Interesting Movie: How Ornament Magazine is Made / ITech content

Contents:

• Cover
• Grid
• Typography
• Illustrations
• Spreads

Ornament is a print magazine dedicated to the art of cinema. The authors use accessible language to explain complex concepts and themes, inspiring readers and helping them gain a deeper understanding of the meanings of their favorite films. The magazine features fully illustrated illustrations, making it not only informative but also visually appealing.

The Ornament team shared the process of creating the magazine's design, explaining how the illustrators manage to avoid copying film stills. They also revealed the concept of "calibrated chaos" cover, which becomes a unique element of the publication's visual style.

Cover

Ornament is an art magazine that launched in 2019. Each issue brings together materials under one "eternal" theme, which gives the magazine uniqueness and consistency. The clear logic of the material arrangement allows readers to perceive the issues as long stories, creating the opportunity to form a collection. Ornament magazine becomes not only a source of inspiration, but also a valuable addition to the contemporary art space.

The Ornament concept initially emphasized aesthetics. The covers of the first five issues were decorated with large portrait illustrations, which gave the magazines a resemblance to books, especially novels about the work of directors such as Woody Allen, Quentin Tarantino and Jim Jarmusch, as well as the TV series Twin Peaks and The Young Pope. This approach to cover design emphasizes the uniqueness and artistic value of publications, creating a visual connection between literature and cinema.

In 2023, we decided to change the visual style of the magazine, updating the cover format and layout. The main concept was inspired by the name of our publication: Ornament. Each issue will include one large illustration, complemented by several smaller images that emphasize the theme of the issue and reflect the director's style. This approach will create a unique visual series and make each issue memorable.

Grid

The cover was designed based on a rigid grid, which ensured the harmonious interaction of all elements and created a feeling of light, but thoughtful chaos. This structure formed the basis of all layouts, which helped achieve unity and integrity of the design.

In the new visual format, the layout is created on a clear grid, which allows you to flexibly adjust the width of columns depending on the text and materials. This makes it possible to make the content denser and broader, or, conversely, lighter and more airy using flat illustrations. This approach improves the perception of information and promotes more effective interaction with users.

We aimed to create a magazine that would be perceived by the reader as friendly and open. The main focus was on ensuring that the large volume of text had sufficient space, looked attractive and was easy to read. We avoided dryness, monotony and outdated approaches to ensure that readers comfortably interact with the content. Our goal is to provide interesting and accessible information that will be relevant and useful to a wide audience.

We focused on the tasks and features of our product, rather than on examples from other publications. However, we closely follow global trends in design and printing, drawing inspiration from the work of such studios as Pentagram, Studio Dumbar, Sagmeister & Walsh, as well as renowned designers such as Paul Scher, Michael Beirut, and David Carson. It's important to note that in our magazine's design and layout, we focus on creating a unique style that reflects our individuality and sets us apart from other publications.

Lyuba Rybakova is Art Director at Ornament. In her role, she is responsible for creating and implementing the brand's visual concept, as well as developing a unique design that reflects the company's values ​​and mission. Lyuba actively participates in developing creative strategy and managing artistic projects, which contributes to increasing the recognition and appeal of Ornament products in the marketplace. Her experience and professionalism help the team achieve high results in design and marketing.

Typography

The main font family of the publication is Inter. For each issue of the publication, an additional font is selected that harmoniously complements the main font family and emphasizes the theme of the issue. This allows us to create a unique visual style and improve the perception of materials. The selection of additional fonts is based on the content and mood of the issue, making each publication original and memorable.

In one of the issues dedicated to Wes Anderson, the designers chose Futura for footnotes and accents. This font is characteristic of the director's film credits, which emphasizes his unique style and visual aesthetic.

In the issue dedicated to TV series, Epilepsy Sans explores a relevant topic in the digital age. This series raises important questions about the impact of technology on human relationships and mental health. In the context of constant digitalization, viewers can see how the characters face the challenges associated with virtual reality and social media. Epilepsy Sans becomes a reflection of our reality, forcing us to consider how the digital environment shapes our perception and interaction with the world.

In the issue about Stanley Kubrick, the font Courier New was chosen for the "dialogues" between the director and writer Vladimir Nabokov. This typeface, reminiscent of a typewriter, creates a visual association with Nabokov's literary legacy. The use of this font emphasizes the connection between Kubrick's filmmaking and Nabokov's literary mastery, and also deepens the perception of their dialogues.

The font size in titles, pull quotes, callouts, and body text is determined by the primary grid. This grid plays a key role in creating a visual hierarchy of content, ensuring legibility and consistency. Correct font sizes help highlight important elements of the text and facilitate better user perception of information.

Read also:

Introduction to the Basics of Typography for Beginners and Non-Designers

Typography plays a key role in the design and perception of text. Understanding its basics will help you create more engaging and readable materials. In this guide, we'll cover the most important aspects of typography to help you improve your writing skills.

The first thing to consider is font choice. Fonts come in a variety of styles and purposes, and choosing the right one can significantly impact how information is perceived. It's recommended to use no more than two or three fonts in a single project to maintain harmony and a consistent style.

Font size also matters. It should be comfortable enough to read, but not too large so as not to distract from the main content. Pay attention to line spacing: the correct value improves readability and visual perception of the text.

Text and background color also play an important role in typography. The contrast between them should be sufficient for the text to be easy to read. It's best to use neutral backgrounds and dark fonts, or vice versa, to ensure maximum eye comfort.

Also, consider text alignment. Left alignment is considered the most readable, while centered alignment can be used for headings or short phrases.

