I am currently in my 3rd year of a BA Graphic Design course and would like some help with some initial research for my final major project.
For this project I am planning to create a magazine that appeals specifically to freelance graphic designers. I want this to be inspirational and resourceful with content. I am aware of such magazines like Design Week, Graphik, Baseline etc. that cover such areas broadly and briefly. I would like to target this market more directly and succinctly.
What I would like help for from you is to answer this:
In the context of a magazine for/on Freelance Graphic Design, what kind of topics/ information/ resources would interest and benefit you?
Thanks in advance for any help and advice.
Chris.
Hi Chris,
I have just read your post and did exactly the same project for my 3rd year project (gd BA). I was frustrated with the content in the magazines, you mentioned, which (at the time) focused primarily on places like London and lacked exposure to other areas of the UK.
If you want to take it further you could possibly approach some local initiatives for backing. I planned to launch a design journal in Wales and found some strong support from government projects and design agencies to support the cause.
After spending a considerable time gathering content for the mag I was unfortunately discouraged, by my tutor, from taking it further as they recommended correspondence and A LOT of background work was being wasted on what could have been designing time. I therefore recommend you focus strongly on designing a graphical magazine as opposed to gathering interviews, articles and other literal content etc.
If you wish to continue the mag after uni I recommend you do so and approach as many design agencies, who would probably be happy to share in a project of this sort. I'd also run it alongside a strong web-site to cover a transgression to digital format that could occur.
If you do want to take the project further once you have graduated, I would be more than happy to hear more about any plans and potentially help you build it.
