Seasonal Magazine System: The World of Cats
Project TypeIndependent Work
Editorial Design, Illustration, Visual Identity, Typography
My RoleLocationRaleigh,NC
Year2025
Software and techniques usedSoftware: Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator
Techniques: Mask, Adjustment, Puppet Warp, Image Integration
Project DescriptionThis project was developed for my InDesign course, where the goal was to design a complete magazine layout. I chose cats as my theme because they are expressive, diverse, and fun to illustrate. The project also required expanding the magazine into a set, so I designed four seasonal issues—Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter—each with its own color and mood while keeping a consistent visual system.
Magazine DesignTarget Audience
The magazine is curated for cat lovers and young readers seeking joy. It targets creative audiences who value visually rich, playful content. The design appeals to those who appreciate storytelling with a touch of style. It offers a lighthearted tone that balances humor with modern aesthetics.
Design Problem
The main challenge was finding the right balance between illustration and photography, ensuring that the two styles complement rather than compete. Another focus was keeping the design colorful and energetic without overwhelming the reader.
Design Process
I began by researching and collecting dynamic cat poses as references for illustration. These gestures inspired a consistent visual style as I traced and refined the outlines. I then composed the layouts in InDesign, using grids, bold color blocks, and playful typography to unify the seasonal issues while maintaining each issue's visual distinctiveness.
Design Solution
The final design successfully establishes a comprehensive visual system across four seasonal issues, ensuring that while each magazine maintains a unique identity through distinct color palettes, they collectively feel harmoniously cohesive. The cover illustrations are crafted to be playful and minimal, instantly conveying personality and warmth. Inside, the layouts are carefully balanced, interweaving expansive visual moments with structured typography to create a rhythm that keeps readers deeply engaged. Ultimately, the result is a magazine system that is not only cheerful and dynamic but also intuitive, offering an effortless and enjoyable navigation experience.
Design Impact
The project demonstrates how a simple theme can be developed into a complete design system. MEOW successfully translates the charm of cats into a bright, playful visual language that works across multiple issues and media formats. It shows my ability to combine structure and creativity within editorial design.