Finally, don't forget the importance of text hierarchy. Use different font sizes, weights, and colors to highlight headings and subheadings. This will help readers quickly navigate your content and find the information they need.

By learning the basics of typography, you can significantly improve the quality of your materials and make them more appealing to your audience. By following these guidelines, you will create readable and aesthetically pleasing texts that will leave a positive impression on your readers.

Illustrations

The requirements for the illustrations were clearly formulated.

• They had to work well both in large materials on a page or spread, and in a small size.
• The images had to be both linear and filled.

The selection of the team of illustrators for the project was carried out carefully and with great attention through open calls from Ornament. The key aspect was to preserve the uniqueness of the project and its presentation, while it was necessary to find a format that would most accurately reflect the character of the magazine. We strove to create stylish, recognizable and friendly content that would attract attention and arouse interest in readers.

Before starting work, I always first review the text to highlight the key ideas and main plots. Then, before creating sketches, I carefully read the material. This allows me to better understand the content and structure of the text, which contributes to higher-quality and more effective work.

During the creative process, sometimes ideas already form in my head that I want to embody in visual form. In such cases, it is only necessary to refine certain plots and connect them on the spreads. However, there are times when the material is more difficult, and the text becomes an important tool for creating compositions. It is crucial to maintain the overall mood of the text, expanding and complementing what is written. This allows me to create an atmosphere while avoiding literal repetition. This approach helps to deeper understand the essence of the content and makes the work more harmonious and expressive.

I do digital design, creating everything from sketches to final illustrations. Sometimes, when digital tools are not at hand, I might sketch on paper, for example, while watching a movie. My experience covers the entire process of creating visual content, which allows me to effectively work on a variety of projects and find creative solutions.

Film offers many visual techniques and images that can be effectively used in your work. However, the key is to rework what you see, combining it with your own style and ideas. This approach allows you to create something qualitatively new and unique. It's important not to simply copy, but to interpret, so your work is original and memorable.

Katya Makarova is a professional illustrator specializing in creating unique and engaging visual solutions. Her work is distinguished by its original style and high quality execution, making it in demand in a variety of fields, including books, magazines, and advertising materials. Katya constantly develops her skills and explores new techniques, allowing her to stay on top of contemporary illustration trends. With her creative approach and attention to detail, she creates illustrations that not only attract attention, but are also able to convey deep emotions and ideas.

At the age of five, I tirelessly listened to my favorite cassettes at home, but when I first saw a film on the big screen, When I saw it on screen, it was a real discovery. It was Jurassic Park 3, and I was thrilled. I especially remember the Barguzin movie theater in Irkutsk and the smell of a large glossy ticket. Since then, I have developed a true love for cinema.

As an illustrator, I don't simply recreate frames. When viewing, I invariably pay attention to the ideas and emotions that are meaningful to me at that moment. This generates excitement: how can I infuse my meaning into the illustration so that it harmonizes with the text of the article? More often than not, the frame from the original turns out to be insufficient.

When I pick up a physical magazine with my illustration on the cover, I am surprised that it is twice as large as I am used to seeing on the screen of my work tablet. At such moments, especially on good days, I feel proud of my work. The physical form of illustration creates a unique feeling that cannot be conveyed through digital devices.

Vanya Botvinksy is a talented illustrator known for his unique and vibrant works. His style combines elements of minimalism and detailed elaboration, making each illustration memorable and engaging. Vanya actively works in various genres, including children's illustration, concept art, and book design. His work can be seen in magazines, at exhibitions, and on social media. Thanks to his creative approach and attention to detail, Vanya Botvvinky continues to gain recognition among both audiences and art professionals.

With the help of my illustrations, I not only supplement but also retell the plot of the film. My goal is to uncover the director's deep meanings and vividly convey them in a visual format. When working on each spread, I provide the team with detailed text explanations that explain all the ideas and meanings. I focus primarily on the mood of the material and choosing the most appropriate style. Although this may seem unusual, empathy plays a key role in my process, and the rest is technical skill.

I avoid watching horror films, even if it's necessary for work. As a child, I watched the film "The Ring," and afterward, my parents had to wall up the well at their dacha. This experience left a deep mark on me, which determined my attitude towards the genre.

Spreads

One of the key features of Ornament magazine is a spread dedicated to the editorial team. This is an unconventional solution for print publications, as readers typically have no idea who is behind the content's creation. Ornament's team-focused illustrations offer a behind-the-scenes look at the editorial team's inner workings, while maintaining the magazine's unique style.

One of Ornament's unique features is an illustration that takes up an entire spread. This can be a visualization of a particular director's universe, a TV series universe, or the world of female directors. For each issue, a visually rich space is created that attracts the eye and makes you want to explore it in detail. This could be a barbecue area by the pool, a home interior, or a complex canvas with many interacting characters. Such illustrations not only enrich the content but also create an atmosphere, allowing readers to delve deeper into the topic being explored.

Elements such as thoughtful layout, high-quality typography, original illustrations, and informative spreads shape the unique image of Ornament magazine. This publication is becoming more than just a publication about films, but a visual and intellectual journey through the world of cinema. The magazine provides accessible and engaging content for a wide audience, highlighting current topics and analyzing significant works.

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Reading is an integral part of our development and education. It not only broadens our horizons but also enriches us with new knowledge and ideas. Regular reading helps improve critical thinking skills, expands vocabulary, and develops imagination. It is important to choose a variety of genres and topics for reading to gain the most complete understanding of the world. Don't forget the benefits of reading for improving concentration and memory. In the digital age, when information is available in any format, it is worth devoting time to both printed books and e-books. This will help you find your unique place in the world of literature and get the most out of your reading.

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