Vessel
Vessel is a ground-breaking body-positive publication that aims to promote the beauty of all body types and encourage self-love. In today's society, body dysmorphia and negative body image are prevalent issues exacerbated by the unrealistic beauty standards propagated by social media. Vessel Magazine seeks to challenge and change these harmful norms by showcasing diverse bodies in an editorial space, breaking the mold of the long, slender bodies typically promoted in design principles.
Mission Statement
Our mission at Vessel is to create a platform that celebrates diversity in all body shapes, sizes, and forms. We strive to promote accepting attitudes towards beauty standards while providing resources and support for individuals who struggle with their mental health due to body dysmorphia. We believe everybody is unique and should be celebrated regardless of size or shape. We aim to empower individuals to find self-love and acceptance within themselves, regardless of the world’s views on beauty. By showcasing the beauty of all bodies, we hope to spark meaningful conversations among our readers about representation in the art world and mental health topics related to body positivity.
Process
Project Proposal
The process began by exploring potential thesis projects beyond simply showcasing technical skills. Ideally, the project would resonate personally. The idea of creating a body-positive magazine was something that had been incubating for quite some time. Body dysmorphia infects more people as social media becomes more integrated into daily life, affecting people’s mental health and relationship with the self. The solution became clear: to combat body dysmorphia by celebrating human forms in an artistic space.
Naming
A word list was created to create the perfect name for a body positivity magazine. The initial words encapsulated the essence of the magazine – empowerment, self-love, inclusivity, and body acceptance. A variety of keywords were generated and then meshed with others. Ultimately, it was decided that the name should allude to the human body and the soul that is within. After several brainstorms, the perfect name was decided upon -– Vessel. This name embodied the concept of the human body as a vessel for self-expression, empowerment, and celebration of diverse beauty.
Moodboarding
To ensure that the aesthetic of the project was clean and edgy, moodboards were utilized to establish inspiration for the Vessel vernacular. Several moodboards captured different visual elements and design styles resonating with the sophisticated and contemporary aesthetic. Layout, typography, and photography were the design elements gathered to convey the overall vibe. These moodboards served as a visual reference and a source of inspiration to narrow down the aesthetic direction for the project.
Design
Logo
Next, creating a logo for a body positivity magazine that aimed to represent the beauty of diverse body shapes and sizes was undertaken. The initial concepts lacked a connection to the mission of Vessel, so thought went into relating the logo to the human body. Drawing inspiration from the magazine's mission of inclusivity and self-acceptance, the decision was to incorporate a variable font into the design. A careful selection of Superlumina was made, allowing for adjustments in weight, width, and other attributes of the typeface to create a visual representation of different body shapes and sizes. With meticulous attention to detail, the logo was crafted, utilizing the variable font to subtly convey the message of body positivity through the flexibility and adaptability of the typography. The result was a distinctive and dynamic logo that visually captured the magazine's values of embracing body diversity while showcasing the creative use of design technology and typographic experimentation.
Initial Concepts
Variable Font Exploration
Style Tile
The style tile for Vessel’s brand identity is vibrant and captures the essence of the publication's body positivity and inclusivity message. The style tile features four main elements: the Vessel logo, Superlumina typeface in various weights, bold and bright brand colors, and black and white grainy photography.
The Superlumina typeface is used in different weights, ranging from bold to light, showcasing the versatility of the typeface and how it can be used to create impactful headlines and body copy. The varying weights convey a sense of playfulness and energy while maintaining legibility and professionalism.
The brand colors used are bold and bright, reflecting the positivity and celebration of diversity that Vessel embodies. The colors highlight the magazine's design elements, such as headlines, call-outs, and accent elements.
The black and white grainy photography elements add an edgy and artistic touch to the magazine. The images feature diverse body types, showcasing that all bodies can be made to look visually striking and artistic, regardless of conventional beauty standards. The grainy texture adds a raw and authentic feel to the visuals, enhancing the overall aesthetic of Vessel.
Together, these elements represent the spirit of Vessel – bold, vibrant, inclusive, and artistic. They convey the magazine's commitment to challenging beauty standards and promoting body positivity through design. They also showcase the versatility and impact of the Superlumina typeface, the bright brand colors, and the black and white grainy photography elements.
