlights their significance within the design.
In contrast to the striking, moody photography, the typography adopts a more light-hearted, natural character. Many of the magazine’s title treatments appear almost hand-drawn, adding a subtle warmth and authenticity that balances the overall aesthetic. This interplay between bold imagery and approachable typography forms the core visual language of Culturize, reflecting both cultural depth and contemporary design sensibilities.