Layouts
The layout design of Vessel is a striking blend of experimental and traditional elements that come together to create a unique and editorial aesthetic. The magazine pushes the boundaries of conventional design, incorporating unconventional elements such as large type, unexpected placements, and tilted text to create a bold and dynamic visual experience.
One of the fundamental experimental elements in the layout design of Vessel is the use of large type. Headlines and titles are designed to be oversized, creating a bold and impactful presence on the pages. The use of large type draws attention to the key messages and emphasizes the magazine's commitment to promoting body positivity and inclusivity.
Another experimental element in the layout design is the unexpected placement of elements. Text and images are strategically placed in unexpected and unconventional ways, challenging the traditional grid structure of editorial design. This creates a sense of visual playfulness and adds a dynamic and energetic quality to the layout, making it visually engaging and memorable.
While Vessel embraces experimental design elements, it maintains certain traditional design elements to remain editorial and readable. Elements such as clear hierarchy, logical flow, and ample white space are used to maintain readability and coherence in the layout. The traditional elements provide structure and professionalism to the design, while the experimental elements add a fresh and contemporary twist.
Front and Back cover with Spine
Beginning End Page
Table of Contents
Big Bodies in Art Spread
Closed Body Textures Fold-Out Spread
Opened Body Textures Fold-Out Spread
Social Media and the Body Spreads
Closed Body Landscapes Fold-Out Spread
Opened Body Landscapes Fold-Out Spread
Closed Body Positivity & Body Neutrality Fold-Out Spread
Opened Body Positivity & Body Neutrality Fold-Out Spread
Body Positivity & Body Neutrality Spread Cont.
Unrealistic Body Expectations in Art Spread
Final End Page
Micro-Site
A dedicated micro-site for Vessel is vital to provide potential readers with a seamless and immersive online experience. The micro-site serves as a one-stop destination where visitors can learn about Vessel, its mission of promoting body positivity and self-love, and the latest articles featured in the current issue. It provides a platform to showcase the magazine's unique content and values, creating a compelling case for why readers should subscribe. The micro-site acts as an interactive hub that engages and informs potential readers, driving subscriptions and fostering a sense of community around the magazine's vision and values.
Subscription Swag
Vessel offers a tiered rewards system for subscribers who refer friends to subscribe to the magazine. Subscribers can earn exclusive branded products as a token of appreciation for their support in spreading the message of body positivity and self-love. This incentivized referral program encourages readers to actively promote Vessel Magazine, creating a community-driven approach that fosters engagement and loyalty among subscribers. It's a win-win, where subscribers enjoy the empowering content of Vessel and earn stylish and meaningful branded products as they refer friends to join the movement.
As a thank-you for joining the Vessel community, subscribers will receive an exciting package of exclusive swag. This includes a Vessel button pin, a stylish Vessel beanie to keep warm during the cooler months, a trendy Vessel t-shirt to show off support for body positivity, a Vessel tea mug to boost mental stability with a favorite tea, and a mental health journal encouraging daily positive affirmations.
Tier 1
Tier 2
Tier 3
Advertisements
Using billboards and bus station stop posters is necessary for marketing Vessel as it allows for widespread visibility and exposure to a diverse audience. The eye-catching advertisements are powerful visual statements that grab attention and generate curiosity about the magazine's message of body positivity and self-love. The styling of the advertisements echoes the micro-site, creating a cohesive and consistent marketing campaign. The bold and empowering messages displayed on the billboards and bus stop poster act as teasers, intriguing potential readers and enticing them to explore Vessel further. The strategic placement of these advertisements in high-traffic areas ensures maximum reach and impact, making them an effective marketing tool in promoting Vessel and its mission of celebrating all body types.
Billboard
Bus Stop Poster
Reflection
In conclusion, Vessel Magazine was an enriching design experience that provided opportunities for experimentation and growth. Through its mission of promoting body positivity and self-love, Vessel Magazine challenged traditional design norms. It allowed for creative exploration, resulting in a personal publication celebrating the beauty of all body types. Overall, Vessel Magazine was a fulfilling project that pushed personal boundaries in terms of design and comfort, creating a project where inclusivity and self-acceptance are reminded to be celebrated while promoting a positive impact on mental health and body image.
Instructor: Soonduk Krebs